Course fishing rod advice

[absolute0]

I'm wanting to get back into course fishing starting with float fishing on a local river and also some lake fishing.

 

I haven't bought a rod in some 20 years.

 

What kind of length would I be best buying?

I was thinking 11ft, but have been told by someone else that 12ft may be better.

 

Also should I be looking to get a 3 or 2 piece?

 

Any help is appreciated.

 

Dave

[Ken L]

Welcome.

 

Not much has changed in 20 years except the prices which are much lower in relative terms that they have ever been if you're after basic tackle.

Carbon is still the material of choice and for the what you're looking to do a three piece rod of 13' is about right.

Expect to pay about £50 for a reasonable entry level rod and I'm sure a few suggestions will be forthcomming soon.

 

Ken

[wotnobivvy]

Check Watatoad's web site (found in his postings) for reviews of gear

[larsagi2010]

I only use short rods for float fishing (I only fish the canal) so 6-8ft is all I need. But in regards to my feeder rods ect: I prefer the 11ft 3 piece. The only reason I prefer the 3 piece is simply because it is generally smaller when dismantled. Think carefully about the length though, you dont want a 12ft if you are fishing under trees ect: However if you are fishing just off margins and the growth comes out over the water, the 12ft is much more ideal.... Also consider how far you are casting and what kind of weights you are casting

[prendy power!]

Are jarvis walker rods anygood?

[absolute0]

Thanks for everyone's feedback.

I'll try and get down my local tackle shop to see what they can offer me.

[Renrag39]

Honestly, watatoads reviews are really rather good and based on experience not hype. Give him a shout (read his website reviews), he may be a cantakerous old so and so (on the forum) but he'll give you an honest to god opinion based on his personal experience. Have got the 10' leeda float rod he recommend and its a great piece of kit for FA money.

 

Renrag

Edited June 20, 2011 by Renrag39

[Dick Dastardly]

Are jarvis walker rods anygood?

Only JV rods I know about are ones for the Australian market so wouldn't have thought they would do much for our styles of fishing here in the UK but tell me if anyone knows better!

[Dick Dastardly]

Well I'm going to have to push the 13@ TFG "Mat Hayes" Float/Match rods that I have again I'm afraid! Not only do I have a few boxes to sell but they honestly are in my opinion a terrific rod for the price! I WILL put a photo up today as I keep promising ! just got to hope for some light!

[RUDD]

For starters a 13ft rod is an ideal all round size as it will aid casting and aid float presentaion on the rivers.

Now, every poster will give you their opinion on the gear they use or have used which will be biased, I myself use a couple of Map parabolix models with had an RRP of 300.00 (both 13ft) and a 14ft shimano 420 twin power match rod that cost me 120.00 about 20years ago but is still a joy to use.

These days any rod priced at around £50 will be ok but the advice I always will give is save for a few more months or sell some old kit and spend around £100 pounds and you will get a piece of kit that is much more enjoyable to use as it will be lighter and have much better fittings.

Also if you want to sell it you will find it much easier to do so than with a cheaper rod.

Another option is to watch ebay where you can pick of some very good rods at stupid prices.