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Choosing
a float rod To
be loved, float rods require what Chris calls ‘the feel’. Some have it, some
don’t. Allcocks’ Wizard, Record Breaker, Elite, and Eclipse have the feel, so
do Milwards’ 11’ Floatcraft, Aerolite, Craftversa, Swimaster, and Swimversa.
Aspindales’ rare two-piece Aero may be the best float rod ever. Hardys’
Wallis Avon, and Wallis All-Round rods are lovely, and their Perfection Roach
should be on every feeling anglers’ required list. Longer tonkin rods can be
front heavy. Beyond 12’ rods really need to be made of Spanish reed, but
these are not very happy with strong fish. No
matter which float rod you eventually choose, it is likely that with the
passage of time you’ll end up with three, or six. All these rods will be
‘essential’ to you. Many days will start with the agony of selecting from
your collection, and often you will take three to the water, when any one
would do. There are general float rods
(all-rounders) and there are specialist float rods. The first type
really IS essential. The
11’ Allcocks Wizard is the quintessential rod. It can be used with confidence
for everything from dace to small barbel. Because it is proven, and has the
Allcocks name, it is an expensive rod, if in first class restored condition.
Wizards also vary enormously in action and power. Consider Wizard-type rods
from other makers. Aspindales made a beauty, so did Milwards. Although
I conduct an on-going love affair with whole cane butt rods, I am also
completely taken by the glorious little all-split-cane 10’6” Eclipse. Most
general float rods seem to be about 11’, but knocking 6” off the length of a
rod makes a great difference to its balance. The Eclipse feels dead right,
and Wallis casts like a demon. My
own working float rods are: For light roach fishing in bigger rivers, a
Swimversa or Aero. For roach and chub in heavier water (such as the Hampshire
Avon) an early long handle type Allcocks ‘Black Label’ Wizard. For closer
range, smaller rivers, and on wandering days, its usually the Eclipse, and
occasionally my old love, the Hardys Wallis All Round. When float fishing for
barbel, I use an 11’ Judd Senior Wizard. Both St. Peter, and God, are likely
to be using Senior Wizards. |
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Float rods for sale
are in the full list.
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