BigFish wrote:Would the 500 be up to the odd double figure barbel?? Big chub don't really compare to barbel for fighting and I want a rod that will cope with the occasional low double barbel!!
In "Bream and Barbel," Peter Stone recommends three Chapman's rods for barbel ...
"I use three rods for barbel. One is the Chapman's Quinette Mk 8 (A powerful rod with a 2lb test curve), and I am confident of landing the biggest barbel that swims on this rod. My second is the Legerstrike which I use for medium-sized fish in fairly snag-free swims. Failing either of these rods, however, a Mark IV, should the angler have one, will suffice in the majority of swims. These are all leger rods and will not be suitable when float fishing, for which I use an Avon type rod.
Many good rods are available, but some are inclined to be a little on the sloppy side. Chapman's Amwell I can recommend, but whichever one you decide upon, make sure the action goes down to the butt."