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Rod advice.

P

Paul Deans

Senior Member
This next season I shall be spending much of my time on a small snaggy river, pretty much hook and hold most of the time.

Having a couple of visits last season, a 12ft rod was a massive hinderence as the banks are very overgrown with over head tree cover in most swims and very little room.

I have a 1 1/2lb 11ft Harrison blank, great little rod, but I feel it may be a little soft and "undergunned" for the challenge, but bang on with the length (as yet only used it for single figure carp).

If I need to go for a bigger test curve it would have to be a used rod as finance is tight.

Would you go up in the test curve gents ?

And if so, any suggestions on a make or model ?.

May be a bit of a duff question, but if I dont ask, I wont learn.

Regards, Paul.
 
I would personally go for a 1.75 or 2lb tc stalker rod. I had a truely superb 10 ft Harrison 1.75 stalker that did me well in situations and swims like you describe landing barbel up to 12lb+ in flood conditions with a 'pin.
 
I searched for a stalker rod for my lad, looked at the peregrine and the Teme Severn but ended up getting him the new 11ft Fox FX 1.75/2.25. Really impressed with it, much better than my older Fox rods and spec not unlike my custom build rods.

Stephen
 
If you can get hold of a Harrison snag & flood rod:) they are 11ft 6" & would be perfect for what you described..The stalker rods are ok but the extra length allows you to keep the fish away from bankside snags..you should be able to pick one up second hand for £80/£100. Good luck.
 
That's an interesting one. I fish the river you (don't!) mention regularly and i use my 12ft Torrix 2lbtc. Although there are a couple of swims i fish that require an awkward manufactured cast due to overhanging trees, i still prefer to have the extra foot to try to keep fish out of near bank snags.

I don't think the 2lbtc is overgunned at all, its nice springy action is effective for hit and hold.
 
Very subjective topic and in the lucky position of having most of the Harrison rods mentioned. Fishing smaller rivers then the 11' 1.75 or 2lb Torrix(my personal favourite) are the ones that come out. Have adapted both of the ones mentioned for plug in quivers as well.
Cheers
Bob
 
I have a pair of Anglers Workshop Specialist No 1 rods (11ft 1.5lb TC), which are built by Kevin Baines (Newcast-under-Lyme). They have very soft tips and serious power reserves lower down (they are not pokers). When I bought the first one, I put 13lb of pressure on the hook (attached to scales) in Kevin's workshop, and there was still some in reserve.

I absolutely adore the rods and use them for all my small - medium river work, including my local and snaggy River Dane.

Cost is < £150, and Kevin offers a try before you buy service. Anglers Workshop can be contacted on 01782 561 515 (afternoons).

Neil

Edit: Kevin builds on Harrison blanks, some of which are unique to him.
 
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Harison do a1.75 TC S/U Avon blank at 11 foot [ GTI ? ] I reckon that would do for the scenario described . Like Steve says , I reckon with a bit of hunting about you should be able to find one for around the £100 mark . Good luck
 
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