THE LONG
SHOULDER PEAR
The long
shoulder pear pole float is one of my
favourite pole floats, due to the way it
performs in running water. The streamline
body now starts to resemble more of a
stick float in design.
An elongated pear shape with a high
shoulder, wire or carbon stem and a nylon
bristle.
This float was first introduced to me by
Phil Brisco of Leeda Tackle company,
whilst making a video film and being
joined by the famous footballer Paul
Gasgione, fishing on the South Fourtyfoot
Drain in deep water.
Although this float was used on deep canal
type of venue, I have since found that it
works much better on running water.
Stringing out the shots with reducing
sizes, allows the float to fish with a
slow drop presentation whilst the float is
held back in the flow it gently rises and
lifts the bait off the bottom.
I have used this float to great effect on
the Bristol Avon, winning the Southern
Pole Championships with over 16lb of prime
roach, on the drop and many other
successes on the river, including the
Warwickshire Avon, River Thames, River
Severn and the River Wye, combining loose
fed hemp and maggot.
Catapulting loose offering of hemp plus
caster or maggot, into the swim and then
allowing the float to trundle amongst the
feed, creating a natural presentation
through the water, as the float settles
often than not will attract a responding
bite.
The float was originally manufactured by
Italian company Colmic, however I have
changed the design slightly with great
affect and winning an Evesham Qualifying
match with 16lb of roach is my
satisfaction. The float works well in deep
water, fishing on the drop and will catch
fish at all levels, slightly over shotting
the float will help in controlling the
downward trot.
Sizes vary from ¾ gram to 1. ½ gram,
sometimes it is better to shot the float
using styles on the line, as it helps to
present your bait slowly and as naturally
as possible and will help to eliminate
phantom bites from round split shots
whilst using hemp.
