The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

Just found and purchased 16ft Sowerbutts Tonkin? Cane rod with split cane end section, in reasonable condition. Should I restore or just clean/tidy up, advice please.
Any idea of value, may just pass it on and purchase more split cane rods.

At 16 foot is it a rod with winch clamps or is it a roach pole?


Sowerbutts is a very respected maker. Their few coarse rods fetch a good price and for that matter so do their poles.

I have seen just one of their coarse rods and it was beautifull.....and very valuable too.

It's a rod with cork handle, reel clamps and eyes.it has had a small piece of metal whipped and painted on the end past the end eye as bite indicator. Some of the whippings have been taped over so will need some work on but they would look odd if only these were rewhipped so may have to carry out full refurbishment project over the winter.
Really is a well balanced rod considering the construction and length, can't wait to try it out laying on with a quill.

Quite a rarity then. I'd imagine it's a touch heavy at 16 feet, do you think it is cane or Spanish reed?

Here's some of its relatives.....


http://www.inthenetuk.com/pages/Vintage ... erbutt.asp

The very name of Sowerbutts opens a very slowly healing wound in me. About a year or so back there was a lot on ebay that contained several rods inc. an Allcocks and what was described as a Sowerbutts MK IV. I lost my nerve and topped out my bid at about £150 and immediately regretted it. I lost it (to one of you buggers, no doubt) and the winner walked away with the several rods for less than £160.00. I was, and still am, after a very nice MK IV : "if it's any consoloation, a Sowerbutts MK IV is about a 100 times better than a B.James", which made me feel a whole lot better. Still very distressed about loosing that lot....Now, where did I put the Prozac?

One for the restorer

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-SOWER ... 2316d061c8

Here,s one i bought today, it need,s a ring fitted to one section and a ring fitted to the spare tip section.
I measures in total 16 1/2ft Made by F.L. Sowerbutts E17

It,s one of the straightest rod,s iv seen, and at 16 1/2ft it has a droop of about 1in.
The spare tip can be stored in the butt section or in the original five section bag.

That's fabulous Ljm183 . Is it Tonkin cane or Spanish reed ?. The latter I suspect .

That looks very nice Lee.

It is a thing of beauty Lee, and a great buy, would love to see it in action

Tight lines
Dave