Browning Quantum Specialist Magic Perch Rod

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£47.99

A recent trip to the Browning factory near Hamburg left me staggered at the sheer choice and volume of drop shot tackle now available.  We Brits look to be catching up fast on the Continentals in our understanding of this specialist lure fishing technique, and judging by the number of anglers I see jiggling soft plastics from canal towpaths, not to mention the amount of drop shotting kit in tackle shops, we should soon be a major force to be reckoned with.

But just what have those Germans got that we haven’t – other than footballers who can win penalty shootouts? On the drop shot front, quite a bit really – but the good news is, nearly all the kit is available at retailers with Browning accounts. 

My rod and reel pairing for this live test is not only exceptionally pretty to look at, but highly affordable – and the combo does all that’s asked of it. 

So, enter the Quantum Magic Perch. This two-piece carbon, epoxy-coated rod comes in 2.1m, 2.4m and 2.7m versions. My choice for canals would be its shortest incarnation, which rather handily happens to be this week’s live test model. Its graphics are top-notch – who could resist the realistic perch scale design along the butt section? More practically you can add braid-friendly SiC guides, full cork handle, low-profile concealed lockable reel seat and cut-away thumb and forefinger recess which put you directly in contact with the blank.

The rod, according to Quantum, is tailored more towards light spinning than drop shotting, which is reflected in its 3g-18g casting weight parameters. This means it has enough backbone to chuck a fairly large lure around, but this is very much a bespoke perch rod. To that end the blank has a fairly soft progressive action with a fair bit of give in the tip section. 

A stiffer-tipped rod seems to help impart the required jagging movement that makes imitation baits wiggle, and this one has an awful lot going for it. Nicely light in the hand at just 134g, very easy to manoeuvre around obstacles thanks to its short length, its cork abbreviated handle is warm and comfy to hold, even on the coldest of days.

The best bit, though, is the price – at just £47.99 it’s a steal.