Black Magic Unhooking Mat
Fish protection is extremely important and we all need to carry an unhooking mat nowadays as there are times when unhooking can be tricky and its best to lay the fish down. Even in matches I feel that mats should be used at every weighing point, it just makes sense that the fish that have made us frame are protected to the fullest.
This mat isn’t huge as its been produced with practical dimensions to double up as a waterproof cushion, great for seat boxes which are new and slightly hard and even better when roving a river as it can be placed on the ground and sat on.
Dimensions – (L) 75cm x (W) 45cm
Andy Blay
We all should have a mat for those tricky unhooking moments.
Padded to protect fish and us when kneeling down.
Versatile and compact.
"Fish protection is extremely important and we all need to carry an unhooking mat nowadays "
Black Magic Compact Pan Net
There are several things that I look for in a landing net, al of which combine to make fishing that bit easier and more efficient, ultimately helping me put more fish in the net.
Firstly, the frame and spreader need to be up to the job. Lifting double-figure carp on a regular basis, often when the water can be a few feet below the peg, puts a lot of strain on these components and they need to be strong with a good connection between the two.
The mesh is also important. It needs to be of a close weave so that hooks are less prone to get caught in it, but with large enough holes that it slices through the water easily. Try scooping a lively carp with a net that has too fine a mesh and you will see just how difficult the net is to manoeuvre. I also like the mesh to be quite shallow – just deep enough to swallow a double-figure carp is about right. This enables me to cradle the net between my knees whilst unhooking the fish without having to reach down and search for it within the folds of a net that is too deep.
To my mind, the Black Magic Compact Pan is spot-on for all these features, making it my choice for the majority of my fishing.
Jim Hall
Just the right size and depth for handling fish of all sizes.
Strong enough to handle chunky carp.
"my choice for the majority of my fishing. "
Fish and hook-friendly mesh.
The net cuts through the water easily.
Metal frame and reinforced where it counts.
Make Explosive Feeder Groundbait
Feeder fishing is not just about catching fish hard on the bottom. Often, when fishing for roach, rudd and other silverfish, it is much faster to catch them on the drop. We use this tactic regularly on the larger Fenland rivers, and it is just as effective on stillwaters too. In fact it works brilliantly on any venue with a big head of silver fish.
This tactic revolves around creating a cloud of particles in the water column that encourage the fish to feed confidently. Groundbait and small baits, such as finely chopped worm, and pinkies, are ideal for achieving this. The groundbait mix should be light so that it hangs in the water, and literally explode out of the feeder so that it is empty by the time it reaches the bottom. The mix I have put together to achieve this is a combination of three of the Champions range of groundbaits, namely Champions Choice Canal, Champions Feeder Big Bream and Champions Choice No.1. All of these are light groundbaits with a sandy colour – a bright groundbait works well as a cloud, whilst I generally use a dark mix on the deck.
This is an easy mix to put together, but like most groundbaits they will benefit from being prepared the night before fishing, or first thing before the start of a session so that the water has time to be fully absorbed, activating the groundbait.
Kye Jerrom
Use a combination of Champions Choice Canal, Champions Feeder Big Bream and Champions Choice No.1.
Start off with a full bag of Champtions Choice No.1.
Add half a bag of the Champions Feeder Big Bream.
Now add half a bag of the Champions Choice Canal.
"This tactic works brilliantly on venues with plenty of silver fish."
Mix the dry ingredients together thoroughly – I tend to use a groundbait whisk for this.
Slowly add water, whisking all the time to ensure the groundbait is thoroughly mixed.
Put the groundbait through a maggot riddle to remove any lumps and to aerate the mix.
Leave the groundbait to stand for as long as possible, to allow the water to be absorbed.
When I am ready to start fishing I use an atomiser to get the consistency spot-on.
The finished mix has a light fluffy texture and explodes out of the feeder creating a cloud.
Use chopped worm and pinkies in the feeder to add some food.
Load the feed and groundbait into a Window Feeder.
Catch Carp on the Hydrus Method Feeder
The Method Feeder has come a long way over the years, from the ‘hair-curler’ style feeders that started the whole thing off, to modern open cage feeders that provide the perfect ‘dinner-plate’ of bait for a hungry carp. Todays anglers have never had it so good. The range of feeders and baits to use with them has grown massively, but it is probably more important than ever to ensure that every part of your tackle and bait is right, especially in high pressure match fishing.
I like to use a more open-style of feeder, such as the Browning Hydrus, which has raised ‘fins’ on either side that help hold the feed in place without giving the hook something to catch on. The base of the feeder also features dozens of raised dimples that give the pellets something to stick to. This is important, because the smooth surface of most feeders means that the pellets can easily be dislodged when the feeder hits the water, leaving you fishing with little or no bait around the feeder.
Small 2mm pellets compact together better than larger pellets, staying on the feeder until it comes to rest on the lake bed. Choose a pellet that is a little sticky when using them with an open or flat feeder. I lightly dampen the pellets with water and after about twenty minutes they will have softened through and be ready to use.
A little trick that I like to use is to ping a few 8mm pellets over the top of the feeder. About half a dozen pellets every couple of minutes is about right. The sound of the pellets will attract the carp and F1’s and the fast-sinking pellets will help to draw the fish down to the waiting feeder.
The raised sides and dimples on the Hydrus feeder.
Damp pellets stick really well to the feeder.
Alternate hookbaits to see which the fish prefer.
"Drawing the fish away from the cover will once again ensure that I land them"
I am fishing the Beastie Pool here at Decoy Lakes near Peterborough today and, as the name suggests, the fish run big. There is no point using gear that is not up to the job, so I set my stall out to land everything I hook. A size 14 Sphere Beast hook to a 0.20mm Cenex Hybrid Power hooklength is more than up to the job.
Rather than fish tight to the reed-fringed island in front of me, I am going to start at a little over three-quarters distance. Drawing the fish away from the cover will once again ensure that I land them, rather than watch as they bolt into the cover. It also allows me to follow the fish across if they back off the feed later in the day. The Sphere Bomb +10% rod is perfect for this style of fishing, especially when carp well into double-figures may be encountered. The extra backbone in the mid-section of this rod enables me to dictate the fight without being too heavy-handed.
It has taken a while to get the first bite today. To be honest, the weather has been all over the shop and the fish don’t know whether to be cruising near the surface, or sitting deeper. Patience can be a virtue though and once I had caught one fish it was as if the door had been opened and more followed at regular intervals, including some nice mirrors and big F1’s.
Whilst it can seem like a dead-easy tactic, there are still lots of little edges that can make a real difference to your catches.
Jon Whincup
I use the Sphere Bomb +10% rod and MgTi 30 reel.
Ping pellets over the feeder to draw in more carp.
You don’t need many of these to build a big weight.
Jon’s Tackle
Sphere 10’ Bomb +10% Rod
Sphere MgTi30 Reel
Hydrus Method Feeder
0.26mm Cenex Method Mono
0.20mm Cenex Hybrid Power Mono
Size 14 Sphere Beast Eyed Barbless Hook
Jon’s Bait
2mm dampened feeder pellets
8mm Fishery Pellets
8mm Dumbell boilies
The brilliant Hydrus feeder.
Sphere Square Ergonomic Pole Protectors
Fishing a long pole all day can be tough work, especially if there is a cross wind continually buffeting the sections. One feature of Browning poles which makes fishing in these tough conditions so much easier are the Square Ergonomic Pole Protectors (SEPP’s) that fit the 13m, 14.5m and 16m sections.
These short butts feature Browning’s unique square section technology, which gives them a distinct flat-sided profile with rounded corners. This is so much easier to grip and hold under the forearm, reducing pole movement and making the pole easier to use for extended periods. This allows me to concentrate more on the fishing, enabling me to fish more precisely for longer than ever before.
The profile of the Sphere SEPP’s is slightly more rounded than some of the other Browning poles, which gives them the perfect profile in my opinion for maximum comfort. When the conditions are rough this makes a massive difference to how well I can fish.
The Square Ergonomic Pole Protectors also have brilliant integrated EVA foam bungs that protect the ends of the sections from damage when shipping back.
All in all, a brilliant innovation that has made a massive contribution to fishing the long pole. Make sure you try them out the next time you visit your local Browning Pole Stockist.
Jim Hall
SEPP sections are just one of the unique features of Browning flagship poles.
The integrated skid bungs offer loads of protection.
The square-profile section rests perfectly under the arm.
"slightly rounded, these squared-off sections give maximum comfort."
Black Magic T/A Power Handle & Gold Net
With time, we discover how important it is to choose fishing equipment for our style of fishing and specific preferences. We pay attention to cost and quality. We attach to brands that delighted us and do not disappoint. While fishing for several years, some equipment has passed through my hands. At the beginning, I completed everything slowly, buying a platform, then a pole and other elements, step by step. With time, when I knew that fishing was an activity that I love, I invested in a better quality assortment.
I am looking for an assortment that will meet most of my requirements, will be of good quality and finish, and will not cost too much. The landing net, consisting of a handle and a net, is a must-have for a float and feeder angler. In the last year I have visited carp and crucian carp venues several times. On these occasions I decided to use a set consisting of a Browning Gold large net and 4.4 metre Black Magic Take Apart Power Handle. The previous net handle I had was 3.5 mtres long. It was perfect for quickly netting small fish, which are worth their weight in gold, but I needed something longer that would give me more reach when trying to net larger fish.
My plan was to fish more for carp over the next two seasons, so I needed to find a handle with the strength and stiffness to handle these powerful fish. After a long reflection and on the advice of friends, this set was chosen. As well as doing the job, it looks really good too.
Black Magic Take Apart 4.4m Power Handle
This is a four-piece handle. The first three are covered with a carbon structure, giving a unique look and a feel of very high quality. On the lower section the surface is smooth compared to the upper ones. Take-apart handles have their supporters and opponents. I admit that at the beginning I was also afraid that one of the elements would come loose. After a year of heavy use, nothing like that happened. The rough structure means that the surface of the handle is not scratched. However, it is worth covering the blanks with silicone or Teflon spray from time to time to keep it looking immaculate.
The finish of the blank is really neat and oozes quality. The weight at a length of 4.4 m is 460 grams – not the lightest, but with the extra weight comes durability The transport length is 1.24 metre and we can store it loose in a bag without any worries.
Gold Net
I chose the same manufacturer’s Gold Net Large landing net. The dimensions are 55cm x 45cm x 30cm. The mesh on the rim has 8x8mm meshes. The rim is distinguished by a copper color, perfectly matching the sublime details on the landing net handle.
The two EVA foams on the frame are designed to keep the net close to the water surface without having to hold it in position. This is particularly useful when playing big powerful fish. The head is made of good quality material, the thread is also made of brass.
The weave of the mesh allows for trouble-free removal of hooks if they should get caught. Strong mesh hems and additional reinforcements protect it against accidental damage.
Whilst designed as a carp net, I find this a great all-rounder. Out of curiosity, I checked it more than once when it comes to fishing for smaller fish. It is extremely well balanced and passes through the water easily.
It amazed me mainly with the quality of workmanship and I can whole-heartedly recommend this landing net combination.
Tight Lines!
Luiza Pyrzyńsk : Team Browning Poland
The handle is a four-piece take apart design.
I particularly like the machined screw thread and reinforcing.
The mesh is just the right size and resists hooks well.
"It amazed me mainly with the quality of workmanship and I can whole-heartedly recommend this landing net combination. "
This net combination has been perfect for carp like this.
This net and handle complement each other perfectly.
Sphere 10' Bomb +10% Rod
Most of my fishing, come summer or winter, is on commercial fisheries where casting accuracy is far more important and distance. In recent years there has been a definite trend towards using shorter rods for this style of fishing, which really enable you to get every cast on the money. Finding the perfect rod for this style of fishing has been quite a difficult task for me, with many being slightly too soft to land big carp quickly. Whilst others are slightly too powerful for the short casts being made. Fortunately, I have found the Sphere 10’ Bomb +10%, which is absolutely spot-on for this work.
As the name suggests, this rod has 10% more power than the original Sphere Bomb. This subtle difference enables me to fish light bombs, though to medium-sized Method Feeders, thanks to the through-actioned blank. For fishing up to around 30 metres this is perfect.
When you hook a big carp that is determined to get under the near margins and snag you up the blank simply allows me to apply pressure and let the rod do the work. It is amazing how many times the rod has slowed a carp to a dead stop and enabled me to lead it into open water.
Like all of the Sphere range the fittings on this rod are absolutely top-notch. From the custom Fuji reel fitting, to the low-profile ‘skeletal’ guides, and the ergonomically shaped handle, everything has been carefully thought out to be the best there is.
The ten foot length is perfect for this style of fishing. I like the way that I can tuck the rod down out of a cross wind, yet it isn’t too short that it makes it difficult to turn a carp that has kited sideways.
Lighter 0.5oz and 0.75oz tips are supplied; ideal for winter work, with heavier 1oz and 1.5oz for feeder fishing. Spare tips are available right up to 5oz in carbon and glass.
If you do any amount of short leger work on commercials then you seriously need to check out this rod at your local Browning stockist.
Jon Whincup
The Sphere +10% has amazing reserves of power.
When accuracy is key this rod doesn’t disappoint.
Equally at home landing big carp as it is skimmers.
Match is with a bomb or Method feeder.
"If you do any amount of short leger work on commercials then you seriously need to check out this rod."
Top-quality Sea Guides are used throughout.
The custom reel seat is incredibly comfortable.
Four tips between 0.5oz and 1.5oz are supplied with heavier models also available.
Sphere Match Hooks
The Sphere Match is my favourite as once in, it stays in, due to its long tip and slightly in turned razor sharp point, the micro barb helps as well! Amazingly it’s very robust, despite its lightness and can easily handle that bonus lumpy carp that barges in on occasions whilst targeting other species. It really is what I would call an all-rounder, perfect when feeder fishing for delicate mouthed fish such as roach and crucians, but just as at home when fishing the pole or trotting a river for chub.
This spade end hook comes in an extensive range of sizes, loose in packets of fifteen, from a size 18 right through to an 8. They also come on continuous ready-tyed looped spools in the same sizes.
If you are looking for a hook that is versatile and reliable, here it is!
Andy Blay
The Sphere Match, my favourite.
The range covers both loose and ready-tied hooks.
Once they go in they stay in.
"it’s very robust, despite its lightness and can easily handle that bonus lumpy carp"
How to Catch Big Canal Bream
The Grand Union Canal in Bedfordshire is a fantastic silver fish venue, yet there are also some seriously big fish too, including carp, perch and bream. In fact, on some occasions you have to make that decision, whether to go all out for the big fish or stick to the consistent silver fish action. In most cases keeping to the silvers is the safer option, yet if you’re on a known bream peg and don’t go for it, you might just be kicking yourself come the end of the match.
There’s nothing worse than picking a bream flyer and not really knowing how to get the best from it so it’s worth having a few practice sessions and that’s exactly what I’m going to do today, however it’s not exactly the best bream conditions!
Straight on the bait
These bream rarely come down the track and seem to stick to the shallow water found on the far bank where there is usually lots of bankside cover and shade. Something I have found is usually, if there are any bream in the swim they are straight on the bait. Yet, this doesn’t mean baiting too heavily as once it’s in the swim, you can’t take it out, so it pays to bait cautiously to start with. Bearing this in mind, I’m going to introduce two firm balls of groundbait, whisked and finely riddled, created from a 50/50 mix of Champion’s Feeder Quick Skimmer and an all time canal favourite, Black Roach which contains some dead maggots, fluoro pinkies and a little chopped worm. As for hookbait, these bream tend to come to double red maggot, but it is always worth trying a piece of worm tipped with a fluoro pinkie or a couple of dead maggots if things aren’t happening. I will also introduce another ball of bait after a couple of decent fish, or if a boat has come through the swim, and have found that a small cupful of finely chopped worm can bring a quick response. I also like to catapult a few maggots over the float from time to time, but only do this when there is no flow.
My favoured canal bream groundbaits
Xitan Microbore elastic, the choice of many.
Cenex Classic Mono line, great for pole rigs.
"This stamp of fish can be found in many canals."
Keeping it simple
The far bank is 13.5m across and I’m using my trusted Sphere Zero-G F1 for this teamed up with Xitan Microbore Orange which has a 5-7 rating. My rig is kept quite simple, consisting of 0.13mm Cenex Classic Mono with a 4×12 float shotted with a bulk of no 9’s and a short 10cm 0.10mm Classic Mono hook length, to a Sphere Match size 18 hook. Before introducing any bait I had a quick plumb around and found that the top shelf, right under the overhanging cover, to have no more than 2ft 8’ which is where these bream are happy feeding.
The action continues
It doesn’t take long for signs of fish in the swim and I’m soon lifting into a fish and watching the elastic stretch from the tip. It’s definitely a good bream, one that weighs around 4lb and, as expected, came to the double red maggot. A couple of skimmers around a pound soon follow before once again the elastic stretches and another big canal bream comes to the net, this one coming once again to the maggot. Soon after this I potted some chopped worm in, which definitely encouraged more action. The action continues well into the morning, yet once the sun removes the shade on the far bank and the boat traffic becomes unbearable it’s time to call it a day. It has been a brilliant mornings sport and just goes to show the stamp of fish that can be found in many canals.
Gary Ford
A nice dark groundbait mix helps the bream settle.
A cup of worms often brings a quick response.
Simple rigs are all that are required.
Sphere Match hooks are perfect for the job.
Gary’s Tackle
Sphere Zero-G F1+
Xitan Microbore Elastic
Sphere Match hooks
Cenex Classic Mono
4×12 Pole Float
Gary’s Bait
Champion’s Feeder Black Roach Groundbait
Champion’s Feeder Quick Skimmer Groundbait
Red and Dead Maggots
Fluoro Pinkies
Chopped Worm
A couple of cracking GUC bream.
Sphere Feeder Ultra Lite Hooks
Have you ever experienced those frustrating sessions when you lose too many fish and wonder what’s going on. Dace fishing can be extremely frustrating, just hitting the bites can be difficult let alone having them fall of soon after. This is almost certainly down to the hook as some patterns just don’t suit their bony mouths and constant twisting in the water.
One hook that does suit speed fishing for silvers, especially roach and dace, is the Sphere Feeder Ultra Lite range, not just an exceptional feeder hook but a great maggot pattern when float fishing. These hooks are razor sharp, very light creating the perfect presentation and once in, they stay in!
Available on pre-tied continuous spools containing eight micro-barbed hook lengths in sizes ranging between 8 and 18, these spade end hooks are ideal for silvers and although light are strong enough to land any bonus fish hooked. They are also available in the same sizes loose in packets containing fifteen hooks.
Colin Sheppard
A razor sharp hook and a great pattern for float or feeder.
I lose very few fish with this hook pattern.
The ideal hook for river silverfish.