Specialist tackle

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The kit we’ve dug into

Real kit we’ve dug into, each with our score out of 100 and a star rating. The same review can suit more than one style of fishing.

Bait & bag mixes

86%

Copdock Mill

Copdock Mill Coppens Halibut Pellets

4.5mm and 6mm sizes in 900g packs (also sold in 2mm, 8mm and 10mm sizes, and larger bulk bags)

Copdock Mill's Coppens Halibut Pellets lean heavily on fishmeal and animal proteins for a genuinely oily, high-protein feed, sized consistently for accurate baiting and sold across a wide spread of diameters to match hookbait and feed needs.

• High levels of fishmeal and animal protein for a genuinely oily feed
• Very consistent in size and weight for accurate baiting at range
• Sold across 2mm, 4.5mm, 6mm, 8mm and 10mm sizes in 900g retail packs

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Bait & bag mixes

90%

Dynamite Baits

Dynamite Baits Frenzied Hempseed

Original flavour, 700g tin (also sold as a 350g tin, 2.5l jar, and in a Spicy Chilli flavour)

Dynamite's Frenzied Hempseed is cooked inside the tin or jar itself, keeping the natural oils and attractants locked in with no preservatives added, giving a ready-to-use particle that goes straight from the tin to the hook or feed.

• Cooked inside the tin or jar to retain natural oils and attractants
• No preservatives added, so it's a fully natural bait
• Ready-to-use straight from the tin, no soaking or boiling needed

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Tools & sharpeners

79%

Deeper

Deeper Chirp+ 2 Smart Sonar

Standard Desert Sand edition (Deeper also sell a Limited Edition Yellow version and Long Range Kit)

Deeper's Chirp+ 2 pairs a 3-frequency CHIRP sonar with its own Wi-Fi link to the Fish Deeper app, aimed at anglers who want to scan swims, build bathymetric maps and check depth and temperature from the bank without a boat.

• 3 Frequency CHIRP: Narrow 675kHz (7°), Medium 240kHz (20°), Wide 100kHz (47°)
• Target separation of 1cm in Narrow CHIRP, 2.4cm in Medium and Wide CHIRP
• Depth range from 15cm down to 100m

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Tackle storage

75%

RidgeMonkey

RidgeMonkey Armoury Pro Tackle Box

Pro size, model RM756 (an Armoury Lite is also sold as a smaller, slimmer option)

RidgeMonkey's Armoury Pro Tackle Box packs rig boards, a ruler and dozens of compartments into one magnetic-lid case. Here's what the maker says it does and who it suits.

• 67 storage compartments of varying sizes
• Three large rig boards built in
• Rig pins included

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Cooking & brew kit

77%

RidgeMonkey

RidgeMonkey Connect Compact Sandwich Toaster

Standard size, model RM124 (an XL size is also sold)

RidgeMonkey's Connect Compact Toaster is built to make toasties over a stove, then split apart into two separate pans. Here's what the maker says about the design and who it suits.

• Lightweight die-cast aluminium pans with fluoropolymer non-stick coating
• Unique detachable hinge, so the two halves can be used as separate pans
• Cool-touch removable handles with magnetic lock

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Bite alarms

86%

Delkim

Delkim Txi-D v2

Single alarm, sold on its own or as part of a 2+1 or 3+1 presentation set

Delkim's flagship digital alarm gets another once-over, with multi-coloured LEDs, a digital radio link and proper weatherproofing. Here's what the maker says it does and who it's actually for.

• Vibration-sensing detection, not just a roller wheel
• Multi-coloured LEDs with adjustable brightness
• 32 selectable tones plus adjustable volume and response

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Reels

90%

Shimano

Shimano Ultegra 14000 XTE

14000 XTE size

Shimano's Ultegra 14000 XTE brings proper big-pit carp reel tech down from the flagship range, with a CI4+ body and HAGANE gearing aimed at anglers who need to cast a long way and stop a big fish doing what it wants.

• 585g with a 4.3:1 retrieve ratio
• CI4+ body with HAGANE Gear inside
• X-SHIP and Infinity Drive for a smooth, strong retrieve

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Rods

84%

Korum

Korum Barbel Rod

Available as 11ft 1.75lb, 12ft 1.75lb, 12ft 2lb, and 13ft 2.5lb models. Confirm exact model before purchase.

An overview of the Korum Barbel Rod family, designed for the modern big-fish river angler with a nod to traditional actions and finishes.

• Four models from 11ft to 13ft
• Test curves from 1.75lb to 2.5lb
• Progressive 'old school' action

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Reels

92%

Shimano

Shimano Baitrunner DL RB

Available in 6000 and 10000 sizes. Confirm exact model code before buying.

A look at Shimano's mid-range Baitrunner DL RB, available in 6000 and 10000 sizes, and how it fits into the UK carp and specimen scene.

• 6000 size (BTRDL6000RB)
• 10000 size (BTRDL10000RB)
• Features Shimano's classic Baitrunner freespool mechanism

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Reels

92%

Shimano

Shimano Baitrunner ST RB

6000 or 10000 RB (Rear Baitrunner) sizes

A look at Shimano's entry-level Baitrunner ST RB, a reel that has introduced countless anglers to the benefits of a freespool system. We examine the two available sizes and why it remains a benchmark for affordable, reliable performance.

• Entry-level freespool reel
• Available in 6000 and 10000 sizes
• Classic rear Baitrunner system

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Mainline

88%

Drennan

Drennan Feeder & Method Mono

Pale brown sinking mono, 4lb–12lb, 100m or 250m

Pale-brown reel line for feeder and method work, sold in six strains. The useful bit is knowing exactly which diameter and spool length you're ordering.

• 4lb to 12lb
• 100m and 250m spools
• Fast-sinking maker claim

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11 reviews to read here. More kit is being checked, one product at a time.