New gear stars at UK show

Fishing’s top gear for 2014 was on display at the UK’s biggest trade show this week – and Angling Times were there to bring you the highlights.

Major manufacturers including Fox, Nash, Preston Innovations, Daiwa, Leeda, Pure Fishing, Hardy Greys, and Shimano all headed to Tackle & Guns at Stoneleigh, Warks to showcase their new kit for the season ahead.

They were backed by leading lights from the bait and accessory world too, and for many visitors it was the first time they could to get their hands on the tackle we’ll all be using next year.

From rods and reels to boilies to brollies, flagship poles to cut-price reels, and thousands of brand new accessories, all aspects of fishing were catered for at the big event on Sunday and Monday.

And there was good news for UK anglers as many of the prices on big ticket items were on a par with previous seasons, and in some cases cheaper, while the volume of new kit from all the major manufacturers was reassuring for the industry.

Angling Times editor Steve Fitzpatrick said: “Angling Times has seen a lot of the new gear in recent weeks but every company seemed to have a trick or two up their sleeve with some exciting additions to their ranges.

“It was also a delight to see that innovation was high on the agenda for many of our top UK-based tackle manufacturers while the bait makers delivered exciting new creations which wowed the crowds too.”

Some of the highlights of the show included a radical new pole roller from Matrix, plus several new bivvy and brolly systems for the big carp boys from Fox and Nash, and a host of new pole ranges from the likes of Preston Innovations, Sensas, and MAP.

As Angling Times reveals on our tackle pages this week, Shimano also have a whole host of goodies for 2014 with some of their best-ever mini-sized, match, and big pit reels also finding favour with the crowds.

The new Hardy TXL rod range also drew some admiring glances and we reckon will make a big impact on the banks next season.

Mark's Tackle & Guns showstoppers
Angling Times has already brought you many of the new tackle items launched for 2014 over the past few weeks but we managed to find a few goodies at the show…

1 Matrix Quad Pole Rollers
Match brand Matrix unveiled two new rollers which can be used completely flat or cranked up to 6ft-plus to use on hard banks or set up in deep water when fishing from a platform in the water, and every height in-between. Inverted rollers on the end of the main V help protect your carbon when fishing in strong winds. Two sizes - £79.99 and £114.99.

2 Matrix Festival Bag
Foil-lined bag ideal for bait but with the addition of compartments to keep items of tackle in too. Sure to be a big hit on the commercial scene. Price £49.99

3 Fox Royale Classic Bivvy
New for 2014, this new shelter offers all the benefits of a Fox-grade bivvy but at an affordable price. Pram-hood design is easy to set up in minutes and has a classic letterbox zip door and mozzie-front. Price: £169.99

4 Fox Brolly System
This new system features shorter ribs for adding more space inside to allow you to get a full bedchair underneath for quick overnighters. Four ribs can be pinned to the ground for extra stability. Comes with storm poles, groundsheet and side supports. Price: £199.99

5 Sensas pole range
Bait giant Sensas unveiled four new poles for next year – all designed for the UK commercial stillwater angler with carp-proof kit from 13m to 14.5m. Prices will start at just £199.99 and go up to £799.99 with impressive top kit additions too.

6 Hardy Greys GFR freespool reels
Two new models – the first-ever freespool for the famous company – run of 10 ball bearings with special springloaded line clips and self-righting handles for problem-free casting. Will come in 5000 and 6000 body sizes. Price from £64.99

7 Hardy Greys Prodigy TXL rods
A massive range of fourteen feeder, float, specimen, and barbel rods all with progressive actions and made from a high-end carbon. Feature cork handles with rubberised grips which repel fishing grime. Finished in gunsmoke matt for that custom-rod look. Prices from £70 to £100

8 Sonik Tournos 8000 reel
A super ‘buy two, get one free’ deal will see this reel fly of the tackle shop shelves as carpers look to upgrade their kit. All black, it runs on nine ball bearings with a machined handle, two line clips, manual-release bail arm, and quick drag that completely locks up. Comes with deep and shallow spools.

9 Starbaits D-Tec SR-2R alarms
The carp arm of Sensas are huge on the continent and are bringing more previously unseen tackle over in 2014. The full metal casing of the alarms makes them bombproof and a powerful receiver which will work in dense woodland swims. Also feature illuminating mag-wheels for ultimate bite detection. Available in singles or sets from £69.99.