Owner comment
"3 Wychwood Agitator 4.5lb catfish rods with lovely action, far superior to two other makes of cat rods, a proper progressive through action like Pike rods"
Wychwood Agitator CR-S Catfish 12ft 4.5lb
5 Things To Know
- Specialist catfish rod with 4.5lb test curve for European and UK big-cat venues.
- High modulus carbon blank with powerful through action absorbs lunges and maintains pressure.
- Cork handle distinguishes CR-S from duplon-handled CR-D variant in Agitator Catfish range.
- Fibreglass-reinforced DBS reel seat sized to accommodate large big pit reels securely.
- Two-piece construction aids transport to European catfish venues while retaining blank integrity.
Product Information
The Wychwood Agitator CR-S Catfish is a specialist 12ft rod designed for anglers targeting large catfish on UK rivers, reservoirs and European venues. The 4.5lb test curve provides the backbone needed to apply serious pressure on powerful fish without the rod feeling overgunned.
High modulus carbon fibre keeps the blank responsive and strong without unnecessary weight, while the powerful through action bends progressively under load to absorb the sudden lunges typical of a big catfish fight. The two-piece design makes it practical for travel to European catfish destinations while maintaining full-length blank integrity.
The rod is fitted with double-leg SiC guides rated for braid and mono, with anti-tangle design and optimised spacing to handle line under pressure. The fibreglass-reinforced DBS reel seat is sized to take large big pit reels and built to withstand the strain of prolonged fights.
Cork provides the handle grip, distinguishing this CR-S model from the duplon-handled CR-D variant in the same range. A custom fore grip above the reel seat gives a secure second hand position when casting or applying maximum side strain, and the EVA fighting butt extends below the reel so you can brace the rod against your body during long battles.
This is one of the mid-budget options for anglers stepping into dedicated catfish gear, sitting around the £75 mark at most retailers.
| Lengths | 12ft |
Features and Specifications
| Feature | What this means |
|---|---|
| Length: 12ft | This is the longest model in the Agitator CR range, giving you extra leverage when playing heavy fish and helping you keep the line clear of snags and debris during a fight. |
| Test Curve: 4.5lb | A 4.5lb test curve means this rod is built for serious, powerful fish. It has the backbone to handle big catfish without feeling overpowered, and allows you to apply real pressure when needed. |
| Blank: High Modulus Carbon Fibre | High modulus carbon fibre is a stiffer, more responsive grade of carbon, which helps keep the blank strong and powerful without unnecessary bulk or weight in the hand. |
| Blank Action: Powerful Through Action | A through action means the rod bends progressively from tip to butt under load. For catfish, this helps absorb the sudden lunges of a big fish and keeps hooks pinned throughout a long, hard fight. |
| Sections: 2-Piece | Breaking down into two sections makes the rod much more practical to transport, particularly for travel to European catfish venues, while keeping the blank integrity of a full-length rod. |
| Guides: Double-Leg SiC, Anti-Tangle | SiC (Silicon Carbide) rings are hard-wearing and low-friction, making them suitable for use with braid as well as mono. The double-leg frames add strength and impact resistance, and the anti-tangle design and optimised spacing help the line run freely under pressure. |
| Reel Seat: Fibreglass-Reinforced DBS | The DBS reel seat is reinforced with fibreglass for extra toughness, and is sized to accommodate large big pit reels. This means you can mount a heavy-duty reel confidently without the seat flexing or cracking under the strain of fighting a big catfish. |
| Handle: Cork | Cork provides a comfortable, tactile grip that warms quickly in the hand and gives good feedback during a fight. It is the traditional choice for specimen rods and distinguishes this CR-S model from the duplon-handled CR-D variant. |
| Fore Grip: Custom Design | A dedicated fore grip above the reel seat gives you a secure second hand position when casting or applying maximum pressure on a running fish, which is important when dealing with the power of large catfish. |
| Fighting Butt: EVA | The EVA fighting butt extends below the reel seat so you can brace the rod against your body during a prolonged fight. EVA is a firm, durable foam that holds up well even when pressed against clothing, waders, or a rod belt. |
Useful Information
External angler reviews
5.0/5 2 verified buyer reviews from 1 source
Verified sources: Total Fishing Tackle
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- Total Fishing Tackle : 5.0/5 from 2 reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What test curve does the Wychwood Agitator CR-S Catfish have?
4.5lb test curve. This gives the rod the backbone to handle big catfish and apply serious pressure during a fight, while the through action absorbs sudden lunges and keeps hooks pinned throughout a long, hard scrap.
What does CR-S mean on the Wychwood Agitator Catfish rod?
CR-S denotes the cork-handled variant in the Agitator CR range. Wychwood offers the same blank in three handle configurations: CR-S (cork), CR-D (duplon), and CR-C (composite). The cork version provides a traditional, tactile grip that warms quickly in the hand and gives good feedback during a fight.
Is the Wychwood Agitator CR-S suitable for catfish fishing?
Yes, it is purpose-built for catfish. The 4.5lb test curve and powerful through action are designed specifically for the sustained pressure and sudden lunges of big cats. The fibreglass-reinforced reel seat accommodates large big pit reels, and the EVA fighting butt lets you brace the rod against your body during prolonged fights.
What reel pairs well with the Wychwood Agitator CR-S Catfish 12ft 4.5lb?
A large big pit reel in the 6000-10000 size range loaded with 30-50lb braid or 15-20lb mono. The fibreglass-reinforced DBS reel seat is sized to accommodate heavy-duty reels, and the 4.5lb test curve suits the power output of big pit models commonly used for catfish work on rivers and pits.
How many sections does the Wychwood Agitator CR-S Catfish break down into?
Two sections. This makes the rod practical to transport, particularly for travel to European catfish venues, while maintaining the blank integrity and casting performance of a full-length 12ft rod.
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