|
Post by orangeotter on Mar 28, 2015 13:12:33 GMT
I've had the pleasure this week of testing Daniel's new zoom rod and the bottom line is that it's excellent !
The first day was on the Ceiriog which has a lot of canopy and trailing branches, making it hard at times even for the Rhodo that I use on small waters. I had a preconceived idea that it would be too short but how wrong I was. Used in conjunction with a 9ft + 3 line I was easily able to reach those lovely pockets which abound and generally avoided the obstructions. Sadly, the river was rising fast following heavy overnight rain but I did at least catch one small brownie.
The casting action is fast, needing only a gentle flick to extend the line, and this in quite a nasty breeze at times. Despite initial misgivings I found the foam EVA handle a pleasure to use, more comfortable than cork and the grey camo' colour very pleasing - I wish my other rods had the same. The dull blank is an advantage and the overall impression is of real quality.
The following day saw me on the Alyn which was at a good height and less than two hours fishing brought 4 trout and 2 grayling. Again, I thought it may be too short but other than on the few wide pools I was easily able to fish to the far bank with no trouble. Although none of the fish were real specimens, it was a good sensation playing them and I'm sure the rod will easily handle larger fish.
At only 1.9 oz, it exerted no pressure on the fingers and the dual lengths of 8ft/6ft 9" (245/206) will be a boon on the small streams that a lot of us fish. I'm looking forward to using it considerably more.
At less than £60, I feel it just has to be part of a stream fishers armoury - worth more I feel.
|
|
|
Post by springerman on Mar 28, 2015 14:50:06 GMT
orangeotter, I bought the same rod recently, mainly for summer fishing on the Hodder. There are one or two places that are a bit overgrown. A play if you like. I have not had chance to try it yet and I was interested to see the length of line you were using. I have been ill this last week with a flu type bug and not been out much. (I do not want it again) I will get to an irrigation pond and give the rod a cast or two if I don't get on the river. I also like the handle together with the price. Keep us updated on any further outings. Good Luck. Ian.
|
|
|
Post by orangeotter on Mar 28, 2015 18:52:56 GMT
thanks Ian: unless it's very close combat I'd feel a bit compromised with a line much shorter.
I'm sure you'll enjoy it on the river.
Let us know...
|
|
|
Post by monkey on Mar 29, 2015 17:12:10 GMT
I have also just got the Rod managed 2 trips out with it, casts well and managed all the fish i caught from 5 inch and up. Just finished a video review here
the Carbon rod tubes they are selling off due to printing issues on the logo are a bargain.
and Spare tips for only £8 are also nice. Have to agree with orangeotter cracking rod and a bargain.
George
|
|
|
Post by custheyder on Mar 29, 2015 17:54:41 GMT
Thank you so much for the reviews. Whenever I launch a new rod I always put the first few up at a reduced cost as an introductory offer. There are not many of this one left and the price will be increasing very soon.
|
|
|
Post by Dyfan on Mar 29, 2015 18:17:19 GMT
I had a play around with it yesterday and I have to say I was extremely impressed. The rod casts like a dream, it's beautifully put together and incredibly light. Like orangeotter, I was a bit cynical about the foam handle at first, but it didn't take long to convince me that they are the way forward. Anyone fishing tight, overgrown streams should seriously consider it. At the price being asked, you can't go wrong either!
|
|
|
Post by paul1966 on Mar 29, 2015 18:57:33 GMT
Monkey, what a fantastic trout well done! What river is that you're fishing. The new rod looks a cracker too.
|
|
|
Post by monkey on Mar 29, 2015 20:05:48 GMT
Monkey, what a fantastic trout well done! What river is that you're fishing. The new rod looks a cracker too. I think that calling it a river is a bit much its a small local beck that runs though a local wood. I do my best to keep it clean ish but there is always a bike or 2 thrown in. It runs passed a Dairy farm and picks up wash off form there. The section i was fishing was the widest part normally its 1/2 that and you will send most of you day catapult casting it. If your local to leeds PM me and i will give you the location, all i ask is that you help me clean it up some
|
|
|
Post by paul1966 on Mar 29, 2015 21:54:47 GMT
Thanks, if I'm ever up your way I'll message you.
|
|
|
Post by springerman on Mar 30, 2015 8:02:22 GMT
Monkey, Another great video. Not shirt sleeve weather this time!! Every credit to you on those superb Trout. I thought I was going to have to be careful with this little rod, you have proved otherwise. Thank you for your very helpful review. Just as a matter of interest what length of line did you find the best. I know you said a #4. Look forward to your next excellent production.
|
|
|
Post by orangeotter on Mar 30, 2015 9:02:26 GMT
what a terrific video monkey, and the fish was amazing for such a small city stream. The rod certainly handled it well, you could see the strength it has. And to catch a second good fish - great, you're lucky to have the fishing but at least you look after it.
Good backing track !
Look forward to more feed back - I need to feel one that big from the Dee.
|
|
|
Post by monkey on Mar 30, 2015 10:52:54 GMT
Just as a matter of interest what length of line did you find the best. I know you said a #4. Look forward to your next excellent production. I was useiing 8' level line to about 4' of 6x tippet I have 2 level lines set up for the rod the 8' and a 13' it handles both well, I would not want to use the longer level line with the rod zoomed in as it gets a bit unmanageable. That could just be me as I'm still new to this tenkara. Glad you all like the video, I look forward to doing more, and I hope some will be in better weather., I think I was as wet as the fish. Any one else notice that the 45 degrees you hold the rod at it's just right for the rain running down your rod to go right down your arm inter your water proofs ?
|
|
|
Post by springerman on Mar 30, 2015 15:12:22 GMT
Monkey, Thank you for the information. If you wear a good wrist band, like Any Murray throws to the crowd after he has won, it will stop any water running down your arm. But why would you want to miss such a wonderful experience!!
|
|
|
Post by adric on Mar 30, 2015 19:21:32 GMT
great video I will look into this rod too as I fish many small streams. maybe not as small as yours.
Richard
|
|
|
Post by orangeotter on Mar 31, 2015 12:14:38 GMT
Ideal for you I would think Richard.
|
|