Nice rod and reel test Den like your unbiased tests much better than sponsored anglers telling us how good there products are, in fact when you did the test on the Yank and Bank rod i bought a couple and find them excellent Thanks.
Im in the process of getting a new feeder & waggler rod would you recommend the freespirt 12" feeder or the preston monster x method whats the better rod in this price range ?
I'm afraid I'm not in a position to comment on the Preston rod because i have never used one. What I can tell you is that I have both the 12ft and 13ft Free Spirit rods and I love them. May I suggest you ask this question at your local tackle shop. They may have both rods in stock which means you can also get a feel for how they handle. i hope that helps.
Great rods I’ve got same rod and reel, the reel needs one of the washers taken out of the reel cap, it does make lot of difference or ice washers as mentioned. Nice blog
I've just been researching this on UA-cam and I can see that Ice Washers might work, but as I'm in Australia, that will take some time to come through. You mentioned removing one of the washers from the spool but I haven't seen any mention of this during my search. Can I ask which washer you removed please? I assume there are 3?
Videos a mine of information for a newcomer returning to fishing. Have you any videos or links to fixed spool reel maintenance, in particular oiling and greasing? Any information helpful.
Thanks for your comments. I'm afraid I don't have any reel maintenance videos, simply because I never do any maintenance on my reels. The only thing they get is a wipe over with a damp cloth to remove encrusted groundbait.😁👍
18ft deep and clipped up, how far do you reckon the hooks come back towards you time it hits the bottom? Guessing there’s a general mathematical equation?
Thanks for the non biased opinion on this rod, Den. I got twenty year long service award, this year.So may just get a free spirit 11/13ft ctx feeder rod
l too prefer a double handle on reels having used the shimano stradic and shakespeare mach 3xt series for years. but in recent times the development of distance fishing means a larger reel with a single handle give more cranking power, literally twice the ratio. cracking carp from a river
They are always a good size from that river Tommy. I love it there, but I have to drive along a steep sided Levee Bank to get to it. It's not like a Commercial where you just turn up, park your car behind the peg and start fishing. 👍
Looks a great setup Den great action on the rod…and you need it with the size of the carp you were getting,as for the drag maybe there is to much grease on the washers ? EBay sells ice washers made out of carbon could ask them if they do them for your reel.
Thanks Geoff. It all seemed to work well except for the reel drag. I had a problem with the drag on a Shimano reel too, but that used to slip all the time. It appears that there is no easy answer on this mate.
I live too far south for Crocodiles, so I am pretty safe there, but we do get occasional Eastern brown snakes when we are out fishing. Normally, they don't bother us and just carry on along their way.
Hi Den, the reason for single handle is to improve cranking power, it's longer than double handle ( to center ) . Like using a long bar on a seized nut. 🤗🤔👍It's not the size of the skirt, its the length of the stroke that creates the gap most long casting reels are the same On another subject you have arthritis I seem to remember you saying. Just wondering do your hands cramp up or go into spasms after fishing? I know mine do, can hardly hold steering wheel when I drive home 😟🤔😟
Hi DT. Thanks for the info on the longer handle. I did work it out on a later video where I tested the Matrix Horizon X 5000 reel. That comes with both a double and a single handle, so I tried both in that same swim. here's the link to that video: ua-cam.com/video/fQfA29xmB3o/v-deo.html As for my Arthritis, I find that my thumb joint aches after a days fishing, but I have only had one day when my hand spasmed whilst driving home. Looks like i might not be too bad after all. 😁👍
G’day Den, At least getting struck down with Covid has a good side with watching your great informative videos. I’m just wondering who you use to buy your gear from in the UK?.
Thanks Ralf. I did that video a week or so ago and we now have really wet weather and massive flooding ourselves. I am fishing a 3 day series of matches next week in Canberra, so I hope some of the flooding subsides.
It seems you fish similar sized rivers to me with similar sized carp in the 7-15lb range. I have been managing with Shakespeare Mach1 heavy feeder rods and they have served me well but they need to be replaced now. So I was very interested to hear your comments on the CTX power feeder rod. Nice video as usual.
Thanks Tony. I wouldn't normally pay that much for a rod, but the Free Spirit brand was recommended to me and so far I have been very impressed. I would still be interested in a good heavy duty feeder reel with a full skirt on the spool though, so if you have any ideas, please let me know.
@@FishingwithDen I generally use Okuma AB 55's. These are bait-runners and so maybe not for you, although they have saved my rod a few times because while my carp bites are often very gentle taps, there are days when the bite is sudden, without warning and savage. They are pretty cheap. I much prefer them to the larger AB 65 which has a nasty habit of getting line caught under the spool. Whatever happened to skirted spools???
@@johnwilliams2711 Ah. You mean a Spomb. 😆 They are definitely useful for getting large amounts of bait out John, but you would need a really heavy duty rod & reel combo to get it any distance. I believe there are actually rods which are specifically designed for them. I haven't used them myself, but some of my specimen hunting friends use them and they certainly get lot's of bait out quickly. It's unlikely I would use them though, as the really large feeder I am currently using gets enough bait out on my normal rod.
Morning Den nice to see a tackle review that longer rod certainly helps for the river fishing Preston may have a handle that is compatible from one of their other reels if you like the double handle You buying your own Xmas presents ? Those Carp do go a bit and seem to know where that tree snag is maybe time to take some branch loppers to that root if you can see it at low tide Although I prefer a two piece for setting up a three piece is easier for me to transport in the boot of the car
Hi Barbara. Good point about the double handle. I never thought of that. I do normally take a tree saw with a long handle there, but on this day, I was intending to fish further up where there are no trees. Unfortunately, that area was locked off. (Note to self: Always put the tree saw into the car!) I must admit, I never thought about anglers who may have a smaller car needing a 3 piece rod, so it seems Free Spirit do cater for all eventualities. Thanks for your comments as always.👍
@@FishingwithDen No problem I like the preston feeder rods that are three piece one at 3.3 metre for a short chuck with a small diawa reel and the new one on order the 3.9 metre three piece which will have a Diawa distance reel fitted for the up to 80 metre chuck .On the rivers I would usually stick to a two piece barbel specialist 1.25lb test curve as for the hook keeper on the rods surprisingly how left handers are almost forgotten when manufacturers think a hook keeper needn't be an ambidextrous addition, remember it is black friday deal time the Preston superfeeder is only £55 with free UK shipping People think I have Supera but they are actually logo 'd Superfeeeder
Really enjoyed that video, Den. I was expecting you to be more frustrated with the clutch as it did come across as all or nothing on a single click no matter the fish size and strength, so it’s put me off that reel but the rod looked fantastic. Having only recently got back into fishing after an almost 30-year gap, I’m still using my trusty John Wilson Avon Quiver for light feeder work and so far I haven’t considered spending even that kind of money on a new rod but you have got me tempted with that one!
I have used that reel once since this video Paul and I had the same problem then too. It is a good reel though, and it may just be me needing to get used to it. I'll probably do a longer term test video on it in a few months time. The other frustration was the tangles behind the spool. If you give it any slack, you end up with the line twisted behind it. As I mentioned in the video, I had the same problem with a Shimano reel and I still don't understand why they are doing away with the fuller length skirts as I demonstrated on the MAP Reel. As for price, I wouldn't normally spend anywhere near this much for rods and reels, but it was a joint Birthday and Xmas present from my kids.
Another great vid at a great location. Nice to see good fish coming out of the river. Line dropping into the back of the spool, I had the same with a new reel more than once I do a lot of long casts to try and get rid of the line loop memory?
Not sure line loop memory is the problem here Phill. Any slack line seems to be a problem. In the end I tried to keep some pressure on by using the anti reverse.
@@FishingwithDen True it is annoying and it seems to happen or you notice it when you have a decent fish on! BTW got my 3dprinter but had a problem with filament jamming on spool halfway through doing one of your ground bait punches :(
@@Offcut55 That's a pain Phill, but the usual cause of a filament spool jam is when you allow the end of the filament to go free after you take it out of the 2 retainng holes. The springiness of the filament causes it to flip back and tangle underneath one of more of the other layers, which then constricts and prevents it from running freely off the spool.
@@FishingwithDen it was a good 20 metres away from the start? how do you get around this? I was told respool but what onto I only have the one so far and no spare/empty one
Nice rod and reel test Den like your unbiased tests much better than sponsored anglers telling us how good there products are,
in fact when you did the test on the Yank and Bank rod i bought a couple and find them excellent Thanks.
Thanks for your comments Bazza. I'm glad you liked the Yank n Bank rods.
It seems to me there is no mirror carp in Australia, is it ? Another nice video from you !
Hi Ovidiou. Thanks for your comments. There are a few mirror carp here, but they are quite scarce.
Hi Den…great vid as per usual…let’s get them borders open and get that knock up sorted…stay safe 👍
Hi Barry. Nice to hear from you. Thanks for your comments mate.👍
Im in the process of getting a new feeder & waggler rod would you recommend the freespirt 12" feeder or the preston monster x method whats the better rod in this price range ?
I'm afraid I'm not in a position to comment on the Preston rod because i have never used one. What I can tell you is that I have both the 12ft and 13ft Free Spirit rods and I love them. May I suggest you ask this question at your local tackle shop. They may have both rods in stock which means you can also get a feel for how they handle. i hope that helps.
Brilliant vidio
Great rods I’ve got same rod and reel, the reel needs one of the washers taken out of the reel cap, it does make lot of difference or ice washers as mentioned.
Nice blog
Thanks for the advice mate. I'll have a look inside the cap.👍
I've just been researching this on UA-cam and I can see that Ice Washers might work, but as I'm in Australia, that will take some time to come through. You mentioned removing one of the washers from the spool but I haven't seen any mention of this during my search. Can I ask which washer you removed please? I assume there are 3?
@@FishingwithDenusually the spool one the top & bottom when you loosen the spool locking nut
Вітаю. Скажіть будь ласка який діаметр шпулі? Та є в цій катушці бескінечний вінт? Дякую
Videos a mine of information for a newcomer returning to fishing. Have you any videos or links to fixed spool reel maintenance, in particular oiling and greasing? Any information helpful.
Thanks for your comments. I'm afraid I don't have any reel maintenance videos, simply because I never do any maintenance on my reels. The only thing they get is a wipe over with a damp cloth to remove encrusted groundbait.😁👍
18ft deep and clipped up, how far do you reckon the hooks come back towards you time it hits the bottom? Guessing there’s a general mathematical equation?
The may be an equation mate, but I really don't worry about it when fishing in open rivers like that
Thanks for the non biased opinion on this rod, Den. I got twenty year long service award, this year.So may just get a free spirit 11/13ft ctx feeder rod
I'm glad my video helped Peter. Thanks for your comments.
l too prefer a double handle on reels having used the shimano stradic and shakespeare mach 3xt series for years. but in recent times the development of distance fishing means a larger reel with a single handle give more cranking power, literally twice the ratio.
cracking carp from a river
They are always a good size from that river Tommy. I love it there, but I have to drive along a steep sided Levee Bank to get to it. It's not like a Commercial where you just turn up, park your car behind the peg and start fishing. 👍
Looks a great setup Den great action on the rod…and you need it with the size of the carp you were getting,as for the drag maybe there is to much grease on the washers ? EBay sells ice washers made out of carbon could ask them if they do them for your reel.
Thanks Geoff. It all seemed to work well except for the reel drag. I had a problem with the drag on a Shimano reel too, but that used to slip all the time. It appears that there is no easy answer on this mate.
Good review I love the free spirit I have the 11ft Hi S Power Feeder and CTX BW 11ft Feeder both great rods.
It does seem that they have a great range of rods Steve.👍
Do u get bothered by alligators or browns fishing in Australia
I live too far south for Crocodiles, so I am pretty safe there, but we do get occasional Eastern brown snakes when we are out fishing. Normally, they don't bother us and just carry on along their way.
Hi Den, the reason for single handle is to improve cranking power, it's longer than double handle ( to center ) . Like using a long bar on a seized nut. 🤗🤔👍It's not the size of the skirt, its the length of the stroke that creates the gap most long casting reels are the same
On another subject you have arthritis I seem to remember you saying. Just wondering do your hands cramp up or go into spasms after fishing? I know mine do, can hardly hold steering wheel when I drive home 😟🤔😟
Hi DT. Thanks for the info on the longer handle. I did work it out on a later video where I tested the Matrix Horizon X 5000 reel. That comes with both a double and a single handle, so I tried both in that same swim. here's the link to that video: ua-cam.com/video/fQfA29xmB3o/v-deo.html As for my Arthritis, I find that my thumb joint aches after a days fishing, but I have only had one day when my hand spasmed whilst driving home. Looks like i might not be too bad after all. 😁👍
@@FishingwithDen thanks for replying Den will check out the Matrix video. Maybe the English weather makes arthritis worse?😟🏴
G’day Den, At least getting struck down with Covid has a good side with watching your great informative videos.
I’m just wondering who you use to buy your gear from in the UK?.
Sorry to hear about your Covid Robert. Most of us buy from Billy Clarke in Sheffield, although Harrissportsmail also has users I believe.
@@FishingwithDen Thank you Den, keep up your great work!.
Nice chunks on the feeder rod. That is fun. Nice video and the weather is right too. Here we are sitting by the water in thermal suits.
Thanks Ralf. I did that video a week or so ago and we now have really wet weather and massive flooding ourselves. I am fishing a 3 day series of matches next week in Canberra, so I hope some of the flooding subsides.
@@FishingwithDen Then good luck.
It seems you fish similar sized rivers to me with similar sized carp in the 7-15lb range. I have been managing with Shakespeare Mach1 heavy feeder rods and they have served me well but they need to be replaced now. So I was very interested to hear your comments on the CTX power feeder rod. Nice video as usual.
Thanks Tony. I wouldn't normally pay that much for a rod, but the Free Spirit brand was recommended to me and so far I have been very impressed. I would still be interested in a good heavy duty feeder reel with a full skirt on the spool though, so if you have any ideas, please let me know.
@@FishingwithDen I generally use Okuma AB 55's. These are bait-runners and so maybe not for you, although they have saved my rod a few times because while my carp bites are often very gentle taps, there are days when the bite is sudden, without warning and savage. They are pretty cheap. I much prefer them to the larger AB 65 which has a nasty habit of getting line caught under the spool. Whatever happened to skirted spools???
@@tonylocke3010 That's exactly my question Tony. Why do nearly all big reels have these spools with minimal skirts these days?
What river is this 😳 😍.
It's the Paterson River Matt.
Nice outing to test the rod Den. Some "full-figured" carp there. What are your views on bait bombs?
Thanks John. Not sure what you mean by bait bombs?
@@FishingwithDen a.k.a. Spod, Spod Bomb. 🙂
@@johnwilliams2711 Ah. You mean a Spomb. 😆 They are definitely useful for getting large amounts of bait out John, but you would need a really heavy duty rod & reel combo to get it any distance. I believe there are actually rods which are specifically designed for them. I haven't used them myself, but some of my specimen hunting friends use them and they certainly get lot's of bait out quickly. It's unlikely I would use them though, as the really large feeder I am currently using gets enough bait out on my normal rod.
Morning Den nice to see a tackle review that longer rod certainly helps for the river fishing Preston may have a handle that is compatible from one of their other reels if you like the double handle You buying your own Xmas presents ? Those Carp do go a bit and seem to know where that tree snag is maybe time to take some branch loppers to that root if you can see it at low tide Although I prefer a two piece for setting up a three piece is easier for me to transport in the boot of the car
Hi Barbara. Good point about the double handle. I never thought of that. I do normally take a tree saw with a long handle there, but on this day, I was intending to fish further up where there are no trees. Unfortunately, that area was locked off. (Note to self: Always put the tree saw into the car!) I must admit, I never thought about anglers who may have a smaller car needing a 3 piece rod, so it seems Free Spirit do cater for all eventualities. Thanks for your comments as always.👍
@@FishingwithDen No problem I like the preston feeder rods that are three piece one at 3.3 metre for a short chuck with a small diawa reel and the new one on order the 3.9 metre three piece which will have a Diawa distance reel fitted for the up to 80 metre chuck .On the rivers I would usually stick to a two piece barbel specialist 1.25lb test curve as for the hook keeper on the rods surprisingly how left handers are almost forgotten when manufacturers think a hook keeper needn't be an ambidextrous addition, remember it is black friday deal time the Preston superfeeder is only £55 with free UK shipping People think I have Supera but they are actually logo 'd Superfeeeder
@@barbaraneville5036 Let me know how you get on with the Daiwa reel please Barbara.
@@FishingwithDen will Do Den when it is warm enough to get to a venue where a long chuck is required :-)
Really enjoyed that video, Den. I was expecting you to be more frustrated with the clutch as it did come across as all or nothing on a single click no matter the fish size and strength, so it’s put me off that reel but the rod looked fantastic. Having only recently got back into fishing after an almost 30-year gap, I’m still using my trusty John Wilson Avon Quiver for light feeder work and so far I haven’t considered spending even that kind of money on a new rod but you have got me tempted with that one!
I have used that reel once since this video Paul and I had the same problem then too. It is a good reel though, and it may just be me needing to get used to it. I'll probably do a longer term test video on it in a few months time. The other frustration was the tangles behind the spool. If you give it any slack, you end up with the line twisted behind it. As I mentioned in the video, I had the same problem with a Shimano reel and I still don't understand why they are doing away with the fuller length skirts as I demonstrated on the MAP Reel. As for price, I wouldn't normally spend anywhere near this much for rods and reels, but it was a joint Birthday and Xmas present from my kids.
Another great vid at a great location. Nice to see good fish coming out of the river. Line dropping into the back of the spool, I had the same with a new reel more than once I do a lot of long casts to try and get rid of the line loop memory?
Not sure line loop memory is the problem here Phill. Any slack line seems to be a problem. In the end I tried to keep some pressure on by using the anti reverse.
@@FishingwithDen True it is annoying and it seems to happen or you notice it when you have a decent fish on! BTW got my 3dprinter but had a problem with filament jamming on spool halfway through doing one of your ground bait punches :(
@@Offcut55 That's a pain Phill, but the usual cause of a filament spool jam is when you allow the end of the filament to go free after you take it out of the 2 retainng holes. The springiness of the filament causes it to flip back and tangle underneath one of more of the other layers, which then constricts and prevents it from running freely off the spool.
@@FishingwithDen it was a good 20 metres away from the start? how do you get around this? I was told respool but what onto I only have the one so far and no spare/empty one
@@Offcut55 You might just need to get another spool of filament and use that first Phill. By the way, are you using PLA Or Petg?