The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

A pal of mine phoned me this evening to ask for a recommendation for an up-to 10ft carp stalking rod:..."..you know, proper poking about in the bushes type rod", he said.
First. he asked if a Chapman 500 would be ok and I replied that it may be a bit lightweight and he might do better with a 550 Carp from Chapmans, or A N Other 10' carp rod.
I also said that a Sharpes salmon spinning rod (9'3" or 9'6"?) would probably fit the bill - but, naturally, expensive.
Please have any of you here have any ideas for him? He's a pretty committed traditionalist and I'd like to be able to help him.
Many thanks,
Mike

I have a Sharpe 8' spinning rod, and a 9' 3" version of a Sharpe... both are very good at landing lumpy carp... I had a 22lb 10 oz fish on my 8' rod

They come up occasionally and are a great rod

I think there's something to be said for a stalking rod having the soft all-through action of a fly rod - my stalking rod is the top two sections of a 15ft 10-12 aftm salmon rod (admittedly not cane) and it'll stop a stampeding buffalo - but gradually - it has a 3lb t/c and looks like this:



Once it's under strain the short lever provides a lot of power - it's a 12lb+ line rod and hooks smaller than '8's are out, as are fine wire hooks...

I suspect a cane salmon rod, cut down, would do a pretty good job. As long as you like a project.

Or a salmon spinning rod - like the LRH2 - much talked about!

At 9ft 6in with a t/c about 2.25lb to 2.5lb and power to the butt and handle it is excellent for fishing both under the tip stalking to general carp ledgering. It was the only rod I used last year with double figure carp on every visit but no 20lbers in 23 although I have had them in previous years.

I have a few and the t/c varies with age/use and when made but all about the t/c as above.

Another vote for the Sharpes 9'3"

I also recommend the LRH but the 1, not the 2. It is comparatively light but powerful. I have tried several 7' or 8' spinning rods but they tend to fall short when a decent fish is trying to pull your arm off. Also, using a centre pin gives you ultimate control of the line you yield and is, in my opinion, better than a fixed spool.

There's an auction at Mullocks Auction House in February, they usually have a few appropriate rods and is well worth a look.

Thanks, all, for the suggestions.
I remembered the LRHs very late last night; I'll put these ideas to him, along with the recommendation of use of a centrepin. Thanks, Dave.
Mike

Mike, I am firmly on the side of Team Sharpes. I have had most of my big barbel (to 15.10) and carp (to 31.08), on a 9' 6" version.

I have got an 8' one that is a joy to use and it has plenty of power. I wouldn't use it if I was wanting to stop it getting into a snag, however it coped well with the 21.04 leather last autumn.

Bob a cut down Sharps salmon rod will make a perfect job, David Crain, can tell you about them, better than I can, has he converted my 13ft and 14ft double handed rods. I no longer used for salmon, they have been used with very good success this past summer Regards Martin

As others have said you won't go far wrong with a Sharpes or Hardy LRH no 1 ( the no 2 is much too powerful I use mine for deadbaiting for pike or fishing for large carp in snaggy or weedy venues the no 1 is more pleasant to use for stalking.