Accessories

First things first, 15 quid for a bivvy light is exceptional value and this is definitely the cheapest on test, and by some margin. Does this mean a drop in features though? Well, in some areas,this is inevitable, but overall it still represents great value. Innovative in its fold-away design, when closed down it’s a very compact package and I was surprised it wasn’t a little lighter. It also has a torch mode when packed down, which is a nice addition.

Compact, lightweight and with plenty of functions, the Hobo Glow first came to our attention when we saw Hobo’s video showing it being driven over by a pick-up truck. On closer inspection, and having been challenged to do so, we tried to break one and failed. Talk about robust – this is literally as tough as it gets! There are several light modes, including two strengths of white light, constant red light, flashing red and an intermittent red, and I like that the back of the unit is blanked out so it only emits the light in the direction that you want it to. It can also be used as an emergency powerbank.

This style is a little dated compared with some these days, but it remains an exceptional light when that’s all you want it to be. The output is impressive and, although some prefer a rechargeable light compared to one that works from batteries, if ever you are caught short and it runs out, at least you can usually get your hands on some batteries. There isn’t very likely to be a plug socket in your swim!The upright style lends itself to being sat on a bivvy table or suchlike, while there is an easy to use carbiner-style hanging loop. Three white-light modes include bright, dim and flashing, which you’ll see my thoughts on elsewhere on this page!The single-button operation is easy and the button itself sits on the front of the unit so is easy to locate.

While the material that these replacement washers are made from are kept a closely guarded secret, what I can tell you is that they transform the drag of compatible big-pit reels immeasurably. Initially, they make the clutch exceptionally smooth and reliable, but they also ‘convert’ a standard drag to be much quicker. Essentially, you can, with the addition of the three washers (three are needed for each spool) take your clutch from locked up to free spool in half a turn or less of the drag knob. They’re easy to install and require no tools whatsoever.

The Tackle Box’s Lee Jackson says: This is an ideal piece of kit to have in your tackle bag for cleaning up spots quickly to make bait presentation more efficient. Measuring 9. 5 centimetres wide, weighing in at 31/4oz and with five spikes on either side, this weed rake is ideal for dragging up low-lying weed, bottom debris and generally cleaning up spots of rotting leaves, dead weed and suchlike. Although its weight dictates that it can be easily cast using the average carp rod with 12 to 15lb main line, bearing in mind the weight of the weed that is sometimes being dragged in, it is more advisable to use a rod with a higher test curve, such as a spod rod, and in conjunction with braided main line around 30lb breaking strain.

The name of this great luggage item does it no justice because it’s really so much more than just for keeping PVA in. I’ve had one of the smaller versions for some time and use it to store all manner of items, but this bigger one is exactly the size that I prefer. In fact, I reckon I can probably fit all of my terminal tackle, PVA, leads and extras needed for all but the longest sessions. This is an absolute winner and proof positive that the best products don’t always need to be the big stuff.

The design of these indicator arms is simplicity itself, with a simple rubberised section fitting over either the hockey stick at one end or housing the bobbin thread at the other. I have to confess that I do not use Cygnet ‘hockey sticks’ because my hangers screw directly into my buzz bars, but I solve this with the addition of a converter thread, which Cygnet sells for very little money. Back to the arms themselves and there are two lengths available, namely 4in and 6in, the former being my preference. The rubber section offers some flexibility but they remain extremely stable in windy conditions, surprisingly so in fact.