About
After a 25 year career in the world of African safari's and film making, I made the bold move to follow what became and continues to be my true passion - float making.
Since 2014, I have become one of the most established float makers in England and perhaps the only one who currently focuses solely on crafting fishing floats full time.
I use traditional methods and materials, with a focus on producing floats that are both practical to fish with and true to the character of classic designs. I now produce floats for anglers across the UK and around the world (24 countries and counting)
My interest in float making developed from a wider appreciation of traditional angling and the wide variety of patterns that have been used over the years. Many of these designs, particularly older and less common floats, are no longer widely available, which led me to begin making my own.
Over time, this has developed into producing a range of floats inspired by traditional British patterns, from well-known river and stillwater designs through to more unusual floats and reproductions of older and sometimes hard-to-find traditional designs.
Each float is individually made, with careful attention to balance, proportion, and finish.
Alongside my current range, I have also produced many other patterns over the years, some of which can still be made to order or adapted on request. (see Float Archive page)
The aim is always the same — to create floats that perform properly on the water while also reflecting the craftsmanship and heritage of traditional float making.
If you enjoy using floats that feel connected to the craft, the seasons and the water, I think you’ll enjoy using my floats as much as I enjoy making them.
Handmade Fishing Floats by Ian Lewis
Making every float by hand since 2014 on the edge of Dartmoor England.
A younger me with a Zambezi river tigerfish, northern Zimbabwe - back in my early safari days (1990) when I had more hair! Caught using my grandfathers old split cane fly/spin rod! Finding and making porky floats back then was a breeze.
