Classic Vintage Fishing Tackle

Dylan Wrathall, 18 April 2023
I discovered the existence of a guy by the name of Les Shaw. Somewhere in Derbyshire he runs a business, from home, which caters for the whims of anglers such as myself. Could he supply replacement spools for ABU Cardinal 55's? You bet your life he could and not just any old spools. He can supply brand new, all metal versions, that are better than the originals made by ABU in Sweden during the 1980's. Certainly not cheap, I ordered two, so that I could pair up my Cardinal 55 with my Cardinal 155. Not much change out of £80, but every penny well spent in my opinion. The new spools are simply superb and incorporate a line clip which the originals didn't have. So I now have another pair of reels saved from an existence of gathering dust at the back of my tackle cupboard. I sent a thank-you email to Les and asked if he was able to supply replacement spools for ABU Cardinal 44 X's? His reply speaks volumes about the character of this man. "Yes" he could BUT, the spools had been produced for the Cardinal 44 model and were a tight fit on the axle of the 44X. Honesty in business is a very rare commodity, so this is why I've made such a fuss about the service Les provides.
Reviewed on Of Esox and Observations

Brian, 12 April 2021
Fantastic service I have bought a few parts now covering my Cardinals 44 a replacement spool just recently, some bail arm bits for my 77 and a new spool and sticker for my 52 all arrived in good time. Les is doing a fantastic service in keeping our beloved ageing reels in tip top condition thanks from me down here in Australia

Neville Maguire, 6 February 2021
Excellent service, ordered spare spool for Cardinal 66, was with me within a couple of days. Quick and easy communication, would highly recommend.
Reviewed on Google

Kent, 20 January 2021
Hello Les, My items arrived in top shape. Many thanks mate. What would I do without you ? Brilliant Stay away from the virus and tight lines to you.
Reviewed on Google

Ray Nolan, 12 June 2020
Shallow spool for ABU 508 fits perfectly thanks...

A. B., 30 April 2020
Just recieved my spool for my 508, beautiful piece of kit, can't wait to get out and use it. Thanks.

niceroach, 4 February 2020
Great service, Vintage Abu reels parts arrived safely highly recommended

Daniel Shea, 17 April 2019
Hello- I just wanted to thank you for the prompt service and quality of the 2 Cardinal 4 Aluminum spools that I recently purchased from you.

Michael Grossekemper, 25 March 2019
Hello, just got my "Golden Featherweight spool". Looks wonderful. Everything is fine, as promised. Thank you very much.

Hoagy B. Carmichael, 19 March 2019
The Hardy screw for my 2 7/8" arrived today! Quick as a wink. Thank you. HC

Martin Buckingham, 28 January 2019
Ordered a replacement spool for my vintage Cardinal 4 reel. Seamless transaction, shipped all the way to Canada and fits perfectly! Thanks Les!
Reviewed on Google

Brian Trussell, 9 September 2018
If there was 10 stars you would get it. I recently purchase a rod from here, the 6'1" Fibatube 3.5wt. Ive been looking for this rod for years and when it popped up I had to buy it. Les was gracious enough to allow me to deposit on the rod to hold it. I paid within a week and he shipped it to me in 4 days. I still cant figure that one out because I'm in the USA. Having ordered many Hardy rods from the UK they always take weeks to arrive. On top of that Les has great communication which makes his buyers feel secure. WILL BE A REPEAT CUSTOMER HERE FROM THE USA> that said I fished the rod a few times now, a dream on brook trout streams just like I imagined it. Thank you so much LES!
Reviewed on Google

Carlo, 9 March 2018
I have purchased a Hardy Perfect reel. The reel is better than described. Perfect condition and good price. Fast and safely shipping. Great and honest seller. Thank you Les

Chris, 12 February 2018
What a cracking site!!! Les helped me no end in getting my Cardinal 55's on the right track and in double quick time. Great service, reasonable prices and quick delivery. The one stop shop for classic and vintage reels. Highly recommended......

Ed Green, 29 April 2017
Received the parts shortly after speaking on the phone. Great that you take the time to source parts for what I consider the best fixed spool reel made, Abu Suveran, and because of that my reels will probably outlast me!!!! Hope to see you at the Redditch show later this year.

Philip Micklewright, 28 February 2017
Reel received today and I'm very impressed. Condition was never a big issue for me as I wanted a reel to fish with but it has far exceeded my expectations. I'd recommend your site to anyone and will be watching for other items.

Jack Hutchins, 25 February 2017
Thanks Les for your great items.
When I visited your web site and seen you items I almost fell out of my chair.
You have the best items out there.