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New float rod

Ben Jennings

Senior Member
Fancy buying myself a slightly more powerful float rod than my acolyte. I'm a bit torn I do like my acolyte so was thinking about maybe the acolyte plus but I am also a big fan of freespirit rods and am thinking about maybe a hi-s power float instead but can't find much feedback on either. Any feedback would be great.
 
I use the Shimano Technium Specialist (Avon top), about 1.25lb tc, very light and more than capable. They come up on eBay or my second one came via this website.
 
Drennan Tench Float - Mark 2 possibly the best as rated for 3 to 8lb + lines. Mark 1, 3 to 6lb, Super Tench 3 to 8lb, Mark 3, 3 to 8lb.
All the above with sliding reel fittings but can be converted to screw winch.

collection%20800.jpg


Before and after - Mark 2:

Drennantfbeforeandafter800.jpg


Come up on ebay and fishing sites occasionally, quite sought after.

Alternatives possibly Harrison GTI SU 13, 14 or 15' and a few other makes.
 
Hadn't thought of the tench floats. Will have a look on ebay see what's about. The local shop has a series 7 tench rod which I'll have a look at tomorrow. I know the series 7 aren't as good as the older tench floats but I like the way it breaks down.
 
For float fishing for barbel I actually bought a 13ft series 7 drennan power carp waggler which has the detachable handle for packing into a "set up" rod case and is slightly beefier than the tench rod. I have been very pleased with it's performance and ability to pressure large barbel away from snags. So there is another possibility for you to consider.
 
I've got a Normark Avenger (first series) but have never had the confidence to use it for barbel - a 4lb tench sees it bent double. Which series do you use Karl, and is there much difference between the various ones, ie. original, 1000, 2000.

Nick
 
Not sure nick mine are black with red rings round each eye serial no RNAM 1563 I'm lucky, came across a 13 and 14 together, also picked up a 12 wich should be spot on for the shallow water. They do bend but have more than enough power to handle barbel.
Still a few come up on ebay john.
 
Drennan Tench Float - Mark 2 possibly the best as rated for 3 to 8lb + lines. Mark 1, 3 to 6lb, Super Tench 3 to 8lb, Mark 3, 3 to 8lb.
All the above with sliding reel fittings but can be converted to screw winch.

collection%20800.jpg


Before and after - Mark 2:

Drennantfbeforeandafter800.jpg


Come up on ebay and fishing sites occasionally, quite sought after.



Alternatives possibly Harrison GTI SU 13, 14 or 15' and a few other makes.

The tench float was one of my favoured trotting rods for barbel, being quite tippy but possessing the power curve lower down .
The only niggle I had was that the bottom eye was too close to the cork imo, probably due to a compromise being a three piece rod.
I've been trying to thin out much of my gear over the past year or so and sold mine to a mate for £50 ,..... worst decision I've made for a long time and have regretted it many times, as the remainder of my beefed up trotting rods have a through action. Whilst this is handy when dealing with a fish near the net , especially when wading , the tippy action of the Drennan was better for correcting line when long trotting.
 
The best 14 footer i ever used was a daiwa spectron.you could catch roach all day on it or go straight through with 8lb and stop Barbel it was that good. Its on temporary loan to a friend now as i prefer a 15ft for the trent and they are shimano aerocast specimen floats. I picked one up off gumtree for £20 only a few weeks ago to make a pair. Always a good bet for extra fish is to run a speci wag through.
 
Anyone had experience of the JW Young specimen float rod 13ft, as I have the avon version and for the money it's a very tidy little rod ?

Nick C
 
Drennan Tench Float - Mark 2 possibly the best as rated for 3 to 8lb + lines. Mark 1, 3 to 6lb, Super Tench 3 to 8lb, Mark 3, 3 to 8lb.
All the above with sliding reel fittings but can be converted to screw winch.

collection%20800.jpg


Before and after - Mark 2:

Drennantfbeforeandafter800.jpg


Come up on ebay and fishing sites occasionally, quite sought after.

They also make a fantastic sea trout rod and locally down here they still have a really strong following amongst both camps. I've spoken again and again to Drennan about recreating that particular version but with no joy. I know they would sell really well, the demand is out there.
 
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