Mark Tunley Custom Built Harrison Rods
With this is mind I contacted a number of rod builders with a view to obtaining
a Chimera. One builder who is not particularly well known throughout the Barbel
scene is Mark Tunley. Based in the south of the country, Mark like many builders
originally catered for the game and carp boys. He has since branched out into
the specialist rod scene, and builds on the very successful Harrison blanks.
Anyone who has owned a Harrison will appreciate the absolute quality of the
blank produced by Dr. Stephen Harrison and his team. I was therefore very
happy to commission Mark to build me a rod, based on the Chimera Specialist
No.2.
Mark prefers to grade his rods by the action of the blank rather than their
test curve. It is one reason why I chose the Chimera Specialist, as despite
it being listed as a medium action, it is a very capable Barbel tamer. I have
always opted for slightly stiffer butts on Barbel rods, which meant they would
be of the progressive variety. The power of the Chimera butt has to be experienced
to be believed though, and despite the medium action tag, it out performs
any of my previous rods.
I initially requested that Mark should build me one rod, but after it arrived
I couldn't help but order another. The first rod was built on the Chimera
spec No.2 blank. My personal choice was to have a duplon covered Fuji IPS
reel seat, blending into cork. Mark suggested incorporating a duplon grip
on the end of the butt, which would then allow a polished stainless steel
button to complete the handle design.
The blank was to be of dark grey cloth, and the whippings were to be in black
only. (I prefer understated finishings). A mix of Fuji Hardlon rings, all
with three legs for strength were carefully chosen and spaced onto the correct
side of the blank.
I sought Marks advice regarding all manner of things in relation to the design
and build of the rod, and I was extremely pleased that I had done so when
the rod arrived a few weeks later. I'm sure I must have driven Mark mad with
the constant calls and emails, but he fielded my barrage of questions with
the confidence and friendliness of a craftsman who loves his work.
The rod itself is a work of art, and I nearly wept when it became dirty on
it's first outing! It is twelve feet in length, with a test curve of 1&3/4lbs
and a medium action, which could be described as the difference between a
through and a progressive action. It is a marvellous rod to play Barbel on,
particularly in close and at the net. With a properly set clutch and 10lb
mono, I rarely give line to fish these days as the blank soaks up the lunges
and dives of angry Barbel, acting like the spring that it should. I have renewed
confidence when playing Barbel these days as a result.
Although the majority of my Barbelling takes place on the Wye and Lower Severn,
I like to have a quivertip rod for very low clear conditions and for smaller
rivers such as the Teme and Lugg. So it was with complete confidence that
I asked mark to build me a quivertip version of the rod he had just completed.
Again he couldn't have been more helpful, and despite not having built one
before, and not having a tip version available, he promised it would be done.
A blank was produced at the Harrison workshop incorporating a 3oz quivertip,
and Mark begun work on a build based on my first Chimera. I then requested
he change the handle design, by asking for the duplon at the reel seat to
be shortened and shaped, along with the cork to form a hand grip. Again, despite
not having built a handle of this design before, the finished article was
even better than I expected. Regardless of my poor attempts to communicate
the mental picture I had in my head, Mark had obviously read my mind and deciphered
the muddled thoughts residing there! The finish and fittings of the first
rod were replicated on the quivertip version, with the exception of the white
painted quiver, and the sizing, spacing and quantity of three legged Fuji
Hardlon rings to suit the blank.
Both my rods
are exceptional examples of craftsmanship. They are touched by the hand of
a true professional, who is very approachable, eager to please and completely
reliable. I have recommended Mark Tunley to another Barbel angler whom I count
as a friend. I had no hesitation in doing so, as I knew he would not be disappointed
if he too spent his hard-earned cash on one of Marks rods. He wasn't and is
very pleased with his rod and the service he received.
There are very many Barbel rods on the market now, but only a small proportion
are hand built by genuine professionals rather than being mass produced, with
the inevitable flaws and problems that result. Mark will build you a custom
designed rod, which will be completely unique to you for £150, which is considerably
less than some mass produced Barbel rods, and a price that is not to be sniffed
at, when you consider the absolute quality of service also.
Mark has impressed me, and although I have spent the best part of £300 on
his products, he has accepted my invitation for a day's Barbelling on the
Wye. I hope I can provide him with a day to remember, and show him exactly
how well his rods perform.
For more Information go to www.marktunley.com
, or contact Mark on 0790 525 6747 or email: mark@marktunley.com n excellent
headlight.
BFW rating:
Custom built Chimera Specialist No.2 rod: 10/10
Custom Build
Service: 10/10
Paul Thompson (Tommo)
September 2004
