Berkley X9 braid review
Over the closing weeks of the river season Angling Times News Reporter Chris Haydon was out on the banks in search of perch and pike on lures. Whilst catching a few fish, including a new personal best, he’s had the perfect chance to fully test Berkleys New X9 braid in a number of conditions, here are his thoughts…
I’ve had a brilliant experience whilst testing the X9 Lo Vis Green braid in both 10lb and 20lb breaking strains. These low diameter and low visibility braids are perfect for crystal clear water conditions which are common in the colder months. This attribute is particularly beneficial when fishing for species such as perch as the low visibility enables a shorter fluorocarbon trace to be used, which can greatly improve bite detection. The diameter also proves beneficial in other areas too as I only use a small 2000 size reel when perch fishing, which the braid sufficiently filled and sat neatly on.
Casting is where this product really comes into its own though. Great distances can be achieved effortlessly and accurately due to the zero stretch and low noise properties of the braid. Like all braids most anglers choose to spool up with, the Berkley X9 offers superior bite indication to a monofilament mainline, again, due to its zero stretch properties. This enables the angler to feel everything that the lure comes into contact with on the bottom. Whilst using the braid I found I connected with 90% of the bites I had from perch, which I caught up to 3lb 4oz.
An issue often encountered when using braid is tangles, but this wasn’t an issue with the X9, despite its extreme suppleness. In terms of strength the X9 also appeared reliable with all knots holding and pike up to around the 8lb mark landed with ease. I used a variety of lures including some big plugs and the braid cast them all without cracking off.
Despite several sessions the braid showed little signs of deterioration, even when often being left set up running through the rod rings for ease of use on my often short sessions. Overall this product is great for the mobile lure angler and will suit a variety of applications from roving with small lures on rivers to chucking plugs for big Stillwater pike.”
TECH SPEC
· Available in Fluoro Green, Lo Vis Green and Crystal Clear
· 150m spools
· Designed for optimum strength and casting distance
· Smooth for long and quiet casts
· High knot strength
· 9-carrier construction
· PE Core
Price: £42.99 (If you shop around you’ll find it cheaper)
Colmic Jolly Float Review
Believe it or not, there was a time before all-singing and all-dancing handmade pole floats were all the rage and it’s pleasing to see that many of the patterns that were on the go 20 years ago are still catching plenty of fish in 2018!
One of those is the Colmic Jolly, several of which adorn the winder trays in my seatbox and there’s one very good reason why – versatility.
In the smaller sizes, the Jolly makes a super float for fishing hemp or pinkies into far bank rat holes on canals and drains but up this to the 4x14 and 4x16 sizes and you’ve got a very good model for catching roach and skimmers on deeper venues. Go bigger still and the Jolly becomes a brilliant float for to hand work the whip or for running a bait down a big river.
With a classic pear-shaped body, carbon stem and thin plastic bristle, the Jolly remains surprisingly stable for such a thin pattern, the carbon stem giving the hookbait a slower fall through the water than if you were using wire. Dotting the bristle down is easy too as adding a No 11 shot doesn’t suddenly turn the float from a Belisha Beacon sticking out of the water to the proverbial lead balloon.
Available in sizes 4x8 to 8g, the only off-putting part about a Jolly is the pink colour – but who cares if it keeps going under?
RRP: £1.99
Mick Wilkinson Steady pole floats review
Mick Wilkinson Steady pole floats
Simplicity is important to me when it comes to pole rigs for commercial waters and I try to keep my float choices to a minimum.
That means you’ll find only five or six patterns among my pole rigs and of these, the Mick Wilkinson Steady is my first choice for the majority of open-water situations in anything but a gale.
With a highly-visible but thin hollow antenna of 1.25mm diameter, super-strong polystyrene body and 0.5mm wire stem, these floats sit up quickly, are unbelievably stable and can be used with confidence with baits from sweetcorn to maggots.
My Steadies have taken a right battering over the years but even stems that have bent after fish ploughed into reeds have been easily straightened. They’re consistent in shotting from float to float, and I find the 4x10, 4x12 and 4x14 sizes perfect for most of my fishing. Mind you, I’m pleased hear that larger sizes than 4x16 are soon to become available for when the wind really blows across the Fens…
Kevin Wilmot
Deputy Editor, Angling Times
Guru Super LWG Banded ready rigs review
I’m not proud to admit it, but as I’ve grown older I have become lazier in my fishing preparation. But can you blame me, when there are products like the range of Guru ready rigs on the tackle-shop shelves?
My favourite of these rigs currently are the superb Super LWG Banded ready rigs. For over a year now I have been using these hooks in sizes 18 and 16. Both come supplied on 6ins of 0.13mm diameter line, perfectly tied with small, strong but flexible bands on a small loop. I’ve used them for hard pellets in 4mm, 6mm and 8mm sizes, and also for banded caster and worm when shallow fishing, all on the pole.
Hand on heart, I haven’t have a single band break on me, and hardly any fish losses either – and I’m talking fish from 12oz F1s to 15lb carp. No wonder I’m getting lazy…
Kevin Wilmot
Deputy Editor, Angling Times
Middy's new luggage range
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the brand, Middy has treated anglers to the launch of its MX Series luggage.
In its distinctive black and orange livery all items look modern and stylish but, as always with Middy, there’s more than just good looks on offer here.
Every item has been designed to keep you organised on the bank and protect your precious tackle in transit. Several of these – the MX-6T Holdall, MX-50L Carryall, MX-R820 Roller/Roost Bag,
MX-50C Baits/Accessory Cool Bag and MX-4L and MX-4L Accessory Cases – are made from SkinMax, a material of tightly interwoven nylon threads with a bonded liner.
Other items feature Hydroseal, a water-repellent and easy-to-clean EVA, sealed to form a watertight bond. www.middytackle.com
The new range includes
1) MX-6T Holdall
THE 1.85m length will take 12ft two-piece rods and 16m poles. With a hard-wearing reinforced top and bottom, the holdall is star-stitched at critical stress points. You get two gusseted side pockets, a balanced ergonomic carry handle and a padded secure shoulder strap.
Price: £89.99
2) MX-3T Lightweight Holdall
This lightweight holdall is made from a tough 420-denier material, and take 12ft two-piece rods and 16m poles. There’s a zipped main closure and two gusseted side pockets.
Price: £39.99
3) MX-RC1 Padded Rod Case
A well-padded sleeve that will take a single rod made up with a reel attached. The zip is positioned opposite to the reel to prevent damage to the line.
Price: £32.50
4) MX-R820 Roller/Roost Bag
AT 82cm wide, this bag will accommodate the very largest pole rollers and features a detachable padded shoulder strap and carry handles. The hardwearing SkinMax material is backed up by twin skin base reinforcement, and star stitching where it’s most needed.
Price: £69.99
5) MX-40L Lightweight Carryall
This lightweight carryall has additional twin skin reinforcement on the base. It features padded carry handles, a detachable padded shoulder strap and an open-style side pocket with adjustable strap closure for a keepnet.
Price: £49.99
6) MX-50L Carryall
In addition to the exclusive SkinMax material, this 50-litre carryall boasts a super-durable hard base and star stitching at critical stress points. The main compartment is rigid and there’s an open-style side pocket for keepnets.
Price: £69.99
7) MX-3L Reel/Accessory Case
This fully padded three-litre case stores a reel or accessories. A clear zipped flap lid makes the contents instantly visible, and it comes with a detachable padded compartment for storing a spare reel spool, as well as a movable EVA liner.
Price: £15.99
8) MX-4L Accessory Case
This fully padded four-litre accessory case is made from 840-denier SkinMax material. A clear zipped flap lid allows you to quickly see inside, and it is easy to wipe clean. The EVA moveable liner can be positioned underneath the flap lid for extra padding protection.
Price: £16.99
Also in the range
MX-50C Baits/Accessory Cool Bag
DOUBLING up as a baits cool bag and tackle bag, the MX-50C is foil-lined to keep baits fresh, and an EVA insert base ensures its thermal properties are retained while it rests on the ground.
Price: £69.99
MX-3NT EVA Nets + Tray Bag
MADE from hardwearing and easy-clean EVA material to ensure zero water leakage when stood upright, the MX-3NT stores three keepnets plus spoon nets with ease. An open-style pocket on the side takes a match tray.
Price: £49.99
MX-HS4L Accessory/Baits/Hook Case
Water-resistant EVA material and exclusive Hydroseal technology suit this item to storing hook cases, pellet baits or accessories. A clear lid allows you to see the contents at a glance.
Price: £14.99
MX-PS3 Pellet Soaker
IN a durable mesh material, this pellet soaker has a full zip closure and an ergonomic hard grip handle.
Price: £9.99
TF gear's air bomb review
Stealthy no-spook baiting operation
Delivers payload without surface impact
Aerodynamic design maximises your casting range
Total accuracy every cast
Large load capacity
Easy and quick to fill
Creates even beds of bait with speed and efficiency
No spillage or wasted bait
Suitable for boilies, particles and floaters
Buoyant and effortless to retrieve
Heavy-duty and robust to withstand extreme casting
TF Gear's new baiting system is nailed on to impress all carp and specimen anglers.
The Airbomb looks not dissimilar to other popular systems available, but it works in a completely revolutionary manner.
As it reaches your chosen point it hits the reel clip and opens in mid-flight, propelling your feed forwards. This is in sharp contrast to devices that open on splashdown.
The Airbomb works just as well with hemp, particle mixes, maggots, pellets, and floaters as it does with boilies, and the benefits are numerous. I’ll mention just a few.
It can be used to place feed tight up against features such as weed beds, or beneath overhanging bankside tree canopies, without having to cast too close to them and risk losing it.
Because the Airbomb opens in mid-air its split body section lands virtually silently on the water, making for a stealthy non-spook operation – nor does it land on top of your feed area.
This means it confuses and deters marauding boilie-munching gulls and waterfowl has to be a massive plus point, as is the fact that its ‘fast scoop’ design can be filled with one hand.
To that little lot you can add a robust, streamlined, aerodynamic body shape which delivers maximum casting distance with unerring accuracy.
Most obviously, it will help you to catch even more fish because the Airbomb provides a quite superb spread of bait over a small area. This creates a grazing spot, rather than a compact pile of feed that could cause suspicion and result in the fish spooking off.
Price: £13.99
Our verdict:
Rarely in angling does something new come along that will have a genuinely positive effect on your catch rate. TF Gear’s new Airbomb does just that.
On a raw, cold morning at the Carp Society’s Horseshoe Lake in Oxfordshire, TF Gear took the wraps off this exciting new product, which has been under development with anglers of the quality of Dave Lane for the past two years.
My initial impression was that it looks very much like other ‘rod-cast’ feeding systems on the market. However, that thought should be quickly dispelled, because the TFG Airbomb works in an altogether different way.
It opens in mid-air when it hits the reel clip, then lands silently. The distance your feed is propelled forwards when the Bomb hits the clip does vary slightly, depending on the weight of the feed (particles being lighter than boilies), as does the angle and speed of cast.
Nevertheless, this feed spread distance is easily evened out by taking a couple of steps backwards when feeding boilies. What’s more, once you’ve had a few casts with the Airbomb, travel parameters of the feed are quickly worked out. During the trial, I had a few 100-yard casts into open water, and a 50-yard cast towards cover. Both distances proved equally easy to hit, and the Airbomb’s baiting pattern is as good as I could have wished for.
What’s more, it fooled Horseshoe’s legions of gulls, ducks and swans which know just where to sit when bait is being fed via catapults, throwing sticks or airborne devices. This was not only a hugely satisfying thing to behold, but it promised a substantial cash saving, given how much bait is lost to birdlife.
Deploying the Airbomb involves pulling back on the opening pin, filling it with bait, closing the doors and slipping the opening pin (between the rear flight fins) into a metal ring. Not once during the trials did I see the Airbomb open prematurely and spill its contents, nor did it ever fail to open on cue.
For margin and close-quarters tactics the Airbomb can be softly overcast before being reeled back into position. You then give it a sharp flick to open its eject mechanism.
Barring snap-offs you are unlikely to ever lose your Airbomb. My only problem was getting the trial sample back to my car without being spotted!
SKS Alarm and receiver set
First thing you’ll notice about this bite alarm kit is the free bivvy ligh. Offering standard illumination, it’s also paired with all the alarms in the set so it will turn on when you get a beep at your rods. Features include two super-bright LEDs in the ears – one illuminates for a run, while the other lights up when you get a drop-back bite. Direction of line movement is signalled with a different tone.
Two smaller bulbs under the roller wheel also light up when you get a bite, and these can also be switched on permanently as a subtle ‘night light’. There are six different volume settings (plus silent mode); four sensitivity levels;
a low-battery warning and seven tone adjustments.
Collar locks on the screw threads make lining up units on your buzzer bars simple. The battery compartment has a plastic slide-off door with no rubberised seal, but it’s a snug fit and Sonik claims 100 per cent waterproofing.
Price: £149.99
PRESTON INNOVATIONS MAG STORE HOOKLENGTH SYSTEMS
PRESTON INNOVATIONS MAG STORE HOOKLENGTH RETAINING SYSTEM
Preston's superb new Mag Store boxes boast weatherproof rubber gaskets to keep made-up hooklengths bone-dry.
Dual identification points make locating the correct box easy, and inside each box are magnets to locate individual Rig Sticks (8-10 supplied, depending on system size).
With pins at 7.5cm (3ins), 10cm (4ins), 15cm (6ins) and 20cm (8ins), the standard All-Round system can hold hooklengths for virtually any situation. Space at the ‘hook end’ accommodates hair rigs, bands and Quickstops. The system fits into the side drawers of Preston Space Station and On Box seatboxes.
Price: £14.99
METHOD HOOKLENGTH SYSTEM
The Method rig box will carry literally hundreds of short hooklengths on 10 reinforced glass fibre ribbed Rig Sticks. Once again, there is enough space at the ‘hook end’ to accommodate rig bits.
The sticks feature strong Neo Pro magnets, and the impact-resistant plastic case has a waterproof rubber gasket and stainless steel hinges.
Price: £11.99
E-S-P Zig Bugs Damsel Nymphs
Lots of winter carp are being caught on zig rigs, of which E-S-P’s latest barbed and barbless Damsel Nymphs Zig Bugs are a prime example. Expertly tied to super-sharp E-S-P Curve-Shanx hooks, they will support the longest of hooklengths for a long while.
Their black foam bodies form a strong silhouette, while the contrasting red, green, pink or yellow highlights add a flash of colour for added attraction. Available in hook sizes 8 and 10, four to a packet.
Price: £7.75
E-S-P Clothing
E-S-P’s new 25k Quilted Waterproofs offer all-weather protection and comfort thanks to a rip-stop shell with a 25,000mm hydrostatic head and 10,000g breathability. rating, meaning they will keep you dry during an absolute downpour without making you feel sweaty and uncomfortable.
salopettes
These salopettes have a warm insulated lining, yet remain light and comfortable.
There’s reinforced double-layered material on the knees, handwarmer pockets, a deep zipped chest pocket and a zipped fly. Side-accessed water-resistant boot zips make them easy to put on and take off.
In all sizes from S to 3XL.
Price: £149
trousers
These offer a comfortable fit with an elasticated adjustable waistband, zipped handwarmer/security pockets and easy-on boot zips. The knees are double reinforced. Sizes S to 3XL
Price: £109
jacket
An insulated ‘waffle’ lining makes for excellent winter wear. High collar and peaked hood keep the elements at bay, while the full-length YKK zip is protected with rain baffles. Sizes S to 3XL.
Price: £149
Greys Luggage Range
Launched at the company’s November trade show, the new Greys luggage range is concise and fabulously well designed.
A super-tough outer fabric in eye-catching grey and black livery is used for all the bags, which all feature webbing straps, rubberised carry handles, hard-wearing bases and protective padded panels.
Natty fluoro-coloured rubber zip pullers are a nice touch, along with ample well-appointed pockets and carry compartments.
This luggage, in fact, is as useful as it is eye-catching.
Greys boat bag
AT 500mm x 330mm x 260mm, this bag can be stowed away without blocking up gangways.
Zipped outer pockets have elasticated mesh fronts, and inside is a generously deep compartment with adjustable Velcro dividers. A padded shoulder strap makes it easy to carry.
Price: £139.99
Greys chest and back pack
EVERY inch of this combo is designed to keep you fishing on the move. It has large main and chest pockets for stowing accessories and bait.
Some have retractable puller cords which hold essential tools securely in place. In addition to multiple D-ring attachments, the bag has other handy stowing solutions, including two holders for water bottles, and neoprene rod straps.
The chest pack is easily fixed on via a ‘quick click’ system – you can use the two parts together or separately.
Price: £69.99
Greys duffle bag
This flexible bag will hold a change of clothes and shoes, tackle boxes, bait or food. Its rip-stop outer material will take a lot of punishment. A cavernous inner section is easily accessed via zips, and a smaller external zipped pocket holds bits and bobs. The bag measures 600mm x 350mm x 430mm but should straps allow you to hold it completely hands free.
Greys bank bag
Good for anglers who like to stay on the move, this bag will hold the longer lures used for predator fishing, or float tubes and hooklength cases. Five external pockets with zip-pulls are excellent for stashing frequently used items. A waterproof rain cover is stowed in its own pocket.
Price: £79
KORUM ITM COMPACT RUCKBAG
This new compact version allows you to carry lightweight chairs on your back at the same time as the bag. Fully padded walls give added protection, and there’s a new hardcase base. Two attachment hooks allow a chair to be securely hooked on to the bag, and all its outer pockets are compatible with Korum ITM boxes.
Price: £49.99
AVID BIVVY ORGANISER
Keep your bivvy clutter-free by utilising the space under a bivvy table. A built-in storage area holds keys and wallet or a small tackle box and hookbaits. The non-slip textured top makes this an ideal platform to cook on. The organiser has adjustable telescopic legs and packs away into a Velcro-topped carry bag.
Price: £49.99
NASH TECH BAG
Perfect for anglers who take tablets, power packs, phones, cameras and spare lenses with them while fishing. The bag has stiffened and padded sides,
a rigid base, and an impact-resistant recessed table-top design. Two cable points enable chargers and battery packs to be connected but stowed tidily.
Price: £60.99
KORUM ITM CARRYALL
A shallow bag like this makes it easy to access your gear quickly, and it’s compatible with the Korum ITM shoulder carryall. Features include fully padded walls, three large outer pockets, reinforced webbing handles and shoulder strap.
Price: £44.99
MATRIX BREAD PUNCH SET
Always handy to have in your kit, this well-made bread punch set has brass heads of 4mm, 6mm 8mm and 10mm, all with decent cutting edges. Ideal for winter commercial carp bread disc tactics, the soft rubber hand grips make the punches easy to use in the cold.
Price: £5.99
BROWNING XITAN MICROBORE POLE ELASTIC
A smaller centre bore means that this elastic is 30 per cent thinner and lighter than most standard hollow elastics, while retaining the same X7 stretch factor.
Price: £11.95
E -S-P DAMSEL NYMPH
For big carp up in the water, these zigs are expertly tied on super sharp E-S-P Curve-Shanx hooks, and are buoyant enough to support a long hooklength for a considerable time. The black foam forms a strong silhouette, replicating an emerging nymph.
Price: £7.75
DRENNAN SPECIALIST ROVING BAG
This 20-litre bag in durable 600 denier nylon has a reinforced waterproof base, two external mesh pockets and a zipped front pocket. The foil-lined top compartment will keep baits fresh, while a hidden pocket and a large padded main compartment can be used to store spare reels.
Price: £34.95
MAP TKS TWIN CORE HOLLOW ELASTIC 3-6
This is three-times Fish O’Mania winner Jamie Hughes’ favourite winter elastic for use with any light rig. It has an impressive stretch ratio, retracts faster and smoother than normal solid elastics, and is superbly hard-wearing.
Price: £10.49