CASH IN YOUR ATTIC?

SO, WHAT about so-called ‘modern classics’? As a result of the manufacturing sector’s shift towards China over the past decade or two, rods and reels made in Europe, and also Japan, before the ‘exodus’ can fetch surprisingly good money in what is a booming second-hand tackle market at present.

Ben Jones, from Mullocks Auctioneers, explained: “Although vintage game fishing tackle may have achieved some of the highest hammer prices inrecent years and draws a lot of the headlines, antique, vintage and classic coarse tackle also has a huge following worldwide.

“Richard Walker Mk4 1950s/60s split cane carp rods have always been popular, with the earliest examples, which boasted Walker’s signature, sometimes commanding four-figure sums.”

Indeed, in 2017, the MK4 Avon that Chris Yates used to land his iconic 51lb 8oz British record from Redmire fetched a whopping £8,280, making it arguably the most expensive and exclusive carp rod ever sold!

‘Retro’ coarse tackle, too, has developed a following. The early Swedish-built Abu Cardinal 54 and 52 spinning reels can fetch up to £70 or £80 each, with the same company’s Suveran reels sometimes going for double that.

Some early French reel models from Mitchell, such as the 302 and 306, typically go for between £50 and £100 if in good condition.

‘Old-school’ carp reels from Daiwa, such as the GS3000 Whisker models, have changed hands for more than £500 each in recent years!

Some glass-fibre and early carbon rods can also prove very popular with modern-day collectors, with brands such as Daiwa Amorphous Whisker, Team Normark, Sportex and North Western all very popular and regularly fetching hammer prices well north of £100, sometimes twice that sum.

Similarly, Shimano Twin Power, Triple X and Diaflash rods have proved to be desirable and continue to increase in value, typically going for anything up to £150 apiece.