LATEST ADDITIONS

Drennan has launched a new reel line! So what? There are dozens out there to choose from so why buy this one? Well, it just happens to be one of the best monofilaments we’ve clapped eyes on! Alex Bones gives his thoughts. We all fish our own way, so if you asked 10 anglers what their favourite reel line is they could all have a different answer. Drennan is well established in the line arena and has some super variants on offer already, so during a recent meeting at Drennan HQ my first thought was what did this line offer that others didn’t?Peter Drennan, founder of the company, was highly enthused about this product as he removed it from the simple, clear packaging. “Have a close look at that gentlemen!” he exclaimed, as he handed Jon Arthur, Joe Carass, Tom Scholey and me (the Match Fishing and Pole Fishing teams) a spool of his brand-new Supplex monofilament.

When Garbolino’s Darren Cox tells you a pole is the best he has ever used you have to take note! Joe Carass is the lucky man to get it out on the bank to give his verdict!Judging by the number of Garbolino poles you see on the bank, the company must be doing something right! Having being involved with a Garbolino-sponsored team for a few years I have fished with just about every top-end pole the French tackle giant has designed over the past few years. I used a Super G10 for two years and many of my angling friends use a G-Max 1000. Both of these poles are up there with the stiffest on the market; in fact, I would go so far as saying I don’t think I’ve ever used a more rigid pole than the G-Max 1000. So, understandably, I couldn’t wait to give the M1 a trial session to see how it stacked up against or bettered the previous offerings.

A new, finer version of the famous B911 hook, that has been designed with F1s, silver fish and small carp in mind. These are exactly the same shape as the original pattern but much finer in the wire, providing better presentation. Available in sizes 14 to 22. RRP: £1.

Regular blog contributor Tony Curd looks at a few potential highlights of the season ahead…

While nearly every lake in the country has been frozen solid which has resulted in cancelled events, I spent some time planning the spring and summer of my year with regards to which of the big events I will be focusing on this season, it seems I’m rather ambitious this year as I seem to have decided on doing virtually everything there is to be involved with! Maybe one day I’ll manage to keep things controlled and sensible but I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one I’m afraid! 

Last week the Angling Trust released the results of the Fish’O’Mania draw and I was pleased to receive 8 tickets this year which is great, as you would have learnt from my previous blog ‘Fisho’ is a big part of my season and consumes a lot of time this year will be no exception and I received tickets for the following qualifiers: Peatling Pools, Larford, The Oaks, Barford Lakes, Tunnel Barn Farm, Boldings, Woodlands Thirsk and Lindholme Lakes. There is a hell of a lot of miles in those qualifiers so I’ll be hoping it’s my lucky day again on one of the earlier events! 

Continuing a trend of the last 5 years or so I’ll be heading off to White Acres for the Dynamite and Milo Festivals, which are back-to-back this season. I really love fishing at White Acres, the buzz and atmosphere is unrivalled in my opinion, unfortunately the draw bag on these events has taken a serious dislike to myself over the last few years and not offered any chance of having a really good week but I hope to put that right this time as to win one of the festivals is a huge achievement and one I’d dearly like to experience some day. On the Saturday between the two festivals there is, conveniently, a Match This Qualifier on the venue and you’d be mad not to get on it if you’re down there at the time as fishing is often about making the most of the opportunities that present themselves.