Category Archives: Rods

The Thomas Turner Rod Warranty Scheme

(post) The Thomas Turner Rod Warranty Scheme

Thomas Turner are pleased to announce a change in our Terms and Conditions to formalise our policy of providing a ‘no quibble’ 12 month warranty on pre-owned rods purchased from us.  In addition to covering manufacturing defects, we are also adding the bonus of covering accidental damage. So, if you catch the tip in your […]

Thomas and Thomas Fly Rods. Unique Opportunity! “The rod you will eventually own is here!”

We are excited to announce the arrival of 150 Thomas and Thomas rods and blanks direct from the USA. Yes 150! These premium USA built rods and blanks have come straight from our friends at Thomas and Thomas in Massachusetts, following a rare “inventory review” of “retired rods.” While they are categorised as retired, many […]

Hardy cane rods, comparing new and used prices

An interesting letter popped out of a rod tube this week, dated 5th January 1990, now three decades ago. The original letter was enquiring about the date of manufacture and model style of a particular rod. The Hardy reply answers a question we are constantly asked. Shall I repair, restore or replace my cane rod? […]

What is a Palakona rod?

We all use the term on a regular basis, but what actually is a Palakona cane rod? In 1882 Hardy invented a revolutionary system of building hexagonal-shaped or formed rods from lengths of split bamboo strip. Trade mark No 246936, they are sought after worldwide by collectors and anglers in equal numbers. All the cane […]

Bruce & Walker Hexagraph the Ray Walton rod

Jim Bruce & Ken Walker are a force to be reckoned with in the rod building industry. Jim’s apprenticeship was under the demanding watchful eye of his father who ran B. James of London. Jim took over B. James, and by 1963 the cane market was giving way to fibreglass and the business transported itself […]

J S Sharpes of Aberdeen impregnated rods

The Impregnated split cane rods above are all hand built by the craftsman. This collection of fourteen Sharpe’s, mint to brand new rods, had to be bought. The previous owner, a lifelong angler, purchased these from the Sharpe’s shop in Aberdeen prior to its closure. He fished a couple of rods perhaps once or twice, […]

Robert Marrs, rod builder 1886-1964

Rob Marrs

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 […]

Introducing the brand new ‘Thomas Turner Classic+’ range: High performance rods and reels

Brand new TT Classic+ rod range with condura tubes

Introduction: Thomas Turner originally a prestigious gunsmith founded in 1838, is a brand now recognised for their expertise and great service in the world of collectable rods and reels. The team at Thomas Turner are only too aware that much sought-after items are often hard to find, to the extent there are not always enough […]

Bruce & Walkers  Phoenix day March 2nd 1972

In true British Bulldog fighting spirit, Bruce & Walker bounced back from a horrendous fire at their rod building factory in Upwood on March 2nd 1972. Jimmy Bruce is seen in the feature picture walking through the devastation, insisting on a rapid recovery. In only 4 weeks a new 3000 square feet building was erected […]

Chevalier Bowness of Bell Yard Temple Bar

We attended the British Fly Fair recently and advertised a free valuation service for the two-day show. Many of our customers visited the stand but one had a secret treasure. Among his whole collection of modern game fishing equipment was a very special rod. So special that we bought it and agreed not to sell […]