Westley Richards has had a strong link with fly fishing for many years, we had a large fishing department in both the London Conduit Street premises and Bennett's Hill shop in Birmingham. A comprehensive catalogue of fly fishing, angling and salt water rods, reels and accessories was published, offering many patented items introduced by the company.
My visit to Sweetgrass and ensuing discussions there with the legendary split cane rod builders Glenn Brackett and Jerry Kustich has led to a revival of our past association with some rods being built to our old pattern but with new know how. I look forward to visiting Sweetgrass again next month to see the first rods and to try them out on the fabulous rivers of Montana.
Alexander Jones on February 5, 2015 at 2:59 pm
I love the engraved Abel, it appeals very much to my covetous side. Was the engraving done In house, and more importantly do you plan to put it into production? if so I'll have to add it to the save for list alongside the lightweight fancy back droplock . It would be great to see Westley back in the tackle business. ADJ
Simon Clode on February 8, 2015 at 11:57 pm
Thank you. My original plan was to make 12 rods and reels but rod makers are much like gunmakers, very slow! I will get the job done eventually but not sure when! I took the first rod and reel to Safari Club last week and there was a lot of interest. The reel was engraved by Vince Crowley who has engraved our guns for many years now.