Category Archives: Thomas Turner blog

Allcock Sea Dazzle bait

Listed in the 1930’s Allcock’s catalogues this Sea Dazzle bait comes in one size only, 1-1/2” long. You can see the appeal of it. Multi coloured revolving blades give the impression of size and colour. Metal tube body rotating on a central bar with treble hook and brass swivel. This one has survived well despite […]

Scratch built big game sea reel with a difference

This is an old friend returning after some 18 years, I’ve aged and it hasn’t! Made from wood and alloy, I have called it scratch built as it’s made from scratch and I’m scratching my head trying to think who made it! It’s 6” diameter and stuffed with odd features. Fold and slide handle, unusual […]

The Hardy Wye Palakona salmon fly rod range

THeralded as the “best all round rod for general purposes” in the Hardy Anglers guides, it’s as popular today as ever. Hand built in the Alnwick factory it came in 3 standard lengths, 11’, 12’6” and 13’6”, the 11’ being the rarer of the range. The 1960s rod is the most collectable/ desirable with modern […]

The unique story of the 1939 world record sea trout

This is one of the best true stories attached to a fish capture I have come across, read on! The unique 3/4 block carved wood world record sea trout, weight 19lbs 8 oz, was caught on dry fly from the Laerdal River, Norway in 1939, carved and mounted on a 17” x 45” wooden board. […]

Steven of Berwick (upon Tweed) brass reel c 1870

Many of the tackle shops at the turn of the century used the term “Maker” loosely. It’s common knowledge that the big tackle makers including Heatons and Smith and Wall, Mallochs etc. manufactured trade reels. Initially blank, the shops or retailers could have their names stamped onto the reels, (or any tackle) so they appeared […]

Auger Tackle “The Augermatic” Patent Applied for spinning reel

This is one of my favourite wacky collector reels. The rare Auger Tackle of England “The Augermatic” Patent App.  vintage spinning reel. Measuring approx. 6-1/2” long, it’s a left hand wind reel with an unusual lever pull system, which pushes the drum into the front cone housing to release the line. A screw disc adjuster is […]

The Hardy Simplex Wading Net

One of the firm favourites for wall decoration or classic angling use is the Hardy Simplex Landing Net. Supplied in two basic varieties; the first and early model being  a short handle version with bamboo handle and alloy pear shaped alloy frame. The 1923 Hardy Anglers Guide (containing some of the best bedtime reading a tackle […]