Hi, I was aware that there were occasionally fly rods around with the name the Colonsay and Colonsay fly and as I am a frequent visitor to this island and my GGGF was born there I had been looking. I know one of the models was produced by a Liverpool company , Foreshaw, but the one that really tweaked my interest was the Colonsay Fly that seems to have been produced in a variety of weights. I read the post from 2007 , if I recall correctly, on this forum as part of my research and was very excited to learn from the knowledgeable folk that it was Hardy blanks that these rods were built on. I am also aware of the unconfirmed report that Hardy built these to increase commerce without devaluation of their brand. I have been unable to find any other information about this . Anyway I have now taken ownership of a rather nice 8ft Colonsay fly # 6 and wanted to share and ask if anyone can add to what I already have found out. I have uploaded a couple of pics. I remember reading that someone had found the real seat a little substandard and as you will hopefully see in the pics the on on my rod is missing the butt stopper and has only one ring. It was seized when I got the rod but I have carefully released it and it will take a reel securely. Where might I source a replacement butt cap/ stopper? I am due to be in Colonsay next month for an annual fishing expedition but it looks unlikely I will get due to the pandemic but I will take the rod to its ‘ancestral home’ as soon as I can and can’t wait to get among the wild brownies!

Had not seen one of these rods previously. Thank you for posting. Glad you found what you have been seeking. Welcome to the board.

There was an earlier forum post about Colonsay fly rods. Based on the photos in that post your reelseat does appear to be missing the thread-in butt cap. Perhaps you can contact Hardy to see if they can help with finding a replacement.

Your photos show some oxidation of the reelseat. You can carefully polish off the oxidation to restore the seat, but keep it waxed to protect the metal.


Tom

Another very cool rod from the annals of fly fishing! Thanks for sharing!

Hi Mahseer, thanks for your reply. I have ordered the screw in butt caps from this company
https://www.guidesnblanks.com/ and yes I believe there is a standard screw thread size. I also really like Daiwa tackle. Anyway god willing I will get to Colonsay soon!
Tight lines,
ATF

Following on from a short while ago I have acquired another Colonsay Fly Rod based on the Hardy fibatube blank. This one is also marked as a 6 wt but is half a foot longer at 81/2. There are differences - the writing on the blank is not as well executed and the guides are all bell style with the same agate bottom stripper. The real seat and cork is also different but the blank, ferule, whipping and feel of the rod are all consistent with the other ones I have seen. It is in reasonable order but think may have been given a ‘coat’ of varnish, that is evident on the blank an whipping as both appear slightly darkened in colour. It has also probably accidentally I guess had varnish go on to the line guides. I am fascinated to know more about these rods and their origins given my links to the island of Colonsay . Any additional info beyond the informative previously posted information on this forum would be most welcome and appreciated.

Welcome to FFR - always helps us for context if you edit your profile to add location.

Thanks for the welcome ATF, and that additional info. Good research!! The bottom one is indeed a lovely 2 piece spinning rod of 8ft, which also happens to have a Craddock's of Redditch bag. I guess this might suggest there could have been a period of crossover, with some Colonsays being made in Redditch too??? If I have the original bag that is I'll try post some more photos tomorrow for posteriety. See if we can't build up a picture catalogue of other Colonsay models out there.