Custom Corner At The Country Sports Shop

“Custom Corner” is part of The Country Sports Shop run by Alan Riddell. It is probably unique as far as tackle shops are these days as it provides the opportunity for customers to have their rods built for them, have repairs done on rods, and flies tied specifically for a venue or occasion. In addition, it also includes the Game fishing area where salmon and trout tackle can be purchased. Equipment for pike and bass fly fishing can also be found too.

Advice on how to start fly-fishing is available with an appropriate level of equipment for the novice. Reservoir fly-fishing is very much to the fore, but river fishing is also catered for, whether it’s brown trout, salmon or sea-trout.

Custom Rods

Introduction – In addition to rods built to order, there is always a selection of hand-built specialist rods in stock. They usually comprise of light to medium carp rods in 11ft or 12ft, and a range of fly-rods, but there may well be others. I do try not to label a rod with a species name as it really is up to the angler what the target species is and how you wish to fish for them. It really is worth coming and trying a rod or discussing your needs with Alan. However, below is a list of rods that can be produced to give you an idea of the scope.

• CARP - From 11ft 2lbTC up to mind-blowing 13ft 4lbTC with a variety of carbon mixes. Options on handles, rings and reel seats.

• TENCH – From 11ft to 13ft in either ledger or float power options, with choice of handles, rings and seats.

• BREAM – Choose from the lighter end of the specimen range.

• BARBEL – Much the same as TENCH, although there are a couple of “heavy” options.

• PIKE - Only one specialist model available – 12 ft, slow build-up for casting dead-baits over 80yds, smooth but powerful.

• PERCH – Depending on your method, similar to TENCH.

• BASS – Specialist ones available for spinning or live-eel fishing from 9ft to 12ft.

• CATFISH – You could go for a heavy carp rod but there is one specialist model available at 10ft with a 5lb TC.!

• FLY RODS- A wide range available for trout, sea-trout, salmon, grayling, pike and bass from 7ft AFTM 3 up to 15ft AFTM 10.
  
  Please note : Virtually all the blanks I use are UK manufactured. Some rings I use on fly rods are also UK produced. However, apart from Kigan SIC rings, all other rings used are genuine Fuji. Reel seats are either Fuji or the “new on the market” ALPS ones. I try not to let “fashion” stand in the way of a functional fishing rod.
  
  Your “own” fishing rod may not be as much as you think!
  
  e-mail alan@thecountrysportshop.co.uk or phone 01626-367097