Hardy "Sheffield Style"

[AshbyCut]

I'm a 'tiddler snatcher' at heart, and had recently been re-reading Edward Ensom (Faddist) on the "Sheffield" style of fishing in his 1936 book "Roach Fishing," finding this quote :-

"Just before the war Mr. W. F. Homer (whose 'Flick 'Em' Sheffield style reel is a delightful piece of work), of Forest Gate, did much to popularise Sheffield tactics in the South."

Having recently acquired a pre-war 'Flick 'Em,' I'd been looking for a period rod (ish) to match it to.

Thanks to Bumble I have found one ... and just to show I'm not TOTALLY Precision obsessed ... I will soon be taking possession of a Hardy "Sheffield Style" rod with original bag ... a whole cane butt, spliced whole cane centre section, and split cane tip.

A 'match' made in heaven ? More details when it arrives.

[Hovis]

Love this Mal. Cracking looking rod and well done to Bumble for helping. Looks a cracking trotting rod too, light and crisp.

[Dave Burr]

I can hear those diminutive roach and perch quaking in their fins Mal, but be careful, they may flee and only leave the big 'uns for you to catch.

[Paul F]

That looks like a very nice one Mal, do you know what year it was made?

I had one from 1934, but I sold it as it was so fine in the tip I didn't use it for fear of breaking it.

[AllRounder]

Lovely looking rod I'm sure you'll be impressed.
Fancy a short Sheffield style match on the Ashby it's only a mile away from me?
I'll bring my Hardy Ideal Roach - anything over 3 ounces doesn't count.

[LuckyLuca]

Lovely looking rod I'm sure you'll be impressed.
Fancy a short Sheffield style match on the Ashby it's only a mile away from me?
I'll bring my Hardy Ideal Roach - anything over 3 ounces doesn't count.

Great idea!
Although Mal is the Master snatcher so you may regret issuing a challenge!

PS: I'm in if its an open invitation.

[AshbyCut]

Fancy a short Sheffield style match on the Ashby it's only a mile away from me?

I have no doubt that something could be arranged in the coming season, Sir !!! I'll be scouring my worms in anticipation !!!

[AllRounder]

That sounds very much like the gauntlet has been thrown down! We must discuss details at some point.

[AllRounder]

There's an interesting chapter on the Sheffield style of angling in a B V book - British Sports past and present - complete with an ink sketch by the great man himself. I'm not sure I'm at liberty to show an extract here. I'll lend it to you if you win!

[AshbyCut]

That sounds very much like the gauntlet has been thrown down! We must discuss details at some point.

I think you threw it, Sir ... I simply picked it up.

It may be that others may pick it up also ... we'll see !

(There's a section from Snarestone to Carlton Bridge, just above Market Bosworth, which is covered by an SSSI ... and north of that is on a Snarestone AC ticket, I believe ... but something based around the Sutton Cheney Wharf could be a possible venue.)