The Beastmaster AX Commercial Floatcast Rods

BMAX13CFC Beastmaster AX Commercial 13′ Floatcast

A 13ft casting rod that still retains a continual action. This rod will easily cast a bagging waggler XXyds but cushions any run or lunge when playing and landing bigger fish that are becoming more widespread in fisheries today.

BMAX12CFC Beastmaster AX Commercial 12′ Floatcast

The 12ft Floatcast is one of the most versatile rods in the range. A big wag rod but in a convenient 2 piece set-up. Doubles as a big fish pellet rod retaining the action that will cushion every lunge but with that bit more power to use heavier lines and land fish quicker.

Verdict

When I got the chance to get my hands on this rod, I was intrigued to see if it would stand up to the hype. I do plenty of heavy float fishing for carp to low doubles, good size tench and bream on stillwaters, and chub on rivers. This type of fishing demands the use of five or six pound line yet enough finesse to control floats and hit bites. Would the Beastmaster be up to the job?

I’m pleased to say that so far it has been a joy to use. I have yet to do any trotting but will put that right in the next month or so but with some easy lake fishing around I’ve had a chance to test it out on carp to twelve pounds, bream to six pounds plus other smaller crucians and tench. I’ve coupled it with both a small Stradic 2500 fixed spool with six pound line and a Rapidex centre-pin loaded with five pound line. Both fitted snugly on the handle.

One thing you notice about the handle is its shortness that makes for easy handling as well as taking full advantage of the entire rod’s length. The loading in the butt is variable and I have yet to decide whether to remove some weight or not. That will come when I try using it for much more active fishing on the rivers for which it should be ideal.

Like the best modern rods, it feels crisp for casting yet has enormous reserves when playing fish. It is the 2008 equivalent of an Avon rod yet far more versatile and light to handle with the extra length for float fishing. I suspect that the test curve, if you could measure it with a rod of this type, is close to that of the original Avons at about a pound. Certainly, I took the opportunity to really test this rod’s playing power when I hooked a couple of bigger carp at eight and twelve pounds apiece. It certainly bends progressively, soaking up the pressure from scrapping carp. I have visions of using it for float fishing for barbel when the opportunity arises.

It comes with Velcro rod bands and a soft rod case for keeping it made up with reel attached. For the modern match angler who needs a rod already made up that’s ideal although I fish a far greater variety of venues and will retackle each time.

An excellent choice if you are looking for a power float rod that won’t lock up, and versatile enough to use and abuse for a variety of situations away from carp-filled commercials. It looks like my old Normark Specimen float rod just got made redundant!

10/10