Evening TFF'ers,
I need to fill the Tinter-net up with more cr*p, plus it's been a while since I have posted anything or done some banging on about Andrew's rods. So I thought this was worthy of some waffle.
I took this Wizard down to the Kennet this afternoon not really expecting much as it was a cool night and it was very bright day but I thought I would have wonder around in the autumn sun. Having put some new line on a old Aerial which I had not used before, well I thought I would see how the half-moon line guard at the bottom of reel faired. I still don't line guards even though this was a much nicer position and the reel casted well with it set at the bottom.
After a couple of hours and few chublettes I moved to spot where I had caught barbel before "bouncing" not really rolling my bait around under some overhanging trees. But a after a fruitless 15 to 20 mins I decided I couldn't be arsed with keep casting and bouncing the bait around so I whacked it out right under the far bank into the main flow and allowed the bait to drift way way down stream. It settled in a spot some distance off, in mid river, then I allowed myself to sit back and relax a bit. Looking and listing to the buzzards circling nearby, king fishers darting up and down etc. Generally not taking much notice, just holding the rod. After I suppose another 10mins I had full on continuous pull of the rod as if something had got hold of the meat and said "that's mine, and I am off". It did not dart off but pulled away and when I leaned the rod into the bite it was a very powerful/heavy force on the end.
I tried taking a couple of 'action' shots but there was grease on the phone camera lens and once I realised quite what a lump she was I decided to stop fannying around and risk loosing the fish.
Anyhow, Andrew's rod performed stunningly well with such a lump, it was hooked at distance and the rod was fully utilised as you can imagine. After quite a tussle with a few branches investigated by the barbel.....finally came into the 30" net.....which I must admit.... I am very glad I had with me. Nearly took a much smaller net. Phew.
If you want a modern Wizard which has a backbone and very capable......order one of these.
![Image](https://s11.postimg.org/5pw64gpz7/14566370_1197487516993182_1267308682641143064_o.jpg)