New rod

[special kevin]

I am looking to buy a new rod with a price range of between £50 and £60 it is to be used for canal and small lake fishing. I will be targeting fish up to around 5 llb in weight, i currently am using a 12ft match rod but my local tackle dealer has suggested a 10ft two piece rod which he says would suffice and would be ample if i was to get into a bigger fish. Any suggestions would be most welcome.

[Banana Steve]

TFG do 10ft rods, but to be honest i would go for a 13ft match rod, you will get a better action than a 10ft rod. unless casting is a problem i would not use a 10ft rod, and even then i would lean more towards a 12ft rod.

[BoldBear]

I agree with Steve. a 12ft or 13ft rod is a much more sensible length than a 10ft'er.

Most fish on a canal are caught either on the bottom or on top of the far shelf; or if it is a stretch with Chub or Carp in it; tight against the far bank; especially if there is any over hanging vegetation on the far bank.
Using a short 10ft rod will only be giving yourself a severe handicap; a rod of around 12ft to 13ft will make it much easier to cast a light float accurately, and control a fish using the action of the rod.

NB. I do own a short 9ft canal ''Winkle-Picker' which I have used twice in the last 10 years but that is only for use when match fishing on a freezing cold mid-winters day with 2lb line fishing fairly close in using a very fine quivertip after gudgeon and small roach etc.
It certainly wouldn't be any good for anything over ¾lb.

And on a small lake (1 to 3 acre) I would definately go for a rod of at least 12ft (or 13ft) whether I was using a float rod or a leger rod.

tight lines

BB

[special kevin]

Thanks to both i am swayed towards a 12 or 13 footer your help is much appreciated