Cane Barbel Rod

[Jeremy Croxall]

My son has won a writing competition and his prize is a guided Barbel fishing day on the Wye for two, needles to say, he has invited his old Dad along. Problem is I don't have a cane Barbel rod and would really like to use one. I have a modern Free Spirit "Big River" rod and a Shimano 5000 RE bait runner reel which is up to the Job, but would really prefer to use a cane rod on this occasion. My question therefore is what cane rod would be suitable, Chapman 550 maybe? any other suggestions?
I would swap the a/m items for a cane rod if this suits anybody, both rod and reel are in mint condition having only been used once.
Look forward to your suggestions.
Jeremy.

[Paul D]

Pm sent Jeremy

[Paul F]

The Chapman 550 is a great barbel rod, I use one myself and they are not too expensive.
If you fish for carp it would make a good addition to your armory
A Chapman 500 would also be suitable for Wye barbel, and is a better allrounder for chub, tench, carp etc

[Bumble]

Pm sent

[Jeremy Croxall]

My son has won a writing competition and his prize is a guided Barbel fishing day on the Wye for two, needles to say, he has invited his old Dad along. Problem is I don't have a cane Barbel rod and would really like to use one. I have a modern Free Spirit "Big River" rod and a Shimano 5000 RE bait runner reel which is up to the Job, but would really prefer to use a cane rod on this occasion. My question therefore is what cane rod would be suitable, Chapman 550 maybe? any other suggestions?
I would swap the a/m items for a cane rod if this suits anybody, both rod and reel are in mint condition having only been used once.
Look forward to your suggestions.
Jeremy.

The modern tackle listed above is now sold so cash available for a Chapman 550.

[Tweed]

I caught a Kennet barbel of around seven on my 500, probably wouldn't look to repeat or go larger.

I'm using an 11 foot cane Barbel specialist rod now, much more power.

[Olly]

I had a carp of 13lb in a snaggy swim on a 550 and was not happy with it in the confined area, open water probably not a problem.

[Hermit]

I find the 550 a bit soft and originally I thought that the old blank was just 'tired' until I asked Steve Woolley to build up a new top section after I accidentally broke it (on the Trent). But after a new top from Chapmans the action was just the same. I've had some nice fish from the Derwent on it (downstream from you) when the river has been normal but I wouldn't want to cast a heavy lead or hold against a strong current for any length of time with it. Personally, I think it would be fine on the Wye providing there was not too much water on.

Steve Woolley built up a Chapmans 11' 1.75lb carp blank which has been superb and landed a few doubles. I have used it all over and it makes an excellent barbel rod and it's worth talking to Steve if your considering something for the future (assuming there are some Chapman blanks left) or even giving him a call to see what he has in as he's so close by.

[CraigM]

I've got a 550 & would agree with Olly that you might find it a bit underpowered if you hooked one of the Wye's larger residents. It's not just the power of the fish but the size & flow of the river itself.

You might be better off looking for something a little longer & with a bit more power [say 11' & 1 & 3/4 TC as suggested by Hermit]. My first Wye barbel was the best part of eleven pounds & caught on a wide stretch & I was grateful that I was using a similar specification of rod.

You want the fish to give a good account of itself, but an overlong fight on weaker tackle risks overtiring or losing the fish in my honest opinion.

Good luck on your trip.

[Snape]

A B James MKIV is ok for the Wye. If you want something with a bit more beefiness try a MKIV stepped up but that may be over gunning.
A MKIV Avon is too light and the 550 is lighter than a MKIV in my opinion and would not be ideal.
The best rod would be an 11ft 1 3/4 tc. A modern ideal is a Sharpes Scottie rods Fred Crouch Barbel Perfection. Two piece plus handle or my choice would be a Barder Barbus Maximus MKI or MKII.