Description
The Ultimate Tool for Line Control and Long-Distance Float Fishing
The Drennan Acolyte 17ft Float Rod is the flagship model in Drennan’s renowned Acolyte float range — a beautifully balanced, ultra-light, and perfectly responsive rod designed for anglers who demand absolute precision and control at distance.
Whether you’re trotting big rivers like the Trent or Wye, waggler fishing on deep stillwaters, or float fishing at long range for quality roach, chub, or bream, the 17ft Acolyte offers the perfect blend of reach, balance, and power.
Crafted from Drennan’s highest-grade carbon, this rod is remarkably light for its length, providing the crisp recovery, finesse, and sensitivity that Acolyte rods are famous for — all while offering the extra control only a true long rod can deliver.
Designed for Precision and Control
At 17ft, this Acolyte is built to give you maximum control over your float and line, especially when fishing at distance or in deep or fast-moving water. The extra length lets you pick up line instantly, mend with ease, and maintain a perfect trot or presentation — all while keeping minimal line on the surface to reduce drag.
Whether you’re running a stick float down a river or waggler fishing on a windy lake, the 17ft Acolyte lets you keep tight control from strike to net. It’s a specialist’s rod that instantly feels balanced and natural in the hand — refined, responsive, and powerful where it counts.
High-Performance Carbon Construction
The Acolyte 17ft Float Rod is built using high-modulus carbon fibre, engineered to be incredibly slim, light, and strong. The advanced carbon lay-up ensures the blank retains its stiffness and crispness, even at this length, without becoming top-heavy or cumbersome.
This rod is an example of precision engineering — every inch of carbon contributes to balance, recovery, and smooth action. Despite its 17ft length, it feels as light and manageable as many 15ft models, making it a joy to use all day long.
The blank features a progressive through-action that bends smoothly when playing fish, protecting fine hooklengths and small hooks while still giving enough backbone to land bonus chub, tench, or even carp with confidence.
Superb Casting and Line Pick-Up
When fishing long, casting precision and line control make all the difference. The Acolyte 17ft Float loads effortlessly for smooth, accurate casts and recovers crisply, ensuring your float lands perfectly every time.
Once the float is in position, the additional length gives unmatched control over line pick-up. You can strike quickly and effectively at distance, lift the line cleanly off the water, and maintain direct contact with your rig — even when fishing 30 or 40 yards out.
This level of control helps you hit more bites and lose fewer fish, especially when fishing in wind or flow where maintaining presentation is key.
Perfect for Rivers and Deep Stillwaters
The 17ft Acolyte Float Rod has been developed specifically for anglers who fish big, flowing rivers or deep, open stillwaters where extra reach gives a clear advantage.
On rivers, the extra length helps you hold the float back hard against the flow or mend line to keep perfect control of your presentation. On stillwaters, it’s equally effective when fishing deep wagglers or slider setups for bream and skimmers, allowing you to maintain accurate line angles and detect bites even in tricky conditions.
From roach and dace on natural venues to chub and bream on larger rivers, this rod gives you the control needed for technical, accurate float fishing at distance.
Fish-Playing Power and Forgiving Action
While the Acolyte 17ft Float is built for finesse, it’s no lightweight when it comes to handling fish. The progressive action ensures a smooth curve from tip to butt, providing the perfect balance between sensitivity and strength.
The forgiving top section cushions delicate hooklengths when using small hooks, while the powerful mid and lower sections give you the authority to steer fish safely away from snags and bring them under control quickly.
This balance makes it ideal for mixed fishing — from silverfish and F1s to bonus tench and chub. Every strike, cast, and fight feels smooth, controlled, and satisfying.
Premium Components and Build Quality
Every aspect of the 17ft Acolyte Float Rod reflects Drennan’s renowned attention to detail and dedication to quality.
Key features include:
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Lightweight stainless-frame guides with smooth inserts for flawless line flow.
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Screw-down DPS-style reel seat for a secure, balanced fit.
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High-grade cork handle with EVA trim, offering comfort and control in all conditions.
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Matte, low-gloss blank finish with understated Acolyte branding for a professional, glare-free look.
All fittings are carefully positioned for perfect balance, line control, and comfort during long sessions — every element refined to match the rod’s superb performance.
Comfort and Balance
One of the most impressive aspects of the Acolyte 17ft Float is its balance and comfort, despite its length. Thanks to the advanced carbon construction, the rod feels surprisingly light and responsive, with no tip heaviness or fatigue even during long trotting sessions.
The cork handle provides a warm, natural grip, while the EVA sections offer modern durability and easy cleaning. When paired with a suitably balanced reel, the rod sits beautifully in the hand, making it easy to hold and control for hours at a time.
Performance on the Bank
On the bank, the Acolyte 17ft Float performs exactly as you’d expect from a top-end Drennan rod — crisp, accurate, and perfectly responsive.
Casting is effortless and controlled, with a smooth blank recovery that sends floats straight and true. Once the float lands, line pick-up is instant, allowing you to stay in complete control of the rig, even in difficult wind or flow.
Bite detection is superb — you can react instantly and set the hook cleanly, even at long range. The rod’s smooth action keeps fish pinned, protecting hooklengths and absorbing lunges during the fight. It’s a rod that makes advanced float fishing feel natural and easy.
Ideal Applications
The Acolyte 17ft Float Rod is perfect for:
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Trotting rivers like the Trent, Avon, or Wye for chub, dace, and roach.
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Waggler or slider fishing on deep lakes and reservoirs for bream and skimmers.
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Controlling long lines when fishing at distance on still or moving water.
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Match and pleasure fishing where long-range accuracy and line control are essential.
It’s a specialist tool, but one that feels instantly familiar and easy to use, giving every angler a performance edge on bigger waters.
Why Choose the Acolyte 17ft Float Rod
Drennan’s Acolyte series is known for precision, lightness, and refined power — and the 17ft Float continues that tradition at the highest level. It’s the go-to rod for serious float anglers who want maximum control and presentation without compromise.
Despite its impressive length, it feels balanced, crisp, and incredibly light. From casting to trotting to netting, every movement feels natural and in sync with the flow of your fishing.
Conclusion – Total Control, Total Confidence
The Drennan Acolyte 17ft Float Rod is the ultimate long rod for the modern float angler. Combining cutting-edge carbon technology with flawless build quality, it offers unrivalled reach, precision, and balance.
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Ultra-light and perfectly balanced 17ft blank
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High-modulus carbon construction for strength and sensitivity
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Progressive through-action for perfect fish control
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Superb line pick-up and float control at long range
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Premium fittings: cork/EVA handle, stainless guides, DPS reel seat
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Ideal for rivers, deep stillwaters, and long-distance waggler work
If you demand the very best in float fishing performance — a rod that enhances every cast, every strike, and every fight — the Acolyte 17ft Float is simply unmatched.
Drennan Acolyte 17ft Float Rod – for anglers who want ultimate reach, balance, and control on any water.
