Chris Yates’s Binford Squarial 4” x 4” centre pin reel.

In the accompanying illustrations I’ve included, with the kind permission of the publisher, an extract from Waterlog in which Chris Yates describes the development of the Binford Squarial (or Squarerial, as the prototype was known). This is essential reading for the connoisseur of centre pin reels.

Quite why the Squarial didn’t enjoy commercial success is a mystery. In the world of split cane rod making, square section rods have been made and prized since the earliest days. The quadrates of W. E. Edwards, his natural successor Sam Carlson and today’s advocates, among them Dana Grey and Per Brandin, are regarded as some of the best rods of all time. They’re square. Nobody laughs.

In his letter of provenance, Chris Yates tells us-

This reel came too late to appear in Micheal Bentine’s ‘Square World’ but it would’ve been much appreciated at that time.

 The two eccentric engineers delivered it to my door and I promised to catch a fish with it –in due time- and then celebrate the occasion if we could find a square tea pot.

 P.S. Armoured gloves are essential when attempting the Wallis cast.

For some reason, patches of the black anodising on the spool’s face have oxidised. If we were discussing a Fabergé egg, we’d agree that it was a pity about the missing sapphires and emeralds. The Squarial is no mere trinket for the amusement of a Marchioness. In the sober milieu of square angling, a little honest corrosion is desirable. Apart from that, the Binford Squarial remains in superb original condition.

The reel’s patina is an indication of the constant service it gave Chris Yates during his square period. I once asked him how one fished with a square reel. ‘Carefully’ he replied.

Supplied with a letter of provenance written by Chris Yates on Golden Scale Club headed paper.