Rod Recommendations

[Loudyboy]

Having been lucky enough to be supplied with much of my tackle from my father in taking up this sport on my lonesome this season, I now find myself wanting to part with a little cash on a pair of rods suitable enough to fish with in the winter for Pike (deadbaiting mainly, have small spinning rod anyway), and Carp in the summer (ledger and float).

 

It's truely bewildering from someone in my position to seemingly make a well-founded judgement on what to buy without getting personal recommendations, hence this topic, especially given that tackle shops seem only to want you to spend more money than is neccessary and magazine editors have their hidden agendas.

 

I've looked at the Wychwood Rogue's and the Fox Warriers, as they seem to be the most popular choice.

 

I'd be interested to hear anyone's thoughts on these two rods, and also any other recommendations on rods (and baitrunner reels, if you have the time).

 

My top-end budget is around £50 per rod and £30 per reel (although, I have very little knowledge in the reel department, and am open to persuation )

 

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[DavyR]

I have a Wychwood Rogue 2.75lb t.c. rod and an Okuma Dynadrag Pro reel (which I had free with a mag subscription but that can be had for about £20)and I've found them fine for casting 3-4oz weights. The Dynadrag is one of the cheapest reasonable quality baitrunner reels you can buy.

 

The Rogue I think is being replaced by the Rage, so prices on that should drop still further from the £50 RRP. Argos are currently doing the Rogue for £39.99 or £49.99 with a Rogue baitrunner reel.

[Loudyboy]

Thanks Davy

 

Ironically, I was just browsing their site and notice the knocked-down price. Not entirely sure if the reel combo is the Wychwood reel though?

 

I'll check out the Dynadrag reels, thanks

 

How would you describe the action of the rod, is it quite stiff, or does it have more of a thorough through action?

[DavyR]

The Rogue has quite a forgiving tip - it certainly couldn't be described as a poker and it's good for playing fish on.

 

You're right, it's not entirely clear on the Argos site if it's a Rogue reel, but it sort of implies it!

[Jonathan Peter Levitt]

Yes the reel is a wychwood freespin, I bought this set and it has been totally excellent. However I am upgrading the reel for christmas, but to be honest as a set it is totally excellent and would well reconmend it.

[Loudyboy]

Don't think I can go wrong for £50, can I?

 

I might order the one combo and see how it goes, and get a second if I'm happy.

 

Any other suggestions, recommendations?

[Jonathan Peter Levitt]

You could always wait as sometime this month the new Wychwood Rouge is coming out, it could already be out im unsure. It is going to retail at the same price as the old one, about £50 so unless your in a hurry you could check that out.

[Andy Macfarlane]

I've got Warriors and Rogue Power Pike rods. Both are pretty good to be perfectly honest.

[RUDD]

I have the old style 2.75tc warriors and for what they cost me they are a dream.

They have a nice through action and bend right through to the butt.

[slodger]

Just a thought Darren.

 

Personally, although I've no experience of the Rogues, I'd rather buy good quality second hand rods than brand new budget models. I got lucky with a 'next to new' pair of Daiwa Dictators for £50 apiece. Sensational rods!