Rods

DFX stands for Distance Fishing Xtreme and these are recognised as great casting tools because they have a super-stiff action but feel as though they are forgiving enough to play fish in at close quarters. These two-piece 12ft rods are available in 2. 75lb, 3lb, 3. 25lb and 3.

Atoms are small and mighty, and the new rod range from Aqua looks like they're no exception!

Big-pit reels have always been seen to be the jack-of-all-trades but the Avid Air Range Spod is certainly the master of one! Designed with spodding in mind, the team at Avid Carp has produced the Air Range Spod reel. Unlike previous dedicated spod reels, which also doubled as marker reels, this one has no clutch system, meaning that it’s really a job-specific spodding tool. The removal of the clutch makes perfect sense because this eliminates any of the dreaded spool slip, which can inhibit casting and result in failure to hit the required distance and end up in a wild bird’s nest. Furthermore, it reduced the overall weight of the reel dramatically to a mere 680 grams, which is key on a reel that is often used over long and constant periods of time.

Max Hendry’s verdict. . . 'Bulletproof and a pleasure to use'.

Budget big-pit reel that is supplied with a spare spool. Big line capacity means that this will cope with even the biggest venues. £30For more information go to www. dragoncarpdirect.

Designed for the modern-day carp angler, the devoted team behind Chub set out to bring to the market a carp rod that would cover 90 per cent of your carp fishing criteria, while being stylish, reliable and, of course, without breaking the bank. Well after it was first unveiled to us at the Chub trade show we were immediately impressed and ever keen to give one a try, and here’s why. To suit the majority of modern carp anglers, the RS-Plus benefits from a superb and crisp progressive action that has enough backbone to cope with casting solid PVA bags while retaining all the enjoyment you wish to undergo when playing the carp at close quarters – the moment we all live for. The blank is a 12ft slim and lightweight carbon construction finished with a trendy matt-black look and fitted with the popular double-leg SiC guides throughout.

Complete range of budget-priced rods, including five fishing-rod options plus spod and marker. Don’t let the price fool you, though, because these are built on good-quality, made-to-last blanks and feature reliable fittings throughout. CHUBS-Plus Carp RodsRRP: £59. 99 to £64.