new rods

Joined: Dec 31, 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Abingdon

hi there fellas i've read the forum a bit and i'm now really confused about what to up-grade to, i'd like to try a few rods out but have no idea as to who or where would let me, any suggestions extremely welcome.

P.S. she who mmust be obeyed had a good xmas so i've a few brownie points to spend.

Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 5:52 pm

A warm welcome to the forums mate. Most of my rod gear is Shakespere but I have others, the reason for this is that I have found them to be value for the money.

The problem in advising you is that we dont know just how proficient you are or what kind of money is available.
Cheers
keith big grin

Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 11:32 pm

rabbi2 is right - how long have you been casting? what is your current maximum cast distance? do you know any of the various power casting techniques? are you male or female? what is your build and height?
In general most folk start of with a cheap composite rod and some of them are not too bad then move onto carbon fibre stuff which is usually at least twice the price but is worth it if you have learned a power casting technique because they are stronger, slimmer and lighter. Probably best to pick something not too pricey around the 12 to 13 ft mark to start with. This means Shakespeare, Firefly, Penn or Abu usually.

Joined: Dec 31, 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Abingdon

thaks guys sorry for the delay, but to try and answer some of your questions i'm 44 years young 6' tall, 14 stone and male, i've been fishing since i was a kid but only serious about beach fishing in the last 6 months i live in oxford and so far i've fished selsey, the solent and chesil i'd like to fish the bristol channel for cod (but it's a daunting task to try and find the right mark). I currnetly use greys 3-5oz bass rods the BZE and can chuck a 4 oz lead about 100 yds with an OTG overhead thump style i'm looking for a 4-6oz rod that can easily chuck a 5 oz lead 150 yds but bite detection is more important. I believe in that you get what you pay for so century and zipplex are noy ruled out but they would be expensive mistakes if i get it wrong hence the fact i'd like to try before you buy.

Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2010 5:43 pm

Fishing the Bristol Channel if my memory servs me right its quite fast flowing and I would suggest a quite stiff rod othewise its likely to bounce all over the place.
Cheers keith big grin

Joined: Dec 31, 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Abingdon

Thanks mate too Bl**dy cold at the moment though sad

Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 7:47 am

OK, I see you have been to my area. I have a variety of rods, none of them "expensive" but some are quite "classy" in my opinion. If you would like to try the stuff I use when the weather improves a tad, you are welcome and I am available during the week very often as well as weekends because I am semi-retired.

Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 8:37 am

A very generous offer if I may say so and one that you should take up. Its not often you get the chance of Try before you buy.
Cheers
keith big grin

Joined: Dec 31, 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Abingdon

a most generous offer indeed thank you kind sir when the weather improves i'll contact you and we can arrange to have a bash together in your neck of the woods.