I'm coming back to fishing after a break of over 30 years and have been slowly replacing my trout/game fish collection with vintage Hardy rods etc which was all stolen all those years ago and I'm almost ready to rock again.

However, as I live in a trout-devoid area, if I need to fulfil the urge to fish in rivers which is my preference, I have to travel. As coarse/pike fishing is plentiful in this area, I might as well have a go at this to fill the odd few hours, starting next year. I admit, coarse fishing has never appealed in the past so I have little experience but I'm certainly willing to take advice from those who know better.

The question is:
I don't want to spend too much on this type of equipment as it will only be occasional use and I'm still spending way too much on rebuilding my trout gear, therefore can you guys suggest a couple of rods that will fit the bill to cover what I need once I have my game fishing gear up to scratch?

I won't be fishing for small stuff such as roach etc... it will be mostly pike, carp and barbel or chubb.

I already have a 7 foot ancient fibreglass ( 1950's) spinning rod which has landed 20LB pike and salmon with no probs and I have a couple of very good Ambidex Number 4's casting reels with several spare spools which should take care of pike, chubb, barbel and carp plus plenty of small tackle so all that's left is a couple of rods.

What do you suggest I look for in the rod department ( particularly the second hand market)? The waters I intend to fish will be either local canals / slow moving water or large ponds.

Tony

hi there
its difficult to think of just one type of rod to do all thoughs things but i do use a c`at fish rod for pike and carp.as long as you are only fishing canals and reasonbly small lakes,ponds. as my cat rod only casts around 70 yards well ive not tryed any further.if you look at my pics on my profile you can see one rod im talking about.i have two of them.i was going to sell them both but now im keeping one. these are alrounder rods really ive had barbel on them to and they play well they are very strong rods will cast half a lb of lead if you wish to so they must be strong. but at the same time they have a good action to. well thats my thoughts and help.i use these rods so i dont have to carry loads of rods to the bank when i go to the trent or the don. or canal its a walk some times.pm me if you need anything else im having a clear out at moment so theres alsorts of stuff theres at least 12 keep nets ive never used. whips, the very best in boxes preston.rods well there are rods like you wouldnt believe feeders alsorts. if you need anyting let me know. thanks phil

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stop buying bottled water we have,nt got enuff to fish in now so stop it get the water companies to do there job and clean the water every where!!!!

Thanks for the reply Phil.
To be honest, I don't intend to get too far into it as it's too sedentary a style of fishing for me but I'll get in touch later on when I see what I need!

Tony