Continuing with the theme of centrepin reels we are pleased to see a strong increase in interest in these classic reels both by collectors and keen users. I still get a thrill ‘spinning’ one of these reels and watching them turn almost endlessly. The combination of traditional looks and modern precision manufacturing has only increased […]
07
May
May
We are on the lookout for more high quality centrepin reels by the ever popular makers – Chris Lythe, Arnold Kingpin, Browning, Fred Crouch, Garry Mills, Okuma, Paul Witcher, Tom Kelsey, Richard Carter, the list goes on! The beauty of the Centerpin reels are often seen as a blend of tradition and craftsmanship, with many […]
30
Apr
Apr
Once again, our Thomas Turner valuation day at Sportfish, Reading turned out to be an absolute cracker right from the start! No matter what time we arrive at Sportfish, no matter how early, there are always a number of keen customers waiting for us, to get in early and unload their tackle! The office upstairs […]
22
Apr
Apr
This Saturday, 26th April 2025 you will find us at our eighth Sportfish Valuation Day. Held at the Sportfish Game Fishing Centre, Haywards Farm, Theale, Reading, RG7 4AS. Located just a few minutes off junction 12 of the M4 its easy to find with good parking and refreshments. Dave Townsend and his son Will, will […]
15
Apr
Apr
Do you ever get days that just run smoothly? I don’t often, but our valuation day at Rod and Tackle did! The morning of Monday 7th April soon arrived and by 4am my son William and I were at Bristol Airport ready to catch the 7am flight to Newcastle. Sunny skies, no delays and by […]
General articles, Thomas Turner blog
Witcher, the craftsman who makes the Rolls Royce of centrepin reels
07
Apr
Apr
Those who collect the fine reels made by Paul Witcher call them the Rolls-Royce of centrepins. On a more modest scale, their prices are even comparable. Many centrepin users would flinch at the very idea of paying £200 for a reel. Witcher’s work costs ten times as much (though there is actually a very strong […]
02
Apr
Apr
We are pleased to advise we have agreed to expand our premises in Weston Super Mare and to open a shop/showroom for our huge selection of quality vintage tackle and pre-owned modern tackle together with our TT Classic Plus range of coarse fishing rods. We have outgrown our existing premises The Willow at Stable View […]
26
Mar
Mar
I always look forward to the latest edition of the excellent Classic Angling magazine being delivered and the latest edition (Number 151!) did not disappoint. I was drawn to an article headed ‘Centrepins on the rise’. We would agree with this as with both limited editions and other quality centrepins demand is out-stripping supply. Demand […]
19
Mar
Mar
Last week’s blog about the benefits of split cane rods created some interest in these masterpieces of usable and very collectable tackle. It prompted an enquiry from a prominent member of the New Zealand Rod Fisher’s Society about the origins of the Hardy Marvel rod that celebrates its 100 year anniversary this year. Cane rods […]
12
Mar
Mar
This is the time of year when our thoughts (in the UK) look forward to the chalk-streams opening for trout fishing. Time to dust down the light fly rods and start sorting out suitable dry flies in anticipation and a time to consider new tackle purchases. We are big fans of rods made from ‘nano […]