Re -joined

[OldAngler]

Hello TFF members,

I used to be a member but for various reasons could not contribute for a while so ceased to be a member. I have just re-joined.

In started coarse fishing in 1955 when I was 10 years old so I have personal experience of tackle and techniques from the late 50's, 60's and 70's. To quote Johnny Cash, "I was there when it happened, so I guess I ought to know." Seriously, if I can help younger members of the Forum by commenting on how things were in that era I shall be happy to do so. I do not claim to be an 'expert' in any field of tackle or angling methods but believe I have a reasonable all round, (if now dated), knowledge which I am happy to share.

My beliefs are that all anglers should be allowed to follow their sport in their own chosen way, so long as it is legal and does not adversely affect or cause annoyance to others,(including wildlife). My personal preference is to fish alone, in the quietest place I can find, using old tackle which is well maintained. I believe that old tackle should be used, not just admired. I own and regularly use eleven split cane rods, all of which I have built or refurbished myself. My favourite is a Richard Walker Mk IV Avon which I built in 1963 using blanks made by Ted Oliver. I use it very frequently, teamed with a Young's Rapidex which I have owned from new since 1958, or a Mitchell 300 which my wife bought for me in 1972. I make my own floats, mainly from goose or swan quills. They are not 'works of art' although I very much admire floats which are. Mine are very cheap and quick to make so I happily use them in difficult situations, knowing that if I lose a float it has cost me just a few pence.

I did a lot of rod building in my teens, including making my own split cane using a wooden triangular former, most of which I learned from Dick Walker's wonderful book 'Rod Building For Amateurs.' I still have one rod made from my 'own' cane and it is very dear to me. I came back to rod building and refurbishing when I retired from work and over a period of about four years built or renovated about 25 rods, all split cane or split cane with whole cane butts. I am currently making a light float rod for Grayling fishing.

Over the years I have lived in, and fished in, Lincolnshire, South London / Kent, Yorkshire, Wiltshire and now Hampshire.

My target fish, depending on the time of year, are Tench, Perch, Grayling and Chub.

Hope that helps to give you an idea of who and what I am.

Tight lines, oldangler

[Mark]

Welcome back to the forum OldAngler.

[Tom]

A very welcome!
Tom

[AshbyCut]

A hearty welcome home, Sir.

[Duebel]

Welcome back to the TFF, OldAngler!

[Bobthefloat]

Welcome back sir

[The Sweetcorn Kid]

Nice to see you back Rod.

[Muscavado]

Strewth! We were both born in the same year so, that must make me The Old Tangler

Welcome home

John

[ExeAngler]

Welcome from Exeangler

[Eddy Pools]

Hello OldAngler, welcome back to the TFF