Don't overthink it. I use the cheap styrofoam floats from Walmart or the trout magnet floats. I seldom use one longer than a 1.5 inches and I prefer slip bobbers. The key for me is finding yourself some 1/32 worm sinkers. You can insert them in the bottom of the styrofoam floats to add additional weight if needed. finding a few is well worth the effort. I really like the balsa floats but they are pricey and you can expect too lose a few floats in the spots that I typically fish. I only use them when fishing more open water or along rip rap.