I'm going to get geared up before the season starts and give trotting a go again. I will be fishing some smaller rivers and i've got a couple of nice, old Drennan rods in 11/12ft for this. For the medium to large(ish) rivers i'm looking at 13ft to 15ft (perhaps 15ft ???).

What would the suggestions be? I want light and sensitive. The biggest fish i'd be likely to catch would be Chub up to 4lb (if i'm lucky!).

I can go to two or three hundred quid if needed (the wifes just had a new car so I won't need to sneak it in the house ).

On the centrepin front I have a small Rapidex thats OK on the smaller rivers. What would suggestions be to match the longer rod?

The bit i'm not really sure about is the diameter on the larger pins?? Should I be using a 4" or 4.5" ?

Thanks.

Look at the Okuma Sheffield for the reel - brilliant reel for the money (£90 - £120)

I have just bought a Wychwood specimen float rod - not used it yet.

You have to duck talking about this sort of thing on here.

For a 15' rod have a look at the MAP Ultra II. Go for a 4 1/2" pin with a spool width of between 3/4" and 7/8", my own personal favourite is the Youngs Purist II, others that would also fit the bill admirably are the Match Aerial or the Okuma pins which in particular offer very good value for money.

TF

The MAP Ultra is great value for money. I've got the 17' and once you get use to it the extra length is great for fishing the stick. I'll let other advise you regarding reels as I'm afraid I've still got a thing for Mitchell Matches.

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resist much, obey little

Walt Whitman

My own preference is a Daiwa 14ft Aqualite rod (£100). It subdued a 4lb 14oz Loddon Chub pretty well. Perhaps for a bigger river a longer rod is fine but matched with a 'pin (Okuma are awesome value) I rarely fish beyond 2 to 3 rod lengths anyway (helps that the rivers I fish are this wide anyway!).

Daiwa make some top class rods in the £100-£120 class. Check them out. My local tackle dealer sold me my Aqualite instead of a £220 Shimano as he reckoned the Daiwa was a better rod. Great service!

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Cheers,
Lawrence

Why not have a look around for a Speedia!?,they come in both narrow and wide drum and if a good specimen can be found,thay are a cracking reel.Should be able to get one for around £50,perhaps more with original box

I agree with the choice of reels mentioned here. I have both a Speedia and a Rapidex. Both are silky smooth and will trot a light float in slow flow nicely (while also being able to handle chubbers and avons in a decent current).

The Speedia has the lower start-up inertia but also the slower retrieve owing to a smallish diameter drum (not a problem). The Rapidex is caged and I like it in windy conditions. Both look very cool in a vintage sort of way with the Speedia particularly nice with its yellow/orangy handles.

There are plenty about at resonable prices on auction sites.

The Okuma Sheffield is simply stunning (if you want a new job) with the Aventa Pro supposedly equally as good and cheaper. I have seen Sheffields advertised at £97.00 on the net - I paid £99.99 for mine last week, bargain! It is currently sitting on a cabinet next to my chair being spun back and forth aimlessly while waiting for the new season. It seems a long way off...