Now that I have had a couple of years under my belt I realise I’ve been on a bit of a “journey” as far as rods are concerned.
First off, I loved my beach casters. I started with an Abu Hellbender (perfectly sound rod) and upgrading to a Century TTLD 6 months later. I concentrated on multipliers developed my casting technique to the point where I can hit 140 yards or so with an overhead thump off the ground. I planned to learn to pendulum cast but haven’t found the time just yet. Having learned to cast towards the horizon, I then discovered that I was almost certainly casting straight over the fish in many circumstances. With an estuary full of bass readily accessible, I decided to invest in an MTI Bass rod.
I decided this too is a great rod. Light, much easier to use than the 13ft beach casters and yet can still cast 4oz leads 100 yards or so without too much effort. Far more sensitive tip so flattie bites close in were much easier to spot. I also found that there was much more “feel” when playing a 2-3lb bass. And at the end of the day I suppose you go fishing firstly to catch and secondly to enjoy the sport (I also go for the scenery, the solitude and a host other reasons but lets stick to the rod topic for now). So I liked the extra feel I got from playing a fish on the MTI. But ….
I had also bought a little spinning rod when I bought my first beach caster. It was a Teklon Concept 832. I loaded a fixed spool reel with braid and used the rod for catching mini species with sabikis off the local pier at first. For this reason alone I have caught more fish on the Teklon than any other rod. I then began to cast out with 2oz lead. I can hit around 100 yards with it on a good day and started catching Mackerel from the shore. Absolutely top fun on such a light rod with braid to add to the “feel”. This developed to the use of deep spinning soft lures, catching more Mackerel, small Pollack and Coalie. I then started casting simple rigs short off the rock marks and catching Wrasse. Wow, how much fun are they on this set up. You hold the rod, feel the bite and strike as the fish makes that big powerful first dive. I’ve had them up to 3lbs this way. Wicked fun.
I then discovered that you can fish the rocky, weedy areas at your feed with soft lures rigged weedless (Texas) stylie. Blimey, how much fun is that! Most recently, I’ve been using bigger soft lures off my favourite rock marks and have been catching Pollack to almost 5lb on this little rod. OMG! Now that IS fun. At first I thought I was going to break the rod, but I’ve learnt to trust it, let it take the strain and bully some of the fish to stop them getting into the snags. I know you shouldn’t but it’s also lifted 5lb fish up the rocks without issue.
I saw on “Tight Lines” last night that the guys on there are no using similar rods from the boat to take Bream in the English Channel. I’m off to Alderney for 5 days boat fishing at the end of August. I can’t believe I’m now planning to pack the Teklon amongst my dedicated boat rods.
So, that’s my “journey” so far. Favourite rod? Teklon Concept 832. For me, the best allrounder by an absolute country mile.
What's your favourite rod and why?