Features and Value
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t have performance enhancing features at a price that will surprise you...pleasantly of course.
Lightweight Chair
After a busy day roving it’s so tempting to dump my tackle in the garage and forget about it until the next time. But five minutes spent removing the adjustable legs and giving them a quick wipe is time well spent. Grit and sand gets into everything and there’s nothing more frustrating than to turn up and find one or more of your chair legs is completely stuck.
Both our Mission and Infinity ranges have been designed to fit the dynamics of chasing big fish whether your bivvied up for a week or plan to lightly rove the banks and all at affordable prices
 Take our best selling Mission Overnighter as an example.
We say overnighter but many anglers use it for a weekend session thanks to its ideal light design and the available overwrap.
Combine that with a Mission bed or any of the five chairs and you’re on your way for the next few seasons.
Oh and don’t forget the LED headlamps to make sure your ready to go when that alarm screams!
Mission Overnighter £49.99
Overwrap £39.99
Mission Adjustable Chair £34.99
Mission Bed £59.99
Mission- 9 LED Headlamp £9.99
With even more function and design investment on offer the Infinity Limpet Bivvy beats all comers hands down making it a true multi season option. Its roomy footprint makes it perfect for the Infinity six leg bedchair to sit side on and allow storage behind you.
1) Infinity Limpet Bivvy £150.00 2) Infinity Limpet Bivvy as Overnighter 3) Infinity Limpet Bivvy with Mosquito Mesh
Infinity Six Leg Bedchair £99.99
"Infinity Bedchair….With a lot of my fishing being overnighters between work I need to guarantee a decent nights sleep out on the bank. I can safely say that the Infinity bedchair is almost as comfortable as my bed at home. I tend to leave my sleeping bag folded up inside the bedchair meaning I have one less thing to carry and it’s easy to set-up or pack in a second."
  When storage is at a premium you need a system that keeps it all in one place but gives you access to what you specifically need. This thinking made simple is to be found in most of the Infinity range but especially in the rucksacks and carryalls. One favourite is the Cool and Glug carryall with its built in insulation, varied access points and detachable rig wallets. Obvious when you see it.
Mission 40L Roving Rucksack ….I’ve never really been a fan of rucksacks, until I came across this little gem. It’s big enough to hold a days gear, bait and general supplies. The pocket arrangement is just right letting me carry all my essentials but lets me be well organized. It’s perfect whatever the weather and makes an ideal stalking rucksack too.
Infinity Rucksack £49.99
Infinity Cooler Tackle Bag £39.99
All in all with almost 70 products to choose from you’ll be hard pushed to find a range of choice and design like it.
Daiwa Retro v Future
It is certainly strange that despite the ‘ultra light’ choice of new metals or ‘superior winding power’ with DIGIGEAR option it is the re release of a Daiwa classic that has created the most interest in the carp and specialist world; for a reel at least!
Big Pit Reels…..On any front drag reel, at the end of the session, turn the drag so that there is no pressure on the spool. This allows the washers to separate between sessions, keeps them in tip top condition and will prolong their silky smooth life.
The unmistakable black and gold livery of the Whisker SS2600 has been basking in the limelight since it arrived back in the range just at the end of last year. But why? Some say the answer can only really be understood if you have used one and there’s a few in the know!
It is a compact design, ahead of its time maybe, with a long cast spool that thanks to one of the first applications of a worm gear produces amazing line lay and casts like a dream. If you’ve been privileged enough, with one in hand, to have battled with a powerful barbel or summer carp (preferably off the top) then you will certainly appreciate its stunning drag system. Ticking like it has been made by a watchmaker it oozes confidence and the joy of toe to toe action with powerful fish is simply magnified.
This is a reel with an original but out of date ceramic line roller and an external bail kick. But it is a solid performer that does the important bits brilliantly and looks damn good to boot! Welcome back.
 Serving the big fish angler in 2008 is a big part of Daiwa’s brief so the arrival of the futuristic and edgy looking Tournament Linear BR’s has been an important step in that duty.
Designed around the proven spool dimensions of a Tournament 5000ST and with drive gear that is over 60% bigger than that on an Emcast big pit you get a serious mix of power and performance across the eight model Linear BR range. The designers have even expanded the range of adjustment on the BR so that on big fast rivers, maybe more akin to the continent, that fine balance can easily be achieved. Add to that the superior front drag, Dura line clip and classy double handle it is no surprise that it has its own website!
See www.linearthereel.com for more information.
Emblem Spod Reel… With a 5.1:1 ratio the Emblem Spod retrieves an impressive 100cm per reel handle turn, making spodding much easier. A big feature is twin line clips, letting you to ‘clip up’ dual positions. This allows you to keep your distance position permanently in the clip saving you valuable time.
 Finally, giving a point back to the retro corner is possibly the best known secret in carping;
the impending return of the Big Pit daddy of them all, the dominating black and silver SS3000.
As Daiwa marks its 50th year worldwide the famous SS3000 will become available again. Improvements on the specification and a guide on price have not yet been released only that it should be expected in the autumn.
Regal Plus 4000BRi … On the Regal BRi’s I often set the free spool to its lightest setting and dispense with the drop off indicator. There is so little resistance on this setting that I’m confident that the fish will not drop the bait. Brilliant on rivers too just set the free spool to hold against the flow, and wait for the take.
So when it comes to Retro v Future
what’s your line on?
Rods
Performance V Fashion
Few could argue that a team of Daiwa rod designers know more than most about what makes the best fishing rod. However the popularity of what can only be described, by the rod designers at least, as the ‘wrong’ rod can only be down to one thing...fashion.
Maybe on the catwalk slim, and we’re talking skinny slim, is an accepted shape. But when it comes to casting at distance and accurately as well as playing and controlling that precious fish you’ll be glad of a little bit more ‘profile’ in your choice of rod.
At the big end of carping where distances of 100+ and fish averaging 30lbs are expected nothing skinny can do it.
The Magnum Taper of the Infinity Advanced rod range starts with the quick tip performance you need for fast loading and early power build up but thanks to its stepped increase in diameter you get the ideal balance of power and forgiveness when connected to a ‘big un’. Why does Danny Fairbrass choose them?
When a rod is compressed during a cast it bends backwards. But is it doing it straight? The slimmer the rod the more twisting will occur and that steals power and accuracy. The biggest test is in the moment of ‘recovery’. When a rod starts returning to the straight position your cast is in full flow. How far you are going to cast has already been determined and most importantly so has the accuracy.
With a Magnum Taper high torque control is built in as standard because the blank shape steps up in diameter. The walls can still move and compress when needed but your cast will be powerful and accurate always...a true performer.
But regardless of what some deem as the ‘perfect taper’ the preferred combination of casting ability, forgiveness and the lower profile hasn’t escaped the Daiwa drawing board.
Any low diameter rod suffers from increased down force as in they tend to become tip heavy. Unless of course, like the Slim Powers, you utilise the weight saving benefit of low resin, DRD carbons in the top section with the simply brilliant uplift in wall thickness of the butt section.
The latter detail giving you increased buckling strength for hitting big casts and the modest counter balance for the more distant centre point.
Take any Infinity Advanced Slim Power and you will impressed by their ease in the hand, the sharp recovery and steely personality. But load one up and watch the hidden tip action emerge as it blends into an altogether more progressive yet powerful action. You might even think it fashionable!
Longbow Carp Rod 12’ 2 3/4lb ….. Some say you get what you pay for, however in the Longbows I think you get more than that. It’s a true all rounder allowing you to cast in excess of 100 yards whilst at the same time having a great through action for getting the most out of playing fish close. I haven’t yet found a situation where it hasn’t excelled and until it lets me down I’ll choose to use my Longbows over anything else.
Twilight Rods….. The chances are, if you have purchased a Twilight rod you will be keen to catch barbel and chub, both of which feed best as the light fades. So adapt your rod tip to take a betalight. There are two superb options that I have personally used one is made by Enterprise Tackle, the other by Drennan International. These inexpensive accessories will make your Daiwa rod perform even better and you’ll certainly catch more fish.
Infinity Advanced Spod… Spodding plays a big part in my baiting strategies. Here are a few tips to help you maintain peak performance.
The length of drop between your tip ring and spod should be roughly half the length of the rod. Practice casting steadily and progressively. This will enable you to reach a good distance. Always ensure that your clutch on your reel is tight thus avoiding any slippage. I normally use braided leaders, so a finger stall is a must!
Finally, Spodding can be a messy activity, so try to give your rod a wash down after each baiting session. Periodically, give the rod rings a good clean. An old toothbrush is ideal for getting all the grime off followed by a polish – I use a quality car wax.
Infinity Magnum Advanced Carp Rod 12’ 2.75lb…. So far I have never regretted committing most of my fishing to a ‘lighter rod’. I have been amazed at how far I can push the Magnum 2.75’s. Since I have coupled the lower test curve Infinity with the Basia reel, I’ve transformed how I play fish. I set the QD clutch after setting the hook home, then I keep the anti reverse on and hold the rod two handed. One around the reel seat and one about half way to the butt ring. I find this gives me more overall control and makes landing a fish much easier, as the softer rod and smooth clutch, give you a much better margin of safety. Try it!
Twilight Barbel
Whisker Specialist
Exclusive reelseat on Infinity Magnum Taper
Fuji SiC Guides on all Infinity Advanced rods
Infinity Advanced Magnum Taper
Infinity Advanced Slim Power
Q: Daiwa are at the top when it comes to the BASIA 45QD. How has it and the Quick Drag feature improved or changed your fishing?
 A: The BASIA is a great bit of kit. Its light weight balances the rod brilliantly and the smoothness of the clutch makes playing fish a dream. Screw the clutch up tight and back wind...no more! These days I keep the anti reverse on, and fine tune the clutch as I play a fish, great for when you have the fish close and the net in the other hand.
A: Two main factors really.
a.) The Basia is light for a big reel, which in turn helps with casting as you are able to move your body quicker – thus generating more power.
b.) The ‘Quick Drag’ facility is a major plus factor and a definite improvement over other systems. The ability to be in control quicker – particularly when fishing near snags can be the difference between landing and losing your prize.
Q: When purchasing 3 or more reels it become expensive!! What important factors do you look at when purchasing new reels?
A: A large spool, smooth winding and clutch, preferably light weight and being of a younger
generation looks are important too! The BASIA falls perfectly into all of these categories and more, the best of a very good bunch.
Q: Clear or dark mono? When and why?
A: For the bulk of my fishing I use Daiwa Sensor. It’s totally
reliable, and once you’ve
hammered it, the low price for a bulk spool means you can
re-spool without breaking the bank. If the water is clear or for surface fishing, then Sensor Clear is a good option.
Q: Also the new Tournament braid hit the shops in 2006. Have you had any experience with it yet?
A: I have the 20lb version on my marker reel and I’m very impressed, mainly by its casting ability as its extremely thin for its strength and on many occasion I have been surprised on how far I’ve been able to put my marker float. It really has added a good 10 to 15 yards to my casting.
 Q: The new Tournament ISO will be a sure winner for 2007. But how do you feel it differs from the BASIA?
A: One of the most obvious differences is the spool capacity on the ISO. There have been
occasions in the past when I’ve fished lakes that require boating baits out at long range. Taking
almost double the amount of line as the BASIA, the ISO certainly solves that problem.
A: The company have made what many of us considered the ultimate reel even better. It feels perfectly balanced with the Infinity rod. Even for the choosey it seems impossible to be critical.
Q: Spodding reels always seem to be cheapened down but surely it’s the reel with the most use. Any advice when choosing a Spod reel?
A: Since Daiwa brought out the Emblem Spod reel, putting a big bed of bait out has certainly got a lot easier. The reel’s quick line retrieval rate makes it much easier to crank a spod back in, while the Castlock facility that locks the bail arm on the cast removes the chance of cracking off. The Autocast facility is another useful edition for getting bait out quickly, as with one touch of the button the line is in the perfect position for the next cast.
Q: When scaling down your end gear, how low will you go and what type of lines and hooks will you use?
A: Whenever I think about scaling my gear down it’s always a balance between getting takes and then being sure I can safely land any fish I do hook. Exactly how low I go tends to be based on the specific swim I’m fishing from and the amount if any of weed and snags it contains. When surface fishing in clearer swims I’ve had a lot of success using the size 10 and 12 Gamakatsu Specialist Wide Gapes coupled with 8lb or 10lb Sensor Clear line.
RODS & LUGGAGE
Q: With so many anglers having to settle for short sessions on the bank due to work commitments etc. What is the most valuable piece of luggage you take to the bank for shorter sessions?
A: (Tom Dove)- My small Infinity holdall has been a savour to me on many occasions, much of fishing is spent walking around with the minimum amount of gear and it has been perfect for my tackle box and odds n ends.
A: The most valuable piece of luggage should have versatile storage, ease of access and comfortable to carry. For short sessions the Mission 40lt Roving rucksack takes some beating, as does the Infinity Quiver.
A: For short session fishing I’ve become a big fan of the Infinity 50lt rucksack. For day only trips or quick overnighters it’s possible to get all of the essential kit like scales, camera, tackle box and bait into it, while still being small and comfortable enough to easily carry for miles on my back if need be.
A: No doubt about it.. the Infinity Overnighter. You cannot fish well, regularly if you are uncomfortable and with the weather we encounter over here you need to be ready for rain, ice, blazing heat and everything in between. You may want to rough it…unnecessarily…I won’t!
Q: Over the last decade you must have seen and used a lot of rods? What are the important factors you look at when choosing your rods?
A: When choosing a rod ask yourself the question, has it got the power to cast the required lead plus bait/bag etc. the distance you require easily? The ‘easily’ is important because it is no good having a rod that will get you where you want with a nice steady back wind, but struggles when conditions are against you. But remember playing pleasure …. Is it forgiving enough to let me feel the fish as it turns for freedom?
For the last year I have been using the 2 ¾ Infinity Magnum. …. and as far as I’m concerned it’s as near to the perfect rod as I have ever used.
A: Obviously the first thing that catches your eye is the look and build quality of the rod. As a carp angler the fight is the best part of catching a fish so a good rod that allows a smooth through action is a necessary in my eyes.
A soft action rod for closer/margin fishing and a stiffer, faster action and maybe longer rod for distances in excess of 100 yards.
A: The key thing for me is picking rods that suit my needs. It’s pointless having stiff 3.75lb rods if you only ever fish in the margins of your 2-acre local lake. At the moment I’m tending to fish on a variety of venues over a season, and so my rod choice is the 2.75lb Infinity Magnums; a compromise between a rod that is still great to play fish of any size on, but will deal with most situations I face. If however I think I might need to cast really long distances, or fish with heavy method feeders or PVA bags, I’ll opt for something in the 3.25+ range.
A: Performance is my No 1 factor when choosing rods. After all, a rod that is unable to meet the demands required is of no use whatsoever. A lot of my fishing is based upon using PVA bags etc. So an ability to be able to cope with these methods is essential.
Q: When storing rods made up in holdall’s have you any top tips to stop rod breakages or rig tangles?
A: If possible taking your leads off of your rigs is a good idea, as the lead will swing and knock your rod. Also when hooking your hook on your butt eye make sure the hook point is on the inside of the eye to stop it catching hold or blunting.
A: These days everyone likes to have their rods ready to go. I like to remove my hook-links at least. This saves any ‘hook ups’ and also keeps my rigs in optimum condition.
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