C&F Design Line Pallet
Enter the line pallet available in 2 sizes, 19” x 12” with 12 cones and a larger 23” x 17” version with 16 cones. It is effectively a tray which will catch your line, before it hits an obstruction; meanwhile the smooth tapered cones store the coils neatly ready for recasting. I can honestly say that during my recent jaunt to the Emerald Isle that I experienced virtually no tangles. Tangles I can handle in small doses!
The C&F Design Line Pallet is ideal for wading
What really gets me are those annoying little rocks (often sharp!) which not only ruin fly lines but generally decide to trap the running line just as it disappears through the rod rings towards a shoal of decent Bass smashing Sandeel! When I was using the CF Design Line pallet this just did not happen. Within moments of hooking a Bass the line was back on the reel and I was in control. If while attached to a decent fish you have ever tried freeing a line caught by a rock or desperately attempted to remove weed as it drags line down tide then you will understand how important some kind of line tray is!
The C&F Design Line Pallet in Action (Picture by Henry Gilbey)
For years I used the “washing up bowl style” and they do work. Whether homemade from your local DIY store or one of the not inexpensive commercially available versions there is no doubting that they are better than nothing. As for the mesh sort, well I would rather do battle with the rocks. However the bowl style baskets have several major drawbacks. At best they are cumbersome which is not ideal for the nomadic approach to fishing, at worst when moving over rocky ground they can become dangerous. On more than one occasion I have caught my breath as the “bowl” got trapped between my body and a ledge leading to that horrible unbalanced feeling. In deep water this style of stripping basket can also become weighed down by liquid, dangerous and uncomfortable.
The advent of the new C&F design pallet has solved many of these problems. It is so lightweight that it can be strapped to a wading belt and you would hardly know it was there. When travelling a considerable distance the smaller version will pack away in a rucksack quite happily; much safer when covering dangerous territory. Alternatively these pallets can be connected to one’s self ready for a substantial yomp by linking the straps to a D ring or something similar. Either way it is far safer than conventional line trays.
It is even handy for storing a rod while releasing a fish! (Picture by Henry Gilbey)
This is also the case when wading. Two straps attach the tray to a wading belt ready for action, which can be quickly released if required, while a leg strap maintains the pallet in exactly the right location. But this is where it gets clever (yet simple) because when wading in deep water the leg strap can be removed leaving a floating line platform! While in Ireland I was wading out well above my waist and able to manage my line very effectively, even when the water was choppy.
The kidney shaped design moulds perfectly to a leg or waist and be in no doubt that this tray could be just as useful when fishing freshwater. In fact stick a bit of Velcro on the back and I reckon it could even be used in a boat! If I had to make a criticism I found that occasionally the cones dropped out, spares are available and I feel sure that the pallet would work even if some were lost. Personally I glued them into place! I am sure that many would argue that this product is expensive, but so is a fly line and it only takes one nick from a rock to ruin both a fly line and a days fishing. Overall a fantastic product that I look forward to using on my next saltwater fly fishing adventure.
The C&F Design Line Pallet is available in 2 sizes. 19″ x 12″ with 12 cones (£50) and 23″ x 17″ with 16 cones (£60). Click Here for further information
Greys GS Scoop Net
The new Greys GS Scoop net represents outstanding value for money, boasting a range of features that will appeal to river anglers targeting Trout, although the large versions may also appeal to those who enjoy night fishing for Sea Trout. As a full time guide & serious competition river fly fisher I demand a lot out of my fly fishing tackle and expect it to meet my requirements; this net ticks all the boxes.
Lightweight Frame & Integrated Magnetic Release
The nets lightweight frame allows it to feel almost weightless to the point you can forget you’re even wearing it, especially as the GS incorporates an integrated magnet within the handle, dispensing with the need for a separate retractor.
Comfortable Handle & Rubberised Mesh
The tapered handle provides a comfortable grip which is all important when netting fish and I also like the wide alloy frame …. there is certainly plenty of room in this net! And, if like me you are prone to getting wrapped up in the excitement of landing a fish the built in elasticised cord ensures the net does not make an unwanted journey downstream!
But the real genius behind this product is the rubberised mesh. I first saw Nick Hart using one of the rubberised Greys Coarse fishing nets for his stillwater fishing back in 2010 and now here is the same mesh used within the GS Scoop net.
Greys GS Scoop Net
Conservation
This mesh has numerous benefits and in particular will appeal to conservation minded anglers keen to shield their quarries protective slime from harm and reduce the spread of harmful aquatic organisms absorbed by standard mesh. Meanwhile the rubberised mesh remains rigid, even in a flow of water, which facilitates resting the fish prior to a quick pose for the camera and a quick release. No more digging around in the bottom of the net for your fish!
No Snags, No Smell!
The mesh is also less likely to snag up, even when fishing barbed hooks (although, please de-barb!) which should ease the frustration when there is a big hatch taking place and you are desperate to get the fly back in amongst the fish! Even better it shakes dry in a matter of seconds ridding the net of fishy odours, making for an all together more pleasant car journey home. In conclusion the GS Net is truly awesome, generously priced product from Greys and I am looking forward to putting mine to good use this season!
Sizes Available / Price
Small = 15 1/2 ” x 11″ £19.99 Medium = 18″ x 13″ £22.99 Large 19 1/2″ x 15″ = 24.99
Varivas Flat Butt Super Yamame Leaders
Flat Butt Leaders are an innovative new generation of tapered leader designed to provide fantastic presentation. The purpose of any tapered leader is to provide improved turn-over ensuring that the fly is positioned as far away from the fly line as possible. The new Flat Butt design offers improved performance over standard tapered leaders, providing both a supple link to the fly which moves naturally with the water and a low riding profile; perfect for dry flies.
The ground breaking Varivas design has created a Tapered Leader that is sensitive and responsive, providing maximum control when attempting a difficult cast under a snag or when casting to a selective fish. Available in 4X, 5X, 6X & 7X, the leaders are supplied in a standard 12’ length. Check out the diagram on the back of packet to show the breakdown of the tapering system.
Benefits of a Flat Butt Leader
Utilising a yellow coloured butt which acts as a highly effective bite indicator, the leader tapers into a super fine clear head to maintain stealth when casting to the most wily Trout. Produced from pure nylon they have no memory (unlike many commercial leaders) while the ability to stretch provides a reliable link and a degree of shock absorption when striking or playing a fish.
More than just a Tapered Leader
The Varivas Flat Butt’s two tone colour represents a leader with multiple benefits which can be used for a range of tactics. Of course these leaders are perfect for dry fly but the 2 tone design is also a joy to use when fishing a single nymph or team of Czech style bugs.
Buy Varivas Yamame Flat Butt Leaders Online Here
