Dude, I loved you as The Fly! ;)
The float and needle valve are inside the bowl, in the black cloud:
The float might just be stuck, and might break loose if you bang on it with a screwdriver handle, but it's probably time for a carb rebuild anyway if it's never been done.
If one can change ones oil and winterize ones boat confidently, I think one can rebuild a carb. It's all about taking your time, keeping the parts organized, and having and following a good set of instructions.