Description
The Drennan Acolyte Ultra Float Rod series represents a pinnacle of modern float fishing rod design, engineered for the discerning angler who demands a lightweight, sensitive, and perfectly balanced tool. These rods are celebrated for their ability to provide supreme control and feel, particularly when targeting smaller species on a range of venues.
Core Philosophy and Design
The Acolyte Ultra rods are built on a foundation of “High Modulus Carbon,” which is the key to their performance. This material allows Drennan to create blanks that are incredibly slim, yet possess a crisp, responsive action. The design philosophy is centered on finesse, providing a rod that is a joy to hold and fish with all day long, without causing fatigue.
Key Features and Specifications
- Ultra-Slim, Lightweight Blank: The most striking feature of the Acolyte Ultra is its incredibly thin and featherweight profile. For example, the 13ft model weighs a mere 135g (4.75 oz), and the 15ft model is just 163g (5.75 oz), making them lighter and better balanced than many shorter rods from other manufacturers. This lightness contributes to excellent handling and minimal arm strain, even during extended sessions.
- Crisp, Responsive Action: The rod’s action is described as “light” and “crisp” with “little or no bounce.” This characteristic is crucial for precise line and float control, allowing for accurate casting and the ability to hit fast, delicate bites.
- Cushion Tip: Despite the rod’s overall stiffness and responsiveness, the tip section is designed to be soft and cushioning. This serves as a vital shock absorber, protecting fine hooklengths (as low as 1 lb) and preventing hook pulls, especially when playing powerful fish like F1s or smaller carp.
- Models and Applications: The Acolyte Ultra series comes in a range of lengths, each suited to specific fishing scenarios:
- 11ft and 12ft: These are ideal for close-range work on small lakes, canals, and commercials, especially when fishing from a platform.
- 13ft and 14ft: These versatile lengths are perfect for general float fishing on a variety of stillwaters and rivers. The extra length provides improved line and float control, particularly useful for fishing deeper swims or at a slight distance.
- 15ft: This is the connoisseur’s choice for river fishing. The added length is a huge asset for superior line control with stick floats, wagglers, and bolo floats, allowing the angler to guide the float through a run with pinpoint precision. It is also beneficial for fishing on deep stillwaters.
- High-Quality Components: The rods are finished with premium components, including a full cork handle, an engraved butt cap, and a Fuji or Acolyte DPS reel seat, ensuring durability, comfort, and a high-end feel.
Performance and Versatility
The Drennan Acolyte Ultra rods are designed for a wide array of float fishing techniques. They are perfectly suited for use with light reel lines (typically 2.5 lb to 4 lb+) and can handle hooklengths as fine as 0.08mm with confidence. Their soft tip and powerful blank allow them to subdue a wide range of fish, from small silverfish to F1s and even small to medium-sized carp.
While some anglers might opt for the slightly more powerful Drennan Acolyte Plus or Specimen rods for targeting larger, harder-fighting fish like big carp or barbel, the Ultra remains the gold standard for finesse float fishing. Its ability to provide an effortless and enjoyable fishing experience, coupled with its sensitivity and control, makes it a top choice for match anglers and pleasure anglers alike
High modulus carbon blank
Three sections
Ultra slim
Lightweight and perfectly balanced
Excellent line and float control
Crisp and responsive blank
Suitable for reel lines from 2lb 8oz to 4lb+
Can be used with ultra light hooklengths below 1lb (0.08mm)
Full cork handle
Engraved butt cap
Fuji reel seat
