Bait

Martin Locke’s Solar Tackle has been producing top-quality bait for many years. In fact, the company celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2012 and its most notable products are undoubtedly the hook baits. There have been some absolute classics through the years, including Winter Secret, Club Mix, Bunspice & Aniseed and many more. In recent years, the Jacko Pops, Dairy Cream & Fresh Pineapple, Top Banana and Quench have proven hugely successful and, even more recently, some newer varieties have entered the range.

Fishmeal boilies with a high bloodworm content. Available in 10mm, 14mm and 18mm. Chapel Baits Bloodworm BoiliesRRP: £9. 99 per kiloContact: 01205 360032 Website: www.

A thick and sticky halibut/crab particle and groundbait liquid additive with a pungent aroma. Nitro Baits Halibut Crab Additive RRP: £2. 99 for 250ml Contact: 01953 713888 Website: www. nitrobaits.

Dark-red pop-ups with a fruity and fishy aroma. Available in 10mm with pop-up mix or bigger sizes in cork balls. Blakes Baits Crab & Cranberry Pop-UpsRRP: £3. 75Contact: 01491 834911 Website: www.

I’ve long been a fan of the ball-pellet-type Soluballs and these disc-like versions are very interesting. Available in all of the Nash recipes, they’re designed to use threaded down the hook link instead of a PVA stick. I use them slightly differently, and thread just one onto the hair before threading my hook bait on. This breaks down and boosts the attraction around my bait and I’ve used the Amber Strawberry ones this winter to great success.

The TC boys get to grips with tackle and bait, testing them to the limit out on the bank. Here’s what they think…CC Moore Milkimin PelletsRRP: £8. 99 per kiloWebsite: www. ccmoore.

Meaty all-year-round boilies with added crushed tiger nuts, vanilla and yeast extract. A savoury/sweet bait Ace BaitsMTV GoldRRP:From £6. 50 per kiloContact:01322 620002www. acebaits.