Its been a while since I last posted on the blog due in part to a lot of exciting things happening with the rod building. First we have been chosen by Free Spirit Fishing to build some of their range of rods for them. So far we have built Barbel rods. Both Hi-'s' and S-Range, Bank creepers, Boat creepers, surface creepers and Hi-'s' carp rods. This means we are now able to supply Free Spirit rods either as factory builds or custom builds.
As of this week we have also been chosen by Harrison Advanced to build rods for them. We are on with the first batch of Torrix 12ft 3.25tc blanks.

What more could a rod builder wish for.

Because of all the extra work I have not been able to get out fishing as much as I had planed at the begining of the year. This has not stopped me from sneeking the odd over nighter though.

As well as a couple of evening sessions on the Ribble. The best Barbel so far being a new pb of 9lb 6oz.

Any way thats enough ramblings from me.

Tight lines

Tony.

26th January 2011

As the wind was blowing into my favourite bank I decided it would be a good place to start. I set two rods up with running ledgers. One was baited with my favourite sardines and the other with a full mackerel. As soon as they where out the bobbins started twitching and lifting to the rod then dropping back. Unfortunately the culprit wasn't a nice plump pike, but one of the many Rainbow Trout. This can be a big problem when fishing a trout reservoir. But to stop them being hooked I use at least size six trebles.
Anyway the bobbins didn't stop twitching for the next two and a half hours till finally it lifted and the line started to peel from the reel. As soon as I struck I new it was a good fish as it powered up and down in front of me. The Torrix 3.25 tc took on a lovely fighting curve which soon had the angry pike on the end of my line tamed. One of the members did the honours with the net and the fish was mine.

Onto the unhooking mat, out with the hooks and into the weigh sling. The needle settled on 21 lb 4 oz. 

Hopefully the first of many for this winter.

Tight lines.

Tony