Custom : Vecchio/Cheetam/Kilwell/Milbro/ABU Rods.
My most recent addition was gifted to me (believe it or not) while I was in a hospital operating theatre. Apparently I talked for 3 hours to the Anesthetist and theatre wardsman John, as I had a spinal instead of a full knockout anesthesia When I awoke the rod was in my room. I must have talked passionately about ABU!
The history of this rod is it was apparently made in the early 70's at Sam Vecchio's Sportstore in Innisfail, North Queensland. The rod was designed and built by Jeff Cheetam who was in turn trained under the guiding light of my old friend, (but now deceased 5 years) Jack Erskine of Cairns and great ABU pedigree, having fished with CO Erricsson, Len Borgstrom and other from Svangsta. As you can see it sports the best Fuji guides (8 and a tip no less), of the era as well as Jack's usual under and over binding custom Chevron binding. The plug in nature fits a metal ABU Speedlock grip also of the era. A real treasure with no pun intended.
The only repair needed is to replace the aging rubber "O" ring with a silicone one.
I have recently received two more rods with ABU heritage; the documented Milbro baitcaster and now, this New Zealand licenced Kilwell/ABU fly rod below.
I have photographed them together for comparison purposes.
One will notice the similar high quality components as well as the similar colour tonings used.
Thanks Alaistar for allowing it to come to my collection.
Above, 2 rods 5 sections , side by side.
Naturally proudly bagged for protection.
Close up of but / grip sections
Notice the exact Speedlock grip used in the ABU range of Swedish made rods.
This did not happen for the USA made Garcia Conolon rods.
I will feature the Garcia grips utilizing the ring grip when they arrive from USA.
Mid sections, close up
High quality cork fly rod grips and beautifully spun aluminium collet on baitcaster.
Tips and joins up close
IQuality agate tip runner and underbinding on the Milbro baitsacter and nice backbinding on the Kilwell flyrod.
I would like to add an ABU or Garcia baitcaster , spinning or flyrod of this 19. 60's era from USA production line, to my collection for comparison purposes. All will be built on the uSA made Conolon fibreglass of the day. If I can't acquire one, then detailed images would be appreciated to show here.