I was looking for a stalking rod to use on a couple of the waters I fish that are really overgrown, where even some of the shorter 'normal' rods were too long.
The choice came down to a couple. So off to the local tackle shop to have a look at some of the cheaper ones (I wouldn't be using it all that often) upon which I was handed this one 'just to try' - they know me soooo well! I had to pretend it was a new rod for the little'un when I got it home, after all it's only little so it couldn't have cost much!
To me the advantage of the Century rod over the others I've tried is that it really did feel like it has been designed as a 6ft rod, rather than one that has had a couple of foot chopped off 'normal' rod. Also, it didn't have too high a test curve, which I think is actually a disadvantage when fishing close.
Great for enclosed swims
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The blank has a matt finish - I'm not too fussed that carp will see the shine from a rod laying on the floor, but why risk it? Saying that, the whipping is finished of with a gloss coat….should have been satin/matt as well?
A Fuji DPS reel seat and 6 SIC rings are fitted to the rod, all properly aligned and well finished and add to the quality feel. The reel seat is placed in the right position to balance the reel (I've found the handles to be a bit short on some of the others).
The only thing I'd criticise is that it has a stainless ball cap fitted to the rod, possibly designed to fit their rear rests? It must add a fiver or so to the rod and it'll never be used. The only thing I can think of is that it improves the balance, but I think that's stretching it a bit!
I've had fish to high 20's on the rod and never felt that I wasn't in control. The tip has a lovely curve to it to cushion the fish's lunges, but has loads of power in the mid to butt section when it's needed. I think most people would be surprised how much pressure you can put on a fish when the rod is locked.
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Dave Rothery's VERDICT
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Overall, not a cheap rod and a bit of an extravagance for the occasional use, but it's a lovely rod for playing fish and something that's going to last me for years.
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