Tom Watson "The Allrounder "

[Olly]

I have a Swiftdale amongst other Aspindale rods. A pleasant rod - but not for big fish. I use mine for small river trotting.

[Keston]

I have a Swiftdale amongst other Aspindale rods. A pleasant rod - but not for big fish. I use mine for small river trotting.

Thanks , this Allrounder is probably not a Swiftdale copy then . This rod feels quite capable of handling bigger fish ,

I think perhaps it lives up to its name and I would quite happily trot for grayling but would also feel comfortable using it for large tench .

[Dokterhoo]

Hi,
This might help - Tom Watson Catalogue 1956-57.
All the coarse rods including the "Allrounder" on page 8, which is absent from the 1960-61 edtion and later.
Also includes two interesting rods I had not noticed before - "The Allcocks Wallis Wizard" and "The Aero Wizard".

Dok

[Liphook]

Thanks Keston I'd certainly see how you get on with it 1st. There's a good reason that Fujis/Seymos were fitted - they are an improvement on chromed wire after all even if not considered "traditional"! I have cane and glass rods with lined guides because there are occasions I like to use braided PE lines that would quickly wear through chrome. Each to their own I say

[Keston]

Hi,
This might help - Tom Watson Catalogue 1956-57.
All the coarse rods including the "Allrounder" on page 8, which is absent from the 1960-61 edtion and later.
Also includes two interesting rods I had not noticed before - "The Allcocks Wallis Wizard" and "The Aero Wizard".

Dok

Thanks brilliant , thank you so much for this information . I feel validated in think the quality was there and it seems in its suitability as a tench rod . Wonderful to be able to date it so closely too . The listing is very detailed so if /when it does get restored it will be easier to get closer to original .
The previous owner was quite interested in the history so it will be nice to show them the catalogue entry and date , I'm sure they will be fascinated . Thanks again

[Keston]

Thanks Keston I'd certainly see how you get on with it 1st. There's a good reason that Fujis/Seymos were fitted - they are an improvement on chromed wire after all even if not considered "traditional"! I have cane and glass rods with lined guides because there are occasions I like to use braided PE lines that would quickly wear through chrome. Each to their own I say

I think with the reel seat too , I wont be worried about reels falling in the lake

Perhaps now having the catalogue entry and details of how the rod would have been originally may sway more to the restoration . It doesnt seem a common rod.

[Olly]

Very interesting that catalogue! Not all of the rods made by Watson - just rods he sells including Aspindales, Allcocks, Apollo, Sharpe's, Cappella, Hardy, Milbro, etc.
I have a 2 section Aspindale Avon at 11ft - almost identical to the 2 section Hornet which I also seem to have!
Also I have an Aspindale Aero Wizard - !

[Keston]

There is an opportunity for me to now have this rod refurbished back to its original condition , I'm not usually so indesisive on these matters , but a part of me still wants to leave this rod with the functional updates made by the previous long term owner . They are after all part of teh rods history .
However as its a rare rod there is a very strong case for putting reel bands back on and the original style of ringing ,

I am guessing the majority of you would not hesitate and would have the rod restored ?

[Gilbert]

There is an opportunity for me to now have this rod refurbished back to its original condition , I'm not usually so indesisive on these matters , but a part of me still wants to leave this rod with the functional updates made by the previous long term owner . They are after all part of teh rods history .
However as its a rare rod there is a very strong case for putting reel bands back on and the original style of ringing ,

I am guessing the majority of you would not hesitate and would have the rod restored ?

i always try to put them back as they were when made ...............unless the original is so lacking in merit there is nothing to recommend it ..like the Allcocks Golden Guinea i did recently which was just boring . i brightened it up a bit

[Keston]

There is an opportunity for me to now have this rod refurbished back to its original condition , I'm not usually so indesisive on these matters , but a part of me still wants to leave this rod with the functional updates made by the previous long term owner . They are after all part of teh rods history .
However as its a rare rod there is a very strong case for putting reel bands back on and the original style of ringing ,

I am guessing the majority of you would not hesitate and would have the rod restored ?

i always try to put them back as they were when made ...............unless the original is so lacking in merit there is nothing to recommend it ..like the Allcocks Golden Guinea i did recently which was just boring . i brightened it up a bit

Thanks for the reply Gilbert , I did decide to return it to original . Sadly the rod builder I was using has just ruined the first two rods I gave him to rebuild , so I didnt want this one going the same way and brought it back with me .
John