Shorter rod thoughts.

[no-one in particular]

I use a 12ft float rod most of the time but I am having second thoughts, often too long in cramped situations and do I really need all that rod. Looking for something 8ft 9ft max that will handle roach and bream and not struggle too much with a 5lb or 6lb fish. Nice balance with a center pin maybe, so a center pin recommendation would also help. Low end of the market, don’t want to spend much, cork handle would be nice. I nearly always float fish close in but a quiver attachment might not go amiss. Any suggestions?

 

[Philip]

This ticks most of your boxes. It comes with two tips, one is ringed for float fishing (so the marketing blurb says) although there is not allot of real difference between the two tips. Not sure I would want to use it with a centerpin for trotting but they are very good for the price.

Tackle Box Darent Valley 8ft Specialist Quiver Rod

 

[nottskev]

I fish a few little brooks and streams, especially in winter, and short rods match this type of terrain. Looking for something 8' or 9' puts you below the typical commercial-length rods, like pellet waggler or mini float rods, which are mostly 11' or 10'. Are you sure 10' is too long - it would open up some nice choices. The short rods I use on brooks are a 9'6" fly rod blank which has a "proper" cork handle and sliding bands, and an even shorter one that's useful in places where you can't raise the 9'6" rod for trees - a light lure rod that's 8'3". It's made by Savage Gear, is called something like a "multi-purpose predator rod", and is very nicely made, with a short handle, quite a fine tip and an action that's just right for fishing for small chub with lines around 4lb.

 

[David Rogers 3]

I use a vintage (1970s) hollow glass Hardy Swingtip rod for these situations and find it ideal. It has a threaded tip ring for screw-in quiver or swingtip, but I usually use it without either. I have the 8' 9" model (Hardy also made a 9' 6" version) and paid about £60 for it on eBay a couple of years ago, where they appear not infrequently.

 

[103841]

Do you know anyone living near Stoke Mark?

I have one of these Shimano BeastMaster 9ft /11ft combi float rods, it’s just the ticket when I’m chubbing on the Canterbury Stour where a shorter rod is inavalueable. I’ve never used it for silvers but reckon it’s just about sensitive enough for the task.

Shimano Beastmaster Commercial Cx9’-11’ Float | eBay

This is a bargain at under half price but not having 100% feedback it would need be a collection job.

 

[daniel121]

Personally I use 13' float rods always have and possibly always will. I have tried 15" and 17" rods in the past for deep water but I always find myself reverting back to the 13" rods.

For feeder fishing, I use 10,11,12 and sometimes 13", 12 and 13 only for running water. I must admit I do use prefer short rods for man made carp ponds. This is something I have been converted on in the last 10 years. I picked my sons Diawa 10-11 tournament rod up for a couple of casts one holiday and that was it, I had to have one however I must admit I cannot do with it what he does. Its a little too soft for me for double figure carp, but he gets carp out to 15lb quick as lighting out on it. Technique is key, there is no substitute for skill at the end of the day.

However on man made waters I still use 13" rods for the float, I have tried the shorter rods I do see the benefit, fish top closer, net quicker and all that jazz. I guess I'm just too old to change now, but fashion plays a bit part in fishing long and short rods have been in and out of fashion for years.

 

[no-one in particular]

Googled these, the beastmaster looks good although a bit pricey but a possibility, the multi-purpose lengths is attractive. The Notskev savage rod and Philllip's link also a possibility. I will have to give these a proper look, I will visit my tackle shop and see what he has, usually a good range in there.
I tried an old fly rod last time but with a fixed spool reel - all unbalanced, would be better with a small center pin but not all together keen on the idea, I have a fairly good fly rod but think I will keep it for fly fishing.
Don't want to go over 9ft, I have a Chevron 10ft winkle picker I have never used but it looks too heavy and 10ft might still struggle under some trees.
I like to travel light, one rod, one reel etc, I don't want all rods for all situations, one all-rounder might suit me more these days.
I am thinking of ditching a lot of my gear, keeping two carp rods which double up for barbel rods if I ever go again and light sea fishing, one all round short rod for coarse fishing which I do less and less of the last few years might do me. One beach caster and reel for when I get back into it as well, I have about 5 of those, dont need all this gear anymore.

I will see, thanks/like for all the posts and suggestions.