Float/Match rod options?????????

[ben cook]

I'm after a new float rod but I've got a few requirements. I don't want a commercial style carp rod. The estate lake I'm planning to use it on has Roach, Rudd, Perch and Tench to 5lb. I would also like to use it with my Speedia on the river trotting for Roach and Chub upto 5lb. I've heard good things about the Shakespeare Mach 3 13ft???????? I've also seen the deal on the link below for the TFgear Multi Match Rod.

TFGear X-Plus Match Rod - Match Fishing Rods Fishtec

Does anybody own one of these. To summarise I need a general purpose float rod for fish upto 5lb although I rarely use hooklengths lighter than 2lb.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

[Wag]

I would have a look at the Shakespeare Superteam LXL rods - 12'/16', 13'/17' or 14'/18' dual length rods are available - the 12/16 would suit the estate lake at the shorter length, and at 16' would be ideal for trotting the river. They take line up to 6 lb so should be spot on. They cost around £110 from web retailers.

[myketyke]

The Shakespeare rods are most definitely worth investigating, plus look also at the Drennan matchpro float or the floatmaster combo.You will not be disappointed.

[Bluenose]

I own a 13 ft Mach III and bought one for pretty much the same reasons you say! I think it is unbeatable value especially when compared directly to rods costing £100 more.

If I had all my gear stolen, I'd definitely buy another!

[cormorant]

another vote for the shakespeare 13ft match rod (mach 3 )you can feel a 2oz roach and land 6lb tench on it you will love it.

[Hugh Bailey 2]

Hi

Been following this thread & some others like it.

Have returned to river angling recently & am looking for a rod for trotting, but with some power - will mostly be used for roach , chub but also for the occasiaonal barbel.

I have looked at the new Daiwa Proteus 13ft (cheap) & eveyone says good things about the Shakespeare & the Drennan MK4 Tench Float (more expensive)

My question is - as a relative novice, will I really notice the differnece between say the Daiwa & the Shakespeare Mk3 or would it maybe be better to get the cheaper rod first & learn it's limitations?

[Bluenose]

Hugh, I'd suggest going to a shop which has a decent stock and comparing a few rods in the hand. In my mind the shaky's I picked up felt every bit as good as the more expensive brands with maybe one or two (£100+ price difference) exceptions. The superteam rods I felt were excellent also.

For your barbel, I have a drennan super tench float I am sure it would do as you asked.

[Ray Daywalker Clarke]

If you have the money and can find one, The Normark Titan 2000.

Take a look at the Korum range of rods, good deals around and a few rods to pick from.

[preston96]

Originally Posted by Bluenose

I own a 13 ft Mach III and bought one for pretty much the same reasons you say! I think it is unbeatable value especially when compared directly to rods costing £100 more.

If I had all my gear stolen, I'd definitely buy another!

I have to go along with this one...........tho they have changed a little and gone up a lot since we first started to recommend them

That said i did see one of the original Mach 11's ( i recommended them very much!) for the Princely sum of £39.99 on a market traders stall.......Missus was with me and i had just been in the tackle shop or i would have snapped it up!

I dont really need it but i cant resist a bargain!

[Bluenose]

I think the Mach III's can still be picked up for 60-70 rips or so. The newer version (Mach III XT I think it is) is obviously going to be a bit more expensive than a 2-3yr old model.

Hugh, I should add to my previous post, the Tench float I would say would be fine for barbel (trotting) less so the Mach III match, although there is are heavier versions available. Having said that I have had accidental carp to low doubles on my shaky using 4lb hooklinks.