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Normark Bob James 12ft river specialist travel rod

Steve Lewis

Senior Member
Wasn't quite sure which sub-forum to put this in, but figured it would get the most views here...

Does anyone know anything about this rod? I've done countless Google and Bing searches with various combos of the words, but have come up empty.

I got it as part of a job-lot on eBay and the guy selling it had no info about it at all as he was just selling his recently departed dad's equipment.

It's 12ft long, in 5 sections, and has a slim black (Normark black) blank, full cork handle and a screw-in reel seat. Despite the "specialist" name, it looks and feels more like a rod for light float fishing - it's VERY light and, as I said, the blank is very slim, even slimmer than most other float rods I've got. Comes in a gaudy yellow multi-compartment sleeve (which is original, as it also has the rod name and Normark branding on it).

I've not had a chance to use it yet, but plan to this year. I'm just not sure for what - it feels too delicate even for chub or tench.

I'm half tempted to get in touch with the man himself through his new guided fishing contact page and ask the question, but thought I'd try you lot first.
 
Steve.
The BJ Normark rods go for good money. Usually the bottle green blanks.

I can only find a 9ft one as a travel float rod. This sold for 165 some time ago
Wonder if travel rods had different blanks
 
Graham

I'm aware that there was a travel version of the Twin Tip rod (which, as far as I can remember from ones I've seen pop up on eBay, had a green blank), but this one really is a mystery.

Seems VERY well balanced, despite being in five sections.
 
Bob put his name to quite a few 'experimental' rods in the past but usually they were green blanks. I still have one he gave me years ago, a 12' Avon style but it had 2 x 5' sections and a detachable butt, no names or branding on it as it was a prototype.

I wouldn't be put off by it's apparent lightness, I've had tench to over 7lbs on another rod with his name on, the 13/15' float rod, plenty of power despite the slim blank.
 
Hi Steve,
I spoke to Bob James this afternoon, i asked him about your rod and he says its a fine light Barbel rod, but he did say that the rod bag was a green colour with gold writing, perhaps your one has faded.
If you want to speak to Bob he is quite willing for you to give him a ring, send me a private message and i will give you his phone number.
In fact like Graham has just said it brings back a few memories, i can remember him catching a few Teme Barbel on one whilst i was with him about 15 years ago.
Brian.
 
Aaahhh, what service one gets on this forum! Thanks men.

Brian - I don't think the rod bag has faded, at least not from green, as the writing on it is black. But that solves the mystery and confirms what its intended use is. Thank you. I never doubted a rod made by Normark with Bob's name on it, I just didn't want to take it out for barbel only for it to be smashed up if it was meant to be used for silvers!

It's the lightest rod I've got by some margin, even compared with more modern slim blanks, so I imagine trotting with it all day would be an absolute pleasure.
 
Hi Steve,
Glad to help..........I have a very light 11ft Free Spirit Barbel rod that i thought was too light for the job, but after landing a 12lb + Barbel on it in a very deep and fast swim my confidence in the rod has reached a high level, i now use it when i am trotting in nearside swims.
good luck with your rod.
Brian.
 
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