ABU Mark5 match rod

[Sportsman]

Well, my last plan didn't work out and Harrisons still won't answer emails but I tripped over this while I was looking

 

Abu Svangsta Mark 5 14' Match rod. I think from the 70s

 

I seem to remember this being a desirable bit of kit back then so is it still desirable now.

I can't find out much about it, I presume from it's age it would be glass, not that I am too bothered about that (I us split cane fly rods most of the time)

Worth a punt do you think, and do I have to get an ABU 501/506 to go with it?

All advice welcome

 

Dave

[BoldBear]

I think my mate had an Abu Mk5 match rod back in the late 70s and he used to always tell me how good it was; however Shakespeare had just started selling the classic 'Match International' at that time which was much lighter with a spliced tip and was used by the England team so I bought one of those instead; but although the Abu Mk5 was a bit on the heavy side compared to the Match international it was great for fishing slightly heavier main lines (3lb to 4lb) and 1.5lb hooklengths. Whereas the Match International allowed hooklengths down to 12oz to be used.

As for reels we used either Abu 506M's, Mitchell 300's or Mitchell Matches.

Edited March 30, 2008 by BoldBear

[Peter Waller]

I have an ABU Mk 5 which, in modern day terms, is not the best of rods, nor the lightest. That said its great for bream bashing.

[medwaygreen]

Hi there,

 

Certainly not a rod i would like to use now for trotting all day long, i think you would need arms like tree trunks.

 

If you are definitely off the Harrison idea then see if you can acquire a Maver Italica 14ft, RRP £80.00, seen then selling for £50.00 and going S/H for around £30.00. This is a very well made rod, light with a fast through action ideal for river trotting.

Edited March 30, 2008 by medwaygreen

[medwaygreen]

Just found this.

 

See here

 

Maybe of some interest.

[Dick Dastardly]

A brilliant rod .....in their day.In fact they were (along with a lot of ABU gear of the time) well ahead of their day! But sadly now outdated and even compared to a cheap modern carbon match rod heavy and unweildly.

[Guest Roachman]

A brilliant rod .....in their day.In fact they were (along with a lot of ABU gear of the time) well ahead of their day! But sadly now outdated and even compared to a cheap modern carbon match rod heavy and unweildly.

I thought I was the bees knees when I first got mine. Still use it a couple of times a year just for old times sake.

[Sportsman]

A brilliant rod .....in their day.In fact they were (along with a lot of ABU gear of the time) well ahead of their day! But sadly now outdated and even compared to a cheap modern carbon match rod heavy and unweildly.

 

Sounds just like me Budgie

 

Think I will give this one a miss but thanks to all for the advice.

 

TBH I still have a bit of a thing about building on a Harrison blank. Think I will give Dave Lumb a ring in the morning

[Sportsman]

OK, I said I would give it a miss, but it was only 20quid and I just couldn't resist it.

It will spend most of it's time in a rod rest anyway as I plan to use it on my Perch campaign this year.

I just can't resist this old classic stuff, I have enough lightweight carbon rods anyway.

Now, how do I break the news to Mrs Sportsman

[Peter Waller]

You could have had mine for a tenner!