LATEST ADDITIONS

Bite indication is one element of carp fishing that is crucial to your success and, although many of us probably won’t admit to it, we like to look good in the process.

When a rod pod is too much but banksticks simply won’t do, what you need is the Specialist tripod. It houses three fully adjustable legs that extend from 30 to 58 centimetres but will also accommodate the outer section of any Cygnet Specialist storm poles for a much greater level of elevation. Weighing a very modest 400g this is a ridiculously lightweight product that’s been designed with stability and versatility firmly in mind. This is the perfect item for either fishing on hard surfaces, roving situations and offers you the ability to take awesome self-take shots with the addition of a camera adaptor.

THE TACKLE BOX’S LEE JACKSON SAYS: I must admit to being highly delighted when this range of hooks was reintroduced to the market, albeit under the new Carp Spirit banner. I’d been using these for quite a while when, unfortunately, they became unobtainable, which is most annoying when you find something that you like and are confident in. Made from the highest-grade Japanese carbon steel and finished in a non-reflective PTFE coating, these hooks have a microbarb, are ultra-sharp straight from the well-designed protective box that they come in and maintain their sharpness even after a number of uses. My favourite pattern, and the one I’ve used most, is the Medium Curve Shank.

When our own Katie Griffiths decided that she wanted a bit of help with her chucking we knew exactly who to call on… casting coach MARK HUTCHINSON. 01 - LET’S GET IT STARTED! While it may not be the most picturesque of venues, Naseby Reservoir on the Leicestershire/Northamptonshire border is ideally suited to practise your casting, with its flat banks and huge expanse of open water. Free Spirit-backed Mark holds regular casting clinics in both group and individual formats here and, although today he’s enjoying some welcome time for his own fishing, he’s more than happy to have Katie and I pester him for some help. First things first, and Hutch is keen to see how Katie sets up her gear, what she is using and what her current casting style looks like.