Hi all.... Over the last 30 years or so, I have bought, used and sold quite a few of Edward's beautiful rods- not to mention BV landing net, Colin Whitehouse floats and a catapult (a traditional one, of course). Without exception, they have been perfectly suited to their purpose, and exquisite, both to use and admire. Now nearing the dreaded 80, I am selling a lot of my 'trad' kit to spare my inheritors the aggro. Back in the day, Edward had the time to carry out refurbs on rods he felt to be worthy. Over a few years in the last century
, before he became as busy with his rod-making as he deserves, he worked his way through (some of) my collection of old sticks, rendering them as new (in fact, generally better).
Memorable EB-made rods over the years have been a Chris Yates 'Carp Crawler', with which - and accompanied by my lovely old Hardy Altex No2, I landed several PB's. A Wallis Avon he made for me after well over a year sourcing what he felt to be the correct whole cane butt section and was christened with a carp of 18.5lbs on (the correct) 4lb line. A lovely little 7.5ft staggered ferrule 'Wallop Brook' fly rod and - my 'desert island' rod, a Walker MKIV Avon - both of which will see me out.
Recently, on a visit to the workshop, I tried out a 'black' (Carbon fibre) EB 12' float rod - and bought it on the spot. Easily the best trotting rod I've ever tried. I fish the Thames here from my Dory, long trotting to 30+yds in fast, 6ft deep water. Next bite could be a small roach, a 6lb chub, a big bream or occasionally, a double-figure carp. This rod - along with a good pin, handles it superbly, is featherweight (important at my age) and very robust. A match-man wouldn't touch it as it is best with a 4-6lb main line, but for my use, it's the 'mutt's nuts'.
Sorry - back to the main topic.... Edward stands by his products, repairs and refurbs them and sells them for you when you wish to move on. His rods hold their value superbly, will last you a lifetime and are a joy to use. Of how many products can that be truthfully said nowadays?
A true realist, he now offers rods in both glass and plastic - in models appropriate for their use. They too are a joy to own and superbly designed tools for the matter in hand. They will almost surely hold their value as well.
I will always love my cane rods, new and old - after over 60 years using them, but I feel it to be foolish to ignore or deride the modern alternatives when appropriate.
Just saying....