I'm often asked on the Youtube comments what tackle i use. Although i am occasionally sent items from Companies i always tell them i will be honest; So if somethings rubbish i wont recommend it.
Most of the items here are selected because they are good value or the best i've found.
"This list is constantly being updated. I wont put stuff on here that i don't recommend "
Matt Lingard Saltwater Angler
Always ask in your local tackle shop first they need our help, However if you cant find it try these Links below.
Bass Lure fishing
LURE RODS
For Under £80.00 This abu is an excellent example of a Good value Lure rod.I like 9ft but will depend on your Marks. Get this HERE
This is my Lure rod. Enough finesse to add movement to unweighted soft plastics and will still cast a 30g Lure. Get this HERE (ive now broken it like a clumbsy twonk!)
Slightly Heavier this Colbalt is the 35g version and i don't need any stronger from the shore. They also have Boat Lure rods in the same range. GET THEM HERE
Another Colbalt – CBL902M Ive used and rate is this 28g version Right on the Money for 30g Soft Plastics a great action too.Get this rod from Veals too HERE
DRX Range of Drift rods - get one here Fuji rings- personal choice but i like an 8ft rod to 28g anything heavier is tiring casting for hours. Estuary anglers look at 9ft 50g
SKYLINE 7ft 6" 8-24g - The game changer add life to weedless Soft plastics. Fish all day well recommended - don't get the bait caster version. Use with fixed spool.Hard to find try here
LURE REELS
I love Shimano Reels, You get More for your money from this established brand,lighter and robust i prefer them over Penn for Small Spinning reels. HG (hugane gearing) is the one to go for
The Best Budget Lure Reel in 2500 size is this one from Decathlon. Really impressive -cheap and robust. I was seriously impressed For beginners or back ups its real bang for your buck!
My 2024 Reel - Lighter than a stella The best value Lure fishing reel i could find for under 200 quid. Really smooth, almost sealed and tough gearing. Recommended the Shimano Vanford in 2500 Get - Shop around but if you cant get one locally try here
If you really need to get Lure fishing this reel will be a good budget start.The Shimano FXI like the 3-3500 size.
A step up and another great tried and tested Shimano reel - The sedona- Ive landed and held many Lure caught Bass on this Reel- A bit more expensive- size depends on your Marks and rod but a 2500 is my favourite HERE
Shimano ULTEGRA My go-to reel. Id always say go with Shimano 2500 size to 3500 . Smaller spool sizes are more workable with one hand(to adjust drag) Look for Shimano HUGANE gearing which this reel has. It seems to last at least four seasons in my clumsy hands ! Hard to find now so consider a Shimano Stradic- Which will be my next Lure reel.
Here is my 2023 Reel. Such Value, Better than a Penn Slammer for 1/3 of the Price. 100 percent recommended. See my Amazon review here.2500 my preferred size.
See them on Veals here
LURES
A big section this one and as yet its work in progress.Many recommendations can be seen in Our extensive video collection on the Saltwater Angler Channel on YOUTUBE However the list here will be updated. If it works ill put it on here. There will be a reason why each Lure is here. Pease Check back
HARD PLASTICS OR PLUGS
You can differentiate between Hard and soft Plastics- These are hard plastics or as we used to call them Plugs!
Yes its expensive, But i've landed many a Bigger bass on these Brilliant Lures.If i could only pick one its THIS.
Shimano silent Assassin has accounted for many Bass particually in poor light. I have a lot of trust in this slow sinker. Retrieve slowly GET ONE in Cotton Candy
My best Bass catcher in 2023- The shimano flash boost silent assassin in cotton candy YES PLEASE
Have had fish on this too,Good outline seems to benefit from a faster retrieve.Good Hooks. GET ONE HERE
The Bent minnow from OSP. A great alternative when Fish have been hammered by Bass and this represents an easy picking.Move very slightly when Bass are showing.HERE
There are a host of Cheaper Lures, Often copies of more established Brands, Its Important to not skimp on Hook Quality.Here are some examples of Cheaper Lures i trust...
Bass Lures from bassluresuk.com are my preferred supplier of these Lures. Its a great, inexpensive way to Lure fish for Bass. They have soft and hard plastics- Many Lures good quality at a third of the main brand price.
The above also stock the excellent Measure tape that predicts Bass weight according to length. Plus the Braid and Flouro from Varivas is a good choice.Avoid ASSO Flourocarbon
SOFTPLASTICS
X-Layers - Rig them Weedless or with a screw Hook. Flat side up but worth experimenting. These have a rattle thats implanted in to the Plastic ! Oily smelly and good for shallow water and Estuaries and Surf.Get them Here
The 6" Version or MEGA X layer. A Big version if had fish on the surface with this but don't use it too ofter.You can also get this from Veals Here
The Slug-Go from Lunker City. You don't do much to this lure just keep its head up a bit and go with the flow ! Veals have different Sizes check out the 6" one here
Sidewinder Bass Sticks - I like this in the Darker colours but they have a rattle and are chunky and rodust.Condider rigging these in carolina style
Get them here
A great example of a weighted Soft plastic. This from Savage gear in white is ideal when the Bass are chasing the Whitting Shoals. Nice design and its caught me a fair fish at depth
Similar to above -a simple bass catcher that i use around piers
and jetties. Basic lure that will land bass -i promise.Get one here -White/ dark and lemon good choices
Great realistic Action on these SANDY ANDYS - Get a few colours ,sizes weedless and normal.Have caught well on these straight away when other lures were not catching
Braid. I use and recommend this RapinovaX 8 in 18lb. Breaking strain will vary depending where you fish. Again the sweet spot of Price in this 8x Braid silky goodness at a reasonable price.
Strong ...and Green !HERE
Prawn Lure that got me the best weight bass in 2023 here. They melt if not looked after but definitely catch fish on the drift
Vudu Prawn with a great action-Float it round obstructions
Live Target Prawn - Best quality -untested yet though
Lure Link - Ideal for Hard Plastic-Its the only one i need. Consider rapala knot for soft plastics But otherwise my go-to Lure clip. Had an 8,9 and 10lb Bass on this so they are strong ! HERE
Aimed for Savage Gear Gravity sticks but can be utilised on all Soft plastics - These seem to be the best performing brand for rattles and weights. BUY HERE
HTO twist lock Great if you can get them. Sharp and well designed Use these in 6/ or 5/0 for SLUG-GO or big stick Baits HERE
VMC Heavy duty wide Gape seem to have the best hook ups. You can use these with a Head link and for unweighted dolive or stick baits
These ones for Weedless savage gear links. Use Fiiish Black minnows for fiiish Luresbut these can be used for many soft plastic. 4/0 and 5/0 the most used for me
Replace trebles with this cox and rawle 2/0 - fits most lures and doesn't catch .wider gauge prefer these to thin ones Get yours here
My recommendation for a replacement treble hook for hard lures.Usually #6 but check lure sizing as it effects action
For replacing trebble hooks on most hard lures.
BEACH RODS I USE
This Colmic Lunar is a thinner continental rod that will still land Big fish over clean ground. Its 4.5 m (14ft 7") It may not be good for you if you fish rough ground but for general Beach fishing its superb! Great bite detection and some powerful casting puts baits over 200 m- It is also a rod that occupies that space i often talk about BANG FOR BUCK you get the most for your money- Try and get one under £150.
I pair the Colmic with this Rod almost the same in feel - The Trabucco Serenity, Again as with the Comic it is an easy enjoyable rod to use . Power is slow and Progressive in the cast. Consistent wind up. Theres are Pendulum fishing poles but they will cast well and are ideally suited to Fishing at distance over Shingle with Fixed spools.
BEACH REELS I USE
Sonik AVX 10000 is again that sweet spot between budget and performance. You can use this link from Veals. Currently at £127.99 ,I paid £150 . This reel has lasted I use it with Asso 15lb Braid and tapered leader. You do need to Pack out the low profile spool though
The Penn Surfblaster Range are great - Go for 8000s wether 1,2 or 3rd incarnation for those bigger spools. I use the Surfblaster 28k but having held the new MK3 id go with that here from Veals. Lots of reasons and Your getting great Value
Casting from the Beach or winching from the Rocks the SLOSH has accompanied me across Wales, Ireland and Cornwall. Its a bit of an everything reel i've used it from the boat and it casts well too. Its my reel for winching in beach Conger too. Really great Value too
Over the years i can also recommend these reels i've owned , Used and abused.
Abu Rocket 6500 , Daiwa 7HT
The Best Rod Rest is Ian Golds Super Match tripod. Its that triangle Front tube that helps. Ive had one since the 90s and it Brilliant. Additions for- Get the bottom Cups too. The older style half round holders are better than the square shaped ones in this picture. Get it HERE
KAYAK FISHING
UGLY STICKS Shakespear 7ft A general Boat Road from the Kayak this is as heavy as i need to go. Conger and Ray and Bass on Live baits. Go 7ft or enough to be able to fish up tide and Bring the line round the Bow of the YAK. GET IT
RTM TEMPO (excellent but a tight fit!)- Buy mine here for £350 with Filming Mounts and Fishing set up.
FOR SALE
Ocean Prowler Range. The Early NZ moulds were a great Design and If you are starting out seek one of these second hand in good condition . Brilliant Boat-
Daiwa SLOSH x 4 Battered but the best value second hand or new !
RIGS
Having made up my own rigs in the past id suggest this is a great way to enjoy learning about the Sport. You can follow our guide to rig making here. However as time is an issue for me i get mine ready made by Js rigs and you can contact him on facebook
For general U.K Shore fishing Start by having a few;
Two or Three Hook Flappers
Some sort of clipped Rig (Portsmouth,loop)
Pulley Rig With a Bigger Hook
Beaded Wishbone for Plaice
Ensure the rigs have a variety of Hook sizes to match the days bait choice and Targeted Fish.
Hey great write up I see on your videos you say to try and use light braid with light mono I’m currently running j-braid x4 10.2kg with a 22.7 kg mono leader should I be looking at a lighter leader such a a fluorocarbon leader ? And if so which one to pair the j-braid or the one you recommend thanks !
Hello Matt, excellent info on here and really enjoyed the ebook after signing up. Looking forward to seeing your lure list, so far I have a J13, Shimano Silent Assassin and a Zonk on your recommendation. Also have a smaller Feed Shallow. Now I have bankrupt myself I'm looking at cheaper lures such as Soft Plastics, would love to hear your thoughts on cheaper lures including hard lures. I have a couple of Axia lures, the Glide in Pearl and the Search, they cost me £5 each and look well made for the money. It seems the UK is rather ignored when compared to the foreign markets such as the US when it comes to cheaper ranges of lure. Daiwa…