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Back in the early 2000's a mate* and I used to build rods, mostly fly and sea rods, although some of the blanks we got for bass were good for carp fishing. We'd order what we needed blank wise for 6 or 7 rods at a time, really only keeping guides and thread in stock. I know a few people who build now only keep a maximum of 12 blanks in stock as it does take a fair while to build a rod nicely and with 'non-fashionable' anglers avoiding the overgunned tackle brand rods, it is almost specific builds. Sure I can do the guides in a day, but it is the lacquer, hi-build over the threads and the varnish that take the time. *Allen did used to have an account on here.

If fishing upto 100m I’d rather fish straight through on a .38mm mono-no need for a shockleader. If you want to go further, consider a tapered mainline-Gardner GT-HD is highly recommended.

I've just realised I've owned my Okuma 8k reels for over 4 years now. Firstly where has that time gone? Secondly they are still as smooth and brilliant as the day I got them. Normally I get bored with tackle or fed up with it limiting my angling but these reels do it all. The simplicity of the drag, the line lay is perfect and they are a joy to use. Even with 0.40mm line the line falls of the spool with ease when casting. I can honestly say they are the best reels I've ever owned and have no desire to change them. You know what I might even oil them as a treat for being such loyal servants.

I got into some nice perch yesterday also made lots of mistakes in regards to waggler fishing, set up on a wooden decking peg that was OK but a bit awkward with two rods, moved to a bankside swim with a nice wind blowing towards me, I spent most of the time clearing pond fluff off the line, had a few roach, but I really was struggling to keep the bait on the hook, no joke I could barely get my hook down before a team of baby perch had stripped the hook bare, try again Friday maybe try a water that isn't three meters deep a rod length out, lol.

Custom rods custom waiting time the way companies are running these days I wouldn't be surprised if they were buying the blanks and parts after receiving each order, I doubt they keep much stock getting lumbered with 500 reel seats that don't sell often would have the accounts department in a dizzy fit. They could hold a stock of made up rods for those that want it instant.

Yes I got some after my mate did, rods are lovely but you have to expect a decent wait. Got blanked after when I asked him to do me a matching landing net handle. I'm having these re-built at The Tackle Box, changing reel seats, new rings, the lacquer has gone so the whipping is clouding up overnight. A lot of love for the Torrix TE Specials so they're getting a makeover. ❤️

Well done Kev, cracking fish

I know someone who had rods built by him they said similar but the rods were great when he got them.

48 hour social at Bluebell lakes. Sandmartin Lake. Managed one on the first evening but despite looking good for more the following day no more bites.

` Sounds just like the Chris Orme experience

No personal experience but Apparently the rods are fantastic, if and when you finally get the rods. customer service, speed of service, communication on the other hand leaves a lot to be desired. if it was me, I would be looking elsewhere.

Hi guys. Has anyone on here had any experience in using Cotswold Rods? Thanks.

I use slosh 20’s on my sandstorms looking to get a pair of 30’s for the uptiders

7HT'S, beautiful reels, what I use myself on my Sandstorm and Sea Hunter. Unchanged since their release back in the 1990's, although there is now a Mag version. Nice guy, used to fish around Norfolk and Suffolk quite a bit.

I couldn’t pass them up! They are going to be paired with Daiwa 7HT multis, I’m hoping to get them sorted for the autumn when the autumn/winter seas can prove to be a bit much for my Leeda Icon Elite match rods that I usually use. these rods are usable as they are, but I’d like to replace the eyes and maybe revarnish the blanks, then build them back up. first thing to do is to get them to a field and put the blanks through their paces, be a shame to do a rebuild and have them implode on the first cast because the blank was naffed.

You both could have a practice casting if there’s a field or park land near, good fun for a hour 👍

I was thinking the same. My choice of weapon in the 80’s was a Daiwa Paul Kerry 12 ft quite tippy teamed it with an Abu 7000c with the level wind removed Lee Kerry who is an England international match angler is his son

well done Elmo and daughter top angling

You lucky so and so!

Welcome to Carp.com. You might find that your water has rules on line diameters and breaking strains for carp fishing, possibly a minimum of 15lb or 0.35mm diameter. The honest answer is that carp fishing wise, you should make well over 100metres, I'd be hitting closer to 150 with the test curve of that rod, what may stop you is reel size, so a big pit reel is needed for 15lb which is my minimum for long distance casting on most waters with carp around 20lb or (just under) 10kg. 100grams is 3.5oz (give or take) so should be right for the rod. Personally I prefer a 30lb (Amnesia) shockleader with 3 or 3.5oz, and it is around 4metres long, at least my casting drop, the lead at the join, and 4 or more turns on the reel. Make sure you position the shockleader knot at the back of the spool. Cracking off when the line has frapped round the knot is not fun. I tie my leader with a simple overhand loop in the leader, and a single uni knot up the leader going through the overhand loop, wet, pull tight and lighter tag both ends of the knot. I do exactly the same sea fishing and with 5 or 6oz leads, and haven't cracked off for a lot of years. I can't see the reason for a lighter rod set-up unless you are targeting other species. Distance fishing, and long casting is practice. I usually need a couple of warm up casts until it is 'right' and I am back in the swing of things.

Live view is easy just use rc FPV video transmitter, i have all the gear may give it a try

Check rules for line diameters

Bit of a boot sale find, a Team Daiwa Amphorous Whisker 12ft 9 beach caster and a Daiwa Amphorous 12ft 2 beach caster for £20 the pair. they need to be given a thrash with a few leads to check the blank is sound and so long as they are, they will be getting a strip down and basic rebuild at some point to make them usable.

Pint of reds and a two rod licence the EA definitely visit these waters regularly so I did remember to get one before fishing this time, had them at Barston a few years back they cleaned up even did one guy that was just setting up, didn't let him off either. I completely forgot one year seen them coming and quickly bought one online, they just went by to do some maintenance checks on the near by river there is a half hour delay from time of purchase to a live licence so bit lucky there.

Seems OK, might want to try a75 gram weight first, the 100 is at a 3.5lbs rods limit you add in bait end tackle and the power of the cast to get 100 meters really is going to test everything to the limit. Not my style of angling few others on here that are set up for distance fishing they will put you right on how to get the distance safely. Mainline might be a bit too fine usually a 12lb line with shock leader, I know one lake owner that will question the use of 12lb line for distance casting.