Any match angler that has been in the scene for the last 2 decades will undoubtedly know Greys the most for the cult “Dave Wesson Canal Special” rod that was released when Dave Wesson won the World Championships. Since then Greys, have concentrated on the game scene until recent years, where they decided to re-enter the coarse fishing market in a big way. Greys have not disappointed with their G-Tec range of rods, and in this feature, UKMA will run their eyes over 3 of the range – The G-Tec Feeder, G-Tec Float and the G-Tec Method.

The G-Tec feeder rods have been developed to cater for the modern match angler who could one weekend be fishing a commercial fishery for hard fighting Carp, and the next fishing a natural Stillwater for Bream or a river for Chub. Rather than specifically develop a rod that is a “one trick pony” and unsuitable for a multitude of venues, Greys have sat down with their team of consultants and come up with what they consider to be the best type of rod to cater for 99% of general feeder/leger situations that the match angler will encounter. The action of the rod is best described as a semi-fast parabolic action. Rather than be a rod that will bend completely through to the reel seat under the smallest of fish, the G-Tec Feeder rods have a tip section that will allow the angler to accurately cast small to medium weights a good distance, yet when a fish is hooked, the rod turns into the perfect shock absorber that will bend progressively throughout the whole blank – lessening the chance of hook pulls, line breaks as well as tiring the fish out quicker.

The G-Tec feeder rods are all fitted with top quality “furniture” including a screw down reel seat and SiC rings through out. This makes the rods perfect for both mono & braided line use without worrying about the ring liners being cut into by the thin braids. All of the G-Tec Feeder rods are supplied with 3 carbon quivertips that are fully interchangeable throughout the range, giving the angler who invests in more than one G-Tec rod numerous possibilities to what tip is best for the given conditions. The G-Tec Feeder rods are available in 3 lengths – 11’, 12’ & 13’ so there is a rod in the range to suit all distances that the match angler will require to cast. A range of glass fibre quivertips are also available should the angler prefer this type of material for bite detection.

Greys have also released a comprehensive range of float rods under the G-Tec banner, and these are becoming immensely popular with anglers across the country. In the float rod range, there is a rod that is perfect for the majority of float fishing work, with a rod suitable for catching silver fish with light end tackle, through to a powerful rod that is at home handling double figure carp and trotting big balsa floats down fast flowing rivers for Chub or Barbel.

The G-Tec 13’ Float is perfect for fishing on stillwaters and rivers (or wide canals & drains) when targeting silver fish with light tackle or for fishing for larger fish with balanced tackle and enjoying the experience.

The G-Tec 13’ Power Float is of a heavier action than the standard Float, and is suitable for general commercial fishery use when targeting Carp or Tench with heavier end tackle.

The G-Tec 15’ Float has been designed with the angler that regularly fishes big rivers, deeper stillwaters or fishes at long range often. The action is faster than the other rods in the range which allows for better line pickup at distance, as well as allowing the angler to flick floats with control to these distances. The 15’ Float also makes a superb tool for fishing along the margins on commercial fisheries for the bigger fish.

New for this year has been the addition of the G-Tec 11’ Compact Float. Most anglers will primarily pick one of these rods up and think it is the perfect tool for fishing the Pellet Waggler. Well it is, but is also perfect for use as a travel rod for holidays. The 11’ Compact Float rod is of a 4 piece construction, but can be stored in two equal length sections for the angler that carries their rods ready made up in sleeves.

The final rod that UKMA have looked at is the G-Tec 13’ Method Rod. Designed as a power tool that is capable of casting the biggest Method balls a long distance, it is more than simply a one trick pony. The additional length gives the leverage needed to cast the heavier feeders accurately and without ripping the groundbait off the feeder on the cast. The butt section of the rod is almost parallel in diameter, which gives the rod it’s backbone. The playing action of the rod is also surprising considering the ability to cast heavy weights, and small hooks can be used without risk of pulling when under the rod tip. The quivertips supplied have been fitted with oversize diameter guides so that shockleaders can be used without worrying about the leader knot catching in them and causing crack offs. A lot of anglers are turning to this rod for fishing the big rivers such as the Trent or Severn where the line needs to be kept as far off the water as possible as well as casting a heavier lead across the flow.

UKMA spoke to Barnsley Bait Company’s Glen Greasley who has been a user of the G-Tec rods for a while now, and this is what he had to say about them;

“I have been using the G-Tec rods for a year or so now, and cannot fault them in any way. I personally like the 12’ G-Tec and use it whenever I can for feeder or bomb work, including fishing the Method. The action of the rod allows accurate casting with Method feeders at 80-90 yards range yet the blank has plenty of cushioning when playing fish under the rod tip. It feels like there is always a little extra give in the blank even when it is hooped over. I also use the 9’6” rod for close in fishing, and the shorter rod allows for the fish to surface closer to the landing net for quicker netting. In the float range, my favourite has to be the 11’ Compact rod. This is perfect for pellet waggler work and handles fish up to the 8-9lb mark with ease.

Through the shop we have sold no end of the G-Tec rods and have had no returns or bad feedback given to us. Some of the customers are buying the 13’ Method rod for exclusive fishing on the River Trent when after the Bream, due to the longer length and the way it handles the big feeders or leads. The fixtures and fittings of the rods are superb and act exactly how the modern angler expects their tackle to without fear of damage or breakage in standard use. I will continue to use the G-Tec range with no hesitation, and also continue to sell them without quibble through the shop”

For more details visit the Greys Website