PM Giles, he’ll sort you out. Failing that get a Silstar Traverse X 8′ winkle picker.

Couldn’t resist. If it’s a’true’ 80m you’re after take a look at the Shimano Aerocast 14ft, not cheap but loads of ‘feeling’. If you want brute force it’s got to be the Browning King Feeder range. Daiwa will leave you short(I’ve got them all), Tricast have the wrong tips and I cannot comment on the PI Dutchmaster range. Choose carefully and choose once. The reel you have makes a difference as does braid/mono.

Just out of curiosity, are you changing because you have to or want to?

If the IM8 still does the job then don’t change for the sake of change! I’m honestly not sure that rods have come on in the same leaps and bounds over the last 15 years that poles have. Don’t shop it in just for the hell of it.

i get charged £18 for a fuji reel seat fitted.

Squatt

where do you get your reel seats changed as I have 1 that needs replacing?

Kev

i use two local rod builders, probably no good to you.

Its dead easy, ive done my Normarks myself

Hopkins and Holloway do all the bits mail order

http://www.hopkinsholloway.co.uk/

sorted – many thanks

For what its worth, have used loads and own 5 different models that will do this:

Tricast 4000/5000 – Brilliant blanks, supplied tips are rubbish, can use with Drennan, ABU, Shimano, Preston and Browning tips though. Have used both with Braid straight through ok.

Ultimate Platium – poker stiff blank, very good tips. Suited to mono shockleader work, will put a feeder way beyond 80yards. Tips are small diameter ~3mm so won’t fit tricast rods.

Colmic WR9 – Same blank as Tricast Triune (so I’ve been told). Same issue as the 4000/5000 but spot on with the tips mentioned above. Can use with braid straight through no problem.

Browning King Feeder – have only used the 15ft version, powerful bottom two sections with a softer top section. Tips are spot on, lots of options, rod feels really nice to use despite the length. Have used with Braid straight through and mono shockleader. Haven’t tried yet but I reckon the tips from shimano, preston, Drennan and ABU will fit. To be honest though, the Browning ones are probably better anyway.

If I had to buy one it would be the Browning King Feeder, they come in 13ft, 14ft, and 15ft and will cover everything needed for UK waters. I’m actually selling my tricast 5000 to buy another one.

Ive tried the 13′ King Feeder and it will cast miles but didnt buy one as didnt want to spend that much on a rod id prob only use 4-5 times at year. At the big 1 show I bought a Brownng Hybrid 12′ feeder rod for long didtance carp work instead. Not used it yet but it looks the biz. More pokey than my diawa 11/13s but not silly and looks like it will chuck a method feeder a long long way. 65 squid – a absolute bargin It’s got a speci style butt so im buying a bivvy to go with it.