Hardy Marksman 11' 10" Specialist Float

Over the coming months UKMA will be going through the range of extremely popular Hardy Marksman rods, which are currently on offer to the modern day angler. First up is the Marksman 11ft 10" Specialist Float.  Hardy are well known for their quality rods and the looks and presentation of this rod didn't disappoint!

What The Manufacturers Say

Hardy's launch back into coarse fishing with Marksman rods has been a huge success and resulted in an even more diverse range of anglers buying into the brand than expected. One of the most popular rods in the Marksman range has been the 13ft Specialist Float, which has the most forgiving anti-lock action imaginable, combined with superbly crisp casting and striking power. Hardy have taken this format a step further with an even more responsive and equally forgiving 2-piece 11ft 10 inch Specialist Float rod, which once again has one of the best anti-lock actions ever made! This has been achieved by carefully blending high modulus carbons in two sections instead of three, losing the stiffness of an extra joint and creating a two-piece rod that can be broken down evenly. The latter feature allows the rod to be stored fully tackled up and ready for action. The unique 11ft 10 inch format cleverly offers similar fishing length in front of the reel seat to conventional 12ft float rods, thanks to a slightly shorter handle, which makes for faster and easier handling. This lightweight rod has many uses, from trotting small rivers for dace, Grayling and chub, to fishing light to medium waggler tackle on shallow lakes. It will also slot in perfectly on canals and drains, along with more fined float fishing tactics on commercial fisheries. This shorter float rod is the perfect choice when light lines and small hooks are required to tempt bites. The Hardy Marksman 11ft 10 inch Specialist Float makes you want to go fishing the instant you pick it up, and weighing a featherweight 185g you'll hardly notice you're holding anything, even when using the rod all day!        

• Super lightweight high modulus carbon.
• Offers more finesse than standard short float rods.
• Total Anti-Lock fish playing performance.
• Lightweight, hardwearing Fuji SiC line guides.
• Two-piece format allows ready rigging.
• Custom-machined anodised aluminium reel seat.
• High grade flor cork handle.
• Hook keeper ring and protective laser etched alloy butt cap.
• Worldwide Extended Warranty

What Our Reviewer Says

Each Marksman rod comes in a green soft cloth bag with the Marksman logo on the top.  This is stored in a robust tube with a classy green Cordura covering, zip lid and carry strap to ensure your rod is kept safe for transportation.

The Marksman 11ft 10 Specialist Float is a two piece rod, which at full length weighs a mere 185grms. It feels so well balanced that you will not know you are holding it! When I received this rod I went through the normal routine of taking it out in the Garden and putting a good bend in it. I noticed straight away that it had a lovely soft feel that went all the way through, thanks to Hardy's unique Anti-Lock action.

I was on my way down to Stafford Moor, so I thought I would give the Marksman a proper work out. With the type of hectic fishing that goes on at Stafford Moor, I knew I would soon decide if this was the rod for me!

To test this rod out, I took it onto Joseph's one day and Tanners the next. Both lakes have a good head of carp and skimmers, so this would demonstrate how versatile the rod is.  I was lucky enough to have two of these rods so I set one rod up with a pellet waggler, a 4SSG Mick Wilkinson design - and for my deck rig, I set up an 8grm Clarusso Rocket.

When casting the Marksman 11ft 10" Float, you can feel the rod compress as it punches a waggler out, almost like you get when chucking a feeder. It absorbs the weight of your float, and on the cast it helps you find the same spot every time. Holding the rod is comfortable, with the short high quality cork handle not being too long to impede you when fishing actively or at speed.

My first fish was a carp and the rod arced round in a smooth motion. At no point did it lock up!! It had a lovely soft, forgiving action, but had enough backbone to let me to control the fish on its first hard run. Using 4lb G-Tec Super Mainline with my Daiwa TDR's, I felt completely at ease and under control of my first proper fish on this rod. When I brought it to the landing net , every lunge and pull of the fish was absorbed by the rods superb Anti Lock action , and at no point did I feel the hook was going to pull.

After carp number one was in the net I was soon into a run of fish, which really put the rod through its paces. My biggest carp was just under 18lb, which of course gave me a bit of a run round, but it was soon under control and in the net. Throughout the session I was also catching skimmers around the 1lb mark, along with carp averaging 4lb - 8lb, and the big Mirror, and at no point did I have a concern the Marksman 11ft 10" float rod was going to fail me.

It did everything I needed it to and proved to me that it is a brilliant all-round tool for most angling situations on the float. For me this rod will handle summer match carping, trotting a stick or waggler down a river, also winter work with light main lines and light hook lengths, along with small hooks. It will do it all!!

This rod oozes quality with its nice finishing touches, such as the keeper ring to keep your hook safe from tangles when you are not fishing, also the Fuji SIC line guides, the high quality cork handle and the laser etched Marksman logo on the butt cap. The only thing I have left to say, is go out and treat yourself to a Hardy Marksman 11ft 10" Specialist Float Rod - you will not be disappointed!!

Tight Lines

Lee Taylor