Tackle Tuesday… ESP Anchor Braid

This entry was posted on 11th November, 2014

Reviewed by Advanced Carp Fishing Magazine…

ESP Anchor Braid Review

With so little time available to me this year, pretty much all of my fishing has been done on day-only sessions (or shorter), as well as the odd opportunity to 'chuck them out' features.

As such, purely from a convenience point of view, I've fished almost exclusively with solid PVA bags, apart from a few boilie fishing trips. As much as I am fussy which bags I use, the single most important component is the hook link. I am very particular which like I use and I'm quite choosy in terms of its characteristics.

Obviously it needs to be braided material and I also prefer it to sink. I have also always preferred a round profile and a fairly tight weave, so as to make tying rigs as easy and pain free as possible.

Plenty of options have come and gone and I've rated many of them, but when I received a few spools of ESP Anchor Braid hook link for testing at the turn of the year I was impressed from the off. From the spool, it felt ideal and tying a few rigs in the office confirmed it's ease of use. A bit of tank testing saw it literally plummet to the bottom, another essential characteristic.



Although I use super-sharp scissors I have encounter a few fraying problems with some materials, but not this one. I'm presuming it's because of the tight weave; whatever the case, it was impressive.

In subsequent months actually using the braid on the bank, I remain impressed and it stays in my tackle box and on numerous rigs I have tied up ready to stuff into bags.

There are two breaking strains, 15lb and 20lb, in two colours, green and brown. My preference has always been for the brown because I only use it inside my bags, so it blends perfectly with my mixes. I doubt it makes much difference but it gives me that extra per cent or so of confidence. I also opt for the 20lb version because it's rugged yet plenty supple enough. Sorted!

Key Features - Extra dense and heavyweight - Designed to sink fast without tungsten putty - Super supple and limp - Hugs the bottom following contours and undulations - Blend of high-tech fibres - Provides excellent knot strength - Definite edge when fishing for rig-shy carp

Buy The ESP Anchor Braid