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"Forgiving action, I'd be happy spending £300 on 3 rods"
The Catfish Pro Pursuader is a specialist 12ft catfish rod aimed at UK anglers targeting big cats on rivers, pits and reservoirs. The rod sits in the mid-range of Catfish Pro's line-up, positioned above the entry-level Top Cat and below the flagship Mk3 Pursuader.
The blank is a hybrid carbon and fibreglass construction, which gives a balance of casting stiffness and the forgiving flex needed when a large catfish is pulling hard at close range. A 4.5lb test curve means the rod has the backbone to handle heavy rigs and the brute power of a big fish without folding under pressure.
The Pursuader is sold in this single 12ft 4.5lb configuration, fitted with Fuji rings throughout and a Fuji reel seat. The full-length duplon foam handle gives a secure grip when wet, and grip points above the reel seat let you choke up on the rod during a long fight to reduce arm fatigue.
The rod works with both fixed spool and multiplier reels, so you are not locked into one style. It is designed for anglers fishing heavy baits at range or working close-in where a fish needs steering away from snags.
Catfish Pro describe the Pursuader as the top-selling catfish rod in the UK. If you are shopping in the mid-budget tier and want a dedicated catfish tool with proven components, this is one of the established options.
| Lengths | 12ft |
| Feature | What this means |
|---|---|
| Length: 12ft | A standard 12ft length gives you good leverage when casting bulky catfish baits and enough backbone to steer a big fish away from snags. |
| Test Curve: 4.5lb | A 4.5lb test curve is a proper catfish rating, meaning the blank is stiff enough to handle heavy rigs and the brute power of a large cat without folding under pressure. |
| Blank: Hybrid Carbon/Fibreglass | Combining carbon and fibreglass gives a blank that has reasonable stiffness for casting but also the toughness and flex you want when a big catfish is throwing its weight around at close range. |
| Handle: Full-Length Duplon Foam | Duplon foam runs the full length of the handle, giving you a comfortable, secure grip even when wet. A full-length handle also gives you more options for where you place your hands during a long fight. |
| Grip Points Above Reel Seat | Having grip points above the reel seat lets you choke up on the rod when playing a fish, giving you more control and reducing arm fatigue during a tough battle. |
| Reel Seat: Fuji | Fuji reel seats are a well-regarded component known for locking reels securely in place, so there is no rattling or movement when you are playing a powerful fish. |
| Guides: Fuji Rings Throughout | Fuji rings are fitted on every guide, which means smooth, consistent line flow on the cast and good resistance to wear from heavy braided or mono lines over time. |
| Reel Compatibility: Fixed Spool or Multiplier | The rod works with both fixed spool reels and multiplier reels, so you are not restricted to one style and can use whichever suits your preferred catfishing approach. |
| Range Position | The Pursuader sits above the entry-level Top Cat in the Catfish Pro range, making it a solid mid-range choice if you want a step up in quality without going to the top-spec Mk3 Pursuader. |
| Brand: Catfish Pro | Catfish Pro is a UK specialist brand founded in 2004 by Simon Clarke, based in Romsey, Hampshire. The brand focuses exclusively on catfishing tackle, and Catfish Pro describe the Pursuader as the top-selling catfish rod in the UK. |
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"Forgiving action, I'd be happy spending £300 on 3 rods"
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4.5lb test curve. This is a proper catfish rating, meaning the blank is stiff enough to handle heavy rigs and the brute power of a large cat without folding under pressure.
Both fixed spool reels and multiplier reels. You are not restricted to one style and can use whichever suits your preferred catfishing approach, whether that is long-range casting with a fixed spool or close-quarters control with a multiplier.
Hybrid carbon and fibreglass. Combining the two materials gives a blank that has reasonable stiffness for casting but also the toughness and flex you want when a big catfish is throwing its weight around at close range.
Fuji rings throughout. Fuji rings are fitted on every guide, which means smooth, consistent line flow on the cast and good resistance to wear from heavy braided or mono lines over time.
Yes, particularly for targeting large catfish on UK rivers, pits and reservoirs. The 12ft length gives you good leverage when casting bulky catfish baits and enough backbone to steer a big fish away from snags, while the 4.5lb test curve handles the brute power of a large cat without folding.