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The biggest problem when a bunch of anglers talk about balance is that we all have quite different notions of what "good" or "perfect" balance might be. I can say that in all of the many float rods I've had through my hands, not one has been made to balance at the reel stem. That includes 9/10'...

I've finally got round to getting some to try out. They should arrive tomorrow.

Don't bin the old one unless you strip the widget's internal thread. You can resurrect two of them on rotation with the varnish and always have a hot spare ready. My original Twistlock handle is around fifteen years old now. It's one of the earlier ones where the inner pole also had the taped...

It sounds like hard work, but I'd be a happy chap if a river near me were a tenth as prolific. I'm a little puzzled as to how this equates to "catching at any cost". To me, that implies that the angler concerned was doing something unethical, illegal or putting his quarry at risk in some way...

Sometime in the mid-80s, I had one the size of a big gudgeon from the Swale. It's the only one I've ever caught which was small enough to still have the brown speckles of a really young fish. Since then, I've had the odd little marked stockie from the Trent. Most recently, I've had about five...

For those with OCD........ The 32" Drennan Specialist is 323g (inc 40g spreader). The 36" Drennan Specialist is 375g (inc 40g spreader). For comparison, a 36" Greys Prodigy carp net (without the spreader) is 382g. However, the difference can be partially explained by the net being ridiculously...

Thanks, Dan, Sounds like an interesting rod. However, it doesn't sound like it would suit the use I had in mind.

Daniel, do you know which blank the 8' float rod is built on? Is it a through action with a really long splice or a fast action with a shorter splice? What's the reel fitting, rings or Fuji type? If the latter, screw up or screw down?

I'll second the recommendation for Jake's Rakes. In my case, it's specifically for the Snag Dodger variant, which I've been using for several years now. Should disaster strike, I'll not hesitate to replace like for like.

I've had the Dinsmore double bladed cutter for several years now. I'd previously had the flimsier alternative that is marketed under multiple brand names. The latter is far too flimsy for the hard use I gave it. The blades bent every time I tried to cut reedmace, Norfolk reed clumps and all but...

This linked thread may be of interest to anyone that's been interested enough to read this one.

I've not got enough experience of using many different baitrunner models, so can make no particular recommendations. Frankly, I barely do anything but floatfish these days. I've retained XTFA 2500s for my lighter Avon/Specialist rods and 4000Ds for my barbel/tench/bream rods. I actually sold my...

There's no such thing as the Ci4(+) range. Ci4(+) is simply a lightweight polymer material that Shimano use in some of the higher end ranges to effect a weight reduction. The only obvious similarity between the Twinpower Ci4 (S)RA models and the Thunnus Baitrunners is the material used and the...

For me, half the fun of the fair is trying new (to me) gear. However, nothing is an upgrade, at least until it's been used enough to justify being called that. It's also the reason I tend to keep hold of rods that I've replaced. Unless I happen to be fishing a lot at the time, no rod is likely...

It looks vaguely familiar, largely due to the rather extravagant butt cap/button. Beyond that, I've no idea. However, I found one single 13' Float rod that sold on eBay earlier this month. The price achieved is unlikely to rock your world...

2011 Spectron M2 2012 Connoisseur G 2013 Connoisseur G 2014 Spectron Match

It's not especially unusual for Daiwa to throw "Special" into rod graphics where no mention is made of it in catalogues or product codes. I have a couple of Daiwa Waggler rods that have "Waggler Special" as part of the rod graphics. Similarly, I have a stick float rods with "Stick Float Special"...

Be wary, I'm not convinced that there's any connection between the Connoisseur Z (Mk2 or not) and a Spectron M2. Now if someone said to me that the Connoisseur G blanks were the same as those of the Spectron M2, I'd not even raise an eyebrow. They were consecutive ranges after all. The Conny Z...

For me, it's the Lone Angler bait pouches. I believe that these were also made by Cotswold Aquarius. I have two distinct versions. Naturally, I prefer the version that I only have one spare. The original I've been battering for around ten years. The plasticised backing of the outer pouch turned...

Far too soft and through actioned for my preferences I'm afraid. I suspect my search for my ideal ended with the Browning Sphere Spliced Tip River rods.