Hand made pole floats have grown in popularity in the last couple of years, the main reason being build quality. Many shop bought floats did not seem to be up to the job.
Admittedly the big manufacturers have upped their game and the choice in a tackle shop now is pretty damn good.
I turned to hand made floats for a slightly different reason. I could not quite find the ideal pattern I wanted for the Winter. I was looking for sensitivity, but also robustness.
Scouring the web I came across a local chap in the North West called Jim Standish.
A Maintenance Engineer by trade, Jim had been maintaining the very machines that made commercially available floats for years. With that background, knowledge and 40 years angling experience, Jim decided to design and build his own float making machinery and has been producing his own range for over 2 years now.
The difference with Jim is that he offers a bespoke service...essentially tell him what you are looking for and he can make it!
I was looking for something like a classic chianti style with an element of Malman Dusty and the strength to handle hard fighting F1's and the odd Bonus carp. I needed this to be able to withstand a breeze and allow me to lift and drop a pellet or double maggot offering... The JS Slimzee was born!
The Slimzee body is made from best grade balsa with a 0.8mm clear fibre glass stem (You can have carbon if prefered)
1.5mm Hi Viz hollow tip available in Yellow, Red, or Black
Available in sizes 0.2 and 0.3grm
A finesse ultimate spring eye is used, but can be supplied without an eye if requested.
Finished in 4 to 5 dipped coats of laquer purposely made for floats, which results in a hard durable finish but with an element of flexibility reducing the risk of cracks.
I initially started using the Slimzee in October and with a few minor tweaks the pattern is perfect for depths upto 4 or 5ft. Sensitive enough for silvers but robust enough for carp. Jim is also in the process of putting together some superb margin floats and a wire stem range of the Slimzee.
Drop Jim an email at Jim.Standish@ntlworld.com to order the Slimzee or discuss your requirements.
Prices range between £1.50 - £2.00 which represents great value considering the time Jim spends crafting the perfect float for you.
Dave
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