LATEST ADDITIONS

Since Fox’s Warrior blazed a trail some seven or eight years ago, carp rods at the lower end of the budget spectrum continue to get better and better. This is one area where you can definitely get some real value for money, some bang for your buck, if you like. Shimano’s Alivio DX is a classic case in point, with the tackle giant’s ability to produce its own blanks and completely control the quality of what comes out as the end product. In this case, that end product is a great-looking rod that boasts all the casting and playing characteristics that 90 per cent of carp anglers need.

The first one that caught my eye in the new range of Edges tools is the Multi-Tool. The cross shape gives four arms, each fitted with a handy device, namely a stripper for coated braids, knot-tightening hook, large loop-knot spike and a small D-rig spike, ideal for shaping the loop on D rigs. What I like, compared with something similar I’ve seen, is the Multi-Tool’s compact size, which allows it to fit easily in the compartments of my tackle box. The hi-viz orange colour on the Multi-Tool is replicated on the Braid Blades (you’ll find both easily if you drop them on the bank or in your bivvy), which are among the sharpest I’ve reviewed.

• Super-sharp specimen hooks• Beaked-point pattern• Slightly inturned eye• Ideal for zig fishingRRP: £4. 25FOR MORE DETAILS GO TO: www. gardnertackle. co.

I have lost count of how many baits I have tested in almost 12 years of working on the DHP carp titles, but it’s well into the hundreds, and every now and then I take one out that immediately impresses. Previous examples have included Mainline’s Cell, CC Moore’s Live System and Nash’s Amber Strawberry, all of which have also stood the test of time since my initial reviews. I’ve just added another bait to this illustrious list – The Krill. It’s been talked about for a very long time and many of the Sticky anglers have had some impressive results on it, but it was only this spring that I managed to get my hands on some to put through its paces.