TF-Gear Slim Barbel Intruder and Okuma Epix Pro Baitfeeder

[sammy-boy]

This year i invested in a new rod and reel for barbel. Cost me £130 for the pair and worth every penny in my opinion.
The TF-Gear slim barbel rod comes in 11ft 1.5, 12ft 1.5 and 12ft 1.75. I brought the 12ft 1.5lb. The stopping power of this rod is imense and comes with two top sections, an avon and a quiver. I've been using the avon top for my barbel fishing and even with this weeks flood water, its held up fine to the task of fishing at short range. However if i was to cast to the far bank in this flood, i'd opt to use a 5oz feeder and a 2.5lb carp rod. The quiver top is great for tench and both tops are very well balanced. Using the correct drag setting on the reel using 10lb nash bullet xt, the set up its well balanced for all river fishing. Its sensitive and very responsive, the only draw back to this rod is i'd like the quiver top to have a range of tips rather than the one fixed in tip. overall 95/100

As for the reel, as with all Okumas it is exceptional quality at a low cost. Supplied with 2 handles and 2 spare spools, and 7 ball bearings. The freespool system is reliable and casting is a dream. Definatly a reel i would recomend. Comes in 30 40 and 50 sizes, 30 for commercial pools and light feeder work, 40 for large rivers and heavy feeder work and 50 for specimen carp and distance work. 90/100