Bolt rig

When using a bolt rig does it matter if you just put your bait on the hook or do you need to hair rig it.

As I understand it Will a hair rigged presentation works best. It leaves the hook point clear and it's the mechanics of how a hair rig turns and hooks combined with the bolt rig effect that works so well.

I would use a running rig with a directly hooked bait, I'd watch the tip for indications and strike into any activity.

You could use indicators (bobbins) or a quiver tip to make bites more obvious.

I float fished yesterday for the first time in ages and had a lovely 6 or 7lb common on a worm fished under a waggler using the lift method. Great fun and I'm not sure why I don't do it more often.