Maybe it’s the heat, maybe it’s the lockdown but a plan was hatched by my daughter Louise. How difficult could it possibly be to cast a 9” gel body tuna fly on a 20” rod using a broken vintage DAM reel into the open mouth of a cast brass 3” fish? A few casts in […]
Category Archives: Thomas Turner blog
13
May
May
When selling to Thomas Turner you don’t have to have a house full of tackle or huge collection. Quality always beats quantity, unless you have both! These two beautiful Farlow rods and Hardy priest came in from a gentleman who bought and never used them. They are impregnated split cane fly rods, hand-built in Britain, […]
13
May
May
Probably one of the most interesting split shot tins I’ve seen. This little Allcock’s Victorian tin in the form of a book is the property of Mike Walters, a collector friend we see at many tackle fairs. I’ve only seen a few of these over the decades, measuring under 2” long, it’s hinged with a ribbed […]
07
May
May
Sadly at the time of writing this, I can’t find the pictures of the reel I used to own, but they may turn up yet. As you’re probably aware we are very, very keen on Farlow tackle. Not only because our CEO Richard is the past Chairman of Farlow’s, but because of their ingenious solutions […]
Books, Thomas Turner blog
German Artificial Fly tying book, 1903, Anton Gruner by Johann Bergauer flies to gut
06
May
May
I’m thrilled with this tome, which recently landed on my desk.It dates back to 1905 and is handwritten in ‘Sütterlin’, sometimes also called ‘German script’, nicely bound in leather with the title, translating to ‘Fly pattern book for sportfishing’, set in gilt letters. It is a book about flyfishing, more specifically about fly patterns. It […]
Dictionary definition of transition(al): “The process of a period of changing from one state to another” Whilst the word “transition” is in essence quite simple to understand, its use in the historic tackle collecting field, particularly when associated with that most famous maker Hardy Bros, does or can create significant interest, marvel, joy and in […]
23
Apr
Apr
There’s no need to be bored during this current lockdown period. For fishing tackle enthusiasts, keeping occupied and safe could not be easier. In our Thomas Turner OUTLET section, we list both budget tackle under £100 and items which need a little help, TLC or “brought forward” as a collector pal of mine says. Not […]
22
Apr
Apr
Not because it was my birth year (!) but because we see very few Wyers catalogues it’s worth a mention. This anglers guide gives a rare insight into the premises at No 30 Quai Du Louvre, in Paris. Resembling an old chemist shop with its beautiful mahogany shop fittings, it must have been a joy […]
21
Apr
Apr
Not many of these about, Foster of Ashbourne, Derbyshire retailed the reel as The Acme. Virtually identical to the Hodder, or if you were in Peeks of London, they called it the Venus. Fitted with a Silex type casting lever and a silent check. A black ebonite brake disc to the rear of the drum […]
20
Apr
Apr
Most of us at some time will have bought, sold or collected J W Young’s reels. One of the iconic reel makers for over 100 years. Commencing business in 1884 they manufactured many exciting and unusual reels for an assortment of other makers or retailers throughout their history. I had the pleasure of meeting Jim […]