The issue of British tackle manufacturers vs foreign ones and British makers manufacturing overseas to reduce costs has been debated many times.

I for one hardly ever seem to buy from British manufacturers with a few exceptions, yet your average US fly fisherman usually buys exclusively from US makers.

So, on the basis that it must surely be better to put at least some money back into British companies (aside from the retailers), would you consider going all-British in terms of the company name?

Please note - I did not phrase this as well as I could have done What I mean is; accepting the fact that much 'British' kit is made overseas would you still consider buying from a British company in order to 'do your bit' for British industry?

problem is all british stuff is made in china

I'll buy whatever is the best tool for the job regardless of where its made. Quality means more to me than where something is made.

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i was walking far from home, where the names are not burned along the wall, saw a building, high as heaven, but the door was so small

I wonder what is totally british or more to the point, English? I used to think Shakespeare was English but I think it's American ? They still take some beating too. I had a shakespeare Leander fly river rod years ago and it was gorgeous till someone broke into my garage and knicked it. Lovely to use and have got a trion rod and reel and they are magnificent. Made me realise that you can get a great set up for less than 150 quid.

I wonder if you could really, genuinely get a full English fly fishing set up, eg fly rod, reel, line and all the other items ? Is there such a thing ?

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I can't kill fish ohhhhh.

Problem is, its what you have in you pocket that decides what you buy, if the price and quality is right and it happens to be a British product then I will buy it, but, unfortunately that is not always the case, many good British product names source most of their goods abroad, so its a case of beggars cant be choosers, sadly!!!
yours in fishing Arty.

When i can get what i want british suits me . last two rods purchased were UK even English made ,latest a Sparton built Lohric blank 8ft for a #4 line and a 16 ft B&W Norway ,easy to do both fine bits of practical well thought out for UK conditions kit.
Sorry in between the two purchases there was the Sage Fli 14 footer ,but that was a super bargain ,which filled a niche in my armoury at a price I could not turn down !
Not bought a new reel for some years , in fact I think all my reels these days ,lines most are pirate lines for trout ,bar the 10 year old french made silk line ,now salmon thats a different bag , receently been a few Brit Carrons but also the Vision Ace heads ,where they are made I could not tell .
Hooks ,most of mine are Sprite made by Vince in redditch ,but the others are french ,japanese and I guess china ,they have got to do the job !

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Andy Wren
Winter grayling taking a year off !
Claret not just a great dubbing colour!

I assume Snowbee is British and I think you could get fully kitted up by them.


This thread made me stop and think. When I fish I wear American Boots, American Waders, American Fly Vest and American Jacket.

I use American Rods, American Reels, American Lines and...wait for it, German Mono!!

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Roy

I'd rather buy Chinese than English

Anyone but Engerland

(I think that's something to do with bootball)

If I thought a British product was the best I'd buy it. As it is, when it comes to fly fishing gear I buy mainly foreign brands because I think they offer better quality or performance.

I will eventually buy a cane rod. That will be British because the company concerned, I believe, makes the finest rod available.

I would like to buy British all the time but only if the product can hold it's own against the overseas opposition.

Nope to Snowbee. XS reels made in China.