Recommend me a float rod please

[Garfie]

After thinking about anAvon rod and getting some great advice from you guys I have decided to go for a separate float rod now and get a feeder rod at a later date.

Can I have some recommendations on a good float rod for commercial fisheries with carp up to 18lb (more often 5-10lb) and a selection of reasonable sized tench and bream?

Budget for the one rod ideallyaround £40-£70

Ones I have seen are:

Drennan series 7 power carp float £80

Fox challenger 13' float rod (medium version) £63

Greys Prodigy Power float £90

Shimano Hyperloop AX Match 390FA £36 (might be too lightweight)

Shimano Catana BX Match 390FA 13' £48

Shimano Nexave AX Match390FA13' £68

Maver Genesis Power Match 13' £45

Maver Match this Dual Action (twin tip) £90 (rrp £170)

Any help greatly appreciated /forum/smilies/smile_smiley.gif

 

[EC]

For what its worth I have a shimano Ultegra 14ft FA and have landed carp to 14 on it, although its not one of the models you mention, the shimano FA rods are strong andI reckon would suffice but having said that I have recently picked up the drennan power float, and for 80ripsI reckon its superb value for money.

Unless one of the regulars here is a tackle dealer Garfie, I doubtmany will have picked up more than two of those rods you mentionbut check out the user reviews thoughmate, and get down to your tackle shop and see what he has to offer!

 

[EC]

Rave reviews about this shimano, good price too, am sure you'll still be able to pick one up dead cheap.

 

[Garfie]

Cheers Eddie,

Can't say I have seen the Shimano Ultegra about but will have a look.

The Drennan Power does seem good and will take 3-7lb line and should be up to the job.

I'm taking a trip to the local tackle shop in a bit (its only 5mins round the corner) but if they dont have what I want I need to order one online today so 'hopefully' I can get it for this weekend.

Any other suggestions/recommendations welcome

 

[EC]

The ultegracost over a ton mate, am sure you'll get something just as good for half that price now.

 

[Garfie]

The Shimano Hyperloop is one I have spotted and as you say has several good reviews but I am just wary of its up to the job should I hook a bigger carp?

 

[EC]

To be honest mate, float rods arent made for hooking and landing massive beasts.

Fellas who have reviewed that rodhavecaught doubles using it, and I reckon this is the best you can expect from any float rod. Getting the real lumps in will depend on a bit of skill playing the fish and a bit of luck also.

I'd read what each angler has to say about it, its not that often you get 10 reviews on one product where every person who has reviewed it is singing its praises. One fella says argos had them for £23, either way you'll have plenty of change left over to go towards that feeder rod you want!

 

[Garfie]

Fair point mate.

It seems a good rodalthough as my budget can go a bit higher I was looking at the slightly higher up Shimanos like the Catana and Nexave. Shame there isn't the handfull of reviews on them.

I just am wary of buying a 'cheaper' Shimano when my budget will allow me to go for a rod a bit higher up in their range.

 

[EC]

See if you can get to a stockist then mate, and compare a few!

 

[Garfie]

Right, just been to the tackle shop and really like the look/feel of the Drennan Series 7 rods.

Not keen on the Shimano's suprisingly.

They have a 13' Drennan Competition Float rod, the 13' Carpwaggler rod and the 13' Carp powerwaggler rod.

I am wondering if the Competition float rod will be strong enough (Recommends 2.5 to 5lb line) or would I be better going for the carp waggler rod (3 to 6lb line)?

I'd say 70% of the fish I catch are carp.

Anyone with any thoughts on these?

 

[BIG N]

Garfie

Try looking for one of the Garbolino Knock Out rods (2lb - 6lb line).

They are cheap and i've had 6lb carp on them on the pellet waggler and it handled them with ease, the 13ft version is around £30 and some shops even offer a reel with the rod for the same price!!

 

[stikflote]

the greys rod will be the strongest and it comes with a lifetime guarantee,its def worth a second look ,ive got two greys rods a 13 15 float and a barbel rod cant fault them

 

[theirwellkid]

i have to agree with stickfloat on this one. greys rods are immence! strength, reliability &power. playing agood fish on a greys rod cant be matched.

the unconditional guarantee sells it. its well worth the extra few quid to get a rod which will last you a lifetime. dont rush into it and save up if you have to.

 

[noel]

Hi check out the activa range of rods at dragon carp direct at around £40 they were given good reviews in iycf cheers noel

 

[JUZ]

The drennan power float is a great rod plenty of power yet not too stiff. Also not too expensive.

 

[PIKE AND PERCH HUNTER]

SHAKESPEAR XK 4000 MATCH IS A GOOD FLOATING ROD QUITE STIFF AND HAS A BRILLIANT CAST

 

[Rich P]

Daiwa Proteus 14ft Power match has a line rating of 3-10lb. Ideal for you, I'd say. I use it for stick float work on a river. It's a beauty and at around £45 is also a bargain.

I'm a fan!

 

[TIDALWAVE]

Garbolino Knockout waggler rods,i have the 12ft version,and it is a cracking rod.

 

[geminus]

Have a look at the rod at the bottom of this link http://www.fishingmegastore.com/acatalog/Match_Rods.html I had a look a one today 1.5lb tc ideal for tench. bream and carp.

Don't be put off by the price feels and looks a good rod even got sic eyes??

 

[Garfie]

Thanks for all your help and advice folks.

After spending some time in my local tackle shop and speaking to a member of staff there I decided to go for a Maver Genesis 13ft Float rod.

Main reasons were that I had to reassess my budget a bit and the only two rods I really liked the look and feel of were the Maver and the Drennan Competition Float rod. What won it for the Maver was that it was half the price of the Drennan but didnt feel half of the rod the Drennan was.

I have only fished with it for a few hours as yet but first impressions are really good. Landed a 4lb Common on it and it handled it with ease but still gave me lots of fun trying to tire it out in a small water.

I'll get some more use from it then report back later

Thanks again.