The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

I have and use a Black Seal - a much underrated rod if you ask me - and I'd love a second (to make a pair) for when I go chasing tench at night with the chance of a modest carp.

I have been watching this one on eBay that is going cheap because it looks like it needs a little work. However I have just noticed the length. It should be, I think, 11ft. But when asked the seller has said that it is 88 inches, which is only 7 and a bit feet.

I always thought Black Seal made just the one rod - the 11fter that I own. Did they make more then? The rod looks to be the correct length in the photographs.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141124749720? ... 1423.l2649

While we are talking about them, does anyone know the approximate test curve of a 11ft Black Seal. I want to know so I have something to compare against when I start looking for a mkIV style rod in the new year.

Mordex of Sheffield made many rods of many specifications, as well as the range of reels like the Merlin and Major ... not only in cane, but also later in fibre glass.

I have a 12ft 3in Mordex fibre glass rod in need of guides which you're welcome to, MD.

Hi AC.

I ask the question not because I was looking to buy, especially when I found out the length. But because I was curious. I remember being told that Black Seal was made on its own by one manufacturer. Now that I think about it though I may be confusing it with a company called Royal Seal / Black Seal or something similar?

I could also be talking nonsense. Just before I was saying that "we have no luck growing sprouts because they get eaten by cabbages", when what I really wanted to say was that they get eaten by caterpillars. Not sure what went wrong in my brain when that happened, but it got a big laugh.

What sort of strength is the glass rod you have? What species is it fit for? I may think about it if you still have it in January - (which is when my next batch of student pennies arrive).

I may be totally wrong but I thought that Black Seal and Royle Seal were both made by Mordex ... but I' sure those with more knowledge will correct me if I'm wrong (it wouldn't be the first or last time).

As for the glass rod, it's a gift ... I'll PM you.

Hi MD,
The Black Seal label went on a variety of rods made by Mordex, spin, fly, coarse, I have never seen one with a model labelled. The one you have is probably between 1 1/4 lb and 1 1/2 lb test curve - I have two others the same and they are my main "big fish" rods. Remember though the rods were not made in test curves in those days and you also have to take account of the action, in this case parabolic which is what makes them most suitable for tench, carp, barbel etc.

AshbyCut wrote:I may be totally wrong but I thought that Black Seal and Royle Seal were both made by Mordex ... but I' sure those with more knowledge will correct me if I'm wrong (it wouldn't be the first or last time).

As for the glass rod, it's a gift ... I'll PM you.

I'm pretty sure you are right there AC.

Thanks MD for pointing this out; I bid on this rod days ago when I had a punt on 6 different rods, so if I do'nt win I know who to blame!! Already lost out on 4 that I bid on!!

An 11' one has just appeared, looks in good condition so bidding might get silly but you never know.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/11-Split-Cane ... item58a887

The one MD pointed out is a spinning rod!! And I'm bidding on it so please do'nt hike the price! I actually bid a few days ago!!

I have seen a 12' unrestored Black Seal at one of our local markets. Looked and felt like a bit of a beast, 3 section split cane