With the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the reference to the Sovereign brought about a conversation with our I.T guru Colin. A northeast lad of some years he has salmon fished all his life. His local river the Tyne once again has a prolific run of fish. He told me they can be” finicky […]
Category Archives: Thomas Turner blog
John Bailey's weekly blogs, Thomas Turner blog, Thomas Turner Classic+ blogs
Conjuring Coarse Magic – Lost Art Of The Float – Part 4 – Laying On In Rivers
19
Jan
Jan
He/she who is tired of float fishing is tired of life said some sage, perhaps Dick Walker! There are endless aspects to the float I could describe in this, the last part of this mini series. Stret pegging. River wagglers. The Lift Method. Controller floats. Antenna floats. Pole floats. Dibbler and ducker floats. Loafer floats […]
13
Jan
Jan
A chance encounter with an elderly gentleman produced several good antique game fishing items for TT. Of special interest is this cast chrome plated leaping fish on wooden plinth or base 110mm x 110 mm. Standing only 3” tall with green baize to underside it appears to be a desk paperweight. The circular base below […]
John Bailey's weekly blogs, Thomas Turner blog, Thomas Turner Classic+ blogs
The Lost Art Of The Float – Part 3 – The Stillwater Waggler
11
Jan
Jan
Can I make it clear that I only write what I know about so you won’t get any advice from me about using a waggler on rivers, for example. Whilst I have had excellent advice on how to do it, notably from Bob Roberts I remember, this is not an approach where I would be […]
John Bailey's weekly blogs, Thomas Turner blog, Thomas Turner Classic+ blogs
Conjuring Up Coarse Magic. Float Fishing – Trotting
04
Jan
Jan
I have been lamenting that the float in general coarse angling is nearly an extinct animal but not necessarily so. This week it is trotting under the microscope and the art is absolutely alive and well down on the Test, at Broadlands, if a trip there a couple of winters back is representative. That winter’s […]
30
Dec
Dec
Stuart Maxwell, a Thomas Turner customer has been in touch with a fascinating story. A rod he bought from us was built by Robert Marrs of Slamannan, Stirlingshire. We see many artisan-built rods, the history appertaining to them can be at best patchy to non-existent. After talking with Stuart, it transpires he has been chasing […]
30
Dec
Dec
Are you one of the lucky ones who will be jetting off somewhere exotic to take part in some saltwater fly fishing in the winter months? Some of the top destinations for fly fishing are also some of the most beautiful places in the world. Over the next couple of months, locations such as New […]
20
Dec
Dec
We were privileged to meet and spend time with Hugh Miles during our valuation day at the Tyrrell Ford Country Inn and Hotel in Dorset. He contacted us to try to help a dear friend who was selling her late husband’s tackle collection. This brought us to Dorset, a neighbour, only three doors away heard […]
13
Dec
Dec
A drive through the wintery lanes of Herefordshire reminded me how stunning the River Wye can be at this time of year. Stripped back foliage allows the natural contours of the river to glisten in the midday sun, even at -6 degrees. Narrow country tracks were a challenge and without road salt, there were a […]
John Bailey's weekly blogs, Thomas Turner blog, Thomas Turner Classic+ blogs
CONJURING COARSE MAGIC – BARBEL PART 3 – FLOAT FISHING
09
Dec
Dec
There’s no doubt that to the purist, float fishing is the preferred way to catch these superb fish and indeed the method is effective, challenging and always glamorous. Back a while, I travelled to the Trent with float maker maestro Andy Field and there we caught extraordinary numbers of barbel on 5BB floats and maggot, […]