The one that landed Clarissa

[Hans Raaijmakers]

Hi JPC. So it would have been the left rod in the Chris Yates / Chris Ball picture a few post back? It just looks like the reels were swapped or something?

[JPC]

Sorry CrayCane I didn't notice you had posted that which would have saved me covering the subject again.

[CrayCane]

Thanks for posting John. I think that many of us on here enjoy the history and it's good to hear from people in the know.

Pete

[JPC]

Hi Hans, yes the rod Chris Y is holding looks like the one he caught the 51 on. Wouldn't know much about the reels, he had several Ambidex's, one he used on a six foot Hardy spinning/baitcaster another on a glass rod, a Peter Stone one and one on the James Avon. He also used a centre pin at times, can't remember what one, Strikeright maybe ?

[Hans Raaijmakers]

Hi JPC. Ok. Thanks! Nice to have people in the know and share their knowledge indeed. Much appreciated.

[JPC]

Thanks Hans and Pete. I don't think that the rod was made by B James rather than Walker detracts from the capture of that great fish. In fact it shows what an amazing little rod the James Avon was and remember this was the second time the big mirror had been beaten by a James Avon, re Eddie Price many years earlier. It also shows how skilful Chris was in playing out such a big fish on what was really chub tackle !

[Hans Raaijmakers]

Hi JPC.

It doesn't. As an enthousiastic carp tackle collector I find it just interesting to know the specifics and learn as much as I can about it Maybe one day I should try landing such a big fish on one myself. They are certainly capable rods so it seems. Not sure if I am though

[Beresford]

JPC – thank you for setting the record straight. Amusing to read how history has distorted the real truth.

So 'Barry' is presumably Barry A.

Is the rod still in the possession of John? I don't know Barry other than through a deal I did with him many years ago but I'm surprised he sold the rod, understanding him to have one of the best collections of historically important rods. Did Yates sell his early Barder rods?

[JPC]

Yes Beresford, Barry is Barry A. At present he is slowly selling off his rod/reel/ leather bound book collection. Amazing number of rare rods, mostly cane but some glass.
As far as I know John is still the owner of the Yates Avon, although I did hear he was thinking of selling it. If you are interested I could find out and pm you, it would be quite expensive !

[JPC]

Yes again Beresford, Barry has several ex Yates Barder built rods, the last time I was at Barry's he did show me a few, I believe they were some used in A Passion for Angling.