While we only ever link to tackle and lures that we have used and recommended, the links below are affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy the product we may receive a small commission from the retailer (at no extra cost to yourself). Should you choose to use an affiliate link please know that we are extremely grateful and any commission we do receive helps us to maintain the blog.

Know the Airline Regulations before taking fishing tackle on a plane

Before you embark on your fishing trip, it’s essential to understand the regulations of the airline you’ll be flying with before you consider taking fishing equipment on a plane. Each airline may have its own specific rules and requirements when it comes to carrying fishing equipment on board. Therefore, it’s crucial to check the airline’s website or contact their customer service to get the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Some common regulations you may come across include restrictions on the size, weight, and quantity of fishing equipment you can bring on board. For example, fishing rods may need to be packed in a hard case, and some airlines may limit the number of rods you can bring. Additionally, there may be restrictions on the types of fishing tackle, such as hooks or lures, that are allowed in your carry-on or checked baggage. Make sure to familiarize yourself with these regulations and pack accordingly to avoid any surprises at the airport.

Here is a list of popular UK airlines and their websites. Go ahead and check their regulations before travelling!

1. British Airways – https://www.britishairways.com/
2. EasyJet – https://www.easyjet.com/
3. Ryanair – https://www.ryanair.com/
4. Virgin Atlantic – https://www.virginatlantic.com/
5. Jet2 – https://www.jet2.com/
6. Flybe – https://www.flybe.com/
7. TUI Airways – https://www.tui.co.uk/flight/
8. Thomas Cook Airlines – https://www.thomascookairlines.com/
9. Aer Lingus – https://www.aerlingus.com/
10. Loganair – https://www.loganair.co.uk/
11. Wizz Air – https://wizzair.com/
12. Norwegian – https://www.norwegian.com/uk/
13. Emirates – https://www.emirates.com/uk/
14. Qatar Airways – https://www.qatarairways.com/en-gb/homepage.html
15. Etihad Airways – https://www.etihad.com/en-gb/

Pack Smart and Plan Ahead

Packing your fishing gear for air travel requires careful planning and organization. Start by making a checklist of all the fishing equipment you’ll need for your trip, including rods, reels, lines, lures and hooks. Ensure that you have everything you need, but avoid overpacking to stay within the airline’s weight limits and avoid excess baggage fees. Remember to check out places to stay and research your restaurants before you go. We found this amazing Mexican Food restaurant in Paphos.

Investing in a high-quality, durable fishing rod case is essential to protect your rods during transit. Look for cases that are made of hard-shell materials and have padding or foam inside to provide extra protection against bumps and rough handling. Avoid using soft or flimsy cases, as they may not offer adequate protection for your precious fishing rods.

When packing your fishing rods, disassemble them and place them in the rod case. Make sure to secure them properly to prevent any movement or shifting during transit. If you have multiple rods, consider using rod socks or sleeves to prevent them from scratching or tangling with each other. Additionally, place any loose accessories such as hooks, lures, and lines in separate compartments or containers to keep them organized and avoid any potential damage.

It’s also crucial to check the airline’s regulations on carry-on and checked baggage to determine which fishing equipment can be brought on board. In some cases, smaller fishing gear such as reels or tackle boxes may be allowed in your carry-on luggage, while larger items like rods may need to be checked in. Be prepared to pack your fishing gear accordingly and follow the airline’s guidelines to avoid any issues during security checks or boarding.

Here are some of our suggestions for travel-friendly fishing equipment

Consider Shipping or Renting Fishing Equipment

If you’re worried about the hassle of carrying fishing equipment on a plane, another option is to ship your gear to your destination ahead of time. Many airlines allow you to ship your fishing equipment as cargo, which can save you the trouble of lugging it around the airport and dealing with potential airline regulations. However, it’s important to note that shipping fishing equipment can be costly, and you’ll need to make arrangements for pickup and delivery at your destination.

Another alternative is to consider renting fishing equipment at your destination instead of taking fishing equipment on a plane. Many popular fishing destinations, such as lodges, resorts, or charter services, offer fishing gear for rent. Renting fishing equipment

Why not check out our blog? Or subscribe to the newsletter to find out when a new post lands? You could win a free lure in our monthly giveaway!

Any other suggestions? Leave a comment below or get in touch

PZ

The post Angler’s Adventure: Taking Fishing Equipment on a Plane 2024 appeared first on Pikezander.co.uk.

A spinning reel is the most popular type of fishing reel. It features an open-faced design and it is simple to cast, hence the reason so many beginners start with a spinning reel. Learning to cast? Check out the video below.

The spinning fishing reel has a fixed spool that allows the line to leave the spool freely when cast, making it a great option for lure fishing. The reel hangs underneath the rod, and as long as you choose a suitable size will have a nice, balanced feeling and allow you to practice a range of lure fishing techniques.

What size spinning reel should you choose?

When it comes to lure fshing choosing the correct size spinning reel is important. We will cover this in a list of the best spinning reels under £100 further down the page.

The size of the reel is important for the following reasons:

1. Weight – Big reels weigh more. Try to match the size of the reel with your rod. The last thing you want is an unbalanced setup. Weight is also important because lure fishing is a very active form of fishing. You are not going to be sat in a tent waiting for the fish to strike. You will be moving from swim to swim a casting repeatedly. Get a reel that is too heavy and this is going to become uncomfortable very quickly.
2. How much line do you need? – Take into account where you are going to be fishing? Its rare when I am lure fishing that I cast huge distances because I mainly fish on rivers and canals. Therefore I don’t need a reel that holds huge amounts of braid. Have a look at your local fishing spots and decide if you need a reel that will allow you to cast further or not.
3. How strong do you need the line to be? – What will you be fishing for? If you are targeting perch and using a thinner diameter of braid you will be ok with a smaller reel, I would recommend a 2000/3000 as a decent all-rounder (some people go much smaller) Going for pike instead you will need a stronger braid so scale your reel up a bit to maybe a 4000/4500.

As a general guide, I would recommend the following when choosing your reel

Ultralight 1000 – 2000

A fishing reel sized 1000 or 2000 is recommended for catching fish up to 4/5lbs

Light 2500 – 3000

A fishing reel sized 2500 or 3000 is recommended for catching fish up to 8lb/9lb

Medium 4000

A medium fishing reel sized 4000 is recommended for catching fish between 2lb/15lb

Medium/Heavy 5000

A medium heavy fishing reel sized 5000 is recommended for catching fish between 8lb/20lb.

Just getting started in lure fishing? Check out Lure Fishing for Perch and Fishing for pike with lures

Now we have the basics out of the way, let’s have a look at the best spinning reels for under £100.

Best Spinning Reels under £100

Please Note:

While we only ever link to tackle and lures that we have used and recommended, the links below are affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy the product we may receive a small commission from the retailer (at no extra cost to yourself). Should you choose to use an affiliate link please know that we are extremely grateful and any commission we do receive helps us to maintain the blog.

4. Daiwa Ninja LT

Key Features

• LT (Light &Tough)
• 4 ball bearings
• AIR ROTOR
• TOUGH DIGIGEAR
• ATD drag system
• Infinite Anti-Reverse
• Cross Wrap system
• Silent oscillation system
• ABS aluminum Long cast spool
• One-touch folding handle
• Twist Buster II line roller

Our Opinion

This is an affordable spinning reel loaded with Daiwa’s high-end features that generally only appear on more expensive reels. The Ninja is the ideal choice for beginners to lure fishing.

The LT technology stands for Light and Tough and the result is that it reduces the overall size and weight of the reel while increasing strength and longevity.

The ABS spool is suitable for braids and mainlines while the spool design increases overall casting performance.

Thanks to Daiwa’s ATD drag system. The Ninja LT comes with a smooth, powerful and progressive drag system, ensuring you have complete control at all times when under heavy resistance.

The Daiwa Ninja is a great value and well under the magic £100. Available in sizes 2000 to 6000

3. Shimano Nasci

Key Features

• Concept: Hagane
• Family Type: Spinning
• 4 Shielded Stainless Steel &1 roller bearing
• Line lay: Varispeed II
• Handle: Single machined aluminum
• Body material: XT-7
• Spool Material: Cold forged aluminum
• Maintenance port: No
• Waterproof drag: Yes

Our Opinion

The Nasci is a deserved entrant into our best spinning reels under £100. For the first time, the Nasci reel features HAGANE gear and CoreProtect, usually only found on Shimano’s most expensive reels. These additions increase gear strength and ensure a smooth experience, even under heavy stress. Available in a wide range of sizes, from the smallest 1000 size for finesse fishing to the 5000 size for heavy lure fishing.

2. Shimano Catana

Key Features

• Rear Drag
• XT-7 body material
• Die-cast aluminium spool
• 2 SUS ball bearings and 1 roller bearing
• AR-C spool lip design

Our Opinion

The Shimano Catana spinning reel gives fantastic power and performance for a fantastic price. You should be able to pick this reel up for around 40 quid. Both our boys use these reels when out lure fishing.

Built with a die-cast aluminum spool, the reel boasts high strength and durability. The reels are all equipped with two SUS ball bearings and one roller bearing for total smoothness and control.

The spool also has a spool lip design that increases casting distance and reduces wind knots. perfect for beginners and children.

1. Abu Garcia Elite Max

Key Features

• Front drag
• 6 stainless steel HPCR bearings + one roller bearing
• IM-C6 body
• Rocket line management system
• Rocket spool lip design
• Machined aluminum braid ready spool
• Slow Oscillation
• Carbon Matrix hybrid drag system
• Everlast bail system for improved durability
• Stainless steel main shaft and components

Our Opinion

Our number 1 reel in our best spinning reels under £100 is the Abu Garcia Elite Max. We purchased one of these reels recently and it is one of the best quality spinning reels I have ever used.

The reel has a very smooth retrieve and drag, the parts are excellent quality particularly for a reel in this price range, and it is well-built. Our favorite feature of this spinning reel is the cast. It is possible to get some serious distance so if that’s what you need the Abu Garcia Elite Maz is certainly worth your consideration. Available in sizes of 1000 right through to 6000!

I hope you enjoyed this post. Why not check out our blog? Or subscribe to the newsletter to be notified when a new post lands? You could win a free lure in our monthly giveaway!

If you pick up any of these reels, let us know how you get on. Any other suggestions? Leave a comment below or get in touch Good luck with your new reel.

The post Best Spinning Reels Under £100 (2020) appeared first on Pikezander.co.uk.

The zander is also an apex predator, and although non-native, is here to stay and a worthy sporting fish.

Please Note:

While we only ever link to tackle and lures that we recommend, the links below are affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy the product we may receive a small commission from the retailer (at no extra cost to yourself). Should you choose to use an affiliate link please know that we are extremely grateful and any commission we do receive helps us to maintain the blog.

Pike Unhooking Tools – Fish Care Rules

Pike appears tough, powerful creatures, which they are in their own environment… However, remove them from the water and they become surprisingly fragile. 

It is very important that care is taken when landing, unhooking and handling Pike to ensure that they are returned safely to the water to fight another day. Using the correct techniques and Pike unhooking tools will also help to prevent bites and scratches from these toothy predators.

Pike Unhooking Tools – Landing Net

When it comes to landing a pike you should ensure you have a net that is up to the job.  A large 40-inch triangular specimen net or 30-inch round net is ideal. A rubber net will also help to prevent lures from getting tangled in the net and make your life a whole lot easier. 

Be sure to sink the net below the water before bringing the pike into the net. Then lift the pike out of water and place on an unhooking mat. 

A quick tip… Hold the net at both sides of the frame this will ensure the net does not break and will avoid the fish from hitting the floor. 

Never, ever, drag your catch or lay it on hard, rough ground.

Unhooking Pike

I have never met a pike angler that wasn’t nervous unhooking their first fish. Most find the pike’s teeth intimidating and unhooking can like seem a mammoth task at first.

While it is normal to feel like this, it is also the time that a lot of fish are injured. This more often than not is due to a lack of confidence of the angler.

There are a few things you can do to make sure that while still nervous you are confident in your abilities. 

Key to this is the right tools. 

We have already discussed the landing net but what are the other pike unhooking tools you need for the job.

Essentials – Forceps

A pair of eight-inch forceps are perfect for removing hooks and a must for all predator anglers. I choose high quality, stainless steel ones that have a lockable position. The lockable position makes taking the hook out of the fish very easy. 

Essentials – Long Nose Wire Cutters

A pair of long-nose wire cutters are super important in case you need to snip the hook. Sometimes it is safer for the fish to cut the hook and return the fish to the water rather than fighting with a difficult placed hook. 

Essentials – Unhooking Mat

A crucial addition to your pike unhooking tools is the unhooking mat. An unhooking mat is a perfect way to ensure fish safety when you’re unhooking large, lively pike, or any other species that might harm itself in its efforts to escape from the bank.

Pike Unhooking Tools – How to unhook a pike

Once your pike is safely on the unhooking mat, the first thing to do is to check where the hooks are before handling the fish.

Once this is done, gently roll the pike onto its back. If it’s a large pike you might want to sit astride it to keep it steady while unhooking.

Place two fingers of your left hand (if right-handed) under the pike’s gill’s and slide your fingers down towards the chin gripping the lower jaw firmly.

The pike’s mouth will usually open as you gently lift the jaw. If your pike is not playing,  apply a small amount of pressure to the underside of the upper jaw with your thumb.

You will see that the teeth are located around the edge of the mouth and nowhere near your fingers.

Gently apply some pressure on the trace wire and use the forceps through the mouth or gills to grip the hooks and twist them free.

Why not check out the PAC (Pike Anglers Club) where you can find more brilliant advice on handling pike.

Pike Unhooking Tools – Honourable mentions

These tools are optional additions to your pike unhooking tools and will help you to be ready for every situation. 

Honourable Mentions – The Glove

The glove is quite controversial in the pike angling world with many anglers suggesting that a glove can harm the fish. My opinion is that a glove is better if it gives you confidence when handling your fish. Like I mentioned earlier most pike are harmed when the handler is anxious and inexperienced. If a glove will help to avoid this I think it is a good thing. 

Many pike anglers start by wearing a glove and quickly learn that by handling the fish properly it is not really necessary. 

I will let you make up your own mind on this one. 

Honourable Mentions – Pistol Disgorger

I actually like the Pistol Disgorger and is definitely one of my favourite pike unhooking tools and find that it gives excellent grip allowing me to remove hooks much faster than with forceps. I tend to use this tool when dealing with Pike that is hooked quite deep.

Honourable Mentions – Spare Hooks and Split Ring Pliers

Split ring pliers are designed for lure anglers wanting to remove or replace hooks or split rings. The special tool at the end of these pliers opens up the split rings so no more broken fingernails! The fish will go back quicker and the angler will have a replacement hook to start fishing with

I hope you enjoyed the post. Why not check out the blog and remember to subscribe to the newsletter to get notifications of future posts. Have I missed any tools that you think are essential? Comment below. Got questions? Get in touch

The post Pike Unhooking Tools (Updated 2020) appeared first on Pikezander.co.uk.

Kodex sent us this product free of charge for the purpose of this review on our blog, however, the review remains entirely impartial and an honest reflection of our experience. We only recommend products that we do and would use ourselves.

Key Features of the KODEX Karp-Lokker KL40 Carryall Review

• A roomy main inner compartment
• Separate inner flap pocket
• 40-litre capacity
• An outer side mesh pocket, with an elasticated cord
• Easily adjustable side pocket
• Quick-access flap pocket at the front
• The main compartment has a modular layout
• Durable hard-base
• Made from 840 denier super-tough material
• Star-stitching at critical stress points ensures the carryall is built to last
• Padded carry handle
• Detachable fully-padded & adjustable shoulder strap
• Dimensions: L 40cm x W 32cm x D 40cm
• Capacity: 40L

The Review

Team Kodex consultants say their carryall is designed to help manage and organise your kit with maximum efficiency, we tend to agree. The KL40 carryall has a spacious compartment, and the overall 40-litre capacity is ample for a lengthy session. On our test we took:

• 3 boxes of lures for pike, zander and perch fishing
• Unhooking tools
• Spare terminal tackle
• Our Deeper fish finder
• Flask and various other bits and pieces

We really liked the outer side mesh pocket, it was great for the small flask. The pocket has an elasticated cord so that you can adjust how tightly this pocket closes. We used the quick-access flap pocket on the front for our forceps, pliers and other bits we needed to get to quickly. The main compartment has a modular design meaning you can arrange a number of lure boxes and other accessories (we wanted to test the Jika Rig on this trip) that you may take on your trip.

Another feature we were grateful for was the durable hard-base. It has been ‘monsoon’ season here in South Yorkshire and the bank was sodden. The hard base was great at preventing our fishing gear from getting damp and easily wiped clean when we got home. The stability the base gives is also a real bonus.

Build Quality

We had no issues with build quality during our review. It was nice to see that critical stress points are cross-stitched to ensure longevity. The padded carry handles made for a comfortable session and a lot of the time I forgot I had it on despite the number of items I had in there. The carryall does have a detachable fully-adjustable shoulder strap but we opted to leave it as it came.

Final thoughts – KODEX Karp-Lokker KL40 Carryall

We really like the KODEX Karp-Lokker KL40 Carryall and it presents a different option to the growing number of specialist lure fishing bags out there. We used this over the course of 3 sessions all lasting 3/4 hours and mainly on waters we hadn’t fished before. For this, it was perfect as it gave us plenty of room for all of our kit and different lures. Would I use the carryall for short sessions? Maybe, if I know the water I’m fishing probably not as I wouldn’t need something of this size. However, when you want to take a bit more kit or unsure of what species or method you want to use this KODEX Karp-Lokker KL40 Carryall is perfect for the job. It’s a thumbs up from us.

Good Points

• Reasonably priced, high quality carry all
• Built to last with a great lightweight solid base
• Plenty of room for everything you want to take
• Perfect for longer sessions and multi-species or discipline anglers
• Comfortable and well balanced
• Great value for money

Grumbles

• Maybe a little bulky for shorter sessions
• Only available in one colour

Where to get it

You can pick up the KODEX Karp-Lokker KL40 Carryall by following the link below. If you do pick this up or already have it, let us know what you think in the comments below.

Please Note:

While we only ever link to tackle and lures that we have used and recommended, the link below is an affiliate link. This means that if you click a link and buy the product we may receive a small commission from the retailer (at no extra cost to yourself). Should you choose to use an affiliate link please know that we are extremely grateful and any commission we do receive helps us to maintain the blog.

Would you like us to review your product on the blog? Get in touch here

The post KODEX Karp-Lokker KL40 Carryall Review appeared first on Pikezander.co.uk.