The beauty of a pellet waggler rod is that it is very versatile. In fact, many anglers do not use a specialist carp rod, but simply use a waggler – a standard float rod – for all their fishing needs. There are those, of course, who want to go down the specialist route, but by utilising a waggler for the purpose you save money and don’t have to carry any extra fishing tackle.
These rods are designed for ordinary float fishing, but if you try one you will find it may be the perfect, simple solution for carp and competition use. So, what are we waiting for? Here’s our shortlist of some of the best value, and most usable, waggler rods available right now to use when carp fishing for those big fish.
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Best Carp Waggler Carp Rods (Some Choices)
1: Daiwa NEW Lightweight
A leading name in the world of angling, Daiwa is well known for its quality items at sensible prices, this fine waggler rod being no exception. This is a carbon rod for durability and lightweight – it is designed for lengthy use and the number of satisfied customers who testify to its comfort and usability is reassuring. It comes with a cork and EVA handle, too, for added comfort.
The guides are aluminium oxide, so will not rust and will last in the inclement weather, and there are secure down-locking reel fixings (reel is extra). You can get a version for 2lb through to 8lb line, and these are also recommended for younger users, thanks to their simple construction. If you want a good quality, long-life waggler rod, this is well worth a second look.
Key Features – Daiwa brand, comfortable handle, carbon, aluminium guides
2: Oakwood Waggler Rod and Reel Combo
This package is a very good deal at the price. You get a very decent Oakwood rod and an R30 reel, plus it comes fully loaded with 8lb line. At the price, we think this a hard combination to beat given it is from a good maker with a strong reputation for quality goods. The rod itself is a 12-foot model, which is plenty for beginners or experienced anglers, and it is nicely made.
The rear-drag reel is a quality item, although basic enough for learners to get to grips with, and will be perfectly sufficient for carp or all types of fishing. It has anti-twist and a left or right handle position. The rod is fibreglass and has a comfortable cork handle, and the package is supplied with a thin but usable carrying bag. There’s not much more to add; a basic, simple, ready to go package at a great price.
Key Features – decent brand, fibreglass rod, cork handle, reel and line included, bag
3: Daiwa Ninja Match Rod
If you are in the market for a top-quality match rod, Daiwa is a name to be reckoned with. This model is particularly impressive, and can be found in a variety of sizes. It’s a two-piece rod in 10, 11 or 12-foot lengths, or a 13-foot three-piece, and is competition-standard in every way. It’s very light, with carbon construction and comes with a nicely designed, supremely comfortable grip.
The locking-down reel grip is a quality fitment, stainless steel frame guides and titanium oxide rings make for a serious bit of kit, and overall it is very nice to handle. Users are very favourable about what is a top of the range match rod, and while it is perhaps a little too advanced for beginners, it would make a great purchase for anyone with reasonable experience. You’ll pay more for this than for most, but it’s a cut above most others on this list.
Key Features – full match rod, very light, top quality, four lengths
4: Oakwood All-in-One
This very neat and usable rod, another from the Oakwood range, is a great buy if you are looking for a decent-value rod. Oakwood is a good maker with a strong reputation for quality goods. The rod itself is a 12-foot model, and comes in four sections, which is plenty for beginners or experienced anglers, and it is nicely made. There is no reel included in this package, but what you are getting is a fine rod that will take any reel.
This is basic enough for learners to get to grips with, but also suitable for the experienced angler, and will be perfectly sufficient for carp or all types of fishing. The rod is fibreglass and has a comfortable cork handle, and the package is supplied with a very nice carrying bag for added versatility. There’s not much more to add; a basic, simple, yet very good quality rod that will make a fine addition to any angler’s kit.
Key Features – Oakwood brand, reel not supplied, quality rod, four piece, 12-foot
5: Daiwa Yank ‘n’ Bank 11ft Pellet Waggler Rod
Another from the excellent Daiwa range, this one is a quality rod that offers great performance at a sensible price. It’s available aa 10, 11 and 12-foot lengths, has the usual Daiwa comfortable cork handle, and exudes quality that this brand is famed for. There’s no reel with this, but you either have your own or want to add a custom reel, and the fitments are all there.
All lengths come as two sections, it is supplied with a carry bag, and it is easy to set up and go. It is recommended for 2lbs to 8lbs line, and customer reviews are very much in favour of what is a well tried and tested rod. If you’re looking for a good match rod at a sensible price, or a quality one for carp or other fishing, this simple yet sophisticated Daiwa could be the one for you.
Key Features – Daiwa, three lengths, two-piece, quality, comfortable grip
That’s our list of five waggler rods for you, but is there one for you? We are sure you can find something among them, but before we give our verdict, let’s talk briefly about a few features to look for.
What to Look For In Pellet Waggler Rods
Here we go!
Size – what length do you want? The rods featured cover all stops between 10 and 13-foot, so you are bound to find the one you want.
Rod and Reel – some of the above are complete with reel and line, others are just the rod, so make sure you know what you are buying.
Comfort – you may be handling your rod for long periods of time, so you need one that is comfortable to hold, light in weight and easy to use.
Match or Basic – some of the above are rods designed for match use on commercial fisheries, and are therefore more expensive, while others are for more basic usage, and suitable for beginners.
That’s about it, so all that remains now is to give our verdict.
Our Verdict
To be honest, it’s difficult to recommend an item such as this as the user will determine what is important to them, but here’s our brief attempt. If you want a top-quality match rod, any of the Daiwa models will suffice, as this is a maker with a long-established reputation for excellent rods. If you want a beginner’s package, have a look at number two on the list from Oakwood, as it is an all in one set up with which you can simply get up and go.
That’s it, so whatever you choose, enjoy your fishing!
Mike has over 30 years of fishing experience in carp fishing and general coarse fishing. He is always looking for the latest fishing kit to try out and talk about and needs a bigger shed due to all the fishing tackle he owns. You can read more about him here.