The best specimen rods

The Drennan Acolyte Specimen float rods are designed for anglers who want a rod that's both elegant and powerful. They're slimmer and better balanced than previous models, but with extra power for handling bigger fish. Imagine a rod that can handle anything from small fish on light lines to large specimens like chub, tench, barbel, and even carp. I use these rods extensively for my river fishing and they really are superb, a firm favourite of specimen anglers when using float tactics.

These rods have been tested extensively, from fast-flowing rivers to deep lakes. This means they're versatile enough for almost any situation. They're designed to give you excellent control over your line and float, especially when fishing at longer distances so you can maximise every inch or your swim, often getting where other anglers can't fish effectively.

The Acolyte Specimen rods come in 13ft, 14ft, and 15ft lengths. They're made in three sections and have a smooth, progressive action that bends through the rod. This helps to protect your line and absorb the lunges of big fish. The fast-action tip helps with casting and controlling your float. Featuring a comfortable cork handle, reliable Fuji reel seat, and high-quality guides. These rods are ideal for reel lines between 3lb and 7lb.

Where power meets precision, the Korum Omega Rods offer a smooth fast taper with exceptional balance. The rod provides fast tip reactions and incredible line pick-up speeds making it most adept at all float fishing techniques. Capable of snaring roach and skimmers on a stillwater, with plenty in reserve to deal with chub and barbel, thanks to its design you will hit more bites, it is as simple as that.

These rods are designed for both fixed-spool and centrepin reel enthusiasts. For those who appreciate vintage tackle, the timeless design and superior craftsmanship will surely catch your eye and are the perfect choice for anglers who don't have a massive budget or space to have multiple rods for various scenarios.

If you want a value-for-money float rod that you can take anywhere and do a bit of everything with, without compromising too much on your presentation in any scenario, this rod is perfect.

The Kaizen Green Carp Rod series delivers exceptional performance, drawing on the same engineering expertise as its Platinum counterpart. The ultimate specimen rod in the range is the 13ft 4lb T/C model, designed to provide the power and accuracy needed to reach distant horizons and target those special big fish. If you regularly go after large fish like carp and catfish, this rod has all the strength required to subdue the biggest coarse fish in the UK, the rod also doubles up nicely as a pike rod too.

Built with durable, high-performance materials, these rods feature a fast-tapered action for precise casting while helping you achieve greater distances. Equipped with premium Seaguides and a secure reel seat, the Kaizen Green ensures robust and reliable performance. Available in a range of lengths and casting weights to suit your fishing style, this series is a must-have for any serious big fish hunter.

The range includes 10ft models with 3lb, 3.5lb, and 4lb test curves, available for under £100—offering excellent value for money. The 12ft, 12ft 6", and 13ft models, with test curves up to 4lb, come at a slightly higher price but are well worth the investment for those who need extra range and power. Whatever your requirements, the Kaizen Green range has the perfect tool for the job.

The Guru N-Gauge Specimen Dual Tip rods are designed to be great all-round fishing rods, useful for different styles of fishing. If you are fishing for carp using a method feeder one day and trying to target barbel on the river the next, this rod can do it all well.

Built using high quality strong materials, the blank offers a progressive powerful action, meaning the rod gains power the more it bends, allowing you to land small fish whilst still having that power in reserve for really large fish in snaggy swims. No matter what you hook, you have a good chance of landing it.

This design also ensures effortless casting of large payloads with the quiver section perfectly matching the rods test curve, whilst the solid top can handle the nuances of float fishing.

Fitted with SeaGuide Zirconia rings and the guide spacing specifically arranged to reduce the risk of tangles gives testament to Guru’s commitment to producing a rod for performance.

With 1.25, 1.5, & 1.75 test curves in the range there is a rod to suit anyone’s requirements

Check out our full review of the N-Gauge range here.

The Drennan Specialist Twin-Tip Duo 1.25lb is a firm favourite amongst specimen anglers targeting a range of species on rivers or lakes. It boasts a well-balanced blank with a pleasing action and comes with two dedicated top sections. The first is an Avon-style tip, perfect for float and specialist work, while the second is a quiver tip section, supplied with a 2oz glass and a 3oz carbon tip—ideal for when more finesse is required like feeder fishing for big roach or chub in the winter.

Featuring SiC guides, a secure DPS reel seat, and a cork handle with a Duplon casting grip, this rod is built on a stylish matt green blank for a sleek and durable finish. This rod excels for those anglers who never really know what their next session might be. Those who chase specimen fish and fish to the conditions and don't want loads of rods needn't look any further than this.

The Sonik Xtractor+ Specialist 10ft Twin Tip Rod is built using some modern tech for modern day anglers. It uses high modulus C6 carbon, which basically means it's made from tightly woven carbon fibres, making it strong whilst remaining very lightweight. Supplied in 1.5lb and 2lb test curves and an "avon' style top with a range of 3 quiver tips (4,5 & 6oz).

Sporting the action synonymous with the Xtractor range, known for being slim, and having a smooth, powerful action, it is ideal for those who like to get up close and personal with their quarry. The guides are super light finished in black, with a special ceramic tip ring that reduces wrap overs and enhance durability.    

The rod packs down to 127cm (50″) for easy transport, so you can always have it in the boot of your car to grab at a moments notice, perfect for those opportunities where you "wish you had a rod in the car".

Developed to meet the diverse needs of specimen anglers, the Daiwa Theory 12ft Speci Barbel & Tench rods tick all the right boxes. Supplied with an Avon-style top, this rod is perfect for targeting big tench or bream on large gravel pits, while also being equally at home when fishing for barbel in rivers.

Available in 1.75lb and 2lb test curve options, the 12ft Theory Speci Tench & Barbel is designed for versatility and performance. If you like to fish for carp on the surface in the summer, this rod is also ideal for that too, so you are getting a lot of rod for the money.

These rods are built to handle stronger lines (up to 15lb), essential for when you hook into a powerful fish. They also feature excellent tip recovery, meaning the rod tip springs back quickly after casting, aiding both accuracy and distance. Additionally, the progressive playing action cushions sudden lunges, reducing the risk of hook pulls during a fight.

For the specimen anglers seeking a rod suitable for various species and techniques, the Drennan Specialist Specimen Rods is a perfect choice. Available in lengths of 11ft and 12ft, with test curves of 1¼lb and 1½lb, there is a rod for everyone—from those targeting smaller specimens like roach, rudd and perch to those fishing for larger specimens like chub, tench, or bream.

The 11ft and 12ft models with a 1¼lb test curve are perfect for smaller species such as roach, rudd, and perch. If you like to catch species like tench on the float, these rods have all the power to land them, without taking the fun out of the fight, and as usual with Drennan, the rods look superb!

For anglers targeting specimen sized chub, barbel, tench, and bream, the 1½lb models are also available in 11ft and 12ft lengths. These versions come with slightly larger diameter guides that improve both casting distance and accuracy, as often these fish can sit further out in the lake, especially on pressured venues.

The Daiwa Theory Speci EXT Quiver Tip rods are designed for lots of different feeder fishing styles. They come in 12-foot and 13-foot lengths, and both have a cool feature called EXT. This means the butt section of the rod can be packed down, making it shorter and easier to carry around and store – which is great if you're a roving angler or limited for space.

Supplied with a range of different quiver these rods are up to any challenge. From super sensitive fibreglass tips that help you see even the shyest bite as low as 0.75oz for the 12-foot rod and 1oz for the 13-foot rod, to a couple of heavier carbon tips, which are better for faster-flowing water looking for drop backs.

The 12-foot rod can handle lines up to 8lb and weights up to 50g, while the 13-foot rod is stronger, handling up to 10lb lines and 80g weights. So, whether you're using light lines to catch specimen perch, roach, or chub, or using heavier feeders for specimen bream or tench in still water, these rods have you covered.

Tips supplied 12ft: 0.75oz, 1oz (Glass) 1.5oz & 2oz (Carbon) 13ft: 1oz, 1.5oz (Glass) 2oz & 3oz Carbon

Designed for anglers who prioritise distance casting and power, the Daiwa N'Zon 14ft Distance Special rod offers exceptional performance and versatility. If you like to target specimen fish at range on large expanses of water and even large rivers this is the rod for you. Supplied with 3 carbon tips (3oz, 4oz & 5oz) and capable of casting upto 150g.

Constructed using X45 and HVF nanoplus construction the Daiwa N'Zon Distance Special rods provide the necessary strength and power for long-distance casting. The V-Joint ensures smooth and controlled action, while the SeaGuide stainless steel anti-tangle guides reduce wind knots and tangles.

The Daiwa N'Zon Distance Special rods are available in a range of lengths, from 11ft to 14ft, to cater to different casting distances and fishing situations.

YOU CAN WATCH MARK'S FULL VERDICT OF THE 12FT MODEL BY HEADING OVER TO THE ANGLING TIMES YOUTUBE CHANNEL, JUST CLICK HERE

Pike rods need to be able to deliver the power required for effective deadbait fishing, and the Daiwa Powermesh Deadbait Rod does just that. The 13ft 3.5 T/C makes casting big fish baits like mackerel easy, and has the strength to strike the trebles out and into the pike, even at range.

Built using a high-grade carbon blank reinforced with 1K woven carbon for enhanced durability and performance, this rod features a Fuji DPS reel seat for a secure, comfortable grip and a full cork handle. It is equipped with stainless steel frame guides and lightweight LS ceramic rings for smoother line flow, along with a woven carbon butt for added strength.