Sphere Match Hooks

First Published in English.

 

My local river Trent offers has some brilliant fishing on offer and one of my favourite tactics is to fish for the abundant roach, dace, and small chub on the pole. This is often bite-a-chuck fishing, swinging good fish to hand, so any chinks in your gear will soon be found out. 

My hook choice for this style of fishing is the Sphere Match, normally in a size 16 or 18. These hooks have just the right wire gauge for maggot and caster fishing, being incredibly light, but very strong. 

They also keep their points very well and are razor sharp. I can often go all day using the same hook, which saves a lot of time during a match. The slightly in-turned point also goes in and stays in, meaning very few fish manage to come off as I swing them in. 

The shape is interesting, especially for maggot fishing, The tear drop shaped bend makes them brilliant for maggot fishing. The bait sits on the bend, staying put and not getting moved around when you miss a bite, meaning that I have the confidence to let the rig run through if I miss a bite. 

A great hook for pole or running line fishing for silvers, but with plenty of strength should you hook a bonus chub or big perch. The Sphere Match hook has quickly become a favourite and has more than earned it place in my box. 

Available in sizes 8 to 18, either in packs of 15 loose hooks or pre-tied in packs of 8.

Tom Noton

My choice for maggot and caster fishing.

These hooks have a nice wire gauge, but are very strong.

"My choice for maggot and caster fishing."


Xenos Wire Specialist Feeder

First Published in English.

 

If you spend much time feeder fishing on running water, particularly on big powerful rivers, such as the Trent, Wye or Severn, then you will know that feeder choice is absolutely critical. The Browning wire feeder has been the choice of a great many anglers over the years, thanks to their resilience and wide range of weights, making them useable without the addition of ‘dead cow’ weights. Well, now the range has been updated and the new Xenos wire feeders set a new benchmark in river feeders for me.

What I really like about the design of these feeders, is that they are very tangle-resistant, thanks to the integral lead and pre-formed attachment. These new feeders also have a tough plastic coating on the wire, that not only helps them blend in underwater, but also makes them even less likely to tangle. Attach them simply using a snap swivel or a short powergum boom to your main line

A wire cage feeder is really handy when the tackiness of what you’re feeding can vary.  This particularly applies to chopped worms which can either make you groundbait mix very wet depending on how much you add.  A wire feeder allows water to flow freely through it and while more enclosed plastic feeders might become clogged a wire feeder is still effective – this means you can easily adjust what you feeding without changing your feeder.

A useful tip when fishing deeper rivers, where you want the contents of the feeder to remain inside until the feeder settles on the bottom, is to wrap them in electrical tape, sealing up the mesh. This makes a massive difference to how the feeder empties and ensures that the bait is on the deck and not being washed downstream, taking the fish with it.

As with the originals, these are really tough feeders that take a lot of abuse. If you fish big rivers then they will be the perfect choice.

 

Available in 30mm and 50mm lengths with diameters of 2.5cm and 5cm respectively, they come in a wide range of weights from 20 grams (3/4 ounce) right up to 140 grams (5oz).

 

Kye Jerrom

The feeders come in a wide range of different weights for every situation.

The design is very tangle-resistant.

The simple set-up I use with the lighter versions of this feeder.

"The moulded-in lead is very tangle-resistant."


Xenos Wire Pro Cast Feeder

Original article published in English.

 

I was a firm fan of the original Xenos feeders and these new versions are even better! The new plasticised coating gives the wire a nice low-key colour that blends in well and makes the feeders smooth to the touch, which I suspect may reduce the chances of tangles.

Of the Xenos range my favourite is the Pro Cast feeder. With the weight strategically positioned below the cage these feeders cast like bullets. If you are looking for more range, without compromising accuracy, then give these a go. 

I find them ideal for bream fishing where I want to introduce a reasonable amount of bait. The size is just right. They come in a range of weights, with the 30gram being ideal for medium range fishing, and the heavier sizes being great when maximum range is essential. 

The Looped attachment is simple but effective. I normally use a clip swivel attached to a short boom either running on the main line or fished ‘helicopter-style’ 

One useful tip with any cage feeder is to carry some electrical tape with you, or add a wrap of shrink tube at home around the cage. This stops any of the bait escaping through the gaps in the mesh on the drop, ensuring your patch of bait is as tight as possible on the bottom. A useful ploy when the fishing is tough. 

If you are looking for a mesh feeder that will cast accurately and to maximum range then be sure to have a look at the Pro Cast. 

Length 30mm by 25mm long

Weights between 30 grams and 70 grams

Pat Cuddy

The central weight means this feeder casts really accurately and is perfect for long range fishing.

The range of weights are perfect for Stillwater fishing.

Use shrink tube or tape to slow the release of bait.

"I find them ideal for bream fishing "


Feeder Connector Swivel

Original article published in English.

 

These little gems have become an integral part of most of my feeder rigs and even some float set-ups. Like many of the best ideas, they are incredibly simple, yet very effective, and most importantly, tangle-free. 

These are extremely strong mini-swivels, but instead of having two eyes, one of the wires has been formed into a parallel hook-shape. A small piece of hard-wearing rubber tube fits over the hook effectively closing the loop when in use. 

So what you have is a very simple method of changing your hooklenghs instantly. Couple this with the anti-twist properties of the swivel, and the tangle-resistant design and you have a brilliant connector that is ideal for a multitude of feeder rigs. 

A little tip shown to me by England International Will Freeman was to use two stots instead of beads between the Connector Swivel and the feeder link. This creates a tiny boom that holds the hooklength away from the boom, massively cutting down on tangles. Give it a go, combined with these connector swivels it is a great little edge. 

Available in 10mm and 12mm sizes.

Kye Jerrom

These tiny swivels make changing links very easy.

Simply slide the rubber back to change hook lengths.

I use this very simple feeder set-up.

"a brilliant connector that is ideal for a multitude of feeder rigs. "


No-Snag Latex Landing Nets

We all have favourite items of kit, ones that seem to last forever and just don’t let us down and one of mine is the No-Snag Latex Landing Net head. The reason is that over the years I’ve lost count of how many nets have let me down at the vital moment, either being too weak for the constant punishment they get from commercial match fishing, threads stripping or frames breaking however the area that seems to go first is the mesh. Standard mesh nets get damaged easily, be it from getting caught in a bank side snag, a hook snagging within, catching in the zip when closing a net bag, or more likely from a split dorsal fin of a carp whilst being unhooked. All these can cause a small tear in the mesh and once there, the landing nets days are numbered. Just constantly putting nets away in a net bag damp will eventually take its toll and over time weaken the mesh from rotting.

Mesh nets are a thing of the past for me and Latex mesh nets are here to stay as they take all the punishment thrown at them and simply brush them aside. Hooks and fins don’t get caught up, all saving vital seconds in a match and they don’t rot, the only minor disadvantage is that Latex nets are slightly heavier but for all the advantages they provide, I can live with this. 

Available in three sizes – 

L 50cm x W 38cm x D 28cm

L 60cm x W 48cm x D 30cm

L 60cm x W 48cm x D 35cm

 

Alec Roberts

These nets are very easy to manoeuvre.

No chance of a fin ray getting caught.

I am a complete convert to these nets.

"The Latex mesh makes such a difference."


Sphere Multi Rod Carrier

I will often have several feeder rods with me when fishing the river Trent to cover all eventualities, so I was on the look-out for a new holdall that would allow me to carry multiple made-up rods safely and securely. After a few months of use I can report that the Sphere Multi Rod Carrier has filled this role superbly, enabling me to keep all my feeder rods organised and ready to go.

Like all of the Sphere luggage range, the finish is superb. Made from the iconic woven carbon-effect fabric, which is not only really durable, but wipe clean as well – perfect for those muddy winter banks. All of the fittings, and particularly the zips, are really strong and will gives years of service, as you would expect from a Sphere product.

Inside, the dividers enable four made-up rods to be carried with plenty of room to spare. In fact, you can easily sneak in another rod if you need to, or a couple of spare rods in their bags. Whilst this isn’t a compact bag, the size does mean that you can carry everything, including the kitchen sink!

The semi-rigid design is well padded and gives excellent protection to my expensive feeder rods. There is even an internal pocket especially for spare tips, which is a really nice touch.

Whilst luggage like this is likely to spend most of its life on the barrow, the quality shoulder strap and carry handles have proven invaluable when there is the odd fence, or even steep banks, to negotiate.

If you want to carry your made up rods in total security then you really need to check this bag out at your local Browning stockist.

Tom Noton

All of the fittings are top class.

The shoulder strap is useful for natural venues.

Each compartment can hold two made-up rods.

"Like all of the Sphere luggage range, the finish is superb."

The bag is available in sizes to fit all feeder and float rods.

The reinforced base is a nice touch.

Internal pockets hold the rods securely.


Sphere Silverlite System Whip

Original article in English.

 

The Sphere Silverlite System Whip really does raise the roof when it comes to speed fishing for silver to hand. This has to be the most versatile whip system on the market and makes fishing to-hand at longer lengths and short-line speed fishing, at long lengths, all the way up to 10m effortless. 

I recently put this mixed tele/takeapart System Whip through its paces, first taking it to a deep clear venue where I fished the flicktip at 8m to hand. It’s incredibly slim, ultra light and amazingly durable as it’s been built using the same respected Sphere grade carbon and build technology creating that middle section stiffness needed when fishing to hand. Balanced and responsive simply means more bites hit and more fish in the keepnet come the end of the day, exactly what all experienced, professional match anglers demand. 

The second trial was on a totally different venue, very shallow where every so often between the silvers a carp or big bream could barge in on the action. Elasticating a top two sections the inevitable soon happen and elastic stretched from the tip but as I have come to expect having used other Sphere poles for years, there was no need to worry as I soon had the first carp under control and in the net.   

The Sphere Silverlite System Whip is available in two sets, 10m and 8m which is what I have and this comes complete with 8m pole (3-section telescopic topkit, plus 5 take apart sections) including flicktip, reversible Pole Protector to fit 7m and 8m sections, 2 x 3/1 telescopic top kits with hollow tips* plus its Hardcase Multi-pocket carry case. 

This system also boosts an array of innovative features and technology such as Strengthened Stress Points, Diamond Surface Finish for smooth and fast shipping, Section Alignment Points for maximum stiffness, Pole Protection System plus many more.

Ever since picking up the new Sphere Silverlite System Whip I just can’t put it down and know this pole is going to give me a genuine performance advantage.

Justin Watkins

*Note – both top kit types can be converted to hollow or solid flick tip type by changing the tip “A” section only – the tips are available as spare parts.

 Silvers to hand – I love it!

Striking graphics for easy recognition.

The end result of a quick-fire session.

"this pole is going to give me a genuine performance advantage"

Supplied in its very own special hardshell carry case.

Over-wrapped grip areas for added strength.

The internal pockets in the hard case enable me to organise my top kits.

Highest quality Japanese carbon with internal reinforcing.

Section protection comes as standard.

I love the understated graphics.


Big Bream & Quick Skimmer

Allround groundbait mix  for spring to autumn:

Champions feeder „Big Bream“ & „Quick Skimmer“ .

The groundbait mix of „Quick Skimmer“ and „Big Bream“ in equal parts, offers exactly the sweet flour that the big ones want and keeps them at the feeding place! Both varieties harmonize very well with each other. The coarser and binding Big Bream is somewhat „loosened“ by the finer structure of the Quick Skimmer and refined with further flours.

The mix can be „controlled“ perfectly via the dosing of the water and over the pressure point in the feeder.

Have fun with this absolutely excellent groundbait mix.

Have fun with this absolutely excellent groundbait mix.


Big Pit Mini Feeder

Original article in English.

 

One of my favourite feeders in the Browning range is the Big Pit Mini. This diminutive version of the standard Big Pit Feeder is my go-to on venues where I need to recast regularly, often catching fish on the drop, or when I want to limit the amount of bait that I am introducing. This is particularly important when fishing for silvers, where overfeeding can be a problem with many larger feeder designs.  If I’m fishing drains, big wide canals and short chuck on a lake, these are my go to feeder!

The reduced size of the Big Pit Mini allows me to feed a pinch of free-offerings compressed between two plugs of groundbait. Enough to keep the fish interested and no more. Although the feeder has a really open configuration, with much larger holes than many similar designs, the internal ridge hold groundbait really well. This ensures that you can punch these feeders out on the cast, when faced with a stiff cross wind, for example, without losing the contents – this is even the case with really dry mixes.

A lot of the venues that I fish are between 30 and 60 metres wide, so the 15 gram to 30 gram loading on these small feeders is perfect. Coupled with Cenex Feeder Braid and my Sphere Braid Special feeder rod they really fly accurately.

The moulded plastic construction have proven to be very reliable and doesn’t not suffer from the brittleness sometimes seen in other feeders. The short stem and moulded in swivel produces a strong and tangle-free design.

If you regularly target silverfish on slow-flowing rivers, drains or stillwaters, or perhaps want to introduce a snack-sized helping of sticky pellets for carp, then I can thoroughly recommend you give these feeders a go.

 

Dimensions 24mm long by 25mm in diameter.

Size 15 grams, 20 grams, 25 grams, 30 grams.

Kye Jerrom

Browning HotRods

This is the perfect compact feeder.

Four different weights are available, covering most conditions.

The weights are very well secured, follow the shape of the body reducing tangles.

The swivel is securely moulded into the stem.

The perfect size for introducing a small amount of bait.

Plug the ends of the feeder with groundbait to hold the content in place.

"Ideal for both natural and commercial venues."


Cenex Sinking Feeder Braid

One of the most significant innovations in modern feeder fishing has to be the development of fine diameter sinking braids. These have been a revelation for the feeder angler, not only allowing us to use finer main lines than before, but also giving much better bite indication than was previously possible, and all in a line that does not deteriorate over time. 

My choice for most of my feeder fishing is Cenex Sinking Feeder Braid in 0.10mm diameter, which has a breaking strain of 12lb. When you compare this to a traditional nylon mono line of the same breaking strain, which has a diameter of roughly 0.32mm, you can see just how big the margins can be. 

Not all fine braids are created equally though. There are several factors to take into account when choosing a braid. One of the most important is that the braid should have a round profile. This is not so easy to achieve in fine braids, but the Cenex braid ticks all the boxes in this respect, and loads onto the reel very well indeed. 

A round braid creates much less water resistance than one with a flat profile, allowing me to use much lighter feeders, and giving better bite indication. Line twist and the dreaded bedding-in, which can effect casting distance and accuracy, are not a problem with this line. 

Another problem with some fine braids is that they float and are difficult to cut through the surface film of the water. This is especially important when fishing at long range and in a cross-wind, when you need to get the line down quickly to stop a bow from forming. As the name suggest, this braid really does sink very well. 

Knotting a fine braid to a thicker shock leader can cause a weak spot, but I have found this not to be the case with my chosen combination. The knot is neat and runs through the rod rings easily, without catching. It is also remarkably strong and has not let me down. 

A minor point, but some braids can quickly lose their colour when exposed to water and sunlight. The Cenex braid tends to hold its dark green colour very well has hardly changed even after several months of hard use.

I tend to use braid with a shockleader of 8lb Black Magic Gold Mono. By using a slightly weaker leader if I should snag the feeder (which is pretty rare), then the leader will break before the braid, meaning I lose minimal gear. 

If you haven’t yet made the switch to braided main lines for feeder fishing, or perhaps you are looking for a reliable line, then I can whole heartedly recommend Cenex Sinking Feeder Braid. Once you try it there is no going back! 

Tight Lines! 

Tom Noton

Braid enables me to fish with lighter feeders and magnifies bites.

The perfect braid for my feeder fishing.

Brilliant line-lay and a long-lasting dark green colour.

"I can whole heartedly recommend Cenex Sinking Feeder Braid."