🪶 Extra Long Pear Float
The Extra Long Pear was one of the very first pole floats I was introduced to — back at the 1982 World Championships on the Newry Canal in Northern Ireland.
At the time, pole fishing was still new to us in Britain, and during the practice sessions, we were being well and truly outclassed by the continental teams. The canal was over 15 feet deep in places, and getting to grips with deep-water pole tactics was proving difficult.
The fish were responding best to bloodworm presented on the drop — and it was the Dutch team who showed the way.
🇳🇱 A Lesson from the Dutch
Watching the Dutch anglers, I noticed how they were lifting and settling the float using around a five-foot lift of the pole. Long droppers allowed the float to settle gradually, and as it did, the fish would respond almost instantly.
This float shape was ideal for that style — and sure enough, the Netherlands went on to win the event using this method.
🌊 Where It Excels
The Extra Long Pear is ideal for:
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Deep venues such as canals, docks, lakes, lochs, and stillwaters
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Situations where there’s minimal tow or flow
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Presenting bloodworm or light baits on the drop
The long, tapered body provides an excellent slow-drop presentation, letting the bait flutter through the water naturally — perfect for shy-biting roach, skimmers, and other silver fish.
🧪 Design and Features
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Body shape: Long, tapered pear
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Tip: Nylon bristle for sensitivity and visibility
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Stem: Wire base stem for stability
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Float eye: Placed on the tapered body, allowing fine lift adjustments
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Shotting: Heavy droppers tapering to smaller ones near the hooklength
The long, elegant body of this float reacts beautifully to lift bites. When the float doesn’t settle within the expected timing, it’s often a sign the fish has taken the bait on the drop.
✅ In summary:
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Excellent for deep, still venues with minimal flow
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Slow-drop presentation ideal for bloodworm and light baits
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Lift-and-settle technique inspired by the Dutch team
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Sensitive and precise, perfect for roach and skimmers
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A float design with real World Championship pedigree
Illustration from the book
Now available in paperback: The Complete Float Manual. Over 169 pages of content
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