Cliff Constable ‘The Kingfisher’ 7′ #4-weight.

A very pretty rod this, and a rare model. When it was made, most of Cliff’s production was concentrated on his Wallop Brook rods, developed with and marketed by Dermot Wilson. Cliff sold models such as The Kingfisher directly to customers from his Bromley workshop.

The rod dates from the mid-1970s. It has the staggered ferrule, parabolic action so popular at the time. Its long tip flexes smoothly and without interruption until the butt flex comes into play. Rods of this style are enjoying a well deserved renaissance. They are strong,  surprisingly light, excellent for roll casting and comfortable to fish with.

I like this rod very much with a Scientific Anglers GP taper, which is one quarter of a size heavy -just enough to load the rod perfectly at close quarters and up to 30′

I’ve come across an 8′ Kingfisher but this is the first seven footer I’ve seen. It really is a delightful brook rod.

Specification.

Two piece split cane (Cliff only used exceptional Tonkin which he tempered to perfection) in a staggered ferrule format. The tip is 52″ long. The butt is 32″ long. The butt has an aluminium extension stopper to bring it up to the same length as the tip while its in its bag.

Weight: 3oz / 85g

AFTM rating: #4

The cork handle is a neat full Wells, 6″ long, with a cork reel seat & Constable aluminium butt cap and reel band.

The rings are superb Mildrum hard chrome plated stainless steel. The butt ring is Amberfin (synthetic agate) lined. There is a hook keeper ring above the handle. The attractive whippings are  scarlet silk. The rod’s particulars are nicely inscribed in Indian ink above the handle.

The rod comes in its original tailored bag.

Condition report.

The split cane sections are absolutely straight. The ferrule is a superb fit. Cliff made his own ferrules and was very particular about the tubing he used.

The overall varnish finish is very good indeed and unmarked.

The cork handle  is absolutely clean & unmarked, as are the butt cap and sliding reel band.

The original owner of this rod bought it directly from Cliff Constable of Bromley, Kent. He told me it hadn’t been used. It has some fine casting cracks on the ferrule whippings (these are typical on rods of this period and nothing to worry about). I think it’s probably been lawn cast a few times.

A very rare, lightweight and delightful rod from one of our most respected makers.