I'm in the market for a new float rod post Xmas and I'm surprised at the line ratings that are being quoted. It's common to see very wide ranging line ratings, such as 2-6lb or 3-10lb and rods being touted as all-rounders but can a rod be an all-rounder? Can a single rod be comfortably used to fish light stillwater blues for small roach and rudd, and then used the next day to fish avons in a fairly brisk current for chub and barbel?
All rounders
- Thread starter mol
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barbelboi
Well-known member
There's a reference to this on I think it's the perch thread, but a vote for another harrisons blank, built by Kev Baynes, the 'Specialist' as it's called. This is a very versatile bit of kit, not strictly a float rod, or leger rod either, but it does work from one extreme, 1.5lb bs to the other 7-8lb bs!
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barbelboi
Well-known member
Yep, I've got a couple of Specialists Eddie, brilliant rods but I've never used them with a float - maybe I'm missing something.
Jerry
sam vimes
Well-known member
your call Sam
Jerry
Nah, I'm not convinced that true alrounders exist, though some do make a better stab at it than others. If I really believed in such allrounders I wouldn't have quite as many rods as I do.
Best to prioritise the main use. If it's mainly for bit bashing with the occasional foray for the big stuff, get a decent match rod. If it's mainly for big stuff with the occasional bit bashing session, get a quality specimen/carp/tench/barbel float rod or stepped up match rod.
Kev leant me one on a 'try before you buy' basis Jerry.
I took it down the local river using 2lb hooklinks and it was fine with bits and net chub.
It wouldn't be my first choice as a float rod but as a rod which will not just cope, but actually perform with a variety of hooklengths, I've not seen or used anything better!
I took it down the local river using 2lb hooklinks and it was fine with bits and net chub.
It wouldn't be my first choice as a float rod but as a rod which will not just cope, but actually perform with a variety of hooklengths, I've not seen or used anything better!
barbelboi
Well-known member
Well Eddie, I'm always up for a bit of experimenting and 'do something different' I can't see the 'Specialists' out performing the GTI or Avenger for trotting but it is a great free liner and I'll give it go with some sticks just for the hell of it.
Jerry
Jerry
I agree totally mate. The rod I believe was developed for rivers like the upper severn whereby anglers could float fish some swims then whip the float off and use the rod top/touch ledger in others!
The only rods that I can genuinely call allrounders are the preston excel range they really can handle everything and are well worth the money!
Mark
Mark