Read Chris Lowe's Blog

The fish was caught on the surface using a Greys X Flite 3lb test curve rod and double chum mixer dog biscuit two feet from the bank.

John said;

"The fish took me a hair raising 5 minutes to land and required me to jump into the lake to get her into my 42" Greys X Flite Landing Net.

"I have been after a 40lb common now for over 7 years and to catch one this big is mind blowing!"

Watch out for it in Carpology, Total Carp and UK Carp magazines. 

Gary arrives with a wealth of experience after ten years in the food service industry followed by thirteen highly successful years with fishing tackle manufacturer, Shimano.

Gary said of his appointment;

"It was a big step leaving Shimano, but when the opportunity arose to move to such a forward thinking, progressive company such as Hardy & Greys I found it impossible to refuse.

Since joining Hardy & Greys Ltd I have been overwhelmed with the level of customer focus and passion to succeed. I am looking forward to rekindling many old acquaintances, making some new ones and playing a full part in what looks certain to be a very bright future indeed."

Sales and Marketing Director, Ken Brewster said;

"I am delighted that Gary has joined us. He has a wealth of experience and tremendous customer relationships throughout the trade. He has fitted into the team instantly and will, I am sure, do a terrific job for us."

Gary replaces Steve Peterson who is taking up his new role as Game Marketing Manager for the Company starting at the end of April.

Dave had been working as a Consultant for the Northumberland based fishing tackle company for over three years, and has been heavily involved with rod and tackle design during this period. This includes working on the highly successful Hardy Marksman, and the new Greys Prodigy Specimen & Specialist Coarse introductions.

Dave has been a highly successful match and specialist coarse angler for many years. He has written extensively for the Angling press and currently writes weekly features for the Angler's Mail magazine. He will continue to contribute to this popular magazine from his new location and home in Alnwick, which will no doubt delight many northern anglers!

Commenting on his new position Dave said;

"I'm deeply honoured to have been offered the position of Coarse Product Manager and I relish the challenge.

"Hardy & Greys Ltd is a major, forward thinking company who are going places fast in both the Coarse and Carp markets, and I can now be even more involved with this exciting success story.

"I have made many new friends in Northumberland and I can't wait to explore the fishing up there."

Managing Director of Hardy & Greys Ltd, Richard Sanderson said;

"Hardy & Greys are pleased to announce Dave is joining our Product Development Team on a full time basis. Dave has been working with us for many years as a consultant and brings a wealth of experience with him from both the coarse market and fishing tackle industry. We are very excited to have Dave on board and look forward to launching many new products with his expert knowledge of the coarse & match market."

The new Precision™ stainless steel range is constructed from high quality 16mm stainless steel barstock and has been designed to last a lifetime.

The range consists of three different size bank sticks and fixed and adjustable buzz bars in two, three and four rod versions. There is also a bank stick auger, expandable stainless weigh bar and a bank stick stabiliser.

In the bivvy category, the new Vizor™ bivvy is available in 1 and 2 man versions and utilises all of our latest advanced bivvy system developments. The bivvy has a lightweight 16mm aluminium frame with a Climatex™ high performance breathable canopy. A widened storm peak provides extra protection for the doorway and clear side windows have been included to maximise visibility in the worst weather conditions. A unique Backdraft™ Ventilation System allows the angler to control the volume of air circulating through the bivvy, keeping users comfortable, no matter the weather. Also available are Vizor™ Extreme Canopies which offer more room and added protection.

Also in the bivvy / shelter category, the new range of S-Plus shelters and bivvys are sure to be popular for anglers on looking for great value. The S-Plus shelter, priced at £80 is perfect for day sessions or quick overnighters; it features side wings to offer increased protection and a half size groundsheet that keeps weight down to a minimum. The S-Plus bivvy priced at £110 features an additional zip in front panel and full groundsheet for anglers that prefer complete protection.

Other new products to see from Chub include the Outkast 11' Compact- a multi-piece carp rod that doesn't sacrifice on performance.

Available at your local dealer or as a download the 83 page consumer catalogue showcases some of the most innovative products Chub have ever produced.

Featuring products including the brand new S-Plus Bivvy range, which incorporates the S-Plus Shelter, S-Plus Bivvy, S- Plus Bivvy Overwrap, S-Plus Max Bivvy and S-Plus Max Overwrap Bivvy. These bivvies all feature 5000 mm hydrostatic head waterproof covers, 16mm 6061 aluminium poles & shock corded pegging points.

In the rods category, the new Snooper Spod and Snooper Marker Rods , these rods offer serious value for money whilst not compromising on quality. Featuring a 18mm gunsmoke reel seat , double leg SIC guides and an anodised laser etched butt cap.

In the Bedchairs category, the new X-tra Comfy Bedchair and Classic Bedchair. The X- Tra comfy bedchair features a fully removable fleece covered mattress & three legs for stability, the classic bedchair comes complete with fully adjustable locking leg mechanism and a solid steel frame.

Chub are well known for providing great Carp Care products and view fish welfare with the utmost importance. This year the company are pleased to announce the launch of a number of new Unhooking Mats and Cradles. These include the Barrow Mat, Xtra Protection Cradles and Euro Xtra Protection Cradles.

Carp Product Manager, Lee Collings, said:

‘At Chub we take pride in producing top quality products for top anglers, the same can be said about our new 2010 catalogue. Packed full of our latest carefully designed innovative products, all of which are incorporated and illustrated within 83 pages you can see the quality and design for which Chub has become renowned.

Manufactured to the same high standard, the Compact Xtra Protection Mat is designed for the angler who does not require a large mat and is ideal for day sessions or for stalking. More information on the Chub Compact Xtra Protection Mat.

A Very large mat dedicated for use with barrows. Based around the design of our Snooper Xtra Protection Mat, this mat is sure to become popular with barrow users and syndicate owners alike due to its large size and added protective features.

More information on the new Barrow Mat from Chub.

The Cradles now feature a unique fold flat design, stiffer non-collapisble sides, calming and protective overflap and a kneeling pad.

Read Alex's latest Blog update. 

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More information on the X-Tra Comfy Bedchair

UK Carp Magazine have excluisvely tested the Chub Vizor bivvy for the first time.

Read the review

Chub Academy member Chris Lowe has landed a double whammy!

Fishing a 48 hour session on a private syndicate water, Chris not only landed the 47.3lb Mirror, breaking his PB; but also put himself in pole position for largest fish caught by a Grey/Chub academy so far this year this year.

Using a Greys Torsion 13' 3.5lb tc  rod , Chris's rig consisted of a fluorocarbon leader to an Ace lead clip and a 2.5oz Ace lead, a flurorocarbon hinged stiff link hooklink connected to a size 8 Korda choddy hook. Hook bait was a 14mm lobworm pop up and a new white corn popper from SBS.

Chris said:

"This is a great start to the new year after all the bad weather that we have had, upping my PB mirror is great but also with my target fish from this water, I am made up with this capture."

Read Chris's Profile

Carpworld magazine have recently reviewed the Chub Stove Bag in their recent edition of Carpers Cuisine.

Read the review 

Carpworld magazine review the Chub All Season Gas Canister Sleeve.

Read the review

Read more

Read Darren's Blog

Read more

UK Carp magazine review the Chub S-Plus Shelter.

Read the review

The 45lb 12oz Carp was caught at Bluebell's Swan Lake on a Greys Torsion rod. Using mixed particles along with chopped Mistral i40 boilies.

Alex said;

"On arrival at the lake I located a couple of fish moving around at about 70 yards range out towards the centre of the lake. With the least amount of disturbance I managed to find a nice area of light silt close by and a fair amount of mixed particles and boilies were duly spodded to the area, in a bid to try and hold the fish present.

"Throughout the night fish were showing over my baited area. Then just before dawn I received an absolute one toner, which straight away shed the heavy lead I was using, making the fish a lot easier to control. However, once in the margins the fish gave me the run around for a while before eventually tiring.

"At this point I still didn't know how big the fish was until I went to slide the net under it only for the draw cord to hit it's body, at that moment I realised what a deep framed fish it was. This particular fish is one of those rare visitors to the bank. In fact it hadn't been out for over fifteen months and from pressured water like Swan lake that makes the capture of this new personal best even sweeter."

Angler's Mail magazine feature the Chub Vizor Bivvy and its features in their latest issue. 

Carpology magazine review the Chub Cyfish Tri-Lite Bivvy. 

Read the review.

UK Carp magazine have reviewed the new Chub Outkast Rod as part of their Hot Gear section.

Read the full review

See the advert

Check back soon for more in Alex's own words. 

Read more

The Chub Carp Academy has recruited a new member.

Ian Gemson of Smart Carping Limited has joined the Academy. Ian has been fishing for 40 years and carp fishing for 12 years. He first started fishing as a child in Hampshire before going onto fish matches in a local team on rivers, canals and lakes and winning many events

Ian has transplanted much of his coarse fishing skills across from his early days as a match angler to help him catch many large carp from all across the UK.

A qualified Angling Coach to Level 2, Ian runs a Carp fishing coaching company called Smart Carping Limited, based in Hampshire which aims to help anglers of all ages and abilities to get the best from their hobby. In 2009 Ian's coaching sessions saw fifty twenty pound carp caught and fifty three personal bests smashed in the process.

Ian's PB is a 35 lb 11 oz Mirror from a southern gravel pit.

Ian said;

"Smart Carping Limited started with the intention to show anglers simple and effective fishing techniques and how to get the best from their hobby however, at the same time showing people quality equipment that would give them everything they wanted, but wouldn't break the bank.

"Chub and Smart Carping have the same ethos - both quality companies with a quality brand. I believe this perfect marriage will benefit each other and our customers and I am looking forward to working with the Academy."

Chub Academy Manager, Jason Green said;

"The Chub Academy are proud to welcome Ian onto the team. Ian brings with him a wealth of experience from working one-on-one with novice, intermediate and experienced anglers and he is a great asset to the Chub Carp Academy."

Ian's PB is a 35 lb 11 oz Mirror from a southern gravel pit.

See Ian's Profile and read his Blog.

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At 64lbs 2oz Benson has been a target fish at Bluebell Lakes Carp Fishery, Peterborough for many anglers for years and Chub Academy member, Chris Lowe was lucky enough to catch the big common just over five years ago

Chris said;

"At a personal best weight of 56lb, which to this day still stands as my PB it has saddened me to know that the big fish had died. It gave me some good memories and is a capture that I will never forget.

"It is also a sad time for Tony, the owner of the fishery where the great fish resided as this is the second big fish to die recently on the complex and I'm sure it will have a big impact on him. My condolences go out to him."

The iconic Carp was stocked in 1995 at 24lbs.

Read more here

Since its launch at the trade show, Tackle & Guns the MK2 Cyfish Bivvy has caused a stir amongst Carp anglers and the Carp fishing media with UK Carp magazine who describes it as ‘Light yet sturdy, compact yet spacious, the new Chub MK2 Cyfish+ bivvy is even better than its illustrious predecessor... this is one hell of a bivvy.'

This updated bivvy has been 2 years in the making and features slimmer 16mm aluminium poles which make it light and more compact. Pole insert joints and collars prevent wear, allowing for a quick and easy setup and the upgraded 210D oxford weave polyester fabric is extremely tough and breathable whilst the 5000mm hydrostatic head makes it highly waterproof.

The bivvy still retains the twin fronted zip system with the full mozzi front being upgraded to Chub's exclusive heavy-duty green mozzi mesh.

The Mk2 Cyfish+ also comes complete with a full winter wrap, offering the benefits of a two skin bivvy when required. Inline tension bars with double locking screws are also included in the package, along with a heavy duty groundsheet and T-pegs.

The Mk2 Cyfish+ 2 man has also seen some additional improvements.

The bivvy frame has been redesigned with an extra large back rib. This increases both the depth and the height at the rear for extra comfort and head room on longer sessions. The Mk2 Cyfish + is now the first genuine 2man, three pole bivvy system that offers the perfect balance between size, comfort, weight and transportation.

Further information on this product.

The 41lb 2oz Common was caught whilst James was fishing on a three day session on a Southern venue.

James said;

"I had 8 takes and 8 Carp at 12lb, 17lb, 18lb 8oz, 23lb, 25lb, 26lb, 27lb as well as my new PB. This new PB makes this Carp my 8th UK forty and I am very pleased with my catch.

James was fishing using the new Greys Torsion 2.75TC rods for the first time and said;

"I had no hook pulls in 8 takes and I am extremely impressed with these new rods."

The fish were taken on Nash Scopex Squid Liver+ 16mm With Bait & Feed Company particle 42 groundbait. 25kilos were used in total over the 3 day session. The Carp certainly liked it.

A neatly padded pouch specifically designed to safely transport your Chub Digital Scales and stop them getting scratched or damaged in transit.

The pouch has two double zipped compartments which allow for carrying items such as forceps, pliers and carp care kits and also features elasticated loops on the back of the pouch designed for storing your weigh bar.

The pouch is manufactured from heavy duty Oxford Weave 600D material and also features 5mm foam padding for added protection.

Visit your local dealer today for more information and to purchase.

Read More

View more information on the Chub Snooper Carp Rods.

Caught whilst fishing using a Wapsi ‘Egg Yarn' fly pattern just below the surface of the water Zdravko said;

"What a day! I saw a big shadow swimming slowly near the surface, and I tried few times to cast my fly in front of it. Finally the fish took the fly and after 10 minutes of fight I managed to land it. The 20kg Carp is likely to be the first 20kg+ Carp caught on fly rod in Croatia."

Zdravko was also using a floating Hardy DT 6wt line.

Caught whilst fishing using a Wapsi ‘Egg Yarn' fly pattern just below the surface of the waterZdravko said;

"What a day! I saw a big shadow swimming slowly near the surface, and I tried few times to cast my fly in front of it. Finally the fish took the fly and after 10 minutes of fight I managed to land it. The 20kg Carp is likely to be the first 20kg+ Carp caught on fly rod in Croatia."

Zdravko was also using a floating Hardy DT 6wt line.

On a recent session at St Johns Lake, Oxford Chub Carp Academy Member Chris Lowe landed 15 Carp up to 30lb.

Catching a thirty at 34lbs, seven twenty's, five doubles and two singles  using a selection of SBS corn poppers, SBS fruit and nut boilies and hi vis pop ups, Chirs caught the fish using his trusty Chub Vantage 13ft 3.5 rod.

Chris said;

"This is my largest catch in one session and on St Johns Lake - a thirty is a great result."

Top angling magazine, Improve Your Coarse Fishing has recently reviewed the Chub Snooper Carp Rods.

"If you're on a budget and want one of the best carp rods on the market for around 50 quid, then look no further." Read more

Snooper Carp Rod - Improve Your Coarse Fishing February 2009.

View more information on Snooper Carp Rods

The Hardy, Greys and Chub Carp Academies recently held their first meeting of 2009. 

The meeting, which was held at Kingfisher  Lakes, Norfolk, saw all three Academies come together to discuss a range of topics  which included existing and future product development, Academy events, media activities and show calendars - laying down the plan for what's set to be, an exciting year ahead!

The weekend also saw three new members welcomed into the Academies:

Alex Bransby, who was the worthy winner of Total Carp magazine's Chub Carp Academy competition, and has subsequently been promoted to a full time member.

Expert anglers Jonathan Watt and Lee Taylor have joined the Hardy and Greys Coarse Academy; both are keen anglers and have already had articles published in several fishing magazines.

Hardy & Greys Ltd, Trade Marketing manager, Alan Yates, who organised the event, said:

"We are keen to set a high standard within the academies and having an annual get together is a vital part of this, not only does it give all the members an opportunity to have their input and share their valued opinions, but also how we work more closely with the Academies and improve communication, something I am keen to pursue this year.

"Despite being Valentine's weekend we had a 95% attendance which shows the members commitment and I would personally like to thank all of them.

"I would also like to thank Kingfisher Lakes and Apartments for the use of their stunning multi-discipline complex. I am sure we will be visiting again and believe that some of the coarse Academy members have already undertaken a feature at the complex since the meeting!"

Kingfisher Lakes was chosen as it offered excellent facilities, modern accommodation with an extremely diverse range of angling disciplines including River, Specimen Carp, match fishing & junior lakes. The venue lent itself perfectly to the diverse range of anglers within the Academies.

For more information on Kingfisher Lakes visit www.kingfisherapartments.co.uk

Alex Bransby, winner of the Chub Carp Academy competition has been promoted to a full time member of the Chub Carp Academy.

As winner of the Total Carp magazine competition in 2008, Alex was granted a 6 month trial membership to the Chub Academy and has now been fishing with the Academy, attended shows and is now starting to have input into both future and existing products.

Alex, 30, from Northamptonshire has now proven his ability as a top Carp angler and at the recent Academy Meeting, held at Kingfisher Lakes, Norwich, was promoted to a full time member of the Chub Carp Academy.

Alex said;

"It truly is an honour to be accepted as a full time consultant with Chub.

"For as long as I can remember fishing has been in my blood, so to now be part of the academy marks exciting times ahead for me."

Chub Carp Academy Manager, Jason Green commented;

"Alex has more than proven himself as a member of the Chub Carp Academy. An excellent all-round angler, Alex has done features and had articles published in several magazines.

"We welcome Alex into the Academy and look forward to working with him."

Alex has been fishing for over twenty years, specifically targeting Carp for the last fifteen. He enjoys Carp fishing on a variety of different lakes, rivers and canals around the Nene Valley and has caught many Carp in their twenties and thirties. Alex's current Carp PB is 38lb.

Alex highlights his strengths as being able to quickly adapt to a wide variety of venues and the challenges they bring. He also believes that the key to successful carp fishing is a mix of sound watercraft, sensible bait application along with learning to trust your instincts.

Available at your local dealer or as a download from www.chubfishing.com the 75 page consumer catalogue from the Alnwick-based fishing tackle manufacturer showcases some of the most innovative products Chub have ever produced.

Featuring products including the new and improved Mk2 Cyfish + Bivvy with slimmer and lighter aluminium poles, the bivvy is light and compact and made with a tough, breathable and highly waterproof polyester material.

In the rods category, the new Outkast 10ft rod, is a truly versatile rod from Chub. A must have addition to any anglers set of rods, the Outcast 10ft is soft enough to be used as a short conventional Carp rod - perfect for tight swims, floater fishing or the mobile angler.

Chub Product Managers have worked hard all year designing and developing the new Sat-A-Lite Lantern and Head Torches.

Utilising the most sophisticated and up to date controlled technology to give maximum output of light intensity and battery life, Chub have created one of the best performing lanterns and compact headlights on the market.

To Chub, Carp care is an utmost important and the company are pleased to announce the launch of a number of new Unhooking mats and Weigh Slings.

Carp Product Manager, Lee Collings, said:

"As a development team, we have worked hard all year to produce a range of durable and reliable products for 2009.

"All of our products are designed and developed in Alnwick and go through a rigorous testing period.

"At Chub we pride ourselves on the care and commitment we put into the development of all of our products, always with the aim of keeping ahead of the game."

The new catalogue also features the Chub Carp Academy. Launched last year, the Academy and its members have quickly gained popularity within the angling trade and press, regularly attending major tackle shows and events plus writing comments in many leading fishing magazines.

For the first time, a German translation is also available.

The show, which took place on the 7th and 8th February at the Ijsselhallen in Zwolle, Netherlands, saw the new Hardy Carp rod, designed for the Dutch market, stolen prior to the Show on the evening of the 6th February.

Andrew Sowerby, International Sales and Events Manager for Hardy & Greys Ltd said;

"I am sickened by this theft. As it is a prototype, this specific example of the rod is of little value, even worse, anglers had travelled several hours to the show specifically to see, handle and discuss the Hardy Goldbow - this is exactly why anglers go to shows."

This rod, together with a number of Hardy Marksman Coarse rods were stolen. The Hardy Goldbow rod is clearly identifiable by its distinct rich brown blank, full cork handle and has no bag, tube or stopper. The Marksman Coarse rods are easily identifiable as they also have no bags, stoppers or tubes and the Hardy Feeder rods only have one 2oz quiver tip in each of them.

Police are now looking to find the stolen items and Hardy & Greys Ltd are offering a complete finished Hardy Goldbow Carp rod as a reward to anyone who has information that leads to the recovery of this prototype.

Chub Academy Member, Angie Lawley has made the front cover of the Richworth-Linear 2009 Brochure.

Angie, partner of Chub Academy member, Chris Lowe, is featured posing on the annual fishery brochure front cover while holding her p.b 41lb 4oz Common. The fish was caught in March last year while she was fishing at Linear, Oxfordshire.

Angie, who has been Carp fishing for 10 years said;

"It is an honour to be featured on the front cover of the Linear Fisheries brochure for 2009.

"Chris and I have been fishing Linear for 5 years and it is my favourite venue. Through publishing a female on the front cover of the brochure - it is great to see women being recognised and appreciated in the sport."

The Richworth-Linear brochure gives full detailed information on the top UK venue, including its 8 waters, information on looking after your catch, a look back at catches of 2008 and a page dedicated to ladies who fish the venue - ‘The Ladies Page'.

Request a 2009 brochure by visiting www.linear-fisheries.co.uk

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new interactive website which we will be updating daily.

Featuring on the site are all of the new products for 2009 including the Vantage and range of Outkast rods, Cyfish Tri-Lite and Cyfish Tri-Lite Extreme Canopy Bivvies and a range of accessories which include the new 3,4,5 and 6 Star Holdalls and Luggage ranges.

Pease check back for further news and product updates coming soon.

The fish was caught in a 20 acre southern pit that Darren has been targeting for most of the summer.

Caught at a range of 40 yards, this is Darren's 13th 40lb+ Carp. Darren also landed a 25lb Mirror during the session.

Darren said;

"It is a great achievement for me to have caught this fish with such a good result. Where I was fishing, the fish have been down in weight due to heavy spawning so it came as a pleasant surprise to have this one at over 40lb."

Steve Broad - UK Carp

Click here to read more

The session did not get off to a good start when Jason hooked and lost a fish after it picked up another anglers line that had cut off and was trailing from a nearby weed bed. However Jason later managed to land a 26lb common.

The 44lb 12oz Mirror put up a good fight, getting weeded up on numerous occasions in the weed, Jason managed to land the largest fish in the lake in the early hours of the morning.

This success follows that of a 71lb French PB caught by Jason in France only two weeks ago.

Jason said;

"I really do not know what to say. I don't seem to be able to do anything wrong at the minute whilst fishing."

Chub Product Managers have utilised the most sophisticated and up to date controlled technology to give maximum output of light intensity and battery life, creating two of the most comfortable and compact headlights on the market.

The Chub Sat-A-Lite SL100 is the perfect LED fishing headlight.

Its compact and lightweight body with angle adjustment and single white LED provides a bright and focused beam whilst the dual red LEDs produce soft night vision illumination.

The Chub Sat-A-Lite SL200 is the perfect LED fishing headlight for the angler that requires a more powerful and focused main beam.

Featuring a pivotal head for easy angle adjustment, dual red LEDs provide soft night vision illumination.

The SL200 has a slim power pack fitted to the head pack which also features a rear facing LED.

The Sat-A-Lite SL300 Lantern has a powerful output of 300 luments - perfect for providing ultra-bright all round illumination.

Three 1W Nichia White LEDs offer 3 days continuous illumination in high mode and 6 days on the low setting.

The lens is removable to provide a forward directional beam when required and there is a built in hanging hook on the lantern base to allow wider light dispersal when elevated.

The SL300 also features 3-mode electronic switch that provides ‘instant off' in any mode, and a small green LED indicator is fitted for easy location in the dark.

The Chub Sat-A-Lite Lantern can offer up to three days illumination on high mode and six days on the low setting.