River Reads

28/11/2025

Just had this reel come in. One for the collector- The Hardy "Field" 3" dia. Light clean of the front face to find the name as it was v grubby but still in very good order as it will be over 120 years old

24/11/2025

This clip shows a range of products you can get from River Reads highlighted with more information below. If I can help with your quest, please call me at the shop on 01805 625888

24/11/2025

Well, I've left it as long as I can, but Christmas is nearly upon us and I thought that seeing a range of items we sell from the shop would be of interest. The little list here are

Richard Walker Mk IV carp rod by B James (I have 2 currently) also a Chapman 700 Dennis Pye pike rod.
A really nice cased tench
A passion for Angling DVD's, plus the books to go with it and a plethera of Yates titles
Reels, both Classic and not so classic. This is a field I haven't loaded yet as I was to find the missing screw first
I also have ephemera like an old fly oiling bottle or even a sild fisherman's tie

If there is also anything you are looking for, please call. We also do gift tokens redeemable here if you are still unsure. If you would just like to talk through that gift, please call me on 01805 625888

05/11/2025

GREAT NEWS I am delighted to be able to pass on the message that Hopkins & Holloway, suppliers of all things for rod building and repair is rising from the ashes. The website will be launched soon but in the meantime, if you ring Martin Hayward on 07837 592425 he may well be able to send your part as he has the stock purchased. I needed an old alloy butt cap and he was able to help when I couldn't get one anywhere else.

23/10/2025

I have just acquired a collection of Hugh Falkus memorabilia ( which is now in the Angling Heritage archive) and this collection of books several of which are exceptionally rare. They are:-

1) Sea Trout Fishing - this is the smaller earlier volume
2) Salmon Fishing - This is the author's advanced copy - SIGNED
3) La Bible du Pecheur de Saumon. - This is salmon fishing published in french still in the original wrapping
4) The Sea Trout - limited to 100 copies with advertising sheet tucked inside - SIGNED
5) Some of it was Fun - 2003 Medlar First Edition
6) Blackwood's Magazine - Dec 1963 which includes Falkus' first article "The Stolen Years"
7) Hugh Falkus, A Life on the Edge - a biography written by Chris Newton signed and inscribed to Tim Thomas, a very close friend of Falkus who helped him produce this book
8) Master of Cape Horn - This is signed by Hugh
9) Nature Detective - This copy is signed and dedicated to his wife Kathryn
10) Scarcest of all. a leatherbound copy of Successful Angling published by Stanley Paul. It is signed by Hugh and dedicated to his family friend Brendan Thomas (son of Tim see #7)

If these are of interest to you, you can contact me through the shop, here or by E mail on [email protected]

11/10/2025

I've just had four classic style rods on the shop for sale. They are all fibreglass with whippings, cork handle in old style cork bags. They are all immaculate. I don't think they ever came out of the bag They are listed below. I have photographed the Trent trotter but they are all the same in style and finish. They would grace any rod collection if you didn't want to use them. I am looking for £50 ea excl P&P but am willing to discount for bulk as I am selling for a customers widow.

The Old School 12' two piece carp rod
The Trent Trotter 3 piece fibreglass rod
The Stalker 8' two piece rod
The Warwickshire Avon 11' two piece rod

If you need any further information please call me on 01805 625888

02/10/2025

I have just got a couple of signed prints by John Searl of the Bishop and Clarissa approximately 26" x 20" incl Frame.
BOTH SOLD

10/06/2025

Now is a rare chance to purchase a travel fly rod. All in excellent condition, many never been used. The makers range from Hardy, Greys, Composite Development (NZ), Kilwell (NZ) with wt # from 5 to 8/9 and prices from £50 to £200. Great to take on holiday or to just keep in the car for that opportunity. You can see these and many more on

Rods

10/06/2025

Here is a rare opportunity to purchase a travel rod in its protective tube. These rods vary from wt #5 to wt #8/9 with lengths from 9' to 10' long. Makers include Hardy. Greys, Composite Developments (NZ), Kilwell (NZ) and prices ranging from £50 upwards. These and many other rods are listed on the website www.riverreads.co.uk/c-88-rods.aspx

13/05/2025

Just had a few more "Passion for Angling" DVD's sent by Hugh which you can order on line. My favourite DVD of all time

26/03/2025

As I have been away fishing, I haven't changed the page much but a couple of things have changed.
I have added a diary entry and a listing on "2 Travellers, 1 Rod" section which tells about our trip to Costa Rica in 2024 and we hope this will whet your appetite for such a trip and a few things to look out for to make your holiday more enjoyable.
I've also added a couple of book reviews as a result of my reading on aeroplanes.

23/01/2025

I have just bought a selection of centre pin reels ranging from J W Young, Allcock and Okuma, but thought I would kick off with a makeweight in the deal; a Trinium 4.5" diameter trotting reel which looks like a copy of the Okuma. It has rear check, runs very well with no wobble and other than a bit of dust, shows no sign of having been used. It also comes with its original pouch. If you are interest, please message me. Looking for £35 plus £4 P&P