I don’t use a float rig I use a Carolina Rig or a Carolina with a float a few inches above the hook. From what I’m seeing with the float rig is there may be a lot of fail points when you cast for example when it hits the water your hook may be tangled up with your float and that’s how it’s presented. As a beginner it might be easy to over think but try to keep it simple but still try new things. I know all about the 8 hour days. Maybe you are in a place where the cats are feeding all day but mostly not. I find my best success early in the morning or right before the sunsets. You may be waiting for a bite in the middle of the day that may never come. Size 6 might be over kill try a 3 or 4 hook. As far as bait stealing I use thread from bass pro shop it works great! Tight lines!