Handmade Barbel Float – 4SSG (6.4g)

A traditional cork-bodied river float, handmade for controlled trotting, strong currents and powerful river fish.

Purpose-built for anglers who enjoy the excitement of catching barbel on the float, this substantial 4SSG river float combines traditional British float-making craftsmanship with the carrying capacity needed for demanding river conditions.

Handcrafted in England using a buoyant natural cork body, cane stem and hardwood sight tip, it is particularly well suited to long trotting through deeper runs, faster glides and turbulent water where lighter floats can struggle.

With a shotting capacity of approximately 4SSG (6.4g), this float falls comfortably within the 3g–8g range commonly recommended for barbel float fishing, making it an excellent choice for presenting larger baits close to the riverbed.

Built for River Trotting

Barbel frequently feed close to the riverbed, where the current travels more slowly than at the surface. Successfully presenting a bait often means controlling the speed of the float rather than simply allowing it to travel freely downstream.

The buoyant cork body and generous shotting capacity make this float particularly useful when holding back against the current, allowing the angler to slow the presentation and guide the bait through a chosen feeding line.

Its 4SSG capacity also allows a substantial bulk of shot or an olivette to be used to help carry the bait down towards the riverbed quickly.

The result is a robust, versatile float particularly suited to:

• Trotting for barbel in moderate to fast-flowing rivers.

• Fishing deeper glides, runs and turbulent swims.

• Presenting larger baits such as luncheon meat, pellets, worms or prawns.

• Holding back to slow the bait's progress through the swim.

• Targeting chub and other substantial river fish where greater shotting capacity is beneficial.

Traditional Materials, Practical Performance

Every float is individually handmade using carefully selected natural materials.

Natural cork body: Provides generous buoyancy and the carrying capacity needed for heavy river shotting arrangements.

Hardwood stem: A traditional material used in quality river floats, providing strength and a classic appearance.

Hardwood sight tip: Provides a clearly defined visible tip for following the float downstream and detecting bites.

The finished float measures approximately 5 inches (127mm) overall, making it a compact but substantial pattern designed for practical use on running water.

How to Fish This Float

Fish with the float attached top and bottom using suitable float rubbers, allowing the depth to be adjusted to suit the swim.

For a typical barbel trotting arrangement, use a bulk of shot or an appropriately weighted olivette below the float, together with smaller shot where required to fine-tune the presentation.

Set the depth so that the hookbait travels close to the riverbed. Where conditions allow, gently hold back against the current to slow the float and help the bait travel naturally through the swim.

Particularly effective with luncheon meat, pellets, worms and prawns, this pattern is equally at home targeting large chub.

A little tip from the workshop: In deeper or faster water, bulk shotting helps the bait reach the feeding zone quickly. Experiment with the depth and the amount of hold-back until you find the presentation that works best for your particular swim.

Float Specifications

• Pattern: Traditional cork-bodied barbel river float

• Cocking weight: 4SSG (approximately 6.4g)

• Overall length: 5 inches (approximately 127mm)

• Body: Natural cork

• Stem: Hardwood

• Sight tip: Hardwood

• Ideal water: Rivers, particularly deeper or faster-flowing swims

• Primary species: Barbel and chub

• Other uses: General heavy-duty river trotting and suitable lighter pike presentations

• Made in: England

• Quantity: Price is for one float

Each float is individually handcrafted using natural materials, so slight variations in appearance and exact cocking weight are normal.

Availability: Floats offered for sale are held in stock, with any selected sight-tip finishing and final lacquer coats completed before dispatch.

Handmade in England by Ian Lewis – Built to Fish, Built to Last.