Graham Elliott
Senior Member & Supporter
Apperciate views. Thanks
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I've got one, a superb rod. Got it just after Christmas and it coped admirably with Chub to over 5lb, Perch to 4lb and a few barbel, light enough for Roach and dace sport too. In open water it would cope well for Barbel. Definitely my favourite float rod.
If I was fishing specifically for big barbel in pacey, weedy/ snaggy water I would be using either my Drennan super tench 12'9'' or the Specimen and Tench 13', both have a little more backbone and are rated for heavier hooklinks.
Having said that, if I did hook a big Barbel on the Acolyte I wouldn't be at all worried that it wouldn't cope. For Trotting I'd usually be using 4lb 12oz Reflo Powerline hooklink to start.
On the Tench/ Specimen last year https://www.dropbox.com/s/ywq892ffkwo6yf5/IMG_5459.JPG?dl=0
Good stuff Dave. Make sure your mainline is strong enough.
The Acolyte would be my first choice for general trotting on the Lea fisheries and certainly on the upper stretch where the Barbel are smaller.
If I was fishing one of 'the' swims I'd use the Super Tench or Specimen/Tench with an 6 or 7lb powerline hooklink, otherwise the 0.13mm 4lb 12 oz.
Ok. A bit of a mixed review.
Couldn't resist one at £95 new though?
I have been fishing a 15fter Map on the Wye...good control but soooo heavy. I suspect the tench rods will be the same to me.
How are you doing with the Marksman Dave?
The tench float isn't heavy, you should be fine holding it all day.
Unless you suffer from arthritis in your shoulder like me, which is why I'm looking at as light a rod as possible now
Where on earth did you find a new one for £95 quid?
Dave, if you want lightness then the Acolyte is the one for you, you'd save a lot of weight also, using a light reel. I'm assuming you are using a Sheffield?
From memory
Sheffield 285grams
TFG Freeflow 220grams
TFG Classic 201grams
Currently using a Freeflow, excellent reel.
PM on its way