The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

Browsing through my copy of the Walker Biog today I spotted in the picture of "Dick with a fine Chub from Beachampton" what is very like a half bale Mitchell.
It begs the question, Was the reel used in that September event the half bale model?
I have never seen it mentioned anywhere but then I am not thoroughly read on the
Walker output! Anybody know ? Thanks .

Think he used a Ambidex?

Thanks for your reply.
In Drop Me a Line 1950/51. RW is using a Felton Crosswind 2nd version with braid.
At that time he mentions owning a Hardy Altex No 1 for 14 years but it's being too small for Carp.
Between that time and the capture he has dumped the Crosswind seemingly because
of it being unsuited to Monofilament.
In all the writings I have seen (only three books,pension won't run to today's prices)
None have definitively noted the reel used on the day.
The picture of young RW fly tying in his workshop has his CPin laying on a Mitchell 300.
The rotor is hidden from sight so hiding the bale arm.
FJT. In contemporary pictures of the time seems to use Intrepids.
I have never seen a Walker picture with an Altex/Ambidex in use. Thanks again.

He used a half-bail Mitchell for the fateful Redmire trip.

Yes, the half bail Mitchell. There's a sentence in Walker's first written description of the capture of Ravioli (Walker's name for the fish) in which he states that he checked the pick-up had engaged the line before striking. With a full-bail model that check would not be necessary.

@ PaulD – Chris Yates' record the Bishop was caught using an Ambidex. In his writings he has stated that although he used Mitchell 300s he never really felt any affinity towards them.

Anybody know where the reel is now or has it been lost to time?

Cor Result ! Well observed Beresford. Thank you.
The apparent button anti reverse in the above mentioned Picture and the pre-dating of the full bail era made it likely to be so..... Nice to have it confirmed so well tho.
I couldn't find any reference to the make of reel actually used although the Crosswind had been disposed of.
However the page 128 biog picture of the still young Walker/Stone mixed bag using a full bail Boomerang anti-reverse Mitchell meant he wasn't slow to improve on the model!
Thanks Folks.

Well I hope it's a result and that I've remembered that correctly. I don't have my books with me – they remain in my father's house.

One of many reasons the TFF is so marvellous: I had always assumed that it was a 300 but then had a slight doubt and now I know it was. Thank you both QC and B.

Walker also mentions using a Mitchell in 'No Need to Lie'.

I stand corrected, what a wealth of knowledge on here.