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Clever Float, a start-up from Germany, used the return of EFTTEX to present its latest development – the luminous float tip – to an international audience for the first time.
Visitors to the company’s booth in Brussels saw for themselves that the entire tip of the Clever Float is now self-illuminating, activated by UV light from the sun or a commercially available UV lamp to deliver a luminous effect that lasts for more than 90 minutes.
Winfried Skarke, the company’s Press Spokesman, told Angling International: “This development means that no toxic glow stick or battery-operated LED is required for twilight or night fishing. Visitors to the booth described it with words that included ‘smart’, ‘clever’, ‘awesome’ and ‘never seen before’. One told me that his business had been looking for a solution to remove glow sticks from its range for some time.”
The new series presented at EFTTEX – the Glow Line – was in the prototype stage at the time. Skarke explained that although the luminosity has been fully developed, the stability of the material still had to be increased. “This has now been achieved with the appropriate additives, meaning that it is now ready for the market.
“In addition, the certification of the self-luminous material is comparable to the category that includes ‘suitable for children’s toys’. This continues the company’s philosophy of keeping hazardous toxins out of the water.”
Skarke (below left with Brand Ambassador Sabine Gems) admitted that he expected ‘significantly’ more visitors at EFTTEX. “Nevertheless,” he said, “we were able to make high calibre contacts and are in negotiations with several international companies that want to include these innovative floats in their programme.”
He added that the German wholesaler, Q-Tac, had been in touch following the event. Together with its Managing Director, Timo Reuter, Clever Float organised a night fishing session for a group of anglers of all age groups who had not experienced Clever Float before.
Feedback from members of the group included:
“I am a passionate carp angler and used to find float fishing boring. The Clever Floats have changed my mind.”
“The lighting effect of the new floats is impressive. I’ve even seen the floats on the opposite bank 100m away.”
“It takes some getting used to, but it’s great. It takes a few tries to get the feel of the casting weight. But once you’ve got it down, it’s really fun. The casting distances are impressive.”
“No more fiddling around until the right ratio of lead weight-to-bait is achieved. And if I want to change the float size, it is done in no time at all. Great handling.”
“Finally, something new and environmentally friendly as a replacement for toxic substances. When it was dark, the lights were clearly visible all over the lake. Wow. I didn’t expect it to be like that.”
Skarke added: “We even managed to persuade a sceptical angler who thought the Clever Float was too big by setting up an aquarium and demonstrating how the hydrodynamic principle worked.”
Clever Float is calling on organisations like EFTTA and the German Angling Association (DAFV) to support the spread of environmentally-friendly products by creating dedicated awards for ‘green’ innovations. Walter Zimmerly, Managing Director of Clever Float, said: “Water protection is a sovereign responsibility. Such a prize would motivate manufacturers and dealers to intensify their contribution.”
