Looking to purchase a new Float Rod

[FadingLikeDecay]

The forum has been a source of information so far and as new float rod is likely my next purchase, I've spent most of my day reading through the many other float rod threads (instead of working...). From the recommendations in those, I now have a small list of contenders of rods that sound what I'm after (i.e. will handle smaller fish no problem but also any low-mid doubles that might come along):

• Korum Glide Power Float (13ft or 12-14ft)
• Maver MV-R Float (13ft)
• Middy 5G Trinity Waggler (13ft)
• Drennan Specialist X-Tension Compact Float (13ft)

I've got some questions I hope my fellow MD's can answer:

1. I can't seem to find the Korum rods in stock anywhere but I did notice this in the maufacturer's description on the Korum website:
   "...the guides are sized to enable anglers to use Glide rods with fixed spool reels or centrepins..."
   I initially thought you could use a centrepin on all 4 rods (please correct me if I'm wrong) so I'm wondering if this is just sales jargon or if there is something genuinely unique about the guides compared to the guides on the other rods?
2. On the Maver website, it says the rod has a casting weight guide of 20g-30g yet the Middy rod is suited to 2-15g (I can't find any casting weight info for the Korum or Drennan to compare). As I thought the rods were supposedly similar in performance, I'm wondering why the difference in weight ranges?

I'll also happily check out any other recommendations any of you can suggest.

 

[stump28]

I tried to get hold of a glide 13ft but like you couldn't seem to find them in stock anywhere. Ended up with a Tyson 13ft, had no issues with it just touching up to doubles and doubt it'd have any issues tipping over to low/mid.

 

[Sam Vimes]

1. I can't seem to find the Korum rods in stock anywhere but I did notice this in the maufacturer's description on the Korum website:
   "...the guides are sized to enable anglers to use Glide rods with fixed spool reels or centrepins..."
   I initially thought you could use a centrepin on all 4 rods (please correct me if I'm wrong) so I'm wondering if this is just sales jargon or if there is something genuinely unique about the guides compared to the guides on the other rods?

There's no need for guides to be differently sized (diameter) for centrepin use. Some folks might prefer different spacing, higher stand offs at the butt and even an extra ring close to the butt ring, but I've never known a pin angler want larger diameter rings. The only float discipline I can think of that might benefit from large diameter rings is when fishing a slider.

1. On the Maver website, it says the rod has a casting weight guide of 20g-30g yet the Middy rod is suited to 2-15g (I can't find any casting weight info for the Korum or Drennan to compare). As I thought the rods were supposedly similar in performance, I'm wondering why the difference in weight ranges?

Casting weights and line ratings can be quite arbitrary. Don't read too much into them. I wouldn't let such a rating put you off a purchase entirely. However, I appreciate that buying blind is a bit of a lottery. Sadly such ratings don't actually help much either way. If you possibly can, find one for a waggle. Ideally, you want to be able to compare as many of a shortlist as possible side by side.

 

[FadingLikeDecay]

I tried to get hold of a glide 13ft but like you couldn't seem to find them in stock anywhere. Ended up with a Tyson 13ft, had no issues with it just touching up to doubles and doubt it'd have any issues tipping over to low/mid.

I've looked at all the online retailers I could think of but all were out of stock. I then saw the dealers page on the Korum site and started to go through that but found so many linked sites are dead so instead of wasting my time trying each link, I phoned Korum and asked if they knew if any of their dealers had any instock or had recently sent an order to them recently, but the nice woman I spoke with said that they themselves haven't had any in stock since May

There's no need for guides to be differently sized (diameter) for centrepin use. Some folks might prefer different spacing, higher stand offs at the butt and even an extra ring close to the butt ring, but I've never known a pin angler want larger diameter rings. The only float discipline I can think of that might benefit from large diameter rings is when fishing a slider.

That was my hunch but I just wanted to be sure so I appreciate the confirmation.

Casting weights and line ratings can be quite arbitrary. Don't read too much into them. I wouldn't let such a rating put you off a purchase entirely. However, I appreciate that buying blind is a bit of a lottery. Sadly such ratings don't actually help much either way. If you possibly can, find one for a waggle. Ideally, you want to be able to compare as many of a shortlist as possible side by side.

I couldn't think of the top of my head what a typical float setup would be weigh but I shouldn't think it would be very heavy at all. I suppose casting weights are more relevant to lure rods. I'm hoping to take a trip to the local angling megastore in the near future but I may end up buying before if I decide on the rod I want.

 

[Tenacious Sloth]

I have the Drennan and love it as it’s perfect for what I do.

The features I like about it are:

1. High quality finish
2. converts into two equal 6ft sections so I can store it made up in a Ready Bag.
3. Non-flash varnish on the top section (good attention to detail)
4. Handles th 4-6lb tench I catch in The Fens. It has a good reserve of power which is vital for keeping the fish away from the numerous reeds and lily pads. I haven’t lost a single fish this season (touch wood).

Can’t really think of any negatives.

 

[RedhillPhil]

Another vote for the Drennan. Lovely rod. Does what it says on the tin.

 

[FadingLikeDecay]

Quiet afternoon at work so I decided to take a trip down to the local mecca i.e. Edinburgh Angling Centre. Blimey, this Megastore is massive and I think stayed in there for about 2hrs. It was a great experience to see so many different types of rods up close (other equipment too). One thing I realised is that I had no appreciation for just how much thinner rods are now and also how tiny some of the lure rods are these days. As expected they didn't have the Korum rod in stock but they did have another power float (Shakespeare Superteam 13' Float iirc) and it did look slightly beefier than some of the adjacent float rods. I never purchased anything as I've still got a lot to mull over e.g. 13' look longer than I thought, not sure if I need to go as long as that. Coincidentally, there is a Go Outdoors pretty much next door and its closing down temporarily with at least 30% off everything. I had a quick recce around their rods and saw a couple of Maver Match 11' waggler rods and spotted a rod with a Korum label and (to my eyes) looked chunky enough to be the Glide Power Float however it was sadly a 2.5lb TC Barbel rod instead. Still an enjoyable afternoon though.

 

[Fartacus]

Look at the Shakespeare 13ft agility power rod it's fantastic for the money

 

[Reuben]

A list of quite powerful rods. If you don’t mind me asking, which venues in sunny Scotland are you planning on using them? I’m in Fife & currently fish the Forth at Stirling - predominately dace, or Orchill Fishery - commy with silvers & carp. I’ve fished Broom but it’s too far for me for what it is.

 

[FadingLikeDecay]

Look at the Shakespeare 13ft agility power rod it's fantastic for the money

I'm still looking into different rods but the more I research about them, the more complicated it gets. Reading through previous posts I'm now finding out about:

• Action - 'through action' vs 'tip action'
• Potentially missing 'hook up's if a rod is too powerful

I'm not a fan of through action rods, where it seems like most of the rod bends, but I'm also not familiar with float rods in general to know which rod has which type of action (aside from any website description which can often introduce other terms like 'parabolic curve/action' just to make it even more confusing).

If you don’t mind me asking, which venues in sunny Scotland are you planning on using them?

Hi Reuben,

Initially and probably most frequently I'll be trying different sections of the Union Canal throughout West Lothian. I know for sure that it contains Pike, Perch, Brown Trout & Eels but I believe also Roach/Rudd/Tench. I'll likely also give the Forth and Union Canal a visit as well at some point. There are some local non-commercial waters: East Calder Quarry, Pumpherston Pond, Winchburgh Clay Hole although I have no idea how any of them are fishing these days. Eliburn Reservoir is only 5mins from where I live, I'm not sure if its classed as a proper commercial fishing venue (I think its £7 for a day ticket from the bailiffs). I believe it holds at least Carp (Mirror & Common), Tench, Barbel, Perch, Roach, Rudd, Pike and Ide. The main commercial coarse venue near me is Selmwood Coarse & Carp Lake but Carp really aren't on my radar atm. River wise, not spoilt for choice, the Almond is my local river but its mostly for fluffchuckers with few sections in my neck of the woods suitable for float-fishing or ledgering. Brown Trout are what is caught mostly there but I've also caught Perch previously in one of its tributaries.

I’m in Fife & currently fish the Forth at Stirling - predominately dace, or Orchill Fishery - commy with silvers & carp. I’ve fished Broom but it’s too far for me for what it is.

What else is there in the Forth aside from Dace? Have you tried Magiscroft, I've heard that mentioned plenty as a popular local(ish) venue?

 

[Reuben]

There are roach, perch & a couple of other species there’s been a dace explosion since most of the pike have been taken for the table. Bags of 20lb aren’t difficult- mostly made up of 1 - 3oz dace with a sprinkling of better stamp. I’ve got a bit bored with it tbh - bite a chuck but at 12ish to the pound it’s not my idea of a day out for a 2hr round trip. Been to Magiscroft the once but wasn’t struck by it. Spend most of my time at Orchill as there are some cracking silvers in there if you can get through the bits & it’s closer than Broom or Magiscroft.
Watch your back on the Union Canal the local wildlife can be troublesome - especially if they ‘shoal up’. Give us a shout if you fancy a day on the Forth or Orchill. Cheers

 

[FadingLikeDecay]

Sounds like you are plagued. Who on earth would want to eat pike?

Watch your back on the Union Canal the local wildlife can be troublesome - especially if they ‘shoal up’

Tbh I've never had any issues although when I fished it in the past though it was about 5am, so most people would have still been in their scratcher at that time. I've no plans to visit the urban areas (Fountain Bridge/Lochrin,Sighthill/Wester Hailes, Broxburn etc...) mostly parts which willl hopefully be quiet although there are some nice looking parts around Winchburgh I quite fancy visiting.

Give us a shout if you fancy a day on the Forth or Orchill.

Cheers for the offer. I'll need to start off by purchasing my new gear and actually getting somewhat competent at catching first. Oh and eventually getting myself another car to get mobile once again.

 

[Reuben]

Sounds like you are plagued. Who on earth would want to eat pike?

Tbh I've never had any issues although when I fished it in the past though it was about 5am, so most people would have still been in their scratcher at that time. I've no plans to visit the urban areas (Fountain Bridge/Lochrin,Sighthill/Wester Hailes, Broxburn etc...) mostly parts which willl hopefully be quiet although there are some nice looking parts around Winchburgh I quite fancy visiting.

Cheers for the offer. I'll need to start off by purchasing my new gear and actually getting somewhat competent at catching first. Oh and eventually getting myself another car to get mobile once again.

I’m sure I’m not allowed to say who would eat the pike as it could be classed as a racist comment….but it’s the same ones who support the notion of ‘catch & eat’ & rather than ‘catch & release’. Let me know if/when you fancy a day out. Cheers.