For many of us, a day spent by a river is about far more than catching fish. It’s the chance to enjoy wild places, watch kingfishers flash past, listen to the sound of flowing water, and escape the pace of everyday life. But our rivers face increasing pressure from pollution, habitat loss and climate change. […]
When we listed a lovely leather and canvas fishing bag this week, it sparked a conversation in the office. Looking around the shelves at everything we currently have in stock, I asked Dave Townsend a simple question: “If you were heading off for a day’s trout fishing this weekend, what would you take?” Here’s what […]
Like so many of us, my fishing journey started with my dad. I was six years old. To this day, I can still remember him waking me while it was dark outside and getting ready to pick up my two uncles, who were also keen anglers. We drove to a lake not far from where […]
For generations of coarse anglers, few dates have carried quite the same significance as the 16th of June. After three months of river (and some lakes) close season, the dawn of the 16th signals a welcome return to flowing water, mist-covered meadows, early starts, and the chance of that first river-caught roach, chub, bream, or […]
Recently sent to us on commission was an extraordinary assortment of approximately 1,000 micro trout flies, arranged meticulously in a Richard Wheatley aluminium fly box. Tiny in scale but enormous in detail, the collection immediately captured our attention — not simply because of the quantity, but because of the obvious skill, consistency and thought behind […]
There are fly reels… and then there are Abel reels. For decades, Abel Reels have occupied a unique place in the world of fly fishing — combining exceptional engineering with distinctive American craftsmanship and some of the finest finishes ever applied to a reel. Built in California and admired worldwide, Abel reels have become as […]
From the earliest days of transatlantic trade, British tackle has held a special place in American angling. Names like Hardy, Farlow’s, and Allcock have long been associated with craftsmanship, heritage, and a certain understated quality that continues to resonate today. It’s something we see daily—whether it’s a finely made split cane rod, a classic reel, […]
How specialist knowledge turns passion into expertise in vintage, retro, and antique fishing tackle. Some of you may remember Jim Slater, best known for Slater Walker, the asset-stripping firm he established with MP Peter Walker in the 1960s. Beyond the world of finance, however, he was also a devoted salmon fisherman. Slater purchased a number of prestigious […]
Following our annual stocktake (and a week spent rediscovering some truly exceptional pieces), one thing became clear — anglers don’t just want great tackle… they want their tackle. So, we’re pleased to introduce a new in-house service: A bespoke finishing service designed to bring a new level of personalisation to rods, reels and accessories. […]
Pick up any European fly-fishing magazine this month and there will be an article on nymph fishing. ‘Czech nymph’ fishing has become one of the most effective techniques in modern European-style fly fishing. Developed by competitive anglers in Central Europe, it focuses on presenting weighted nymphs close to the riverbed where trout and grayling feed most […]