Anglers Mail Feature - Quick Comparison Test on Winter Clothing

QUICK COMPARISON

SPECIAL FEATURE

WINTER CLOTHING FOR THE SPECIALIST ANGLER.

TESTED BY DUNCAN CHARMAN

Last winter was one of the wettest on record, yet just because it’s bleak outside, doesn’t mean it has to be uncomfortable. This is were matching the correct clothing with the style of fishing you do needs to be considered carefully.

Being an all-round specimen angler, one that often roves a venue without an umbrella, having the correct clothing is paramount, as not only does it need to keep me warm and dry but it also needs to be flexible, allowing a full range of movement. It also needs to be able to withstand the constant bombardment of the non-forgiving countryside and for me the Nash ZT Duo jacket and trousers fits the bill perfectly….

NASH ZT DUO JACKET £119.99, TROUSERS £89.99

Anglers Mail – Best Buy

Trendy green Jacket and trouser combo, both with understated graphics and a 100% Nylon outer shell with PU coating, water resistant to 8000 and breathable to 3000. Fleece lined trousers and removable inner to jacket create a very versatile system whilst retaining extreme comfort and complete movement. Endless features include, high quality protected zips, numerous internal/external pockets, easy to adjust and removable braces, elasticated adjustable cuffs, steam taped, wasteband and ankle gaters to name a few. The knees and butt are also reinforced and the hood, although obscuring eyesight, fits away within jacket behind the comfortable fleece lined collar. (Second Skin £34.99, Neck Warmer & Winter Hat, both £9.99)

Features 10

Performance 10

Value 9

SCORE: 29

NAVITAS ‘AGENT’ JACKET £109.99, PANTS £64.99

Available in green or Camo the outer shell of the Jacket is made from 100% Nylon Taslon, water resistant rating of 5000 and breathable to 5000. Trousers are made from 50D Polyester with a slightly lower specification rating. Unbelievably comfortable and allows complete freedom of movement. Oozing features throughout such as numerous internal/external pockets, fully taped seams, high quality storm flap zips, storm cuffs, boot gaters, the list is endless. Extremely trendy and attention to detail is second to none. Elastic waistband and comfortable, easily adjustable and removable bib and brace system. The hood is fully adjustable and although the knees and seat are reinforced, could have done with being harder wearing. ( ‘LO-FI Beanie £9.99 & ‘ATLAS’ Fleece £29.99)

Features 10

Performance 8

Value 9

SCORE: 27

WYCHWOOD EPIC JACKET £149.99, BIB & BRACE £79.99

Stylish olive green jacket and bib and brace, water resistant to 5000mm, yet breathability not stated. The material has been taken from extreme mountaineering clothing and although comfortable, does restrict movement and is slightly pinchy around the knees. Extremely warm though due to the hollow fibre. The jacket has a removable fleece inner making it very versatile and both have numerous features including, fleece lined collar, durable hard wearing quality zips, multi-pocket design inside and out, fully laminated seams, adjustable elasticated shoulder straps, zipped leg openings plus a fully adjustable hood which again seems to be oversized obscuring view. (Solace Boots £49.99 & Slouch Beanie Hat £9.99)

Features 10

Performance 9

Value 8

SCORE: 27

CARP KINETICS NATIVE WHISPATEX SUIT SET £100.00

Eye catching featuring the ‘anti-rustle’ camo design and created from the Whispatex/Windstop fabric, water resistant to 8000 HD and 100% breathable but actual specification not shown. The jackets inner is quilted lined for extra warmth, and both jacket and trousers have Teflon reinforced areas for wear resistance. Both jacket and trousers are oversized and feature, chunky zips with protection, adequate internal/external pockets, plus a discrete internal wallet/phone pocket, high, thermal collar, adjustable cuffs and waist band, plus zipped ankles for easy boot removal. The hood is removable but lacks adjustment and once again obscures eyesight. (Camo Boots £25.00)

Features 8

Performance 8

Value 8

SCORE: 24

SUNDRIDGE RETEX MK4 SUIT £79.99

Dark green jacket and trouser combo made from highly durable Polyester with a quilt insulation and water resistant rating of 5000mm, breathability not stated. Comfortable, warm and snug which does restrict movement slightly. Plenty of features throughout including, fleece lined collar, knitted cuffs, adjustable and removable hood yet again impairing vision, quilt and fleece lined, numerous external/internal pockets however just one zipped, adjustable waist cord, reinforced knees, Velcro ankle straps plus stretchable ‘H’ braces.(Sleep Skin Top £19.99, Hot Foot 008 Boots £ 39.99. Full Finger Gloves £11.99; Fingerless £9.99 & Pilot Hat £14.99)

Features 9

Performance 9

Value 10

SCORE: 28

30PLUS SNUGZZ 30/50 JACKET £75.00, SALOPETTES £59.99

This olive green jacket and salopettes is made from a PVC Nylon with a Polyester lining and has a waterproof rating of 5000 and a breathabilty of 3000. Although the material feels comfortable, the jacket lacks padding and is quite tight on the upper body and the straps to the salopettes are not fully elasticated creating tightness in movement, yet these are well fleeced and warm. Features include adequate internal/external pockets, adjustable waist band, quality protected zips, high fleece neck collar, adjustable wrist bands and without a doubt the best hood of all tested which cleverly fits behind the collar. (Fleece £45.00, Woolly Hat £6.25)

Features 8

Performance 8

Value 9

SCORE: 25

TF GEAR THERMO-TEX TROUSERS £59.99, JACKET £59.99

Soft green sleeping bag feel material with moisture dispersion, yet neither the breathability, waterproof rating or material makeup is mentioned which causes concern, however tested to -10 degrees centigrade, so warmth guaranteed. Extremely comfortable allowing unrestricted movement and spacious with reinforced lower legs extending to the knees. Would the material withstand the versatility of the specimen angler in the countryside? Good bivvy clothing though. Straps are fully elasticated and easy to adjust and features include adequate internal/external pockets, full length zips, adjustable hood which doesn’t interfere with eyesight and elasticated wristbands and the long leg zips are great for removal of muddy boots.(Peaked Beanie Hat £9.99)

Features 7

Performance 8

Value 8

SCORE: 23

ESP QUILTED JACKET £94.95 & QUILTED TROUSERS £74.95

Made from a 100% extra tough ripstop nylon outer and a Polyester filling and lining this jacket and trouser set has a waterproof rating of 25’000 and a breathability of 10’000 so neither can be questioned. The material quality and rating comes at a cost as it’s quite noisy and although spacious does restrict movement slightly. Attention to detail is paramount and features include numerous internal/external pockets, well fitting adjustable hood that can be stored within the high fleece lined collar, water resistant wrist bands and adjustable cuffs, quality zips and seams, yet although the trousers are elasticated and adjustable they don’t come with elasticated over the shoulder straps.

Features 9

Performance 9

Value 9

SCORE: 27

Product of the week - Old Ghost Bait Sticks

Edges in angling are difficult to find these days, especially when it comes to bait yet Old Ghost’s innovative minds certainly look like they are going to take this countries specimen and match anglers by storm and their sausage sticks look to be a real winner. Coming in four flavours, Snail, Bloodworm, Corn and Squid, these bait sticks have a unique textured making them amazingly versatile. I was lucky to get my hands on a few of these a while ago and last week simply punched small pieces of the bloodworm stick and hair rigged these along with a small buoyant piece of corn to literally take GAS Broadwater apart. Later in the week I had a customer try a piece of the Squid stick and was soon into his first ever Loddon barbel. Available now in most tackle shops. Be the first to use these and give the barbel something they haven’t seen before! Singular sticks £1 or a pack of five for £4.50.  

Winge of the Week - Human and dog shit!

I was shocked this week, not for the first time I might say, when lying right next to one of the most popular swims at Stanford End was a human turd! It was during a FAS barbel teach-in when anglers new to barbel fishing attend, some who have never caught a barbel and need an introduction to river fishing, yet after seeing this it’s enough for them to avoid these popular stretches at all cost. We all get caught short from time to time, it’s unavoidable, yet dropping one in a swim and leaving it there is inexcusable. What the hell was this angler thinking about? So if it was you that dropped one in the Jungle last week, then shame on you, you are a disgrace to all anglers.

Dog shit is something else I can’t stand and once again it’s not the dog that’s to blame but the owner. I often take my girlfriends parents dog for a walk around Frensham Small Pond, a very popular venue with dog walkers and once again was shocked at the number of tied plastic bags that were just thrown in the hedges or tied to branches of trees! I heard of Christmas trees but some tries can only be described as turd trees. Once again, what the hell is the owner thinking? Does a National Trust shit collector do a daily round, no, and if you are going to take the trouble of placing it in a bag, then why don’t they take it home and discard it in the right way.  

OMG - Weekly report starting Saturday August 3rd 2013

This week has seen a lack of time on the bank as I had three days booked of with the girlfriend. I did have a FAS barbel teach-in at Stanford End on Tuesday evening and apart from the initial disappointment of two no-shows we had a great evening. These teach-ins aren’t all about catching fish as for the first hour or so I go through how I approach the river, what I look for, the bait applied and tactics employed. This briefing is so that anglers can return and know that what they are doing and the swims they are fishing have a track record of producing.

Each angler picked a swim and settled down, yet the text requesting a photo failed to arrive early on. After spending time talking and helping the anglers the first fish was landed a chub of around 3lb, however this angler revealed that he had lost a big barbel earlier in the session. Two anglers had settled in one of the bigger swims as a big fish had rolled as darkness fell and soon after casting out Nige was into his first ever barbel which weighed 8lb 2oz. No further action came, yet all the anglers learnt lots and will be returning with plenty of confidence.

Wednesday we visited Thorpe Park and as I crossed the bridge into the theme park I looked out across the lakes and remember the time spent fishing these magical waters, however today was far from relaxing as I was going to experience a few white knuckle rides for the first time. OMG!

Thursday arrived and my weekly nine holes of golf with my mother at dawn were completed before settling down in the office to catch up on emails etc. The afternoon was spent getting a couple of lightweight carp rods ready for a few hours on the river Itchen as well as organising the kit for a days guiding on Frensham the following morning. I really should have cancelled the trip to the Itchen as it was gone midnight when my head hit the pillow and come 3.45am the alarm was ringing.

Meeting Steve next to the hotel we headed up the bridal path, an area I haven’t fished for a while and my second choice of swims as another angler had just beaten me to my preferred area. The first draw back was the rain that started as we set up and just seconds after casting out I knew that float fishing with maggot was going to be a non-starter as a tiny perch grabbed the bait. Loads more followed and after two hours we had to rethink tactics. A couple of tench had rolled over the groundbait so I decided to head home and grab a few small tutti fruity boilies. By the time I returned it was nearly 10am, the time that the tench normally go of the feed and after setting up scaled down bolt rigs and casting out we awaited a response. Casting every fifteen minutes the first bite finally came around midday and Steve slid the net under a new personal best tench weighing 6lb 2oz. This was followed by two more in quick succession and we were beginning to think we were onto a winner yet come 3pm and after a couple of hours of inactivity we decided to settle for the three. It was one of those days when the odds seem to be against us, yet constantly casting and tweaking things finally paid off and we left feeling very content as well as learning loads.

Next week I looking forward to a whole week of fishing with my mate Chris. The first couple of days have been planned to visit a new stretch of the river Thames with carp, chub and barbel our target as well as trying our luck on the Loddon for a barbel or two. Come Wednesday we will review are results and either head to a Stillwater for some action if things have been tough or continue on the rivers.

Product of the Week - Marker Gum

Being an angler that is obsessed in clipping up and casting accurately I need a product that is reliable and wont move. In the early days I remember using Electrical tape, yet this seem to cause friction when casting and once wet seem to move. The next product used was thin pole elastic which I have used for years, however this is difficult to remove and the stop knot tied needs to be moistened to bed down correctly. I was given some E.S.P marker Gum recently and since using it haven’t looked back as it beds down easily without moisture and is extremely limp so the ends can be cut to whatever length needed without the fear of restriction on casting.

Winge of the Week - Zips!

Your probably thinking that I’m going to criticise how quickly some manufactures zips break, well to be honest, the quality of zips have come on leaps and bounds in recent years to the extent that they can last years, even after constant use. Another annoying part of zips is how they catch, especially on sleeping bags, disastrous if they get stuck when trying to exit quickly in the event of a bite, however it’s the annoying slit in the metal part of the zip that really gets me, especially on products such as a quiver system, a product designed to take rods that are made up and have mainline in the vicinity of them. When manufacturers go to such lengths to create a product that is designed to protect made up rods they seem to fall down on attention to detail, which can lead to mainline damage and a potential lost fish. Knowing the problem, I’m sure that a manufacturer could use this as a selling point, especially on products such as quiver systems and create a zip without this annoying problem.

Hauling at Broadwater - Weekly report starting July 27th 2013

What happened to the storms forecasted on Saturday? I had visions of it raining heavily all day and loads of thunder and lightning. Once again it seems that the weather forecasters are always edging on the side of caution just so another Michael Fish forecasted doesn’t happen. Unfortunately for me when it did throw it down at around 2.30pm I was just leaving a quaint church on the south coast with a lovely couple that had just tied the knot. The English weather, don’t we just love it!

Sunday was my first proper lay-in for ages and I made the most of it, rising around 9.30am. Luckily I managed time to get my weekly blog up on the website before doing the family rounds.

Having spent so many hours bankside as well as loosing quite a few days through manipulating wedding images I needed to get on top of things in the office as I felt seriously behind. Come Tuesday evening I sill seemed a million miles away and with two days guiding booked in for Wednesday and Thursday knew I was going to have to prioritise my time better in the future, especially knowing that my actual fishing time for myself was taking a back seat.

Wednesday was all about catching fish and with one of my regular customers booked in knew the perfect venue, Broadwater. This venue really responds to constant, accurate casting and using the pellet-lead and small baits knew that it wouldn’t take long to get a response. Fortunately I just about made the venue as I have had loads of problems with my van lately and with an intermittent fault knew it was just a matter of time before she broke down. Well a few miles from the venue she lost power sending loads of black smoke out the back. I limped into the car park hoping that she would start later and I could get her to my mechanic. Fortunately I managed this and the fault which I thought was going to be the turbo or injectors and expensive turned out to be a split hose on the turbo system. Back to the session. Well after locating the majority of carp using our eyes we simply cast out a comfortable distance before clipping up and adding a line marker. Loading the lead with scolded pellet deposited six loads, attached the short hooklinks that contained small trimmed down baits next to small hooks and cast out. An hour past before I received a run, yet looking at the bubbling I knew it was only a matter of time. Mark always wants me to fish, as he can watch and learn and was getting to grips with casting, hitting the clip and lowering the line whilst the action in my swim started to hot up. Mark eventually got of the mark, yet I could sense his frustration as by now I had landed a number of carp, yet I knew his time would come, and once the accurate casting was mastered he was matching me fish for fish. We were hoping for a twenty, but the biggest carp went 17lb 12oz which provided Mark with a new personal best, beaten his sardine caught carp from Old Bury Hill whilst zander fishing by 2oz. When we packed up at 4pm, nine hours after starting Mark had taken around fifteen carp, myself around two dozen to 14lb, in fact the action was so frantic at one point I had three double figured commons in the net at once, not bad for a day when we only saw two other fish caught. Mark left a happy man, a master at fishing the method and now knows the importance of working a swim.

The following morning we met at 8am on the banks of the river Loddon. The weather forecast wasn’t favourable and knowing that Marks first Loddon barbel had proven elusive in three previous trips knew we were up against it, yet in the second swim, just when Mark mentioned that my knew found wonder bait wasn’t working, saw the tip rapping round. In the net I could sense Marks elation and although the barbel wasn’t massive weighing six pound I knew it was a special fish. We were hoping for the flood gates to open, yet come 5pm, after fishing a further ten swims and with temperatures reaching 33 degrees no further action was forthcoming. After working so hard I felt we deserved another fish yet I know that the Loddon barbel flood gates are about to open for Mark.

Totally exhausted I was hoping for a lay-in come Friday, followed by a day in the office, yet a call from my mechanic to say my car was ready saw me collecting my dad at 6.30am as he had planned a days fishing with my girlfriends dad at a day ticket water that I had been wanting to visit. Mother needed her car so the office duties had to wait a day and come 7am we found ourselves in the carpark. Mick settled for the match lake whilst dad and myself headed to the carp lake. Unfortunately the owner informed us that the lake was fishing hard and with the vast majority of the lakes carp population up on the surface and with surface baits banned and no zigs we felt that we were wasting our time come 1pm. Dad did his usual and sneaked one out, on a fake piece of bread, fished zig style but it wasn’t a carp but a trout that had been missed from the nets when the fishery was turned from a trout lake into a carp water. I adopted the tactic of fishing a piece of meat under a pole float, next to a snag that contained carp close to the margin and should have caught, yet the one bite I received came when I wasn’t holding the rod, should have known better! The lake we fished is very picturesque and contains some very good fish and although my first visit wasted one I will remember I do intend to return later in the year when the carp drop down in the water.

You may have missed my ‘Winge of the Week’ and ‘Product of the Week’ last week; sorry it was just one of those things that had to take a back seat.

At long last I have a car that’s functioning properly and look forward to some carefree driving as well as finding some time to start putting in some serious fishing for myself with my mate Chris and the week starting the 12^th looks good, however before doing so I need to get on top of things in the office. On a good note my last few dates for guiding on the Wye have almost been taken with a surge last week, so if you are thinking of booking a date with me then you need to get in touch as I only have four available spaces left.