The most recent rod I posted about was a 8ft Darent Valley rod that has two tips, one a standard quiver tip and the other a tip for float fishing or spinning. So far I have only used the quiver tip section and can’t personally say how good it is for spinning. I have seen another guy who posts on here uses one and he seems quite impressed.
I started spinning/lure fishing during the Autumn. I found it difficult to source any decent gear anywhere during lockdown. I bought an Advanta lure rod from angling direct as it seemed just about the only one available locally and for about thirty quid I was impressed how well it performed for such a reasonable price.
I remembered a thread by a member who used to post on here named Derek Gibson. Derek had a huge reputation as a top pike angler and he started a thread on here, I think it was called;”Big pike are not hard to catch”, it takes some wading through, but as a source of information it is first class. I never met Derek in the flesh, but he was a genuinely nice approachable guy. Sadly he passed away a few years ago. Inspired by him I bought a Free Spirit jerk bait rod and a decent Daiwa Tatulla multiplier.
I had ordered a lightweight rod from Ali Express when I found it almost impossible to get any spinning gear from tackle shops in this country, however I couldn’t wait for it to arrive, hence the trip to Angling Direct. I ordered a brand called Sea Knight but had to wait there weeks for it to arrive from China. It cost around forty pounds and to be honest has been absolutely superb, in fact it is the best of the bunch for it’s intended purpose. I bought it for light lure work and I have had numerous perch and plenty of pike into double figures.
This is the Sea Knight rod that I paired with a Shimano Katana 1000 size that I stumbled upon in my loft. I filled it it with some Savage gear braid in green. If I was to do so again I would choose a bright yellow coloured braid.
This is my Free Spirit Jerk bait outfit. It casts very well, but it is a specialised bit of kit. The reel is loaded with fifty pound braid. Again I would have chosen a brighter braid if I knew how much easier it makes casting etc. You may think the line is overkill, but with the price of the larger lures it is better to straighten the hooks than lose the lure in a snag.
This is the Advanta rod which I paired with a Shimano Twin-power reel that I already had. The reel is loaded with 20lb yellow braid which I like, as it stands out against the far bank and trees.
I have been pleased with all three rods and they have all met my expectations. What I would say is that there is no rod that will fit every situation. Jerk bait rods are a specialised bit of kit and really only for casting heavy lures or large spinner baits.
The most enjoyable method, for me at any rate, has been light lure fishing using the light rod from Ali Express, 10lb braid and jelly worms on Jig heads. I will probably wait until Autumn and then start again.
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