Barder Rod Co Chris Yates ‘The Bishop’ Carp Rod c1998.

It’s worth making a close study of the pictures (or make an appointment to view it) of this rod to see what a lovely example it is. Made in 1998, it has every desirable refinement, both functionally and aesthetically. It is to all intents and purposes in mint condition.

The Chris Yates Bishop taper had reached its full development by the time this rod was made (my own oft referred to Bishop was made in ’96) and we had started to make and fit our own nickel silver ferrules and handle fittings.

My carp fishing is quite varied and I use my Bishop exclusively. Rarely do I find that it is not the rod for the job. It is as close as possible  to being the ideal all round split cane carp rod for the classic angler in the modern world. This 1998 rod has aesthetic elegance and practical reliability in abundance. It’s even nicer than mine!

Specification.

Hand made split cane blank, flame tempered vintage bamboo (from the very large stock of poles I bought from Oliver’s of Knebworth).

26” Flor grade cork handle with a subtly flared trumpet shaped top.

Finely knurled nickel silver handle fittings. The butt cap is engraved with our maker details.

Nickel silver reinforced splint end suction ferrule, blued and lacquered and fitted with a hand-turned hardwood and cork stopper.

Amberfin butt ring, agate & nickel silver tip ring, hard chrome plated stainless steel intermediate bridge rings and a hook keeper ring secured by a hand-forged nickel silver strap.

Transparent bottle green varnish-impregnated Pearsall’s silk whippings, tipped with extremely fine Pearsall’s scarlet (shade 11A) accents.

The rod retains its flawless hand applied yacht varnish finish.

The Indian ink inscription reads: The Chris Yates Bishop ’98

The rod comes in its tailor made bag with bronzed press-stud fastenings and a pocket in the flap for the ferrule stopper.

Test curve: 1¾ lbs.

Casting weights: up to 1¾ oz.

Reel lines: 8 – 12 pounds breaking strain.