My views on the "Micky" pattern
I find this shape is without doubt the most versatile of all
pole floats. I have now been asked to make floats for River/canal/Stillwater
Roach and carp fishing all designed around this shape. For 
all
my Stillwater through the water fishing, I tend always to lean towards this
shape of float. I originally used my Fazeley Roach (Canal
Specials) pattern, but with being very fine carbon I found even with pasty
carp they did take a fair bashing after a couple of matches. So after the summer
last term (2000) I decided I needed a pattern somewhere between the Mag
and Fazeley Roach patterns and this pattern sits right in the middle. Still sensitive
enough to catch Roach. But still robust enough to catch 100's of small carp whether
to hand or short lining. Infact I tested these when I guested for BWB on
the Holly Farm Winter League in December last year
(2000) and won my section with 6lb of squatt caught Roach With the anglers
either side having less then 2lb ("Bragging again"). Other anglers
have tested them at Makin's, Heyford
and Tunnel Barn and they have stood up to even bigger carp than they were
intended.
As for shotting I personally favor Styles for this type of fishing (Through the water) and would think nothing of having 15 No.7 styles spaced evenly down the line on the 5x10 float.
For hooks I only use barbless B611 in sizes 14-22 for all my carp fishing. (The little bit I do)
Click thumbnail for my shotting details:
MB (Handmade) Carp Specials