Abu Matchman 13' in hollow glass. Perhaps not too vintage, but does anyone know when they were made, it states 'Made in Scotland'. I'm thinking of the early 80's but may be way out. Any information would be welcome, thanks in advance.

__________________
Duncan

The ABU factory in clydebank was operational during the 70's ,I think it had closed by the 80's

Jim

__________________
The Fishermans Friend is the Flirty Fly,Fickle Food for Fleeting Fish.

A nice sought after rod, very usable too. You won't believe what our German friends will pay for good quality fibre glass rods. I sold a Bruce and Walker 11 foot Trotter for a very tidy sum to a German on ebay.

I have an ABU 'Feralite' Mark 7 - Fast Action Match 13'

I sometimes use it for grayling. In almost microscopic gold print, I found 'MADE IN SCOTLAND' on the label.


Is it collectable?



PiB

A nice rod, I'd use it to for trotting for grayling or barbel/ chub.
As to value I don't know, I'd try searching for a similiar rod on ebay and watch it's progress. Older rods feels more right to me, along with older approaches like trotting. All the bite alarms, swimfeeders etc just don't feel right for me, but hey leave for people who like buying the latest fashion items each season.

i have a Hardy Matchmaker 13ft glass rod,which i have just looked on ebay at and there is one for sale at £130,its amazing what these old rods go for.

del

ps would be willing to swap for a 8ft cane fly rod if anyone is interested

__________________
"In lime we have Natures purifier,its benefits is well known in Agriculture.It is time its value was better understood in Pisciculture too "

Frank Sawyer 1964

http://rivererewashrestorationproject.blogspot.com/

The trouble with glass rods for trotting (or any form of float fishing which involves holding the rod all the time) is that they weigh a ton compared to carbon! I have also kept my 70s classic Shakespeare Alpha Ken Giles 13' amber glass match rod, but purely for nostalgia as it was the first "top range" rod I had as a teenage would-be matchman. I can see no attraction or benefit at all these days in using a fibreglass rod for trotting - fair enough for some types of legering where a softer action is helpful and the rod is in a rest, eg for bream, but not for trotting. Also, the slower action can be a bit too sloppy for trotting, at least for roach and the like.

__________________

I have to disagree.
I prefer my 13' ABU to any modern equivalent. It says 'Fast Match Action' on the label, and that's what it delivers. Maybe it's because it's balanced by an alloy handle?
The thick butt section does catch the wind a bit; but I think I'll live with it. It has class!


PiB

Me too, but I bought mine last year. I used to have a poor man's copy of the Matchmaker and would look longingly at Hardy tackle in my grandad's Embassy fags catalogue.

I love the look of those Hardy glass rods - the colour of the rod and always the sharp contrast of the whipping thread. I consider myself quite disciplined having bought only one.

A lot of the Abu rods were built by Aquarius Fishing Tackle in Carluke. Particularly Match rods.
You could email Martin Cloke for details.

www.aquariusft.com

B.R.