MetaLite Flick Tip

I've had quite a few questions about the Flick Tip beach rod, so here's a reprint of a short review lifted from a previous web post.

Some of the old favourite beach rods are on the way back. Walton-on Naze tackle dealer and rod builder Richard Holgate has revived the classic flick-tip that once dominated the East Coast match scene. The Flick Tip NG (New Generation) combines all the features that made the original so popular with the benefits of updated materials and engineering. Richard's rod is a slightly re-engineered version of the standard Flick Tip manufactured by Cono-Flex.

Unlike so many “improved” designs, the Flick Tip NG really is better than the old MetaLite. It’s lighter, better balanced and even more sensitive. Yet the key qualities remain: versatile enough for flatty bashing or serious codding, user friendly, and a lot of rod for the money.

Flick tip blanks do best with a pendulum style. A compact swing works just fine, easily propelling a baited rig beyond the 130m mark. Big hitters can go way beyond that - blasted down the tournament field, flick-tips are good for 225m or more.

On the other hand, the NG is OK with a simple off-ground cast as well. A beginner whose technique is on the right track should get on well with an NG. But to get the best from it, pendulum is the way to go. It's not designed for serious off-ground casting, and it works best with the reel set high.

The NG’s long tip and short butt, joined by a spigot, make up to a 12ft or 13ft rod. Regardless of all the hype about super-long rods, 12ft is an excellent choice for all-round beach fishing. Optimum casting weight is 5oz or 150g. The Flick Tip handles 175g safely, but if you plan to go for serious distance with more than 150g consider one of the bigger MetaLites instead - such as the Storm.

Richard’s standard rod has Fuji BNHG rings for multiplier work. Custom-quality Holographic rings are an optional extra, as are fancy whippings. They are expensive but they look great. Textured shrink tube, rubber butt cap and a pair of Breakaway’s excellent coasters complete the handle. The standard 12ft rod, fully built, is £235.

MetaLite options include choice of whipping colour, decorative whippings, rings and fittings. Besides the Flick Tip, Richard has plenty of other high performance beach rods developed for East Coast and general fishing.

All MetaLite rods are handbuilt by Richard and his team at 15 Newgate Street just a stone’s throw from Walton-on-Naze pier. If you get lost, ask for Metcalfe’s tackle shop. Contact Richard on 01255 675680 or metaliterods@googlemail.com for more information or to arrange a test drive of the Flick Tip NG or his other beach rods.

There’s no better way to assess a new rod than to try before you buy. How many tackle shops can let you do that? It’s an opportunity not to be missed.