Sharpe’s of Aberdeen ‘Scottie’ Walker style carp landing nets

[Greg Fletcher]

Hi chaps,
Does anyone have any info’ at all on the Walker style carp net produced by Sharpe’s of Aberdeen ?
They were produced in a limited run of 50 (back around the mid eighties I’d guess, though not exactly sure).
They had the usual Walker details and dimensions ie, 36” rather nice curved) cane arms, 5’ parallel cane pole and a nice deep knotless black mesh.
Chris Ball was involved with Sharpe’s in the development and launch of these nets and I’m pretty sure was presented with net No1 customised with his name engraved on the alloy block that
Hinges the arms.
I’ve just picked one up and would like to know more about these nets if possible.
I do recall seeing some pictures of Chris on the Sharpe’s stand at a trade fair/conference or similar. Does anyone have any info’ at all about these nets, any help appreciated, thanks chaps - GF

[Liphook]

I think it would have been the Scottie tackle company not Sharpes themselves Greg? They relaunched the Scottie brand making a few fly rods as well as the Chris Ball Carp series of split cane rods iirc. Scottie are still going but to my knowledge they concentrate on fly tying materials and their lever vice. I don't think they make rods or nets anymore?

[Rod Fisher]

From the mouth of the horse:

I did persuade John and Steve Weaver of Scottie rods to produce a version in the mid 1990s. It came out fine except the Tonkin cane handle was for some reason way too heavy. Besides the one I own have seen several others and the handle weight was an issue with those.

[Olly]

Sharpe's of Aberdeen sold off the Scottie name/logo - hence the difference between them - the Weavers being the purchaser.

See Chris Ball All rounder in the Forum.

[Greg Fletcher]

Thanks chaos for the ‘net’ info, much appreciated.
I’d forgotten about the ‘Weavers’ connection, which of course is absolutely correct.
‘Somewhere’ an article, supported by a couple of pics, appeared showing Chris Ball at a trade show/conference or such gathering, on the Weavers stand, where he is pictured with the nets, presumably at the time of launch.
Does anyone have those pics that could be posted here please - GF

[Stour Otter]

Hi chaps,
Does anyone have any info’ at all on the Walker style carp net produced by Sharpe’s of Aberdeen ?
They were produced in a limited run of 50 (back around the mid eighties I’d guess, though not exactly sure).
They had the usual Walker details and dimensions ie, 36” rather nice curved) cane arms, 5’ parallel cane pole and a nice deep knotless black mesh.
Chris Ball was involved with Sharpe’s in the development and launch of these nets and I’m pretty sure was presented with net No1 customised with his name engraved on the alloy block that
Hinges the arms.
I’ve just picked one up and would like to know more about these nets if possible.
I do recall seeing some pictures of Chris on the Sharpe’s stand at a trade fair/conference or similar. Does anyone have any info’ at all about these nets, any help appreciated, thanks chaps - GF

Greg, I had the good fortune of having one of these nets bought for me for my fortieth birthday. My girlfriend and I had our noses pressed up against the window of a little fishing shop in Salisbury. Run by a Mr Terry Waite (no connection to the church), selling vintage bits and bobs from a very small shop, just outside the town centre.
He had two of these nets hanging up inside the shop. The shop was so small that you had to wait outside, if there was more than one customer inside!
Now this was some twenty seven years ago now, and if my memory is correct, my lovely only paid about £90 for the net. Terry knocked it down a bit, as I had purchased a couple of speedia's from him a few weeks earlier and knowing it was a keeper.
As you correctly state, there were only fifty built, mine is No.3. With an inscription of the pole (Mr M. J. Godfrey) and an engraving on the alloy block (No.3/50).
Some weeks later the second net from Terry's shop, appeared in the window of the late John Searl's vintage tackle shop in Ringwood.

Stour Otter

[Greg Fletcher]

Hi Stour Otter, thank you for the prompt reply, it’s always interesting to hear of the journeys these items have had before they arrive with us.
I acquired my recent net from a chap who bought it new at an auction, and then subsequently stored it without using it himself, so was, unfortunately, unable to offer any history.
You appear to have posted some pictures with your reply, thank you, though I’m not able to view them. Can you offer any suggestions that would I may need to do ? Any help would be appreciated GF

[Stour Otter]

Hi Stour Otter, thank you for the prompt reply, it’s always interesting to hear of the journeys these items have had before they arrive with us.
I acquired my recent net from a chap who bought it new at an auction, and then subsequently stored it without using it himself, so was, unfortunately, unable to offer any history.
You appear to have posted some pictures with your reply, thank you, though I’m not able to view them. Can you offer any suggestions that would I may need to do ? Any help would be appreciated GF

Hi Greg, PM sent.

John