Choosing a rod for pellet waggler fishing has changed somewhat in recent years. In the early days of the pellet waggler, it was all about making a huge fish-attracting splash or firing out a rain of bait and waiting for the rod to be ripped round. We now, however, need a pellet waggler rod that will propel far smaller 2g-6g floats to their limits, have a fast enough recovery to hit the fast-digging bites, yet be soft enough not to break the fine mainline on the strike.
Enter the Preston Supera X 11ft Pellet Waggler, one of three new float rods in the new Supera X range. Just like the feeder rods in the range which came out late last year, the blank is pencil-thin and the guides discreet and light.
THE VERDICT
On test with this lovely rod each cast was hard and fast, the float feathered to what felt like perfection with the smallest of plops, and the line stayed as tight as possible.
Each bite was met with a flash of the rod, which tore the line out of the water in the hope of feeling solid resistance on hitting the float. In two hours, I’d managed to hit five of the eight bites, and fish of near double figures came to the net.
The pellet wagglermight not be the out-and-out bagging method it once was, but it is still essential to the commercial match angler, and a highly rewarding way of fishing to the pleasure angler too – once you get it right, of course!
The Supera X 11ft Pellet Waggler made the whole experience just that bit more enjoyable, and allowed me to get the very best that I could from the tactic.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS PRODUCT AND OTHERS FROM PRESTON INNOVATIONS HERE.
TECH SPEC
- 2g – 10g rated casting weight
- 3lb to 6lb suggested line strength
- X-Wrap carbon weave with Supera X detailing
- EVA/cork handles
- Supera X logo engraved in EVA
- Convenient two-piece design
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Pros
- A forgiving action that makes even very light reel lines feel almost unbreakable.
- Lightweight and thin, allowing for hours of effortless casting without fatigue.
Cons
- A little too soft for the bigger 10g wagglers needed on large waters – look to the Supera X 12ft Carp Waggler instead.
Our choice of the alternatives
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A stand-out performer in the budget class, and a steal at under £50.
Pros
- Exceptional value.
- Fantastic rod for commercial fisheries.
Cons
- Lacks a bit of power for casting really big floats.
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A two-piece soft-actioned rod furnished with top-class guides and reel seat.
Pros
- Soft action prevents hook pulls.
- Lots of premium features.
Cons
- Not the biggest casting performance.
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This crisp, through actioned two-piece rod will handle quite heavy gear with its 15g float and 12lb line ratings.
Pros
- Sublime fishing rod.
- Will handle anything you want to throw at it.
Cons
- In a much higher price range than the majority of competitors.
Author Dan Webb first became involved in angling journalism in 2015 and has worked as Tackle Tester at Angling Times since April 2021. He is a fanatical all-round match angler and former England Youth International.