midlands rod builders?

daniel Windmill · May 9, 2010

Hi All ,

I have just picked up a second hand harrison gti 13ft spliced tip which needs a little TLC to restore it to its former glory. It needs new rings and whippings and if possible a new cork handle and reel seat fitting. Can anyone recommend a rod builder who would be able to do this for me? Preferably midlands based.
Many thanks
Dan

the indifferent crucian · May 9, 2010

Try Fosters of Birmingham, they have a guy who hand-builds rods from Harrison blanks, and he might just know who to speak to at Harrisons. Equally you could post it to the makers for £6.70 plus a tube, Next Day, Signed For.

One sold on eBay in the last few days for £67, which is a measure of just how good a rod they are!

I have one and although it is a little tippy for me personally, there is no denying what an outstanding rod it is. They were £140 new

daniel Windmill · May 9, 2010

Cheers for the advice Crucian , will give Fosters a call tomorrow and see what they say. I want it for stick float fishing on the Derwent so think the tippy action will suit me and im even happier to hear the price seeing as i got it for £15. Thanks again
Dan

the indifferent crucian · May 10, 2010

£15 ?????

You are **** Turpin and I claim my £5

thx1138 · May 12, 2010

Hi Dan,
Give Kevin Baynes a call at the Anglers Workshop (Newcastle-Under-Lyne). The quality of his work is top notch, and he specialises in restoring and buidling custom rods based on Harrison blanks.

Kev has a lot to say about rod building, and is very passionate about it. Give yourself an hour or so, as he will talk your ear off once you step through the door of his unit. The bloke is a legend round these parts, and I guarantee you'll come away with a beautifully restored rod.

daniel Windmill · May 12, 2010

Thanks for the tip James.
Have already spoken to Bob at Foster's and he was very helpful but i will probably be down Stoke way for work next week so will try and get over there to have my ear bent. Im in the market for a 15ft gti too and would like to hear a few opinions from guys who know their stuff.
Crucian , if you ever find yourself Notts way i will buy you a pint or put you in a barbel swim , whichever you'd prefer.

Garry Procter · May 13, 2010

Daniel, if you go to see Kev Baines at Anglers Workshop my advice is to call before going, to make sure he will be around when you call. And to get directions - the first time I went I waited outside the wrong unit for about an hour (entirely my fault as I didn't call and ask for precise directions). Don't be put off by that, it's easy to find him when you know where he is! I have had lots of rods built by Kevin, and he really knows his stuff. As James says, be prepared for a long visit - he loves to talk rods...
P.S. Cork handles don't come cheap!

the indifferent crucian · May 13, 2010

daniel Windmill said:
Thanks for the tip James.
Have already spoken to Bob at Foster's and he was very helpful but i will probably be down Stoke way for work next week so will try and get over there to have my ear bent. Im in the market for a 15ft gti too and would like to hear a few opinions from guys who know their stuff.
Crucian , if you ever find yourself Notts way i will buy you a pint or put you in a barbel swim , whichever you'd prefer.

Barbel or beer??? Barbel or beer????

How on Earth do I choose???

Do you deliver?

I think it will have to be the barbel...I've never caught one, whereas beer I have definitely done to excess, ...and I have the waistline to prove it.

Good Luck with the rod, don't use it for barbel

midlands rod builders?

daniel Windmill

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the indifferent crucian

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daniel Windmill

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the indifferent crucian

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thx1138

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daniel Windmill

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Garry Procter

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the indifferent crucian

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