Billy Lane Dart – Semi-Loaded Insert Waggler Float

As featured in John Bailey's video "Tench on the float"

The Billy Lane Dart – Traditional Design, Remarkable Sensitivity

The Dart is one of my bestselling floats—and with good reason. It combines accurate casting, excellent stability and exceptionally delicate bite indication in one beautifully balanced traditional waggler.

My version is a reproduction based on the designs and descriptions of the late world champion angler Billy Lane. Lane developed the original Dart as a more practical and effective successor to the reverse crow-quill waggler, using built-in weight to improve its flight while retaining the sensitivity required for shy-biting stillwater fish.

These floats were also featured in John Bailey’s video, “Tench on the Float”.

Why Semi-Loaded?

A stainless-steel loading insert is built into the base of each float. This provides part of the weight within the float itself, helping it fly straight and accurately during an overhead cast.

Because the float is only semi-loaded, additional shot is still added to the line to cock it correctly. This gives you greater control over your presentation while avoiding the excessive line weight sometimes required by a completely unloaded waggler.

The result is a float that casts cleanly, settles neatly and remains highly responsive once in position.

A Tip That Shows Everything

The fine, carefully banded tip is designed to reveal the smallest movement.

Tiny dips, delicate lifts and sideways movements are all easier to detect, while the slim profile helps reduce the effect of surface drift. This makes the Dart particularly effective for shy-biting tench, crucians, roach and bream, as well as carp and F1s.

It is especially useful when you want to keep unnecessary weight away from the hook while maintaining enough casting weight and stability in the float itself.

Choosing Your Dart

The Dart is available in four cocking options:

• 1×No.1

• 2×No.1

• 3×No.1

• 4×No.1

Overall float lengths range from approximately 5.75 inches to 7.25 inches, depending on the selected size.

The lighter versions are particularly suited to delicate close-range presentation. The larger sizes provide additional stability and casting capability while retaining the pattern’s distinctive fine tip and sensitive performance.

You can purchase an individual float or select the complete set of four.

Ideal For

• Tench and crucian carp

• Roach, rudd and bream

• Carp and F1 fishing

• Shy or hesitant bites

• Lift-bite indication

• Calm and moderately breezy stillwaters

• Close- to medium-range waggler fishing

• Presentations requiring minimal weight near the hook

• Anglers who appreciate traditional Billy Lane float patterns

Specification

Float type: Semi-loaded insert waggler
Pattern: Billy Lane-inspired Dart reproduction
Suitable waters: Stillwaters
Construction: Balsa body on a cane stem
Built-in loading: Stainless-steel base insert
Cocking options: 1×No.1, 2×No.1, 3×No.1 or 4×No.1
Overall length: Approximately 5.75 to 7.25 inches, depending on size
Tip: Fine, highly visible banded tip
Purchase options: Individual float or complete set of four
Construction: Individually handmade in England

Held in Stock and Finished for You

These floats are no longer made to order. Every Dart displayed as available has already been constructed and is held in my workshop.

After you order, I apply your chosen tip colour and complete the float with its final protective coats of lacquer. This gives you a personalised, freshly finished float without waiting for it to be made from scratch.

Because every float is individually handcrafted using natural materials, its exact dimensions, appearance and cocking weight may vary very slightly.

Important: The displayed price is for one individual float unless you select the option to purchase the complete set.

Built to Fish

The Dart may have its roots in a classic design, but it remains every bit as effective on modern stillwaters. This is not simply a reproduction to be collected or displayed—it is a properly working float, made to cast accurately, present a bait effectively and show you exactly what is happening beneath the surface.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

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.