Stewart Bloor

Field Tester

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I’ve certainly been enjoying my fishing this month, mind you, having said that, I enjoy it every month. And that’s what fishing is all about. If you’re not getting pleasure from it then it’s time to step back and examine why.

One thing that has really impressed me this year is how SBS has moved beyond bait-related products and has started to market terminal tackle. I’ve certainly been putting the stuff through its paces, and as I fish a lot, even in a short time I’ve been able to get a good idea of the quality.

I will report back over time but in this blog I’d like to feature the Enigma range of hooks, and that’s what I’ve been fishing with during August. Well-built, which is important of course when you’re carp fishing. But what has impressed me most is how they retain the ultra-sharpness, even after banking several fish.

As you can see from the photos in the blog, a few nice carp have put them through their test. And I’m pleased to say they did what they were supposed to do. If you’re undecided on your own personal hook choice then I’d say give them a go. And even if you do have your ‘favourites’ but are open to new products, then check them out. You won’t be disappointed.

On the bait-front this month I have fished with strawberry jam boilies for the first time, from the Eurostar range. Using my favoured carp size 16mm, soaked in dip they have been pretty effective. Certainly as a summer bait they will be on my radar again in the future.

I’ve also been doing some barbel fishing, and I’ll share more about my bait approach in future blogs. But one week (four sessions) saw me on a challenge that Matt Hayes had set me – to catch a double-figure fish. With the river running low and clear, plus the fact I had opted for a 20mm boilie, the challenge was on.

The boilie in question was a Frankfurter Sausage and I’m happy to say that I managed to break the ten-pound barrier on the third outing. I always find that boilies give me a better quality fish and that suits my angling, which is definitely quality over quantity.

Finally, I’m finishing off with a video from one of the sessions I fished for carp. As well as fish on the bank, it also includes a look into my bait cupboard. In addition I share a few thoughts on luck in angling. Do you believe in it? Well, you can watch the video for my own thoughts. See you next month. Tight lines.