Aaron1976

Hello everyone, I wonder if any of you out there have ever owned or used a Drennan Stick Float rod? I recently acquired a backup to one I currently have but noticed that there are slight differences, which makes me question if Drennan refined or issued different versions over the years. Be interested to know if any of you have a rod similar to mine. My first Stick Float rod has a spliced in tip (that is a section of about 27" of different material) as opposed to the rest of the IM8-looking carbon. My second Stick Float does not have a spliced tip, its the same carbon weave from the base of the butt to the tip. The sections of the rod look like they have always been together, as this rod has barely seen any use from new - all appear to be of the same condition (and not a later replacement). I have noticed that the placement of the eyes throughout both rods are slightly different and the length of the butt section is also of marginally different lengths which makes me think Drennan released variants, but I always assumed the Stick Float rod concept was for spliced in tip sections? If you have a Drennan Stick Float rod, I'd be interested to hear what version you have (unless one of my rods is a marriage...). Many thanks, Aaron

Some good advice on here, from my brief experience with centrepins this is what I've encountered (given your price range): Speedias - good but there are a lot out there that have wobble, so confirm before you buy. A bit of paint loss is nothing to worry about. People rave about the wide drum versions with different ratchet settings, but I find the humble narrow drum often to show less wobble and great for float work. Adcock Stantons - have been my workhorse for many years, I find the 4.5" to be more friendly than the 5" as they are quite weighty but more as a result of them being incredibly well built. They aren't pins in the truest sense as they run on bearings. Haven't used one of the new types, all mine are from the Clive Adcock (?) era. I prefer handles and ratchet, but you get them in many different configurations (without handles, no ratchet, centre drag etc.) Swallow Centre-Pin - didn't really get on with these reels, I got mine partly because of a nod to 'A Passion for Angling' as they feature quite heavily. The ones with brass parts as opposed to plastic look better and will probably carry more value as they are more durable. Allcock Match Aerial - I think are nice reels, but outside your price range. However, Fred Crouch did some replicas (may still do) which may be more within reach on the second hand market, but I think the original has curved edges which makes handling nicer. Look for one where the reel seat is not loose. Have fun, once you've experienced centrepin fishing and nailed it down, its addictive

Hi everyone, I wonder if somebody could be so grateful to offer me some advice on what is the best/most useable size for an Allcock Aerial reel (circa 1920s/1930s)...I'm talking about the likes of the Popular and the ventilated six spoke variety. I've heard talk about the 3.5" being used, but I find this size a bit too small preferring 4" and 4.5", my modern centrepins are nearly always 4.5", so I'd be interested to hear what people favour and why. The likes of Chris Yates etc seem to prefer 4", are the 4.5" reels a lot heavier or cumbersome to use? Any tips, recommendations or advice most welcome. I'm considering buying a tidy used example (not an expensive museum piece), and would welcome any constructive advice when dealing with such aged and fine reels. Anything to look out for? Many thanks Aaron

eBay and Gumtree have been notified.

Somebody has copied the auction word for word (including pictures) and is trying to sell it on Gumtree. I can confirm it is NOT the owner of the reels... Gumtree Richard Carter advert

Speaking of which, this is exactly what I wanted to find out as the only way I could release the drum from my reel was to manually push the fork back by sticking my fingers inside between the spokes and pushing the fork back, being careful not to bend the spokes. Madness. What is the correct procedure? I've got an Avon Elite.

Hmm, is that the original ratchet button though? I thought Match Aerials all had cross buttons if that makes sense? Not like those seen on the Fred Crouch reels (which look like this type). Maybe its an age thing, earlier ones had different ratchet buttons to others...?

Hello everyone, I think I'm going to give in and buy a pair of Fred Crouch reels, the Jet version which is the copy of the Allcocks Match Aerial. I've considered buying the originals - but good examples are so rare to find now, I think it might be easier to just buy the replicas. I had convinced myself that the wide version would be better as I understand the original version was quite narrow - some people are convinced it makes no difference, others think for trotting narrow is better, yet the wider version is better for ledgering. The plan, if I have one(!), is to mainly use them for float work - although I like the idea of light ledgering with them some times. Just interested to hear your thoughts, were the original narrow reels a problem to work with? Any help gratefully received, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts Many thanks Aaron

Thanks Ayjay - the display mode was driving me mad! Regarding the 'tool', that's a good idea - I'll investigate that, seems like a good idea. I had some odd scrap aluminium hanging around but after a clearout it got thrown out...doh! Just what I flipping need right now, always the way!

Hello everyone, would anybody happen to know where on earth I could find a proper Adocck Stanton tool for unlocking the spool in order to clean it? I know that there is supposed to be a small aluminium tool selotaped to the instructions - but on every reel I've got its never come with the unlocking tool (think piece of alumnium with two prongs). Its probably relatively easy to make I would have thought - I've rang the current Adcock Stanton manufacturers and they said they don't make them anymore as the spool design has changed nor do they keep parts for the old Cliff Adcock type design. Bit annoying as I need new handle screws too... Does anyone had a spare or know where I could get one fashioned? My only hope now is contacting Cliff Adcock himself but I can't find a contact number. Any help most welcome! Aaron P.S. On another subject - is there a way of viewing all posts on a topic without having to manually select each one!!?? Grrrr!

Hi Budgie, as far as centrepins go, my experience is as follows: I've got some Adcock Stanton's (as mentioned), a Dave Swallow reel (my second actually) - it was the first centrepin type I ever tried...never quite got on with it though (felt cheap), partly because my first had plastic parts and a god awful rear drag as opposed to the later which had brass components. The one I have now has brass parts, with a much better ratchet - I should really give it a second chance. I've found the Adcock is a solid work-horse reel - bit of a tank in that it does pretty much what you want, and its a nice design generally (although the black carbon foot cheapens it in my opinion). In the past I've had my hands on a Speedia and the Allcock Match. I do like the look and feel of aerials - the Allcock felt right if that makes sense - but mine had a wobbly foot (through age and use probably) and I sold it on. The Speedia was a good reel (wide version), but mine seemed to be a bit corroded and I sold that before I really got to use it. However both were good examples of true 'pins that I've seen up close, and I wanted to experience that again....just a shame I had to flog them at the time. Why so much? Good question, I'd prefer not to spend a small fortune if I can help it. Part of me would love to own a quality aerial like the Richard Carter's of this world, I don't think I'll catch more fish(!), but for the sheer pleasure of owning one makes me want to investigate them more. I think the Lythe is probably more of a fantasy reel (pretty sure many just sit in cases as investments)...can I justify it? Probably not. I would like to move away from the Adcock's and try something new to see what else is out there, the main reason for the budget is to treat myself a bit...but as to how much really depends on the reel. For the classical centrepin design - its seems a budget of about £200-£300 is the going rate for a nice one (maybe I'm looking at the wrong websites). I have been told to investigate Okuma's but my eyes don't seem to like them very much... Aaron

Hi, would somebody be able to tell me what a clean Richard Carter reel would be worth? I know its very model specific but I'm currently considering (cheaper!) alternatives than saving up and having to wait months for a Chris Lythe, I think a used Richard Carter is probably the next best option I have. I'm not a collector of reels - whatever I buy gets used on the bank and I'm looking to treat myself to something nice for a change. Am I being somewhat optimistic to think I could find a Richard Carter for within £300? IF I could ever find one that is... I've seen some clean Allcocks Match Aerials go for roughly £250...(probably more), but I'm not sure if they're worth it or not over say a copy like the Fred Crouch Jet. I know Garry Mills makes reels but he's probably just as expensive as Chris Lythe (big assumption there!). I'd welcome any thoughts on the above. Thanks Aaron

I think I may have been successful in my quest...we'll see. I did see a few minty Adcocks without handles and ratchet on ebay recently (they do seem to crop up from time to time). Good hunting! Aaron Now if I can just find a tidy Richard Carter...the search continues!

Hi, I'm currently searching for a clean unmolested Adcock Stanton centrepin, the older type with the black carbon/plastic type reel seat. My specs are 4.5", handles and ratchet. If its got the box and instructions that would be better still. If you have a nice one please send me a message. Cheers Aaron

Hi, I'm after a tidy Adcock Stanton reel to match the one I currently own and love, specs being: - Old type (not the new series available today) - Black plastic reel fittings - Silver finish - Brass ratchet button - Handles - 4.5" Preferably after one in excellent/mint condition - plus with instructions etc if available. Budget somewhere around £100-150. I'm not interested in the ones with the clutch/drag. Let me know what you have I've tried to attach some pictures of the one I currently own... Thanks Aaron

Hi, I've just been sorting through some reels of mine and stumbled across an Adcock Stanton which I bought a while ago thinking it was a 4.5" model - trouble is, I've put it next to another of mine and it almost certainly isn't 4.5"... Looks like a strange 4" model - but I don't recall Adcock making these, I only thought he did 4.5" and 5" - but I'm no expert on the range, presumably this was a custom order? Has anybody else seen 4" Stanton reels? I'll try and add a picture (if my camera had batteries! - doh). Regards Aaron

Hi, I'm currenty searching for a mint/excellent Adcock Stanton reel (4.5" with handles and ratchet). I bought one of these a few years ago from Cliff Adcock himself and I dearly wish I'd bought a pair at the time. I'm particularly keen to find one with a brass ratchet (the later types) as it matches my other reel. Must come with box, paperwork etc - and that little metal tightening tool (whatever its for!). If you have one - please do drop me a line (might even consider a 5" if it has a ratchet) Aaron

Hi, I wonder if anybody could offer me some advice regarding Fred Crouch centrepin reels. Having just recently bought an original Allcock Match aerial, I'm thinking of buying myself some backup Fred Crouch Jet reels as I'm really impressed with the Allcock. l'm probably going to treat myself to a pair, but I wonder if somebody could please advise me as to whether to go for the narrow or wide spool. I've been using an Adcock Stanton for some years now and I believe that is slightly wider than the match aerial, but what advantage does the wider spool actually provide? My next question is - just where on Earth can you buy Fred Crouch reels anymore? Can anybody suggest a good stockist and (if possible) a general price guide? I recall some mention of them being around £125 or so. Thanks for any help! Aaron

Absolutely! Actually I've been meaning on upgrading my landing net (and handle) as the set I currently use was bought a few years ago and just isn't big enough for the fish I catch these days! That's quite a nice thing to admit to! One of the questions I was going to ask on the forum was advice regarding net size, I've seem some nice ones in an angling magazine that were about 42-44", but I'm not sure if that's too big for river fishing. Back to the barbel - I'm still in awe over that fish, such a dream come true to catch one. I was shaking afterwards, it felt like such an honour to be in its presence particularly as its fairly rare that I get anything of that quality. Fought like a demon like a living torpedo - a wonderful fish, a wonderful day!

Hello everyone, I just have to mention that I caught my first barbel yesterday on the River Blackwater! It's pretty rare that I catch anything above a 1lb on most days but I was totally in awe of this fish, I estimated it was about 4-5lb. I've got a picture but I'm not sure how to get it uploaded, could somebody give me an idea of how much it might weigh if I send you the picture? Aaron

I nearly packed in fishing altogether when I was a boy thanks to a pair of bullying kids who threatened to throw my tackle into the water - and they chased me on the way home! Bothered me for years, although at school I had the distinct pleasure of squaring up to the largest of the two and letting him know in no uncertain terms what I thought of him. The coward just stood there and didn't say anything - quite amazing what a finger in the face does to some people! Shame it wasn't a fist on his chin but that's not my style.... Ironically I ended up being friends with them in the end, such is life....

Hi Janet, I think you'll find most of us have horror stories about kids or other anglers behaving like demented idiots, its part of the reason I avoid popular fisheries in favour of quiet river stretches. I recall an old chap telling me once how some kids spent some time with him talking and asking questions whilst he was fishing at a local pond; the kids seemed to be alright and he asked them to mind his tackle so he could nip into the clubhouse for a call of nature. By the time he'd got back (literally 2 minutes) they'd stolen everything he had - and this guy was a retired old man. It's shocking sometimes, todays generation seem to based around a culture of disrespect and ignorance towards other people. I'm sure there are many young people who do not follow this manifesto, I don't think I was ever an angel when I was young but I knew how to behave. Saying that, I've seen adult anglers messing around and screaming on commercial fisheries - all you can do is shake your head and move sometimes. As for the float - I know exactly how you feel, I've still got some floats that I baby because they were the first ones I had when I started fishing as a boy. They're battered and bruised but I cherish them! Aaron

I once caught a pair of denim shorts from a harbour once, sometimes I end up with other peoples long lost pike trace (including spinner - thanks!). As a teenager I recall a funny incident where I used to go fishing with a friend of mine, who for some reason would always end up with a bottle of something alcoholic in his seatbox - lord knows why! Anyhow, one very, very cold morning and my friend is sat opposite me drinking orange juice and rum that he smuggled out of his dads drinks cabinet, a lady walking her dog happened to walk past and mentioned to my friend drinking his orange juice "You could do with some rum in that!" - needless to say we both looked at each other in disbelief!

Yes indeed - they are beautfully made and I appreciate the craftsmanship that must go into making one, the old adage of 'you get what you pay for' is certainly true in this case, what a lovely rod. I wonder how many they've produced over the years? I suspect it will become something of a collectors item (if not already!). I suspect I'll end up buying a used Avon MkIV - but even these can command hefty prices, time to raid the piggy bank again!

I'm looking for a Dave Swallow centrepin reel with brass fittings (not the plastic sort), must have the ratchet rather than the drum brake version. If you've got a nice one in good condition please drop me a line. Thanks Aaron