British made fishing gear?

[eltonone]

I am thinking of investing in a new rod and fixed spool reel, suitable for tackling river chub/barbel.

 

There are loads of options, but I'm feeling the need to support British manufacuring. However, I am struggling to find much in the way of British Rod and/or Reel manufacturers. (Hardys is the only one I've found so far).

 

Could anyone advise?

 

Thanks in advnce

[ayjay]

clicky >>> Harrison Rods

[robtherake]

Aren't Hardy's rods made in China these days? Does anyone in the UK roll their own blanks any more?

[chavender]

Aren't Hardy's rods made in China these days? Does anyone in the UK roll their own blanks any more?

 

 

 

see ayjays reply

 

 

clicky >>> Harrison Rods

 

 

tricast i think still make there own

[Phone]

eltonone,

 

It's such a small world. I think of Harrison as an "English" rod maker. I suspect bits and bobs of even a Harrison come from somewhere else. To get an "all English" rod your going to have to cut a stick on the river bank. For example, even one of a kind custom rod makers use cork and hardware from here or there - on and on.

 

I think your goal is admirable.

 

Phone

[PeterNE1]

Century Composites, up in Washington, Tyne & Wear, make some brilliant rods, though they are usually recognised more for sea fishing / distance casting, and top-end carp rods.

Some of their blanks are still made in Washington, and thier lighter carp offerings would make a spectacular barbel rod - some of the blanks are slim beyong belief!

[yorkio]

David Norwich make their own blanks. Peter mentioned Century. There's Zziplex too – they're all British.

 

I believe the top end Daiwa and Hardy rods still use British-made blanks, although the majority of their ranges don't.

 

I'm pretty sure there are no British-made fixed spool reels though. I wonder what the last ones made over here were? Anyone?

[Ken L]

David Norwich make their own blanks. Peter mentioned Century. There's Zziplex too – they're all British.

 

I believe the top end Daiwa and Hardy rods still use British-made blanks, although the majority of their ranges don't.

 

I'm pretty sure there are no British-made fixed spool reels though. I wonder what the last ones made over here were? Anyone?

 

Cue Chesters

[chesters1]

David Norwich make their own blanks. Peter mentioned Century. There's Zziplex too – they're all British.

 

I believe the top end Daiwa and Hardy rods still use British-made blanks, although the majority of their ranges don't.

 

I'm pretty sure there are no British-made fixed spool reels though. I wonder what the last ones made over here were? Anyone?

 

intrepid? the last brit ones were about 1980 but they had been importing offshore versions since gladding took over

Edited May 27, 2012 by chesters1

[eltonone]

Thanks all of you for taking the trouble to reply. The situation is not as bad as I first thought in terms of rod manufacturers, there seem to be a few left at least. I will have a look at them all and hopefully will be able to find something that suits.

 

Reel manufacturers though? Intrpid were British as suggested - I still have an Intrepid 'Prince Regent' which I have had since I was at school (35 years ago). I have just checked and it does say 'made in England' on the handle.