The Wallis Wizard 11′ 3-piece Avon rod made by the Barder Rod Co.

Before we get into the technical side of this rod, oh joy of joys, it’s got a whole cane bottom! This is the vital component that brings the magic to all classic 3-piece Avon style rods. Our stock, back in 1995 when this rod was made, came from the bamboo I acquired from Cliff Constable of Bromley. It was tremendously good and well seasoned. Its like has not been seen for many years. A great pity.

The middle and tip are split cane but it’s the resilient, lightweight springiness of whole Tonkin bamboo that provides power and propulsion to one’s casting, superb tackle handling and fish playing characteristics. When you pick up this rod and have a feel of its heft and character, you will be amazed by its fine balance, lightness and crispness. It’s sensitive in its tip, strong about its middle and powerful with just the right yield and spring in its butt.

The styling is classical, as the accompanying pictures illustrate. The lightweight aluminium fittings (notice the RED rubber button and green felt washer) on the 24″ handle are elegantly traditional, the splint end suction ferrules perfectly blued, the stand-off rings are hard chromed and the butt and tip rings are Amberfin. There is a hook keeper atop the handle and a very nice Indian ink inscription giving the rod’s particulars.

The silk whippings are dark bottle green with scarlet tippings and the finish is flawless, hand-applied marine grade varnish.

The rod comes in its tailor made bag with bronzed press stud fastenings and a pocket in its flap to keep the hand turned ferrule stoppers in.

This rod has not been used. It’s about time it was, by you. We don’t make rods with whole cane butts nowadays, sadly, due to the lack of suitable whole cane. It’s a fine, rare and versatile Wizard that FWK Wallis would approve of.