Float to the Top: How Bob Shone & Pablo RWC Backed the Aquastim Juniors

In the world of competitive angling, precision is everything. And few pieces of equipment are more critical — or more personal — than the float. It’s the silent partner, the angler’s eyes beneath the surface, and often the difference between a blank and a bag-up.

So when word came through that Bob Shone, the respected craftsman behind Pablo RWC Floats, was offering 100 hand-made floats to each of the two junior winners of the Aquastim Sponsorship Programme, the entire team knew something special was happening.

This wasn’t just a donation — it was an act of belief. Belief in the mission, belief in the next generation, and belief in the kind of grassroots support that angling truly needs.

A Master of His Craft

Ask anyone on the circuit and they’ll tell you: Bob Shone knows floats. His Pablo RWC range is used and trusted by match anglers across the country. Known for their balance, durability, and the attention to detail only a true craftsman can deliver, Bob’s floats are more than just tools — they’re a statement of intent on the bank.

Each float is handmade to perfection, designed for specific methods and conditions — and built to perform. From delicate canal work to demanding commercial carp waters, Pablo RWC floats are built for anglers who understand the difference the right setup can make.

That’s why 100 floats per winner is such a game-changer.

A Conversation That Sparked a Gift

The generous offer didn’t happen by accident. It began, like so many great things do, with a simple conversation.

Chris Ware, who had already set the wheels in motion for the Aquastim Junior Sponsorship Programme, knew that giving juniors the right tools would be just as important as giving them recognition. He also knew that Bob shared his values when it came to encouraging young anglers to fish properly — with pride, independence, and attention to detail.

So Chris reached out.

“I just rang Bob and explained what we were doing,” Chris recalls. “Told him about the focus on independent fishing, how we were looking for kids who could really do it all on the day — set up, choose rigs, manage their pegs. And I asked if there was any chance he’d get involved.”

What happened next exceeded every expectation.

“Bob didn’t hesitate. He said, ‘If they’re fishing properly, then they deserve proper gear. I’ll sort them out.’ And just like that, he offered 100 floats — per winner.”

A Prize That Builds Real Anglers

Let’s not understate this: most junior anglers get by with a small tray of mixed floats — some shop-bought, some inherited, many mismatched. But this prize? This is the kind of float collection you’d see in a seasoned match angler’s box.

It allows the juniors to:

• Match float style to venue conditions
• Understand body shapes and bristle tips
• Explore new methods with confidence
• Learn the why behind float choice, not just the how

It’s not just a prize — it’s a training ground in a tackle tray.

Why Bob Got Involved

For Bob, the decision was simple. It wasn’t about brand exposure or marketing — it was about giving something back to the sport that’s given him so much.

“I started making floats because I wanted something I could trust on the bank,” Bob explains. “But I also remember what it was like when I was young — trying to learn, trying to get it right, and not always having the kit that made that possible.”“If we can give a young angler the chance to learn with quality floats, to experiment, to fail and improve — that’s a win. That’s what it’s all about.”

Chris Ware: The Connector Behind the Scenes

As with so much of the Aquastim initiative, Chris Ware’s role in connecting the dots has been critical. While the matches themselves will showcase the juniors’ talent, it’s Chris’s quiet work behind the scenes that has turned the programme into something truly exceptional.

He didn’t just want to run a competition — he wanted to create an environment where juniors felt seen, supported, and taken seriously. That meant reaching out to the right people, building trust, and explaining the vision in a way that sponsors could believe in.

Thanks to Chris’s work, this isn’t just another junior match series. It’s a growing movement — one with real backing, real prizes, and real integrity.

What It Means for the Juniors

Imagine being a 13-year-old angler and winning a set of 100 handmade floats from one of the most respected names in UK fishing. That’s not just exciting — it’s empowering.

It sends a message that says:

• You’ve earned this.
• You’re fishing at a level that deserves respect.
• Keep going — you’re on the right path.

This kind of recognition goes beyond the bank. It builds confidence, discipline, and a sense of pride that stays with a junior for life.

Final Thoughts

In a world where youth sports often chase quick wins and social media buzz, the Aquastim Junior Sponsorship — and gifts like Bob Shone’s floats — remind us what really matters: supporting real growth, rewarding hard work, and passing on the knowledge that makes our sport special.

With people like Bob and Chris working together, the future of junior match fishing looks bright — balanced, bristled, and ready to strike.