I am looking to buy a good..say £100 to £150..heavy float rod, mainly for chub fishing on rivers, handling lines in the region of 6 to 8lbs.
There are a number of Avon rods which would probably do the job but the Drennan Tench Float seems highly regarded.
I am not really looking for a twin tip, just a pure float rod but if the Avon top is really good then I`ll live with the quiver top.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. Dick Sims.

Have the Greys Prodigy Power Float lovely rod.
13 foot long bought for tench and Chub fishing and hopefully a Barbel soon.

There's loads of float rods designed for use with Toy Carp that will do the job.

Harrison do a Stepped Up GTi Float Rod. I have the 15ft (which is heavy, but powerful) and I like it lots. I'd like a 13ft version. You should be able to pick one of those up for £150 to £155.

I'd avoid the Avon style rods for trotting. Their through action will mean you'll miss loads of bites and the rod will be poorly balanced for holding all day.

Bryan and Matt, many thanks for your advice, much appreciated.

Matt, That was an all encompassing statement about Avon-style rods :-)

Poorly balanced?

Which one(s) have you got?

I have a pair of Bob James Twin Tip Avon Rods that are very comfortable to use.

Peter, I have a pair of Fox 1lb Specialists but I have used a few others.

My experience is that by their nature, Avon rods are through actioned, meaning a heavier tip section than your average float rod. Then add the extra weight of the larger rings and the balance isn't so good.

Of course, I haven't seen or used all Avon rods, so I'll take your experience on board.

Matt,

If you want to experience a *real* Avon style rod, then get a loan of an original Allcocks Wizard. (the original Avon rods - ask Ron :-) split Cane - a real rod!

Tell you what, I see that you are heading down to God's Country in the New Year so, e-mail me and we'll hook you for a day on the Avon or the Stour with Mark - real fishing - not that soft northern stuff.
(that was just for Ron - to see if I can get a bite:-)

Joking aside, let me know when you are coming and we'll try to get the Wessex maffia together along with out honourary members - Mark & Nigel.

Good food, hard fishing and a good craick.

That would be good!

Greys Powerfloat.
You wont go back.
I still grin like an idiot every time I use it, cos its almost too good to be true :-)

i have a maver jurassic match 13ft that does that exact job great on the river for chub and also very good on the commercials. it has a line rating up to 8lb is nice and light to hold picks the line up very quick on the strike and you should be able to pick one up for less than half your budget. i also own a maver reactorlite that falls in your budget which is a excellent rod but i still prefer the jurasic.

I've got a shimano super ultegra 14ft fast action, has caught pike (by accident) and carp to doubles, it is very comfortable with 4//5/6lb hooklenghts and there's loads of power down the middle.

there is a 12'6" drennan puddle chucker on ebay dont know what it is like but i am sure someone on here will know.