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The Steve Stayner Barbel Master
11ft 6in (twin-tip) Rod.

My admiration for Harrison Barbel rods is hardly a secret - after all, I helped in the design, development and promotion of their Tryptech, Quorum, 11ft 6in Chimera and 10ft Stalker…all quality rods that cater for a variety of fishing requirements. Having worked closely with Dr Steve Harrison since 1998, I've naturally turned to his Liverpool based company as a means to produce my brand new 'Barbel Master' - an 11ft 6in twin-tip that's naturally evolved from a number of excellent rods that I have used before it.

Combined with new carbon fibre technology, innovative ideas in blank construction and second-to-none expertise in custom rod finishing, the Barbel Master comprises one butt and two separate tip sections.

Tip number one is of the conventional variety and, once adjoined to the butt, forms the type of sweet, progressive through-action and powerful yet deceptively subtle 2lb-test curve that, I believe, is a crucial step toward forming a successful modern approach to Barbel fishing.
The second tip incorporates what I prefer to call the soft-top, a design that Harrisons have spent almost two years developing, and one that I've been testing since receiving the very first prototype. Having finally reached the stages of commercial availability, the soft-top fills the niche between a conventional top and another in which a quiver-tip is present, but without the splice!

As the soft-top is constructed as an integral part of the tip section, because they incorporate a more flexible material, the final 9-inches serve to indicate the most finicky of bites. Often, as a direct result of soft-top technology, such finicky bites can develop into those more customary rod-wrenches, resulting from the lower resistance that suspicious Barbel might initially feel against a stiffer tip. In addition to its flexibility in showing bites when static baits are positioned both across and downstream of our fishing position, is the soft-top's adaptability for indicating drop-backs when upstream legering, plus all manner of plucks and tweaks when trundling.

The beautiful emerald-green weave finish of the deceptively light and slim blank is complimented with double leg SIC guides and contrasting green and silver whippings. A Fuji IPS reel seat, 22in split duplon/cork handle and keeper ring complete the aesthetically pleasing and practical cosmetics of a rod built to deal with the many rigorous tasks for which, first and foremost, it has been designed. When all's accounted for, not only do we get a rod that functions extremely effectively in a comprehensive range of situations (both on large and small rivers, whether fishing around snags or in more open water), but also stunningly attractive appearance as standard.

As for general performance - though I've yet to utilise its full capacity - such are the levels of technology and experience ingrained throughout the construction of this rod that I've been casting weights of all sizes with extreme accuracy. I have also been playing and landing fish weighing from a mere 2lbs to leviathans with indescribable enjoyment and unparalleled efficiency, the likes of which is to be savoured long after leaving the riverbank. Overall, on offer to any potential customer is a rod that I felt just had to be made - a rod that, with its two tips, combines to enable the modern Barbel angler to fish with extreme confidence in almost every situation with which he/she may be faced. Yes, from utilising light trundling rigs in low water conditions to chucking heavy leads/method feeders and big baits into raging bank-high floods, I believe that this rod has it all.

Length and specification: Overall, the Barbel Master is an 11ft 6in rod, made up by using the butt and either one of the equal-in-length tip sections that come supplied. 10 x SIC guides when using the conventional tip, 11 when using the soft-top (including tip-ring).
Test Curve: Approximately 2lb with conventional tip, immeasurable with the soft-top attached.

Action: Sweet, uniquely powerful and progressively forgiving right through the anti-lock butt section following increased load. I believe designed as the action of a Barbel rod ought to be - to enable the angler to dictate the fight from the outset, not the Barbel!

My overall, if rather biased verdict: Surely a Barbel stopper for the connoisseur of maximum enjoyment and efficiency. In my opinion, there's no other rod currently available that is quite like this one. If there is, then I've yet to find either it or its maker. With all due respect for anything that may have preceded its manufacture, I believe that the Barbel Master is much more than just a fishing rod…it is evolution in the making. Don't take my word for it, though, give a Barbel Master the once-over at your nearest Harrison Dealer. I'm almost certain that once you do, you'll not only see, and more importantly feel the difference, you'll be so excited by the rod that you'll be itching to order one (or should that be two?).

Price and availability: £199.95 will set you up with one heck of a rod that should be available from mid-June 2003. Personalised custom-build options, although may be chargeable as extra, are available for this and any other Harrison Rod. Speak to Harrisons on 0151 7095981, your nearest stockist, or myself directly by telephoning 01773 813671