The 10 best items of new fishing tackle for 2018
For the last few months fishing tackle manufacturers have been eagerly unveiling their latest gear for the new year.
Some seriously good rods, reels, poles and luggage has just been launched - here's our guide to the best tackle hitting the market in 2018.
DAIWA TOURNAMENT SLR RODS
SLR stands for Super Long Range and these four blanks are the next step up from the original Daiwa Tournament distance models, with a fantastic casting and playing action. With the latest X45 carbon technology and distinctive red butt section artwork, even the shortest 11ft version will cast a long way.
PAY AROUND: From £399.99
PRESTON ABSOLUTE CARBON SEATBOX
So how much seatbox does £2,200 buy you? Preston's carbon fibre model has really set tongues wagging as its 25% lighter than all previous Absolute boxes and has an attractive carbon weave finish. With a host of special units and clips, each box has its own unique ID number and there's even an owners club!
PAY AROUND: £2,199
DRENNAN ACOLYTE 9FT FEEDER ROD
You can choose from the Ultra or the slightly stepped up Plus, two additions to the highly acclaimed Acolyte range. At 9ft these are designed for short range fishing for all fish, we've tested both and the Ultra in particular is super soft and perfect for F1s and skimmers.
PAY AROUND: £169.99
MAP PARABOLIX BLACK EDITION RODS
Just check out those dual material handles! MAP say they provide excellent grip and make casting easier. You're looking at the latest Parabolix blanks, the Black Edition feeder rods, which are beautifully finished and boast the trademark 'parabolic' action.
PAY AROUND: From £159.99
GURU X-CHANGE FEEDER RANGE
With a new X-Change system at the feeder base, you can swap the weight of the feeder in seconds without removing it. This is useful if the wind gets up and you need more weight to get the distance. And because they're weight forward on the cast, you can cast further and more accurately!
PAY AROUND: £3.99
Daiwa Air Z pole
The most talked about pole of 2018, this is the third generation of Air poles after the original Ai and the Air XLS. Daiwa has reverted back to its short section technology for the Air Z and the result is groundbreaking new stiffness and lightweight in the hands.
PAY AROUND: £3,999.
Preston Centris NT reels
We say this is Preston's best reel yet. The Centris NT is smart, has a compact body and Powerdrive (a super slow oscillation shaft which delivers superb winding power for the size of the reel). The gear ratio has been set at 5.0:1 and there are 320, 420 and 520 sizes available. Spools even have two line clips!
PAY AROUND: From £154.99
Matrix Horizon X Class Landing Net Handle
A super long, super stiff net pole from Matrix with a lovely weaved finish. Two lengths are available, 4m and a whopping 5.5m, which are perfect for rod fishing or for rivers. The handles have dual threaded ends so by removing a piece you can also use them at a 2.8m length too.
PAY AROUND: £119.99
Korum ITM Ruckbag
If you like to travel light then this is perfect for long walks or roving sessions. It's an all-new compact version of Korum's hugely popular ruckbag, which allows you to carry a lightweight chair on your back too.
PAY AROUND: £44.99
Greys Luggage
We love this smart new range! Very well made from a super-tough, rip-stop material, in a classy grey and black-livery for both coarse and sea angling. There's a clever chest/backpack style Ruckbag plus the Boat, Bank, Duffle and Net/Wader bags span a multitude of uses.PAY AROUND: £29.99 - £139.99