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Shiny new gear unveiled at the Tackle & Guns Trade Show!
The gates have opened on the 2013 Tackle & Guns Trade Show, with plenty of exciting tackle and bait innovations unveiled to the trade. The show, which enables tackle and gun manufacturers to showcase their latest products and innovations, is used by many companies to launch their product ranges for the coming year. Dozens of top brands have been in attendance, and we have been there to give you a sneak preview of what you can expect to see in the shops over coming months.

From the Shimano stable, a great new range of budget rods caught our eye, offering unbelievable value for a modest price tag, with the range starting from £54.99. The new Force Master range features a total of six rods, with float and feeder models in 11ft and 12ft lengths. There is also an exciting new range of clothing, featuring Gore-Tex technology, but the aptly named Performance Shell range doesn’t break the bank, with prices starting from just £219.99.

Causing a massive stir on the Preston Innovations stand was the new Roller Pulla Kit. This highly anticipated product needs little introduction – click here to find out more from the sneak preview news piece and video that was obtained by Pole Fishing magazine last month. Also proving popular with the punters were Preston’s two new hooklength storage systems, complementing its already successful range even further with a new extra-long and feeder hooklength solution.

Bait expert Marukyu hosted a bright and colourful stand, with many innovative bait developments set to hit the market. Star of the stand, though, had to be the new Krill Ready Mix. Krill groundbaits really have taken the bait market by storm over the past year, and Marukyu has taken the concept to a new level, by introducing a ready-mixed krill product that can be fed straight from the bag. Expect to see plenty of this stuff on the bank over the coming months!

Also available is a new range of premium-quality expander pellets from Dynamite Baits – Pro XPanders – designed with aim of improving on the top-selling Ringers range of baits. Available in red and green, and in 4mm and 6mm sizes, the pellets are set to become firm favourites among commercial anglers over coming months.

A new reel from legendary match brand Mitchell also caught the eye of many dealers. With an affordable sub-£50 price tag, these are well worth a look if you are on the lookout for a quality match reel that won’t break the bank.

Top-selling Continental manufacturer Sensas also had loads on offer at the show, including a new and exciting range of poles for 2014. The new 03 range is 2.4mm thinner than the existing 04 mandrel at 13 metres, making it slimmer and easier to control in the wind. The existing 04 range will continue at its current size, while a new 05 range will be introduced on a thicker mandrel, making it heavier but more rigid. The range is designed to give anglers more choice in terms of diameter – but in the knowledge that all poles feature interchangeable top kits, No4s and No5s, and parallel extensions are available. We also heard whispers of a new Super Brown range of groundbaits, set to hit the market soon. Watch this space for more details!

Wales-based match tackle brand Frenzee boasted one of the best-looking stands at the show, brought to life by its vibrant orange livery. The company was launching an extensive range of products, headed up by the new FMR PTS reel. This innovative product boasts a Patented Tension System that allows the backwind to be tensioned, offering an improved playing action.

Rapidly growing coarse brand MAP wowed the punters with its new, flagship TKS 901 pole. The model – which many are claiming to be the best pole ever made – is sure to be one of the most talked-about products of the show. There was also a revolutionary new set of luggage on display, alongside several other innovations, reinforcing MAP’s place as one of the most innovative companies at the present time.

Chinese bait giant Old Ghost sprang into the UK market after launching at the show last year, and after an incredibly successful year it is back again. Alongside its successful range of groundbaits, Old Ghost announced the launch of a new range of expander pellets. The IPS range retails for a remarkable £1.50 per bag, with each bag being supplied with a free sachet of liquid flavouring. The pellets are available in Krill and Pellet flavours. 

A new range of rods from Alnwick manufacturer Greys proved a popular attraction. The aptly named Prodigy TXL rods cater for float, feeder, specimen and barbel fishing and are available in lengths between 10ft and 14ft. With prices starting from just £69.99, Greys' John Henderson was justifiably proud of his product, claiming it to be: “A phenomenal product for its price point.” The new GFR50 and GFS60 fixed-spool reels caught our eye too, offering similarly exceptional value for money.

Product of the show for Matrix has got to be its new match barrow! Designed to help anglers carry large and awkward amounts of tackle to their swims, the single-wheeled design is ultra-stable and extremely well balanced. There are two support feet to stabilise the barrow when stationary, and the extra-comfortable handles and large wheelbase make pushing large amounts or gear a doddle. There’s even a space for storage buckets beneath!

Show owner David Hall commented: “It’s great to see such a good turnout, and the vibe coming from both exhibitors and visitors has been extremely positive. We have enjoyed a good summer, and continued mild weather has led to good trade for many over the last few months. We are all hopeful that the upturn in trade will continue and, all in all, the mood here is very good.”

Show organiser Roger Mortimer added: “You can judge the success of a show by how busy the organisers are while the show is in progress. We have had a boring time here in the organisers' office since the show opened, which means things must be going well!”