The Tackle Box’s Lee Jackson says: Simple and very effective way of keeping line tidy on a spool. Nothing can be more annoying sometimes than line spilling off the spool and then getting tangled with almost anything that it comes into contact with. These bands fit most commonly used spools and simply attach to the spool similarly to how you would attach an elastic band. The end of the line passes through a bead and then can by dispensed by pulling the end of the line or pushing the bead round with your fingers to wind it back onto the spool.
I’m a huge fan of this one, and use it for my fishing, as do most of the TC staff in fact. For me, the main feature is the remote control (don’t worry, there is still a manual switch if you lose your remote), which makes it even more versatile than just a bivvy light. This is especially relevant since the launch of the recent accessories that allow it to attach to banksticks, bivvy poles and suchlike to make an ideal outdoor light. This can be a godsend when taking night-time catch pics.
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.
This brand-new stick is a more affordable version of Taska’s Venda carbon stick, which has already curried favour with many anglers. The short design is ideal for firing baits out up to 80 yards or so (when I tried it at least, some might get them further) and it is especially accurate over short ranges compared with some longer sticks. The handle is easy on your hands and it’s also extremely light, far lighter than others of a similar ilk. It’s also ridiculously good value.
Durable aluminium, flashlight, lantern and safety light Red and white LED colours Features flash, SOS, high and low output Run time: High three hours 15 minutes; low 18 hours 45 minutes Effective range of 200 metres Complete with three AA alkaline batteries Available in black and red
£17. 45
WWW. MILITARY1ST. CO.
Offers dual USB 5V charging outputsPerfect for charging two devices at once Contains a powerful lithium polymer battery Protective case to ensure it remains in tiptop condition
£59. 50
WWW. POWERSOLVEMOBILE. CO.
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.
Sometimes you need to look outside the tackle industry for specialists in a certain field and I think this is the case here. Powersolve does exactly that; it specialises in electrical products, especially charging units. This powerful light has an integrated charger which, in our tests, outperformed the others with a similar function. I suspect it may be manufactured by the same factory as the TF Gear light beacuse some of the fixtures and fittings are identical.
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.
Brand-new, innovative air-dry system
Upgrade from the original
Twin compartments to separate baits
More layers can be added
Addition boilie ‘bum bag’ included
£21. 99
WWW. RIDGEMONKEY. CO.
The Tackle Box’s Lee Jackson says: This is an ideal piece of kit to have in your tackle bag for cleaning up spots quickly to make bait presentation more efficient.
Measuring 9. 5 centimetres wide, weighing in at 31/4oz and with five spikes on either side, this weed rake is ideal for dragging up low-lying weed, bottom debris and generally cleaning up spots of rotting leaves, dead weed and suchlike. Although its weight dictates that it can be easily cast using the average carp rod with 12 to 15lb main line, bearing in mind the weight of the weed that is sometimes being dragged in, it is more advisable to use a rod with a higher test curve, such as a spod rod, and in conjunction with braided main line around 30lb breaking strain.
The name of this great luggage item does it no justice because it’s really so much more than just for keeping PVA in.
I’ve had one of the smaller versions for some time and use it to store all manner of items, but this bigger one is exactly the size that I prefer. In fact, I reckon I can probably fit all of my terminal tackle, PVA, leads and extras needed for all but the longest sessions. This is an absolute winner and proof positive that the best products don’t always need to be the big stuff.
Lightweight, modified bankstick
Features loop to hold retainer cord
Super-strong, augered point
Also available with bespoke build
£24. 99
WWW. CUSTOMANGLINGSOLUTIONS. CO.
The Tackle Box’s Lee Jackson says: It’s nice to see this product back on the market because it makes stripping line from spools child’s play.
Designed to be used in conjunction with a cordless drill, simply tie the line to be stripped to it, squeeze the trigger on the drill and away you go. Another nice feature is that once the line is stripped, simply untwist the cap and the old.
LEE JACKSON’s VERDICT “An inventive solution that makes that dreaded job of spooling up so much easier.