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trotting rod

Gentlemen, I've been following this thread with interest. I have a Drennan Power Float 13footer. I've used it a few times and had loads of chub up to 5lb on it but never a barbel. This is probably due to lack of knowledge/impatience on my part. I intend to put that right this season and when this bloody heatwave ends and we have some rain will give it another go. I didn't think my rod was suitable for catching barbel until I watched a youtube video by Mark Tunley titled 'Leverage'. Have a look. You might save a few quid as that soft rod you own could be ideal.

Here's the link

Nick
 
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Thanks Nick
A very interesting video
Re your Drennan power float rod. I sold one a few years ago to a friend who thinks it great for Barbel and Chub.
He likes it so much I managed to find another one and was hoping to try it out on the Wye the week after next but
with the heat and water levels I will not be going.
It will be interesting to hear your thoughts once conditions have improved and you get to use it.
Mike
 
Peter Fietsch said:
Ďefinitely not the rod for you the Acolyte is designed for matchmen for dace roach and chublet fishing.No where near powerful enough
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Do you own / have you used one? Strange comment as I’ve had the odd barbel and plenty of chub on my acolyte float rods without issue.

My “out and out” Barbel float rods are Shimano Beastmasters, 13ft for waggler (I’d prefer 14ft, but waiting for one to come up) and 15ft for bolo/avon/stick.
 
Richard Isaacs said:
Yeah I bet they are lovely rods for that job.
Connoisseurs were always great. Bit more stepped up on line recommendation too.
I was going to get one myself but bought a spectron xp 14 footer off a member here which is ideal for barbel
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Be interested to hear how you get on with the Spectron as I've recently got one.
My go to 'fish for anything' trotting rod has been the Drennan IM9 Classic for many years..........best rod I've probably ever owned but the extra foot on the Diawa could help.
Roll on the Autumn 😁
 
Steve Sorrell said:
Be interested to hear how you get on with the Spectron as I've recently got one.
My go to 'fish for anything' trotting rod has been the Drennan IM9 Classic for many years..........best rod I've probably ever owned but the extra foot on the Diawa could help.
Roll on the Autumn 😁
Click to expand...
The spectron xp is definitely a totally different animal to an im9 but certainly not a replacement. It has Much more stopping power through the blank for bigger fish and snaggy areas
I absolutely love the spectrons they are one of the best range of float rods that I have ever used.

I also have the 15ft spectron competition which is more like the acolyte plus/ IM9 type power and action.
It fishes really beautifully balanced at 15ft and is a pleasure to hold all day.

The IM9 is definitely going to be better as an alrounder than the xp. The xp is really only a big fish float rod.
 
Strangely enough, a 14ft Shakespear Mach 1
5 piece. !! Its got a superb action. Their rods are very underated.
But often the 14ft Hardy.

Not used the 15ft Acolyte plus yet.

On the Trent bit I fish, anything over 10lb, given some rocks, is simply too risky when they keep low.
 
One of my float rods for barbel is the 15' Marksman Supero, very capable rod, little bit heavier than some.
 
Richard Isaacs said:
The spectron xp is definitely a totally different animal to an im9 but certainly not a replacement. It has Much more stopping power through the blank for bigger fish and snaggy areas
I absolutely love the spectrons they are one of the best range of float rods that I have ever used.

I also have the 15ft spectron competition which is more like the acolyte plus/ IM9 type power and action.
It fishes really beautifully balanced at 15ft and is a pleasure to hold all day.

The IM9 is definitely going to be better as an alrounder than the xp. The xp is really only a big fish float rod.
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Hi Richard,
First outing with the XP today and have to say it's a lot heavier than I thought (balanced with a centrepin).
I'm used to a 13footer so the extra foot doesn't help but finding it tiring.
May have to move it on......🙄

This is the model
 

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Steve Sorrell said:
Hi Richard,
First outing with the XP today and have to say it's a lot heavier than I thought (balanced with a centrepin).
I'm used to a 13footer so the extra foot doesn't help but finding it tiring.
May have to move it on......🙄

This is the model
Click to expand...
Mines the M2 although I can’t imagine there’s much in it. I don’t find it a problem with the daiwa TDX reel. I can stand and hold it no problem for a long time.
It’s not as light as my lower powered rods granted but it’s a power float rated to 10lb line so logically it’s going to be a bit beefier.
It’s definitely a specialist rod and not one that would replace my general river bashing. I use the spectron competition or Acolytes for that.
 
I’ve had a couple of barbel to 9lb on a 13ft acolyte plus from the upper lea with a foot of water on fishing the slacks laying on …. coped with them with room to spare
 
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