Salmon Rods

[neil r 1,858]

Any body know anything about the older Shakespeare oracle salmon rods , not the xt version . I just got talking to a customer in the tackle shop and ended up buying a 12ft #9-10 and oracle reel and 3 lines for £45 off him . He said it was a switch rod and I didn't really have a proper look at it , but on having a look when I got home it's a small Spey rod which I'm not bothered about , just wondering if they are any good or not

[lifelong cumbrian 1,826]

I had a 15ft one, performed well above its price tag, nothing wrong with them at all. Was every bit as good as a £300/400 rod amazing when they cost £

[neil r 1,858]

Ive been told they are not bad for the money but I've never actually seen one being used . As soon as I get chance I'll have a go casting with it and see if the dt9 lines that come with it match it

[novice 25]

Always been happy with mine. Puts out a decent line

[lifelong cumbrian 1,826]

I found the one i had worked better with the heavier line.

[neil r 1,858]

The lines that came with it are dt #9's . I'm hoping to have a go tomorrow if I can get time and if they are not right I'm thinking of getting a #10 John Norris integrated shooting head and see if that's better .

[neil r 1,858]

Just had an hour trying to cast and I think the lines are wrong for it . I've got a feeling they are heavy trout lines (they look like cortland 444's) not salmon lines because they didn't seem to load the rod with a Spey cast no matter what length of line I had out but I could cast them overhead single handed like a trout rod . I'm going to borrow a proper one tomorrow off a mate and see if it is the line or something I'm doing wrong .

[lifelong cumbrian 1,826]

Must be a trout line mate, rest assured the rod is ok, just a matter of getting right line. Is it a big river you are fishing, plenty of space for a big d loop, i have a windcutter 8/9/10 multi tip if you would like to try it pal.

[neil r 1,858]

Thanks for the offer but I think I'm sorted , I'm picking a either an airflo multi tip or Rio afs up in the morning off walshie0988 off here. I've had a look at the lines tonight and they do look too thin to be Spey lines and coupled with the fact the bloke I got it off kept trying to get me to try casting it before I paid him makes me think they probably are trout lines . It's no big deal , I'll just get some of them John Norris integrated shooting heads if I can cast the line I borrow off rob . The main river I'll be on will be the ribble but it was the Calder I was practicing on earlier and both have plenty of space for a big d loop . My technique is rubbish at the minute but I've got a rough idea what I need to be doing , it's just going to take time for me to get the hang of it properly. Once I can get half right with the casting I'll be having the odd trip up your way . My clubs got a number of rivers and beats up there including the one that Hugh falkus filmed part of salmo the leaper on so I've been told .

Edited January 14, 2017 by neil r

[lifelong cumbrian 1,826]

That rio afs should go well, i have a few of them, i like the afs outbound with intergrated running line, just use that with poly leaders.

[neil r 1,858]

I hope it does , if not I'll have to get some lessons.

[neil r 1,858]

That rio afs should go well, i have a few of them, i like the afs outbound with intergrated running line, just use that with poly leaders.

Just had a go with the Rio and it was sound so I've just ordered a couple of the Norris integrated shooting heads in floating and 2/3rd's sinking to play with while I improve my casting technique .

[lifelong cumbrian 1,826]

Good to hear.