• 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...

Small River / Short Rod recommendations?

S

Steven Palmer

Senior Member
Hi All,

I'm after some recommendations for a reasonable quality rod to use on small rivers and tight swims.

9' in length would be ideal, at least 1.75lb TC and up £100 or so, I'd consider spending a little more for something exceptional 

Needs to be robust to take the knocks associated with that sort of fishing (such was the demise of my last rod).

Cheers,

Steven
 
For something exceptional I'd look at one of Bobs BFW Stalker Range. I have the 1 1/2lb tc Version and it is a superb small river rod.
Unfortunately comes in at pretty much double your budget, but worth looking at as they really are fantastic rods ! And as they say, 'Ya Get's What Ya Pays For' !
 
Steven, i had a rod made by Dave Lumb a couple of seasons ago.

It is a ten foot two piece affair, 1.75tc with a full cork handle on a Harrison blank and it is superb.

Maybe Google his web site and drop him a line, i am sure he will be able to sort you out with something.
 
Anglers Workshop (Kevin Baines) 11ft 1.5lb TC specialist number 1. Lovely soft tip with extreme power reserves and will stop any barbel that swims. Use for all my small river work and considering a custom build, not expensive either < £150.

Not sure where you live, but Kevin is based in the North Midlands (Newcastle) and he offers a try before you buy service, meaning he'll loan you a rod for the weekend ;)
 
I have just been abusing my BFW stalker, barging through balsam, knot weed and slipping down the banks twice (not for the first time either) whilst roving.

I am happy to say it has again survived without serious damage (apart from scratches).

I have no regrets with my purchase and can confirm that Bob's build quality is excellent, but others will probably disagree and the purchase of a rod is a personal matter - one man's meat is another man's poison.

With hindsight I should have paid more in the beginning and saved replacing 2 "cheaper" rods.

Dave
 
Good to see my rods are surviving. Thanks for your kind comments.
I've made a number of the 3 piece 9' 2lb stalkers which people seem to also like.
So whoever the builder, it might be worth taking a look at these 9 footers.
Cheers
Bob
 
Thanks Gents, enough recommendations there to keep me busy researching for a couple of weeks before I buy 

Cheers,

Steven
 
Most of the above options will be out your price range. I bought a 10ft spinning rod built on a harrison blank on ebay and its the perfect stalking rod... Go down that route if you want to save the pennies. I also have a 10ft stalker 1.75tc built Mark Tunley which is brilliant. YAC stalkers appear on ebay every now and again and also excellent.
 
Look in BFW classified , there is a good rod in there for sale , but maybe 11 foot is too long . The rods are vey nice though
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top