Chris Yates Barbus Maximus 12′ 3-piece c1996.

This rod was specially commissioned in 1996 by the then owner of Old Weir View, a lovely house on the Avon at Fordingbridge. It was built with a whole cane butt, a hollow-built split cane middle and a split cane tip. Unusually for the period, it has graduated green silk intermediate whippings.

Our client wanted a 12′ rod with exactly the character of his  existing 11¼’ Barbus Maximus, but in this traditional format. In order to maintain the balance and crisp action of the Barbus Maximus, this unique variant has a hollow-built split cane middle. This is that rare thing, a 12′ cane rod that feels convincing in the hand, fishes really well and won’t tire you out so much that you won’t be able to give that piano recital you’ve promised your friends this evening.

At its best with 6 to 8 pound breaking strain Maxima reel line (still the best), it’ll touch ledger with weights up to an ounce for barbel and chub. It isn’t too poky for big perch and I’d rate it a perfect ten as a tench rod.

It’s lovely looking, it has a really superb specification, it’s unique and it has a whole cane butt. I removed the name of the late owner and over-varnished the rod to rectify the finish so it’s in better than new condition. The price is extremely attractive because I don’t want you to shy nervously away. The proceeds from the sale are going to the ladies who cared for its late owner in his final years. A worthy cause.

Specification.

12′ 3-piece. Tonkin cane butt, hollow-built split cane middle, sold split cane top. All perfectly straight.

The 26½” cork handle has the classically shaped top you’ll find on Wallis Wizards and very early Avocets. The butt cap and reel bands are lightweight aluminium.

Ferrules are Beatson’s of Sheffield splint end suction type, with a blued/lacquered finish and their original varnished hardwood and cork stoppers.

Butt & tip rings are especially fine clear-lined Amberfins with hard chrome plated stainless steel intermediates, whipped with Pearsall’s green silk, tipped scarlet. There is a hook keeper ring incorporated into the handle top whipping. The Indian ink inscription: 12′ Special Chris Yates Barbus Maximus. Barder Rod Co.’96

The rod has a flawless hand-applied marine grade varnish finish.

It comes in its tailor made bag with press stud fastenings and a pocket in the flap to store the ferrule stoppers in.