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 and cane, traditional roach poles could reach 20ft or more and were often beautifully finished with elaborate silk whippings and handmade fittings.
Above: “The Fishing Rod That Started It All” from Classic Angling, No. 157, September 2026. Reproduced with full credit to Classic Angling and author Michael Nadell.
But there is a particularly special connection to Thomas Turner.
Joe’s remarkable collection
The accompanying article, My Friend Joe’s Collection Even Outshone My Own, tells the story of an extraordinary collection assembled over a lifetime by London angler and tackle collector Joe.
Following Joe’s death, Richard Hewitt of Thomas Turner was invited to catalogue the collection, which included an exceptional selection of roach poles by makers including Sowerbutts, Evans, Homer, Gold, Creek, Warren, Schofield, Allcock, Dunhill, Watson & Hancock, Carter and Peek.
The author describes it simply as:
“the finest I have ever seen”
Thomas Turner has now purchased the roach poles featured in the article, and we have started to list them through our website.
A piece of angling history
These aren’t simply attractive pieces of vintage tackle. They represent a largely vanished era of British angling and the skills of the London tackle makers who produced them.
As Michael Nadell writes, their appeal lies in:
“the beauty of bamboo, the elegant workmanship and a core part of angling history”
With thanks to Michael Nadell and Classic Angling for the fascinating history and story behind this collection. Extracts and article imagery reproduced with full credit to Classic Angling, September 2026, No. 157.
