Accessories

Although described as marker leads, I think these are better suited to actually dragging spots to see what’s down there. The problem with using them to explore the bottom is that as soon as you hit any weed you have to retrieve it to clear it all off before being able to recast. That’s my take, but plenty of anglers on the Fox team have been using them in testing to good effect and they are certainly excellent for finding out exactly what your spot is made up of. £5.

Fox HALO LT-136£27. 50This 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dissolvable rigid hollow tube Ideal for preventing tangles on the cast Makes fishing with long supple braid hook links a doddle Can be filled with PVA-friendly oils or bait-enhancing liquids Supplied in waterproof rigid sleeves Available in three lengths: 100mm, 200mm and 300mm £3. 80 to £7. 60 WWW. GODMAN-ANGLING.