The Swing-Tip as we sort of know it was invented by Jack Clayton in the mid 1950's to solve a specific problem of bite detection whilst ledgering for roach. However
the tip really began to be used by Match Teams from 1958 onwards when the Spalding Team started to not only use them but win matches too. The idea seemed to hit a note with the South Yorkshire/Sheffield lads with Fred Foster being particularly taken with the method. So much so he became known as The Tip King on the Witham and Welland. His influence in the Fen land matches was such that arguably he was better known than Walker et al in the North of the country and but for his premature death in 1976 from 'Coal Disease' should have become better known. His book Fred Foster's Swing Tipping, published posthumously, is a Bible for this style of fishing and a must read.
Whilst this Fatty applauds Ashby Cut's research and consequently Falkus and Buller's work establishing a rope bite indicating device from 1805 whilst trolling for game fish perhaps it might be taking things a little far to compare the set ups and useage. Let's face it, Trolling for game fish using a rope indicator in some Scottish Loch system is just not the same in any way, shape or form, to ledgering in the flat, windswept Fens for roach and bream, is it?
Kevin Ashurst stated baldly that to deny Jack Clayton as the inventor of the Swing Tip by quoting from obscure historical sources 'should have done us all a favour if they had drawn our attention to it before Jack did. Since they did not it must be assumed that they did not understand what had been written until Jack's genius began to revolutionize the sport of angling.'
By the by Jack Clayton could not afford to patent his designs, so consequently made very little money from the invention that took a fishing technique regarded by many as 'semi-legitimate eel splodging' to another level and became the way to catch shy biting fish to the present day!
Hopefully this missive will explain some common misconceptions with regard to the Swing-Tip
And yes I am that bloody old to remember the above.
As ever,.....
Moley