I'm still searching the ideal gravel pit rods. It's going to be a choice between the Wychwoods and the Drennans I think - both 12' 1.75lb tc. However, the Drennans are twice the price of the Wychwoods! Has anyone used them yet? I don't want to waste money, but I only rarely buy rods and good ones last me a lifetime, so if they're really good I may consider finding the extra money. However, I know the Wychwoods are very popular and a good price. They are barbel rods though, so maybe not quite as good for bream/tench?

Confused...

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Why, I bet there's no difference in them whatsoever except maybe for looks. At the end of the day the main difference is the action of the rod for casting etc. I don't think any of the Drennan rods are a patch on their older ones. Anderoo I think If I was you I'd look at Dave Lumbs rods and give him a bell at least you know his gear really is quality stuff. I reckon that's the road I would take now if I was having trouble getting fixed up with rods.

Yes, I expect there to be a difference in action between barbel rods and rods designed for pits - mainly affecting casting ability. Having said that, I do use a 1.5lb tc barbel rod for this type of fishing. But having said that I did break it last time out on a big cast! (New top section on its way... )

Those DL rods look really nice (I was just looking at his website) but unfortunately out of my price range at the moment.

I really want a couple of rods that I won't have to think about replacing because they're not quite right, if you see what I mean. The Drennans are at the very top of what I could spend.

Anderoo,

I can't remember if you're going to be at Wingham in October? If you are, I could let you borrow a couple of my Korum twin tips for the weekend. The tops are 1.75lb and 2.2lb TC and I find them to be excellent. The lighter tip is great for flinging a maggot feeder at the horizon whereas the heavier tip allows you to lob a method feeder out. I like the idea of the flexibility that this gives.

Steve C.

Another alternative is to buy a couple of the Harrison blanks that the DL rods are built on an build your own for no more than the cost of the Drennans.
That way you get what you want.
If you want any info on self build send me a PM

Hi Steve

I hope to be, yes - I can't have you catching them all I'll certainly have a look at those rods, thanks. The twin top idea is a good one, 4 rods basically. For longer range I'm using 11ft 2.25lb tc carp rods at the moment, which are ideal, lovely and soft. With those I can fish fairly accurately to about 80 yards with a 2oz lead and PVA bag (that's about as far as I'd ever want to fish, over that and I just can't feed accurately enough, especially in the wind). They're a bit much for fishing closer in though.

Andrew



That's an idea...I'm not sure I'm brave enough though! Your rod looked superb, though.

I have just had a quick look and you could get the bits for an Interceptor 12' with Kigan guides, fuji reel seat and split duplon grips for a touch over £100.00 / rod. Cork handle for a few pounds more.
If you do a Google on Harrison Interceptor it will give you some info.
I have never heard anyone who has a rod built on a Harrison blank say anything negative about them.
I would be happy to help with the build if required but it's not that difficult.

I had some of the origonal Drennan Specialists (12' 1 1/4lb) that I used for bream and tench.My only critisism was that one was rung so off the spline it really felt horrible on the cast. A lot of "off the peg rods" have this fault so it always pays to check them before buying.

If you want to go down the custom road then Im sure I will have enough time to knock them up for you FOC before next season.

The spliced tip on my Harrison canal special was unacceptably weak. First tip broke at the splice and was replaced under warranty, second one I fixed myself.

Lovely little rod, though.

Really? Blimey, that's very generous. I wouldn't dream of letting you do that for nothing, but I may well take you up on that. Thanks Budgie

This is getting exciting now...