Peregrine 11'6" Floodwater Rod - £185 (standard build)
by Matt Brown
Details : Designed for barbel fishing in floodwater by midlands specialist Chris Ponsford and built on a Harrison blank that is unique to Peregrine, the rod has a very powerful, but unspecified test curve. The magic with this rod the last 10 " or so of the tip section which includes a transition to a softer carbon compound creating a soft tip without being flimsy like a quivertip. The triple legged Fuji rings are wide throughout to help reduce clogging from debris in weedy conditions.
Pros : Although they are a specialised tool, I wouldn't be without these on a flooded river when after barbel, or when I need to fish at distance on bigger rivers such as the Trent. There's enough power to chuck a 6oz watch lead 100 yards and yet when an angry barbel is making those final runs away from the net, you can feel the blank bending through the corks. There is no lock-up up and therefore no sudden, unexpected pressure to straighten a hook or break the hooklink.
Another major benefit of that power is when you are chucking a heavy feeder 30 yards or more. The accuracy that you can achieve is far superior to more traditional barbel rods.
Although the tip was designed so that a build up of weed on the line would bend the tip rather than pull the lead out of position, I also really appreciate being able to read and knocks and rattles that may occur.
Cons : Call me a tackle tart but it would be nice if the rods looked 'flash' in some way. I'd also prefer a well finished, painted tip section. However, I appreciate that some people prefer a more subtle finish and this will suit them down to the ground.
Conclusion : I wish the rivers would flood more often so mine would see more action. They're something that all serious, year round barbel anglers should have a look at - especially those who fish bigger rivers.
Peregrine 11'6" Floodwater Rod - £185 (standard build)
by Matt Brown
Details : Designed for barbel fishing in floodwater by midlands specialist Chris Ponsford and built on a Harrison blank that is unique to Peregrine, the rod has a very powerful, but unspecified test curve. The magic with this rod the last 10 " or so of the tip section which includes a transition to a softer carbon compound creating a soft tip without being flimsy like a quivertip. The triple legged Fuji rings are wide throughout to help reduce clogging from debris in weedy conditions.
Read more on the Peregrine WebsitePros : Although they are a specialised tool, I wouldn't be without these on a flooded river when after barbel, or when I need to fish at distance on bigger rivers such as the Trent. There's enough power to chuck a 6oz watch lead 100 yards and yet when an angry barbel is making those final runs away from the net, you can feel the blank bending through the corks. There is no lock-up up and therefore no sudden, unexpected pressure to straighten a hook or break the hooklink.
Another major benefit of that power is when you are chucking a heavy feeder 30 yards or more. The accuracy that you can achieve is far superior to more traditional barbel rods.
Although the tip was designed so that a build up of weed on the line would bend the tip rather than pull the lead out of position, I also really appreciate being able to read and knocks and rattles that may occur.
Cons : Call me a tackle tart but it would be nice if the rods looked 'flash' in some way. I'd also prefer a well finished, painted tip section. However, I appreciate that some people prefer a more subtle finish and this will suit them down to the ground.
Conclusion : I wish the rivers would flood more often so mine would see more action. They're something that all serious, year round barbel anglers should have a look at - especially those who fish bigger rivers.