I have the Wilson 1 and a quarter test Avon. I have landed carp from lakes to 19lb8oz, from the Severn to 18lb13oz plus giant Teme barbel and chub but size does not matter with this bit of kit, monster gudgeon, mini-perch, fighting bleak...the Wilson handles them all and gives you the most tactile playing action of any stick i have tried. Tina Turner wrote a song about this rod ;-)