Hi All

I seem to be asking a lot of questions recently!

I'm restoring a Milwards Flycraft 8ft 6in 5 wt split cane rod and I'm in a quandry about what guides to fit. The rod was originally fitted with small open bridge rings, but these have rusted beyond repair. I can't see the point in using exact replacements as a) they are too small for modern lines and b) they are a bit on the heavy side.

I'm now torn between using the extra thin hard chrome snakes and the TiN coated snakes on the Hopkins and Holloway site. The thin snakes appeal because of their light weight and the TiN ones mainly because they look nice (OK I'm a tart! ). I'd appreciate any comments on this - ie which is likely to be best and also what size to use. I've got a decent aqualite lined ring to use as a stripper and I'm going to use a hayfork tip.

As I've got both original tips I might also build one up 'as built' and one up in the modern idiom. This would mean using another bridge ring on the butt section, but that wouldn't look out of place.

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Quot homines, tot sententiae. My Blog

Hi

On a rod like that personally I would go with the hard chrome.

That said, its your rod and you are the one who is going to look at it and fish with it. Put on it what ever you like the look of.

Cheers

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Steve Parkes

www.atomsix.co.uk

info@atomsix.co.uk

Terenzio silk fly lines

Atomsix furled leaders

previously
www.zenithflyrods.co.uk

H&H english pattern snakes come in chrome or black and H&H suggest the english pattern better suits fuller flexing rods (round rather than US pattern teardrop profile).

Me , I'd go for the Americans - each to his own - they look better to me and I've had no functionality problems with them over the last 20 years

Best wishes

Steve P

Mmm... Thanks for the input - some food for thought there. Looks like I'll make one tip up with the extra thin hard chrome snakes and see how it feels, leaving the other for re-ringing at a later date. My own thoughts are that lightness matters more than looks on a cane rod and I can't see how the American pattern guides will affect the action (the Flycraft was listed as a faster 'American' action anyway). My only real worry with the extra thin guides would be line wear, but I don't suppose I'd notice it that much as it's not as though the rod will be used every day.

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Fit the H&H fine wire snake guides mate.
I have used these for years and they are the business on a Bamboo rod.
Hopkins are such a good company all you need to to it give them a phone call and tell them what your project is.
they will sort out the sizes for you (easy)

Gary

Nicho Bamboo Rod Co

Thanks Gary - thats made my mind up. I'll give H&H a call and get some rings.

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Quot homines, tot sententiae. My Blog

Thats Ok
Hope you enjoy using it.

Sure you will there addictive....

Gary.

Don't I know it! Bought my first one 2 years ago (Constable Forty Fore) and I've now got 10 in various states of repair/restoration. I've had great fun and except for the Constable and the Willis Wazard none of them cost more than around £40 (before any work of course).

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Quot homines, tot sententiae. My Blog