At the forefront of end-tackle design for many years, ESP continues to produce a wide range of extremely usable products, many of which offer a solution to the everyday problems faced by carp anglers. The most recent launch of new items includes the Chod Rig Sleeves, available in Camo Brown, Choddy Silt and Weedy Green, in packs of six. These are designed to keep your chod rig clear of the lead at the bottom of the leader when playing a carp. The inherent problem with a chod rig is that, without something above the lead, the rig slides right down the leader, potentially causing lost fish.
Although coated hook links do not feature heavily in my fishing, I quite like this one over the period that I’ve played around with it. As the name suggests, it is very easy to strip the coating away from the inner braid, which is both supple and colour-matched to the outer. In all, I like this stuff, especially the green 25lb version, a spool of which I have retained for future use!Marc Coulson RRP: £11. 99Website: www.
The hugely popular Covert camou-coated Mugga hooks are now available in size 11 to balance perfectly with all manner of hook-bait presentations. Barbed and barbless available. Gardner Tackle Size 11 Covert Mugga HooksRRP: £4. 25for more informationgo to: www.
The ideal boom to have at the end of your leadcore leader or above the lead when chod-rig fishing. This prevents the rig sliding right down to the lead when playing fish, which can lead to fish losses. Just the right tension to perform exactly as intended. Thinking Anglers Shocker BoomsRRP: £2.
This low-visibility, supple line boasts great strength for its diameter and, as such, makes a great line for use with zig rigs. I’ve used Pro Clear on and off for many years. It’s a classic that continues to perform, but only more recently have I used it for zig fishing, having been recommended it by Ian Russell and Iain Macmillan. So far I think they’re both right – it’s perfect.
Braided core, synthetic leaders finished in a camou design to blend in with all lake beds. They’re extremely strong and the various versions can be matched to all lead systems. Available in clear, brown, green and black. TF GearLok-Down LeadersRRP: £3.
The TC boys get to grips with tackle and bait, testing them to the limit out on the bank. Here’s what they think…JRC Connect 360 HooksRRP: £3. 99Website: www. jrc-fishing.
Preformed silicone tubing, in two sizes to suit different hooks, which allows the easy tying of Withy Pool-type rigs without the need for shrink tubing. FoxWithy/Curve AdaptorsRRP: £3. 99www. foxint.
The TC boys get to grips with tackle and bait, testing them to the limit out on the bank. Here’s what they think…Korda Mouth TrapRRP: £6. 50Website: www. korda.
Brand-new ready-tied chod rigs that are exceptionally well made and boast all of the reliable Korda components, including Choddy hooks, Mouth Trap line and Ring Swivels. They come in two lengths, short and long, in sizes 4 to 10 and both barbed and barbless. Chod fishing made even easier!
KordaChod RigRRP: £4. 99 per pack of threewww.
The TC boys get to grips with tackle and bait, testing them to the limit out on the bank. Here’s what they think…Avid Carp Transfer Solid PVA BagsRRP: £6. 49Website: www. avidcarp.
These clips are used in Gardner’s ultra-safe lead-clips-style setup. The dedicated pin holds the swivel in place and a large bore allows leaders to easily pass through in their alternative ‘leader-safe’ setup. Available in four camou versions.
GardnerCovert Multi ClipsRRP: £3.
The TC boys get to grips with tackle and bait, testing them to the limit out on the bank. Here’s what they think…X Line FluorocarbonRRP: £13. 95 for 250 metresTest period: 5 monthsPete says:The majority of my fishing is done at short range and with stealth of presentation in mind. So, X Line has suited me perfectly throughout the test period.
Tungsten-weighted rig tubing in two colours – Weed Green and Gravel Brown – it is supple, extremely heavy and, importantly, very easy to thread. Each pack contains two metres. KordaDark Matter TubingRRP: £4. 99Website: www.
The TC boys get to grips with tackle and bait, testing them to the limit out on the bank. Here’s what they think…Gardner Covert Mugga HooksRRP: from £3. 75Website: www. gardnertackle.