A really light float rod?

[sam vimes]

I'm toying with the idea of buying a really light float rod. It's for stillwater roach fishing, with the roach going to decent sizes. It's got to be an absolute maximum of 13', but shorter might be handy. I'm finding that even a standard match waggler rod, barbless hooks and the jag, jag, jag fight of decent roach are not the perfect recipe.

I've had a good search round the net and there appears not to be a great deal out there. However, a couple of candidates have come to mind, though I'm not going to prejudice the thread by naming them.

I'm not averse to the prospect of buying an old rod second hand (without paying a fortune), but I'm not particularly interested in any rod with sliding ring reel fittings.

Looking forward to seeing the suggestions.

 

[S-Kippy]

Drennan Matchpro Ultralight. Look no further.

 

[trotter2]

Drennan ultralight

 

[binka]

Looks as though the Drennan will be a firm favourite.

I've never held the Drennan but I would like a close look at one, the Hardy Specialist Float 13' is an incredibly forgiving rod even in the middle blank which seems to match the softness required with the right balance of power lower down when needed.

Usually one or two knocking about on ebay.

 

[Keith M]

13ft Drennan acolyte Ultra.

 

[Mr Cholmondeley-Corker (PaSC)]

Another one for the Drennan Matchpro Ultralight - great rod.

 

[S-Kippy]

Looks as though the Drennan will be a firm favourite.

I've never held the Drennan but I would like a close look at one, the Hardy Specialist Float 13' is an incredibly forgiving rod even in the middle blank which seems to match the softness required with the right balance of power lower down when needed.

Usually one or two knocking about on ebay.

I've got one of each. The Ultralight is unquestionably lighter in action. Both pull wonderful curves and are a pleasure to use but for roach its the Ultralight for me every time.

 

[binka]

I've got one of each. The Ultralight is unquestionably lighter in action. Both pull wonderful curves and are a pleasure to use but for roach its the Ultralight for me every time.

I can see I'm going to have to have a serious waggle of one of these Skip

 

[itsfishingnotcatching]

I've always found the Drennan Floatmaster a really good rod, personally I prefer it at 13'0 over 15'0 and it's the sole reason I haven't treated myself to an Acolyte. However I suspect it's discontinued and a quick search hasn't revealed any on tinternet. I have been delighted with the Supero I bought last year and would definitely recommend the 11'6 (can't comment on other lengths) .Don't think I'd pay full price for it though

 

[The Sogster]

Matchpro ultralight, an absolute joy to use.

 

[dorsetandchub]

Can only agree - the Matchpro is a peach at 14ft. Can hold it all day on the river. As Skippy rightly said - class piece of kit for roach.

 

[sam vimes]

Just to clarify, I'm talking about light in action, not weight.

 

[S-Kippy]

I can see I'm going to have to have a serious waggle of one of these Skip

Ultimate float rod for "light" work IMO, Steve. Hasn't the grunt to be my 1st choice for anything other than the odd bonus [say] tench but for roach,crucians,school tench,perch etc on light bottoms its the kiddy. I wouldn't use it on a river of any size or power....then I'd have the Marksman on.

The Acolyte is even better I'm told but I see no reason to upgrade as I think Mr Drennan got this one spot on. Possibly my favourite float rod...a joy to use and very forgiving. Absolutely perfick for roach.

Not really a load of money for such a good rod either. All things are relative I know but I bought mine on a whim and don't regret a single penny of it.

---------- Post added at 16:35 ---------- Previous post was at 16:33 ----------

Just to clarify, I'm talking about light in action, not weight.

Its both my old mate. Honestly...I think this is just what you're looking for.

 

[trotter2]

Sam the ultralight is a very light action match rod, slightly lighter in action than an acolyte.

Pop into darlo tackle shop and have a wiggle :thumbs:

 

[Mark Wintle]

I use a Normark Microlite 2 and it's brilliant for exactly the sort of fishing you're describing.

 

[hawb811]

drennan do a 13 foot silverfish rod, I have used one on a couple of occasions and had plenty of silvers and small carp,it is a really nice rod to use, casts well and plays well, I have just bought the matchpro ultralight but have not used it yet

 

[tigger]

I use a Normark Microlite 2 and it's brilliant for exactly the sort of fishing you're describing.

Snap....me too . I used mine whilst grayling fishing the other day and it was perfect for them also.
I do like the drennan acolytes but the normark is a cut above them and the rest come to that.

The older daiwa amorphous and drennan im8 spliced tip rods are great. The older drennan im9's are perfect for roach also.

Forgot to mention the normark MKII i'm thinking of is the 13ft version that came out straight after the 2000 range, there was another MKII that came after the 13ft MKII but it was inferiour and came in 13 to 14ft (it had a 1ft extension), steer clear of that model.

 

[flightliner]

Decant sized roach, maximum length 13' ---- A Daiwa 11' pellet waggler could possibly fit your requirements, maybe an unusual choice/ suggestion. Lots of reasons why it may not suit, striking at distance maybe. But for short/medium range work it could just be what you're looking for.
I,ve been using such a rod for good roach on two waters, one thats tree lined with limited casting space and another where I fish mussel tight in the margins for some above average roach but with a possibillity of a rogue carp--- coupled with hi tech lines it's prooved itself a most usefull bit of kit.

 

[sagalout]

Drennan Matchpro Ultralight.

I agree, I just bought a 12 foot one for roach fishing, even skimmers put up a fight, it is amazing. I have exclusively used pellet wagglers 10, 11 and 12ft for all my fishing over the last couple of years the drennan is much lighter in action.

 

[binka]

a couple of candidates have come to mind, though I'm not going to prejudice the thread by naming them.

C'mon Sam don't keep us all in suspenders, what are your two candidates?