Carp-Tech Oval

The Carp-Tech oval is perfect for summer fishing where the nights are long and the weather fine. Although not the thickest I've seen, the material is totally waterproof, and is pretty strong (a hailstorm on Oxlease tested that one out!).

One of the innovative features of the Carp-Tech Oval is the side "wings" which offer more protection than a standard brolly.

The brolly is said to retail at £79.99, but I'm sure there's some room to haggle with that. I brought mine from Avenue Angling, Norwich ;-)

Web Links: www.carptech.co.uk

Matrix Hanger (Dinky Head)

Once again Matrix grace us with their presence, they have really hit the nail on the head with this product.

Small but perfectly engineered, the Dinky heads will have lovers of slack lines drooling, whilst the normal size hangers are great for people who prefer tighter lines.

This company can do no wrong.

Web Links: www.matrixinnovations.co.uk

The Smokers Bag

I had to include this on the tackle tart pages after it raised so much attention on the closing weekend session. A dead useful little zip up box, which has an elasticated mesh panel to hold a bag
of tobacco, a groove to hold a packet of cigarette papers, and space for two film canisters to hold your (ahem) more individual tobacco requirements.

A nifty idea was to include a nice long recessed tray to hold your paper steady whilst going through the building and rolling process.

Available from Specialist Tobacco at £16.99, these are set to be the next big luggage must have item.

Web Links: www.specialist-tackle.co.uk

Fox RX Digital Bite Alarms

With new alarms such as the Solar ALM's on the market, it was a difficult decision for me as to what alarm to upgrade to.

In the end I chose the RX, mainly because the reliability was something that was high on my list. The digital blue set I brought have been spot on, I love having the facility of having the actual alarm heads off, whilst having the remote at a comfortable volume in my bivvy.

Simply spot on.

Web Links: www.foxint.com

ESP Quilted Jacket

Toasty warm, suitable for wearing down to the pub also, and wind proof, ESP have come up with a clothing winner here!

The quality of the material and workmanship is very good and the hand warmer pockets are a nice touch.

Combined with the ESP Sallopettes you will never be cold on the bank again!

Chub Rigger Pouch

I never thought I'd say it, but my Fox System Box is nearly surplus for requirements, all thanks to the Chub Rigger Pouch.

The actual rig boards have plenty of space for made-up rigs, utilising the foam pin board system, there's no chance of rigs tangling. The two boards fold against each other and zip up.

In the back section there is a set of about eight clear plastic pouches to hold packets of "riggy" materials. There is also a mesh zipped pocket for larger items, and to top it all off, there are loops stitched onto the hard back board which hold baiting needles, scissors and the suchlike. Small, light, compact a good purchase.

Web Links: www.chubleisure.co.uk

Matrix Innovations Stainless

The name of this page is now fully justified as we show you the ultimate in "Tackle-Tart" stainless, Matrix Innovations.

The quality of this metalwork is phenomenal, each product has been lovingly prepared in Britain, and the finishing is superb.

One of the chunkiest stainless ranges on the market, there is a full compliment of Buzzer Bars, Banksticks, Goalpost Converters and even a new set of rear rod rests.

Whilst the range will surely lighten your pocket, your gear will need to be man enough to transport this lot round the lake.... taxi to swim 5 please!

Web Links: www.matrixinnovations.co.uk

Cobra Baiting Spoon

The Cobra baiting spoon is one essential pieces of kit for those of us fishing small intimate waters with overhanging bushes, tree's and foliage. Made of durable plastic the baiting spoon is designed to fit onto a landing net handle.

As well as the obvious "tipping" of bait and rigs into position, the spoon also allows the user to "chuck" boilies, particles etc. good distances with accuracy.

One of the bonuses of this spoon, is that the closed cup can also be used to add liquid to, so for baiting margins with hemp it will prove invaluable.

Web Links: http://www.cobra-international.co.uk/

Realtree Duck Tape

Ok, so you may think this one is a bit on the tarty side, and you may well be right. I however have a slightly different outlook on this product.

After being given a couple of buckets the ideal size for bait buckets, the camo duck tape was definitely needed. Two bright white buckets strolling round a lake are certain to grab attention (and not only from the carp if you know what I mean!).

Let's put it this way, one bucket will be used for floaters in the summer, how obvious would a white bucket look when trying to get tricky carp in the feeding zone? Tarty or good angling? Discuss in the tackle thread of the Carp Forum, click here!

Web Links: http://www.duckproducts.com/

ESP Sonar Marker Braid

With feature finding becoming more and more important (to certain anglers!) in the world of carp fishing, a good quality braid is required to ensure accurate plumbing.

ESP products certainly feature highly in my tackle box, I hope their line continues to be as forward thinking as it has been, now that Adam Penning has moved onto pastures new (a chap who was very helpful when a couple of ESP products let me down a while ago).

The Sonar braid sinks well, has virtually zero stretch, is tough and does exactly what is asked of it. Get some on your marker rod now!