Wychwood Agitator CR-S Catfish 12ft 4.5lb

How well is it built?

The CR-S is built on a high-modulus carbon fibre blank, which keeps a 12ft, 4.5lb rod as light and responsive as a rod of this power can reasonably be.

That matters more on a long rod, because any extra weight towards the tip is magnified when you're holding it through a long fight.

Double-leg SiC guides are a must on a catfish rod, in my view. Two legs spread the load on each guide when the blank is fully bent, and SiC inserts are smooth and hard enough to cope with braid, which is the standard mainline for most cat anglers.

They're impact resistant and anti-tangle too, so they should shrug off the odd knock on the bank.

Below the reel there's an EVA fighting butt, and the seat itself is a fibreglass-reinforced DBS, which rounds off a sturdy, no-nonsense build. It's a working rod rather than a showpiece, but for a mid-priced rod I think it's very well put together.

Power & Action

A 4.5lb test curve is serious power, and on a 12ft blank it gives you real leverage to turn a big cat away from snags or weed beds.

That's the main reason to choose the CR-S over the 4lb CR-C, as it should let you pile on more pressure when a fish is heading somewhere you don't want it to go.

The powerful through action keeps all that power usable. Rather than a stiff tip and a poker-like butt, the blank should bend progressively under load, soaking up the head shakes and sudden lunges catfish are known for.

With braid on the reel, that cushioning is what helps keep the hook in place.

For me, the length and test curve together make this the Agitator for big waters where you need to stop fish at distance. It's a lot of rod, but it's controlled power rather than brute stiffness, and I think it earns its 8.5.

Handling

Handling is where the CR-S drops half a point, and it's down to length rather than any flaw in the build. A 12ft rod is more of a lever to hold, and in a tight river swim or under overhanging trees it can be awkward to play a fish close in or to net one on your own.

On a big open pit or reservoir, though, that extra foot pays off. It gives you more line pick-up at range, a better angle over marginal weed and more control when a fish kites along the bank.

The EVA fighting butt helps too, as you can brace the rod against your body when a cat refuses to give up.

Is it the right rod for every swim? No, and I'd point anglers on tighter venues towards the 11ft CR-C instead. Where there's room to use it, it handles well for a rod with this much power, so 8.0 feels fair.

Is it good value for money?

Is it good value? I think it is. You're getting a high-modulus carbon blank, braid-friendly SiC guides and a reinforced reel seat on a mid-priced specialist catfish rod, and none of those are places you want corners cut when a big cat is on.

Next to the Catfish Pro Top Cat Rod 12ft 4.5lb it's the same length and test curve, but the Top Cat adds a super-tough Fuji tip ring and a Duplon butt from a dedicated catfish brand, so it's worth a look if those details matter to you.

The Skeater Unlimited Catfish range is worth considering too, as it comes in 10ft, 11ft and 12ft lengths with a choice of handles.

Overall, I'd recommend the CR-S to catfish anglers who fish big pits, reservoirs and wide rivers, where a 12ft, 4.5lb rod gives them the reach and power to stay in control.