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Duo-lite. Avon or Specialist

Martin Stevens

Martin Stevens

Senior Member
Hi all

I have read some views on these rods on an old thread but thought I'd ask for some more to help aid me in my quest for a new rod.

The main purpose of the rod would be quiver tipping or float fishing for perch on rivers and canals. It would be good if the rod had enough backbone for decent chub should any turn up (as happened a couple of weeks ago!).

Any thoughts would be most welcome.

Cheers
Martin
 
Martin,
I'm not sure how old the threads you read were but here's a fairly recent one. Nothing has changed in a month or two so I'm not going to type it all out again. I use the Specialists for open stillwater ledgering where roach and perch are the targets but knowing that there's a chance of bigger bream, tench, chub and the odd carp is possible. The Avons I use on rivers when I'm targeting ledgered chub (or smaller) safe in the knowledge that I'll have a chance with a barbel should they turn up.

If I know that I'm going to be float fishing I'll take a dedicated float rod. Avon style rods are OK for impromptu float fishing but dedicated float rods are far better.
 
Chris Jones said:
Martin,
I'm not sure how old the threads you read were but here's a fairly recent one. Nothing has changed in a month or two so I'm not going to type it all out again. I use the Specialists for open stillwater ledgering where roach and perch are the targets but knowing that there's a chance of bigger bream, tench, chub and the odd carp is possible. The Avons I use on rivers when I'm targeting ledgered chub (or smaller) safe in the knowledge that I'll have a chance with a barbel should they turn up.

If I know that I'm going to be float fishing I'll take a dedicated float rod. Avon style rods are OK for impromptu float fishing but dedicated float rods are far better.
Click to expand...

Thanks Chris

Yes this was the thread I had read. As it wandered a bit I thought I'd try and narrow it down a bit. Your posts are quite specific, on your advice I'd probably plump for the Avon. However some of the other posts would indicate that the specialist might be OK.

I rarely float fish regularly. I normally ledger for barbel with my 1.75lb tc rods. However I also go for smaller species during the winter such as perch, roach and chub. At the moment I have plenty of rods that will cover my general barbel fishing. However, when it comes to the other stuff, I tend to use my dad's John Wilson Avon Quiver. Never had any problems with it (apart from the reel seat being a bit tight on a couple of my reels) but thought it was about time I had a rod of my own that was more suited to delicate presentation.

I do like to target specific species, however I don't fish regularly enough to look a gift horse in the mouth when it appears. As a result, while I'd like a rod more suited to smaller species I'd like a rod that can handle the odd bigger specimen if one comes along. Maybe I'd be better off with the Avon.
 
Martin Stevens said:
Maybe I'd be better off with the Avon.
Click to expand...

I appreciate that others may disagree but I'd feel that the Specialist is a little too light for river fishing. Not necessarily because of bigger leads or bigger fish being too much for it, but because I feel that a half decent flow of water loads the tip too much for decent bite detection. I don't like using rods that are bent double without a fish being anywhere near them. I know from seeing others on the bank that not everyone feels this way. Hopefully you'll get some more answers soon.
 
I would agree with Chris on his comments.
I use my specialist for stillwater perch or sedate flows on the rivers.......saying that i did accidentally catch a 13lb barbel while out chubbing though......scary!!

Steve
 
Just bought one of these specifically for perch, advertised as a carp feeder but has a lovely soft action for perch and roach with lines 3lb to 6lb. Wouldnt want to catch a carp on it, but i suppose on a clean bottomed carp puddle you'd be okay. Havent christened it yet, but i bought it on the rod action and know it will be fine. My 2nd series 7 rod, which are very good value for money. Paid £70 for mine.

http://www.gerrysfishing.com/feeder-rods/drennan-series-7-10ft-carp-feeder-2080-285-2162.php

Paul
 
Thanks for the advice guys. Finally plumped for the duo-lite Avon this morning. Hopefully I can christen it with something suitable this weekend!
 
Got the rod on Thursday. First impression was that it looked a very nice rod, but that the Avon tip was a bit stiffer than I expected.

Tried the rod out today using the quiver section. Nice action and even managed to christen it with a decent fish. Not something that can be said for many of my purchases!
 
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