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One of my most popular designs, created for crucians, tench and other shy-biting stillwater fish. The natural Sarkanda reed body carries a fine 1.5-inch nylon bristle that can be dotted right down to reveal the slightest dip, lift or hesitation.Choose from 1BB, 2BB, 3BB or 4BB for delicate close-range margin fishing or presentation up to a couple of rod lengths out.Every float shown as available is already made and held in stock. Once ordered, your chosen tip colour is applied and sealed beneath the final protective coats of lacquer. Available as individual floats or the complete set.
As featured in John Bailey's video "Tench on the float"
Few fish test a float’s sensitivity quite like a crucian. Their delicate bites can be little more than a slight dip, lift or hesitation, so this float was designed to make those tiny movements easier to see.
Now one of my most popular patterns, the Crucian Carp Bristle-Tip Insert Waggler is handmade from natural Sarkanda reed and fitted with a fine 1.5-inch nylon bristle. When carefully shotted, the bristle can be dotted down until only the required amount remains visible, giving sensitivity comparable to a pole float while retaining the versatility of a rod-and-line waggler.
These floats were also featured in John Bailey’s video, “Tench on the Float”.
The fine bristle offers very little resistance and clearly registers both conventional dip bites and delicate lift bites. This makes the float particularly effective when fishing small baits for cautious crucians, tench, roach and rudd.
It is best suited to calm stillwaters, margin fishing and ranges of up to approximately two rod lengths. Although designed with crucians in mind, it is an excellent all-round float whenever sensitivity and careful presentation matter more than distance.
1BB – 3.5 inches
The smallest and most delicate version, ideal for very close-range fishing and exceptionally subtle presentations.
2BB – 4.75 inches
A wonderfully versatile margin float and one of the most popular sizes for crucians and tench.
3BB – 6 inches
Provides additional stability and casting weight while retaining the pattern’s characteristic sensitivity.
4BB – 7 inches
The largest version, offering greater stability and range for deeper swims or slightly more demanding conditions.
Crucian carp and tench
Roach, rudd and other shy-biting stillwater fish
Margin and close-range fishing
Calm lakes, ponds and sheltered waters
Small baits and delicate presentation
Detecting both dip and lift bites
Anglers wanting pole-float sensitivity with a traditional waggler
Float type: Fine bristle-tip insert waggler
Suitable waters: Calm stillwaters and sheltered margins
Materials: Natural Sarkanda reed with fine nylon bristle
Bristle length: Approximately 1.5 inches
Cocking options: 1BB, 2BB, 3BB or 4BB
Overall lengths: 3.5, 4.75, 6 or 7 inches
Construction: Individually handmade in England
Price: For one individual float
These floats are no longer made to order. Every float displayed as available has already been made and is held in my workshop.
After you place your order, I apply your chosen tip colour and add the final protective coats of lacquer before dispatch. This allows you to personalise the most important visible part of the float without waiting for the entire float to be made from scratch.
Because each float is individually handcrafted from natural materials, its exact appearance and cocking weight may vary very slightly.
These are delicate and sensitive floats, but they are made to be used—not simply admired. Sarkanda reed provides a traditional combination of lightness, strength and natural buoyancy, while the carefully lacquered finish protects the float and helps it provide many seasons of service when properly cared for.
I stand behind every float I make. If you are not completely happy with your purchase, simply return it in its original condition and packaging for a full refund. Please see the returns information in my FAQ for full details.
| Title | Crucian Carp Bristle-Tip Insert Waggler Float |
|---|---|
| Brand | Handmade fishing floats by Ian Lewis |
| Category | LAKE FLOATS |
| SKU | CBT |
| Condition | new |
| Weight | 5.0 g |
| HS Code | 95079000 |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
| MPN | CBT |
Arrived very quickly and packaged with protection so in perfect condition, I have so many sets of floats from Ian and they last for years if you keep them clean after use. I'm looking forward to setting these delicate floats up and catching for sure.
A work of art I must say, have used this several times already and have had good results. Brilliant service from Ian.
Always like to hear they are doing the job! Awesome stuff.
Have brought loads of Ian's floats over the years, ranging from pike floats to perch bobs and every sort of Stillwater float imaginable. Superb floats and great customer service- very highly recommended
Lovely floats, nicely balanced and a joy to use. The tip is very fine and great for sensitivity and for the margins. My 63 year old eyes struggled a bit if fished too far out.
I only ever use hand made floats and I’ve recently bought a selection from this Fella and I can honestly say that they are extremely well made and they are well balanced and the silky smooth finish on them is excellent and I’d definitely be going back for some more.
Glad you like them and many thanks for supporting the little fella (s) out there keeping these traditions alive here in the UK ;)
I've been using these floats for years (not just for crucians- the picture shows my personal best of the species) but for any margin fishing that requires a delicate presentation. I've got them in both the 2BB and 3BB version and have found them to be one of the most effective floats for close-in fishing with small baits for delicate biting fish.
Second float I have purchased and it has the same attention to detail as my other float, excellent quality.
I've never been a fan of heavy floats so when I was looking for the perfect float for margin work that wasn't a pole float I had to see what Mr Lewis had to offer . The only regret is that I didn't purchase a second but that can be resolved.
🤠👍
1st Time ordered some hand made floats, they are superbly built and do exactly what they are designed for. Will certainly be ordering more
Welcome Allan, into the slippery slope of owning handmade floats ;) Glad you like them.
Beautifully and delicate with a sturdy core. Costs a little more but if you consider that little extra care you take in casting, avoiding those low branches and overhanging trees- it kind of pays its way!
Sage advice - and hopefully, while sarkanda is not bullet proof - it can be stronger than many plastic float out there, so should last a long time (trees and God willing ;)
Just wanted to let you know I am so thrilled with both sets of floats and the quality of the workmanship. It really transports me back to a time when the tackle used became part of the enjoyment of the whole day, and quality floats such as yours formed a magical link between the angler and his quarry. Combined with my outfit of modern rod, fifty year old Rapidex and one of your fantastic floats no Tench or Crucian will be safe!
What a work of art, only just received so not had chance to use. The float is very well made, I can't wait to try it. Thank you Ian keep up the good work
Ordered as a Christmas present so I can’t comment on product Good communication from seller and was well packaged
Used the 4bb float at my local venue fishing pinkie , very sensitive when dotted down , lovely casting weight , also a real work of art modern touch to a real vintage feel lovely varnished whipping, , really happy , highly recommended
Great looking bag there Chris. Well done. Yes, shotted right down (eyesight showing) these are devastating floats for most lake species 🤠. Glad you are enjoying them and putting them to good use 👍
Found Ian as i was looking around for some stuff for a good friend & am now using some other styles for myself! Been using these marvellous little floats a couple times & found them brilliant as i was using a pole float & now convirted over to these , i set these slightly under the surface & a bite usually results in a lift unless it just dissapears !! Excellent!
Hi Ian - that's the first time I have heard of these being used for lift bites but makes perfect sense! They have been hugely popular over the years and have certainly accounted for some great catches.
I have the set of four of these floats, they are beautifully made as are all the floats I have purchased. If I ever lose one I have to replace it, they are that good !
Perfctly perfect for Criucians !! We used to make our own little floats for thses finicky feeders on Wrwickshire ponds of my childhood......
What fine looking fish - glad you are enjoying the floats and using them successfully for what they were designed for!
Arrived very quickly and packaged with protection so in perfect condition, I have so many sets of floats from Ian and they last for years if you keep them clean after use. I'm looking forward to setting these delicate floats up and catching for sure.
Phil Shepherd · 2026-10-03A work of art I must say, have used this several times already and have had good results. Brilliant service from Ian.
John Welsh · 2025-09-08Always like to hear they are doing the job! Awesome stuff.
Have brought loads of Ian's floats over the years, ranging from pike floats to perch bobs and every sort of Stillwater float imaginable. Superb floats and great customer service- very highly recommended
Jon Barrett · 2017-10-06Lovely floats, nicely balanced and a joy to use. The tip is very fine and great for sensitivity and for the margins. My 63 year old eyes struggled a bit if fished too far out.
Craig Wood · 2026-04-11I only ever use hand made floats and I’ve recently bought a selection from this Fella and I can honestly say that they are extremely well made and they are well balanced and the silky smooth finish on them is excellent and I’d definitely be going back for some more.
Andy Davies · 2025-01-27Glad you like them and many thanks for supporting the little fella (s) out there keeping these traditions alive here in the UK ;)
I've been using these floats for years (not just for crucians- the picture shows my personal best of the species) but for any margin fishing that requires a delicate presentation. I've got them in both the 2BB and 3BB version and have found them to be one of the most effective floats for close-in fishing with small baits for delicate biting fish.
Jon Barrett · 2024-06-17Second float I have purchased and it has the same attention to detail as my other float, excellent quality.
William Brown · 2026-09-18I've never been a fan of heavy floats so when I was looking for the perfect float for margin work that wasn't a pole float I had to see what Mr Lewis had to offer . The only regret is that I didn't purchase a second but that can be resolved.
Steve Williams · 2024-05-16🤠👍
1st Time ordered some hand made floats, they are superbly built and do exactly what they are designed for. Will certainly be ordering more
Allan Harris · 2025-07-22Welcome Allan, into the slippery slope of owning handmade floats ;) Glad you like them.
Beautifully and delicate with a sturdy core. Costs a little more but if you consider that little extra care you take in casting, avoiding those low branches and overhanging trees- it kind of pays its way!
Paul Lansley · 2024-10-08Sage advice - and hopefully, while sarkanda is not bullet proof - it can be stronger than many plastic float out there, so should last a long time (trees and God willing ;)
Just wanted to let you know I am so thrilled with both sets of floats and the quality of the workmanship. It really transports me back to a time when the tackle used became part of the enjoyment of the whole day, and quality floats such as yours formed a magical link between the angler and his quarry. Combined with my outfit of modern rod, fifty year old Rapidex and one of your fantastic floats no Tench or Crucian will be safe!
Tim Bryant · 2017-09-08What a work of art, only just received so not had chance to use. The float is very well made, I can't wait to try it. Thank you Ian keep up the good work
Martin Barlow · 2026-02-19Ordered as a Christmas present so I can’t comment on product Good communication from seller and was well packaged
Julia Lyons · 2024-12-16Used the 4bb float at my local venue fishing pinkie , very sensitive when dotted down , lovely casting weight , also a real work of art modern touch to a real vintage feel lovely varnished whipping, , really happy , highly recommended
Chris Whearty · 2026-08-24Great looking bag there Chris. Well done. Yes, shotted right down (eyesight showing) these are devastating floats for most lake species 🤠. Glad you are enjoying them and putting them to good use 👍
Found Ian as i was looking around for some stuff for a good friend & am now using some other styles for myself! Been using these marvellous little floats a couple times & found them brilliant as i was using a pole float & now convirted over to these , i set these slightly under the surface & a bite usually results in a lift unless it just dissapears !! Excellent!
Ian Hatchman · 2024-10-09Hi Ian - that's the first time I have heard of these being used for lift bites but makes perfect sense! They have been hugely popular over the years and have certainly accounted for some great catches.
I have the set of four of these floats, they are beautifully made as are all the floats I have purchased. If I ever lose one I have to replace it, they are that good !
Paul Bleathman · 2026-05-02Perfctly perfect for Criucians !! We used to make our own little floats for thses finicky feeders on Wrwickshire ponds of my childhood......
George Scholes · 2026-09-20What fine looking fish - glad you are enjoying the floats and using them successfully for what they were designed for!
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