Gold Medal Floats

Long Body River

🪶 Long Body River (Pencil) Float

The Long Body River, often called the Pencil Float, is one of the most popular and effective river floats ever made. It’s ideal for trotting long swims and catching fish on the drop, offering superb control and sensitivity in both shallow and deep water.

This float shares some similarities with the Long Shoulder Pear, but its slimmer body and minimal shoulder give it a more delicate presentation. It’s a float that truly comes alive in flowing water, making it a favourite among serious river anglers.

📜 A Little History

Float names often vary between manufacturers, and this one is no exception. Over the years, it’s been called many things, but “Pencil Float” has stuck.

I first used the WaterQueen version when they sponsored me, though Milo and Trabucco also produce excellent examples. I’ve since introduced my own improved version to British anglers through Gold Medal Floats, which I call the LB Avon Float.

🧪 Design and Build

  • Shape: Slim pencil body with a small shoulder

  • Tip: Nylon bristle (I often colour mine white with Tipex or black with a felt pen for better visibility)

  • Stem: Wire traditionally — though I use fibreglass for extra strength (wire can bend when adjusting the float)

  • Fixing: Eye on top of the body + three silicone sleeves on the stem (top, middle, base)

  • Sizes: From 4 × 18 up to 1.5 g

Smaller floats are perfect for shallow swims, while larger ones excel in deeper, steady flows. A string of styles or micro shot down to the hook length creates a slow-drop presentation that fish can’t resist.

🎯 Fishing the Pencil Float

  • Lay the float and shots downstream when casting to prevent tangles.

  • Let the float trot naturally with the current.

  • Holding back slightly lifts the bait and can trigger positive takes.

  • Accurate plumbing is key — set the depth so the float travels smoothly without dragging under.

  • At the end of the run, simply pull the float up, feed, and lay it back at the top of the swim.

This float is especially effective with seed baits like hemp, and its sensitivity makes it a deadly choice for dace, chub, and roach.

🏆 Match Success

I’ve had countless great days with this float, but one that stands out was September 1996 at Twyford Farm on the Warwickshire Avon, where I won an open match with 11 lb 1 oz of mixed dace, roach, chub, and perch.

Catching dace on the way down, chub mid-river, and roach just off the bottom — all on this method — proved why this float is such a must-have for any serious river angler.

✅ In summary:

  • Slim pencil shape with minimal shoulder for delicate presentation

  • Ideal for trotting long swims and fishing on the drop

  • Excellent for dace, roach, chub, and mixed bags

  • Easy to control, highly sensitive, and tangle-free when rigged correctly

  • A proven match-winner on venues like the Warwickshire Avon

Illustration from the book

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