The September 2026 issue of Classic Angling features a fascinating look at one of the earliest and most traditional forms of fishing tackle: the roach pole. In the article,The Fishing Rod That Started It All, Michael Nadell explores the history of these remarkable poles and the London craftsmen who made them. Constructed largely from bamboo […]
Category Archives: Rods
Collecting, Ephemera & Misc., Rods, The Thomas Turner Collector's guide, Thomas Turner blog
Rare Rods – Something a Little Special at TT
19
Aug
Aug
We love modern fishing rods at Thomas Turner. Modern materials and technology have given us rods that are lighter, stronger, faster in recovery and incredibly efficient to cast and fish with. There’s no denying the benefits of modern carbon. But every now and again, something comes through our doors that makes us sit back and appreciate […]
Collecting, Ephemera & Misc., News & Events, Rods, The Thomas Turner Collector's guide, Thomas Turner blog
The London Roach Pole – A Forgotten Piece of Angling History
22
Jul
Jul
Long before carbon fibre poles became a familiar sight on match waters, anglers relied on beautifully crafted London roach poles to fish with remarkable precision. Designed for gently lowering a float into position rather than casting, these elegant poles were the tackle of choice for roach anglers on rivers such as the Thames and the […]
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 […]
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 […]
Hardy, News & Events, Rods, The Thomas Turner Collector's guide
Hardy Demon Rods – Power, Precision, and Performance
05
Nov
Nov
If you’re looking for a fly rod that blends Hardy’s famous craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, the Hardy Demon range is well worth a look. These rods sit in the sweet spot between performance and value — perfect for anglers who want quality gear without stepping all the way into flagship prices. The Modern Hardy Demon […]
News & Events, Rods, The Thomas Turner Collector's guide, Thomas Turner blog
Thomas & Thomas Contact II – The Ultimate Czech Nymphing Rod
29
Oct
Oct
For anglers serious about Czech or Euro nymphing, the Thomas & Thomas Contact II offers unmatched precision and control. Designed to deliver sensitivity, balance, and reach, this rod excels at detecting subtle trout strikes while maintaining perfect drift on every cast. Available in 10’ to 11’3” lengths and 2–4 weights, the Contact II’s medium-fast, progressive […]
15
Oct
Oct
Exclusive to Thomas Turner, we have acquired these brand new Thomas & Thomas Contact II rods, inbuilt with their latest technology. We are offering four different sizes in the 10′ range with line weights from #2 – #6. After purchasing directly from Thomas & Thomas in the USA, this represents a unique opportunity to acquire […]