Holdwell question

[ExeAngler]

Morning Gents,

I have an Allcocks Holdwell with a spliced in tip. So far I have only used it for light float fishing with 2 -3 pound line but I am wondering if I can use it for light ledgering with a bobbin or touch ledger. It has a very fine tip and I am wondering what is the top bs line I should be using and if it will be ok for smaller Chub up to around 2.5 - 3lb?

Thanks

[Paul D]

I'd keep it just for light work personally.

[ExeAngler]

Another question, (full of questions this morning), can you use the tip of a Cane rod like a quiver tip or are they too stiff to indicate bites? The Holdwell tip is quite slim but not sure if slim enough for using it as an indicator.

[RBTraditional]

Cane is very sensitive ,I use MK1V Avons for nearly all of my bottom fishing and you'd be surprised just how many small knocks and rattles they register although I tend to wait until I get a decent pull....

[Dave Burr]

I agree with RBT, cane shows up a lot of information about what's happening at the exciting end of your tackle. The action of cane is slower than a glass or carbon tip and I think it makes it easier to read what's happening. Of course, you need the rod to have a sensitive tip - or, in the case of the MkIV Avon - middle section as that's where the bites show up

[Moley]

Another question, (full of questions this morning), can you use the tip of a Cane rod like a quiver tip or are they too stiff to indicate bites? The Holdwell tip is quite slim but not sure if slim enough for using it as an indicator.

If you think of it the Peter Stone Ledgerstrike, was specifically designed by Peter to act like a quivertip.

As RBTraditional has stated, cane is a remarkably effective rod top bite indicator

Sadly, with most anglers being hamfists of the first order not many of these rods made it to the present day intact......hence the high value of good'uns

Yes I have actually witnessed anglers in the past using the fine tipped Ledgerstrike to lob out dead baits for pike

With your rod ExeAngler, 4lb line with swanshot leger, probably a max of three or four shot of this size, to give a rolling bait presentation on rivers for chub or roach, all will be fine. Try to go heavier and problems will arise, as night follows day.

As ever,........

Moley

[Olly]

With "soft" rods the whole rod shows the bite not just the tip as in a c***on quiver tip rod! Even glass is good - if it is a soft action.

Like RBT - nothing better than watching the rod hoop round!

All split cane rods seem to be softer than most other rod materials.

Personally I would refrain from using a spliced tip rod for anything other than light float fishing - for which it was designed!

[Wallys-Cast]

I agree with Olly, keep it for float fishing, the tip is likely to break somewhere above the splice if casting out heavy loads.
On a similar note, I have seen three broken Swimversa tips, all broken at or near the point where it quickly tapers down. Great float rods but definitely not intended for ledgering or casting heavy floats.

The Holdwell is a lovely rod and worth looking after, 3 or 4lb line will be about right..

Wal.

[Marc]

I rarely use mine for fear of hooking something that fights back with too much vigour. I wouldn't want to hook anything above two to three pounds on it. I've always thought it the most misleadingly named rod.

[MGs]

Small fish and light lines only for mine