🪙 WIRE STEM STICK FLOAT
(Stability and Control in Turbulent Swims)
The wire stem — or alloy stem — stick float was first designed to handle difficult boils and turbulence in the swim, helping the float hold steady where other floats would struggle. Over time, this float became a firm favourite for me and many others because of its ease of handling, semi-cocked design, and excellent stability.
As the float evolved, it began to take on continental-style aerodynamic shapes, similar to modern pole floats. The wire stem was also refined — with many versions now made of alloy metal for extra casting weight and stability.
One angler who developed and popularised this float more than anyone else was John Allerton, who used it to great effect on the River Trent and other rivers, winning major competitions. The float became synonymous with his name and style of fishing.
🧰 Design & Features
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Stem: Wire or alloy for stability and weight
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Body Shape: Continental-style, aerodynamic, with a shoulder
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Presentation: Semi-cocked with fewer shots required down the line
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Rigging: Ideal for stringing or bulk down shotting
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Casting: Alloy base provides extra casting distance and control
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Control: Shoulder design lets the surface skim pass over smoothly
The shoulder on the body allows the float to be held back easily without lifting or drifting, keeping the bait presentation steady and low in the water column.
🌊 Why It Works
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🪝 Excellent stability in turbulent or boily swims
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🧭 Shoulder design resists surface skim and slows presentation
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🌀 Alloy stem improves casting distance and control
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🐟 Suitable for a wide range of river conditions
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⚖️ Wire stem versions offer finesse on smaller, shallower rivers
With a thinner wire stem, the float moves less in turbulence, making it ideal for tricky swims. Thicker stems can lean more but offer extra casting power for bigger water.
🏆 Clive’s Match Memory
🎣 Venue: River Trent
I first used this float when facing awkward, swirling water. The shoulder shape and wire stem gave me complete control over the trot. By holding back gently, I could keep the float in the taking zone longer — and the bites came thick and fast.
I remember watching John Allerton fish this float to perfection. He transformed what was once a specialist tool into a match-winning all-rounder on rivers across the country.
🧭 Pro Tip
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String the shots lower down the line in turbulent swims.
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Bulking down near the hook is also effective to keep the bait steady.
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Use a few shots close to the hook to prevent swirling.
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When striking, use a gentle pull to avoid dunking the shoulder and spooking fish.
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Thinner wire stems are ideal for delicate presentation in smaller rivers.
🕰️ Classic Float Heritage
“The wire stem stick float gave us control where we never had it before. It holds in boils, resists surface skim, and presents the bait perfectly.”
— Clive Branson
🎨 Illustration Box
🪶 Float Type: Wire/Alloy Stem Stick Float
🌊 Ideal Venue: Turbulent or fast-flowing rivers
🐟 Target Species: Roach, dace, chub, bream
🪝 Rigging Tip: String or bulk down shotting near the hook
🧪 Key Advantage: Stability in boils and surface skim
🪵 Materials Timeline
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🕰️ Early Years: Wire stems with simple cork bodies
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📈 Developed: Shoulder bodies with wire stems for better control
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💡 Modern: Alloy stems + continental shoulder design for casting distance and precision
✅ An illustration from the book
Order the Complete Float Manual
📘 The Float Manual — over 167 pages of knowledge, techniques, and illustrations — is now available.
To order, simply click the book image or contact me directly:
📩 clive@angling-news.co.uk
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