Arcane by Andrew Paul Green

A few of a new colour combination made. Green stained with dark green and copper whippings over black stems with stainless eye, black spirals on the tip and a long tip that’s easy to see when trotting. First five are 6” and about 6BB’ish, another three of each sizes of body up Avons and a perch Bob started and drying ready for paint tomorrow 😊

About half way through the lacquer stages of the floats in progress, another 50 to do the thread work on and second dryer bought in to keep up so I can do 50-70 at a time, need to order more lacquer as enough for two more lots, and all will need at least three coats, prioritising sold floats and floats I want to take to Marsh Farm with me, plus a few prototypes for my own pleasure 😊

Two weeks now since my knee replacement and not much to do but make floats 😊 trying a few new patterns, and a few I used to make years ago, inverted loaded porcupine quills that are like darts, a couple of large loaded reed floats with orange and white banded tip to show lift bites. Another dozen tench floats and loads of Avons. Lots of eyes to whip on, tippets to whip and many coats of lacquer for each one before they will be ready to use. At least another four weeks before I can drive again but the last two weeks has flown by, probably seems that way due to all the meds I’ve been on, last of the blood thinners tomorrow then it’s just the usual pain and other meds, physio and time to heal now 😊

ALL FLOATS HERE NOW SOLD

If you see anything you like I’m making more over the next few weeks and months, orders taken for Avon, Loafer, perch, tench lifters and Oak Apple bodied crow quill antenna floats, plus others, just ask 👍

All the floats I was going to take to the Tackle fairs but now can’t, and all for sale direct from me here. Prices and numbers are on the pictures description, give me time to add them as there are a lot to do. Some are one offs, some are sets, some there are a few of each size. Postage and Packing for most is £3, floats longer than 8” P&P is £4. Larger orders of more than three are £1 per float off, postage is free for orders over £60 after discount. All cork bodied floats are £12 unless stated otherwise. There will be more and I will be taking special orders for custom colours and styles. Payment by Paypal ‘Family and Friends’ only or pay the paypal fee on top please. Thanks for looking.

10 Avon floats made and on their way to raise money for Angling Trust ‘Anglers Against Pollution’. These are what I call the ‘pure’ patern, no stains only paint needed and natural cane, hardwood and cork with black silk trims and spirals to dress them up a little. Shame the rivers are not as pure as these floats, limited to ten numbered floats and initialed ‘APG’ on the back rather than having my ‘Arcane’ logo. I’ve been making more ‘blank’ versions of these to paint in various colours, as well as other shapes and sizes, watch out for more posts 😉

Still to varnish and add my logo, but ready soon 😊

Summers on the way, but these are great at any time of year for seeing bites on the drop, lift bites, shy bites from roach and crucians. Sensitive bite indication at its best, pheasant quill and balsa antenna floats 😊

Some of this weeks floats, ready for varnish tomorrow, and another 24 glued up ready to shape, 66 bodies stems and tips reassembled ready to glued 40 more bodies drilled awaiting tips and many more materials getting prepped for when I’m off having a new knee joint.

During that time off I also hope to make some headway on the rod restoring, at least the ones that don’t need the lathe as that’s packed away at the moment, but I hope to be drilling and gluing cork shives on a few new cane blanks ready for when I can set it up again, stripping down rods ready for rebuilding, especially a couple of customers rods that have been far too long on the bench for one reason of another. My own B James and son whole cane butt rods, avocet and Avon perfection need restoring to my standard ready for the new season too, along with a few more that have acumulated over the last couple of years, I’m sure they breed in the cupboard when nobody’s looking, well when the wife’s not looking anyway 😉

All the effort and willpower of the last year to to loose weight, just under 6st, (up a little after Christmas and a few birthdays in the last four weeks but going back down again), reducing my blood pressure, getting my blood glucose low enough that I’m now in remission from type 2 diabetes, and reducing my BMI from 46 to 34.7, has lead to todays ‘Pre assessment’ meeting at the Orthapedic dept. More blood tests, ECG, blood pressure checks, questionares, forms to sign and agree with medical stuff, a bag of info and stuff to decontaminate my nose and body ready for the first full knee replacment, my Right knee.

Now it’s just the wait to hear the actual date I go under the knife, meet the anaesthesiologist, physiotherapist and my surgeon, Mr Hacker, now that’s an apt name for a surgeon if ever there was one, last one was Nr Dunnit, another good name. Everything from now is on a day by day in case they can fit me in at short notice, and I need to get in a bit of fishing first as it’ll be weeks before I can after, maybe months, and I need to make some more float blanks to paint up and finish while I’m played up to keep me busy, and finish the kitchen too 😉

Going through a few boxes and found these, floats I made for myself when I changed to using mainly vintage tackle and didn’t want to use modern plastic floats. I used to make my own floats way back as a teenager, often with bits of broken floats I found along with goose and swan quills, corks and balsa, peacock quills when I could get them and many other materials like reeds, bullrushes and elder pith.

Working made me lazy, when it came to making tackle, and for nearly thirty years everything was ‘off the shelf’, not that those floats were bad, Drennan were my ‘go to’ brand, although Middy, Ultra, Ivan Marks, Shakespeare, Cama and many other floats made their way in to and out of my box over the years, the last large range I added were Cralusso, plastic but well designed and versatile with the many adjustable features, but very out of place next to a cane rod and 50’s/60’s reel.

The floats I made at first were mainly with materials from Keith Wilkes, model paints and flooring varnish, several types of varnish tried, often leaving less than satisfactory results, or, fading, turning opaque after hours in the water, and even cracking after some time. Those first pre 2013 floats were few, and crude as I had no equipment for working materials or drying finishes, but they worked, caught fish and were a stepping stone to the next stage. For my 2013 season I made a whole double sided box of floats with tackle box under made to size to fit in my first wicker seat box using off cuts of hardwood and thin ply, it turned out well, and although it needs a good rub down and refinish it still looks ok, again the floor varnish was a let down and some of these floats will get rubbed down and revarnished with what I use now too.

By late 2013 I was using much better materials when it came to paint and finishing, and putting more time into preparation too, the two boxes of river floats with some having inlaid Pheasant feathers, others with Fluted bodies, wire stems, larger tips than the stems were the last floats I made with ‘Traditional Angling Retro Tackle’ transfers on, after these I went on to the mainly cork bodied, more finished floats I now make. It’s a shame I don’t have any floats from when I made them as a teenager, but I don’t think they were much more than quills wit an orange , yellow or red tip, often porcupine, with cork or elder pith bodies for the river, peacock and other bird quills for lakes.

It’s good to look back at what you made, and how it’s faired over the years, I’d like to hope that some of my ‘Arcane’ floats will still be catching fish for many years to come. The last couple of pictures are the float a put in the TART Royalty Raffles, a long way from 2013’s offerings

Never a truer word when it comes to social media. Far too many trolls and narcissists spreading fake rumours and outright lies. Best to meet in person and judge people by their treatment of others, their skills and experiences, not on what some self opinionated, self obsessed keyboard warrior posts. Make up your own mind, don’t perpetuate the hate 👌

Today, 2nd of January 2024, we gained a new family member, Blossom. Born 9th of October last year, a month or so before we lost Poppy, and after a 568 mile round trip to meet her and bring her home. We looked often to get another dog as Poppy was getting on, but then lock down, health and other things got in the way, and then we felt it would not be fair on Poppy to have a puppy as well, she was 14 by then, a very old girl for her breed. Our previous dog, Tura, was nearly 12 when h Ed died of a heart atack, and it was a couple of years before we got Poppy, this time we didn’t want to be without a dog for so long, and although we looked at other breeds, 26 years of having a Weimaraner and seeing her pictures and videos sealed it that we’re destined to having them in our lives. Wellcome to the family Blossom 😊 I wonder what she’ll be like as a fishing dog 🤔 Ignore the Hippopotamus, it’s part of the nativity set, don’t ask lol

Merry Christmas and. A Happy New year to all 🎄🥳🥂

Over the next few days I will be listing many of my floats as sets of three mainly, these will be at the prices they would have been at Romsey and Redditch Tackle fairs, with box and postage included free to UK mainland addresses. prices will range from £24 - £36 per set, and are mostly cork bodied floats. If you have a 'TART since 2013' there will be a further £1 per float discount, even if you order the badge with the floats, Badges are £10 on their own. Other TART merchandise is available, Caps, Wooly hats, Mugs and stickers are all in stock, see my post here for prices, or on the Traditional Angling Retro Tackle group 'Featured Post' section. there will be a special offer of a hat (either type), tin mug, badge and sticker that will all be in the next post, limited stock of hats but more on order (y)

A post of the flots in stock will follow soon

Just over two weeks to the new river season, more cork bodied floats made and going for lacquer this week. From the simple black whippings on natural cork and cane to the more decorative but still classy green and copper finished Avons, they are all made to present a bait to a fish, if they didn’t, I wouldn’t make them 😊

Tench time, another few ready for the transfer and lacquer ready for sale next weekend 😉

There two lots of floats made for customers, sadly I’ve lost the names, please message me so I can confirm payments went through and addresses to send. My book went missing, possibly when I was having a sort out and I’m trying to work out who had what that wasn’t already boxed to send out. Only these two I’ve not found now. Apologies to any that were delayed through this.

Saw a post on a roach rushing group which was showing something like these floats. Back as a kid I used to collect the broken floats I found and make odd concoctions with the bits and one of those, well a few, were similar. Still water blues were quite delicate and often got broken so I saved a few tips and spliced them onto all sorts of other remnants, sarcanda reed, balsa and cork bodies and of course, Porcupine quills, which back in the late 70’s were still in the shops along with the likes of Cama, Belglow,Harcork and Dentonas well as other newly emerging names. These though prooved to be super sensitive and we’re perfect for the roach I fished for near my home on the drainage channels known as ‘The Dykes’.

After seeing them on that page I decided to make a few for my own use, but if anyone else fancies one or more I could make them, not much decoration, to keep them simple, I’ll add a transfer and a little lacquer to protect the finish, but only enough for that😉

Something a big different, still to finish but you get the idea. Swan quill top with cane stem. I’ve made these occasionally for years, a sort of stick float effect, but usually a lot smaller, this though is for a deeper slow part of the river come June that I want to try for roach, I cuts need a bit more casting weight to get the centre channel. It’s a place I’ve often used sliding floats but I’ll be using a longer rod to make the most, either a Fred J Taylor Roach rod at 12’6” or a 14’ Hunter, both Chapmans rods. I’ve two more of this float to finish which will be for sale eventually 😉

There’s nothing like watching a tench float lift and then slide away and all the excitement that follows. These are my next batch of tench floats. Two patterns, black and white on the whole antenna, and black and yellow on most of the antenna, both the same float just catering for different tastes, and a loaded zoomer style antenna for slider fishing. even made a few with more fancy whippings, one offs.

Some of the floats I’ve started since Romsey. Many Avons in various colour combinations, some swan quill long bodied trotting floats for those slow deep rivers, Thames in this case but not exclusively. Tench floats in the traditional ‘zebra crossing’ style, most will be available, a few are already sold but I made 30 bodies in two sizes, the first ten of each were painted over the last few days and after the first two I thing they need a bit more drying time. Next a couple of peacock wagglers and two large loaded sarkandas reed wagglers, these are for my box for a couple of waters I wanr to fish up in the water with. I’ll be making more little river Avons this weekend, and standard style Avons, these will be left unfinished to be decorated to order, and mah be shortened to chubber size, same goes tho the Loafers and long body Avons. Crow quill antennas, oak apple bodied antennas, Swan and goose floats in various styles too. I may not decorate them as much as some, but a make them to last, to work and to look good for years to come 😊

Not finished yet but a large swan quill trotting float. Nearly 10” and with a 4” cork body, black, green and copper whippings over dark green and yellow with orange tip. It’s a large float for Stretpegging or anything else a large float may be needed for. Only making a few of these for now but might make more at some point 😊

While trying to work out how to for want of a better word, dispose, of the machinery before the deadline set for being out of my workshop, I decided to call someone who’s work had been an inspiration, and up to now I have avoided contacting. The phrase from ‘Waynes world’, “I’m not worthy” running through my head as I dialled the number. Mr Edward Barder, The Edward Barder Rod Company. He answered and I introduced myself thd best I could, as the guy who bought Chapmans factory equipment. His take on my situation was what I’ve been telling myself for some time, and has confirmed my own conclusion that even before all the problems with the workshop, the power, the roof falling in, the lack of time I was able to put into the project, the state of the economy, covid, my own health, and more factors I won’t go into, it was doomed, not from the beginning, but the cracks were there then. How I lasted so long hoping my luck would change is a testament to my dogged determination, but with so much against me…..Chalking it up to experience makes it an expensive leason, and painful too. The Ltd Company is gone, as of June last year, trying to salvage anything in this climate more than a few raw materials and some of my own tooling I put into the company by way of ‘Directors Loan is futile. The cost of setting up the company legally, Solisitor fees, five years of accountancy fees, unpaid labour, travel and other expenses in setting up have taken well over £30k, not all my money either, that breaks my heart that I failed with other peoples backing, but then as it’s the fault of one of those investors that I lost my day job which was helping to fund the rod business, the problems with the power which meant I couldn’t use any of the equipment for five years, and, that they are also the ones who are selling the property, and wouldn’t sell it to me dispute years of saying they would, and me having a decision in principal to get the mortgage to buy it nearly three years ago, they have lost their money, that’s tough, but my other investor, I feel I have let him down more than anyone, and after evaluating the possibilities of selling anything of the equipment the least I could do is pay something back, the few things of value are being offered to a few specialists, the larger equipment which could be used in other industries is being listed for sale and the rest is going for scrap. To say I’m upset by it all I’d an understatement, but for my own sanity I’ve got to draw a line under this, or win the lottery and do it as a rich man’s hobby, no, back to reality, restoring rods, building rods on blanks I buy in or that are made for me, the floats and maybe a few landing nets, still made with the Arcane name, but not in any factory or commercial now. Thanks for those who have supported me, I hope you still will even though it’s a smaller operation.

Sorry to post this, but, if you’re not prepared to pay what it costs for hand made artisan products that are made to the highest quality with the best materials then go to fishing direct or wish and buy crap off the shelf stuff. I am not a charity, my work means something. Thanks also to all my friends who encouraged me to take on the task of setting up a business to build cane rods and other products, especially those who then ordered from other people while I struggled to the point of loosing it all. That includes members of my own family. Finally apologies to Adam Rayner, the one person who put his money where his mouth was and made me believe I could make something of this, only for me to have to tell him that everything we put into the venture has gone, I have nowhere to take the equipment now, and after five years of disputes about power and access to the yard it has been sold, all of the places I tried have now been exhausted and I have about 10 weeks to clear out. I don’t have anything left financially, emotionally or physically to give. Thanks to the few who did actually place orders and buy products, especially Stuart Mitton who bought Craftversa replica no.2 without even seeing my work.

I am done.

All the floats I have finished, most the ‘specials’ only one to three of each set. A full box set with 34 floats to cover most situations. A full set of 12 river floats in two boxes, 4 pike sliders and two very special large pike floats. A few lake floats, tench, antennas with oak Gauls. More floats being made or made to order including extra long peacock wagglers, loaded or not, bodied peacock wagglers in four body sizes with loadings from 4-10 grams, 4g and 6g in the 2” long bodies and 6g and 10g in the 3“ long bodies. New loaded tench floats will be ready next week with green stained bodies and 6g adjustable weight, ideal slider floats. More pictures as I make more and I can always make to order. All prices contact me, minimum 3 floats or what’s shown in the box. And TART (Traditional Angling Retro Tackle) badges still available too 👍

Romsy tackle fair was great, and for the first time I had a table. Sales went well and at the end a deal was done for almost all of my remaining stock of floats as a trade sale. Good way to get my floats to a wider clientele 😊

Well I’m all packed ready for Romsey tomorrow, I didn’t realise just how much luggage I had frim my carping days, sadly most of it isn’t the least bit traditional although some could be classed as retro, made while Nash meant Quality. Some bought for a French trip which got canceled when I was made redundant, Kit and Wash XL and Session food XL both unused, both with all the kit that came with them. Loads of rod holdalls, 2 and 5 rod ‘Shuttles’. There are some traditional items though, apart from the floats of course, 4 wicker baskets, 3 new and wrapped, one not so new but perfectly good and a small canvas trout bag I used to use for stalking, the kids bought me a Brady bag so it’s been hanging on the back of the door for several years, a cheap alternative as I won’t be asking much, I’d rather it went to someone who’ll use it. I’ll also have the late Ron Clarkes Aspindale Aero 891 three piece 11’ light float rod. I have one of these myself and they are splendid trotting rods, roach and crucian rods too. Ron’s rod was domnated by Geoff Bromby to raise money for the Fishing For Forces charity in memory of Ron who was a veteran of the Faulklands conflict. I have set a minimum price of £145 and will be taking offers for it at Romsey Vintage Tackle Fair, highest offer by 12 noon will have the rod, and I will add three floats to go with it. I’ll have Badges, a few tin mugs and some hats the real reel oil and An idea springs with me too, badge holders will have £1 off any floats, mugs and hats, on the day badges will be £8 as no postage/packing, but I will still need your name and address when you buy a badge so you are entered into the draw, prize to be announced in September at the Roualty.

See you there, Bev and I look forward to seeing you 👍

Just a few of the things I’ve been working on over the last couple of months, much more to follow and soon to be on sale after the Romsey Tackle Fair on April 2nd this year.

Added my ‘Real Reel oil’ in handy 10ml droppers that can go in any reel bag to my product list, £2 each or 3 soft £5 and £2 P&P, buy 6 for £10 and post is free.

Bail arm springs for all full bail arm Ambidex reels made by JW Young including all reels based on Ambidex reels for other makers and Allcocks Felton Crosswind Mk2’s in stock at £2 each or 5 for £10 with free post

Cork bodied floats from £10, minimum £30 order, post free, ‘porky corkys’ in Avon and loafer styles £14 each, Reed and other floats from £8 each, bespoke floats POA