With the recession now effecting everything we buy, from the basics commodities like food and fuel, to our leisure and recreation pastimes, it has come as no surprise that the bait and tackle industries have also found the going very tough to say the least during 2010. Retailers and anglers have all struggled from the lack of essentials like terminal tackle items on the shelves from many of the leading brands. Making both the retailers and anglers alike now having to shop around for alternative solutions to obtain the equipment they require.
This re-accruing problem for us as consumers has come about due to the Chinese Government now requesting that the workforce that originally came in from the farms to work in the industrial centres many factories for better money are now being invited to go back to the farms to deal with the Chinese huge demand for food.
Plus the Chinese are now becoming more westernised in attitude towards work and the workforce will no longer work weekends unless they are paid double time meaning less productivity and less product for us as consumers.
UKMA do hate to be the bearer of bad tidings so close to Christmas but the majority of your tackle items will increase in price anywhere from 7.5 to 15% dependant on the manufacturer. To make matters just that little bit worse for you the consumer, we have the inevitable 2.5% VAT increase too coming on the 4th of January 2011. So to make it plain and simple for you the angler, expect to pay 12.5% on average more for your tackle in 2011. (These figures are based upon trade and retail prices from eight of the leading manufacturers in the United Kingdom).
The Very Best From T & G For 2011
Daiwa Sports are to release several reels for the new year including the new TDM 3012 which is a great all round cranking tool designed with the match and lure angler in mind. It has top quality spring tensioned line clips fitted on all spools and will carry a full RRP of £150.00.
For specialist anglers on a tighter budget you have the Regal X & Z, these small to medium sized BR reels are perfect for all medium to medium/ heavy specialist work and a great alternative when fishing the method or heavy feeder on commercial venues, they will set you back £49.99 for the X and £69.99 for the Z .
Taking into consideration the current financial climate, Daiwa have released the Crosscast S Big Pit reels which are designed to fit into the range as an entry level reel just below the Windcast range and will sell for £69.99.
Visit Daiwa's website for further information on the new products for 2011.
The Hardy Greys/Chub brands have got some absolutely superb tackle and accessory options for 2011.
First up we have the new Chub Eazi-Flow Safety Sling. This dual purpose floatation weigh sling / short term retainer offers both safety and security of the fish. Manufactured from light but strong nylon material with full length floats for added buoyancy, the floatation sling has meshed sides for a quick and easy water flow. The Eazi-Flow Safety Sling has a centre panel with full length zip and safety clip for secure retention and release. It weighs in at a 900g and will sell for a very reasonable £34.99.
The big eye catcher for me from this stand has to be the all new Greys Prodigy Tackle management system which incorporates the Klip-Lok locking system which gives masses of practical storage options.
Visit Hardy Grey's website for further information on the new products for 2011.
Nash seem to only put in appearance at T & G when they have something really special coming out and this year was no exception. Nash have now launched a comprehensive range of luggage, shelters, barrow chairs and accessories aimed at the pleasure and day ticket carp angler called "Peg One".
Another new offering is the all New Siren alarm system which can be totally controlled from the comfort of your bivvy by using the receiver system as a remote control. To make it nice and easy Nash has prepared a 7 minute long video clip that will introduce you to the entire new selection for 2011.
Visit Nash Tackle's website for further information on the new products for 2011.
One of the big eye openers for me at the show was the Avid Carp range of luggage, bed chairs, bivvies and terminal tackle accessories. With consultant Ian Russell on board talking you through the features and advantages of the range, I was soon to be impressed by the vast array of new features to be found on this very nice looking luggage range.
The best product on display by Avid Carp had to be the new bivvy system; it has a unique internal chamber that has a vent that can be totally opened for optimum air flow and works perfectly with the external vent. The best feature I found on any bivvy at the show was the introduction of a padded sleeve over the side tension bars that incorporates three Velcro rod retaining straps, a very clever idea that makes rod storage when not in use very easy (a nice touch on a very nice bivvy).
Visit Avid Carp's website for further information on the new products for 2011.
Not to be outdone, Trakker have released two shelter packages for 2011 that will suit most angler’s budgets.
First up is the all singing all dancing SL Dome and you get a lot of bivvy for your money with this one. Based upon the design of the Ammo MKII you get a one man shelter with an internal chamber that is totally removable, which then makes the shelter perfect size for those long continental sessions. The internal chamber also greatly reduces condensation and eliminates the need for an additional winter skin.
The next offering from Trakker is the superb value for money SLXV2 complete bivvy system. The SLXV2 is available in one or two man options and offers the first time buyer a comprehensive bivvy package for under £300 yet still offer top quality build and reliability.
Visit Trakker's website for further information on the new products for 2011.
A name not many from the angling world will know is Jack Pyke clothing, they have been around in the hunting clothing industry for many years now and have now decided to branch out into the world of angling. They offer a vast array of clothing options and actually offer camouflage that is in balance with our own resident foliage rather than that of North America.
There are three main designs suitable for the needs of British anglers. The first is the Natural Green Hunter range which offers a three in one jacket system and over trousers, you have the Hunter English Oak camouflage and new for 2011, you have my personal favourite the English Woodland. All suits are breathable and 100% waterproof and offer superb warmth and comfort even in the worst conditions.
Visit Jack Pyke's website for further information on the new products for 2011.
All elements of angling were very well represented at the show by some of the biggest brands and names in the sport. We have only selected a small part of what will be in your shops in 2011.
Watch this space as we put these and many other products through there paces over the coming months.
THE FACTS
