Darent valley 13ft specialist float

[Steven Ballard]

Hi all, after a float rod to target barbel. I have a 14ft acolyte plus, but do not care what anyone says, I won’t entertain fishing for barbel with it. It just hasn’t got the back bone for big fish in running water. Any reviews on the darent valley 13ft specialist float? Want something capable that won’t break the bank. TIA

 

[Steven Ballard]

Or does anyone know what the fox barbel eos float are like?

 

[Peter T Thomas]

Hi steve does it have to be 13 ft i do have diawa theory specialist brand new for sale 1.5 tc

 

[Peter T Thomas]

Sorry this rod is 12 ft avon also has quiver top with white carbon tips unused

 

[Dave Brooksbank]

SOLD Daiwa Spectron XP 14'

£100 OVNO + Postage Excellent Condition I have only used it twice, purchased from eBay so dont know the full history. Can be collected from Buckden Cambridgeshire

barbel.co.uk

 

[Peter Brownbill]

Drennan power float 13 ft if you can get one

 

[Paul Collins]

I'm in the same boat. I've been using a Drennan Carp waggler 13' and that is very capable of handling Barbel. I use it for Salmon. Also comes in the compact format as a bonus.
It was a quickly needed replacement for the Tench and specimen rod I broke the tip on and I'd be happy with either, the Carp waggler is slightly beefier and a little heavier.
Undoubtedly the Drennan Super Tench 12'9" is even better than both, and I do have a few but the compact format sways me to the above.
I'm first in the queue for an Acolyte power float rod if they introduce one and an Avon come to that.

 

[Dave Quinn]

There’s a mkiii drennan tench float on eBay atm.

 

[John Newman]

I have one of those rods and so far have only used it to trot for smaller fish. I don't think it has the power to deal with barbel though.
I like the fact it is a two piece rod so I can easily carry it made up and amuse myself catching silvers before I settle down to an evening after the barbel. Quality for the price is excellent.

 

[Bill Walford]

Hi Steven,
You’ll find the quality of The Darent Valley range of rods first class as John has indicated. I’ve the 12ft and that would definately struggle with a Barbel but has been great for Tench in recent weeks. As said above if you can find a Drennan 13ft Power Float...I managed to tame this with my Drennan and a centrepin with .22mm Silstar Match Team line while float fishing for Tench a couple of years ago. Will it tame a Barbel ? I’ll let you know when get to the Wye