The one that landed Clarissa

[CrayCane]

I think there is a very simple explanation. I believe that Yates owned more than one MkIV Avon and his own writing would confirm that in my view. The first one he bought and first used as a teenager was a B. James rod. (Image(s) of this rod are in Casting at the Sun.) The rod that was used to catch the record was indeed Walker built and a later acquisition. He may also have had others for all we know.

It is the Walker built rod that he used to catch the Bishop and it is this rod that is for sale in September.

Except that John Carver having seen this very rod said ".... the crud and grim on the butt and handle gone and there just above the handle somewhat faded but clear enough were the words "B James MK 1V Avon" viewtopic.php?f=192&t=21063&p=322772#p322772

Presumably there is no sign of the B James words on the auction item.

I haven't got a clue what the explanation is.

[Nigel Rainton]

From memory he mentions breaking the tip of the Clarisa rod in one of his 'diary' books. As mentioned in the auctioneers description.

[Paul D]

From memory he mentions breaking the tip of the Clarisa rod in one of his 'diary' books. As mentioned in the auctioneers description.

Quite right Sir, he's also on film saying as much and with the rod, Bob the float has a DVD called "the light carp rod" .

[Snape]

From memory he mentions breaking the tip of the Clarisa rod in one of his 'diary' books. As mentioned in the auctioneers description.

Presumably you mean the Bishop rod which is what the rod in the auction is, rather than the original MKIV which is the Clarissa (Ravioli / 44) rod.

[Paul D]

From memory he mentions breaking the tip of the Clarisa rod in one of his 'diary' books. As mentioned in the auctioneers description.

Presumably you mean the Bishop rod which is what the rod in the auction, is rather than the original MKIV which is the Clarissa (Ravioli / 44) rod.

Ah yes, your quite right.

[JPC]

Oh dear. I think the description of the rod given by Angling Auctions is from the letter of provenance written by Chris Yates when the rod was originally auctioned many years ago.
When I met up with John Grant and John Gray at the Croxley Syndicate two years ago to have the Yates rod and Arbery landing net photographed I was shown the rod, the first time I had seen the rod for many years. It was the rod used by Chris albeit slightly shorter, it was also somewhat cleaner and there on the butt just above the cork handle were the words B James Richard Walker Mk 1V Avon. I showed the the rod to both Johns, John the owner had assumed all along it was a James Avon and neither John was aware of the Walker built story so I relayed it to them.
Now if you don't believe me why not ask Chris Ball, there are photo's on this thread showing the two Chris's fishing together using the two record breaking cane rods. Knowing Chris Ball as I do he will have inspected the Yates Avon in some detail and would surely know of its origin. Having said that Chris may be reluctant to comment which will also tell you something !
I will not comment any further on the subject but I can assure you the rod used by Chris Yates to land his 51 pounder was a B James Mk 1V Avon albeit as Chris Ball says a "special request" job because of the reel winch fitting.

[Snape]

Oh dear. I think the description of the rod given by Angling Auctions is from the letter of provenance written by Chris Yates when the rod was originally auctioned many years ago.
When I met up with John Grant and John Gray at the Croxley Syndicate two years ago to have the Yates rod and Arbery landing net photographed I was shown the rod, the first time I had seen the rod for many years. It was the rod used by Chris albeit slightly shorter, it was also somewhat cleaner and there on the butt just above the cork handle were the words B James Richard Walker Mk 1V Avon. I showed the the rod to both Johns, John the owner had assumed all along it was a James Avon and neither John was aware of the Walker built story so I relayed it to them.
Now if you don't believe me why not ask Chris Ball, there are photo's on this thread showing the two Chris's fishing together using the two record breaking cane rods. Knowing Chris Ball as I do he will have inspected the Yates Avon in some detail and would surely know of its origin. Having said that Chris may be reluctant to comment which will also tell you something !
I will not comment any further on the subject but I can assure you the rod used by Chris Yates to land his 51 pounder was a B James Mk 1V Avon albeit as Chris Ball says a "special request" job because of the reel winch fitting.

So, where is the B. James rod which JPC is talking about....?

[Mushy]

The plot thickens !!

[Jardine]

Oh dear. I think the description of the rod given by Angling Auctions is from the letter of provenance written by Chris Yates when the rod was originally auctioned many years ago.
When I met up with John Grant and John Gray at the Croxley Syndicate two years ago to have the Yates rod and Arbery landing net photographed I was shown the rod, the first time I had seen the rod for many years. It was the rod used by Chris albeit slightly shorter, it was also somewhat cleaner and there on the butt just above the cork handle were the words B James Richard Walker Mk 1V Avon. I showed the the rod to both Johns, John the owner had assumed all along it was a James Avon and neither John was aware of the Walker built story so I relayed it to them.
Now if you don't believe me why not ask Chris Ball, there are photo's on this thread showing the two Chris's fishing together using the two record breaking cane rods. Knowing Chris Ball as I do he will have inspected the Yates Avon in some detail and would surely know of its origin. Having said that Chris may be reluctant to comment which will also tell you something !
I will not comment any further on the subject but I can assure you the rod used by Chris Yates to land his 51 pounder was a B James Mk 1V Avon albeit as Chris Ball says a "special request" job because of the reel winch fitting.

Hi John,
I'm a bit confused here, who is the current owner of the rod?
Best regards
Mem

[Bob Brookes]

My brain hurts!
It sounds like a right can of worms, so I think that I may just give this one a miss.