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 […]
Category Archives: Rods
02
Apr
Apr
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 […]
10
Mar
Mar
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, […]
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 […]
General articles, Reels, Rods, Thomas Turner blog, Thomas Turner Classic+ blogs
Introducing the brand new ‘Thomas Turner Classic+’ range: High performance rods and reels
30
Sep
Sep
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 […]
09
May
May
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 […]
19
Feb
Feb
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 […]
14
Jan
Jan
Famous names such as Hardy, Farlow, Carter, Allcock’s, Army and Navy, and many more all used this wood. Referred to as Greenheart Green Willow or Green Heart, it’s the same wood. Greenheart is a tropical hard wood, many makers sourcing stock from South America. Although heavy it’s renowned the world over for its durability and versatility. […]
23
Oct
Oct
In the recent massive collection of 500 rods, I have come across another interesting maker. This 15’ three-piece greenheart salmon fly rod is engraved to the butt cap “J.Jackson, Maker Dumfries”. Who was he? A little research shows John Jackson listed in the 1911-1912 Post Office directory as a Fishing Tackle Maker at No. 4 […]
29
Sep
Sep
Hardy had much to crow about in 1966. The new Willowburn factory was completed and opened by His Grace the Duke of Northumberland. The new symbol of a fly set inside a castle wall was developed, signifying that Hardy tackle is made to last. They continued the building of Palakona bamboo rods, handmade reels and […]