Which Boat Rod ?

[kiwimarty]

It’s my birthday in a couple of week’s folks, so if I get some birthday money, yippee, I am going to get myself some budget boat gear.

Now my local tackle shop has a reel that I have decided on. I cant remember the brand name (accudepth) but it has a line meter on it and its because of this they have reduced them in price from £90 odd pounds down to £45 as people don’t like the meter!!

Now my problem is choice of rod.

They will do a Shakespeare Ugly Stick Solo 20lb class and also a Ron Thompson (same class) both for £50. The Thompson rod is a lovely designed rod. The blank is strong but very flexible and has a great feel to it and the top handle grip is moulded for the hand. It feels an absolute ‘first class’ rod. Now a friend of mine has bought two Ron Thompson rods (not boat) and had to return both of them due to rusting rings (both replaced by better but still a b**l ache). Do I take the risk!

OR

Do I stick to a dependable brand name such as we have in the Shakespeare Ugly Stick or do I throw caution out of the window and go for the RT. (I like both).

Your input would be appreciated.

Kiwi.

[Old Smoothound]

Shakespeare make damn good boat rods...i have the Ugly Stick 20lbs class...exceptional rod for money.

RT...naaaaa!

But its your choice at the end of the day...

[duncan]

Everyone's going to have a view!

RT G-max is nice, Fladden Maximus too however if you really want a great 20lb class rod then theNormark IGFA is beautifull. I got one last month but haven't tested in in anger yet - just mocked up some loads to see how it curves/handles deadweights.

Real bargin basement go to the bottom of that links page - BOGOF on the Fladden 15-30lb charter specials. NIcely finished, good number of rings and OK handle etc - only downside is the spigot which, on 2 of the 4 I had delivered was a tiny bit sloppy and played against the rubber (appropriately) supplied. On the one I retained I will make it into a 1 piece anyway.

But in your position I wouldn't do any of the above - I would get one of the current Penn offers matching a 225LD (or 320gti) with a 12-20lb Powerstick (or better the Giller/thriller rod). Should get it for around 120/130 from your local Penn Dealer.

[kiwimarty]

Thanks for the link Duncan.

Just as an update. I wish the rod to be no less than 20lb class but no more than 30. I also dont see the need for rollers. Now following that link I noticed the Fladen Warbird Ocean 7' 6" 20 - 30lb. Does anyone know this rod?

Cheer's.

Kiwi.

[andyg]

Kiwi,

I've said it before and I'll say it again:

www.tonystackle.co.uk

A Shakespeare Ugly Stick Gold & Penn 320GT2 reel for £100

I've not seen anything like such good value anywhere. This is good quality tackle at ron thompson/ fladen prices mate.

Accudepth v Penn 320 - NO CONTEST

[audiracer]

shakespear ugly stick

a very nice well balanced rod and comfortable to use, you won't be disapointed mr. kiwi

[kiwimarty]

Thanks Guys.........my minds made up.

Cheers.

Kiwi.

[nimue4]

Marty,
how can your mind be made up when I haven't had my tuppence worth and I've got 28 rods and reels on the wall around me mate?

I'm hurt.

I may even shed a tear.

The ABU Garcia SC70 is the best boat rod ever produced. Rated 15-30, very soft tip but superb mid to butt strength. Bung a Penn 525 on it and I would take on anyone.

OK so its not made anymore but you could have at least waited for my input. (looks s--t as well with dark yellow whippings) But without doubt the best rod ever.

Funnily enough I can almost feel Richards fingers hovering over the computer keyboard about to type in the words....ban the drunken git!!! Yeah had to stop tomorrows trip so am having a beer or 2...was so looking forward to first of the year...hey ho thats small boats.

Hope you feel suitably guilty,

Cheers, Marty, Jules

Edit admin - hehe - also enjoying a beer

[kiwimarty]

Originally Posted by nimue4

Marty,
how can your mind be made up when I haven't had my tuppence worth and I've got 28 rods and reels on the wall around me mate?

I'm hurt.

I may even shed a tear.

The ABU Garcia SC70 is the best boat rod ever produced. Rated 15-30, very soft tip but superb mid to butt strength. Bung a Penn 525 on it and I would take on anyone.

OK so its not made anymore but you could have at least waited for my input. (looks s--t as well with dark yellow whippings) But without doubt the best rod ever.

Funnily enough I can almost feel Richards fingers hovering over the computer keyboard about to type in the words....ban the drunken git!!! Yeah had to stop tomorrows trip so am having a beer or 2...was so looking forward to first of the year...hey ho thats small boats.

Hope you feel suitably guilty,

Cheers, Marty, Jules

Edit admin - hehe - also enjoying a beer

At the start of you post you really got me going Jules. I was almost brought to tears.......But hold on.......You then give me advice about a rod that I could only find at a car boot sale. Now listen to me my friend. Take your wall of rods and yourselve and go and stand in that corner in your garage and give yourself a stiff talking to, and dont come out until admin say's so.

Now thats a good chap.

Kiwi.

[andyg]

Originally Posted by kiwimarty

Thanks Guys.........my minds made up.

Cheers.

Kiwi.

Uhu?

Don't leave us hanging Kiwi................

What are you gonna get?