Aspindale Piker/ Boat rod

[Jeremy Croxall]

Considering the relatively short life span of the Aspindale brand, I find it quite extraordinary that they managed to produce so many different rod types and variations from fine fly rods to the rod illustrated above.
This rod was gifted to me by my good pal Bobby Brookes. It is a beast of a rod, eight feet in length, whole cane butt and a split cane top. It would be a good dead bait rod for pike fishing, pier fishing, boat fishing and I reckon robust enough for catfish.
In common with all Aspindale rods I have come accross the cane is top notch, they really were a quality maker, this was a pleasure to work on and will be a pleasure to use I have no doubt.
Thanks again Bob, I am very happy indeed to be it's current custodian and will very much enjoy using it

[Liphook]

And a fine example of your super refurbishing skills JC! A real beauty

[Bob Brookes]

That is a belting rod with plenty of power right through. I fished a West Country lake last September where the carp pull back and where this rod would be ideal for the hit and hold swims.
I have seen this rod since Jeremy breathed his magic on it an of it his fabulous!

[Wallys-Cast]

That looks absolutely superb Jeremy. Well done indeed.

Wal.

[Olly]

I wonder which Aspindale that is!

It is similar to the Hardy version of a Favourite I once saw.

[Harry H]

Superb finish what's the thicknesses of the tip JC?

[Silfield]

That looks stunning
Do you have any idea of it's original intended use?

[Jeremy Croxall]

Superb finish what's the thicknesses of the tip JC?

Harry, the tip just below the ring whipping is approx 4mm. I haven't measured it but its there abouts.
The ferrule end is approx 10mm/11mm.

[Jeremy Croxall]

That looks stunning
Do you have any idea of it's original intended use?

Silfield, I don't know for sure what purpose Aspindales had in mind when producing this rod but when discussing this with Bob he thought it highly likely it was designed for boat fishing.
Or maybe they just produced it as a heavy general purpose rod? I did wonder if it might have been thought of as a heavy spinning rod for salmon fishing but it doesn't have much "whip" in it ....but then neither does my Scottie salmon spinner?
I see it as an occasional use rod for any situation where you need a rod with the backbone to hit and hold or launch a heavy lead or dead bait or haul up a heavy load from the depths. .....as has been said before, "if only rods could talk"!

[Wallys-Cast]

Almost certainly a pier rod, I think. I remember such rods stood about 6ft apart all along the pier railings at most seaside resorts. It would be just about the time solid glass took over.
Wal.