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Test curves

Glyn Warwick

Glyn Warwick

Member
I currently fish small rivers/ streams with my Free Spirit River Tamer 11' 1.5lb test. I love this rod and it's action, have caught low doubles and it handles them perfectly.
My question is . I am now planning a few trips to the River Trent. I would like opinions on rods/test curves you guys feel should suffice, probably thinking non tidal stretch but would like advice for tidal as well.
I would like to to think 12' 1.75lb would handle non tidal stretches. Or should I just go bigger?
Thanks Glyn
 
Glyn Warwick said:
I currently fish small rivers/ streams with my Free Spirit River Tamer 11' 1.5lb test. I love this rod and it's action, have caught low doubles and it handles them perfectly.
My question is . I am now planning a few trips to the River Trent. I would like opinions on rods/test curves you guys feel should suffice, probably thinking non tidal stretch but would like advice for tidal as well.
I would like to to think 12' 1.75lb would handle non tidal stretches. Or should I just go bigger?
Thanks Glyn
Click to expand...
It really depends on where you want to go because there are areas of the non tidal Trent where you’ll get a couple of ounces to hold no problem and other areas where 4-5 oz plus might be required. A good all round test curve rod for the middle and upper Trent which would also cover some nsl tidal work would be something around 2.25lb
 
It really depends on you're style of fishing, if you're only lobbing 2to4oz short then 1.75 will be more than adequate, if you're chucking 3 to 6 oz then 2.25 would be good.
But if you're on the tidal you may need to step up a little.
But the main determining factor is the beast itself, I e. Trent.. so if you're looking for an all rounder ? .
Id consider a couple of options.
I'm sure the guy's in here will give good advice.
Good luck in your foray to the mighty!
 
In normal middle and Tidal, conditions a 1.75 will suffice... however, you will eventually be found out... so as Richard says 2.25 best bet given conditions. It's a difficult one as I met a mate a few weeks on the TT and he bagged a good 14lber, no probs on a 1.75 with maybe 5 foot extra on...
 
Glyn Warwick said:
I currently fish small rivers/ streams with my Free Spirit River Tamer 11' 1.5lb test. I love this rod and it's action, have caught low doubles and it handles them perfectly.
My question is . I am now planning a few trips to the River Trent. I would like opinions on rods/test curves you guys feel should suffice, probably thinking non tidal stretch but would like advice for tidal as well.
I would like to to think 12' 1.75lb would handle non tidal stretches. Or should I just go bigger?
Thanks Glyn
Click to expand...
100% go bigger. A 1.75 will land any barbel that swims but it won't be anything like man enough for 85 % of Middle Trent fishing, especially in winter. Realistically you want a 2.25 for the middle reaches, possibly more for the tidal, but that is predominantly for chucking the weights required to hold bottom.

My middle Trent rods are cheap Fox 2.25s, they are very stiff and I don't like playing fish on them under the tip at all. They are just tools, they will put a 6oz+ lead and big bag over 40 yds when necessary without any issues.

Another benefit to these rods is they cost £120 for a pair. I abuse them a lot and if I do break one it's not the end of the world. I'd hate to do what I do to them with expensive rods if I'm honest.
 
Thanks for the replies so far guys. Pretty much what I was thinking. Probably go for 2.25lb although seen nice Cadence 2lb test. Currently lobbing 1.5oz leads with a small mesh bag of pellets a few yards so looking forward to tackling the Trent. Although I'll still be looking to lob if possible 😂
 
I had a Darent Valley rod a few years back and sold it on. The blank was ok but the handle was a thin veneer of cork over what looked like white foam pipe lagging.
 
Have a wander down the riverbank and see what other anglers are using. You could always use light carp rods f you have them.

Nick
 
Nick Horton said:
Have a wander down the riverbank and see what other anglers are using. You could always use light carp rods f you have them.

Nick
Click to expand...
To be honest I don't think light carp rods have quite the action needed but that's only my opinion. I'll probably get the wad out of the wallet and get some Free Spirit Barbel tamers 😁 😁
 
I fish the middle quite often, generally speaking 1.75lb is ok for summer but a bit of water on it will catch you out and you’l soon be under gunned. These days I just use 2.25lb and step up to 2.75 when it’s pushing through hard, no fun being under gunned on the Trent.
 
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