Tag: vertical jigging

Daiwa Catalogue 2010 – Daiwa Reels [part 1]

A copy of Daiwa’s UK 2010 fishing tackle catalogue arrived this morning, much to my delight. For the benefit of those who haven’t received one yet I thought I’d walk you through it – starting with 2010 reels.

Reels

In terms of reel technology there doesn’t appear to be an awful lot of new development for 2010. That’s not to say that Daiwa have rested on their laurels this year, but it just appears that they have concentrated on applying their superb, existing technologies further down the range. In summary, there aren’t any new developments at the top of the tree, but with the likes of Zaion, Real Four, DIGIGEAR and the QD drag already in the lineup, we’re already spoilt. A good example of existing technology filtering down through the range this year is the addition of the excellent High Impact Line Clip (HIP Clip) to smaller fixed spools and away from the exclusivity of the bigger carp reels. For those that don’t know, this ingenious line clip on the spool features a braid and mono friendly collar behind the clip so it can be used safely as a distance control without the fear of damaging line. It finds its way from the top-flight BASIAIR onto the replacement for the ever popular TD-R Match & Feeder reels – the new TD-X range. This new addition should go down a storm. Continue reading “Daiwa Catalogue 2010 – Daiwa Reels [part 1]”

Penn Torque Heavy Duty Spinning Reels – T&G Show [part 4]

One of the highlights of the T&G show was the Pure Fishing stand featuring such giants as ABU Garcia, Berkley, Mitchell, Shakespeare, JRC and Penn – the list goes on – all featured a number of great products for 2010. Of particular interest to me, was that Penn had added two new ranges of top-end fixed-spool spinning reels, both suited to sea or any heavy duty angling. Announcing the imminent arrival of the new Conquer and the range we’ll look at now, the impressive Torque!

Top of the tree is the new Penn Torque Spinning Reel – a reel squarely aimed at the Shimano Stellas and Daiwa  Saltigas of this world. I was lucky enough to handle the Torque at the show and it is exciting in that it’s very different to both those aforementioned reels. The Torque has an almost industrial feel, Continue reading “Penn Torque Heavy Duty Spinning Reels – T&G Show [part 4]”

Tackle Discoveries in Greece

Those of you that follow my Twitter posts (Tweets) will know that I have just returned from a break in Corfu, Greece. As ever, a highlight for me in any trip abroad is a visit to a Tackle Shop – in this case I visited a couple of stores in Corfu Town.

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of kit on offer. In terms of lures there were the expected brands like Rapala and Yo-Zuri, but also Lucky Craft, Smith and Shimano Butterfly Jigs. I also found a Ryobi Safari big game fixed spool which really is top-flight tackle. Rod choice on the other hand was a bit limited where I looked.

I had one item on my shopping list and I’m glad to say I got what I wanted. I’ve been attracted by a new type of jigging, originating in Japan. I’m not actually sure what the official name for it is yet but Shimano’s range of suited lures is named ‘Lucanus’. There are also ranges from Daiwa (Conch Jigs) amongst others. The only kind I’d managed to purchase in the UK was a Yabai Jig from Williamson – set me back a pretty penny too (£9). In Corfu I managed to purchase one of these jigs from a brand I’ve never come across before now – Alpha Tackles – the packaging says they are Japan made. I’m not so sure the quality is up to that but either way I was happy with a 100g version for 7 Euro. The model is a ‘Sea Grand – Salty Rubber Jig’. I’ll hopefully report how these perform next season. Continue reading “Tackle Discoveries in Greece”