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Choosing between three barbel rods to get me started

J

Jean-Pierre Bantin

Active Member
I only joined in the last few days, and as with many newbies my first post is a question that I hope you can help answer.

Firstly about myself; I have a French name as my mother is from France but was born in London where I have lived most of my life (briefly having lived in Bradford during my uni days and a year spent in South Korea).
I’m rapidly approaching 50 but only took up fishing just over 3 years ago whilst residing in South Korea where I went straight to baitcasters and lure fishing for black bass. This was a start to a loving relationship with all things angling.

The last two years I have tried all forms of fishing in the UK, bar fly fishing. The conclusion is that the species that give me the most pleasure are Perch (as they remind me of black bass, my first ever species caught), Pike and of course Barbel.
My Barbel experience is very limited and took place solely on the Wandle in London. I have caught numerous small fish on light tackle and fell in love with their fighting spirit. I now plan on making Barbel fishing my focus for 2022 (and beyond?)

Enough about me, finally time for my question. I have read multiple posts here on the subject and considered the various views, I hope therefore you won’t mind me asking something along the same lines. The important decision of rod choice…

I wish to quickly make up my mind, as rods seem to be running low on stock everywhere and already two I had considered have sold out.
The choices are::
  • Free Spirit CTX 11’ 2lb barbel tamer rod
  • Free Spirit CTX 12’ 2.25lb barbel tamer rod
  • Daiwa Powermesh 12’ 2.25lb Barbel rod

Sadly my budget does not allow me to go higher than the aforementioned rods considering I also need to buy a new reel, having chosen to go with the Daiwa 20 GS BR LT - 5000 C. I prefer baitrunners as being autistic I have moments my mind wanders or my focus isn’t what it could be.

The waters I hope to fish will be, assuming my membership gets approved, the Verulum Angling Club stretches. My thoughts are that the 11’ CTX would be, due it’s shorter length, ideal for close quarters but then again, would I regret my purchase after moving to other waters later on.
How would my other two options both at 2.25lb tc fare against smaller fish? Would I lose all pleasure in the play and feedback? Also would the 11’ be a hindrance with it’s shorter length when rolling meat which currently makes up 50% or more of the way I fish (ledgering and touch ledgering the remainder)?

Any help and feedback for someone starting their Barbel fishing journey much appreciated guys! ;)
 
Welcome @Jean-Pierre Bantin . I'd suggest you start with a cheaper, but highly regarded Korum Barbel rod (12ft/1.75, or 12ft/2.0). You'll get one for under £60, and then you can decide whether or not you want a more expensive rod once you've caught a few barbel with it. I mostly use F/S Hi S rods, but I've heard nothing bad said about those Korum rods. N.b.. I find 12ft rods much better for playing barbel than 11ft, especially when there's nearside snags.
 
I have the Free spirit tamer 11ft 2lb, good rod for the money. But I agree with Terry, get a cheap one first, see how you get along with it. Korum barbel is a decent rod, and Fox Eos as well.

If you want to go up a bit, have a look at Free spirit tamer, Free spirit gold specialist (highly recommend if you don't need the quiver tip) and Fox X4 horizon twin tip (you will have both 1.75 and 2.25 tip, covers everything).
 
hi jean pierre i have fished the veralum waters and the rods you mentioned would be way over gunned … the upper lea there is very narrow with the fish just about getting into double figures and they are few and far between the ctx / tamer is a good choice to begin with but if you do get your veralum ticket the 11ft 1.75 would suffice…. if you need any advice on the upper lea just ask
 
Terry Harman said:
hi jean pierre i have fished the veralum waters and the rods you mentioned would be way over gunned … the upper lea there is very narrow with the fish just about getting into double figures and they are few and far between the ctx / tamer is a good choice to begin with but if you do get your veralum ticket the 11ft 1.75 would suffice…. if you need any advice on the upper lea just ask
Click to expand...
Agree with this completely. 2.25 tc or even 2lb tc is a broom stick of a rod on the upper Lea and Great Ouse. 11 foot is probably ok on the Lea but personally I’d prefer a 12‘ 1.75 (power mesh Or similar) that covers both rivers and would be better on the Great Ouse where at times you’ll likely be fishing through quite dense backside reeds and bushes.
 
Welcome J-P.
Unless you are fishing big rivers like the Thames, Trent and Severn, where longer rods are often needed, the choice between 11' and 12' is more a personal preference.
The others are correct in recommending 1.75 as these will handle just about anything but still feel great playing a small fish. Anything greater is really chosen to allow heavy leads and long casting.
Don't forget the second hand alternative. I started barbel fishing buying new, low cost rods, but now buy better quality used rods, almost exclusively from guys on this forum. You get some great bargains that way.
Enjoy your fishing.
Mike
 
Bonjour Jean-Pierre and welcome to BFW.
I’ve got to agree with all said about the test curve of the rods and personally have a preference for 12ft rods. I have a 12ft 1.75lb TC Wychwood Rogue which is an old rod but in very good condition but is gathering dust and you are welcome to have it gratis to start you off before investing in a more expensive bit of gear. If you are still living in south London I’m able to meet you somewhere on the south circular as I wouldn’t want to be bothered with couriers. If you are still a South Londoner don’t give up on the Wandle, I know it’s not the prettiest of fishing surroundings but I’m lead to believe it turns up some nice Barbel. Moving out a bit there are also Barbel to be caught on the Mole, Wey and Medway.
Regards
Bill W
 
Agree with Terrys comments - all I would say is that having owned a pair, the Korum 12' 2lb is a relative beast - one brands 2lb TC is another's 2.75 and this rod can handle a loaded 5oz feeder no probs - perhaps bear this in mind in terms of the likely fishing you'll be doing . . .(and maybe go for the 12' 1.75)
 
Bill Walford said:
Bonjour Jean-Pierre and welcome to BFW.
I’ve got to agree with all said about the test curve of the rods and personally have a preference for 12ft rods. I have a 12ft 1.75lb TC Wychwood Rogue which is an old rod but in very good condition but is gathering dust and you are welcome to have it gratis to start you off before investing in a more expensive bit of gear. If you are still living in south London I’m able to meet you somewhere on the south circular as I wouldn’t want to be bothered with couriers. If you are still a South Londoner don’t give up on the Wandle, I know it’s not the prettiest of fishing surroundings but I’m lead to believe it turns up some nice Barbel. Moving out a bit there are also Barbel to be caught on the Mole, Wey and Medway.
Regards
Bill W
Click to expand...
There's an offer... Nice one Bill
 
Wow, really amazed at all the helpful and informative responses. Really, thanks everyone!

Based on the feedback the 11ft is probably not the way to go, so 12ft it is.

@Terry Simner yes, I had heard it was a great rod and met someone on the wandle who was using one. Gave it a go and wasn’t much of a fan. Hard to put my finger on it, just a little stiffer action than I expected, even though for the money, clearly a very capable rod. As I love rolling meat and touch ledgering, where I use a weight (shot or a bomb mainly) that just holds bottom and bump it along to cover as much water as possible, sensitivity is really important. I know you get much of that through the line itself, but I noticed that often I would feel it through the rod first for some reason. With the Korum I felt I lost some of that. As for going to 12ft, I’m taking your advice and will be doing just that. Thanks.

@Huanzhou Zhu same response as above to Terry but just to admit I’m a bit of a tackle tart wanna be. Can’t quite afford the top gear, but love getting the best I can. I also have regretted all but two cheap rods I’ve purchased in the past and decided I would go straight to something I would get pleasure out of immediately. I’m not great with deferred gratification at all 😅
The reason I’m limiting myself budget wise in this instance, is that my wife is querying on if I really need the near 30 rods I have already amassed over just three years, as well as the fact I just treated myself to an Acolyte Ultra 15ft and a Wychwood River and Stream Fly Reel (as this is my first centerpin I didn’t go mad, it was only just over £50.00 in the Black Friday sales). This is for a trip down the Lower Itchen I’m planning for early January to try my hand at Grayling, a truly beautiful fish.

@Terry Harman it seems the general consensus is go for a 1.75lb and that’s what I now intend on doing. As for advice on the Lea, much appreciated; I enjoy the challenge of working out waters on my own, but if I struggle it’s great to know someone who can point me in the right direction.

@Haydn Clarke I’ll likely visit the upper Lea the most due to it’s comparative proximity, but the Great Ouse is a must, simply as I love the area. My first ever river membership was last year with the Olney and Clifton fishing association. The area was lovely and I managed to achieve the modest goal of landing a 5lb+ chub. I only made four trips there, but all were successful, apart from Barbel. The largest I landed was only slightly larger than my hand.

@Bill Walford that’s an incredibly generous offer. I’ve however made the decision to go with the Daiwa 1.75lb 12ft. I popped into a local AD store this morning and enjoyed it’s action, it felt like it could handle more than I expected. Time will tell if that was the correct decision. It was a really close call between going with it and the FS. But at £30.00 cheaper, the fact I love my two Daiwa lure rods (not that this necessarily translates across ) and I would likely not make use of the FS quiver tip, was just enough to make a final selection.

Thank you everyone for responding so quickly, I really appreciate the help and especially an offer of a free rod to boot! That’s what I call a supportive community.
 
Great stuff Jean-Pierre, I’ve never handled the Daiwa but if Graham says it’s a good choice you can be sure you’re on the mark. Good Luck with your quest and please do keep us posted 👍
Regards
BillW
 
As Hayden mentioned, for the upper Lea, 1.75 is as heavy as you'll need. Even. 1.5 may suffice. Look at the Korumm All-rounder. At £50 it's a lovely rod for the money.
 
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