The Bernard Venables Craftversa № 2.

This is a very rare rod indeed. The first of the Craftversas I made at the suggestion of Bernard Venables, it was signed by him and owned by his manager, the late Mark Williams.

Bernard and I were great friends, despite the huge age gap. He was extremely encouraging and helpful when I was making my way in this trade.

I used to see him out and about when I was young and my father sometimes travelled with him up to London when they both commuted. Bernard then lived in Ham, a village near ours in the Western Berkshire downs. My Godmother’s family were neighbours of Bernard and Eileen. I later met him sometimes when he came into the Hardy shop while I worked there.

We were in touch when I first started my business in 1990 and my workshop was not far from Fosbury, where he was then living. I used to drive over to see him and it was then that Bernard told me about his friend Terry Thomas, who had been the rod designer at Milward’s. Terry Thomas was very keen on rods with reversed taper butt sections, among other things, and Bernard’s favourite Thomas design was the Craftversa. He showed me his and suggested that I might like to make a version of it in limited numbers. He said he’d sign them if I thought it would boost sales. Of course, it did!

The project was just underway when Mark and Jackie Williams, who lived not far away in East Grafton, took on the management of Bernard’s business affairs. Mark was a lifelong fan of Bernard’s and a keen angler. I remember going to a very smart exhibition of Bernard’s paintings that they’d put on in East Grafton, and Merlin Unwin was there with copies of Bernard’s latest book, in which he gave me a very flattering mention.

Mark Williams asked if I would make the first Craftversa for him and wanted his name on it. This I did, and assuming Bernard would want rod number 1, I wrote number 2 on Mark’s rod. I actually made three rods in the first batch. This is where it can appear confusing. Bernard then told me not to be silly when I offered him rod number 1. He already had the original, after all, and I wasn’t to be daft giving away rods that I could be paid for. So, Mark’s rod was already written on and coming along nicely and I had two left. The broadcaster and angler Martin James duly made an appointment to interview me for his fishing slot on BBC Radio Lancashire, and while he was with me, he bought the other two Craftversas, which were 3 & 4.

Mark Williams died some time ago and his Craftversa became available. I don’t think he used it more than half a dozen times, judging from its superb original condition.

This rod, number 2 (but really number 1 thanks to Bernard’s kindness), is in fully original and very nice, tidy condition. The original inscription is all intact, including Mark’s name and of course, Bernard Venables’ very recognisable signature.

The rod was ordered on the 10th of March 1992 and completed, I think, in June of that year. It remains perfectly straight, its ferrules are a firm fit and it is a delightfully light rod with a sweet action.

Specification.

11’3″ 2-piece hand made split cane. The butt section is hollow built and has a subtle reverse taper in the lower part of the handle which gives considerable fillip to one’s case whilst not interfering with the rod’s reserve of power.

The bamboo used was seasoned A-grade Tonkin bamboo, oven tempered, hand split and straightened throughout.

The rod was originally conceived by Terry Thomas of Milward’s and he is credited with the design in the rod’s inscription.

The rings are hard chrome plated stand-off pattern with Amberfin butt and tip rings. The whippings are varnish impregnated Pearsall’s bottle green silk.

The tapered aluminium butt cap has a red rubber button and the sliding bands are finely knurled aluminium.

The blued splint end suction ferrule was made by Beatson’s of Sheffield and it retains its original hand turned hardwood and cork stopper.

The original tailor made bag is in very good condition and has not shrunk!

Reel lines: 3 -6 lbs breaking strain.

Copies of the original order papers will be supplied with the rod.

Despite its provenance and extreme rarity, this rod is absolutely lovely to use. It weighs 12 ounces, which is very light for such a steely rod. It’s perfect for trotting, float fishing for tench or crucian carp and touch ledgering for winter chub. If you’re a BV fan -and who isn’t- you’d be a proud and happy custodian of this piece of angling history.