I use pins with both 11ft fs seeker and torrix 1.75, personally I prefer the seeker because of the through action, makes casting of heavy lead easier. But the fast tip on torrix makes it a great rolling meat rod, it casting lead bait lead better.
I love my hexagraph no2, not the ray version but I believe the action is the same? The rod actually has a fast tip with power from middle to butt, similar to torrix IMO. The no1 is classic through action rod I’ve been told.
Will do Richard
Do you know unless you are casting some weight some distance, a Torrix does seem the perfect rod for rolling meat.
Very pleased to hear Andy Sliwa building again. I read he was reducing his builds almost to nothing. I had a 10, maybe 10.6 of his, 1 of 8 he said. Lovely guy and rod.Some really excellent posts on this thread. The wealth of knowledge, through experience, is quite staggering. Keep it up, Gents, as it makes wonderful reading. Actually surprised this thread has kept going - usually a closed-season topic!
I have nothing to add other than catching a big barbel using a 'pin on a through-actioned rod is really like nothing else. So much control and 'feel'. One can almost anticipate each run of the fish. I use braid, which, in my humble opinion, accentuates all in the previous sentences.
I spent a small fortune during the closed season on a pair of custom rods and two new shimano fixed spool reels. Albeit lovely rods (Evoke blanks made up by Andy Sliwa - who I can't recommend highly enough) and super smooth reels - I've used them twice this season out of three sessions, and felt like I'd almost betrayed my soul! Anyway, enough of that!
Yes, I had one too (the 10' 6" Dave Mason). Very nice rod and now in the hands of the son of one of BFW's regular posters.
He told me he is doing 6 per year…hopefully he’s 10.6 stalker will show up one day.
I recall he said the blanks he got from the US were now uneconomical to import hence no more 10.6 but hopefully that is now resolved.
All the years I have used a pin, I have never had sore knuckles... I must be using them wrongI used a pin once whilst stalking, everything was fine and enjoyed the fight catching a 9lber. After returning the fish safely, I remembered my hand was smarting a bit, looked at my knuckles and realised the pins handles had wrapped them. Bloody hurt!
Paul are they the Chimera Avon rods or the DT Avon special rods that you use? As I have both and have only used the Avon special for barbel and the chimera once for chub. And was wondering wether the chimera Avon would be up to the job?
Been eyeing some lighter Chimeras on ebay and i'm wondering the same?
The rods are the the chimera Avon's. on first impressions, you think it is not powerful enough for big barbel, but as I said, they are deceptive. with balanced tackle I don't feel that they can't do the trick.
As I just replied to Jim
No unfortunately not. There will be no more 10’6 so i’m told. I missed out on an offer of having the last blank built because i missed the email. Bloody annoyed with myself!
That's a shame. They had a very good reputation.
My 2 Roger peregrine GTI's turned up late last evening so haven't had the chance to look at them yet.Some really excellent posts on this thread. The wealth of knowledge, through experience, is quite staggering. Keep it up, Gents, as it makes wonderful reading. Actually surprised this thread has kept going - usually a closed-season topic!
I have nothing to add other than catching a big barbel using a 'pin on a through-actioned rod is really like nothing else. So much control and 'feel'. One can almost anticipate each run of the fish. I use braid, which, in my humble opinion, accentuates all in the previous sentences.
I spent a small fortune during the closed season on a pair of custom rods and two new shimano fixed spool reels. Albeit lovely rods (Evoke blanks made up by Andy Sliwa - who I can't recommend highly enough) and super smooth reels - I've used them twice this season out of three sessions, and felt like I'd almost betrayed my soul! Anyway, enough of that!
You could always bid me?
MintedMy 2 Roger peregrine GTI's turned up late last evening so haven't had the chance to look at them yet.
I heard some good things about these rods, and looking forward to using these with some centre pins that Gary at mill tackle built for me.
From what I read very desirable and therefore correctly expensive. I have still a small wish list.But I am never never never ever buying any more rods. However, I still have a pulse.You could always bid me?