One of the first brands I came across when starting fishing again after a long lay-off was Cadence.

Having spent some time working in the golf market, where direct-to-consumer brands have really taken off, I was interested to assess how good Cadence's rods and reels were when stacked up against some of the mainstream brands like Daiwa, Shimano and Drennan - three brands to whom I'd been extremely loyal in the past.

Aided by a special discount code offer, I managed to get a Cadence CR5 rod and CS5 reel combo on a BOGOF, so ended up with two rods and two reels for £80 - on the face of it, incredible value, as the reels alone retail for £59.99 each (albeit with an aluminium spool, whereas mine had carbon).

And I have to say, I'm a huge fan. Despite some online chatter, I found line lay to be absolutely superb (NuFish Detexion 5lb fyi) and these little 3000 reels have become my go to for pellet waggler fishing and also bomb/method fishing on my 9ft Preston Monster Carp Feeder rod.

The reel is very light and well-suited to modern slim rod blanks, With 9 bearings, the retrieve is super smooth with a 6.2:1 gear ratio and the front drag system is very effective. 

I've hooked some absolute beasts on the pellet wag when using this reel and despite its lightweight feel, it coped admirably.

Also, with pellet waggler fishing being such an all-action style of fishing with constant casting, the size and weight of the CS5 really came into its own, with none of the wrist strain I've experienced with larger, heavier reels.

At its full £59.99 rrp I'd day this reel is worthy of consideration by any angler. But if you happen across a discount code or voucher for them, it makes them incredible value and you'd be mad to miss out.

Check them out at www.cadencefishing.co.uk

Tight lines!