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 […]
Category Archives: Thomas Turner blog
28
Apr
Apr
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, […]
Collecting, Hardy, The Thomas Turner Collector's guide, Thomas Turner blog, Uncategorized
Hardy of Alnwick Salmon Flies: Signed, Sealed, Delivered
22
Apr
Apr
There are moments in the life of a tackle dealer when something truly special arrives—pieces that stop you in your tracks, not just for their rarity, but for what they represent. This is one of those moments. We are delighted to present a newly listed collection of over 120 Hardy salmon flies, all dating to […]
Collecting, General articles, The Thomas Turner Collector's guide, Thomas Turner blog, Uncategorized
The Zulu Principle: What Fishing Tackle Collectors Can Learn from Jim Slater
15
Apr
Apr
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 […]
Collecting, General articles, News & Events, Reels, Rods, The Thomas Turner Collector's guide, Thomas Turner blog
🎣 Introducing: Thomas Turner Tackle Tailoring™
01
Apr
Apr
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. […]
Collecting, News & Events, Rods, The Thomas Turner Collector's guide
B. James Split Cane Rods – Timeless Classics, Ready to Fish Again
18
Mar
Mar
We’ve recently listed a superb selection of B. James & Son split cane rods, including some particularly fine examples of the iconic Richard Walker MKIV and Avon models from the 1950s–60s. These rods represent a golden era of British angling—beautifully crafted from split cane, with a progressive action that still feels incredibly relevant on the bank […]
General articles, News & Events, Rods, The Thomas Turner Collector's guide, Thomas Turner blog
In the Nymph of Time: Perfecting Your Drift
11
Mar
Mar
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 […]
Books, Collecting, The Thomas Turner Collector's guide, Thomas Turner blog
The Timeless Pleasure of Fishing Books
05
Mar
Mar
Today is World Book Day, a celebration of the joy that books bring to our lives. While many of us spend much of our time in front of screens, today is a good reminder of the simple pleasure that comes from opening a book and getting lost in its pages. With that in mind, we’re […]
Collecting, Ephemera & Misc., General articles, Rods, The Thomas Turner Collector's guide, Thomas Turner blog
William Blacker
18
Feb
Feb
We have something special to share with you today. Just in from Germany a scarce and highly desirable early multi-section split cane valise rod by William Blacker of 54 Dean Street, Soho, London, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1840–1845. William Blacker (1814 to 1888) was a notable London-based fishing tackle dealer and fly dresser in the 19th […]
Collecting, Ephemera & Misc., The Thomas Turner Collector's guide, Thomas Turner blog
The Carp Catchers’ Club – When a 10lb Carp was a rarity
11
Feb
Feb
This week has been very ‘carpy’. I finally persuaded my wife to allow the Brian Mills carving of a 31.5ln carp into the house. Hidden in a corner but a breakthrough nonetheless. Having said that carp have never really been my thing especially when it comes down to modern methods with bolt rigs and […]