Nelson firm lands U.S. rod order

Press, 22 October 1980, Page 14

Nelson firm lands U.S. rod order

PA Nelson A leading American fishing-rod maker has asked a Nelson firm to make its premier range in New Zealand under licence.

“It is the best tribute we have ever had,” said Mr R. Thomas, a sports shop proprietor and partner in Trent Sports. Ltd.

The request by the American company came “out of the blue.” The firm had apparently been looking for somebody to make its rods in New Zealand and Australia and a representative had arrived recently to check prospects. He had gone through a shelf of rods in a North Island sports shop, -testing them for quality. The Nelson rods had “backbones” in all the right places. The representative took

the next flight to Nelson to make the licence offer. • Mr Thomas said every glass fibre rod had a -.backbone. It was found by turning each top section and-flexing it to find the

line of most resistance. This was noted and when the rod was made up the rings were placed under the backbone. “The purpose of this is to allow

the rod to cast accurately. If the backbone was on one side, your cast would always be a few centimetres off target.” Mr Thomas hoped his finn might also get the licence to make the American rods for Australia, “We will start making the American rods soon for next season. We are absolutely delighted because their . carbon fibre mid hollow glass blanks are five years ahead of other brands.”