Hi guys I'm after a bit of advice regarding my rod set up, I currently have 12ft greys prodigy gt4 but like the idea of the 10ft retractable rods available due to storage in the shed and for swims with overhanging trees. The majority of the lakes I currently fish are small and carp ranging from low doubles to 40 pounds. Has anyone done the same and was it the right decision, and what rods would you recommend with matching rod bag/coffin bag. Cheers
In reply to Post #1
I have some cheap retractables also 2 piece 10fts been using for last few years I think there ok but you will feel under gunned if you go to a big water I also have 12fts
So my advice is keep the 12fts and get maybe esp QuickDraw in 2.75 tc or sonik insurgent 2.75 in 9 or 10ft so you have the choice as someone said on here he prefers 12ft because more versatile so I wouldn't have retractables as my only rods
I have some cheap retractables also 2 piece 10fts been using for last few years I think there ok but you will feel under gunned if you go to a big water I also have 12fts
So my advice is keep the 12fts and get maybe esp QuickDraw in 2.75 tc or sonik insurgent 2.75 in 9 or 10ft so you have the choice as someone said on here he prefers 12ft because more versatile so I wouldn't have retractables as my only rods
In reply to Post #1
I have Cotswold Pace Compacts. Haven't used them yet but they look decent quality.
I have Cotswold Pace Compacts. Haven't used them yet but they look decent quality.
Had a set of 10 foot Nash Scopes for a few years now and also the rod bag. Perfect size for putting in the car and also a cupboard at home. Never found any issues with the rods and have landed 50lb+ Carp and 60lb+ catfish on them. Bit on the expensive side possibly and lining up the rings may annoy some people.
In reply to Post #1
Iv got the 9ft esp QuickDraws I brought them for some off the smaller ex match type lakes local to me, no complaints but I'm only fishing 30-40 yards max. I got the rod sleeves and quiver to match only downside is the sleeves are a tad tight when putting the rods back. I did see esp now make a more traditional rod bag for them so may invest in that
Iv got the 9ft esp QuickDraws I brought them for some off the smaller ex match type lakes local to me, no complaints but I'm only fishing 30-40 yards max. I got the rod sleeves and quiver to match only downside is the sleeves are a tad tight when putting the rods back. I did see esp now make a more traditional rod bag for them so may invest in that
In reply to Post #5
Thanks all, I am a bit worried that I would be downgrading on quality and also the odd lake I might struggle to hit the spots. I had initially narrowed it down to scopes or sonik insurgents, probably in 3lb as thinking 3.5 might be a bit too stiff.
Thanks all, I am a bit worried that I would be downgrading on quality and also the odd lake I might struggle to hit the spots. I had initially narrowed it down to scopes or sonik insurgents, probably in 3lb as thinking 3.5 might be a bit too stiff.
In reply to Post #1
I bought into the whole 10ft rod set up. First with a set of 2 piece rods. Now with a set of 10ft ESP retractable. Firstly for ease of transportation and secondly a lot of the waters I fish I'm not casting more than 70.80 yards. I kept my 12fts just incase that changed. But with my 10ft ESP 3.1/4 lb I found I would easily be able to fish further if needed. So I've found my self using then all the time. Lovely rods, lovely action, coupled with my set of Emblems I won't be going back to 12fts anytime soon. They look great as well. Understated graphics and a full length duplon handle. Almost custom like. I also bought a two rod holdall from cult tackle which could easily take more inside the pouchs its pretty spacey. And what's even better is it only cost £35.
I bought into the whole 10ft rod set up. First with a set of 2 piece rods. Now with a set of 10ft ESP retractable. Firstly for ease of transportation and secondly a lot of the waters I fish I'm not casting more than 70.80 yards. I kept my 12fts just incase that changed. But with my 10ft ESP 3.1/4 lb I found I would easily be able to fish further if needed. So I've found my self using then all the time. Lovely rods, lovely action, coupled with my set of Emblems I won't be going back to 12fts anytime soon. They look great as well. Understated graphics and a full length duplon handle. Almost custom like. I also bought a two rod holdall from cult tackle which could easily take more inside the pouchs its pretty spacey. And what's even better is it only cost £35.
Are there any 2.5lb 9 footers or even 2.25? I want one for a stalking rod, poking about in bushes etc. most of the ranges start at 3lb which is a bit much for my liking. They must be double leg guides too, single legs are a recipe for diaster with me in the undergrowth! A standard 2 piece would be fine, doesn't have to be retractable.
In reply to Post #8
Have a look in the classifieds on here. Jeffire is selling a pair of custom built 9ft 2 piece Harrison's in 2.25tc. Doubt you'd find better.
Have a look in the classifieds on here. Jeffire is selling a pair of custom built 9ft 2 piece Harrison's in 2.25tc. Doubt you'd find better.
In reply to Post #8
Korum do an 8ft Opportunist X rod in 2lb or 2.5lb, great rods for just what you're after if you don't want to spend the earth. I have the 2lb version & it's great.
They do 10ft retractable versions of these rods too but I can't vouch for those.
Korum do an 8ft Opportunist X rod in 2lb or 2.5lb, great rods for just what you're after if you don't want to spend the earth. I have the 2lb version & it's great.
They do 10ft retractable versions of these rods too but I can't vouch for those.
In reply to Post #8
Yeh I've seen them and was tempted, I just don't get on well with single legs guides, especially for the intended use.
Yeh I've seen them and was tempted, I just don't get on well with single legs guides, especially for the intended use.
In reply to Post #8
I might look for a FS 8'6" margin creeper, I've already got the 11' surface creeper which is a nice rod.
I might look for a FS 8'6" margin creeper, I've already got the 11' surface creeper which is a nice rod.
My never ending quest for the most portable setup has led me to a pair of century CQ 9ft three piece rods. Not the cheapest (I got mine basically new on eBay) but they're fantastic and so easy to store and carry around. I never liked the idea of the telescopic bit in those rods but that's just me.
In reply to Post #13
The century rods are a great rod I had the original yatley ac 3 piece stalkers but found it was a pain setting them up and packing away in the ta case it was a shame as they packed up so small with the net on the side
I am pleased that you are getting on with them but I couldn't
The century rods are a great rod I had the original yatley ac 3 piece stalkers but found it was a pain setting them up and packing away in the ta case it was a shame as they packed up so small with the net on the side
I am pleased that you are getting on with them but I couldn't
In reply to Post #14
I would love a set of those rods. I just take the lead and hooklink off and wind the whole lot though the rings and onto the reel. For me and where I'm fishing, the benefits far outweigh the negatives. I've got the rod bag too. It all sits on the barrow so nicely.
I would love a set of those rods. I just take the lead and hooklink off and wind the whole lot though the rings and onto the reel. For me and where I'm fishing, the benefits far outweigh the negatives. I've got the rod bag too. It all sits on the barrow so nicely.