Steve Woolley of Ashbourne

[CWK]

Hello Guys , it's lovely to see there are so many kindred spirits still wetting a line today .
I recently purchased from Mark Terry of the Antique and Vintage Tackle Co a most delightful rod built by Steve Wooley of Ashbourne . This is labelled The Perfection Float and is built on a Chapmans split cane blank 10 feet in length . The build quality is absolutely superb. It's as light as the proverbial feather and can be held comfortably for a whole day without suffering wrist fatigue .

What makes this particular rod special , in my opinion , is that it has that intangible "feel" that some other rods lack . One instinctively knows it's got that magic quality ..

I believe Mr Wooley is more noted for building fly rods but he does make a very fine coarse rod indeed . Do any of you possess one ?.

Finally a word of recommendation for Mark Terry , I found dealing with him to be straightforward and a pleasure .

[Mark]

Welcome to the forum CWK. :thumb:

I have a SW landing net and found him to be a very nice chap, I have heard that he may be joining this forum at some point. I also purchased an Altex reel from MT who is also a nice chap but I never met MT.

[Beresford]

Welcome to the forum. Your rod sounds wonderful and I know what you mean about 'feel', some rods have that special quality.

[CWK]

Many thanks indeed for the welcome gents .

I intend to use the rod teamed with an Alcocks Match Ariel reel for trotting those small intimate streams and rivers that seem to abound in Hampshire and Dorset . The target species will be roach , dace and grayling although in truth anything with fins will be welcome!.

With the glorious 16th fast approaching the feeling of anticipation just grows and grows .....

[The Sweetcorn Kid]

Welcome CWK

Rivers and streams of Hants and Dorset, perhaos we may bump into one another...

[Snape]

Welcome to the forum CWK :hat:

[J.T]

Welcome CWK.

[Richard C]

CWK

[CWK]

Welcome CWK

Rivers and streams of Hants and Dorset, perhaos we may bump into one another...

That would be my pleasure . Such a lovely part of the country having some wonderful chalk-streams and rivers . Although I live near to Heathrow it's in Wessex that my soul longs to be .

[Hermit]

Welcome to the forum CWK

Loitering in Steve's shop is a hobby of mine - he's a grand chap and I've had rods refurbished by him as well as buying new and second hand models. My latest new wand from him is a Chapman's 11' 1+3/4 lb test carp rod..absolutely sublime and I will cherish it always. I was lucky to see it being built up and Steve inscribed 'The Halcyon Days' on the butt section for me.

Stephen always charges a very fair price for refurbishment of rods and as he's had years of experience in the trade you always get a good job. He worked for Foster's of Ashbourne before opening his own shop and I can't recommend him highly enough.

Good luck with 'The Perfection Float' you have a lovely rod there, may it bring you many fishes! :thumb: