Hi All,
Now that we're in Tier 4, can't reach my boat in Brixham (Tier 3), I'm still suffering from cabin fever.
As a result, I've had a couple of good trips to Chesil, and have been looking at uplifting my beach fishing gear. I'm not in the market for a Century or Zziplex long distance rod, but feel I could might be able to cast a bit further with some improved kit.
The current trend for continental style 4.2-4.5m continental style beachcasters has some merit, especially when matched with wide-spooled fixedspool reels such as the Penn WaveBlaster 8000.
Does anyone in the club have personal experience of Vercelli, Colmic or other conti rods, and would anyone like to share what's good and what's less effective, in what conditions, what locations, etc?
Then there's the debate over tubular "power" tip, or sensitive "hybrid tip...
That's before you get onto rod action such as c-curve, j-curve, parabolic, semi-parabolic, etc.
All I really want is to lob 3 clipped-down baits 150m or so, spot the rare bites that might arise, and have a chance of landing them...or is that asking far too much?
Thanks,
Mike
Lucky you can go to Sandbanks, Boscombe and Southbourne 😢😢
Mike talk to Tom at Christchurch tackle he is wealth of knowledge
I have a couple of long beach casters if you want to try out to see if they suit your style,unfortunately my reels are packed away anticipating a house move hopefully sometime in new year
Agree Greg, but George can't travel to Tier 4 beaches for "exercise".
Still might give them a go <img alt=":)" data-emoticon="" height="20" src="/emoticons/default_smile.png" srcset="/emoticons/smile@2x.png 2x" title=":)" width="20" />
Tom's good on the Vercelli range, which he sells.
Neil at Wessex is good at the Colmics, which he sells.
It was that independent, personal view I was hoping for.
150 metres out, I would need the boat for that
Hi Mike
I have two vercelli continentals, a shimano and the AFAW Fixed spool version. The vercellis are excellent rods but probably not strong enough for hauling in a large cod from Chessel.
They are super light weight and have an excellent bite registration. Mine will Chuck 8oz leads plus a large squid bait, if required but are better suited to 4/5oz plus a clipped down flapper. You cannot pendulum cast with them for fear of snapping the tip (it probably won’t happen but it always concerns me). However they will take a very good over head thump. If you get a good raft of weed attached to the rig then again proceed cautiously.
For heavier continental rods look at the AFAW and shimano.
I’d happily send you a vercelli if you’d like to try before you buy?
Neil
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Or, I also have an Ian Golds Fixed spool rod which is built around a Zziplex blank.
Again, an excellent rod. A little heavier to hold but will handle any fish in any situation.
Again if you’d like to test drive that’s ok!
Not many tackle shops will get you in a £300 rod on a try before you buy basis.
Neil
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Kind offer Neil, thanks.
My son offered me a few casts on his new Vercelli before Christmas, but I declined. Thanks for the offer of a loan, but won't accept thanks.
Understand the concept, no pendulums etc, but like your idea of something a bit stronger, as well as distance and bite sensitivity.
I guess small ray, smoothound, strap conger and even cod will turn up at times, and it would be a shame if the rod was too light for the job. Good thought, thanks.
Kind offer Neil, thanks.
My son offered me a few casts on his new Vercelli before Christmas, but I declined. Thanks for the offer of a loan, but won't accept thanks.
Understand the concept, no pendulums etc, but like your idea of something a bit stronger, as well as distance and bite sensitivity.
I guess small ray, smoothound, strap conger and even cod will turn up at times, and it would be a shame if the rod was too light for the job. Good thought, thanks.
Yes Mike, the vercellis are a more “continental” fishing style rod as opposed to a slightly heavier UK beach fisher. I would definitely take a look at the AFAW range. This if you can find one won’t be a disappointment.
https://www.veals.co.uk/acatalog/Anyfish-Anywhere-14--GB-FS-Pro-5856.html
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Mike, one of our Offshore outlaws members is selling this, which mane of interest?
https://www.offshoreoutlaws.co.uk/topic/536-vercelli-spyra-fiamma/?tab=comments#comment-7643
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I have a Vercelli Spyra Fiamma for sale which would easily handle chesil i have used on the Bristol Channel. I actually bought it with chesil in mind but realistically i only fish it a couple of times a year at most as spend most time on the boat or beach in Somerset. Google the rod and read any reports on it, it may be what your after
4 minutes ago, Tarlach. said:Mike, one of our Offshore outlaws members is selling this, which mane of interest?
https://www.offshoreoutlaws.co.uk/topic/536-vercelli-spyra-fiamma/?tab=comments#comment-7643
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Thanks Tarlach, i should have thought of attaching a link doh.
Thanks Tarlach, i should have thought of attaching a link doh.
No bother. To be honest I never made the connection that you were a member here too! [emoji1787]
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Hi Mike
It’s a mine field there are so many rods to choose from. There is a large range of continental rods and dare I call them normal rods. As you know I have been involved with casting and competition fishing for many years and have tried all sorts of rods. I use conti rods and like fishing with them the vercelli handles rays on Southbourne beach no problem.
It all comes down to personal preference. Do you want reel up or reel down, over head thump, pendulum, back cast off the ground? it goes on and on and on.. I would suggest you go and see Tom, but it is now tier 4 so you can’t go in the shop to see what he has but he knows a lot about the conti style rods and is always happy to give advice. I suggest you give him a ring he has a lot of experience as an England international fishing venues from Southbourne to South Africa.
If it wasn’t for this COVID stuff it would be much easier to choose the right rod for you.
There is no perfect fit so a little compromise should set you up with an all rounder to suit your needs. Good luck in your search for the rod you want.