🪶 Reverse Pear (Stillwater) Float
Although the Reverse Pear is most commonly associated with running water, it can be a deadly float on stillwaters too — particularly when there’s a strong tow caused by wind.
In these conditions, being able to hold back and control bait presentation is crucial, whether the surface drift is with or against the bottom flow. This float excels at doing exactly that.
🌊 Why It Works
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Wind-driven tow is often underestimated on stillwaters. The surface flow pushes toward the bank, then circulates underwater, sometimes creating a full circular drift around the lake.
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In some cases, I’ve caught fish three metres away from the original feed area — in the opposite direction of the wind.
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The Reverse Pear combats this effectively, allowing the angler to ease the float against the tow with the help of the pole until bites start to register.
This float gives you the versatility to:
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Present bait static against the drift, or
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Let it run with the tow in a controlled way, depending on how the fish are feeding.
🧪 Design and Setup
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Body: Reverse pear shape adapted for stillwater use
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Bristle: I prefer a metal bristle, a tip I learned from the French anglers. When greased and suspended above the surface, it’s far more sensitive than plastic or nylon alternatives, picking up delicate bites that others miss.
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Stem: Longer stem to increase stability and visibility in windy or choppy conditions
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Shotting: Bulk down pattern works best, combined with gentle pole control
This design offers precision and bite sensitivity, especially valuable when targeting skimmers, bream, and other stillwater species that respond best to static or slowly drifting bait.
🏆 Mallory Park Match Success
I’ve had many competition wins using this method, but one stands out:
An invitation match at Mallory Park, sponsored by Dave Hall’s angling magazine. I drew a corner peg — not the best draw — with Keith Arthur pegged next to me.
The wind produced a strong tow, but by easing the float against it with the pole and laying on, I managed to bag 14 lb of skimmers. I was only beaten by big carp for the match win.
Holding and releasing the float in a drift can be equally effective, particularly when the underwater tow aligns with feeding fish.
✅ In summary:
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Reverse Pear is a superb stillwater float in windy or tow-heavy conditions
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Handles surface and sub-surface drift with ease
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Metal bristle gives unmatched sensitivity for shy bites
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Works with bulk shotting and gentle pole control
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Proven match-winning tactic for skimmers, bream, and roach
Some Illustrations from the book
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