Darent Valley specialist or matchpro ultralight

[Ramram]

Having had some fun using my 0.75lb Darent Valley rod for trotting on a small tributary I have mainly been catching roach around 10oz and some chub up to 2lb.

As it's a small river I'm keen to keep using an 11ft rod and have been wondering if something like a Drennan Matchpro ultralight in 11ft would be better for this stamp of fish?

I am fairly new to river fishing but thoroughly enjoying it, unfortunately I just have nothing to compare the darent rod against.

Should I splash out on a new rod?

Thanks,
James

 

[sam vimes]

My knowledge of the Darent Valley rod is minimal. I own similar light Avon type rods already so never had the need to buy. However, it's essentially a light Avon rod with an appropriately through action.

The Drennan Matchpro Ultralight is a proper float rod with a proper float rod action. As far as I'm concerned, for a trotting rod, the choice is rather obviously the Drennan.

It might be a different story had you wanted a single allround rod for a mixed bag of legering and float fishing.

 

[Ramram]

Thanks Sam this does very much make sense to me, the darent rods have been great for all-round service but very much willing to consider them as leger/avon rods that I was pressing into service for float work... I just had that nagging feeling a new rod purchase was on the cards!

Now the domino effect starts, I'll need a reel too mg:

 

[mikench]

I have this rod and like it and regard it as great value. I have had some decent fish with it both on the float and feeder! However i agree with Sam any allrounder cannot be as good as a dedicated float rod! It should also be noted that the drennen should be appreciably the better rod as its 4 times the price!

 

[103841]

I have both and the above comments are spot on. Both are good rods but the action of the Drennan is far better suited to trotting than the Darent.

 

[peter crabtree]

The 11' ultralight is a lovely bit of kit and I use mine mainly as a canal waggler rod. For trotting on a river I use either my 13' or 15' version as the extra couple of feet length give me much better control over a running stick float line.
If you progress onto wider rivers you will be better off with the extra length..

 

[S-Kippy]

I've got both rods too and I agree with what already been said. The DV is fantastic value and a terrific light avon type rod but for float work it's the Matchpro all the way. Two of the best ( of many) rods I own.

 

[robcourt82]

Like Peter I have a collection of ultralights and they are simply beautiful rods. For roach and chub they're sublime! I've even had barbel on my 13ft one.

 

[shane99]

I've got both rods too and I agree with what already been said. The DV is fantastic value and a terrific light avon type rod but for float work it's the Matchpro all the way. Two of the best ( of many) rods I own.

I also have both rods but the 12' version of matchpro. If Perching with a float in the margins I use the DV with about 4lb line as you never know the Perch of a lifetime could be next , if silvers for fun I will use the Matchpro as its just a joy to use. The DV has a bit more backbone.

You seriously asking this lot if you should splash out on a new rod ?

 

[jasonbean1]

Any river angler worth his salt can never have too many float rods!

 

[103841]

Any river angler worth his salt can never have too many float rods!

Even those like me that aren't yet worth there salt can't have too many rods either.

 

[Ramram]

Thanks for all the replies, I now have a new matchpro ultralight winging it's way to me! I'm terrible with tackle purchases, especially rods. If I see an area of my quiver is lacking then I can't help myself... glad to see you all think it's a reasonable addition Now, if only I could convince the boss of this 'need' I would'nt have to keep sneaking rods past her :wh

 

[S-Kippy]

I also have both rods but the 12' version of matchpro. If Perching with a float in the margins I use the DV with about 4lb line as you never know the Perch of a lifetime could be next , if silvers for fun I will use the Matchpro as its just a joy to use. The DV has a bit more backbone.

You seriously asking this lot if you should splash out on a new rod ?

That's precisely the sort of work that the DV excels at. I use mine for perch, crucian,big roach (hopefully) and tench. It's a little undergunned for the tench maybe but these are nuisance tench when I'm crucian fishing. For silver's etc the Matchpro is hard to beat. Best roach ( float) rod I own.

 

[S-Kippy]

Thanks for all the replies, I now have a new matchpro ultralight winging it's way to me! I'm terrible with tackle purchases, especially rods. If I see an area of my quiver is lacking then I can't help myself... glad to see you all think it's a reasonable addition Now, if only I could convince the boss of this 'need' I would'nt have to keep sneaking rods past her :wh

Enjoy ! You won't regret it. Brilliant rod.

 

[shane99]

Thanks for all the replies, I now have a new matchpro ultralight winging it's way to me! I'm terrible with tackle purchases, especially rods. If I see an area of my quiver is lacking then I can't help myself... glad to see you all think it's a reasonable addition Now, if only I could convince the boss of this 'need' I would'nt have to keep sneaking rods past her :wh

Ramram, my wife asked me what do you want for Christmas, I of course said a rod & I kid you not she said only if you sell one of your other rods - She has absolutely no concept of this forum & it wasnt a joke - Wives will not get it, ever.

Just sharpen up on your Modus operandi

 

[shane99]

Now the domino effect starts, I'll need a reel too mg:

I use a drennan FD 3000 with my Matchpro & they seem made for each other -
just saying

 

[Ramram]

I received my ultralight 11' yesterday and wow what a thoroughly awesome rod. It feels good to hold and to behold, I am definitely a fan of the graphics which is unusual for me

It pairs fairly well with a ninja 3000 and this allows my finger to reach the spool lip nicely for controlling line when trotting. It doesn't feel unbalanced but perhaps the 2500 size might be better but I really don't mind as I prefer the slightly larger spool size.

In time I think I may add an Okuma Sheffield pin, but that's for another day as I'm not wanting to complicate it all too much for now.

I'm really looking forward to getting out on the river to put it to the test!

Thanks for all the replies, you are all complicit in my worsening rod addiction now I want a 13/14 footer too :thumbs: