We check out the latest Fortis X Snugpak collaboration...

The new FJ6 (Fortis Jacket 6) has actually been design specifically for anglers. With its three-quarter-length cut, it’s like a wearable sleeping bag, keeping your entire core lovely and warm. The sleeves have also been designed with a little extra length and in combination with the longer body stops the hem from rising up too far when casting, where your arms are reached up over your head. The jacket also features a built-in adjustable hood with a high neck, elasticated cuffs with thumb holes and an elasticated hem, which all reduce cold draughts. It also has zipped hand pockets, chest pocket and internal pockets, so you have plenty of places to safely store your personal belongings.

Fortis has used Snugpak’s Softie Premier Insulation, which is rated as warm to minus 5oC. While the insulation rating is not quite as low as the SJ9, the jacket is a fair bit lighter (875g v 1,000g, size L) and much more manoeuvrable. It also packs down nicely into a supplied stuff sack.

The jacket’s outer fabric is made of the same Paratex Micro fabric, which is tough yet very lightweight, windproof and water repellent, meaning light rain should simply bead off without a problem. The inner Paratex Light fabric has excellent breathability and wicking properties, so it should keep you warm without getting sweaty. The jacket is available in either olive green or proper British DPM.

Verdict - A comfortable, well cut, insulated jacket that is bound to keep you warm even in the coldest fishing situations.

Key Features
- Made in the UK
- Roll away adjustable hood
- Elasticated Cuffs and thumb loops
- YKK Zips
- Packdown size 31cm x 18cm
- Weight 875g (L)
- Warmth rating down to -5c
- Exclusive to Fortis Eyewear

Buy The Fortis FJ6

After the success of our last video, where we tried to catch some fish from the beach using the lightest tackle possible, it got us thinking what other idea’s could we try, what else could we experiment with…

Now it’s no secret that the winter fishing around our coast line has been very poor so far this season, so rather than fish for the larger species that in truth really aren’t there, why not have some fun with the smaller species… so that exactly what we decided to do!

For this latest episode we took the camera’s down to Kessingland on the Suffolk coast, to try and catch a few fish from the beach using a ground bait feeder!

Now we’ve never used a feeder from the shore before and it’s something that isn’t really practiced, so we didn’t know what to expect, would it work? Would we catch some fish using it?

To find out exactly how we got on watch this latest instalment, from the waters edge.

The Tackle Box
Advanta CX Carp Rod 12ft 3lb
Shimano Baitrunner ST RB Reel
Korum River Feeders 
Sakuma 2 Hooks Rigs
Sundridge John Holden Beach Buddy
Ian Golds Match Tripod
Shakespeare Beta Seat Box
Shakespeare Beta Seat Box Side Trays
Daiwa Sensor Surf Mono 15lb
Drennan Greased Weasel 60lb Shockleader
Vass Chest Waders

The Bait Box
Copdock Mill Brown Crumb
Liquids

We have had a real mix of weather this last fortnight, snow and strong east winds last week then calm and cloudy this week, this has allowed us to get out to the offshore marks where we have had some great sport on the Thornbacks in calm conditions.

Offshore
Fishing has steadily improved every day this week on the offshore grounds. The numbers of Thornbacks is steadily increasing all the time, the dogfish have not turned up yet and there are only odd whiting, this means the Thornbacks are getting time to find the baits without competion. These early Thornbacks really pull hard and in light currents are good sport. Most fish are the smaller males but the bigger females are starting to show with several fish over 10lb, best at around 12lb on Sunday. Best baits are herring and squid.

Inshore
Fishing is improving all the time, there are more Thornbacks showing up in all areas, these fish will be around all through the spring and into June. There are some cracking whiting around the inshore marks, these fish will take most baits but squid and lug are the best.
The piers and estuaries have been hard but will improve steadily now with more Thornbacks, whiting and maybe odd codling around. There are still some cracking dabs in the Blackwater estuary, these fish have been with us all winter and have been a lifeline for us on days we would have cancelled.

Prospects are excellent. It looks like Thornback numbers are still very good and with spring around the corner we will start to see other species turn up like the spurdogs or maybe a decent cod or two.

About the Chinook…
The place you need to come for a great day out fishing the Thames Estuary from Bradwell on Sea in Essex with one of the most experianced and friendly skippers on the East Coast. Whether you are a novice or experianced angler, they cater for both.

Due to an upturn in demand we have purchased a newer boat, she is a purpose built angling vessel, twin 330hp turbo diesels with a cruise of 20 knots, enclosed crew cab with seating for everyone, on deck toilet and a walk around island wheelhouse, she is a superb angling vessel, coded for 10 anglers.

To book a session on the Chinook III charter boat, which is based in Bradwell-On-Sea, Essex, contact Phil White on…

Visit – www.philwhitecharters.co.uk
Call – 07786080771
Email – philwhite31@aol.com

Nash

“It fizzes in water, drawing fish from throughout the water column.” Nashbaits exciting new Citruz range has grabbed our attention and will certainly grab the fishes too!

The success of the original Citruz pop-ups led Nashbait to release a special edition Citruz bait range covering a range of key products. The Citruz really comes into its own during the extreme cold weather when you’re struggling for a bite, providing a highly attractive bait package both visually and with regard to flavour.

The range includes some really interesting products. Firstly, the bottom baits themselves clearly stand out against most currently on the market, being a mix of shades of pink.

The Citruz Cultured products are particularly intriguing. The hook baits have a special paste-like skin, created by repeatedly layering the Citruz powdered additives around a balanced core boilie. The fizzing stick mix is formed from this same Cultured powder, which fizzes in water drawing fish from throughout the water column.

The Verdict
A really interesting new range that could help buy a bite in the worst of conditions.

Buy The Nash Citruz Range

So you thought bivvies were all pretty much the same. I’m a guessing pole, material, a few pegs and your away, well think again.

As the name suggests, the Airflow uses quick inflate ‘air poles’ that have replaced traditional heavy metal poles for a quicker set-up and unique design.

Supplied with a quick-action pump, the rigid and puncture-resistant tubes are inflated within minutes to form a resilient shelter that on testing proved to be at least as stable as any conventional pram-hood bivvy.

Complete with both mesh and solid infill panels at the front and an external peak fitted with attached Velcro rod holders, there are plenty of the much-used features we have come to expect on standard shelters. What’s more, the man himself, Mr Dave Lane, has tested it.

There is a one-man and two-man variant available. The one-man weighs in at 11kg measuring 290 centimetres wide, 260 centimetres deep and 143 centimetres high and just 75 x 38 centimetres when packed down. With a built-in heavy-duty groundsheet this is a completely protective package constructed from 100 per cent waterproof nylon with a hydrostatic head rating of 8,000mm.

The two-man obviously offers the same level of waterproofing, just in a larger product. This time weighing in at 14kg and measuring 335 centimetres wide, 305 centimetres deep and 153 centimetres high, the Airflow can be packed down to a rather minute 80 x 43 centimetres for ease of transport and storage.

Yes this is going to take a bit of an open mind and a few looks to get your head around, but with one on its way into the office for a thorough test a I pen this piece, we are certainly keen to get it out and shoot some video footage of us putting it through its paces just to show you how it fares under the constant rigours of modern carp fishing.

Key Features
- Erected in under one minute
- Super tough puncture resistant air poles
- Rock solid in the windiest conditions
- Offers incredible all season protection
- Durable and tough will withstand years of use
- 100% waterproof nylon
- Hydrostatic head: 8,000mm
- Built in heavy duty groundsheet
- Supplied with pump

Buy The TF Gear Airflow Bivvies

King of the Catch might seem like a distant dream for the thousands of you who entered but, for our five lucky winners, it is a dream which is fast approaching reality! Last week, we invited all of our winners to join us at Angling Direct HQ for a right royal ceremony and to take a seat in our famous carbon throne…

Rick Hurley, our coarse category winner, was first to take his seat in the throne. Rick came first place in the coarse fishing category with a beautiful tench capture and he’ll soon be off enjoying a week of hosted sturgeon fishing in Canada with the Sportquest team.

Jodie Sloane, our junior category winner, will be the first of our angling royalty to head off for their holiday. Jodie and her dad, Wes, will be taking off to Spain for a week of carp and catfishing on the Ebro. The angling trip will mean that Jodie has to take an extra week off school – as you can imagine, she is more than happy to make that sacrifice!

Sea fishing winner Ben Creaser was next on the throne. He brought his angling companion along with him in order to help share the mammoth drive from the Isle of Wight to Angling Direct HQ to join us for our prize giving ceremony. The pair will be travelling even further afield when the time comes to take their holiday and they are headed to Norway for a hosted week of sea fishing!

Our Queen of the Catch was up next! Arezue Omid stormed the field this year and won over 1,000 votes to clinch victory in the predator category – the single most votes of any entrant. She’ll be joined by her husband for a week of angling on John Wilson’s private lake out in Thailand.

Last, but by no means least, carp winner Ray Rutter took his turn on the carbon throne. Ray is a seasoned traveller and he likes to spend as much time angling away from the UK as possible. We’re pleased to help him out with this endeavour and he’s the second of our contestants to be headed to Canada. This time, the Sportquest team will be helping Ray hunt out some giant carp – hopefully he’ll manage to land one that is as beautiful as his winning picture was.

Paul from Sportquest joined us on the day of the ceremony to give his congratulations to all of our winners, as well as to ensure they had all the information they needed ahead of their holidays. The winners were also given a tour of the huge Angling Direct warehouse by our warehouse manager, Lee. Being in our warehouse is very much like being a child in a sweet shop and, more than once, our winners suggested a ‘Supermarket Sweep’ style tour of the premises! They were then treated to lunch from our favourite local café, before being taken to our in-house photography studio. Here’s a little bit of Angling Direct trivia for you: our warehouse manager Lee was a professional photographer in a former life, so all the photos you’ll see over the coming months will have been taken with his expert hands. Once the final handshakes were over and done with, we sent our angling royalty on their way – laden with angling gear from all our sponsors and with the excitement of their holiday at the forefront of their thoughts!

We can’t wait to share all the news from our winners’ holidays this year. Keep an eye out on our social media channels, where we’ll be sharing all our winners’ holiday posts, and we’ll be back with you soon with catch reports from their trips!

It has been another incredible year of King of the Catch. This competition wouldn’t be possible without your entries or the support from our amazing sponsors. All that’s left for us to do is to say a final thank you to everyone involved in the competition and to wish our winners the best of luck on their holidays – we’re sure it will be an experience they’ll remember for the rest of their lives!

We take our first look at Delkim’s new illuminating indicators!

This impressive new indicator design forms part of Delkim’s exclusive range of illuminating hangers. They have a slim design and by plugging them into any Plus range Delkim, they will match the illumination pattern of the alarm’s LEDs, including flashing, latching and night marking modes. This allows you to clearly see the hanger’s position when you get any indication, without the need for isotopes.

The set consists of the SlimLite hanger, ‘C-Slot’ drag weights and the SlimCarb Stabiliser. The removable carbon stabiliser allows the angler to choose between a standard hanger and a swinging arm style indicator. The stabilisers negate any side-to-side motion caused by wind and maintain the hanger in an upright position, meaning you can easily fish super-slack lines even in windy conditions. They can also move freely along the stabilisers providing a unique ‘Tilt N Slide’ action, which means that any movements can be clearly registered.

The hanger also features a new dual-function magnetic line clip, which can be used in a free-running mode, or gripped onto the line. This magnetic system is line friendly and when the line pulls free from the clip it will remain free running on the line until the strike. Ideal!

The Verdict
A versatile indicator system that is perfect for any situation.

Key Features
- Fits any plus range alarm
- Moulded in special high visibility light dispersing clear material
- Integrated LED: Flashing, latching & night marking
- No batteries required: Connects to Plus Bite alarm NiteLite socket
- Dual position magnetic line clip: Self adjusting and non-twist
- Stays on the line until the strike
- Smooth strike release: No snatching or potential over tightening
- Ideal for slack lining
- CatFlex2 cable assembly: Hangs and flexes like a chain
- Threaded to take C-SLOT drag weights: 3g, 5g or 10g
- Use free hanging or attached to SlimCarb
- Cable length: 125mm
- Available in 6 colours: Blue, Green, Red, White, yellow or purple

Buy The Delkim Clear Slimlite Indication Set

Reviewed by Carpology Magazine…

Two years on from our maiden cast, here’s what we really think of Greys’s AirCurves…

Unless you were bidding for the opening week on Nashy’s Copse Lake or your name has come up for the Wasing syndicate, the chances are, a set of high-end carp rods is the biggest caution-to-the-wind splurge you’re going to make. And that means you’ve got to get it right. Having used Greys AirCurves for the past two years, we now feel we’re in a position to answer your questions, queries and concerns with some authority – so ask away…

I’ve heard quite a bit of hype about these rods?
That’s not surprising when you consider the AirCurves are the next generation to Greys’ previous headline-maker, the Torsion rods, a collection of carbon which picked up numerous awards during its time. Although AirCurves aren’t exactly new-on-the-block now, being some three-years-old, they are a result of three-years development and utilise Greys Toreon Nano composite material technology.

What the hell is that?
In English it means the composite provides a uniform dispersion of nano particles throughout the resin which binds the carbon fibres together and that equals a stronger and lighter material which ultimately creates a more powerful, semi-fast taper blank. And because it’s stronger, it means Greys can use less which creates a thinner blank and by thin, we mean supermodel thin.

How do they perform?
As Adam Penning would say, “astro-biblically astonishing”! Because the rod’s thin, it’s light, because it’s light it feels more controlled, and because you have more control you have more feel. Singularly the most impressive element about this rod is the level of accuracy it has. Yes, it casts like shit off a supersonic shovel – extreme-range casting with top-end rods is pretty much a given in today’s world – but it’s the lack of wobble, the sensational tip recovery and control that these rods give you which really sets them apart from the competition.

What’s the lux verdict?
It ticks all the right boxes. Feature-wise it comes fitted with braid-friendly G-Lite Ultralite SIC guides, 50mm distance ringing pattern as standard, deluxe Fuji DPS18 reel seat with minimalist fittings and for the first time ever, all are available in a choice of handle options: Abbreviated, Full Shrink Wrap or Full Cork and each one is finished with a laser engraved butt cap.

How do these differ in performance and price to other top-end models?
Over the years at CARPology we’ve been fortunately enough to hold, cast, and on some rare occasions(!) actually play and land a carp on hundreds of different rods, ranging from £50.00 right up to £700.00, but none have ever matched the performance of the AirCurve, and it’s for that very reason why we still use them today.

So your honest opinion is…?
If you’ve got £900-plus-pounds to lay down on a set of three rods, then buy these with TOTAL confidence – honestly, you will not be left disappointed.

Key Features
- Toreon Nano Composite material
- Carbon Armour blank finish
- Lightweight 1k carbon weave throughout
- Deluxe Fuji DPS18 reel seat
- G-lite Ultralite SIC guides
- 50mm distance ringing pattern
- Supplied with unique universal adjustable line clip
- Supplied with neoprene tip & butt protectors
- Laser engraved stainless steel butt cap

Buy The Greys AirCurve Carp Rods

It's not often that things all go right when targeting specimen size fish, so when everything clicks into place and things go to plan it's all the more sweeter. As in previous blogs, chub fishing has been at the front of my mind mostly. However, I have also been lure fishing for perch at lunchtimes

The chub fishing was going okay, with a scattering of chub over the weeks leading up to my week to remember and a picture was building on where to concentrate my efforts for the last few weeks of the season. With the Wensum being low and clear, the day time fishing was hard but not impossible. The start of my red letter week I had planed a Saturday session. I would be started at Bawburgh lakes to target pike.

I arrived at the lakes at first light and met up with fishing buddy Darryn. We started in an area I'd had a few pike from in the past. After an hour or so, neither of us had had any action so I decided to move one rod and twitch back the other rod. Within a few minutes the twitched rod was away. As the fish didn't move off very quickly, I thought it was sitting there devouring the fresh lamprey so I struck quicker than normal and with the rod bending over it felt like a good fish.

After a short tussle, the fish was in the net, the trace was unclipped, and the unhooking matt readied. The pike was unhooked, weighed at 13lbs 14oz, and it was returned to the lake and released as quickly as possible to reduce the stress on the fish.

After clipping a new trace on and putting the same piece of lamprey on again, I put it back in the same location from which I had just had the fish. Within 30 minutes I had another take but this time this fish was stripping off line so I gave it another couple of seconds to turn the bait. On striking, this fish also felt okay and put up a good account of itself. It looked a similar size in the net and on weighing it went over 13lbs as well! So, all in all, it had been a great start to the day.

I gave that swim another hour or so but, with no other action, I decided to move on to the next swim. After another hour went by, for some reason or another we decided to change tact and move on to the river and target chub from a stretch of the Wensum.

So, after packing up and driving to the Wensum we started walking to where we wanted to target. As normal, when there are two of us we leap frog each other from swim to swim. In my third swim I suddenly got a bite when I hadn’t expected one! At first, the fish didn't do much but as it got closer to me it started to give me the run around and after a hard battle the plump looking chub was in the net. On peeling the mesh back, she looked like a good sized chub so I called Darryn over to have a look and help weigh and photograph the fish. When we weighed the lump, it set the scales at 6lb8oz so I was well chuffed to say the least!

After that we did try a few other swims but with no luck, so we headed off home – pretty pleased with our efforts.

It was back to lunch time lure fishing for perch for the rest of the week, which I was really enjoying as I haven’t done a lot of this in my time so I was still learning lots with each session. I did have a tip off from a good friend (who is now living in the States) about what he was using out there for the large mouth bass so I popped on the internet and found some different lures to try out.

As with most days, I only get 20 minutes at lunch to find the perch and try and catch them. The first day I tried the new method, it was instant success, with a brace of 2lb perch! I had been thinking for a while that I wasn't doing something right and this was the evidence to confirm it.

The next day I had another two pounder and some back up pound plus fish too, but it was the third day of fishing that things went from good to amazing! After only a few casts I had a bite. It felt like a good fish but I thought that it surely couldn't be a perch as it felt too big. After a few seconds I caught sight of the fish – it was a perch after all – and, after panicking for a second and fumbling for the net, the big perch was landed. I took a few seconds to look at it before I got out the scales and I began to wonder if it could be my new personal best. I popped back to the van, retrieved my scales and weigh sling, and called my friend to take a picture. As I weighed the beast I was over the moon; it was my new PB at 3lbs 6oz!

The next couple of days saw a couple more nice perch to just over 2lbs, but nothing as special as my personal best fish. The weekend came and, with family commitment, it didn't look like I would get out. Luckily, at the last minute, I got a window of a couple of hours so I took a trip to the Wensum again to see if I could get a bite or two. On arrival, the river was low and clear so I knew it was going to be tough going. I tried a couple of banker swims with no joy before moving to my favourite swim for my last hour. I had a couple of casts in a couple of different areas of the swim which resulted in nothing so, on one last effort, I cast to the back of the swim where the fish normally sit and sat back with my hand on the handle ready just in case. Still nothing happened but I wasn’t ready to give up yet, so I twitched the bait so it moved around into the current. I repeated it again after a couple more minutes and bang I had a bite! I struck into what felt like a good fish from the start and, after a short but hard fight, the short and broad chub was in the net. At 5lbs 14oz, it was another cracking chub and a great end to a red letter week.

Continuing the Group Test series, we take a look at bite alarms. To give a fair test, we have not only picked the 8 variants we see the most on the bank but we have also tried to use a wide balanced selection of price, functionality and, of course, looks.

Bite indication is an essential element of any angler’s approach, and unlike many other disciplines, as carp anglers we insist on suffering the dark nights that can often be very rewarding in need. It is for this reason that we require an electronic alarm that can notify us of what is happening at the rig end, not necessarily what is going on but certainly when either the lead or main line have been moved.

As with any fishing-related tech, price will ultimately decide which one is for you because alarms will more than likely be bought in quantities of two or more, or in a featured presentation set complete with receiver where applicable. The prices quoted on the next three pages are per individual head unit, and simply multiplying that by three will not necessarily work to give you the same price you will be given when looking at a full set. The alarms that we were unable to find an individual price for will state what you actually receive for your outlay.

Sonik SKS Bite Alarms
Relatively new to the market, the Sonik package has been very well received. These roller-wheel varieties are also able to be synched to the supplied bivvy light and as soon as your alarm registers activity the light will illuminate in a matching colour to give you a prior warning as to which alarm is going off.

The head boasts sensitivity, tone and volume controls, which is all finshed in a very nice soft-touch matt rubberised finish.

Retro in appearance, TC designer Katie has her eyes on these and from the testing we have undertaken they work very well. Even in freezing conditions the diamond-shaped roller wheel remained functional. They run off two AAA batteries for ease.

EASE OF USE: 9/10
FUNCTIONALITY: 8/10
CARPY: 6/10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 8/10
TOTAL: 31/40

Buy The Sonik SKS Bite Alarms

Fox MXR+ Bite Alarm
The very early and original Fox bite alarms had an extremely strong following and we even know of several anglers who still use them.

Sitting at the mid-point range of the new Fox alarms, the MXR+ continues to build on what already was a loyal following. With a dial dedicated to tone and one for volume situated on the alarm head, you can easily change the noise. A weatherproof sealed case keeps the easy to locate and buy AAA batteries safe from the elements.

Utilising this popular variety of battery allows the angler to pick up spares in the blink of an eye as opposed to having to hunt for a specialised battery; good move Fox! A great all-rounder that isn’t too expensive.

EASE OF USE: 9/10
FUNCTIONALITY: 9/10
CARPY: 5/10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 9/10
TOTAL: 32/40 

Buy The Fox MXR+ Bite Alarm

Gardner ATT Silent Alarm System Bite Alarm
This is the smallest alarm head on test. Although at first glance you will be quick to note that there is no on/off switch, volume, tone or sensitivity, don’t be fooled into thinking this is just a gimmick. The head turns itself off when pushed into the case, ensuring you save battery.
This silent head has to work with an alarm, of course, unless you are going to sit staring longingly at the LED.

Similar to the Gardner TLB, these can be completely submerged and still work, perfect for waters where you want to limit awareness of your presence. The newer variants also boast an illuminated roller wheel, which we like a lot. If you want something that even your dog could set up then these are for you.

EASE OF USE: 10/10
FUNCTIONALITY: 6/10
CARPY: 8/10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 8/10
TOTAL: 32/40

Buy The Gardner ATT Silent Alarm System Bite Alarm

Delkim TXi plus Bite Alarm
The alarm that needs no introduction, and we can bet our bottom dollar that if you don’t have a set, the chances are you have certainly considered them over the years.

Quite possibly the most popular alarm on test, there is no questioning the pedigree from the Delkim stable and if you have read the Delkim interview in this issue you will understand why.
Utilising a square battery, these won’t run out on you in a hurry, even if you chose to have the NiteLites switched on. Running the ever-reliable and incredibly sensitive vibration arm, you have complete control over every aspect of bite indication, including tone, volume and a very detailed sensitivity programme.

EASE OF USE: 9/10
FUNCTIONALITY: 10/10
CARPY: 7/10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 8/10
TOTAL: 34/40

Buy The Delkim TXi Plus Bite Alarms

Wychwood AVXS Bite Alarm
These are also small, or should we say compact, heads but they are extremely durable, so don’t be put off.

The front is home to three soft-touch rubber buttons that control, on and off, volume, tone and sensitivity. We also like the built-in low-battery warning. No more waking up to find your bobbin hanging on the floor and your rod tip pointing in the wrong direction; well unless you are a heavy sleeper that is.

Similar to the ECU, these boast built-in snag arms that can be effortlessly slid up when needed and retracted when not in use.

A three-head presentation set with receiver can be purchased for £179.99, so this would be much more cost-effective than buying individual items.

EASE OF USE: 9/10
FUNCTIONALITY: 9/10
CARPY: 6/10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 7/10
TOTAL: 31/40

Buy The Wychwood AVXS Bite Alarm

Gardner TLB Bite Alarm
Now this little fella strikes a personal note with editor Dan Murrell; the first alarm he ever purchased, going back nearly 10 years.

Although it is probably the least popular on test it has survived the test of time and is utilised by specimen anglers as well as carp anglers alike.

Simple in design there is an on/off switch located on the front and an external jack plug allows it to be synched to an ATT receiver. Utilising a traditional roller-wheel setup this bite alarm is as easy to use as it gets.

Oh, and did we mention that it is fully waterproof even if submerged?
A bright front LED illuminates as a high-toned bleep is let out from the stylish body.

EASE OF USE 10/10
FUNCTIONALITY 6/10
CARPY 9/10
VALUE FOR MONEY 7/10
TOTAL: 32/40

Buy The Gardner TLB Bite Alarms

JRC Radar CX Bite Alarm
We first saw these alarms just under six months ago and as a result we knew that we wanted to include them because they tick plenty of boxes and are cheap.

One of the main reasons we wanted to include them is the fact that for a mid-priced bite alarm, not only are they feature packed but they have also been designed, tested and engineered right here in the UK.

The CX boasts stepless volume, tone and sensitivity for a seamless adjustment. The LED strip on the left signals a travelling light as well as a 20-second latching LED.

The long battery life runs off a 9V and it comes complete with a low-battery warning from the impressive Magneto-dynamic speaker.

EASE OF USE: 9/10
FUNCTIONALITY: 8/10
CARPY: 6/10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 10/10
TOTAL: 33/40 

Buy The JRC Radar CX Bite Alarms

Nash Siren R3 Bite Alarm
No it is not a taser, but yes it is an electrical force to be reckoned with. We have read reports that the remote is one of the best around, covering large distances, but until we do our own testing we cannot confirm this.

There are a few new features to this distinctive alarm that we think are well worth a mention. A one-touch mute function allows the user to tighten their line, set the bobbin and make adjustments without annoying other anglers on the lake. The subtle front jack plug will take compatable bobbins and provide a gentle pulsing illumination.

They also boast a patented sensitivity control that utilises a microchip Intelligent Sensing, meaning you are more in tune when it matters.

EASE OF USE: 8/10
FUNCTIONALITY: 8/10
CARPY: 7/10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 8/10
TOTAL: 31/40 

Buy The Sonik Nash Siren R3 Bite Alarms

Rive’s D36 seatboxes are hailed by many as the pinnacle. The sheer number of these out on thebankside tells its own story – for many a Rive is THE seatbox to own and to be seen using. This system utilises a 36mm leg, which offers superb stability and the extent of customisable variations and add-ons allows for the most bespoke setup you’re ever likely to need.

If you’re somebody who likes a bit of colour in your angling life then you’re going to love this Mango edition of the classic D36 ST8 seatbox, which comes complete with Rive’s very own HSP system and an inbuilt trolley.

Rive is France’s premier manufacturer of match fishing tackle and it is a brand that is committed to producing superior quality kit for the discerning modern angler.

This seatbox is perfect for those who don’t want to compromise and it provides everything you could want in terms of practicality, durability, and supreme comfort.

With four fully adjustable telescopic legs, which offer a range of height options between 420mm and 720mm, you can ensure that this seatbox is always pitched to the perfect height for your needs, as well as the conditions on the bank. For the long-limbed angler who is fed up with sitting hunched on ill-fitting boxes this is the perfect solution, as well as for anglers who regularly find their match fishing pegs boast uneven terrain.

The cushion on the Rive D36 ST8 is completely seamless, for your complete comfort, and is fitted with a pole heel. These features all ensure that you can sit square on, rather than twisted on your seat, significantly reducing the chance of strain.

Durability is important no matter what tackle item you’re investing in, but this can’t be truer than in an investment piece such as this. This is why Rive has manufactured this seatbox with the brand’s trademark HSP footplate. For too long footplates have been seen as a hindrance on the bank, usually because of their flimsy construction. With four supporting feet, your weight is distributed evenly over the HSP footplate, ensuring that you can put pressure through it with confidence when you’re bringing in a hard-fighting big fish, without worrying that you’re going to end up head first in the water or otherwise cause damage to your tackle.

What’s more, this footplate has been fitted with two quarter-turn locks. These allow it to be expertly positioned to suit your needs, as well as the needs of the bank, and they further aid with bankside comfort and protect the footplate from damage.

Finally, the Rive D36 ST8 Mango seatbox is exceptionally practical – after all, would you expect anything less from an expert company? It comes supplied with a 30mm side drawer, 30mm tray, and 30mm removable case. It also comes with a side tray and is fitted with an integrated trolley system. This revolutionises the way that you transport your seatbox to and from your peg. Instead of having to lug it over your shoulder, you can simply lift and push it to your swim. This virtually eliminates the risk that you’ll arrive at the bank with your back aching from transporting your tackle and it frees up your shoulders to transport other vital tackle items, such as your pole holdall.

Key Features
- Aluminium frame
- Seamless cushion with fixed pole heel
- Side drawer 30 and Tray 30
- Removable case (tray 30)
- 4 telescopic anodised colourless legs 420 / 720mm
- 2 Set legs anodised colourless 420mm
- HSP system with two quarter-turn locks
- Allows 4 positions for the platform
- Footplate protection
- Rive shoulder strap
- Side tray
- Foam pole support
- Deluxe pole support
- Trolley

Buy The Rive D36 ST8 Mango seatbox

Here, at Angling Direct, we are very excited to announce that the one and only Dave Coster from Angler’s Mail will be joining the team in our Lincoln store from Friday 7th April.

Many of our customers will recognise Dave from the Angler’s Mail, as he has been writing weekly features for the magazine for well over 30 years. However, this is only the beginning when it comes to Dave’s angling credentials. In his professional life, Dave has been a successful tackle shop owner and Product Development Manager for a number of top-end brands – including Hardy, and Greys from the Pure Fishing stable, which now owns some of the biggest brands in the business.

Not only will Dave be joining Angling Direct Lincoln team for a couple of days each week but he will also be lending his vast experience to assist in other areas within marketing and product development. Dave has recently moved back to the Grantham area in the East Midlands, following a long stint in Northumberland with Pure Fishing.

Commenting on his new appointment, Dave said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining the Angling Direct team. It’s a vibrant and expanding business, run by a strong team of people who are very passionate about angling. As for me, I am now back in the heart of coarse fishing country, and cannot wait to start exploring both old and new fishing haunts in the area again. I will be working each Friday and Saturday in the new shop at Lincoln and really look forward to meeting all the anglers in the area – and hopefully even getting some fishing in with some of them!”

Darren Harston, our Store Manager at Lincoln, commented: “I would like to invite all anglers in the area to pop in whenever they can for a chat and pick up some top professional tips from Dave to help improve their techniques and catches on the local rivers and lakes. We cannot wait to hear his pearls of wisdom and look forward welcoming him to the Angling Direct family, as we know he will make a brilliant addition to the team here.”

Angling Direct Lincoln is our first store in the East Midlands and has been recently fully renovated in order to give you the best shopping experience possible. We have packed it out with thousands of top end tackle items for all anglers, whether your speciality is in carp, specimen, predator, coarse, match, or sea fishing. Please be sure to look out for our special open days here too, during the course of the year.

Store address and contact details:

Angling Direct Lincoln
Unit 1,
Gateway Close,
Dankerwood Road,
Lincoln
LN6 9UH
Tel: 01522 690301

Accuracy is always important when weighing any fish on the bank. A couple of ounces here or there might be the deciding factor as to whether your capture is a personal best or not.

The Cygnet Sniper Weigh Tripod’s pressed aluminium and moulded boss gives it complete stability for those important accurate readings and is perfect for the UK and abroad, due to its fully adjustable legs, extending right up to 80 inches. This means that it can accommodate the largest of weighing slings.

One thing that stood out for me was that the Sniper was extremely lightweight and compact. In fact, so much so that it would be simple enough to store away in your rod bag without taking up too much space.

The Sniper Euro really is the big-fish tripod. Just like the Sniper, it has a pressed and moulded aluminium block, with adjustable legs, and a slightly larger extension, from four to 82 inches, allowing even the largest of weighing slings to have an accurate reading, which is ideal for European anglers.

Gone are the days of tripods blowing over in the wind. You will be happy to hear that the guys at Cygnet have supplied three pivoting anchor feet and pegs with the Sniper Euro, to help keep it solidly pegged down in position.

As if that wasn’t enough, this lightweight and compact tripod comes in its very own signature Cygnet Carry bag with external pouches housing both the pivoting feet and pegs.

Key Features
- Perfect for Uk and continental applications
- Pressed aluminium and moulded boss
- Complete stability for accurate reading
- Takes a buzz bar or rest for flexibility!
- Fully adjustable legs
- Adjusts from 40inch to 80inch
- Accomodates the largest of slings

“An essential item to ensure your valuable catch weights are exact!”

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - 8/10
VALUE FOR MONEY - 8/10

Buy The Cygnet Sniper Weigh Tripods

As anglers in the UK, I don’t think we realise how lucky we are when it comes to bait. Whether it is fresh maggots from your local tackle shop or custom made specialist baits, it’s always possible to get a top quality bait to suit your needs. This availability isn’t the same in the various places in Europe I have fished; in general, European tackle shops are geared up much more for lure anglers so specialist anglers have to work hard to source bait. The internet has made life a bit easier. Using Angling Direct, as an example, it’s possible to purchase most baits and get them shipped into Europe.

Take maggots as an example; here in France, I can buy maggots in plenty of places but the quality is very poor, the maggots are very small and often old, tough skinned and way past their best. Most trips back to the UK will see me at Angling Direct in Norwich, where the bait manager, Glenn, keeps the bait at the very highest standard. In fact, I have seen dirtier kitchens than Glenn's bait room! Glenn has spent 40 years in the trade and knows how to look after bait, in the summer with The Broads fishing busy Glenn will be working hard to turn gallons of maggots into pristine castors for match and pleasure angler alike. The reason for my visit, other than a cuppa and catch up with the guys, will be to collect a couple of gallons of top quality maggots.

To transport maggots for any distance and time, you need to forget bait boxes. In fact, even in a standard cool box a few hours is the max before the bait will start to sweat and deteriorate. To transport and keep maggots at their best is a simple enough procedure; you will need a cool box, some empty plastic pop bottles, and a roll of parcel tape. The cool box needn't be the plastic food type, I find the best is a polystyrene frozen food delivery box. You can get these from lots of food shops, fishmongers, and even tropical fish dealers. Most will give them away willingly, as they have to pay to dump them. The pop bottles need to be filled with water and frozen; I use a size to suit the amount of bait, between half a litre and 1l works well.

Once you have the necessary items then you need to make sure the maggots you are going to transport are very cold and hardly moving; never try this with warm lively maggots or you will end up with dead, sweaty, and useless bait. Bag the bait in good quality bags and then exclude all the air before sealing them. It doesn’t matter what quantity you do this in as long as the bag is suited to the amount of bait your have; I have used a huge bag for 3 gallons at a time but I have also used 1 pint bags. The key, what ever size you choose, is to exclude as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Once all your maggots are bagged, pack them in your cool box along with the frozen bottles – which I find more effective and cheaper than ice packs. Don't forget to add a small bag of sawdust and also some maize flour for keeping the maggots good once you unpack them the other end. The last thing to do is to seal the box all round with the tape as this will help prevent air entering and should a problem occur, maggots escaping.

I have used this method many times and never lost bait (yes, an odd maggot will suffer but in general very few are lost). Never ever be tempted to open the box or you will have problems! You can use this method to store bait for up to 48 hours and it will still be perfect, after that then you can expect to get a few fatalities. However, I have had bait packed like this for five days before opening only to find my bait still in top condition. When you first open the bait I can guarantee you will think every single maggot is dead. However, this is far from the truth! They are basically in a coma but, within a few minutes of you opening the bags, they will start to come round and within an hour your will have bait as good as the day you packed it.

One word of warning: never pack worms with maggots. The ammonia from the maggots will kill your worms, not to mention the fact that worms also don't like being too cold.

I am often asked what my favourite bait is and the answer to that is simple: it's the bait that catches the fish today because it might be a different bait tomorrow! However, I have one or two baits that have made a huge difference to my catch results.

Boilie wise, Mainlines Active 8 has caught me a lot of carp and big barbel over the years and I thought for along time it might be difficult to beat but then I was given a bait to test by Sonubaits which was an instant success. It didn't matter where it was used, it caught me big fish! The first time ever I used the bait in Holland, I caught two massive barbel in successive casts – one of which would have broken the Dutch record, had I have claimed it. That bait was Code Red and it is now my number one boilie of choice; some big barbel and carp have fallen to it since I started using it here in France.

When I first fished for barbel, the bait of choice was either maggot or luncheon meat and both still catch plenty of fish. Luncheon meat on its own can be awesome but adding a flavour to it can give you the edge you are looking for. A simple addition to a tin of meat cut up in a bag is a few cloves of fresh garlic crushed to a paste. Seal the bag and overnight the bait will take on the irresistible flavour of the garlic that carp, barbel and chub can’t resist it. Be careful though, because it does honk a bit and you will sure get some funny looks in close company!

I rate worms very highly when rivers are coloured and when you’re fishing anywhere after rain then chopped worm can be awesome. For most species chopped dendrobaenas will work well and perch can’t resist chopped lobworm. My favourite trick is to feed the chopped worm with riddled mole hill soil, either with a feeder or bait dropper. If ever you are looking for a days fishing and not sure what to do, go to your local commercial armed with a few maggots, a bag of worms, and some riddled mole hill. Fish a feeder loaded with a mix of chopped worm and the soil, and fish half a worm on the hook tipped with a maggot. Every species in the fishery can be caught on this method and I have had some outstanding bags of fish over the years.

During my match fishing days, many times on cold clear rivers bread would be a difficult bait to beat. In a blog a few weeks ago, I described the ways I fish bread these days but, be it a 4 mm pellet of bread or a huge piece of floating crust, never underestimate bread as a bait.

I remember many years ago using one of my mum’s saucepans to make up some trout pellet paste (what a mess and what a stink). I seem to remember mother being angry and father kicking my backside but secretly interested in my new bait concoction. I would have never have thought back then that the pellet would revolutionise fishing like it has. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a match, specialist, or a carp angler – pellets will catch you fish. Unfortunately, we don't fully understand the effect excessive feeding of pellets has on fish and, as anglers, we shouldn't forget that pellets are produced to feed captive bred fish for the table. Be it carp, trout, salmon or whatever, very few pellets are produced for fishing. Lots of fisheries have bait limits and restrictions, some of this is for commercial reasons but these rules are also to safeguard the fish stocks. As anglers, we have a duty of care to the fish we try to catch, so over feeding with any bait should be avoided.

The good news here in France is the barbel have started to feed and a few days ago the first barbel of the season graced my net, fishing mashed pellet in the feeder with a Sonubait Code Red dumbbell on the hook. Hopefully this will be the first of many this year; I will keep you informed!

As you would expect from the ever-growing and impressive Avid stable, the Tuned Barrow boasts quality, with its unique design for transporting heavy loads over large distances. The unique handles allow you to adjust the barrow to suit your height, easing pressure on the user’s back and shoulders, which is where injuries can commonly occur. It is these small yet invaluable features that make it both easier and less painful to push around any venue, whether it be uneven or level ground. The two pockets either side of the wheel and large pannier are all compatible with the Tuned range of luggage and allow you to distribute weight evenly.

These are benefits of the barrow that editor Dan Murrell feels really separate this model from others. Fishing with a tendency to move in a flash, Dan believes that once you have tried and learned how to maximise this system it will be very hard to revert to a standard-frame barrow. It is packed full of features, with its easy-grip handles and shorter legs to improve ground clearance, the pockets are a hard-wearing 600-denier fabric and complemented by a waterproof cover, keeping all your gear dry on those wet days when fishing from the barrow or storing essentials within it is imperative.

Key Features
- Adjustable handles
- Shorter legs to improve ground clearance
- Easy-grip handles
- Easy-release wheel
- Compatible with Tuned luggage range

Buy The Avid Carp Tuned Barrow

If you’re anything like us, then being organised when out on the bank is essential to stay mobile or simply travelling light, having everything close to hand and knowing that things are organised for the appropriate situation. The Avid Tuned Luggage is perfect for this, all based on set parameters of measurements, meaning that all the internal pouches and accessory bags can be stored away in carryalls in a neat and tidy fashion.

Everything in the Tuned stable has been designed to make life easier for you as an angler, with three main sizes in the range – small, medium and large. Having so many sizes and combinations available, there is something for even the most OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) angler. The entire range is constructed from a hard-wearing 600-denier fabric, and is fully lined, including a foam layer where it counts. Avid has gone above and beyond, right down to the last detail; the finishing touches are second to none. The strong branding and great attention to detail is expressed through the leather patches and zip pulls.

As well as incorporating all these brilliant features, the stunning Tuned luggage offers a material that is waterproof and tough, protecting all your tackle on the bank.

Key Features
- Tuned compatible for flexible tackle storage
- Fully padded walls for added protection
- Padded peachskin lugging handles
- Made from luxury quality 600 denier material
- Fits into the main bag on most barrows
- Dimensions: H 35cm x W 50cm x D 27cm

Buy The Avid Carp Tuned Barrow Bag

On the 12th of March, my brother and I fished an organised match down on Riverside Road in the city centre. The match was organised as a memorial match for my late father, as he used to run a series of matches every winter. So, this year, the organisers said that they would have the last match of the season as the memorial match.

The forecast for the day was meant to be wet most of the day but, lucky for everyone, the day was overcast and it was lovely and dry and nicely mild all day.

At the draw, which took place at 8am at Norwich City Football Ground, there was a fantastic turn-out of anglers (the most there had been all winter!) which I was extremely proud of.

Everyone wanted to draw a peg on the yacht station and not the section between the bridges (D section) as everyone knew that the winner would could from one of those pegs. As normal, my draw was useless I got the bottom end of D section. It wasn’t where I wanted but it couldn’t be helped. I knew that I would have no chance of winning the match, so I decided to go out and out for small fish and try and to win my section of 12 anglers.

Halfway though the match things were going okay and I was catching small fish most chucks. I had heard that there had been some bream caught down on the other section, so I knew I had one chance. I got my head down and tried as hard as possible.

At the end of the match I knew I would be there or thereabouts in my section but at the weigh in the weights were a lot better than the last series match.

I weighed in 14lb 14oz and won my section, which I know that Dad would have been proud of.

The match was won with 23lb 7oz by David Gooch. In joint second place were Wayne Anderson and Kevin Humphreys, each with 22lb 8oz and in fourth place was David Richardson with 20lb 7oz.

We all met up in the Red Lion pub for the results and a raffle with a good mixture of prizes. On the day, we all raised £385 for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, too.

After thanking the organisers, they said that they were happy the run another match the same time next year – so hopefully next year my brother or myself will be able to win it and get our name on the trophy!

The most disappointing thing about the match was that my brother beat me by 1oz with 14lb 15oz from the yacht station, although he came last in his section!

Tight lines, Steve

The last fortnight has seen a big influx of thornback rays into all the inshore areas in the Thames Estuary. These fish are early this year but with the lack of cod they are very welcome.

We are starting to see some big female rays with one reported at 20 lb last week, the best we saw on Saturday was a whopper caught by Peter Hudson at 16 lb. Not only was this his best thornback but his biggest ever fish. All the females are carrying eggs and should be returned alive.

Best baits are herring, squid, mackerel and most other fishy baits, remember to use heavy traces and strong hooks as the trace quite often gets caught around their spines and tail.

The piers and shore marks are fishing well for thornbacks, whiting and dabs with the bigger tides best, mid flood to mid ebb usually. Quite often this time of year you see some different species like gurnards or other flatties.

Offshore has been good for thornbacks, whiting and dabs with some dogfish turning up, best baits are squid and herring although if you want a chance of a spurdog then mackerel is very good as well. These hard fighting sharks give good sport and are protected so should be returned alive. They can grow up to 25 lb or so!

Prospects are excellent, there will be some spurdogs turning up in a few offshore places soon, lots more thornbacks and odd bass.

Are you a regular in one of our 15 stores? We’d love to hear what you think – and you could walk away with a £250 gift card to spend!

We’re really proud of our stores and the service they offer – so, if you’ve never been in to visit before now is the perfect chance! With specialist advice from our team of experts, a huge range of products on display for you to try out, and quality fresh and frozen bait available – as well as much more – we think our stores are really special. If you agree, or you want to give us some feedback on how we can improve even further, then we have the perfect opportunity for you. Leave us a rating and a review on our Google page and you’ll be in with a chance of winning a £250 gift card.

Leaving a Google review is simple. All you have to do is open up the Google Maps page, making sure you’re signed into your Google account. Then simply search for your local store, click ‘Write a Review’, and select how many stars you want to award us. Alternatively, you can simply click on your local store below, which will take you directly to the review page where you can leave us your rating! This gives you automatic entry into our competition and you could be in with the chance of winning a £250 gift card.

We’ll be picking the winner randomly, so it doesn’t matter which store you rate or what rating you give it. The competition runs until April 21st and we’ll be announcing the winner shortly after, so you have plenty of time to get down to one of our stores and onto their Google page to enter our competition.

Click your local store below to start the review process and to get yourself entered into our incredible prize draw…

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Now that the waters are starting to warm up, we’re seeing more and more anglers on the banks. Warmer waters also mean that fish are feeding more heavily than before, so they’ll be more willing to guzzle up your bait. To help you pick out the best bait, we’ve collected together a list of our most popular baits – all of which have outstanding reputations for their quality and effectiveness.

Mainline Cell 15mm Freezer Boilies
If you’re an angler who has been fishing for a number of years then you won’t be surprised to see this bait come out on top of our list and it has consistently been one of the most popular baits around. Frozen within hours of rolling, this bait is famous for its incredible freshness and fantastic attractive qualities. The 18mm size of these boilies, as well as the 15mm Essential Cell version, both feature highly in our best sellers list, too.

Buy The Mainline Cell Freezer Boilies

Sticky Baits Manilla 16mm Shelf Life Boilies
Only released in 2016, the Manilla range from Sticky Baits has taken the angling market by storm. A number of years ago, we wouldn’t have seen a single shelf-life boilie on our top 10 list. However, thanks to the advances in technology and ingredient mix, shelf-life boilies have become every bit as popular as frozen boilies. The Manilla range is constructed from purely human grade food and uses a unique peanut protein, which makes it an ideal transitional bait between the colder and warmer months. Other incarnations of the Manilla range also appear on our best sellers list, too, including the pellets, wafters, and spray.

Buy The Sticky Baits Manilla Range

Korda Bumbleberry Supreme Goo
Enhancing the bait you have in order to try out new combinations can be one of the most fun ways to discover effective baiting ways. Korda’s Goo range contains a variety of intensely flavoured liquids which you can use to glug your boilies or otherwise flavour your groundbait and, so far, the Bumbleberry Supreme flavour has come out as the most popular option in the range. The complete range of Goo is manufactured from a secret South African recipe and they are all PVA friendly – excellent for creating a cloud of colourful attractant over your perfectly presented hook bait now that the water temperature has begun to rise.

Buy The Korda Goo

Dynamite Baits Frenzied Hempseed Tin
Hempseed is one of the most popular particles to introduce to groundbait mixes and it really isn’t hard to see why. Not only does it help to create a really active mix that is incredibly attractive but it also adds lots of extra flavourings your bait and you’ll find a number of pre-cooked hempseed products featuring on our best sellers list. The biggest benefit of this particular hempseed that it is cooked in the tin it is sold in, which means it still contains all the attractive juices which leak out during the cooking process.

Buy The Dynamite Baits Frenzied Hempseed Tin

Sticky Baits The Krill 16mm Shelf Life Boilies
Especially effective in warmer waters, The Krill is a mix of pre-digested fishmeal, proteins, and, of course, krill. Not only does this bait attract the fish but it also helps to promote growth rates, too, ensuring that the fish which grub for your bait today are going to transform into the personal best captures of tomorrow.

Buy The Sticky Baits The Krill 16mm Shelf Life Boilies

Sonubaits Fin Perfect Stiki Method 2mm Pellets
As the name suggests, these pellets have been purpose designed to stick and mould into a method feeder making them ideal for a whole host of fishing activities. Whether you’re fishing for big carp or smaller species on the UK’s lakes, this mix is highly attractive and will ensure perfect hook bait presentation when using a method feeder.

Buy The Sonubaits Fin Perfect Stiki Method 2mm Pellets

Advanta 5l Bucket
Perfect for adding into PVA bags, which are able to melt effectively now the water has warmed up, this particle mix creates a great carpet of active, attractive, and nutritious bait to entrance a whole number of species. This is an ideal mix for loose feeding, as well as for adding into a groundbait mix. All of the flavours in this range feature in our top 20 best sellers, with the most popular being the Maize and Hemp mix.

Buy The Advanta 5l Bucket

Enterprise Tackle Pop-Up Sweetcorn
Popping up your bait can be one of the most effective ways to present your hook, especially if you’re fishing over weedy waters in the warmer months. Enterprise is the original brain behind artificial pop-up sweetcorn and it is no wonder that the brand is still the most popular to date. Available in a range of colours, the classic yellow is still an all-time favourite.

Buy The Enterprise Tackle Pop-Up Sweetcorn

Mainline High Impact Shelf Life Boilies
Another Mainline product to feature heavily throughout our best sellers list is the brand’s High Impact range of shelf-life boilies. Essential I.B has proven particularly popular at this time of the year and the Banoffee flavour has also been effective – especially whilst the waters are still in the warming process.

Buy The Mainline High Impact Shelf Life Boilies

Advanta 500g Handy Packs
Our final offering is the incredible Advanta 500g Handy Pack range. Boasting the same great mix of particles as the 5l Bucket range, this selection comes in small ready-to-use pouches, which are perfect for your first few sessions back on the bank now that the weather is warmer. All the particle mixes are completely PVA friendly, too, so whether you’re creating a cloud of attractant or a carpet of active bait, this Advanta Handy Pack is ideal for your needs.

Are you surprised by any of the baits on our list or are there any baits that you expected to see but aren’t there? Let us know if you’ve used any of the bait we’ve mentioned and your top tips for baiting in the early spring!

Buy The Advanta 500g Handy Packs

Now that spring is well and truly upon us, it is time to think about renewing your fishing licence. Licences for the new fishing year come into play on 1^st April and you can get your new licence for the 2017/18 season now. Anglers who fish without a rod licence could be fined up to £2,500, so it really is worth the investment, and the money made from licence sales goes directly back into angling. There are licences available for one day, eight days, or 12 months and there are several options to choose from depending on the kind of angling that you want to enjoy.

New changes:

There have been a number of changes announced for the 2017/18 season.

Firstly, the Environment Agency has launched a new three-rod licence option. Where previously you would have had to purchase two two-rod licences to fish with three rods for coarse fish and carp, with this new three-rod licence you can save yourself money whilst still enjoying carp fishing with a three-rod setup. The new licence has features a brand new design, too, of a to-scale linear mirror – designed by wildlife artist David Millar.

Secondly, licences for anglers aged 12-16 are now completely free. The Environment Agency wants to encourage younger anglers to get involved with fishing and hopes that this change will help to maintain younger angler’s interest in the sport.

Finally, you’re able to purchase your rod licence online (although telephone and Post Office services are still available). This makes obtaining a fishing licence easier than ever and it ensures that the joy of angling is accessible to all.

When do you need a licence?

You need a licence if you’re planning on fishing for any of the following species using a rod and line:

Salmon
Trout
Freshwater fish
Smelt
Eel

You need this licence to fish for the above species if you’re angling in England (except the River Tweed), Wales, or the Border Esk region of Scotland. If you’re fishing on private land or in other areas of Scotland, you will need permission from either landowner or Marine Scotland. If you’re fishing in the locks or weirs on the Thames, you might also need an additional licence and you’ll require a licence or a permit if you’re fishing in Northern Ireland. No matter where you fish, you’ll also need to make sure that you’re obeying all local bylaws. Finally, it is important to consider other restrictions, too, including the close season on UK rivers which runs between 15^th March and 15^th June 2017.

Who needs a licence?

All anglers over the age of 12 are required to own a fishing licence. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from owning a licence. New for 2017/18, children between the ages of 12-16 are eligible for a free licence – this is known as a junior licence.

Types of licence:

As of 1^st April 2017, there are three different types of licence that you can purchase.

Non-migratory trout and coarse fish licence – two rods.

As the name suggests, this is a licence which covers the fishing of non-migratory trout and coarse fish with two rods. To fish with up to four rods, you can purchase a secondary licence.  Fish that are covered by this licence include trout, coarse fish, and eels. If you’re fishing for trout, you can use one rod in a river, stream, drain, or canal, or two rods in a reservoir, lake or pond.

NEW - Non-migratory trout and coarse fish licence – three rods.

This licence covers the same species as the original two rod licence. However, for angler who want to fish with three rods, this licence means that you no longer have to invest in two two-rod licences. It is important to remember that the above rules regarding trout apply with this licence.

Salmon and sea trout licence.

This licence covers salmon, sea trout, non-migratory trout, and all freshwater fish. If you’re fishing for salmon, trout, or char in a river, stream, drain, or canal, you are restricted to fishing with one rod. If you’re fishing in reservoirs, lakes, or ponds, you can fish with up to two rods.

When you’re counting your rods, it is useful to remember that only rods with hooks attached count. Spod rods and marker rods are exempt from the rod count.

One-day, eight-day, and 12-month licences:

There are three different periods your licence can cover. The first of these is a one-day licence, which you can purchase for a specific day or set to activate 30 minutes after payment. The second is an eight-day licence. Once again, you can set this to activate after 30 minutes or for a set time and date. It is important to note that you cannot currently purchase a three-rod licence for either of these options, so if you want to fish with more then two rods you will need to purchase a secondary licence.

The final licence period is a 12-month licence. Unlike fishing licences starting before 1^st April 2017, this licence will run for a full 12 months after activation (previously, all 12 month licences expired on 31^st March). All three types of licence have 12-month options available.

How much does it cost?

The cheapest rod licence you can buy is a one-day two-rod trout and coarse licence, which is £6. The 12-month two-rod trout and coarse licence is £30, with the three-rod option coming in at only £45 – saving you £15 as opposed to fishing with three rods on the old licence scheme.

The most expensive licence you can buy is a 12-month salmon and sea trout licence, which is £82. Other licences come in at a range of prices between these figures and over 65s and blue badge holders get 1/3 off the 12-month price. 12-month junior licences for 12 to 16 year olds are now free.

All of the licences have seen a cost rise but for many, such as the 12-month two-rod trout and coarse licence, this is the first increase in fees for seven years.

Where does the money go?

The Environment Agency is committed to putting the money you pay back into the sport of fishing. In the 2015/16 period, the Agency raised £21 million from licence sales. This money helped to restock rivers with in excess of 452,220 coarse fish, opened up an additional 405km of rivers for fishing, encouraged over 35,000 people to try angling for the first time, and to successfully prosecute 2,043 angling crimes – including poaching.

Statement from artist David Millar and the Environment Agency

The Environment Agency is excited about the new changes to the fishing licence and it hopes that the new free rate for 12-16 year olds, as well as the much requested three rod licence, will encourage anglers to stay out on the bank. David Millar, the artist behind the design of the new licences, is happy to be working with the Environment Agency again. In a statement, he has said “I’m delighted to have provided the images for the fishing licences again this year, not only because it gave me the opportunity to paint three species for the first time but also because all the money raised goes back into supporting fisheries. Of the three, I was particularly pleased with the brown trout, my favourite UK game fish and one I love to fish for on small rivers and streams.”

Judy Proctor, Head of Fisheries at the Environment Agency, has also said: “We hope David’s stunning images encourage people to give fishing a go. Angling creates over 37,000 full time jobs and generates over £1 billion for the UK economy, but at its heart it’s a much loved outdoor sport connecting people with nature. We’ve listened to anglers’ concerns and improved the fishing licence to make the process of getting out and fishing legally simpler.”

Let us know your thoughts on the new changes to the fishing licence - do you think it will encourage more anglers to fish safely and legally?