LATEST ADDITIONS

With thisTest series we take a look at unhooking mats and of course, protection is paramount here. As much as we all love a pocket-friendly product, we honestly believe that this is one product that no angler should scrape on, ever! What we are looking for here is the complete protective package, how much padding is on offer, can the carp be retained for short periods without flapping off or out of the mat and how mobile the entire bundle is. Yes, before you say it, the carp we have used for illustrative purposes is rather large, measuring in at a whopping 84 centimetres long and 56 centimetres from dorsal fin to pelvic fin, hence the tight fit. Weighs: 2.

I have been using the Delkim Ev Plus alarms for years and have to say that they have stood the test of time.

I have never been one to tinker with the mechanics of the kit I use, not beyond a little tightening up or lubrication here and there, but switching to these washers in the spools of my Shimano reels was an absolute revelation (it takes seconds to do, by the way). Having watched Tony from Future Fishing (it’s the sole distributors for these washers) demonstrate them on the shop’s video page I was intrigued as to just how much difference they would actually make. It’s not difficult to make things look good on a video, so only a try for myself would convince me. However, any suspicions were soon allayed as the simple switching of the washers in the top of the spool of my Ultegra 14000XTDs saw the drag absolutely transformed.

One of the most ‘carpy’ hats we have seen in a while. Boasting a heavy knit construction the Headcase is complete with a cosy fleece lining to help retain that all-important head heat. Stretchy in nature, it is a one-size-fits-all product and available in rich burgundy and classic olive green. Oh, by the way, Terry Hearn wears the burgundy one! (DM) £8.