2026 Gear

Reviews 2026

2026 hasn't exactly been packed with fishing trips. While I managed a few longer sessions, the lack of quick, short gap-fillers made it tough to get out on the bank as often as I'd like to properly test and tweak the gear. Still, the sessions I did get out for gave me a solid run at evaluating how everything is performing.

My Sonik AXS-V2 XL bivvy has held up brilliantly with zero structural issues. It’s definitely a bit large for me to pitch in a single flick, but once it's up, it gives me all the space I need and more. If anything, it provides too much room—which inevitably means it turns into a complete mess by day two. Definitely something to work on for next season's bankside organization.

The van has been an absolute workhorse, swallowing all my gear with ease. I've even tested it out with the bed chair set up in the back for quick overnighters right on the bank. Of course, it hasn't been entirely pain-free—it already handed me its first repair bill with a master clutch cylinder replacement coming in at £600. Fingers crossed it stays well-behaved and cheap from here on out.

When it comes to rigs, I've had some really productive sessions this year, and my confidence is sky-high with a few specific patterns: the Korda Kamakuras, Nash Claws, and OMC Lock Ups. They've all performed exceptionally well in barbless configurations, and honestly, I struggle to pick a clear favourite among them. That said, the Kamakuras can be a bit frustrating; the needle-sharp points are so delicate that they're prone to getting damaged just on the retrieve.

My go-to setup is pretty dialed in: any of those hooks tied onto a D-Rig fished with a wafter—usually a Bug or a Chocolate Orange. I stick to a size 8 for most UK fishing, but step up to a size 4 when heading over to France. For the bigger stuff in France, I lean toward the Nash or the OMC patterns rather than the Kamakuras, as the hook points feel a bit too fragile for larger mouths, especially with the added risk of running into catfish or sturgeon.

If I had to sum up the goals for next season, it’s all about streamlining. It’s time for the 100th attempt at cutting down gear and improving my bankside layout. I also really need to look at my bank diet—I usually restrict my food choices just to keep cleanup simple, but there's definitely room for improvement there without making things complicated. Here’s to getting out on the water a lot more often in the year ahead.