New Angling Times Issue 3135 out now!
This week’s Angling Times comes complete with a free 32-page magazine that tells you everything you need to know to catch a big predator.
Also in the issue, we’ve exclusive coverage of the first £10,000 RiverFest Final as well as the British Pike Championships, Steve Ringer tells you how to win matches with sweetcorn, Martin Bowler goes in search of zander, and Bait Doc Paul Garner reveals the best ways to use fake baits. We’ve also a huge Carp News section and exclusive tackle reviews.
Angling Times is Britain’s No.1 fishing weekly – this issue is out now on the iPad and Android, in shops Tuesday November 19.
New Angling Times Issue 3134 out now!
In this week’s Angling Times we have the full story of a massive, record-shaking pike, plus more amazing catches including a 7lb chub from the Great Ouse and a 16lb Trent barbel.
Elsewhere, we go behind the scenes at the UK’s leading fish farm, Steve Ringer reveals his deadly new bait combination and cover star Martin Bowler goes in search of floodwater barbel.
We’ve also a huge Carp News section and exclusive tackle reviews. Angling Times is Britain’s No.1 fishing weekly – out on the iPad every Monday.
New Angling Times Issue 3133 out now!
This week’s Angling Times is packed full of news and features to make your fishing week one to remember.
There have been some brilliant catches once again, topped by cover star Terry Hearn who reveals exactly – and exclusively – how he caught two massive stillwater perch.
In our re-invented Where to Fish section, we highlight some of the best UK reservoirs to visit, while river maestro Dave Harrell reveals how better float control will catch you more fish. We’ve also a huge Carp News section and exclusive tackle reviews. Angling Times is Britain’s No.1 fishing weekly – out on the iPad every Monday, in shops tomorrow with free UKCarp magazine inside.
New Angling Times Issue 3132 out now!
This week’s Angling Times is packed full of news and features to make your fishing week one to remember.
In news, it’s been a brilliant week for big fish, with huge zander, perch, chub and barbel being taken across the UK. Meanwhile, Steve Ringer reveals the lessons he learned from a recent festival, Dave Harrell continues his series that will improve your river fishing, and The Bait Doc shows you how to boost your maggots.
We’ve also a huge Carp News section and carp expert James Armstrong reveals how he caught 'Tyson' at 47lb 12oz. There's lots of new tackle inside too and Angling Times' tackle editor Mark Sawyer takes a look at Daiwa's carp-proof float rod, Rapala lures and more. Angling Times is Britain’s No.1 fishing weekly – out on the iPad every Monday, in shops every Tuesday.
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.
New Angling Times Issue 3131 out now!
This week’s Angling Times is packed full of news and features to make your fishing week one to remember. It’s been an incredible week for predators, with leading trout water Chew Valley producing a string of huge pike topped by a 42 pounder. TV’s Mr Angling John Wilson reveals the truth behind the filming of Go Fishing, Steve Ringer answers your commercial questions, and Martin Bowler explains how to make a pike trace. We’ve also a huge Carp News section and exclusive tackle reviews. Angling Times is Britain’s No.1 fishing weekly – out on the iPad every Monday, in shops every Tuesday.
Daiwa reveals new gear for 2014
This past year has seen Daiwa embark on a campaign of mid-season launches in the UK – especially reels. Over the past few months the company has introduced the latest TDR, Entoh, Theory, Pro-Caster and Windcast models – oh, and don’t forget the top of the range Air pole and several new rods.
Would the Scotland-based giant have had anything left in its locker for next year? Well, yes. At its first trade show of 2013 it soon became clear that plenty of excellent new fishing tackle had been put in the vaults for next season.
There would be no new flagship pole this time around, as these only appear every three or four years. There was, though, an upgraded Airity pole, slightly lighter and stiffer than the original and with butt sections made from X45 carbon cloth that aids reinforcement to prevent section compression. If you have a tendency to over-enthusiasm when striking then this could be the perfect pole for you.
There was also a brand new 14.5m Match Winner power pole, and a superb new range of mid-priced cult black 12ft and 13ft Whisker DF carp rods, including matching Spod and Marker models.
Matchwinner Pole
Designed with commercials in mind, the new 14.5m Daiwa Matchwinner pole is rated to a size 20 elastic and is ideally suited to both open water and margin tactics.
Constructed from Daiwa’s super dependable high performance MSG multi strand graphite cloth, it features a diamond satin easy glide finish on its eighth, ninth and 10th sections and comes with a spares package compatible with nearly all current Daiwa models.
Price: £999
X45 Airity Pole
The original Airity hardly needed improvement, but Daiwa has re-vamped it with the strategic use of a new X45 construction on key handling areas, creating anti- compression zones that allow for more confident handling.
The new model is also claimed to have an enhanced feel and performance at longer lengths and comes with an amazing eight spare top kits
Promo price: £2,999
Spectron Rods
Striking Spectron rods will replace Daiwa’s Connoisseur collection next year. These include 11ft and 12ft pellet wagglers, two 13ft float rods (one power), and 13ft/15ft and 17ft/20ft river models. There are three feeder rods too – a 9ft/10ft light feeder and bomb, a 10ft/11ft rod that looks ideal for commercials, and a long-casting 12ft/13ft beast that is perfect for heavier set-ups.
Price: £240.99-£350
Whisker DF Carp Rods
Sharing the pedigree of Daiwa’s top-end signature Infinity DF (Danny Fairbrass) carp rods, the latest UK-built Whisker DF range claims a breakthrough in design. Offered in 12ft and 13ft lengths and with 2.75lb, 3lb and 3.5lb test curves, with matching spod and marker rods available, they have a custom-built look and feel that will make them much sought-after next season.
Price: £175-£185
Certate Reels
Certate reels offer a choice of sizes and specifications to handle everything from light lure work with low diameter braids, up to high-speed retrieves for cranking in larger plugs and spinners. The mid-sized 3000-4000 models are widely considered to be the best float and feeder reels available.
Price: £335-£360
Team Daiwa Luggage
Re-designed with the modern Daiwa logo for 2014, the retro black with red piping deluxe range has withstood the test of time. Made from tough PVC-backed nylon, it features durable reinforced plastic bases. Two new carryalls will also be available next year, taking keepnet bags and easily enough bait and tackle for a weekend’s fishing.
Price: £8.99-£64.99
Red Eye Sunglasses
How clever are these polarised sunglasses? They heighten the visibility of red/orange thanks to a special coating, making them especially useful when floatfishing with blaze-coloured float tops. With polycarbonate lenses, they are also highly water repellent.
Price: £49.99
Hyper Sensor Line
This new mono mainline offers a greatly reduced diameter, and more abrasion-resistance over the original Daiwa Sensor line.
It has improved knot strength too and will cast a long way thanks to its low diameter and super-slick finish. It’s available in bulk or on single-shot 300m spools.
Price: £12.99 (6lb-30lb)
£5.99 (5lb-12lb)
Seatbox Accessories
This latest D-Tatch system is both versatile and convenient. It will fit both square and round legs (up to 25mm in diameter) and has a carrier stub that can be left in situ on your seatbox and used with any one of the new accessory fitments such as pole socks and roost, spraybar, keepnet connectors and accessory arms.
Price: £5.99-£13.99
Black Widow Reels
Owning a Daiwa reel, especially in the larger sizes, can work out rather expensive. However, these quite stunning Black Widow freespool models in 3500, 4000, 4500 and 5000 sizes will go some way to dispelling that reservation. Sharing the same body shape as the popular Emcast models, Black Widows feature Air Bail and Twist Buster line rollers and come with a robust aluminium spool.
Price: £69.99
Morethan Branzino AGS Rod
With the extraordinary high price tag of £999 I doubt that the 10ft Branzino AGS Boat/Surf bass rod will become a ‘must have’ item for most people fishing off Cromer pier. However it is made from Daiwa’s best carbon cloth, weighs just 5.5oz and can boast a set of jaw dropping all-carbon guides which together weigh less than a single standard chrome ring.
Price: £999
Infinity Plateau Bedchair
The top of the range Infinity Plateau is a bedchair of flatbed design that provides the comfort needed for longer sessions.
It comes with a fleece mattress that can be removed for cleaning, and is of lightweight aluminium construction.
Price: £230
Mission Deluxe Bedchair
This new bedchair has a luxurious fixed mattress around a low profile steel frame. Features include a special screw lock back rest with extra legs for added support and spring-loaded leg locks with mudfeet.
Price: £114.99
Gekkabijin LRF rods
I have no idea how to pronounce the above name, but I can certainly vouch for the exceptional action of these rods. The super lightweight carbon blanks are remarkably soft and subtle in the tip, making them perfect for the fast growing mini species sea tactic of Light Rock Fishing (LRF). You get Fuji K guides, high- impact handles and super-fine solid carbon tips.
Price: £129.99-£149.99
Sundridge Igloo MK7 Suit
With winter on its way the new Sundridge Igloo MK7 is sure to be sought after by the predator angling brigade. This super tough garment is fully waterproof and breathable and has a very warm built-in polyester quilted lining.
Price: £129.99
Tri-Loader Barrow
To my mind the new Tri-Loader is a bit of a quirky item. Obviously it has three wheels, hence its name, but the high loading position and tilted angle are not filling me with faith in its stability, and it doesn’t look particularly strong around the rear wheel axle area either. Still, time will tell.
Price: £119.99
Saltist Sea Seatbox and Ruck Converter
What a great little idea this is. Designed for the shore or boat angler, the box has a deep base with a top tier tackle area that is quick and easy to access.
The clever Ruck Converter allows it to be carried in the rucksack position, and there’s a cushion to make the job comfortable.
Price: Team Daiwa Sea Seatbox £34.99
Ruck Converter £24.99
Saltist Lever Drag Multipliers
These new Lever Drag reels have a remarkable 7.3:1 retrieve ratio and can be set to three positions of engagement. They are best used for fish with attitude, but on the lightest setting they give you enough freedom of spool travel for tossing baits away from the boat with the reassurance of no overruns. What happens next is up to you.
Price: £299-£325
New Angling Times Issue 3130 out now!
This week big hitters including Des Taylor and Keith Arthur give their take on the week’s happenings plus read brilliant tactical advice from Steve Ringer, Dave Harrell and Terry Hearn. There’s also John Wilson’s final interview before he leaves for Thailand and he’s not holding anything back with his thoughts on otters, cormorants and the state of UK fishing. For tackle fans we bring you the latest gear from Maver and Shimano plus the eagerly-awaited Tackle & Guns Show while in the big fish world there’s a huge 4lb 7oz perch for Gareth Goldson, Julian Lewis-Jones in search of big sharks and a day ticket 50lb carp from Bluebell Lakes. Add that to the latest match results including how Des Shipp won at White Acres and you’ve got the complete package at your fingertips – out on the iPad now, in shops Tuesday October 15.
Avid reveals new gear for 2014
Last week one of the most innovative specimen tackle companies Avid Carp, unveiled their new products for next season, and Angling Times popped along to Staffordshire’s Baden Hall to take a sneak preview.
The team at Avid have been working hard behind the scenes on a number of launches including their first foray in to the rod market with two different models along with dedicated spod and marker rods which we able to put through their paces. They’re also releasing a new range of hooks which, as you’d expect from the brand, are a little bit different to everything else on the market.
Here are our favourite items which we are sure will prove to be a huge hit with anglers…
MSX RODS
These hand-built rods have 2.75lb and 3.25lb test curves making them ideal for all-round use.
Built using super high-modulus two-piece blanks, they also sport 50mm butt rings, full duplon handles and have the understated aesthetics you’d associate with a custom-build rod.
Prices: £199.99 for 3.25lb and £179.99 for the 2.75lb model.
DISTANCE SPOD
You need a serious bit of kit to fire out spod-fulls of bait over a disance – and this rod is just the tool for the job.
Constructed from a top-of-the-range blank, it produces an incredible amount of power to propel your payload huge distances.
Price: £249.99 rrp
DISTANCE MARKER
Purpose-built as a feature-finding rod it is capable of casting a marker float and heavy lead long distances.
The rod has a stiff yet sensitive tip that will transmit information back through the two-piece blank allowing you to feel every variation.
Price: £249.99 rrp
DSK RODS
If you’re looking to catch fish at range, These new DSK rods are the ones to reach for.
Designed for fishing at extreme distances, these are at the forefront of rod technology. The rods come as 12ft and 13ft models and are super-strong, incredibly reliable and will help you achieve long casting distances.
The rods boast abbreviated handles, 50mm butt rings and anti-frap tip rings.
Price: £299.99 rrp
METHOD FEEDERS AND MOULDS
THESE new Avid flat bed Method feeders are available in small and large body sizes, with a choice of weights from 1.5oz to 3oz.
The unique body shape has an aerodynamic design and weighted nose that allows them to fly long and straight so you can hit the spot every time.
Its quick-change system means that you can change the weight of feeder in seconds to adapt to any situation.
Prices: £3.99 for feeders, £2.99 for moulds.
REACTION HOOKS
THESE new hooks are finished in a non-glare green colour that helps with concealment.
There are four patterns – Long Shank, Chod, Curved Chank and Wide Gape. All of them have strength and reliability in mind and are sticky sharp to maximise hook-ups on a variety of rigs.
The hooks come in packs of 12 of sizes 4-10 and in barbed and barbless variations.
Price: £5.25 per pack.
SCREEN HOUSE SHELTER IS MASSIVE
THIS gazebo-style shelter is simply massive and is sure to find much favour with anglers who fish on the Continent.
The shelter is easy to erect and has four full-length zips on all sides that allow to attach a bivvy to create one huge complex with a central social awning. Features include four mozzie mesh sides, taped seams, groundsheet and pegs.
The shelter is 2.3m high and 3.3m wide, giving you plenty of room. That packs down into a small carry bag.
Price: £199.99
ZIGBOX STORAGE
AVAILABLE in November, this is the ultimate way to store and transport your
zig rigs.
The compact box is supplied with eight zig spools that will each comfortably hold four
made-up rigs. The spools have sliders that allow you to conveniently store zigs of all lengths.
Made from watertight hard plastic, each box has a 12ins ruler so it’s easy to adjust the length of your rigs on the bank.
Each box comes
with 32 spare spool stickers for easy identification of what rigs you have ready.
Price: £14.99
SAFEGUARD ANY LEVEL CRADLE
CARP care is of paramount importance in today’s fishing world and this carp cradle from Avid has a fully padded exterior and interior for supreme fish protection.
The fresh design has mesh centres for better water drainage, a cover flap to temporarily secrure the fish, and is constructed with adjustable legs that makes them easy to use on uneven surface.
The sturdy, collapsible frame has a fold-flat design and is quick and simple to pack away in its supplied carry bag.
Price: £89.99
DEPTH GAUGE BRAID
BRAID is an essential component for any feature-finding and this new line from Avid has been specifically designed to transmit every bump and knock to your hand.
With its black marks every 1ft, it’s also great for plumbing depths.
Price: £39.99 for 200yd spool
Nash reveals new gear for 2014
One of the most eagerly anticipated trade shows of the year was held in Essex last week by big-carp specialist Nash.
Unlike in previous seasons, when Nash introduced a plethora of new equipment, this time around the company concentrated on its bigger ticket items such as bedchairs, bivvies, bite alarms and luggage, with the promise of many more smaller bits of kit to be revealed in January 2014.
That said, the early release of Optic bobbin heads with their accompanying drag weights, chains, and fibre optic light pipes that illuminate right into the heads when you get a run should have the carp technophiles among you rushing to get your orders in.
My guide for the tour around his latest ‘must have’ kit was the main man himself, Kevin Nash. As well as being one of the most respected carp anglers of all time, he has been creating, developing and refining top-of-the-range -tackle for more than 30 years, so who better to explain Nash’s new releases?
DOUBLE TOP BIVVY
This huge capacity bivvy, that easily accommodates two people, has the height to allow you to stand up inside, which is ideal for anyone who struggles with the confines of a standard sized shelter.
Perfect for those French or longer stay sessions, it features a twin skin that completely eliminates damp and the annoying water drips it generates.
Price: £499.99
GLOBETROTTER CARP CRADLE
Nash has given its best-selling carp cradle an extra third leg on each side of the frame, to offer extra support when very large fish are the occupants. Two new models – Monster and Globetrotter – have also been added to the range.
Prices: £84.99-£109.99
TITAN GLOBETROTTER BIVVY
This lightweight Titan Globetrotter bivvy comes with full Mozzie mesh outer that is perfect for those balmy summer nights. It is also supplied with a second skin that fits snugly over the top and will keep out the worst of weathers. Constructed with the same block erection system as used on all Nash Titan bivvies, it is super-sturdy and also available as a two-man version.
Prices: £399.99-£499.99
DELIVERANCE THROWING STICKS
Two new Deliverance throwing sticks are designed to handle 12mm, 15mm and 20mm boilies. Their featherweight frames should ease the strain of extensive baiting campaigns, and they come in distance and stealth lengths.
Price: £16.99
DELIVERANCE BAITING SPOONS
These baiting spoons include a handy slotted particle version that should do away with the need to add too much wetness to your spod mixes.
Although a fairly simple product, baiting spoons can help you to introduce large amounts of feed at close range without causing a great deal of disturbance. Bait boat owners will also find the smallest size ideal for loading-up their flotilla.
Price: £27.99
GROUNDHOG BROLLY
The irrepressible Nash Groundhog brolly, without doubt one of the most sought-after short session shelters on the market, has received a makeover for next year.
It now features a new colour and a quite superb lightweight frame with a reduced length pole stub inside to maximise head room. A groundsheet and winter skin can be purchased separately.
Price: £139.99 (brolly)
£119.99 (winter skin)
R3 BITE ALARM
Nash’s new top-of-the-range alarm has built-in snag ears and does not require hockey sticks when fitting bobbin chains or cords. The head has a velocity line-sensing movement with three settings, to eliminate random bleeps caused by strong winds or weed movement.
Other features include a built-in line guard, single press mute function, three tone settings, adjustable volume and a very clever breathing LED light.
The R3 receiver unit has an extreme range function and anti-theft alarm Available in blue, purple, red and clear.
Prices: Receiver £114.99, heads £94.44 each
SIREN S5R BITE ALARMS
The good looking, no-nonsense and extremely popular long battery life Siren S5 alarm has now been adapted for use with its own receiver.
Unfortunately, though, the new unit will not work with current S5 alarm heads. Available in four colours, the latest alarms have easily operated function knobs, and will be sold as set of three including a receiver unit for just £199.99.
Prices: £49.99 per alarm
£49.99 receiver unit
MAG BANKSTICKS AND BUZZ BAR
These fabulous looking and unfeasibly lightweight banksticks and buzz bars will not be available until next February. However, once they are in the shops, despite their high price, they are sure to be one of next year’s ‘must have’ carp products. Built using a special carbon and alloy process, they are super strong and have magnetic heads.
Prices: £34.99-£54.99
SIREN OPTICS BOARD
Bringing carp fishing into 2014 with a gadget-based bang is this new Nash Optic range of alarm fitments and bobbin heads. The full Optic series consists of cord, chains, drag-weights and bobbin heads, all matching up with the new alarm heads. They also feature a special fibre optic light pipe connector that illuminates itself and your bobbin when you get a run. A plug-in light pipe adaptor that fits all Delkim and Fox alarms is also available
Prices: £2.99-£12.99
SCOPE RUCKSACKS
In a no-frills build with high storage capacity, the larger of the two bags, the Rucksack, features an air frame with high-density foam shoulder straps that will not compress over time.
The smaller bag, the Scope Backpack, has an identical air frame that prevents it sticking to your back and making you sweat, as well as a removable and insulated bottom section that can be used to keep bait or food fresh.
Prices: Rucksack £87.99, Backpack £76.99
NASH SCARF AND BOBBLE HAT
Just what every carp angler wants for a present – a trendy new scarf and matching bobble hat. Definitely designed with a bit of Yuletide spirit, the warm woollen material will keep out the coldest of winter winds.
Price: £24.99 per set
INDULGENCE AIR FRAME BEDCHAIRS
The original Nash removable mattress and layered duvet system provides versatile comfort wherever you are fishing and whatever the weather.
The latest Air Frame bedchairs have reinforced lightweight frames without handwheels, and a flat-lay sleeping position in a choice of SS3, SS4, Wide Boy and Emperor.
Prices: £329.99-£459.99
INDULGENCE AIR SHROUD
This is sure to be among the best-selling carp luggage products of 2014. In a fully waterproof material, it has added length, allowing it to be used with a storm pole as an overhead shelter – a great summer idea.
Price: £54.99-£59.99
New Angling Times Issue 3129 out now!
First with the news - every Monday! This week’s Angling Times is packed full of news and features to make your fishing week one to remember. All the sport’s biggest names are here – Martin Bowler, Des Taylor, Steve Ringer, Dave Harrell and Paul Garner – and this week we’ve also got a brilliant feature on a forgotten bait. For match anglers, world silver medallist Steve Hemingray reveals how he fishes the Method feeder for bream, while top club angler Neil Dimmick explains how you catch 100lb from snake lakes. We’ve also a huge Carp News section and exclusive tackle reviews. Angling Times is Britain’s No.1 fishing weekly – out on the iPad every Monday, in shops every Tuesday.
Pure Fishing reveals new gear for 2014
Pure Fishing is a global tackle giant with household brands Shakespeare, JRC, Mitchell, ABU Garcia, Penn and Berkley in its impressive portfolio.
The company’s first trade show of the year revealed a stunning array of new gear right across the board, including the latest incarnation of the iconic Mitchell 300 reel, and what appear to be completely unbreakable Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 rods –these have to be seen to be believed, so watch the video on our YouTube site GoFishingOnline.
Other highlights included sea brands Penn’s first foray into the coarse market with a classy looking cult-black Affinity limited edition reel, and dozens of new lure patterns from Sebile, Berkley and Shakespeare.
Carp anglers were well provided for by JRC with its re-vamped range of Contact chairs and new Cocoon and Extreme models. And for the avid carp angler who drives a small hatchback, an ingenious Super Cocoon bedchair has a patented four-way folding system allowing it to pack down small and fit in the car.
Shakespeare Agility EXP Range
Distinctive four-piece EXP (short for Expedition) blanks will be introduced across the entire Shakespeare fly, sea and spinning rod ranges next year.
The Agility series, aimed at the pleasure angler, presently sees four new rods – two float and two feeder – although more are expected to follow.
Four-piece rods were once considered quirky unless for holiday use, and while these are perfect for that application, the clever design of the blanks allows them to be left set-up as standard same length two-piece rods. There’s no flat-spotting, as the rods have a perfect progressive curvature.
Watch out for the exclusive Angling Times live test on these superb concept tools.
Prices: £59.99-£64.99
Superteam Reels
Designed as the perfect foil for the Superteam rod range, these new Superteam reels are available in 3500 and 4000body sizes and are ideal for float and feeder work. Both are front drag models, with large diameter bail arms and oversized lined rollers, perfect for thicker diameter reel lines.
Price: £59.99
Mitchell 300 Series
Back with a bang is the classic Mitchell 300 reel.
This time around the million selling worldwide favourite features a modern cut-away skeletal design. This reveals an exposed rotor mechanism impeccably housed in an extremely strong egg-shaped polymeric body, looking not dissimilar to the original.
The precision setting front drag system was also styled on the Mitchell reels of the 1960s. The all-black 300 and the supercool metallic red-trimmed Pro 300 are sure to be among next year’s most popular reels.
Prices: £49.99-£64.99
Shakespeare Ugly Stick GX2 Rods
Shakespeare latest generation of Ugly Stik GX2 rods feature a carbon core surrounded by graphite, making them virtually indestructible.
Match that toughness with one-piece stainless steel guides and you have a rod that can be only be described as awesome.
Prices: From £29.99
Abu Cardinal Series Reels
The Abu Cardinal reel made its debut in 1965 and has become a hallmark for durability and value for money. The latest four-reel series has been upgraded and they now all boast slow oscillation, machined aluminium spools and an Everlast bail-arm system for longer life.
Price: £52.99 -£59.99
Shakespeare Agility Luggage Range
The affordable Agility luggage range features three rod holdalls, carry, stink and bait cooler bags and groundbait-bowls. Tailored from a robust waterproof material in a striking blue and red livery, all items look very well made.
Prices: From £7.99
Shakespeare Agility Bait Apron
This blue Agility bait apron has a padded neck strap, three compartment pockets, and a cover flap to keep your bait dry. Buckle fastening clips allow you to remove it quickly, should Nature come calling.
Price: £9.99
JRC Super Cocoon Bedchair
This unique three-leg (six in total) bedchair provides instant zeds, and the uniquely designed frame concertinas down into four sections, making it one if not the most compact bedchairs ever made.
Price: £179.99
JRC Stealth X-Lo Chair
This super lightweight and compact chair is built around an aerospace grade aluminium frame weighing in at just 3.1kg.
It is comfy enough for the longest sessions and yet will hardly make a difference to the weight on your barrow.
Price: £69.99
JRC Spod Stand
Fed up with backache caused by bending down to scoop up a spodful of feed?
JRC has come up with the perfect answer in the form of this Spod Stand. The tripod design is stable on any surface and the clever top allows buckets of all shapes and sizes to be used.
Price: £19.99
JRC Stealth X-Lite and Contact Pods
These new pods are featherweight yet robust. The horizontal frames are immensely strong and easy to level on most surfaces, and will provide sturdy rod locations even for large big-pit reels. Each pod has height adjustable legs, while the X- Lite also features frame length adjustment.
Prices: £39.99 and £49.99
JRC DS3 Radar alarms
Produced with the help of a team of international carp anglers, the new JRC Radar alarms and receiver unit offer unmatched reliability and numerous key features that take bite indication to a new level.
Features include changeable LED colours, step-less volume and tone regulation, stealth mode and more. The most important of these has to be the alarm’s lighthouse function that serves as a white strobe beacon, should you need to go out in a boat to play a fish at night. The alarms come as a boxed set of three, including the receiver unit.
Price: £399.99
New Angling Times Issue 3128 out now!
This week’s Angling Times is packed full of news and features to make your fishing week one to remember. It’s the start of the pike season and TV star Chris Tarrant gives us an exclusive insight into his love for the species. Also on the subject of pike, Bait Doc Paul Garner reveals his favourite deadbaits and we unveil a fantastic new range of lures from E-Sox. For match anglers, there the full rundown from the weekend’s big Angling Times Bait-Tech Supercup final, and we’ve also a huge Carp News section and brilliant tackle reviews. Angling Times is Britain’s No.1 fishing weekly – out on the iPad every Monday, in shops every Tuesday.
Leeda reveals new gear for 2014
Leeda Tackle – which also incorporates match, specimen and sea fishing brands MAP, Wychwood and Mustad – flung open the doors of its first trade show of the year to reveal a stunning array of highly innovative products.
Under the guidance of brand manager Mike Robinson MAP already has many super-successful products in its portfolio, including what is regarded by many as the best meat cutter on the market, the space-saving Parabolix STI luggage system and the awesome TKS poles, the latest of which – the flagship 901 – was exclusively live tested in Angling Times two weeks ago.
Now the wraps have come off a brilliant new pole roller and many more handy tackle items that all match anglers will want.
Specimen brand Wychwood has unveiled new Solace rods, sleeping bags that would keep you snug and warm on a mountain top, and one of the best rucksacks I have ever seen.
For the sea angler the classic Leeda Icon name has been given to three stunning new beachcasting rods, while Mustad has released a simply perfect luggage range for shore fishermen.
MAP Double V Flat roller
This clever pole roller makes for quick and easy double shipping. Two centrally positioned upright rollers prevent expensive pole sections from colliding, while a single roller design either side of the flat V layout means that resting sections cannot be rolled off. Fitted with the established flat fold and three way extending leg systems, it is the ideal roller for all situations.
Price: £74.99
MAP Dual Hooklength Box
With a clear UV protective lid, this box has unique adjustable pins with length measurements on the slider to ensure consistent hooklengths every time. A bottom layer features a magnetic hook storage tray and enough space to house scissors, snippers and loop-tyers.
Price: £14.99
MAP EVA Bait Luggage
Light and easy to carry, these EVA bowls, bait waiters and groundbait buckets allow all kinds of baits to be housed in a neat and compact manner. They wipe clean in a trice.
Prices: EVA Complete Bait set £34.99; groundbait bowls with lid £9.99/£10.99; EVA Bait Compartments £3.99 (small), £5.99 (medium), £6.99 (large); groundbait bowls £6.99 (small), £8.50 (large)
MAP XL Stink Bag
Fed up with the smell of wet? Then treat yourself to one of these new XL Stink Net bags in durable plastic. The bright MAP blue bag will take up to three keepnets plus landing net heads, and there are handy screw-capped drainage holes on either side.
Price: £34.99
Wychwood Morpheus Ultra 7 sleeping bag
This bag has been tested down to minus 15ºC. All of the materials have heat regulating properties, so it can be used all year round
Price: £149.99
Wychwood Dispatch 750 Spod reel
Oversized gearing will easily cope with the rigours of spod and Spomb work. Other features include a bail-arm lock and a wide long cast spool, but best of all the reel comes pre-loaded with 20lb (0.26mm) braid, and will retrieve in an impressive one metre of line per handle crank.
Price: £69.99
Wychwood Epic Packsmart rucksack
This rucksack will awallow a large amount of bait and tackle. With a built-in groundsheet, the Packsmart opens out to reveal five see-through zip pouches to pack away everything from clothing to bait.
Price: £79.99
Wychwood Epic Flatstack bags
These Wychwood Flatstack on and off-barrow bags will slide easily under a bed chair, and with an impressive 30-litre capacity they swallow up bait and gear. Interconnectable, they have heavy duty adjustable retention straps that will fit any barrow.
Price: £49.99 (Flatstack starter pack including chill and accessory bags)
Solace Specialist and Specimen rods
The perfect choice for anglers targeting barbel, chub, tench and big bream, these quality rods feature retro full cork handles, gunmetal trim rings and custom-spaced SG braid-friendly guides.
Prices: £59.99 to £89.99
Wychwood Firefly baiting needles
Five differenct baiting needle heads and a bait drill all have stainless needles securely fitted into moulded glow-in-the-dark handles, CAD-engineered for comfort.
Price: £2.99
Wychwood Worm Wraps
These will protect your rods in transit. The one-piece design that does not degrade or clog up is handy for a multitude of connecting uses.
Price: £1.99 per pack
LED Lenser head torches
These quite superb head torches from LED Lenser will turn the darkest night into day. Six styles all have a powerful LED lumen output, are comfortable to wear, and between them will suit all styles of angling and depths of pocket.
Prices: £34.99-£139.99
Wychwood Agitator Predator rods
For casting big deadbaits or just flicking out small lures, the Agitator series has it covered. High modulus carbon blanks feature braid-friendly guides triple leg guides guaranteed for the life of the rod.
Prices: £39.99-£69.99
Mustad Sea fishing luggage range
Zip-less and proofed against saltwater, the 35-litre features a special quiver grip back support, with built-in rain cover, safety whistle, side pockets and front fixing points.
Prices £11.99-£49.99
Leeda M-Sport Icon beach rods
The classic Icon brand is back with three impressive beachcasters. The two piece M-Sport blanks feature improved rings, full-length Japanese shrink wrapped handle and a finish that simply oozes class. Available in Match, Power and Ultra Power for rough ground work, these are destined to be popular for the imminent cod season.
Price: £149.99
New Angling Times Issue 3126 out now!
In this week’s Angling Times we celebrate the end of summer with a fantastic array of features to keep you catching as the weather starts to cool. We’ve Martin Bowler on tench, Dean Brook on chub, Paul Garner on carp, and Dave Harrell on the species you can expect to catch on rivers over the next few weeks, all in this week’s issue. We’ve also got all the weekend’s match results, a huge Carp News section and brilliant tackle reviews. Out on the iPad every Monday, in shops every Tuesday.
New Angling Times Issue 3125 out now!
New Angling Times Issue 3124 out now!
This week’s Angling Times comes free with a brilliant guide to pole fishing produced by the UK’s top commercial match angler Steve Ringer. There’s also news of a massive roach haul, a big pike shock from a trout lake, and we interview the man who caught a 500lb thresher shark last week. Along with expert advice from regular star columnists Steve Ringer, Martin Bowler, Dave Harrell and Paul Garner, we’ve also got all the weekend’s match results, a huge Carp News section and brilliant tackle reviews. Angling Times is Britain’s No.1 fishing weekly – out on the iPad every Monday.
New Angling Times Issue 3123 out now!
In this week’s Angling Times, we’ve exclusive coverage of UK matchfishing’s most valuable event, the Maver Mega Match This Final, after which one angler walked away with a £50,000 prize. There’s also news of an enormous bream and a massive hit of River Trent barbel, along with expert advice from regular star columnists Steve Ringer, Martin Bowler, Dave Harrell and Paul Garner. We’ve also got all the weekend’s match results, a huge Carp News section and brilliant tackle reviews. Angling Times is Britain’s No.1 fishing weekly – out on the iPad every Monday, in the shops every Tuesday.
Coming soon... UKCarp on the iPad!
Next week UKCarp Magazine will be available on the iPad from the iTunes App Store.
Filled with extra content, including unseen video footage and interactive instruction and additional features it is sure to be popular among carp anglers.
Solar Tackle launch new online shop
This morning saw the launch of Solar Tackle’s brand-new webshop, Solar 24-7.
Now every item made by the popular carp brand is available at the click of a button. You can shop direct with Solar Tackle from you Mac, PC, smart phone, iPad or tablet, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and have your goods delivered straight to your door, lake, or anywhere else you desire.
At the time of launching, there are more than 2950 products available at Solar 24-7, and this number of tackle and bait items will continue to grow with special offers, deals, limited-edition items and exclusive products for customers to take advantage of being uploaded each week.
Solar 24-7 has been designed to be user friendly, enabling even the most technophobic angler to enjoy all the benefits of shopping online. Better still, you’ll find images, descriptions, technical specifications, details and videos on all of the Solar products so that you can find the perfect items for your fishing and buy with confidence.
Commenting on the move Solar Tackle boss Martin Locke said:
“From where we are, we can’t reasonably expect retailers to stock everything that we produce, as Solar has a large portfolio, with both bait and tackle arms to the business. Obviously, we won’t slow down our developments just for that reason. We also want the angler to have the full Solar product range easily available to them. So, we have taken the now obvious route of launching www.solar24.7.co.uk, our very own webshop, so that anglers have 100% availability of everything that we make, at the touch of a button, anywhere in the world.”
To keep in touch with Solar Tackle 'like' their Facebook page www.facebook.com/SolarSharperCarper
SHOP ONLINE AND ENJOY:
Special offers
Exclusive, limited edition products
Bulk-bait deals
Huge availability of the entire, extensive Solar range
Free delivery anywhere in the UK on all order over £75
Free delivery anywhere in mainland Europe on all orders over €100
Expert advice and instructional videos demonstrating how to get the very best out of the products you buy.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE ‘APP’
Download the Solar24-7 ‘App’ for free and have the entire Solar Tackle warehouse available to you at the touch of a button; Simply log onto www.solar24-7.co.uk from your mobile device and follow the instructions.
EXPERT ADVICE
Videos from members of the highly-experience Solar team will be regularly uploaded, offering hints, tips and advice on how to get the best out of all manner of products and baits. We’ll also be uploading underwater footage of various products and baits to give you a carp’s eye view.
LAUNCH OFFERS
Here is just a selection of the 10 launch offers available at www.solar24-7.co.uk right now:
1: SEAFOOD SESSION PACK – 15% OFF
Get your hands on a whole host of the all-new Seafood Take-Away range at a bargain price.
2: BULK-BAIT DEALS - £6.50 PER KILO!
Buy 100kg+ of any Solar boilie or dumbell for just £6.50 per kilo.
Smaller quantities are also available, starting at 20kg for just £7 per kilo.
3: TASTER PACKS – 15% off
Want to try one of the Solar baits and save yourself money? Take advantage of these taster packs in each of Solar’s 7 boilie-range flavours.
