Stepped-up MKIV - how much to pay for a good one?

[Julian]

I recently did a post asking about what I should consider buying as a cane rod about 10 feet, for carp fishing in snaggy/ weedy pools and lakes, that is more powerful than a MKIV.
As usual on here I received lots of very good advice on possible options - thank you gents.

So I have decided that what I would like is a stepped-up MKIV, which I understand has a test-curve of 2lbs.
I would like to buy one that is in excellent/very good condition - ie no work at all required on it.
I would like it to be a vintage one and preferably a B.James (assuming there are a reasonable amount of S/U B.James available).
I'm not in a rush to buy, but how much should I expect to need to pay for a really nice one?

[Kingfisher]

I've just been looking on this site:-

http://www.vintagefishingtackle.co.uk/b ... rprods.htm

A stepped up version seems quite rare but a normal mkiv is between £350 and £425 on there and there are a few of them.

I didn't look right through, so maybe there are SU versions further down the page.

Good luck on finding one though.

[Ljm183]

Recent ebay prices £140 - £311. I,v just sold one for £200 (private sale).
The test curve of 2lb is a bit low, the one i sold was more like 4lb+ tc.

[Beresford]

I'd say £250 – £300 for a good sound B. James example. They don't come up that often. I've read 2 1/4 for the test curve but suspect it's really down to individual rods. Since a late model standard James MkIV may have a t/c of 2lbs I think you'd be looking at rather more than that.

[Julian]

[quote="Ljm183"]Recent ebay prices £140 - £311. I,v just sold one for £200 (private sale).
The test curve of 2lb is a bit low, the one i sold was more like 4lb+ tc.[/quote]


Not heard any other comments on this forum suggesting they are anywhere near 4lb ???

[Julian]

I'd say £250 – £300 for a good sound B. James example. They don't come up that often. I've read 2 1/4 for the test curve but suspect it's really down to individual rods. Since a late model standard James MkIV may have a t/c of 2lbs I think you'd be looking at rather more than that.

If its 2 1/4 lb or 2.5lb it would actually be better - then I know it would deal very effectively with the largest carp I'm likely to catch in snaggy/weedy pools/lakes.
I would be prepared to pay up to £300 for a really good one.
I'm hoping there may be one at the next Mullock's auction.

[Beresford]

PM on its way.