I'm now looking at buying a 10ft retractable set up mainly due to the packdown size.

Rod wise I've been looking at Nash scopes, 10ft 3.5tc
Reels: potentially Scope reels or ultegra 5500 ci4.

I'm never usually fishing more than 100 yards but some of the waters I fish have 100lb + catfish in them so the extra strength is needed.

Are there any other opinions I should consider when it comes to what rod/reel

I've seen the Cotswold pace rods but not heard much about them & if I went that route I'd have to get them custom as I like abbreviated handles.

Any advice welcome.

In reply to Post #1
I use Sonik Insurgents in 3.5tc and Penn Affinities and am really happy with them

In reply to Post #1
I have the 3.5lb sonik xtractors paired up with okuma inc 6000 reels and they are a great combo. Think quite afew others would agree as seems afew on here have this setup too

In reply to Post #1
The sonik insurgent are a great rod great deals on eBay new lot of sellers doing great deals

I have Nash scopes, 10ft 3.5tc and Shimano medium bait-runners.

I just went in to the tackle shop and looked at a set of scopes and the insurgent rods, looks wise they are both nice looking rods but I prefer the Nash and how they felt in the hand I'd have to say the Nash felt superior, I know your mate on the end of the rod giving it a bend isn't very scientific but I did prefer the Nash.
It looks like I'm going to go with the Nash rods but now I'm just left with the decision on the reels.
Do I get the scope GT 6000 ( the clutch felt amazing )
Or get the Shimano ultegra 5500 ci4+?

I think I'm edging towards the Shimano as I can imagine they will cast better / further than the smaller spool of the scope 6000.

Does anybody know when the Nash scope 8000 GTL reels are supposed to be in stock in shops?
Many thanks.

Fised a year with the Nash dwarf 10ft 3.00lb cork great rods for there price, never fished with the Scopes.

I use the 5500xtd on my 10ft daiwa's, ci4+ is also a good choice they match perfect with 10ft rods.

Not sure I would want to fish for 100lb+ catfish with 3.5tc scopes, probably better off with good quality dedicated catfish rods.

In reply to Post #1
I have got the Sonik retractables and they have been great for the money. Had numerous 30+ fish out of weedy lakes using them.

10 ft 3.5tc scopes
Aero Technium 12000xtb Mgs

No gaffing around with 5500 sized reels, unless you're surface fishing you're hardly holding the rod all day just Chuck a 14000 ci4 on there it will genuinely be fine.

Plot twist ive had big cats in float gear by mistake, the key has and always will be steady pressure and let them go when they want to, you won't stop a cat in its tracks no matter what reel you use they'll just snap your hooklink .

I think the main problem is they can't turn and slash at tge hooklink with their claws

In reply to Post #10
OK if your fishing a clear area, use a 50lb kevlar trace to 2/0 strong hook and a proper cat rod 4.5tc and a decent lever drag reel for 100lb plus cats.

In reply to Post #6
Not sure the Scopes are better by 80 quid a rod over the Insurgents😉

In reply to Post #12
Totally agree I am tired of trying to convince people that the sonik range is at the right price the scopes are not a better rod just way overpriced I have both xtractors and insurgents great rods

In reply to Post #13
What's the difference like between the Xtractor and Insurgents?

Thinking of getting a 9ft Sonik spod rod and wondering if it's worth paying the extra for the Insurgent.

(I have a pair of 9ft 3lb Scopes, but can't justify spending the money for the 4.5lb Scope).

In reply to Post #11
I refuse to believe you can land a cat in any gear mate. They just lash out too much and hiss and those talons are f*cking murderous