Which rod????

[Matt Hudson]

Hi all,
I am thinking of buying some new rods and would appreciate advice off some of u fellow barbelers. I have been fishing the middle trent for the last 3 years using 1.75lb greys prodigys, but have started to fish the tidal,thinking of getting a new pair of 2.25lb test curves as the 1.75lbs are not really up to the job.Looked at the shimano purist multi powers or diawa twilights but cant make my mind up. If anyone has used any of these rods and could tell me what they think it would be a huge help.
Matt.

 

[Dave Wingfield]

At the risk of getting shot down in flames, can I ask why the 1.75's are not up to the job

best Regards
Dave

 

[Jason McAdam]

Hey Mat,

Peter has the daiwa twilight rods and he seems to get on with them ok.

If your looking at spending £120 on shimano rods why not get those greys x flites you like so much???

 

[Darryl Davis]

I am totally sold on my Free Spirit Specialst Adanced (I previously used Grey's Prodigy, 20 year old Harrison, North Western and even older Bruce&Walker). I found the 1.75 over-taxed with the bigger leads sometimes needed on the Tidal Trent, but well suited to all but extreme conditions on my close to home yorkshire rivers. So I (eventually) bought a pair of 2lb 4oz for it. I toyed and played with just about everything I could get my hands on; from Harrison Torrix to Daiwa to Hardy to Shimano and Korum. Never regretted it. see:
http://www.freespiritfishing.com/the-spirit-specialist-advanced-barbel-and-specialist-rods

But you buy what suits you - take your time, attach reels, thread up and play, use if you can and then decide!

 

[Derek Funcks]

Hello Mat, i've used my 2lb test Greys Prodogy in a raging river Severn, never ever felt under gunned. Also used it on the Trent without a problem.

 

[Jon Frisby]

Matt definately go for at least a 2.25 blank. You will definately use the extra power. Heard good things about the wychwood maximiser 13 foot 2.25 twin tip, and the twilight. Get in a shop and put on your heaviest feeder, check it has a good playing action and there is sufficient power coming from the butt section. Its easy for some members to say go for a 2lb tc, but can it handle a 8oz feeder, and stopping a angry barbel with 5 foot on. Think about the limit you want the rod to be subjected to. You may have to forsake some playing qualities for sheer power. Good luck and make a sound decision

 

[Andrew Boyne]

Matt - have a look at the Whychwood Maximiser 13' - it was made for the Tidal Trent - 2.5lb tc with it's heaviest tip ( the lighter is rated 2lb tc! ) and will chuck 8oz+ if needed - awesome!

 

[Jon Frisby]

Matt - have a look at the Whychwood Maximiser 13' - it was made for the Tidal Trent - 2.5lb tc with it's heaviest tip ( the lighter is rated 2lb tc! ) and will chuck 8oz+ if needed - awesome!

Thats the one Andrew...the extra length helps with the test curve IMO

 

[Andrew Boyne]

Agreed Jon - it's not much ( 12" ) but is a real bonus when trying to keep a fish away from the near margin in flood conditions when all sorts of bankside scrub is under water. 2.5lb t.c. will sound ridiculous to most Barbel anglers on small to medium rivers but the Tidal Trent is in a different league to most. Having used one they have a delightfull playing action in addition to all that casting power.