As a regular user of PVA bags, I jumped at the chance to test these tiny baits. However, their size and relatively soft nature make them extremely difficult to use on hair rigs. Even the tiniest needles have to be used incredibly carefully to stop the baits splitting and threading them over the knot on a hair loop is extremely frustrating. Once this is combated, however, the colour and smell do combine well and I have caught fish on the Tuna & Spice version in conjunction with tiny bags of 3mm and 5mm pellets.
As a huge fan of the old RX Digital, an iconic alarm that Fox produced 10 or so years ago, I went off Fox alarms when they started to produce much smaller and comparatively complicated units. After such faux pas as the EOS, Fox has burst back to the top with its current Micron ranges, in particular the NXr and the range-topping NTXr. The slightly larger head looks much better – how a Fox alarm should look, in my opinion. Although I rarely venture far from my rods, the water I often fish is surrounded by trees, so a strong signal is needed even if I am just sharing a brew with a mate in the next swim.
The first thing that struck us about the Atom is how small it is. It is perfect for the angler who doesn’t want to take too much bulky gear but wants to remain dry. It comfortably fits a standard bedchair with enough room to store your luggage. The footprint is tiny so you won’t have any problem fitting it into tight swims.
Visually stimulating, PVA-friendly bait dip, which emits a cloud of attraction from the bait it’s been applied to. There’s a great selection of flavours available. RRP: £5. 99Contact: 01952 210535 or www.
Milk-protein-based pellets with a subtle creamy flavour. They aren’t cheap but are super-high-quality, perfect for using sparingly, such as in PVA bags. RRP: £8. 99 per kiloContact: 01963 362234 or www.
Bright pink, super-buoyant pop-ups with a secret blend of fruit flavours, which creates a distinctive sweet aroma. Available in 11, 14 and 18mm. RRP: £7. 50 per tub with Pot Shot includedContact: 01322 277345 or www.
Superb boilie hook baits with an outer layer that breaks down quickly, adding another dimension of attraction both visually and with flavour leakage. RRP: £6. 99Contact: 07808 210537 or www. oldghostbait.
Highly buoyant pop-ups made with two complementing flavours and colours to create two-tone, highly attractive hook baits. RRP: £6. 99Contact: 0330 333 4888 or www. dynamitebaits.
Low visibility, fluorocarbon mainline, that sinks like a brick. Available in spool of 600m in 12lb, 15lb and 20lb breaking strains. Developed in conjunction with Jim Shelley. RRP: £33.