All change for the new year.
What with another lockdown to look forward to, it was time to look at set ups, and what to upgrade. Reports coming in regarding the New Delkim bite alarms was really positive. I cleaned up my four green old style Delkims and set about trying to find the snag ears. Now why I have four alarms is beyond me, as I only normally fish with two rods in the UK. I got four with France in mind, and as I only get out there twice a year maximum, and what with the current COVID world, decided to settle on just the three new ones.
A call to my good mate Richard Taylor at Medway Tackle set by three lovely blue alarms and a shiny new receiver. All NEW are now set up and ready to go for the new adventures ahead.
Triple Joy. 
Nice and Blue. 
Technology…….
Next job was to look at my reels. Now I am totally happy with my Harrison Rods, and they now need some equally good reels to compliment them. I am totally sold on Shimano, as I feel that they are the best available. I have used Daiwa Basia in the past, but just do not think they are worth £200 more than a great Shimano reel.
After consulting with my good friend Stephen Scrutton, it was obvious that the upgrade from 14000XTD to the lighter, better balanced and brilliant 14000XTC Ci4 was the order of the day. When I picked up the Ci4 for the first time, I just knew they were for me. The improved gearing and recovery in the reel, and line lay is second to none in my book. I’m not the greatest caster, so they should improve my distance if the need arises.
Spools are loaded with the brilliant Avid Outline Camo reel line, one that I really rate. The camo impregnation breaks up the vision of the line, and vanishes on the lake bottom. I’m really impressed with the way it spools up, and how it comes off the reel. 15lb and 12lb do all my carp fishing needs, although when heading off to France I will include some fluorocarbon main line in my options. When using a bait boat, there is no need to cast, and the weight of the fluorocarbon just pins everything down so tight.
Lighter body. 
Look Good 
Triple set up.