Hi Guys
This is my first post here though I have been lurking for some months. I thought it was about time I got involved, so a bit of an intro. I live on the coast in Kent, England. I’m 51 years old and a photographer by trade, mainly working in the press field for Fleet Street. Though after doing this for 25 years I need a change.

I have been building rods for a few years now, mainly specialist freshwater and carp rods for myself and friends, no great number maybe 6 or 7 a year. This led onto repairs and refurbs for the growing list of customers and tackle shops.

Over the last 4 years I have really got into fly-fishing, mainly saltwater and pike. Starting to build fly rods has been a lot more pleasure than banging out a pair of matching carp rods. The rods I build are nowhere near as artistic as some of the rods that you guys build, most people over here seem to want plain builds, I suppose for them it’s a case of less is more.

Anyway that’s me and here I am.

Regards


Malcolm

Nice to have you here.Sounds like you will have some high quality photos for us to view.Plain rods are just as interesting and most times appear classy.Welcome to the addiction.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

Mal,
Welcome aboard mate. From your colonial mates downunder.

Hi Malcolm,

Welcome to the club. I to am from the UK based in Birmingham. Yes I concur with the plain rod syndrome. It's us conservative and at times shy to boring Brits. Personally as an Engineer I prefer very severe performance driven and no @#$%& designs. You can't easily get a return of your labour over here as it is. This is a great site. I have to confess to turning up for a week or two at a time and then disappearing for a while. Truth is it can get frustrating as well as inspiring at times. Loads to learn and to share. It's true to say by being part of this community I have honed and learnt new skills which I probably would not have picked up working in isolation alone. Back here rod building tends to be very secretive and the std in the main very poor to what you see in the USA. Email me any time we may be able to help each other.

Regards

Mike Oliver