Rods for the Trent

[CrayCane]

Going to be barbel fishing on the Trent for a few days in a week or so, roughly in the Burton Joyce area.

I've never fished the river before but would like to use cane, so looking for a little advice on rods. Would I be under-gunned using a MK IV carp rod?


Pete

[Snape]

I fish a bit downstream from there and the MKIV is fine.

[Bob Brookes]

Providing the river is at normal summer level a Mk IV carp should be just fine. Load your reel with heavier line than you would normally use with a cane carp rod. Most of the Trent has the banks lined with big rocks so you need more robust line to give you better abrasion resistance. I would use no less than 10lb but would suggest 12lb is better, your shout!

[Tengisgol]

Providing the river is at normal summer level a Mk IV carp should be just fine. Load your reel with heavier line than you would normally use with a cane carp rod. Most of the Trent has the banks lined with big rocks so you need more robust line to give you better abrasion resistance. I would use no less than 10lb but would suggest 12lb is better, your shout!

But remember that if you do get stuck on a rock, don’t try and pull it out with your cane rod!

[Hovis]

Sage advice above. I use mk1v in that area of the Trent and it's fine. Don't make the mistake of casting far as there is plenty of fish under your feet. That "stone toe" Bob speaks of can be an issue. Tbh I've used 12lb but never really needed it and as long as you can keep the rod up you'll be ok.

[CrayCane]

Many thanks chaps, that's good to hear. I'll take something stronger along as a reserve.
Pete

[Snape]

Many thanks chaps, that's good to hear. I'll take something stronger along as a reserve.
Pete

A salmon spinning rod or a MKIV SU are both good for the stronger flows.

[CrayCane]

Thanks Snape. I was thinking I'll put my Sharpe's spinner and a heavy carp rod in the bag.
Pete

[Bob Brookes]

Thanks Snape. I was thinking I'll put my Sharpe's spinner and a heavy carp rod in the bag.
Pete

I use a Sharpes spinner for much of my Trent barbel fishing.
Bob

[CrayCane]

Thanks Bob. I've seen some of your reports on the beautiful barbel you've caught from the Trent, so that's certainly a good enough recommendation to me.
Pete