The basic pear-shaped float is normally attuned with a still water venue, yet it can be used in running water, under certain circumstances. The aerodynamic shape of this float allows it to sink very easily; the tapering shape greatly reduces its weight capacity. Therefore this float is best used when on running water, over shotted, and held back with the help of the pole against the flow. Adding more weight to counterbalance a heavy tow. A very sensitive approach that shows a bite indication with the slightest pressure on the line below the float, making this float sinks easily. A constant pressure of water is required when using this float. When the angler relaxes the direct line contact with this float, it will go under, so by getting the right balance of pressure and following the float down the swim, the angler can dictate the pace and movement of the float. This method worked with great affect in Yugoslavia on the river Drava, in the 1990 World Championships, the river was about 18ft deep and pushing through hard, I developed this method in practice and caught when others could not. Just easing the float through slowly, saw me catch those sterlet fish similar to a mini sturgeon that hugged the bottom. (These fish became known as a cigar fish.) Developing this float method from the French international team, with whom I became very friendly, although the French team went on to win the team event with another float and similar tactics. I will discuss in further detail in another article on the website. Coming fourth in my section on the first day event was a good result, considering I beat Mr. (Groundbait) Van Den Eynde from the next peg. The second day saw a bit of bad luck, bumping a fish and losing my bait in the sun. I should have come much closer than 17th overall. Yet that method was unbeatable on the day, and Bob Nudd went on to win his first Championship with the same method. The shotting should be an Olivetti down about 18” from the hook and with a string of shots on the hook length reducing inside. And slightly over depth, adding more weight depending on the pressure of water against the float. Getting the right balance is the secret. Using this method, it will seem to get a lot of false bites, but simply pull the float gently, and if the fish is on. It will hook itself, if not, then lower it gently back into the same hole and allow the float to fish again slowly
Now available in paperback: The Complete Float Manual. Over 169 pages of content
