Morning all,

I've been thinking of moving into slightly lighter tackle... i currently use a Greys GS 9'6" #7 and was thinking of moving down to either a 4 or 5 for when i fish rivers... does anyone have any recommendations for a robust but cheap rod i could use to start me in this area? im more used to reservoir boat fishing and small still water bank fishing... Cheers!

Steve

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if it was that easy they'd call it catching!

Look at the Shakespeare Odyssey XT and Trion XT from John Norris. Also Wychwood trufly, fladen vantage etc.Have a search through the forums as a common question.

If it is large rivers (over 20 yards across), a 8'6'' or 9' 5wt will be about right by allowing you to mend line and cast a full line without difficulty but will over power many smaller fish.

If it is medium rivers (i.e. under 20 yards across) drop down to a 8ft 4wt as it will still handle a bit of wind and while it will handle big fish, it will not over power the smaller ones too much.

If it is small river (under 10 yards across) drop down to a 7ft 3wt as it is much more enjoyable. On small rivers where the average fish is 1/2lb and a biggie is 2lb, the rod will give enough to protect light tippets but still handle the 'monster' should you manage to hook it and have a ball with everything over 6 inches providing a fight that you will feel every movement through the rod, a 1lb fish feels like a 3lb on a 5wt or a 4lb on a 7wt.

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Just My Tuppenceworth!!

thanks very much... good advice!

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if it was that easy they'd call it catching!