The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

Here are a selection of old floats dating back to the late 1800s. Mike Wilson kindly brought them to thebook launch I met him at and allowed me to take a few snaps for you guys to see......













Thanks for bringing them along Mike, more fascinating items of important history!!! :hat:

Very good, I would still use them. :thumb:

They look lovely Mike, thanks for letting SK photo them and putting them on the forum for all to see. :thumb:

The second picture that Stu took shows a 'Tay's' wire float. Catalogue No 3201s Allcocks 1915.
I assume it gets its name from the river and further assume it must be a slider. With more than 50 years of angling and a pretty extensive library of books I've never found it mentioned anywhere or how one uses it. Any of you guys know?
By the way there is one on ebay at present for a mere £75. Mine cost pennies and knowledge.

Mike

Those are my legs in the background !

So now we know what the bottom half of you looks like Paul. :chuckle:

If you think that looks bad , you want to see the top half !

So close and didn't say hello!!! Or did I??

The "Tay's" looks like a basic three-ringed slider, a self-setting idea like the Loc-slide and Polaris floats.
If I'm right, the middle ring should be at (roughly) right-angles to the other two, so the line has to turn a corner round it; it will run freely on a slack line but lock when the line is tightened.

If all three rings are in line, I'm flummoxed.

Hi Vole

I agree and you confirm my thoughts as the central ring is at 90 degrees to the top and bottom ring. Only ever seen one so suggest they must be a bit rare.

Paul, good job you polished your shoes !!

Mike