• You need to be a registered member of Barbel Fishing World to post on these forums. Some of the forums are hidden from non-members. Please refer to the instructions on the ‘Register’ page for details of how to join the new incarnation of BFW...

New rod time?

Chris Bourne

Chris Bourne

Senior Member
This season i invested in chest waders and set out on float fishing for barbel.
3 sessions so far with loads of chub in the 4-5lb bracket so not complaining.
The section i fish is about 3-4ft deep and very pacy in the middle.
Fishing 7lb line and using my drennan series 7 tench and specimen float rod.
Problem im having is that in the flow of water rod seems maxed out curve wise and as the fish break surface its a stalemate and unable to gain anymore line so i think a stronger rod needed?
If it were larger sized barbel then i would have to land them near the side.
A few options im considering.
Free spirit power tamer.
Older rod of ebay such as
Leeda Blue 2 Diamond 15/18/20 ft Power Carp And Carp Waggler Rod
Korum glide.
Or the similar zoo creature model.
I fo have an old leeda assassin carp float rod ill try out today which may solve the problem.
If i decide to go new rod route are the free spirit worth the extra outlay over what i have mentioned ?
Thx
 
I use freespirit myself, good rod, a bit heavy at 15 foot but not too bad.

Another option could be the cadence 15 no 4.

Unlike feeder rod, I personally would like to handle the float rod in person before I make any decisions.
 
Was surprised how undergunned the drennan tench rod felt with a decent chub.
For next few sessions i will first experiment with the leeda rod and maybe even An avon type rod.
Just seen the thread on trent float rods so lots of info to mull over.
 
Don’t buy blind with a rod like this. Especially if your buying something of 15ft or more.
Get out there and handle them, put your reels on them and get line through them before committing.

at 15ft there really starts to become some separation between something that’s balanced and comfortable and crisp and something that’s just an overweight, nose heavy, slouch.

If your going to buy “eBay used” obviously that’s a little more tricky and my recommendation as a reasonably safe bet is daiwa.
Look for xtra power versions of older daiwa models and that would be a fantastic barbel float rod albeit these are 13/14 feet usually.

Buying new….. I doubt I’d be a lot of help here because my vote would be free spirit Hi s special power. Fortune …. Yeah but made exactly for the job!
 
10 chub. Nice going. I’m surprised the barbel didn’t get in on that action. They often give the chub a nudge out after a bit of feed has gone in.
 
On this stretch at the moment they are showing to ledgered baits but so far nothing for me on float barbel wise over 4 visits.
Have had plenty in the past so only a matter of time before they show up.
 
Chris Bourne said:
On this stretch at the moment they are showing to ledgered baits but so far nothing for me on float barbel wise over 4 visits.
Have had plenty in the past so only a matter of time before they show up.
Click to expand...
If you’ve had them in the past on this section then as you say it’s only a matter of time.
Glad you found a more suitable rod
 
Simon Rolph said:
I’ve been using a Mark Tunley 13’6 Specialist Float. Absolutely superb rod. Great fun playing chub and barbel upto double figure with plenty of power in reserve. Well worth the money. Well designed and built by one of the best Harrison rod builders and a really nice guy Great info on his website
Click to expand...
Is it nice and light Simon?
I don’t know why Mark limits his float rod lengths to 13/14 feet. He did the same with the dark carbon range and I’d never have another GTI again.
I might get on to him and tell him he needs a 15’6 to accompany his 13’6 if he wants to prick my ears up. 😎
 
The 13'6 is a wonderful tool. Never caught a double figure Barbel with her, but I have been down to 3lb main using her and still had lots of fun with the little Ladies and the Dace. Worth every penny.
 
Richard Isaacs said:
Is it nice and light Simon?
I don’t know why Mark limits his float rod lengths to 13/14 feet. He did the same with the dark carbon range and I’d never have another GTI again.
I might get on to him and tell him he needs a 15’6 to accompany his 13’6 if he wants to prick my ears up. 😎
Click to expand...
Hi Richard. Yes it is. I fished all day on Friday for chub and barbel on the Wye. No arm ache It’s a well built powerful rod and lighter than his specialist 1.75 rod. I had a barbel over 12lbs on it on its first time out and there was so much power in the blank that I never felt undergunned in the fast water. The fact also that the butt section extends allows it to be packed away as a 12 footer and you dont notice the extending section at all. Well worth the investment IMO
 
Simon Rolph said:
Hi Richard. Yes it is. I fished all day on Friday for chub and barbel on the Wye. No arm ache It’s a well built powerful rod and lighter than his specialist 1.75 rod. I had a barbel over 12lbs on it on its first time out and there was so much power in the blank that I never felt undergunned in the fast water. The fact also that the butt section extends allows it to be packed away as a 12 footer and you dont notice the extending section at all. Well worth the investment IMO
Click to expand...
If he brings out a longer version I’ll definitely consider having a look
Cheers
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top