Although I have written a similar Used & Abused review in the past, in the months that followed I continued to use these in my fishing and got to know exactly how they work. I would never go back to a conventional line clip because the Smart Clip truly offers versatility that no other clip ever could. Firstly, they are absolutely universal and can fit to any rod and works with any alarm and bobbin combination, not just those from Delkim. They are extremely easy to fit and remove, via a simple rubber ‘O’ ring that is looped around the blank.
Total Carp Reader Carl Peake says: I was pleasantly surprised when I received this little bundle of Cling-On items and have so far enjoyed using them. . . well, most of them at least.
• Wrap angle helps to reduce sidelight ingress• Polarising lenses available in brown or mirror options• Made from strong nylon construction• Supplied with hard case and cleaning cloth£44. 99For more details go to www. fortiseyewear. co.
Although Shimano is keen to avoid comparisons with GoPro, the new Sport Camera is an obvious competitor for the market-leading video camera, which I was told recently was now the biggest-selling camera worldwide. If Shimano can take some of this market away from GoPro I imagine they’ll be very happy indeed. More importantly, from what I have seen so far, it certainly could do so. Much more compact than a GoPro (sorry, I did it again) the Shimano camera was first launched for the cycling market.
TC reader Greg Pittam says: "I don’t fish waters with any really big carp in but holding dial scales with my thumb, even on double-figure carp, is still a bit of a pain. This problem has been solved with the use of this weigh bar and now weighing carp of any size is a doddle. "There are chunky foam-type handles for comfort and the karabina-type clip secures the scales in place. "Lifting the carp and sling is now effortless and I get no shaking anymore, so it’s also easier to get a correct reading.
• Precision-engineered hook-sharpening vice • Accommodates all hook sizes and patterns• Lightweight hollow aluminium body to house spare files• Made in the UK £20. 99 For more details go to www. jagproducts. co.
I was in desperate need of a catty when this landed in the office and had to be tested, so off I went, bait in hand to give it a good go. As far as I was aware a catapult is a catapult, however the Korda Katapult has a few improvements on other products I have used. The ball-joint system that attaches the elastic to the frame, vastly reduces the amount of stress on the elastics, allowing them to last longer even when you exert more pressure on them for ’pulting out larger quantities of bait or baiting at further distance. I have found this catty to be very effective for ranges up to 60 yards and, in my honest opinion, if you want to go further then roll out the throwing stick or spod rod.
Compact folding shield to eliminate wind • Lightweight aluminium construction • Securing pins to fasten it in placeFor more details go to: www. anglingdirect. co. ukPrice: £9.
• Part of the awesome Snugs range of buzz bars• Perfect for fishing secure goalpost style• Available in 8 1/2, 9 1/2 and 11 1/2in widths• Lightweight and finished in matt blackFor more details go to: www. cygnettackle. co. uk Price: £9.
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.
The brilliant Deliverance Ball Maker is now available in a larger, 60mm size, to add to the current 20mm and 30mm versions. They’re ideal for creating compact balls of groundbait or similar mixes, which can then be easily fed into the swim. Extremely easy to use and very consistent, these are a firm favourite with the TC team. RRP: £11.
• Unique bucket stand for use when spodding• Simple foldout design• Lightweight and easy to transport• Sturdy, three-leg constructionRRP: £19. 99FOR MORE DETAILS GO TO: www. jrc-fishing. co.
• Converts any bankstick or tripod into a camera stand • Will accommodate the camera portrait and landscape • Essential for quality self-takesFor more details go to:Web: www. cygnettackle. co. ukPrice: £9.
As a big-pit angler, I’m always mucking around on the boat or in my waders looking for that special spot, so I was the best candidate to test the new Cygnet Prodding Stick. What I first liked was its lightweight design and the fact that it floats. I was pleasantly surprised how quickly and easily it was to recognise the difference in the bottom substrate. Each section is clearly marked in 1ft increments to give you an accurate depth and it attaches by a screw thread, which is easy to do, even with cold and wet hands.