Drennan Acolyte Float Rod

Where Did The Acolyte Come From

The Drennan Acolyte Plus float rod was introduced as an upgrade from the acclaimed Acolyte Ultra series and has addressed the need for a stronger, more powerful rod suitable for larger fish.

The original Acolyte Ultra models were renowned for their lightweight and thin design and excelled in catching smaller species like bream, skimmers, roach, and smaller carp.

Despite their success, anglers required a bit more robustness when targeting larger species such as carp, barbel, or chub.

This necessity led to the development of the Acolyte Plus, which retains the delicate balance and lightweight feel of its predecessor while offering enhanced strength for quicker fish retrieval and more efficient handling of bigger fish.

Its Build & Performance

While the rod remains impressively light—just slightly heavier than the Ultra—it delivers a stronger performance, particularly useful when fishing for sizable carp or tackling powerful river species such as barbel.

It casts really well thanks to its 'tippy' nature and SiC guides that help reduce friction.

An example of the Acolyte's power was seen during a match last year when an angler using the Acolyte Plus, successfully landed 250 pounds of carp in 3 hours, including two impressive specimens weighing 15 pounds each.

This point highlights the rod's capacity to handle significant weights without compromising on performance or control.

Furthermore, the versatility of the Acolyte Plus makes it an excellent choice for various fishing techniques, including pellet waggler setups.

The 13ft model, in particular, proves to be highly effective when fishing for carp and F1s, combining the advantages of length and strength.

The Acolyte is a good-looking rod as well with pleasing aesthetics that are nicely finished off with a flared cork handle and a metal butt cap.

Whether used for targeting large carp in still waters or pursuing hard-fighting river fish, the Acolyte Plus demonstrates remarkable adaptability and reliability.

In my opinion, the enhanced model caters to anglers seeking both finesse and power and is superb across a diverse range of conditions and targeting a wide range of species.

The obvious trade-off is the rod's premium price point, but having said that, the rod's durability, versatility, and superior build justify the investment if it's within budget and is one of the reasons it features in a guide to the best float fishing rods.