New rod.

[Simon Archer]

Considering getting a new rod for rolling meat. I normally use a Daiwa commercial method feeder rod, which is ok, but not ideal. (line sticking being the biggest problem) I've done a search on here, and the Torrix 1.75lb seems to come out top. However, I'm not a fan of the Torrix's finish on the tip section. I prefer the 1k weave finish TBH. Not a show stopper, but I'd want to get it right initially, so as not to have to buy again if I get it wrong.

I don't mind second hand rods, I'd could go for a custom build as well. Ideally a screw down reel fitting. Just looking for ideas really.

 

[Alan Rose]

Hi Simon,

I’ve just bought a used 11’ Free Spirit Barbel Tamer 1.5 for exactly this. Took it out immediately and landed a 9lb 4oz fish rolling meat. Unbelievably light and slim blank with single leg guides. Superb action but quick enough tip that it would probably work trotting a float if you were wading.

 

[Paul Richardson]

Considering getting a new rod for rolling meat. I normally use a Daiwa commercial method feeder rod, which is ok, but not ideal. (line sticking being the biggest problem) I've done a search on here, and the Torrix 1.75lb seems to come out top. However, I'm not a fan of the Torrix's finish on the tip section. I prefer the 1k weave finish TBH. Not a show stopper, but I'd want to get it right initially, so as not to have to buy again if I get it wrong.

I don't mind second hand rods, I'd could go for a custom build as well. Ideally a screw down reel fitting. Just looking for ideas really.

I recently met Roger from Peregrine Rods whilst we were fishing the Wye and he was using an 11’ Torrix 1.75 with. 4oz spliced tip he’d built for himself for rolling meat.
He said the extra sensitivity made a big difference in spotting and converting bites and I would imagine he would know these things?

 

[Matt Shipley]

I’ve been using a Harrison Avon 1lb 6oz I bought through the forum this year for rolling meat. Does the job well. It’s fairly through actioned, I’ve not tried any other Harrisons so don’t know how it compares to a Torrix

 

[Etienne Harvey]

Simon there's a pair of Leslie’s Insight Multi-spec RB rods in perfect condition 12’ twin top, 1.75lb & 2.0lb tc built on Harrison blanks £450 Ono for sale in the classifieds. Not sure if he will split but you could ask if they fit the bill for what you want.

 

[Etienne Harvey]

I had Roger of Peregrine rods build me a 11' gti 1.75lb tc with an optional 4oz quiver top. It's without a doubt my favourite rod and the one i use the most when conditions allow of course. Beautifully built and bends like you wouldn't believe with a good fish on but still has plenty of reserve in the butt to stop things. Not cheap these days and looking on Rodgers website £320 for the standard gti at 11' with an extra £100 for the quiver section. I can't give you an opinion on a torrix as I haven't tried one yet.

 

[Simon Archer]

Thanks for the replies, folks. Much appreciated.

How about this, any good ?? I do like the look of this style of blank. Don't think I'd use the QT though, as I'd leave the rod set up.

Free Spirit E-Class Twin Tip Specialist 11ft 1.5lb

We are really excited about the launch of the new ‘E’-Class having developed what we believe will prove to be even more popular than the original series. The rods feature a 45-degree 1k woven carbon blank, a full cork handle with a clone seat and guides fitted with the RS liner

johnsonrosstackle.co.uk

Or this ?? They appear very similar to me, bar the QT.

Free Spirit - Spirit Specialist Rod 11ft 1.5lb - 20mm

Free Spirit - Spirit Specialist Rod 11ft 1.5lb - 20mm

tacklebox.co.uk

 

[Paul Richardson]

I had Roger of Peregrine rods build me a 11' gti 1.75lb tc with an optional 4oz quiver top. It's without a doubt my favourite rod and the one i use the most when conditions allow of course. Beautifully built and bends like you wouldn't believe with a good fish on but still has plenty of reserve in the butt to stop things. Not cheap these days and looking on Rodgers website £320 for the standard gti at 11' with an extra £100 for the quiver section. I can't give you an opinion on a torrix as I haven't tried one yet.

I must admit I was nearly tempted but I don’t do a lot of rolling meat and even by bespoke standards that’s a serious investment
If I start I have a 12’ 1.25 Torrix that has a carrier section that will accommodate a 4oz tip
Pretty sure it’s the same butt section as the 1.75 Torrix - loads of power

 

[Etienne Harvey]

I brought my gti 10 or 11 years ago and to be honest I really can't remember how much I paid for it then. Looking at the prices I suspect now it's alot more than I paid. But it's a quality rod that i have caught plenty of fish with and every time I see the amount it can bend it puts a smile on my face. If I broke it god forbid I'd buy another one. I only use the 4oz spliced top for rolling meat and the 1.75 top for general ledger/feeder work as it can cast 2-4 oz comfortably.

 

[Etienne Harvey]

Sorry Simon, I just checked the link i put in my previous message and it's a link to Andrew Burt's floats and I cant edit my message to correct it. This was the rods I should have linked to.

 

[Jon Elliott]

An 11ft 1.75 torrix is a good place to start. You want something light and slim, you're not casting any weight, so you don't need grunt. Some 12ft 1.75lb rods will feel over-gunned.