🪶 Shoulder Reverse Pear Float
The Shoulder Reverse Pear is a specialist float designed for holding back in heavy flows. It was originally developed by French anglers for use on their large, powerful rivers such as the Rhine, and is now a firm favourite with continental and UK river anglers alike.
This design builds upon the standard reverse pear, adding a wider body with a pronounced shoulder. This shape allows the current to hold the float down in the water, preventing it from rising out of the swim when you’re holding back against the flow — resulting in exceptional control and presentation.
🎯 Key Features and Benefits
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Wide-shouldered body stabilises the float in fast-moving water
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Excellent for holding back without the float lifting or drifting
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Produces positive, clear bites even in turbulent conditions
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Perfect for controlled, slow presentations near the bottom
The eye position — just below the top of the body — is crucial. This gives the angler maximum control when holding back or lifting the float. The aerodynamic shape works hand in hand with the pole, making the float extremely responsive.
⚖️ Shotting and Presentation
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Overshotting this float works very well, allowing it to stay fixed in position.
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Ideal for laying on, keeping the bait pinned on or near the bottom.
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Can be shotted just to the base of the tip for slow, steady fishing.
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Bites are typically positive and unmistakable.
🧪 Construction and Setup
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Tip: Plastic or cane, with interchangeable plastic tips preferred for adjusting to changing light conditions.
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Base: Usually wire or carbon for added stability in turbulent water.
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In calmer water, cane stems work equally well.
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I always use three silicone rubbers (top, middle, bottom) to keep the float securely fixed on the line for total control.
✅ In summary:
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Advanced reverse pear design with extra shoulder
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Designed for heavy flows and precise control
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Wide body resists lift-out while holding back
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Strong, stable, and highly sensitive
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Ideal for big rivers, deep canals, and flowing venues
Illustration from the book
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