🪶 Funny Float
The Funny Float is a truly unique pattern — unlike any other float in the tackle box. Designed for whip or pole-to-hand fishing, it creates constant movement in the swim, imitating the natural action of bloodworm and drawing fish into the feeding zone without moving the rig out of position.
🏆 A Bit of History
I first came across this float while working as a fishing tackle representative and visiting a local shop in Oxford.
The shop owner showed me a curious little float that, he claimed, worked brilliantly with bloodworm. At the time, a local team called Pyrotech were dominating matches on the Oxford Canal using this exact method.
Although you don’t hear much about it nowadays, I’m still convinced this float could win matches on canals and stillwaters today.
🧪 Design and Features
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Body: Pear-shaped balsa
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Antenna: Long plastic or sarcandas reed
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Tip: Nylon bristle
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Stem: Metal wire
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Eye: Positioned at the top of the body
The long working antenna is what gives this float its “funny” action. When set to the correct depth, the float sits with the body submerged and the bristle just visible.
🎣 How It Works
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Set the float so it sits just up to the bristle in the water.
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By pulling gently on the line (using the pole or whip), the float pops up toward the surface.
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This action lifts the bait off the bottom — imitating a bloodworm wriggling upward.
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When you release, the float — and bait — settle back down slowly.
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Repeat this continuous lift-and-drop motion throughout the swim.
This movement keeps the bait in the same line while constantly working the swim — something static floats can’t do.
Gudgeon, small roach, and perch can’t resist this natural presentation.
🪝 Rigging and Bait
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Shot with a bulk down 12″ from the hook, then a string of droppers down to the hooklength.
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The rig is in direct contact with the bait at all times, giving excellent bite detection.
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Ideal for bloodworm, but also effective with squats and pinkies.
✅ In summary:
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A unique float pattern for whip or pole-to-hand work
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Creates continuous lift-and-drop action without moving out of position
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Perfect for gudgeon, roach, and perch
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Historically proven on the Oxford Canal with bloodworm
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A forgotten classic that still deserves a place in modern match fishing
Illustrations from the book
Now available in paperback: The Complete Float Manual. Over 169 pages of content
Click on the book to order from Amazon
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