Warrior Deadbait rods from Fox Rage reviewed!
When it comes to the purchase of a rod, striking a balance between cost and performance – in other words, getting value for money – is very important.
If that rod is cheap but not particularly cheerful your fishing will suffer. If, on the other hand, the price is ‘realistic’ enough to make an oil sheikh weep, you’ll be in trouble with the missus.
Fortunately, the new Warrior Deadbait rods from Fox Rage Predator are bang on the money on both counts.
There are three options – 12ft 2.75lb test curve, 12ft 3.25lb tc, and a 10ft 3lb tc boat rod. The two 12-footers will set you back just £55.99 and £59.99, respectively, while the boat rod comes in at an even more modest £49.99.
Now, given the kudos of the Fox Rage Predator brand, these are cheap rods. Score one for the Warriors. The big question now, though, is how do they perform?
Let’s be honest. For this money you’re not going to be getting the best pike rods ever made. However, if you’re on a tight budget, or a newcomer to predator fishing, these Deadbait Warriors will do everything you’ll need to put baits where you want them and catch fish with minimal fuss.
For a start, they cast well – an essential attribute of any deadbait rod is that it can fire out weight. All three blanks compress well and can handle the biggest of baits and the heftiest of leads. From that point they sit in the rod rests until they’re called into use, looking great with their subtle graphics, class-act gloss black blanks,
full-length cork handles (offering good grip for casting and playing fish in bad weather) and practical screw-down reel seats.
Lifting into a take, the actions of the two 12ft rods see the blanks’ tip section pick up line very quickly, before the power kicks in to set the hooks, even at range. They are quite powerful, too, giving you plenty in reserve for controlling larger fish, especially at the net, where you need that power to hold on to late lunges.
The bread-and-butter model will undoubtedly be the 2.75lb test curve rod. This is a great
all-rounder that’s forgiving, but with enough power to chuck big baits and land good fish. For those requiring a bit more casting range and/or the use of larger baits such as whole mackerel, the 3.25lb test curve model delivers even more grunt, which you’ll need if you want to set hooks at extreme range.
The boat rod is fit for purpose, and is also a great option for tight swims and river work, where its 10ft length is a real help.
Price: 12ft 2.75lb £55.99 | 12ft 3.25lb £59.99 | 10ft 3lb £49.99
Free Spirit Hi-s feederlite 12ft
The thousands of feeder rods on the market span every conceivable scenario. From tiny pub-chuck models through to long- and medium-range bomb and Method rods, the list is endless.
You might want to attach a minuscule cage feeder that wouldn’t fit over the end of your little finger, or indeed a massive metal-clad monster delivering enough feed in one go to last a canal match angler five hours.
Little wonder, then, that choosing the right feeder rod is more difficult than trying to mix your groundbait with treacle. So let me steer you on the path to a range of feeder rods so outstanding that its name has become a byword for performance, cutting edge build and faultless furnishings. These are the rods top anglers aspire to.
The objects of all this shameless admiration are Free Spirit Hi S Feeder rods, the latest of which – the delightful 12ft Hi S Feederlite – is on test duty. The three models – 10ft, 11ft and 12ft – are designed for bream, skimmer and F1 Feeder and bomb fishing up to around the 40 yard mark, although the 12-footer (available soon) has enough casting steel through its mid-section to hit in excess of 70 yards with only a 30g flatbed Method feeder attached.
All three feature a sublime, lightly progressive action suited to small hooks and light hooklengths, although there’s ample oomph stowed away in the middle and lower areas to deal with bigger fish.
Thanks to the best low resin 40t Japanese carbons, Feederlite rods are ridiculously lightweight, and as sharp and crisp in casting performance and line pick-up as you could ever wish for. Having fished with two of them over the past couple of weeks, I reckon the 11ft rod suits the use of cage, maggot, and 30g Method feeders at a range of 50 yards-plus.
The 12-footer will handle 40g feeders and bigger fish, but both rods share that softly progressive action. They come with unique hollow carbon quivertips. Rated to ½oz and ¾oz, they will detect the delicate bites of skimmers and other silvers, especially with braid on your reel.
Fuji reel seats allow more feel through the blank from the hollow tip, while quality anti-frap guides are positioned to make the rods less prone to reel lines or shockleaders catching during the cast and causing crack-offs.
Mark’s verdict
Feederlite rods are soft enough to catch bream, skimmers and silvers on light gear, yet can still handle the odd bigger fish on light terminal tackle. The 11ft model is as good a short range feeder/bomb rod as you will find, while the 12ft rod has a similar action with a bit more casting clout.
Perfection? Well, it’s close! The real design trick with this type of rod is to combine a perfectly cushioned fish-playing softness with enough crispness on the strike and line pick-up speed yet still feel sharp, fast, stiff and light in the hand.
For my money, Free Spirit has captured all these elements perfectly in its 12ft Hi S Feederlite.
Price: From £299
Middy Reactacore XZ Ultra Control Waggler 14ft
Lots of rods are made with a single job in mind. For instance, a 9ft bomb rod is a perfect tool for casting short distances on commercials, but beyond that, it rarely comes into play.
Other rods are much more versatile, however, and these can be employed in a number of different situations.
The brand new 14ft Middy Reactacore XZ Ultra Control Waggler sits firmly in this category. Its length and the power it packs from top to bottom instantly make it a candidate for trotting a float down a river for chub. Which is exactly what I fancied doing for this live test.
But you know what they say about the best-laid plans... Conditions in the days prior to the test had been far from ideal as the country was hammered by record rainfall.
When I arrived at the Derbyshire Derwent I was greeted by high, coloured water that was in no way suited to fishing the float. It was time to put Plan B into action.
I headed 10 miles up the road to Birch House Lakes near Ashbourne and set up on Horseshoe Lake. Using the length of the rod I was able to drop a bait tight to the nearside lilies. It’s difficult to do this accurately with a ‘standard’ 10ft or 11ft rod but a doddle with a longer tool.
A handful of 4mm pellets and a sprinkling of corn went over the float, and after a short wait the waggler darted under. A firm strike was met with solid resistance and the rod instantly shone, oozing the power I needed to steer the hard-fighting common away from dense cover. The length of the rod kept me in total control, enabling me to get over the top of the fish to ensure it couldn’t find sanctuary in the tackle-busting roots.
This was repeated with every bite at close quarters and the blend of power and necessary cushioning to prevent hook-pulls impressed me immensely.
Later, I noticed several carp mooching around the edge of a lily bed in open water. The depth was set to 3ft and I catapulted a couple of pouchfuls of 6mm pellets over the spot to get the fish competing.
It took seconds to get a response on the first cast, but it wasn’t my intended target as a chunky rudd took the hookbait.
Several other silvers came, and although they weren’t what I was after, it was another tick on the checklist with the rod proving it was also soft enough not to bump them off.
Casting the 3g float was equally effortless, and reaching the target at 20m was achieved with minimal effort. The rod can handle floats up to 10g, and I’ve no doubt it would whack them to 50 metres or more.
Once the carp rocked up, shallow-indications were lightning fast but the rod’s quick response enabled me to pick up line in a split second and hit every bite.
The rod had passed the test for commercials with flying colours and no doubt it would be a dream when trying to keep control of a float on a river.
I reckon it would also have bagged top marks for perch in the margins or big tench at close quarters in summer.
Price: £249.99
Daiwa N’ZON Z XL 13ft feeder rod Review
A few weeks ago we looked at Daiwa’s latest N’ZON tackle range for feeder anglers.
There are more than 30 new rods in the line-up, three dedicated feeder reels, luggage and nets, not to mention superbly designed ‘tough as you like’ feeders.
Here there’s a choice of metal cage, distance, tunnel and square models and plastic-bodied open-enders, plus three coated bombs – dubbed Tri, Quad and Oval.
So without further ado let’s take a closer look at an N’ZON rod. Those with the ‘Z’ prefix, including the Z XL 13ft Feeder on live test duty, are the more expensive models, ranging from £165 up to £235, while the ‘S’ range starts at £84.99 and rises to £110.
Both marques cover all feeder disciplines, from short bomb work to hitting the horizon.
Daiwa rates the 13ft Z XL Distance Feeder rod to casting weights up to whopping 180g (6oz), and it’s worth mentioning that there are two other 13ft
Z XL rods rated to 120g and 150g respectively, plus three Z series 14ft rods with the same loading capacities.
Not so long ago such rods would have been considered specialist tools, suited only to European anglers. However, these days Irish loughs and Scottish lochs, big wild waters, and huge reservoirs such as Bough Beech and Boddington are commonly used for feeder matches. So there is a need for distance-casting tools that can handle hefty feeders and a wide range of fish species.
Having fished with the rod on three occasions when distance casting was a priority, I can tell you that the N’ZON Z, XL is fully up for a big chuck.
Obviously its 13ft length helps generate added tip speed if you allow a decent drop between rod-tip and feeder prior to the cast. This, matched with a high weight loading point and fast taper three-section blank, adds up to a mega-pokey rod.
I have caught a few skimmers and roach on the Z XL 13-footer, and I didn’t suffer problems with lost fish or hook pulls – although I wouldn’t go below a size 16 hook or line lighter than 0.16mm.
I can see this rod being an option for those who target big-fish venues and need to cast heavy feeders or leads into the middle of next week.
Mark’s verdict
Good as this rod is for distance work, I would probably choose the 150g or 120g Z XL 13ft Distance rods as these would provide a more cushioned, progressive fish-playing action, rather than the raw power of the 180g model.
I can, though, see match and pleasure anglers who fish the Trent, or any major river that needs to be tackled with hefty feeders and end tackle, finding a place for it in their rod holdalls.
Price: £225
Daiwa Black Widow G50 12ft Rod & Reel Review
If you’re just starting carp fishing, or looking for a set of rods and reels that you won’t have to spend years paying off, then you’ve never had it so good.
Improvements in technology and manufacturing have seen the quality of sub-£100 rods rocket beyond all expectations.
Daiwa’s extensive Black Widow range can certainly be classed as excellent value for money.
Covering everything from rods and reels to accessories, each item is well constructed and sensibly priced.
For this test I focused on the Black Widow G50 rod, having picked out the 12ft, 3.25lb test curve rod from the range of six.
There are also 2.75lb, 3lb (both £74.99) and 3.5lb (£79.99) versions available, as well as a 4.5lb rod for spod and marker work which retails at £84.99.
For those fishing on smaller waters, or in tight swims where casting is hampered by overhanging branches, there’s also a shorter 10ft, 3lb model.
My 12ft rod – or set of three, to be precise – were matched with Daiwa’s Black Widow 25A reels.
This is a combo I’ve had a few sessions with, catching several carp to mid-doubles during evening trips of just a couple of hours.
For the purposes of this shoot, I’d arranged to meet our cameraman Lloyd at my local lake in Somersham, Cambs.
Set in a 12-hectare nature reserve, the lake is a few acres in area and home to a real mix of species, including a good head of carp to more than 20lb.
On arrival I could see several fish mooching around in open water and close to large set of lily pads – the perfect target.
I flicked out one rod with a 12mm white wafter hookbait and a small PVA bag of pellets attached to the hook.
I was still sorting out the second rod when my bite alarm emitted a couple of bleeps. Seconds later I looked down just as the bobbin pulled up tight and the spool on the 25A reel started spinning.
Although I was fishing in open water I had to quickly pile on the pressure as the hooked carp was kiting directly towards a dense raft of lily pads and the sanctuary its tangled mass of roots and stems would offer my hoped-for prize.
When you enter 3lb-plus test curve territory there’s often the risk of rods being a bit pokey, and you have to sacrifice fish-playing subtlety for casting capabilities.
I was pleased to discover that this wasn’t the case with the Black Widow G50.
The rod loads across its whole length, which results in a good cushion for hookholds and enables the rod to absorb any sudden lunges under the rod-tip when you’re about to net a fish.
Thankfully, with the rod’s help, I managed to convince the fish that charging into the lily pads wasn’t the best idea and it was soon safely in the bottom of the landing net.
Over the next couple of hours, we landed four more carp to mid-doubles, and at no point did I feel like any of the fish was going to escape.
Every lunge was cushioned by the rod, and the 25A reel’s abbreviated drag range enabled me to quickly adjust the tension on the clutch as required during the fight.
These Black Widow reels fall into the compact category of carp reels, or ‘baby big-pit reels’ as they’re often referred to.
Don’t be fooled by their size – they can still hold 240m of 0.32mm/12lb line and retrieve 92cm of line with each turn of the handle.
The truth is that on most waters in this country, except for the largest of venues where fishing at extreme distances is called for, big-pit reels with huge spools aren’t really necessary.
The 25As will do the job perfectly. And they look great! The all black graphite body is not only strong and keeps weight to a minimum, but sat under the rod’s full Duplon handle they provide a set-up that would please even the most flamboyant of tackle tarts.
Shakespeare’s Sigma Offers Unbeatable Value
Hoping to get into pellet waggler fishing this summer? You’ll be hard pushed to find a rod offering better value for money than the 10ft 6ins Shakespeare Sigma Supra Pellet Waggler.
As it’s priced at just £44.99, you might well expect the Sigma to be heavy and of poor quality – however, my experience of Shakespeare’s rods tells me that nothing could be further from the truth.
Having owned a Mach 2XT Barbel rod for 10 years, I can vouch for the strength and robustness of the company’s rods, and I expected the same of the Supra Sigma Pellet Waggler rod.
Featuring a sturdy screw-down reel seat, a strong carbon blank and titanium oxide guides throughout, the rod is tailor-made for taming hard fighting commercial fishery carp.
A mixed cork and EVA handle, along with simple graphics, give the rod a rugged, no-nonsense look, and unlike a book, I expected to be able to judge the Sigma by its cover.
I headed to Cambridgeshire’s Decoy Lakes to test my theory, and sat on Lou’s Lake, where carp were basking in the summer sun.
The rod balanced perfectly with a 3000-sized reel, and is light enough to hold all day – essential when fishing the waggler.
After feeding the swim for a few minutes and casting regularly, the float buried and the Sigma was yanked into its fighting curve.
The rod’s action is best described as ‘slow to through’, with a soft tip that steadily tapers down to a beefy butt section.
A feeling you sometimes get with budget rods is that they will shatter at any moment when they’re tested to their limit, but not so with the Sigma.
Throughout the day I never felt under-gunned, as I have done in the past when using softer pellet waggler rods that bend right through to the butt. Pulling fish away from snags on the far margin was no problem at all.
The rod also casts well, and despite it having a 10g-30g casting weight I could chuck a 7g waggler with ease.
Its 10ft 6ins length makes for pinpoint accuracy, which is a particularly attractive feature, because one of the most popular tactics at the moment is ‘mugging’, where you cast a single bait at a cruising fish. On the day I tested the rod this ploy was particularly important, as the carp weren’t really interested in feeding shallow – and so dropping a bait right on their noses was the best way to fool them.
Shakespeare is a company that has built its reputation on offering professional quality at an affordable price, and the Sigma Supra carries on that tradition.
Verdict: For catching ‘proper’ carp you’ll struggle to find a rod that offers better value for money. This makes the Sigma Supra Pellet Waggler the perfect tool for someone new to pellet waggler fishing, or as a spare for the more experienced angler.
What I would say is that if your local venue contains a large head of F1s or carassio, fish notorious for coming off under the rod-tip, you may experience problems with hook pulls due to the stiff butt section of this rod. However, with regular commons and mirrors you’ll be fine.
Don’t let the 10g-30g casting weight put you off, as this rod will comfortably cast much lighter wagglers.
If you shop around it’s also possible to pick up this rod at prices well below its RRP.
Price: £44.99
Daiwa Black Widow Barbel Rod 12ft 1.75lb & Black Widow Specialist Rod 12ft 1.5lb Review
Looking every inch like expensive custom-built rods, the two 12ft Daiwa Black Widow Barbel and Specialist models are built using full-carbon two-piece blanks that are garnished with an understated matt non-glare finish.
They are furnished with a well-spaced set of durable stainless steel framed guides that have hard-wearing, braid-proof aluminium oxide linings. Both rods also have hollow tubular top sections that are ideal for fishing situations which require the use of heavier leads, feeders, and stronger than normal terminal tackle.
However, before you run away with the idea that this pair of affordable specialist rods are both little more than ringed broom handles, they are both supplied with permanently fixed 2oz test curve glass quiver top sections ideal for targeting shy-biting fish or when tackling still or slow, meandering water where a more sensitive set-up will be beneficial.
Which rather bizarrely is a million miles away from where the pair actually underwent their endurance of a live test. Heavy rain and high water levels just after the start of the new river season had meant that the fish had been pushed out of the normal areas I would expect to bag barbel and catch reports from the opening week were pretty sparse. After a few phone calls I discovered a few fish were being caught from the tidal Trent. If anywhere’s going to test a barbel rod to its limits it’s here, I thought to myself. If it can survive this test it will handle anything else.
The Tidal Trent is a serious water. It’s wildly fast flowing in spots, very deep in places, boils and bubbles like a witch’s cauldron, and is generally completely unforgiving of angling errors.
Its rock and boulder banks and bed are a nightmare, and just to make things doubly difficult for the angler, it flows both ways depending on the tide of the day. Oh yes, it’s quite tasty too but most definitely more Vindaloo than Korma!
The fish that swim the inhospitable depths of the Tidal Trent are nothing less than lean, mean, super fit fighting machines. Think of them as permanently living on a fast-paced treadmill! And that’s what makes the tidal reaches so popular with a multitude of match and specimen anglers. It’s wild water fishing at its raw best.
So where and how does this Daiwa pairing fit into the equation? Well although both rods are close to the cusp on both casting weights and casting distances on a river such as this, the lighter Specialist model is well worth a look, even if you’re a match angler targeting fast-water bream, skimmers and hybrids.
It has a bit more backbone for casting heavier feeders than a normal match style quivertip feeder, but with just enough cushioning softness to allow for lighter lines, from say 0.14mm and more, and smaller hooks from size 16 hooks upwards.
The Barbel model was pushed to its absolute limit on this live test, as the session kicked off with a hefty 70g feeder cast to mid-river and went up from there, as the ebb tide pulled hard. Fish-playing wise, the blank’s progressive action is a little too much for a powerhouse river such as this, and I did lose a couple of big fish I couldn’t keep out of the boulders. Maybe it was it was just bad angling on my part. But let’s face it, none of us ever blame ourselves! And the occasional loss is always going to be expected when fishing such an extreme venue.
By the end of the test, however, the number of fish the rod put on the bank vastly outnumbered those that had escaped. If rods could talk, this one would have said ‘thank flip that’s over with!’
Mark’s verdict
For my money the Black Widow Specialist model would make a good stillwater tench and bream tool and would also double-up as a very handy winter chub rod for any water. The Barbel model is an ideal all-rounder for any river, maybe better suited to the more sedate Thames and Avon flows, where its 2oz fixed quivertip section would come into play. Pacier rivers such as the Wye, Severn and Trent could be tackled with its tubular carbon top section.
The tidal Trent really is at the upper limit at what the rod can handle. But the venue is a different animal to most waterways and normally requires tackling with what can be hugely expensive bespoke rods. The fact that this high value for money Black Widow rod tamed plenty of fish from this river speaks volumes about how good it is.
Korum Neoteric FS 1.75lb 12ft rod
The pursuit of specimen fish other than carp can be a heady affair. Picture an early-morning walk to the lake through dew-laden meadows painted with golden shafts of sunlight.
Your every step is softly placed, lest the grass underfoot snaps with thunderous disapproval. The dawn chorus quietens for a moment, then strikes up again – if the birds don’t know you’re here, no-one will.
Lily beds, bedecked with white and red flowers, are in stark contrast to the lake’s peat-stained water. Their stems twitch and bob, revealing tell-tale signs of fish movement below.
A deft cast places the float in the perfect position, and with a few grains of corn scattered around it tiny streams of bubbles emanate from the depths. To a time-served angler these are a sure sign of an impending bite.
Then, as if possessed, the float lifts fractionally before sliding away, and you’re in.
Romantic and dewy-eyed as such images may be, the plain truth is that most modern-day specialist angling is conducted on large open gravel pits.
All of which brings me nicely to the latest Neoteric FS rods from Korum. The original Neoterics appeared back in 2011, in fact I still use the superb 12ft twin top models for most of my barbel fishing. The new 12ft, 1.75lb Neoteric FS rods on test, though, are among four models with lengths from 11ft 6ins up to 12ft, test curves from 1.25lb to 2.25lb, and casting weights ranging from 15g to 120g.
The Neoteric carbon blanks are two-piece, and their fittings revolve around managing a comprehensive array of modern specimen tactics for a variety of species. Light, slimline carbon blanks with a powerfully progressive action are teamed with stabilised tips for accurate casting of feeders and leads.
On the bank the rods have the look of expensive custom-built models. Their non-reflective matt grey gunmetal finish contrasts attractively with the high-gloss 3k carbon weave area just above the handle, while the full cork handle and well-spaced, fully lined Seaguide rings add class and sophistication to what are very sensibly priced rods.
In keeping with my opening words, I choose to live-test the rods at a well-established old gravel pit with picture postcard reed and lily pad margins.
I’d be targeting the deep water’s tench and bream with corn, worm and maggot hookbaits over PVA mesh bags of micro pellets. Using 2oz leads and small bags I can happily report that the 12ft, 1.75lb rods on test can cast this sort of set-up with consummate ease, and could easily handle at least an ounce more casting weight.
The blanks are seriously powerful on the cast, while their progressive fish-playing actions are meaty and uncompromising, perfect for big fish in weedy waters, or where casting distance is of paramount importance.
I would, though, suggest that unless you are after longer casting distances or the use of heavier leads or feeders, the lighter 11ft 6ins, 1.25lb rods would better suit smaller venues where shorter casts are the order of the day.
Verdict
Korum has thought long and hard about its latest Neoteric FS rods. They are designed for the specialist angler regardless of fish species or type of venue. Their heavy, progressive playing actions, especially the 1.75lb and 2.2lb test curve versions, make them ideal for weedy or snag-strewn waters.
Price: £84.99-£99.99
Daiwa Black Widow Range
Daiwa’s extensive Black Widow kit is a high value for money big-fish range that covers everything from rods and reels to luggage and accessories. Whether you’re new to carp fishing or just want to kit yourself without spending an absolute fortune then this could be exactly what you’re after. This month we take a look at some of the main items that the range has to offer...
1) G50 12ft rods
A range of rods from 2.75lb to 4.5lb test curve offering power and distance with good fish-playing properties. Features include lightweight blanks, slim full shrink grip handles, 50mm butt guides and a DPS reel seat. The 4.5lb model is ideal for spod and marker work
RRP: £74.99 - £84.99
2) 25a reels
Compact big-pit style reels with ‘carpy’ all black looks. Features include an abbreviated drag range, line-friendly clip and a graphite body for weight saving and toughness.
RRP: £79.99
3) G50 10ft rod
This shorter rod is ideal for use on small waters or in tight swims where overhanging trees making casting 12ft rods tricky. RRP: £64.99
4) 6 leg bed
Designed around a steel frame and weighing 9.5kg, this well-padded bed has a cushioned pillow for extra comfort. The leg lock system ensures stability and it packs down to a compact size.
RRP: £99.99
5) Carp chair
A compact and lightweight chair with a cushioned seat and backrest. All of the legs are extendable and have swivel mudfeet. The chair packs down nice and small so is easy to transport.
RRP: £49.99
6) 3 rod pod
A versatile pod which enables you to easily change the height, length and angle with the leg adjustment system. In-built spirit levels ensure a stable set-up. Supplied in a case for easy transport.
RRP: £89.99
7) 40L carryall
A spacious holdall with a zipped main compartment, two front pockets and two side pockets. There’s a strengthened material on the base of the carryall and pockets for longevity.
RRP: £36.99
8) Unhooking mat
A PU covered flat foam mat. Folds up for ease of transport.
RRP: £16.99
9) weigh sling
Made from fish-friendly mesh with strong webbing weigh straps.
RRP: £11.99
10) Rig wallet
Two foam boards and hook locater bar enable you to keep your pretied rigs organised and in top condition. Supplied with 10 pins.
RRP: £13.99
MIDDY ARCO-TECH CARP FEEDER Review
Middy International has the happy knack of producing great rods at a great price – in fact its original silver-coloured 4GS range still ranks among the best in its price bracket.
So when Middy boss David Middleton called to tell me he had the new Arco-Tech rods to show me, I was keen to see how the successor to the 4GS would measure up.
Within the Arco-Tech series there are two feeder models – the K-275 9ft/10ft and the K-306 10ft/11ft. Both are super-slim, but not so slim that you feel you need to treat them with kid gloves! A super-tough Kevlar wrap strengthens the blanks throughout. Both rods are multi-length, thanks to a short foot-long extension without eyes. Should you need to extend the rod to its longer length, simply slip in the extension in mid-session. A nice touch, you’ll agree...
There’s plenty of poke in the butt section, while the tip section is much softer, striking a pleasing balance between power and forgiveness. The action is soft to parabolic, so F1s or skimmers will still put a lovely flat spot-free bend into it, while the chances of losing fish when using light lines and small hooks are remote.
The final key feature is the unique ‘Trigger Tips’. These are super-sensitive carbon tips whose unique action emphasises the most tremulous of bites. The light tip, in particular, is very impressive in this respect and well lives up to its Trigger name.
Middy is really proud of these rods, quite rightly so, as they are packed with features, and raise the rod building and development bar even higher.
The live test at the pretty day-ticket Stretton Farm fishery just off the A1 north of Peterborough proved to be a sodden affair, with unrelenting rain all day long. The only bright spot was the 10ft/11ft Arco-Tech Carp Feeder rod on test performance – crisp as fresh lettuce, and with just the right blend of power and poise to make it ideal for most commercial tactics. The rod is no Olympic distance performer, but will easily handle a pub-chuck of 35-40 yards with considerable accuracy.
My best advice to anyone looking to own one of these slender beauties is to make sure you keep the line between rod-tip and feeder tight at all times to prevent it from looping back over the end guide. Make sure (with a quick tug prior to casting) that it isn’t caught up, as the Trigger Tip ends are very fine and wouldn’t survive the impact of a miscast.
Verdict: The Arco-Tech is an ideal rod for commercial anglers, and has some excellent new features. KTS Smooth Flow guides sit at a special angle to prevent wrap-ups during the cast and make the whole process very smooth. Being able to add a 1ft butt extension is very handy, especially as you don’t need to break down your tackle. The light and medium Trigger Tips are ideal for spotting tiny bites when the fish are in a fickle mood.
The rod is rated to 10lb mainlines and 8lb hooklengths, with a recommended maximum casting weight of 50g, so don’t think that it won’t handle bigger fish.
Personally, though, I would use the rod with 6lb mainlines, hooklengths up to a 0.19mm, and feeders up to 30g.
Price: £99.99 (but shop around)
Daiwa Crosscast Rod & Reel Review
Looking to get into big-carp fishing on a budget but don’t know what rods and reels to buy?
Simple! Read this review, then watch the video on Daiwa’s Crosscast 10ft, 12ft and 13ft rods with test curves from 2.75lb to 3.5lb. Built around Daiwa’s proven 1K woven carbon blanks, these beauties will help you to add yards to your cast.
A responsive, progressive action ensures that you’ll stay in control of the hardest-fighting fish.
Team one of these with the new super carpy Crosscast carp reel packed with top-end tech including a superb QD front drag system, HIP line-friendly clip and super smooth Diggigear retrieve and you’re off to a flying start!
CROSSCAST 5000C QD REEL
Daiwa’s latest Crosscast Carp 5000C QD is, in my opinion, a big pit game changer of a reel.
Packed with more technical wizardry than a Euro jet fighter, not only does it hit the heights in performance terms, but its classic all-black finish and sharp body lines are up there with the very best in the style stakes.
The Crosscast slow oscillation system produces a line-lay that even to the trained eye looks as precise as you would expect to find on the most expensive reels. And as the reel is endowed with Daiwa Digigear it has a ramped-up, silky-smooth winding transmission that pulls in 106cm of line per handle crank.
The front-of-spool QD (quick drag) system works a treat, with nothing more than a few clicks on the spool knob needed to pile on or reduce the pressure when playing a big fish. QD also makes easy work of setting the reel spool up perfectly under any conditions for your next run.
The amount of line (300m of 0.35mm) you can get on to the
long-cast spool will appeal particularly to those who like to place their baits at range using a bait boat.
During the live test I played a big fish while standing waist-deep in water, then purposely dropped the reel into the wet stuff for several minutes while I unhooked the fish.
Did a dunking affect the reel and how it performed in any way? Well... quick shake dry and it was working just as well as when I took it from its box. How on earth does Daiwa produce this reel for under £80?
Price: £79.99
CROSSCAST CARP 12ft, 3lb test curve
Thanks to a dependable carbon weave material and a decent array of furnishings, Daiwa’s Crosscast carp rods are as easy on the eye as they are on the pocket.
For a modest amount of moolah you get ceramic LS-lined guides (including a 50mm butt guide and anti-frap tip ring), full flared shrink-grip handle and an original Fuji reel seat.
The 12ft, 3lb test curve model on live test duty is a ‘Steady Eddie’ of a performer that can turn its hand to just about any method. It will handle solid PVA bags and straight lead set-ups, and is just about soft enough on the top of its tip section for zig tactics using hooks as small as size 12.
Very well suited to smaller or middle-sized venues, it will chuck up to 65 yards with ease, and will achieve 100 yards-plus in the hands of an accomplished caster.
However, the Crosscast is definitely not a horizon-buster, but more of an all-round tool for the newbie carper looking for a dependable and good-looking carp rod on a realistic budget.
Price: £89.99
Middy Reactacore XZ Ultra-Control Mini Commercial feeder rod
Middy produces some impressive commercial fishery rods these days, and there’s something to suit everyone’s budget.
The latest Reactacore XZ feeder rods include the fast-taper three-piece XZ Ultra-Control 12ft 6ins all-round distance model. This test, though, is all about Middy’s two-piece 10ft 6ins Reactacore XZ Mini Commercial rod, built using the latest Quad-layering carbon technology. This involves four sheets of high-modulus carbon layered together at different angles, and results in a strong, rigid rod with a highly reactive parabolic fish-playing action.
The carbon undergoes a VC-X extreme pressure vacuum curing process that forces out any tiny air bubbles for a uniformly excellent action. The rod also benefits from Maximus weave wrap joints which prolong the life of the joints but increase the linear strength even further. All very impressive stuff!
The feather-light blank is exceptionally slim, and boasts classy SCX smooth cast guides, a small hook retainer, modern S-Line style reel seat, and two carbon quivertips. Middy rates the rod to a maximum 10lb mainline and 8lb hooklength, with casting weights between 10g and 56g. And let’s not forget the natty Middy MX-Series rod bag it arrives in.
These top-drawer rods are not cheap. The new 10ft 6ins Reactocore XZ Mini Commercial Feeder will likely set you back around £209, but the ‘wow factor’ alone justifies the price.
To confirm that quality I headed to Decoy Lakes. Its many lakes respond to all manner of tactics and the fish range from great big lumps through to turbo-charged barbel, F1s of all sizes, and a raft of silvers – all of which are of a decent size and will respond to most open-water tactics.
Putting this XZ rod together, you can’t help but be impressed by its pencil-slim profile. Its sections are pretty much of equal length when the carrier section’s quivertip is in place, so it can be easily transported ready made-up.
I was not, though, wholly convinced by its suggested 56g (2oz) maximum casting weight. For me the top end of the carrier section has slightly too much play in it. It would be fine with up to 40g (more than enough for your average commercial when using a rod less than 11ft long).
There’s no denying its impressive post-cast recovery rate, but this rod is clearly not of the ‘give it a whack’ breed! An over-enthusiastic miscast could prove very costly!
That aside, the performance of Middy’s flagship feeder-flinger offers a wondrous amount of torque and feel, and an all-round performance up there with the best commercial feeder rods.
The stunning gloss black blank has a phenomenal line pick-up speed, casts straight and true and is super lightweight in the hand. The parabolic action is responsive to any size of fish. Quite simply it’s immaculate. Does it have the ‘wow factor’? Most definitely!
Verdict: A genuine high-performance feeder rod, this top-end model will comfortably handle feeders and straight leads of 40g-plus with ease. Equally suited to light maggot feeder and flatbed Method tactics with wafter hookbaits, or indeed fishing a straight lead with bread discs.
Price: £209.99
Maver MV-R 9ft Mini Feeder review
The new MV-R Commercial Mini Feeder rods from Maver are the perfect tools for anglers fishing venues where short-range casting for carp and F1s is required.
The 8ft and 9ft models are part of the MV-R range that consists of nine rods. There are four float fishing models and three feeder rods on top of the two Mini Feeder rods. All the rods feature ultra-slim high modulus carbon blanks with a jet-black gloss finish.
Boasting a seamless, progressive fish-playing action and top-grade ceramic guides, cork and EVA handles and screw-down reel seats, their good looks are matched by their superb performance.
For this test I decided to give the 9ft Mini Feeder model an outing. This rod has a wickedly fast progressive action that will easily cast a feeder or straight lead of up to 30g to 35 yards without too much effort.
If you think you will need to cast further than this then the 10ft version is what you want. For real long distances take a look at the MV-R 11ft and 12ft rods.
The first thing I noticed about the nine-footer was that it felt a tad tippy, but it’s just the job for F1s and smaller carp, minimising the likelihood of hook-pulls or snap-offs at close range. The blank is well suited to reel lines from 3lb-8lb, and hooklengths of 0.13mm and upwards.
The pencil-thin carbon blank breaks down into two 48ins sections with one of the three supplied quivertips – 0.5oz, 0.75oz and 1oz – fitted. This two-piece design means you can have it ready-to-go with a reel attached in your holdall, saving you the time normally reserved for setting up when you arrive at the venue.
For this test I headed to Willows Lake on the Decoy complex at Whittlesey, just outside of Peterborough.
The plan was to fish a small maggot feeder, which I was confident would produce bites from F1s. This tactic requires minimal feed and accurate casting, which is exactly what this rod delivers.
I found the wand very much to my liking. It cast, as expected, straight as a die, and on a small platform it was nice and easy to get into position.
Tippy it may be, but that suited me fine as I landed several fish up to about 3lb. Had anything bigger come along I would have been confident of landing it because I have handled enough short feeder rods to know that this one had more than enough steel in its backbone to handle it.
A weak-willed wobble wand it certainly isn’t, so well done Maver.
Verdict:
The 9ft rod is free of flat spots, with an impressive fish-playing pedigree to suit commercial waters. It would also make a handy summer margin Method tool.
It’s not cheap for such a short rod, but you get what you pay for. For me, a big plus point is the equal-length sections, making it a doddle to transport already made up in a carryall.
Price: £120
Contact: www.mavermatch.co.uk
korum launches new float and quiver rods
These three splendid new rods from Korum blend strength and sensitivity in a range styled for traditional appeal, yet engineered for a contemporary performance.
Finesse and power come through in equal measure, transmitting more feel through the blanks and making the playing of fish a joy – just what you want in true all-round rods.
The equal-length slimline carbon blanks are furnished with full cork handles with Duplon reel grips, lightweight lined guides throughout, and slim 16mm reel seats, ideal for smaller 2500 and 3000 sized reels.
Both the feeder rods come with three tips, and the suggested line strength rating for all models is 4lb-10lb.
10ft AND 11ft AMBITION ALL-ROUND QUIVER
Perfect for any angling situation, from stalking small-river chub to bagging up on commercials, these quivertip rods can be used confidently with any type of feeder or straight lead tactic. Both have a parabolic, almost through, action that delivers power where and when it’s needed,
but with enough sensitivity to allow the use of lighter lines and smaller hooks when conditions demand them.
11ft AMBITION ALL-ROUND FLOAT
A two-section rod that breaks down into equal lengths, the Ambition Float rod will propel wagglers from as light as 3AAA up to 15g-plus. The slender blank boasts plenty of stopping power towards its mid to butt area, while still retaining a cushioned, fairly responsive tip speed. Fitted with superior lightweight guides, the full cork and Duplon handle offers superior grip, while its parabolic action puts a wealth of approaches right at your fingertips.
Offering a very high performance at an affordable price, the build quality, furnishings and finish of these Ambition rods truly belies their modest price tags. Great all-rounders, and well suited to multi-tasking.
Price: £49.49 (all models)
Abu Garcia Victis 30g lure rod review
A lure rod designed for bank and boat fishing needs to tick all the boxes in terms of stiffness and sensitivity and we think we’ve found the ideal tool in the Abu Garcia Victis 30g option.
On first inspection this 6ft 6ins rod looks fairly pokey, with a fast action, but put it through its paces and a gentle giant is revealed, with a fish-playing action more in keeping with a rod three times its asking price.
Angling Times staffmen Ian Jones, Chris Haydon, Freddie Sandford and Sam Curtis regularly get out and fish a local waterway in their lunch hour for pike, zander and perch – the perfect opportunity to review the 30g Abu Garcia Victis rod.
How did they rate it? Here’s what the lads had to say...
News reporter - Chris Haydon
“This Abu Garcia rod is perfect for targeting pike and zander on larger jig heads of 10g-plus.
“Its stiffness makes it useful for punchy casts, and when it’s loaded correctly great distances can be achieved. While it’s probably not the best rod on
the market for perching with micro-lures, it doubles up as a good tool for vertical jigging.
“During testing I caught a cracking perch of 2lb on a 5g jig head, along with a small pike.
“Both bites were easily detected through the rod, which landed the fish with ease.”
News reporter - Freddie Sandford
“Despite its 30g rating, the 6ft 6ins Victis can still be used for fishing with smaller jig heads and spinners.
“On a recent session we arrived at a local water to find pike smashing fry tight into the margins, and the short rod enabled pinpoint casting into small gaps in the reeds.
“The rod was tested with pike to around 5lb, and there was still enough give in the rod’s somewhat stiff action to cushion the lunges and sudden runs of these fish.
“Although the rod wasn’t designed for this sort of fishing, my results highlight its versatility.”
Web producer - Sam Curtis
“Abu Garcia’s Victis rod is a convenient size for any angler who wants to travel light – and given our limited time on the bank it was the perfect accompaniment to our lunchtime session.
“The Victis was a real joy to cast – with a 30g rating it could chuck 5g-10g lures with ease. A stiff yet responsive tip made playing pike a pleasure.
“For me the rod was probably a bit too heavy for the fish we were targeting on the day, and I would probably prefer one of Abu’s lighter-rated models.”
News editor Ian Jones
“As we only have an hour over lunch to fish we need to get to the bank fast, and at just 6ft 6ins long the Victis slides into the back of the car with ease.
“I was surprised at its sensitivity, considering its 30g rating. There are lots of perch in the water we fish and you do hook a few on lures meant for pike or zander – but none of the satisfaction and enjoyment of the fight was lost with these smaller fish.
“I was particularly impressed with its fast action, which is vital when fishing for zander in deep water. You need to keep in touch with your lure at all times, and this rod let me do just that.
“We fished from the bank on the day but I’d love to test this rod properly on a deep reservoir which is where I think it’ll show its true potential.
“The dual-screw reel seat is a unique feature that I’m yet to find on any other rod.”
Daiwa Tournament pro feeder review
In match fishing you can test yourself against the very best, using the same equipment as the stars.
Not so in other sports. Try popping down to your local Mercedes dealer and asking if you can have an F1 car like the one Lewis Hamilton drives. Or see if you can get on the Etihad pitch just because you’re wearing new Adidas footy boots!
Spiky accusations of having ‘all the gear and no idea’ are often levelled at match anglers, but there’s lots to be said for using tackle chosen by world-class anglers. If it’s good enough for them, it’ll be good enough for you!
So when Daiwa launched its Tournament Pro Feeder 10ft and Tournament Pro 9ft-10ft Feeder rods late last year I was itching to get my hands on at least one of the pair. But before revealing my thoughts on the new Tournament Pro Feeder 10ft that landed on my desk, allow me to dispel any false news that you may have heard about Daiwa’s latest Tournament Pro Match and Feeder rod range.
The only changes are improvements to their spec – the handles are sexier than ever, with a new cutaway design and ‘Tournament’ embossed EVA foregrip. That, plus an improved matt black Tournament reel seat and new guides, is the sum total of the changes. Bias V-Joints, HVF Nanoplus materials and Megatop quivers remain exactly the same.
Anyway, on a wickedly cold late January day came my chance to have a closer look at the new Tournament Pro Feeder 10ft. The weather, need I say, was brass monkeys, but Westwood Lakes near Boston are always good for a few bites. I chose Swallow, a narrow snake lake packed with F1s, carp and skimmers, and the ideal venue for a rod like this.
Rob, manager of the on-site tackle and bait shop, advised me to fish peg 4, where you only need to cast a small maggot feeder two foot from the far bank to have them lining up – or so Rob said!
Three hours later, as Angling Times staff photographer Lloyd sat in the car with the heater full on for fear of his long lens freezing and dropping off, the rod tip finally moved.
A fractional twitch of the super-sensitive 0.75oz Megatop quiver was enough to strike at, and the first fish of the day came grudgingly to the net.
The rod, like all Daiwa Tournament Pros, has a blank built in Scotland, delivering flex and action without compromising accuracy or casting power. The pain barrier is in the wallet. The full asking price of £415 works out at around £41.50 per foot… and well worth it.
The blank’s outstanding forgiveness is a wonder to behold, yet it can shift up several more gears if necessary and pile on the pressure without recoiling, twisting or locking up.
As a bonus, this year’s Tournament Feeder rods come with three (as opposed to two) virtually unbreakable Daiwa Megatop carbon quivertips.
On the 10ft rod these are perfectly graded to suit the blank at 0.75oz, 1oz and 1.5oz.
This world-class all-round feeder rod has no equals in its 10ft class. It’s better suited for use on small commercials and natural venues than to long chucks on open water, as it doesn’t have the length to pick up line fast enough, or cast to the horizon. But other than that, the only negative I can find is its price.
Price: £415
Browning CK Bomb rod review
Regular readers of my tackle reviews will know that I am a big fan of Browning products.
Introducfing short rods for use on commercial fisheries was one of the German tackle company’s many firsts – I could also mention pre-cut and tactically designed pole top kits, longer pole butt sections for better linear balance, and true stated lengths. Not to mention Browning’s flagship Sphere rods, way ahead of their time – the Distance Feeder models are quite exceptional.
But what of the more affordable gear? The latest CK (Carp King) rod range spans 13 models covering everything from a 10ft F1 Micro Waggler through to a Method Feeder rod, and prices start from a very reasonable £54.99.
All models in this new CK range share Browning’s most advanced technical carbon advances, but each fulfils a specific need. For instance, the Method Feeder rod is furnished with low-profile, ultra-low-friction SiC guides for enhanced casting performance, while the F1 rods are 20 per cent softer-actioned than the standard rods, and ideal for use with lighter lines and hooklengths.
One thing they all have in common, though, is that they look fantastic – super-slim blanks are decked out in a classy gloss black livery, and every time I have taken them to the bank other anglers have commented on their stunning appearance.
I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at Browning’s CK range late last year at a trade show held at the firm’s Bremen HQ in Germany. Light and lively in the hand, with seamless parabolic curves, they made a great initial impression on me.
I asked if I could be sent samples as soon as they became available and, sure enough, they turned up at the Angling Times offices a week or so ago.
Now, live-testing commercial fishery rods in January can be a bit hit-and-miss. The fish ball up in certain pegs, and even when you do find them it isn’t easy.
Undaunted, though, I wended my way to Decoy Lakes with the entire CK range in the back of the motor. I figured that even if the fishing was a bit iffy I could still get an idea of how Browning has developed each model with its own distinctive footprint.
So, with the choice of any model in the range, I assembled the CK Method Feeder, CK Carp Feeder, CK Bomb and CK Wand. I’d be using small cage and Method feeders and a straight bomb.
Think of it as a ‘Goldilocks and porridge’ thing – but rather than ‘too hot, too cold’ it would be more of a ‘too stiff, too soft’ test that ended up ‘just right’.
Surprisingly, the best rod in my opinion for Decoy’s Elm Strip Lake was the CK Bomb rod.
This 10-footer has enough backbone to cast a 30g feeder without it bouncing around prior to the cast, and this is coupled with a sublime softish parabolic, almost through, action when a fish is on.
However, there’s a fair helping of steel to call into play for the odd really big fish, which is just as well, given the eclectic population of Decoy’s strip lakes.
It can also be used to punch a feeder out to 40 yards, should you feel the need. I had the rod threaded up with a 5lb mainline (you could push this to 8lb if you really needed to, or drop it to 3lb for close-quarters work). You would be safe using hooklengths as light as 0.12mm and as heavy as you wanted.
If I were to buy one for myself for my winter commercial matches I would also invest in a Browning carbon quivertip, as the rod takes on a much sharper aspect with one of these at the business end.
Verdict: Although billed as a bomb rod, this Browning CK beauty is no old-school wand, capable only of winkling out silver fish from flooded rivers or canals.
Instead it’s a modern commercial fishery tool with a fair casting backbone and non-locking playing action that can be used for nearly all standard commercial feeder and lead work.
The ultra-slim blank delivers plenty of transmission, and for a bomb rod it has a slightly steely feel tempered by a reassuringly forgiving quality.
Price: £81.99
Korum Snapper Cult Deadbait rods review
Get hands with this rod at this year’s The Big One Show
It’s fair to say that when it comes to fishing for pike I’m about as out of place as a wire trace in a winder box full of silver fish rigs.
As a match angler, after donkey’s years of trying to avoid the toothy roach-snatching critters, it’s my considered opinion that all you need do to catch a pike is fire out some maggots and wait for one to turn up and ruin your swim.
The sound of bronzes sprinkling over the water seems to work in a very similar way to summoning the Kraken. Hey presto! Esox appears and proceeds to chow down on anything and everything you might happen to be catching.
And there you go – pike fishing sorted! Thousands of matchmen will tell you that my version of things is not far from the truth.
Luckily, though, I do know someone who knows all about ‘proper’ pike fishing – the UK’s most successful specimen angler and double Drennan Cup winner Dia Gribble. He’s slipped the net cord under many of the biggest fish (pike included) in the country.
A hastily arranged meeting saw me pulling up alongside one of Dai’s favourite big-fish haunts, the picture postcard Copmere Lake near Eccleshall, Staffs. Focus of the day would be the latest 12ft two-piece 3.25lb Korum Snapper Cult Deadbait rods. These will cast deadbaits to the horizon, yet have an action sufficiently forgiving to avoid hook-pulls on a short line.
They look the part, too, boasting a full cork handle with a secure screw-down carbon inlayed reel seat. The blanks have ceramic-lined, braid-friendly guides throughout, and Korum has gone for anti-frap tip and butt rings, a wise move indeed.
So after a quick tutorial from Dai on drop-off indicators, leads, rigs, and the correct way to mount a smelt deadbait (yes, they do smell of cucumber), I was in business.
If, like me, you have little idea about pike fishing but fancy giving it a go, the Snapper range of deadbait kit is pretty much foolproof to set up. Anyway, with Dai’s experience, it wasn’t long before the drop-off signalled the first run of the day, which turned out to be a spirited scraper double.
The rod, which is quite stiff, does indeed have just about enough softness at the tip to make playing a fish an enjoyable experience but, as Dai was quick to point out, there are times when you’ll need to cast a big deadbait a long way, and that’s when you’ll appreciate the poke of this 12ft Snapper Cult Deadbait rod.
Our Verdict: The Cult Deadbait rod has been developed with plenty of input from Dai Gribble and Snapper’s leading predator angler, Ed Matthews. As a newbie piker I must admit that I found the rod quite stiff, hardly surprising as I am more used to softer blanks.
But as Dai said, you might find yourself having to cast half a mackerel, along with a lead, a very long way, which this rod does to perfection. Let’s be honest, with treble hooks it’s unlikely that you are going to pull out of the bait in mid-air.
What I like is the rod’s all-round presentation – understated decals, pleasing whippings, butt cap, run clip, braid-friendly and anti-frap guides, and carbon inlay reel seat. All that gives it the look of an expensive custom-built rod.
Price: £64.99
fox rage prism pike rod review
If you’re after a simple yet effective lure set-up for big pike this Christmas, Fox Rage certainly has the tools for the job.
Get your hands on all the latest rods, poles, reels and accessories at this year’s Big One Show
Catching double-figure fish requires a rod with plenty of grunt – not only to handle the powerful runs of each specimen hooked but also to cope with the regular casting of baits of 30g or more.
So you’ll be happy to learn that Rage’s latest Prism Pike Spin outfit ticks both these boxes with ease.
At 7ft 10ins long and rated to chuck lures in the 30g-100g range, it’s compact enough to fold down and fit into the boot of a car – but when it comes to the fishing you won’t be let down during the fight or while frequently casting your lure. And speaking of lures, the Fox Rage’s Loaded Natural Classics 2 patterns are the perfect accompaniment to this rod.
These paddle-tailed beauties have a superb swimming action combined with a realistic finish – and considering they come in weights of 15g and 20g, they’re a fine fit for the Prism Pike Spin.
When I was tasked with testing the two components together I couldn’t wait to see the outcome.
Lure tackle of this calibre is generally suited to gravel pit or reservoir fishing, but a lot of big pike inhabit our river systems – including the Soar in Leicestershire, home to twenties.
On the stretch I fished there are canal boats moored on the far bank and beds of water cabbages along the near bank – with a 9ft-deep track down the middle.
I clipped on the 14cm Loaded Natural Classic in perch colour and flicked it as tight to the far-bank boats as I could – allowing the lure to sink to the bottom of the shelf and retrieving quickly before it reached the cabbages.
In two hours I roved up and down the bank employing this tactic, and a number of pike between 5lb and 8lb made their way into my net.
The rod, although not tested by a true monster, was strong with a hint of softness, so none of the satisfaction of the fight was lost – a unique element considering it’s primarily intended for fish that go into double figures and above.
When a pike did try to make an escape to some near-bank lilies, the Prism Pike Spin had more than enough guts to turn its head with no creaking of the blank whatsoever. It also cast the lures effortlessly throughout the day without showing signs of struggle.
In my opinion, the lures under review should be included in any serious pike angler’s armoury too.
They come in three different sizes and four realistic colours, but it’s the fact that they’re fully loaded and ready to fish straight from the packet that will see them shoot off the shelves. The already fitted harness system includes two razor-sharp Armapoint trebles connected to a strong wire trace and screw-in jig head.
When a pike grabbed hold of the lure there was no way it was getting off – every bite resulted in a firm hookhold.
The swimming action is also phenomenal. The big paddle-tail kicked out lots of vibration and the sleek body enabled the lure to wobble enticingly on a quick retrieve, something that the pike simply could not resist.
Although no huge fish were caught on the day I left with no doubt in my mind that this combination of Fox Rage products could hook and handle pike of record-breaking proportions.
Our Verdict: A perfect tackle combination for all predator anglers wanting to catch monster pike. The Prism Pike Spin is a proper big-fish cruncher and the lifelike lures are the ideal match. I just wished I could have hooked a proper pike to really put the rod through its paces!
Price: Fox Rage Prism Pike Spin rod £94.99
Advanta Discovery RVS Twin Tip Lite review
A couple of weeks back I ran the rule over Angling Direct’s own brand Advanta Discovery SU Twin Tip Barbel rod on the River Trent.
Even though I’d been told by a friend just how good the Advanta RVS range was, I was still taken aback by this rod’s build quality and performance – especially at such a modest price.
So, when the 11ft Advanta RVS Twin Tip Lite arrived on my desk with a note extolling its virtues as one of the best small-river chub rods around, I was more than keen to get it out on the bank pronto.
Get your hands on all the latest rods, poles, reels and accessories at this year’s Big One Show
I’m sure many of you reading this can relate to my own angling career. I have spent much of my fishing life on small to medium-sized rivers in pursuit of chub.
In my case this started in my home county of Oxfordshire, biking to the banks of the Evenlode. Then, once I had passed my driving test, my horizons broadened to take in the Cherwell, Windrush and Upper Thames.
No wonder, then, that I have a journeyman’s penchant for small-river chub rods.
I have used everything from expensive hand-built wands to cut-down float rods with spliced-in quivertips. Materials have been as varied as tank aerials, split cane, fibreglass, carbon, boron, carbon composite, in fact Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all. I have fished with the lot at some time!
How many of these rods have I kept? Well, just the one, and it was built at Gloucester Angling Centre at around the turn of the century, or so it now seems.
Anyway, moving on, the build quality of the Advanta Lite is impeccable. This lightweight, highly responsive two-piece rod is made from 30T carbon, with a 1.25lb test curve carrier section that includes 0.5oz, 1oz and 2oz carbon quivertips. There’s also a 1.25lb Avon top that looks ideal for slightly heavier lead tactics or snag fishing.
Without a doubt, the Discovery has been designed by someone with a passion for small rivers, who knows exactly what they are doing. For my money it’s at its best with the carrier section and quivertips fitted.
There’s more than enough casting clout to propel 40g-plus (1.5oz) casting weights, and although it seems dainty, it’s by no means delicate. The blank itself has a through progressive-type action that allows it to be used confidently with hooklengths of around 0.16mm upwards, and hooks as small as a size 16.
I was hugely impressed by the power reserve the blank generates from the bottom of the butt. It certainly has more than enough in its locker to dissuade even the largest of chub from that last-gasp headlong dive into the nearest snag… something all chub have an annoying habit of doing when they are close to the net.
Despite my enthusiasm for the RVS Lite rod, my test session on the upper River Welland above Stamford proved to be a very frustrating few hours.
The gin-clear river was simply heaving with ravenous hordes of roach, pecking away at any bait that hit the water.
Every now and again I would connect with one, and to be fair they were nice fish – but old rubber lips never got so much as a look-in!
Verdict:
WELL, well – what a surprise Angling Direct’s Advanta RVS range is turning out to be!
Make no mistake, this rod is a proper keeper. Well designed, well thought out and well dressed in smart livery, it offers great value for money and is bound to become a sought-after small-river companion for many anglers this winter.
Price: £54.99