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Float rods

Adam Wylie

Adam Wylie

Senior Member & Supporter
Hi all,
what is the best rod length for float fishing on Rivers like the Trent ,12’ ,13’, 14’ or even 15 ft.
which rod would you recommend please?
Thanks in Advance.👍
 
If you are fishing from the bank, the most useful choice will depend on the depth of water in front of you. The closer the water depth is to the length of your rod, the more difficult life is. The exception might be if you are willing, or able, to use a sliding float.

However, you do need to take into account the extra headroom a longer rod needs. Be wary of overhanging trees. If all your favourite spots are tree lined, a longer rod might be a problem. Fortunately, I've not had a big issue on much of the Trent that I've fished. It's also worth bearing in mind that you may need a longer landing net handle to use in conjunction with a longer rod.

There is one other plus point for longer rods, particularly on rivers, like the Trent, where the prevailing wind is downstream. Float control can be far easier with a longer rod in less than perfect conditions.
 
I’ve always found a 13 foot rod to be a cracking length on the small rivers and streams I fish which are not particularly wide or deep and suit top n bottom float tactics wonderfully.
On larger rivers they can be problematic if fished quite a way out beyond your tip at that length in respect to keeping line nicely behind your float.
I can’t think of many places on the Trent where I’d want anything shorter than 14ft really and to be fair I’d probably go longer than that to ensure I’m well covered.
Obviously there’s lots more to consider with ifs and buts like if your able to wade out and if your fishing an inside line. How much depth you have to cast out and what you want to actually target. Weight and balance are crucial if your gonna be holding it for a number of hours.
 
As Chris said, it depends on the water depth. I am fishing a narrow stretch about 6-7m wide, but it is 14-15ft deep, so I have to go for a long rod.
Also, what species are you targeting?
 
Huanzhou Zhu said:
As Chris said, it depends on the water depth. I am fishing a narrow stretch about 6-7m wide, but it is 14-15ft deep, so I have to go for a long rod.
Also, what species are you targeting?
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And width too.
If you were fishing just 6 foot deep but your run was 20 feet out further out from your standing position then you’d also want a long rod to keep the line behind the float and prevent you pulling the float off the desired run path when holding back or reducing its pace.
 
Richard Isaacs said:
And width too.
If you were fishing just 6 foot deep but your run was 20 feet out further out from your standing position then you’d also want a long rod to keep the line behind the float and prevent you pulling the float off the desired run path when holding back or reducing its pace.
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Oh, exactly. Both depth and width matters.
 
Huanzhou Zhu said:
As Chris said, it depends on the water depth. I am fishing a narrow stretch about 6-7m wide, but it is 14-15ft deep, so I have to go for a long rod.
Also, what species are you targeting?
Click to expand...
Fish the slider, you can do it waggler style or top and bottom float. Use it regularly on the Trent. No need for a longer rod. Upstream wind use top and bottom float. Downstream use the Wag.
 
Jon Frisby said:
Fish the slider, you can do it waggler style or top and bottom float. Use it regularly on the Trent. No need for a longer rod. Upstream wind use top and bottom float. Downstream use the Wag.
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I do use slider a lot since my 15ft rod isn’t long enough. Mostly I use waggled style float, can’t find a good top and bottom float.
 
Huanzhou Zhu said:
I do use slider a lot since my 15ft rod isn’t long enough. Mostly I use waggled style float, can’t find a good top and bottom float.
Click to expand...
Have you tried the Drennan clear Pike floats with the tube down the middle. They are ideal top and bottom sliders for deep water with a big bulk down and a bead and stop knot. You can also hold them back and control them against the flow easily because of the higher bulk weight used. Do not be frightened using such a large float with lots of weight, it can aid presentation . Anglers have gone away from using plenty of weight on big floats ,something our fishing ancestors like J W Martin took for granted. I have caught small Trout on massive floats in Canada whilst fishing for Salmon. You can use sections of 4mm non Toxic Solder on a couple of tubes instead of an olivette in heavier weights like 20grm.
 
This is the float I use.
 

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Kevin Stephenson said:
Adam in my opinion there is only 1 rod worthy of consideration for the Trent Freespirit Hi S 15ft. They have ended the run on the 2 I have but should be bringing out a revised version soon. They are not cheap circa 350 but worth every penny. They handle barbel extremely well even in a strong flow.
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I heard the rumour that the new hi S float rod will not use ground blank.
 
Kevin Stephenson said:
Adam in my opinion there is only 1 rod worthy of consideration for the Trent Freespirit Hi S 15ft. They have ended the run on the 2 I have but should be bringing out a revised version soon. They are not cheap circa 350 but worth every penny. They handle barbel extremely well even in a strong flow.
Click to expand...
Would a 15 ft rod not make it a bit uncomfortable to use ? And a bit awkward when landing a fish ?
 
Adam Wylie said:
Would a 15 ft rod not make it a bit uncomfortable to use ? And a bit awkward when landing a fish ?
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My Daiwa connoisseur 17/20 gets occasional use on some of the deep swims of the Thames,it's a beast of a rod at 20ft.
I use a Preston response xs 4m landing net pole.
 
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