Recent content by Neil Smart

Never mind the 'how' can we have the 'why'? 🤔

Oh! no... walk away Alec.

Not sure what length leaders are Gary, but I guess the reason I for instance prefer an underarm cast is that as kids we all mostly fished with a float, not a lead whereby this cast was better suited. Now we have powerful rods that are designed to launch heavy leads 100yds or more, they are...

It's a wand of a rod, I have fluked two over 15lb barbel on this rod, and was never an issue. A classic all rounder. I have never used similar for tench, but should be fine, I suppose you will fish carp style? Well they would be fine, I use 12 ft 1.5 tc Drennan specialist rods for most of my...

Like conventional say 2 ounce lead barbel style? Why in the name of all that's Holy why not? It's probably the rod for 90% of situations on most rivers.

Yes the underarm is much better for a smoother cast, with practise as said, no river is too wide.

No not SKP as such Ha very good..

Hi Mark, the Plus quiver section didn't have a rating in it's blurb, I did find it was 6oz though, which is fine for me as I never go carp style with a cast. As with 'donkey top' type tips they are more robust than push in, I wouldn't however use more than a loaded 2oz feeder. They make a good...

These Fox are sought after. They are nice usable rod. Brilliant on the Wye with black cap maggot feeder for Barbel and Chub.

Plenty use this type of rod for Chub, as you know they fight dirty so strong tackle is needed. Think you might be pleased with just what a nice rod it is, I use mine for tipping for chub etc, it really makes for a good feeder rod. Tench will be just the job too, don't suppose Perch will mind either😉

An all purpose barbel rod, these Fox rods are a joy to use, with a nice action. I have a couple of similar rods the older Plus, which is an Avon top and a 6oz quiver. You have both 4 and 6 oz which is very versatile. Its a cross weave blank, very nice. The 6 oz will handle a 3 oz gentle lob...

Times have changed but not the habits of fish. Fish always seek slacks in floods unless I have learnt nothing in decades.

I take your point Neil but all my feelings are that 8 oz in any situation is OTT. Surely finding bottom with a lighter lead and producing a bow in the line is better? Given the sub service is not nearly as fast it kinda makes sense. For me slinging out that weight would negate any pleasure in...

No but I have the Severn, which is arguably more of a torrent. Any bait presented in a torrent that requires 8 oz leads would seem to me, anyway where the Barbel are not. Surely slacks and near bank are better? Lobbing out half pound leads, crazy IMO.