original drennan tench float rod TC

[Xplorer1]

Has anyone measured the test curve of this rod? Just wondering out of interest really. The recent thread on how many rods we have (along with a sprained ankle that's keping me indoors) encouraged me to make a list, document their features and think about what methods and species each is best suited to.

Cheers....Neil

 

[Mark Hewitt]

I've never measured mine, but I'd guess somewhere around 1lb - 1.25lbs at the most.

The beauty of therod is the soft forgiving top section (much like a normal waggler rod),then lots of progressive power down the blank.

 

[Bryan Baron 2]

I think as Mark its only around a pound but there is the back up in the butt.

A lot o manufacturers are pushing the act there rods do this these days but drennan did it all them years ago. In my opininon this is the best action for a rod. As long as you dont want to cast to the moon.

 

[Ray Roberts]

Are these earlier rods better than the later ones. I broke the tip off my trusty Avon and need a replacement. I have been told these double up as a good trotting rod, is this so?

 

[Mark Hewitt]

Best all round rod I have Ray, good for heavy trotting chubbers/loafers.

Regarding the earlier rods compared to the later rods I have no idea, I've only got one.(original)

 

[Alan Tyler]

Wasn't it supposed to have a "dual action"? A 12oz tip grafted onto a 2lb middle and butt?

My mate uses his with 12 lb line straight through and puts the brakes on upper doubles carp with no worries, but can come down to 4lb or less to scratch for bites.

I wish I had one!

 

[Mark Hewitt]

I recall an article by John Searl, in which he stated the 'tench float' was the only rod he used when stalking in the summer on the Hampshire Avon. He used it because it could be put to use for any species he may come across, all from Barbel, Carp andChub to Roach and Dace.

 

[Xplorer1]

Thanks for all the info and comments, folks. I agree about the flexibility (in both senses!) of the rod. It's a super piece of kit. It's reassuring to read your comments about how new rods are pitched as introducing "through power reserve" and how they're no better than Drennan's older ones. I've got a Mk I tench, waggler and specialist and they're all superb at their jobs.

 

[S-Kippy]

If memory serves I think Alan is right about the TC on the original DTF being 12oz.I had one,great rod but I sold it & got a MK 111...different beast but also a great rod.The Mk1 I used a lot for trotting for chub and it served very well.

The Drennan IM8 Specimen Float is also a fantastic rod,better than the TF in my opinion but never quite got the recognition it deserved.

With all the various "power" rods around now its easy to forget how innovative the Tench Float was in its day.Nothing else quite like it at the time.