The ‘Roach Pole’ as a baiting tool has been in use on certain venues for many years. Those fishing margin friendly waters in particular being aware of their benefits. Using one on Toll Pits in 2004 gave Paul from AI the idea of launching one to the market and after struggling to find a supplier who could provide the quality required at a reasonable price the 8m pole became part of the launch range. In testing the pole performed admirably but when we let it loose on the general public several were returned with broken tip sections. We quickly realised anglers were unfamiliar with the concept of floating the pole out on the surface with many using it like a fishing rod and lifting dead weights with it. Anyway we quickly reinforced the top 2 sections and have subsequently only had returned those that have been properly abused – normally trodden on! Over fit to keep the price, weight and size down it packs down small enough to keep permanently in the holdall until required. The spoon and Spoonriser float compliment the system perfectly. Remember the pole gets heavy with a full spoon and as such extra buoyancy is required, beyond that of a standard net float. The baiting pole will continue to give those anglers that want to stay in front of the crowd a real edge in 2008. Make sure you are the first to reap the benefits on your venue.
Weedrakes have been used for years in various forms and guises, garden forks, sets of trebles etc but in recent years those in the know had developed various one offs that were being used in lakes up and down the country. We initially trialled the rakes of a similar design to those which were being used and whilst finding it very effective at what it did, it did have various limitations. After a period of testing and trial and error the initial range of Angling Intelligence rakes was born. The anchor shaped rake one was along the original design of the rakes already in use. It proved effective at clearing channels in weed, especially where heavy weed was present. It didn’t however clear sparse areas of weed or was it particularly efficient at clearing out large areas. The tap design was therefore developed. This proved more effective at clearing sparse weed or large areas. It also turned the bottom over, especially in silt or light gravel. It casts a dream and as 2007 progressed it has proved to be an excellent all rounder. It makes a superb replacement for a lead on a marker rod as long as there is no or very little weed present. Weedrake 3 has proved to be the best selling of the 3 rakes. It was designed for clearing light areas of weed and clearing spots of debris and/or turning over the bottom. As such it is heavier and longer than the other two rakes, being designed to keep low to the bottom. The advanced levels of presentation now possible for those in the know that have thought how to apply their use has given them a massive edge. Remember though, Rake 3 this is not suitable for casting into heavy weed. It weighs in at 5.5 ounces and will lock up in a heavy weed bed! Clear it with 1 or 2 and clean it with 3. As simple as that!
The bivvy was developed to give the angler the lightweight versatility and lightness of the Airframe Brolly but with more protection for all season use. Stripped bare it is a perfect short session or overnighter shelter, packing down small and being perfect for when mobility is key. With the front added the worst of the Winter elements are kept at bay and the addition of the rain/sun porch makes the bivvy even more versatile. The porch gives enough coverage to keep the rain/sun out of the main part of the bivvy and can be used without the front fitted. It also weighs next to nothing and can be fitted and removed in seconds. The back windows of the brolly version remain on the bivvy and have proved excellent for those that have found some sun this Summer or used the Airframe overseas. It is available in nylon or our breathable IWS material and comes complete with a heavy duty groundsheet, pegs, and a zip up carry bag. The aero-grade aluminum poles are the best available and no expense has been spared in the development of the product. Although more than stable enough for all season use if you are concerned about a little bit of movement that the flexible pole system creates, then the addition of the overwrap will ensure everything is locked down tight.
We have had many emails and calls from customers who have raved about the bivvy saying it is the best they have ever owned, being distinctive, lightweight, versatile, stable and highly functional.
For a limited period only the nylon Airframe Bivvy comes complete with a free overwrap so to ensure you get true innovation at a bargain price speak to your local stockist now.
When we were developing the launch range it was apparent to us that as good as the Airframe was there are still many anglers who prefer a traditional umbrella. We therefore set about the task of developing an umbrella to appeal to the top end umbrella worshipper. The extended 69inch front ribs on our shelter proved to be real success during testing, the front sitting really low in damp, wet or sunny conditions. The coverage it provides is exceptional and with the addition of the front storm poles the front can sit high making it easier to get in and out during the day. The infil panel is there for the winter or extreme conditions. All in all it is a very versatile shelter, simple to put up and in our IWS breathable material the premier traditional umbrella on the market. Early issues of a seam not being sealed and the bell caps not secured have since been sorted. Angling Intelligence Director Paul Terry has taken his to Army Andy as he personally never uses the full infil. Andy has put a custom mossie mesh in place of the full infil which as you can see from the pics looks superb. You can contact Army Andy through the link on the site. Of course the system comes with 4 storm poles a heavy duty groundsheet and sturdy t-pegs. If a traditional brolly is the thing for you, this could be the answer to your prayers! Although not cheap, if you hunt around you should get some good deals on these as shops look to clear stock for the Winter.
This was one of the products that started the ball rolling for Angling Intelligence when Steve and Paul were assisting another company back in 2005. The specifications and drawings provided resulted in the Airframe Brolly, with the bivvy being developed alongside it. The discussions around its development involved anglers fishing the Car Park Lake and The Mere at the time and the requirement was for a lightweight, compact shelter that was mosi proof and most importantly mobile and easy to erect and take down. Therefore lightweight flexible poles and mosi screening front and back were seen as essential. We are in fact delighted with the final concept with the Airframe proving to be the lightweight shelter of choice for some of the countries most respected anglers.
The flexible aerograde aluminium three pole system still giving it enough stability to be a highly effective all season shelter. In the case of the brolly it does benefit from the addition of an overwrap in the winter. The overwrap pulls everything together making it lock down solid. Despite the awful weather this Summer many have still commented on how effective the back windows are at keeping the shelter cool. A real bonus when the sun comes out at any time of the year. They also allow a transfer of light through the shelter with the overwrap on. Better than sitting in darkness in Winter. It is dark enough long enough anyhow!
A support system is under development and an infil panel is available to order (see main website October update). As for speed of erection many have doubted the claim that it is quicker than an oval to put up. It simply is quicker, being erected before some have got the storm poles out! Don’t just take my word for it, go to a stockist and see just how good the Airframe Brolly really is. Available in a highly breathable IWS material or a top quality nylon both are market leading in terms of quality and innovation.
The Weigh Sling was developed by Paul and Steve back in 2005 whilst they were developing some ideas for another company. The basis of the idea came from Paul whilst he was fishing Toll Pits. Not wishing to keep the fish out the water for any extended period he was resting them in the edge between weighing and photography only for the weigh sling to fill with water and be almost impossible to remove from the lake. It was also noticed the baffles never covered the zip properly. Paul also had the pleasure to admire Lesters being weighed at Toll. Her tail sticking out the end and risking getting caught up in the zip! Not good. Steve was also unwilling to use the rigid frame sling due to its length; so the current sling was born. A huge 50 inches in length and ample depth. A collapsible centre pole to make it easy to pack away. Easy flow mesh both sides, with a nylon base to protect the fish from the bottom during release and baffles over the zips. We even moved the badges out of the way to ensure no unnecessary stitching was apparent where the fish would be resting. Many have asked us why we put the black weigh cords on. Well this is to accommodate the many digital scales you see these days. The small hooks on these struggling with larger webbed handles. If you have a good old set of Reubens you may wish to take these off - a simple process.
We are delighted with the end result. This is one of the 'big fish' products of 2007. For those of you that think 50 inches is just too big for those 20's a smaller version will be with you shortly (October). Ideal for carp up to around 30 as well as barbel, tench, bream and any other smaller coarse fish for that matter.