middy on course for great 2019
Owned and run by three generations of the Middleton family, Middy International has steadily grown to be one of the best tackle firms in the UK.
New and ever-innovative products are always key to further success, and it’s here that Middy always seems ahead of the game.
Among the company’s top sellers are the original Shotgun Feeders, 4G rods and Shock Stikk poles.
Next year these will be joined by seven cutting-edge Reactacore poles, including a new Flagship XZ65 model said to be ‘a bit special’, and top-end Reactacore float and feeder rods.
Here, then, is Angling Times’ pick of all the latest gear from Middy…
REACTACORE POLES
Quad Carbon technology and the Maximus Wrap system are just two cutting-edge advancements that make Middy’s seven new Reactacore poles the very best.
There are models to suit all depths of pocket and skill levels, so whether you’re a sun-seeking pleasure fisherman, a club angler or an open circuit matchman there’s a model for you.
The new Reactacore range is an advancement on both Middy’s original Shock Core Fusion and Nano-Core pole collections. The newcomers are built on the same mandrels as their predecessors and so are fully section and top-kit compatible.
Designed with plenty of input from match aces Rob Wootton and Lee Thornton, the poles boast Depth-Lines, which allow for accurate and quick depth checks, and Safe–Zone mini butts to protect the carbon from elbow damage and when shipping back.
An S-Slide finish ensures speedy non-stick travel through the hands, while pre-cut top kits give plenty of options. Look out for the exclusive live test on many of these stunning poles, only in Angling Times.
Price: £249 - £2,399.99
REACTACORE XZ RODS
Due for release soon are four new top-end Reactacore XZ rods, constructed using the same Quad four-layer carbon technology as is used for the Reactacore poles.
Carbon sheets are layered together at different angles, giving the blanks excellent strength and rigidity while also creating rapid-response top sections and a reactive parabolic action ideal for subduing commercial carp.
Having handled the new 10ft 9ins Reactacore XZ Mini Commercial Waggler, I can tell you that it’s quite unlike any other rod of its ilk. In the hand it’s decidedly ‘pokey’, but its action in reality is quite soft, with a superb parabolic curvature that will cope with everything from insignificant F1s through to clonking great carp.
Price: TBA
TOWER POLE POTS
With Middy’s Grip-Flex Pots already a huge success with matchmen, the company now plans to launch taller, compatible Tower Pots with the option of hinged lids. These will interchange with the small Grip-Flex models to create a modular pole pot baiting system. They should be in the shops by early next year.
Expect to pay around £5.99 for a pack of two with lids
CARP BLUE POLE FLOATS
Commercial fishery anglers are behind the design of Middy’s new Carp Blue pole floats. The 16 in the range are mainly inverted, body-down patterns that are perfect for bulk shotting.
These are teamed with easy-to-shot thick bristles, which are ideal for most types of baits.
Eight of the floats also feature the latest Nitinol Flexi wire stems that give them weight and stability, and are impervious to damage. You just can’t bend the stems out of shape!
Price: £1.99
WEDGE SHOTGUN FEEDER
The wedge shape of this feeder enables fish to access the contents easily, while a Dynamic-Retrieve reduces water-drag as you reel it in.
The safe in-line design, complete with soft tail rubber, will prove popular, as will the stepped non-slip lead weight.
The front-heavy design enables accurate and longer casts. Available in Compact small (20g and 30g) sizes for autumn/winter and Large (30g and 40g) sizes for summer bagging sessions when more bait is needed.
Price: £2.20
MW POLE FLOATS
Hand-made to the requirements of Rob Wootton, Chris Cameron and Lee Thornton, these include Middy-Wrap (MW) hand whipping around the side eyes for extra security.
The two F1 models have a thinner gauge, while the Diamond Carp models have a chunkier gauge, small details that help win matches! Models like the F1 Flexi-Wire are also made using the latest Nitinol anti-kink wire, and glass-stemmed models have an 0.8mm diameter which allows the float to settle in a controlled way.
The tips throughout the MW range are hollow, and all bodies are made from high buoyancy Rohacell® foam, with minimal further coating.
Price: £2.49
