I use 'cigar' floats 6inches and above ( ooo'er misses ) with the drilled bullet weight to set the float correctly - usually 0.75- 2oz.
You really need to find out at what depth the fish are feeding so I use a movable stop knot - either power gum ot 2 silicone tube stops as I find one can slip.
Basically thread stop knot, bead, float,bead, swivel - to the swivel attach your hook snood - I prefer clear mono or fluorocarbon. Hook size is dependant on target species size 2 ( for garfish,mackerel ) - 3/0 ( bass/pollack etc)