As angling has evolved so have the inventions to make our lives easier, this has given rise to some of the best fishing gadgets and admittedly, some of the worst. Whether it is a gadget to make catching fish easier, making the process of fishing more efficient or simply just making one style of fishing accessible to all, the best fishing gadgets are truly awesome!
Some gadgets that have been introduced over the years are now a mainstay in a lot of anglers bags and you would be hard pushed to find an angler that fishes without some sort of gadget every time they go fishing. Many would even argue that they struggle to remember how they managed without, such are their effectiveness.
The best fishing gadgets at a glance...
• Best Baiting Fishing Gadget - Spomb - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Sonar Fishing Gadget - Deeper Pro+ 2 - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best PVA Bag Loading Gadget - Fox Edges Rapide PVA Bag System - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Fishing Clicker Gadget - Preston Offbox Triple Clicker - View offer on Fishing Tackle and Bait
Whether it’s a Method mould, a baiting pole or fish finding device, it is clear to see why so many more fish are being caught nowadays. Is it just that we are getting better or is it becoming easier than ever thanks to certain items of tackle? Here is a guide to some of the best fishing gadgets available today…
Best fishing accessory (2023 National Angling Awards Winner)
www.fishingtackleandbait.co.uk
These front weight-loaded, easy casting, lead-free alloy Hybrid style feeders have a unique feature in the form of a line-friendly rubber line clip that is situated towards the rear and side area of the feeder body.
The clip traps the line to ensure that your bait is held in place not only during the cast, but also as your feed breaks down in the water, ensuring ultimate hookbait presentation at all times. Once a fish has taken the bait and is hooked, the line easily and safely releases every time from the hooklength clip.
The Embed Feeder’s deep body and sides hold plenty of feed and prevent premature spillage on to the lakebed, while the angled vents along the bottom of the feeder base protect the payload on impact with the water, still allowing for water ingress and a guaranteed breakdown and quick release of feed. The removable stem configuration makes them fishable inline and, as a running rig, they are compatible with all MAP stems.
Available in small, medium and large sizes, with weights from 24g to 42g.
Pros
- Unique clip holds bait in position.
- Well designed for casting.
Cons
- Occasionally the clip can be a little tight to start with.
2.
Spomb
Best baiting fishing gadget
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Spomb must be one of the most widely used baiting devices in modern day carp angling. Since its release it has been a staple on carp waters up and down the country from rock hard pits to runs waters, even growing in popularity amongst specimen and match anglers too.
It revolutionised how accurately and efficiently an angler can bait a swim, allowing a whole range of baits from boilies and particles to slop and maggots to be deposited into the lake. Thanks to its clever closing mechanism the bait is totally encapsulated and the days of “spod spill” are gone forever, they also cast incredibly well allowing anglers to bait further than ever before.
Available in three different sizes, Mini, Midi and Large, the Spomb has something in the range for everyone depending on how far and how much bait you want to apply.
Pros
- Aerodynamic, casts really well.
- Bait is contained until it hits the water.
Cons
- Sometimes fails to open.
Best hook tying gadget
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The Drennan Hook Tyer is one of the simplest yet most commonly used gadgets when an angler is using spade end hooks. The whipping knot to tie spade end hooks can be difficult, especially with smaller hooks or for those who have difficulty with their eye sight, but the Drennan Hook Tyer makes light work of any size and any pattern you want to tie.
It can be fiddly to get used to, but once you have mastered it you can tie spade end hooks with your eyes closed in less than 15 seconds. Not only does this take the headache out of tying them up on the bank, it also allows for easy preparation of multiple hooklengths too.
The hook tyer is available in one size and will accommodate any hook from a size 2 to a 26, they are virtually indestructible too, mine celebrated its 10th birthday not long ago and looks brand new.
Pros
- Makes tying spade end hooks easy.
- Robust and simple to use.
Cons
- Can take a while to get used to.
4.
Disgorger
Best unhooking gadget
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A disgorger is an absolute must own gadget if you do any sort of angling. This simple yet incredibly useful tool will help remove a hook if the fish has been deep-hooked. It works so effectively and is so cheap there is no excuse for not having one with you at all times.
Simply sliding the disgorger onto the line, twisting a little to lock it into place and then pushing it down to the hook to pop it out. With practice you will be able to unhook fish really quickly with no damage at all so it can swim off happily.
Pros
- Very useful for getting hooks out.
- Essential gadget in any angler's bag.
Cons
- Takes a little practice to master.
Best bait banding gadget
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We have all been in a situation where a Daiwa N'ZON Pellet Bander has been or would prove to be incredibly useful. Days when it’s raining, we have wet hands from catching fish or just don’t have the patience or coordination to open up the little bait bands, a pellet bander is a genius product.
Gone are the days of pellets firing off in every imaginable direction when trying to be banded, this gadget helps open up the bait band so a pellet can be added in seconds. They are also great for other baits like dead maggots too.
Available from every manufacturer in all shapes and sizes we find this to be the best one and as a bonus, it floats so no more losing them in the lake!
Pros
- Great for banding baits.
- It floats.
Cons
- Maximum pellet size is 15mm.
Best rod tip-isotope gadget
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The Korum Starlight Holder is a great gadget for those specimen anglers who like to stay fishing after dark. The holder fits over the rod tip and thanks to its multi-fit system, it will fit the majority of feeder and babel rods.
Once attached, you can slide an isotope or starlight into the rubber sleeve to give instant, illuminated bite detection. The shape of the holder helps straighten up the light to give the user maximum visibility whilst in use and prevents line wrapping around it on the cast.
Pros
- Great for fishing after dark.
- Simple, effective solution to illuminating bites.
Cons
- As with any isotope holder, line can sometimes get wrapped around them.
Best gadget to untwist line
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Whether you have spooled up new line or caught a lot of fish, your line can become twisted. The Gardner Spin Doctor offers a really easy and quick way to help untwist any mainline you have on your reels.
The special grooves in the lead help it spin when you retrieve it through water, pulling out any twist that may be present in your line. A few casts, even with a heavily twisted mainline is all that is needed to have it looking limp and new again. The aerodynamic shape helps the leads really fly, so you should be able to take all the twist out of the line that you would normally be using in a fishing situation.
Available in a 20g, 40g, 70g and 100g version to allow you to get the line out as far as possible.
Pros
- Simple, effective way to untwist line.
- Cast really well.
Cons
- Need to be at a lake to use them.
Best keepnet bar
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If you’re a keen match angler, a Preston Offbox 36 Snaplok Toolbar is a vital gadget to own, especially at fisheries where multiple keepnets and big weights are common. The clever extending toolbar has three accessory blocks (more can be added) where nets can be quickly clipped into place, great if you need to move nets or swap nets during a match.
The special cube shaped adapters can be screwed onto and left on your keepnets which makes the whole process of attaching them even more efficient. The toolbar simply slides onto the front legs of your seatbox or chair footplate giving a solid, compact way of organising your nets.
Pros
- Perfect for organising multiple keepnets.
- Easy and efficient to attach and remove nets.
Cons
- Some anglers may find it gets in the way.
Best throwing stick
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If you want to get a nice spread of boilies way beyond catapult range, the Korda Eazi Stik is an invaluable gadget that will propel boilies well over 100 yards with practice. This throwing stick, as they are commonly referred to, is very lightweight and comes in a range of diameters to accommodate certain size baits.
By simply putting one or more baits into the stick the user then throws the stick forwards, very similar to a cast, which launches the bait up and out into the lake. It helps create a nice wide area of single baits to trick wary fish into feeding. If you don’t want to use a spod, this is the only way to get boilies out any distance over 50 yards.
Pros
- Easy way to get boilies out at distance.
- Lightweight design.
Cons
- Can attract birdlife and seagulls if the are present on your lake.
Best baiting pole
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The Nash Bushwhacker Pro Baiting Pole system is the ultimate baiting pole on the market, which with add on sections can be shipped as far as you are willing to push it. This pole really does make your fishing much more accurate and can safely position rigs in places where casting is impossible, somewhere the carp won’t be expecting it.
The kit comes with the spoon and 15m of pole, but the Pro version now has improved features on the spoon itself to make fishing that bit easier still. There is now a headlight mount, allowing you to clip a headtorch onto front of the spoon so you can ship out with ease and accuracy during darkness. There's also a leading arm to help you locate spots.
Pros
- Accurate way of getting bait and rigs on a spot.
- Very stealthy way of angling.
Cons
- Can be tricky to use in the wind.
Best hooklength storage gadget
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Storing hooklengths doesn’t come any easier than the Preston Mag Store System, especially useful if you like to use pre-tied hooklengths for your angling. Thanks to the individual winders the hooklengths come on, they can be simply added to the Mag Store System via the magnet that is attached, helping to lock them into place.
No longer do you have to take hooklengths home and remove them from the packet and manually load them onto the pegs, you simply choose the ones you want for your days fishing, take the winder out of the pack and load it into you Mag Store.
Manufactured with a hard, waterproof case, they are available in a range of sizes to suit any anglers' needs. A simple yet brilliant hooklength storage system.
Pros
- Easy way to store hooklengths.
- Magnet system makes it simple to swap out winders.
Cons
- The pre-tied hooklength winders aren't recyclable.
Best bait punch set
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If you like dobbing bread or using baits like meat, then the Guru Bait Punch Set is exactly what you need. There are 4 sizes in the set, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm and 12mm to allow you to be versatile with your bait size depending on the conditions and thanks to their metal design they easily and cleanly cut through baits.
The punch also features a press to allow you to push the bait out once it has been punched, this is ideal as it stops baits like meat getting stuck in the punch whilst also making it more user friendly in the cold weather. The punches will last you ages as they are well built, well designed and come in a rubber carrier to keep them safe and secure.
Pros
- Range of sizes.
- Well built and designed.
Cons
- They don't float.
13.
Deeper Pro+ 2
Best sonar fishing gadget
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Deeper Pro+ 2 is an electronic, castable sonar device that has a multitude of uses for the angler who fishes from the bank or boat. Whilst it will display if there are fish in the swim, the majority of anglers use the Deeper as a feature finding tool and it is really useful for mapping out new lakes.
The Deeper will show you the depth up to 100m, water temperature and help identify what the substrate is on the bottom. Thanks to its built in WIFI, it works in tandem with your smartphone to reveal in real time what the parameters are of a given spot, so you don’t have to reel in to find out what the information is. Ideal for using with zigs too, as it saves casting a marker out if there are fish in the area or you are short on time.
Pros
- Castable sonar device.
- Ideal for using from bank or boat.
Cons
- Make sure you have a heavy leader on so it doesn't crack off.
Best charging fishing gadget
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If you fish longer sessions, or work from the bank, a Ridgemonkey Vault C Smart Powerpack will help keep all your devices charged and ready to go. The premium grade lithium battery can charge multiple items at once, whether that be phones, headtorches or laptops and it will charge them up to 12 times faster than a standard 5w powerbank.
The power packs also have wireless charging compatibility, which makes them so much easier to use on the bank, reducing the amount of clutter and trailing wires. Available in 3 sizes and a Camo or Green colouration, they are a must have item if you spend a lot of time on the bank!
Pros
- Keep all your devices charged when on the bank.
- Loads of power to charge devices numerous times.
Cons
- A little bulkier than some power packs.
Best fishing clicker gadget
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With strict net limits and match weights increasing all the time, a Preston Offbox Triple Clicker is without doubt a match anglers’ best friend. With each fish caught an angler can register the weight of the fish in a certain net, stopping you losing track and going over the net limit, which can lead to disqualification. With three clickers included, you can keep a record of multiple nets, great when you have to split silvers and carp.
The clickers attach to your seatbox legs, which stops them rolling around on your side tray and because it’s in sight, it prevents you forgetting to click fish. They are also available in a single option for those who just like to keep a tally of their fish or like to record numbers rather than weight.
Pros
- Perfect for keeping track of the fish you've caught.
- Fits onto a seatbox or chair leg.
Cons
- Dial display could be slightly larger.
Best Digital Clicker Fishing Gadget
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The Matrix Digital Clicker is a multifunctional tool designed to enhance the angling experience. It combines a stopwatch and weight/fish clicker into a single, compact device, making it a valuable asset for not just competition anglers, as it provides and records vital data to improve your angling.
Pros
- Large clear digital display
- Clicker and stopwatch in one
Cons
- Prone to being knocked off side tray, it sinks and not fully waterproof.
- Batteries aren't supplied
Best multi-tool fishing gadget
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How many times have you lost a baiting needle or not had a drill to change baits, well the Wychwood Multi Tool looks to put an end to the hours of searching for such items only to lose them again just after you’ve used them.
The tool consists of a baiting needle, heavy latch needle, bait drill, puller stool, stripper tool and a fine latch needle, not only will this save you a fortune buying the items individually, but it also offers a nice compact way of combining loads of useful tools.
The heads are interchangeable, great if there are certain tools you want to duplicate, and it makes for easy substituting if something breaks. The bright colours also stop you losing or misplacing the Mutli Tool, even after dark.
Pros
- Compact way of combining all the useful tools.
- Bright colours make it easy to spot.
Cons
- Some anglers will prefer their tools separate.
Best PVA Bag loading gadget
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The Fox Edges Rapide PVA Bag System makes tying solid PVA bags so much simpler and quicker, great when the fish are feeding or if you want to tie up multiple bags before a session. It makes for a fool proof way of fishing in this style and ensures the bags are uniform and aerodynamic for casting.
The special loader and quality bags can have experienced users tying up a bag in less than one minute, they will make any anglers' life easier and help take away the fiddly nature that is tying up a solid bag. The way the bag is sealed means you don’t need to add PVA tape to tie it off and the loader comes in two sizes depending how big or small you like the bag to be.
Pros
- Makes tying solid bags easy.
- Unique loading system helps keep all bags uniform.
Cons
- Takes a few goes to fully master but is simple once you do.
Best distance marking fishing gadget
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Accuracy is important with any fishing and thanks to the Guru Distance Sticks you can be more accurate than ever before. When feeder fishing or carp fishing, you no longer have to count the reel turns or walk the lead and the Spomb out to the same distances, not only is this impractical in many swims, but it can also be easily miscounted or lead to tangles.
These sticks eliminate the need for these methods, by spacing them one rod length apart (or use the string provided) you simply find the area you want to fish then clip up, come back to your sticks and wrap the line around them, counting as you go until you hit the clip. In the event of a line breakage or after catching a fish you can simply re-wrap the line to the number you counted originally and clip the line back up. Thanks to the machined grooves they keep the line tight and prevent tangles.
A super quick way of being accurate and getting one or multiple rods cast to the same distance.
Pros
- Machined grooves to prevent tangles.
- Well made, durable sticks.
Cons
- A screw bottom would be good for hard ground.
Best hook sharpening fishing gadget
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If you are very particular about the sharpness of your hook, it may be worth investing in a Nash Pinpoint Hook Doctor. This gadget is a mechanised hook sharpener, which powers a sharpening stone to spin at high-speed allowing you to push the hook up against it to sharpen the point.
This reduces the chance of you blunting the hook and makes it much less labour intensive to touch up the point, it’s also useful for big, thick hooks that are used in sea fishing. The stone will spin clockwise or anticlockwise, allowing the user to be completely comfortable whether left or right-handed and thanks to the hardened material, it will sharpen hooks for years to come.
Pros
- Sharpens hooks really quickly.
- Takes out a lot of the labour doing it manually.
Cons
- A bit too powerful for finer, smaller hooks.
21.
OMC Magic Wand
Best fish hooking gadget
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The OMC Magic Wand is a revolutionary self-triggering device designed to help increase the chance of hooking fish when using a bolt rig. Working on a spring-loaded system, “The Magic Wand” will trigger causing the hooklength to tighten up when the fish pulls the hook with enough force. This pulls the hook into the mouth leading to less chance of a fish shaking the hook out when it sucks in the hookbait.
The sizes, Light, Medium and Heavy are dictated by how much force is required by the fish to trigger the mechanism, giving you the ability to tailor it to your fishing situation.
Pros
- Leads to more hook ups.
- Helps increase the reactivity of your bolt rig.
Cons
- Is banned on a quite a few UK waters, particularly weedy ones.
22.
Rite Weigh
Best net handle scales
www.ebay.co.uk
Rite Weigh are a lightweight set of scales that fits between your landing net pole and net head, allowing you to weigh each fish as you return it to the water or lower it into a keepnet.
Primarily designed to prevent match anglers from going over their keepnet limit and getting disqualified, it can also be used by pleasure anglers to quickly see the weight of their fish. They might not accurately weigh your PB, but to know the approximate weight of your fish instantly, without transferring it between nets, is incredibly useful. Each scale is calibrated to a wet standard 20ins net.
Pros
- Fast and easy way to give you an approximate weight.
- Can be left on your landing net handle so you always have scales to hand.
Cons
- Can't be zeroed to smaller or larger nets.
23.
Korum Bopper
Best gadget for baiting on rivers
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If you need to get loose offerings down to the bottom on a strong flowing river, the Korum Bopper is what you need. Based on the same principle as a bait dropper, the Bopper is much more aerodynamic, sinks much better and can hold more bait, allowing you to fish and bait further out.
With interchangeable weights you can make the Bopper sink faster or slower depending on conditions and how you want to bait the swim. Working on a trapdoor style mechanism, the bait won’t be released until the pin hits the bottom which opens the Bopper, allowing its contents to be deposited onto the riverbed.
Pros
- Great way of accurately baiting up on rivers.
- Casts really well.
Cons
- They are heavy when full, so you will need a strong rod.
Best Gadget For Keeping Drinks Warm
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The Preston 1.4L Stainless Flask, is constructed from stainless steel, this ensures it can withstand the rigours of outdoor use, while the screw-off cup facilitates easy pouring and refilling. The foldable handle provides a secure grip for carrying the flask to and from your peg.
With a generous 1.4-litre capacity, this flask can keep you hydrated and warm throughout the day by holding plenty of your favourite drink be it tea, coffee, hot chocolate or soup the flask keeps it warm throughout the day, conversely during the warmer months add some ice to your favourite cold drink for it to stay cold and refreshing throughout the day.
Pros
- Foldable handle enables compact storage
- Stainless steel construction is durable and hard wearing
Cons
- Due to its construction is quite heavy when full
Best Power Bank Fishing Gadget
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The Thermatech 20000mAh Power Bank is a versatile and powerful accessory designed to complement Preston's Thermatech heated products. With digital display you can keep track of the power capacity remaining.
This high-capacity power bank offers a reliable and efficient way to keep your heated gear powered up, ensuring you stay warm and comfortable during your fishing adventures. It will also charge mobile accessories like your mobile phone, and some cameras (additional cables may be required).
Pros
- 20,000mah is ample to charge mobile and power heated accessories
- Has USB-A and USB-C output connections
Cons
- Won't last a full session if charging and using a heated product.
Best heated clothing fishing gadget
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The Thermatech Heated Gilet is a must-have for anglers who prioritise comfort and performance in cold weather conditions. Its targeted heating, comfortable fit, and durable design make it an ideal choice for staying warm and focused during those cold weather sessions.
Equipped with five strategically placed heated elements, it provides targeted warmth where you need it most. Crafted from high-quality materials, the gilet offers a comfortable fit over other layers of clothing. Its durable design features strong zipped pockets, a main zip, and an internal Power Bank compartment for added convenience. With adjustable heating levels, you can customise your warmth based on your preferences and how bad the weather is ensuring optimal comfort.
Pros
- Internal pocket to house power bank to power garment (not included)
- 5 Heat setting to perfectly set the level of warmth to your preference
Cons
- Power bank not included wit garment
Best Heated Seat Cushion Fishing Gadget
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The Thermatech Heated Seat Cushion is a must have for anglers who want to enjoy their fishing sessions without sacrificing comfort during those cold weather outings. Its combination of heated elements, comfortable padding, and secure attachment make it an essential accessory for cold weather fishing.
It's 420x310mm size means it will fit on top of seatbox cushions or on chairs, with an external pocket to house a powerbank to power for added convenience. With adjustable heating levels, you can customise your warmth based on your preferences and how bad the weather is ensuring optimal comfort.
Pros
- Cushion providing warmth to the lower body
- 5 settings to customise to your preferences
Cons
- If multiple layers on won't really feel the warmth on lower settings
What to look for in a fishing gadget
Fishing gadgets come in all forms and vary on the purpose they were designed for, some are designed to catch more fish whilst others have been created to make certain angling processes more efficient.
Whatever gadgets you choose, make sure it is from a reputable brand and are well made. With some of the smaller items that you will use frequently, it is also worth buying more than one if you can, as there is nothing more annoying than getting used to using a product only for it to break or be discontinued, leaving you to try and find an alternative.
With most fishing gadgets many manufacturers bring out similar products, each with their own twist on the design, if you have a certain gadget you want to purchase, it can be worth checking out a few different options to see which one suits you and your style of angling best. Often what is comfortable and the best fishing gadget for one angler, is tricky and hard to use for another.
Glossary
Spade end hook: A type of hook that has a flattened piece of metal instead of an eye, the line is knotted around the shank rather than through the eye.
Boilie: A type of bait made from boiling paste to form a tougher, round bait. Often made with things like fishmeal and nut meals.
Sonar: Sonar is a technique that uses sound waves to navigate, measure distances, communicate with or detect objects on or under the surface of the water.
PVA bag: A special type of material made into a bag shape that will melt when it is exposed to water.
Baiting needle: A thin, metal device with a hook or barb on one end designed to pierce baits and make them easy to put onto a hair.
Hooklength: The name given to a short piece of line with a hook attached, which is often lighter than the mainline so it breaks first. They can be bought ready-tied to save any hassle.
Keepnet: A long net, often around 2m-4m in length, that is designed to retain fish for short periods of time.
Isotope: An item that has chemicals inside that react and emit light through the process of phosphorescence. Often encased in glass that is designed to glow in the dark so you can see bites.
Powerbank: A portable battery pack that can be used to power or recharge electronic devices.
Frequently asked questions on fishing gadgets
Do fishing gadgets help you catch more fish?
Whilst no gadget can directly catch you more fish, they can certainly improve the way you fish by making you more efficient or accurate. If you fish well and improve these two aspects through the use of gadgets, you will catch more fish.
Are baiting poles, bait boats and fish finder gadgets cheating?
If a method or tactic is within the rules of your chosen fishing venue, then you are not cheating. A fish finder, bait boat or baiting pole in the right hands can be a massive edge, but it's important that any gadget used for fishing is used responsibly. Never drop baits directly into heavy snags or in another angler's water. It's also important to remember not every situation requires such tools. They are also banned on the competitive scene.
Author Aidan Bordiuk is an enthusiastic angler who enjoys all fishing disciplines from match fishing to beach casting. He is currently occupying the position of Commercial Content Writer at Angling Times.