13 FT Rod WHICH ONE.

Guy Morris · May 1, 2010

hello again,
In the past i have had some great advice and tips, from people who are out there using the kit.
I am after a 13ft, (3 piece?) rod, to go with a Youngs Pin, i hope that it can float fish small stillwater venues in the better weather, and then in turn be used on rivers in the winter. Is there such a allrounder??
I am not worried about price too much as i am after just a Single good quality rod, which is all i will get from the pay off, from work, after the good lady and sproglets drain me dry.
So i would like something to show for years working for the NHS.
50- 199 is the range i could afford.
Many thanks

tigger · May 1, 2010

I'd keep an eye on ebay and get a normark avenger. I use mine for trotting and (occassionally) still water fishing. It's a very versatile rod and I've had early double figure carp..tench getting on for doubles in still waters and small barbel (4lb) while trotting the rivers. The rod is equally as good for catching small fish..dace, roach etc, it really is a quality peice of kit and you'll always get back your coin if you decide to sell it on. Failing that the drennan im8's and im9's are also super rods and will be a bit cheaper.
Those are my favourites but I've no doubt others will have theirs.

geoffmaynard · May 1, 2010

You couldn't better really that advice.

Ray Daywalker Clarke · May 1, 2010

Normark Yes, but I would look for the Titan 2000.

tigger · May 1, 2010

Ray Daywalker Clarke said:
Normark Yes, but I would look for the Titan 2000.

Yeah your right they're a corkin rod along with the microlite but the avenger is the slightly stronger rod of the three but still great for hooking tiddlers without bumping them off. I have the three models but if I could only have one for all round use it would be the avenger.

the indifferent crucian · May 1, 2010

I don't know how big a fish you might expect to catch where you are thinking of fishing, but do get your hands on a Preston Innovation Carbonactive Excel 13 foot float rod.

Just have a waggle and see what you think. It's right at the top end of your budget, but it is a stunningly good rod. If it will handle the fish you expect, then it will be a fine trotting reel..it is almost weightless.

These things are so subjective...what suits one angler is a bind to others, but this rod is something else.

Jeff Woodhouse · May 1, 2010

I'm with The Indifferent Crucian.

I too have been searching for a new float rod, probably the last I will ever buy (before I turn my toes up) so has to be a good 'un.

I know the Preston range is good, excellent would be more apt, and I was looking at a C Series, but I met with Andy Nellist a couple of weeks ago at Clattercote and he let me feel his rod (Oooh sailor!) That was the Excel and ........ I just had to have one. Got one brand new off Ebay, still waiting for it to arrive though, and at a bargain price.

Now to tell you why Preston, the middle sections are all triple legged rings, not single legged bend-em-and-break-ems. It just seem to add quality to a rod, but Andy's was so light and responsive, I just couldn't believe it. I have the 11ft Mini float already so it will go nicely with that.

So that's two votes now for the Preston Excel. Just get a feel of it.

Guy Morris · May 2, 2010

Tfg Classic float or Greys prodigy tx specialist float are two i have looked at, mostly due to the good prices you can get them for.. EITHER ANY GOOD?????

the indifferent crucian · May 3, 2010

I believe the TFG Classic Float is a replacement for their Starving Whippet.
I don't know how it compares, but despite the jokey name, the SW is my favourite float rod of all my rods. That alone makes it worth a look IMHO.

I have the Greys G-Tech 13ft Float and it is amazing with it's hollow tip that will guard lines down to 1lb. test. ..it takes an alarming bend as you lift into a fish that quickly passes through the whole blank. I was disappointed with the quality of the reel fittings and finish. Once again .... not the rod you asked about, but a similar product from the same outfit.

On the whole I vastly prefer the TFG rod and it never leaves the car.....the Greys I felt was let down by finish and price, but it is a quality blank and therefore deserves a waggle.

To be honest it might just be that I prefer through action rods. I have an exquisite Harrisons GTI Match, with an impressive spliced tip and consequent tip action, but it stays at home in preference to a 35 year old Daiwa GF65 !

andy nellist · May 3, 2010

The Preston excel 13' is a fantastic rod and you won't regret it if you buy one. Make sure you hold one before you make a buying decision.

Graham Whatmore · May 3, 2010

Best rod on the market at the moment is the Daiwa Spectron 13ft/15ft waggler if you can afford it.

Ray Daywalker Clarke · May 3, 2010

You could go for the Free Spirit 13ft Hi's, a very nice rod, but well over the price you want to pay. Top Top finish and action, and as it's a rod you want to last, it might be worth having a look at.

There is so much on the market, so don't rush in, there are bargains to be had

13 FT Rod WHICH ONE.

Guy Morris

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tigger

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geoffmaynard

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Ray Daywalker Clarke

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tigger

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the indifferent crucian

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Jeff Woodhouse

Moaning Marlow Meldrew

Guy Morris

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the indifferent crucian

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andy nellist

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Graham Whatmore

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Ray Daywalker Clarke

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