Thursday Focus - Daiwa Pole Range

This entry was posted on 8th February, 2018

Meet your match with Daiwa

From soft sunrises over landscaped lakes, through the gritty, graffitied realism of urban canals and river banks, to wild, windswept reservoir, there can be few sports that offer as much stunning variety as match angling.

Match fishing gives you the familiar strengths and challenges of UK waters, with the opportunity to experience the secrets and revolutions of waters abroad at hard-fought European angling matches. When your sport blends the familiar and the startling with such striking perfection, you want equipment and accessories that do the same.

Combining Japanese technology with manufacture and design that's British to the core, and crafted around the needs, challenges, and possibilities of British waters, and built to meet the demands, and exceed the expectations, of British anglers, Daiwa's match angling tackle offers something for every aspect of the sport, from the junior novice eagerly shipping in for the first time, to the seasoned professional who can't afford to settle for less than the best. Stocking the UK's largest range of Daiwa tackle, with strong expertise in the match angling arena, including staff who have competed at international level on the match scene, Angling Direct brings you everything you need to strike a presence, and set up a reputation of stand-out success on pegs across the UK and further afield.



Angling Direct, Daiwa, and Match Fishing

With its home and roots in Norwich, Norfolk, Angling Direct has the privilege of being part of a city and county that offers plenty of angling opportunity; recently, angler John Bailey, writing for the region's leading morning newspaper, the Eastern Daily Press, commented on an active, popular match he'd observed in passing, driving along Norwich's Riverside Road, and seeing anglers shoulder to shoulder along one of the most urban stretches of the Wensum, almost all of them seemingly pegged on flyers, from what he could glimpse of rod curves and the flashes of sunlight on landing net handles.  Committed to excellence, whatever your match fishing level, needs, and ambitions, buying Daiwa from Angling Direct is the best decision you'll make in your match angling journey.

Bringing the height of technological sophistication, and the best of design and build quality, together with smooth, responsive handling and striking style, Daiwa's match equipment weaves form and function together into a flawless whole that will last you for years of competitive tournaments, and all the rigours of travelling to the best, most challenging venues.

Match poles typically give a faster, smoother motion than rods, and, with every second counting in a match tournament, are widely preferred by anglers, and Daiwa craft their poles with the same commitment that match anglers bring to their fishing, making Daiwa the perfect match for your competitive angling ambitions.

Whether you're fishing home or away, whether your preference is for rural or urban banks, Daiwa has the poles to put you in first place, no matter what peg you draw, or where your competitive streak takes you.



What do you need in a match pole?

In match fishing, you want the ability to fish past bait that's put out a fair distance from the bank, especially on hard-fished venues where fish will instinctively back away from groundbaits, waiting for the bait to drift, and picking it up a metre or so back from the main feed.  A 16m pole is therefore the ideal length for baiting your swim to 13metres, and fishing cleanly past your bait, catching and shipping in fish that are happily browsing at a range where they feel safe and comfortable.

Because of the speed of movement a match pole is subjected to, having to withstand not just playing in larger carp, but also being swiftly shipped in and out on the fast turnarounds that an angling match demands, you don't want a pole that's soft or flexible; the flex should be in your elastic, not the pole itself.



 

Pole Position With Daiwa

DAIWA CONNOISSEUR G50 XLS



What’s on offer?

Every edition of this pole has proved a popular best-seller for Angling Direct, with match anglers going for the trademark performance that never fails for this pole.

In its most recent incarnation, the Daiwa Connoiseur G50 benefits from XLS design technology, enhancing its already stand-out performance, and setting it lengths ahead of other match poles on the market.

Diamond Satin slide paint on key handling areas gives a faultlessly smooth ship in/ship out, buying you those vital seconds in which match-winning small fish can be pulled clear, together with an effortless feel and easy handling that will cement this pole as a firm favourite in your match angling arsenal.

Whether you’re looking to purchase the pole only, or include a dynamic Match or high-strength Power top kit, you’ll be well-served for years to come with this match pole, which will help you take your competitive angling to the next level, whatever your ambitions.

What do people say?

A pole that more than deserves its popularity, giving match anglers a smooth, results-focused experience every time.

Buy your DAIWA CONNOISSEUR G50 XLS Pole



 

 

 

 

 

DAIWA AIR XLS 16M



What’s on offer?

 The Daiwa Air XLS 16m is a strong, stiff match pole, with superior feel and smooth, seamless shipping in, thanks to the Diamond Slide satin paint used on core handling segments, which glides through an angler's hands, virtually flying into the water, putting your bait in seconds ahead – seconds which could bring you that promising first bite, or give you the time to get a game-changing last-gasp fish clear of the water in time for the final hooter.

 An award-winning match pole that comes with a choice of top kits – the Match kit, which is designed to give you improved speed and accuracy when you're targetting the smaller fish that make up the bulk of a good match haul, or the Power kit, which comes into its own when you're fishing a venue that's known for running bigger fish, including carp, meaning you need more strength than a Match kit offers, backing up the rigidity of your pole with solid pulling power – and a full match package, including Tournament cupping kits, which allow you to take your groundbait out to the furthest reaches of your peg's range, and place it perfectly at the point, or points, you want it,  and a pole holdall to ensure that the vital element of your match angling arsenal arrives at your venue ready to put in without hesitation, and in peak condition, ensuring it will stand up to the speed and motion of a tense, active match fought from a flyer of a peg.

 What do people say?

This is a dynamic item of match tackle that should be first on every professional and pro-am match angler's wish list, and which, with its superior feel and strength, will put you ahead of competitors who are relying on other brands.

Buy your DAIWA AIR XLS 16M Pole



 

 

 

 

 

When you buy from Angling Direct, you're not just buying tackle; you're buying angling passion and expertise – and you're being rewarded, with AD Rewards Points ensuring you can get every element of your match-winning kit sorted in one place, at the best price – saving you time that you can spend researching tactical baiting tips, practicing your match moves, and trying out new bait regimes, so you're ready to win when you take your peg.

 

 

 

DAIWA TOURNAMENT PRO X



What’s on offer?

Offering you a choice of the Tournament Pro X Match, which is designed to give superior performance when you're fishing venues which run smaller fish, where speed and accuracy of bait placement is of prime importance, and the Tournament Pro X Power, which gives you reach and impact on larger waters which host bigger specimens, including strong, lively carp, the Daiwa Tournament Pro X poles, affectionately referred to as “the Tourney”, give you smooth, seamless recovery, speeding up your draw through the water, and gaining you vital seconds over your competitors in a tense match setting, and a superior level of responsiveness that ensures you never feel restricted, even when you're having to reach further and faster to counter a peg where the fish have simply shut up shop, creating an anxious, frustrating prospect for even the most experienced match angler.

With faultless precision, and absolutely no flex, the Tournament Pro poles give the dedicated match angler an unrivalled handling experience that ensures you stay energised and enthusiastic, even with the demands of the most active match, fished from a flyer, a situation where other poles might make their presence known in your hands, shoulders, and forearms. Daiwa's renowned Diamond Slide satin paint gives you the fastest turnaround and the smoothest feel, which combine to offer a definite advantage in packed matches on popular venues.  The Tournament poles are also perfectly balanced for smooth, precision bait placement from pole cups, ensuring your peg is loaded exactly the way you want it, while top-rated elastic ensures you can handle bigger fish with confidence, and bring in smaller fish with speed and ease.

What do people say?

Supplied with everything you need to start your match season off the way you intend to continue, including a pole holdall to ensure your vital piece of tackle makes it to your venue in prime condition, the Daiwa Tournament poles are a popular choice for all match anglers, from the casual competitor who enjoys the social aspect of a challenge at their local venue, to the international pro who's always thinking ahead to the tactics they'll need at the next European venue.

Whether you're looking for speed or power in your top kit, Daiwa never compromise on the quality and performance of their overall set up, so you'll never have to settle for something that's “good enough.”  When you want to be the best, you need to buy the best, and Daiwa, in partnership with Angling Direct, allows you to do that, each and every time you want to add to your match fishing arsenal.

Buy your DAIWA TOURNAMENT PRO X Pole



 

 

 

 

 

DAIWA AIRITY 16M POLE



 What’s on offer?

 A trusted pole that's a firm favourite among top-flight match anglers who expect the very best from their tackle and equipment, the Daiwa Airity is refined and enhanced to provide amazing balance, a test curve that will succeed time and time again, on all venues, with any species, and a feel and performance that will ensure you never want to put this pole down, and which will have you reaching for it as your first thought at each and every match, whatever the going is like on your peg.

 X4S construction creates dynamic, anti-compression handling zones, giving you complete confidence on every ship in and ship out, and a sturdy, reliable feel to your pole that will last throughout your match angling career.

 Perfectly suited to the British angler's needs, the Daiwa Airity gives you length, strength, and performance power, turning even the worst peg of the draw into a flyer when paired with tactical baitng and cunning twists and change ups in angling technique.

What do people say?

 A quality product, UK match anglers believe this is the best pole on the market, and one that will be by your side for years to come, helping you make your name, and consistently beat your personal best, at matches across the UK and Europe.

Buy your DAIWA AIRITY 16M Pole



 

 

 

 

 

If you’re looking for a slightly more affordable pole that still gives you superb results out on the peg, try the

DAIWA MATCHWINNER C3 14.5M



What’s on offer?

A truly versatile pole that can be fished beyond it’s 14.5m length with the appropriate Phex attachment fitted, or fitted with rigid mini extensions to convert down into an effective short-range pole, giving you the ability to explore the increasingly popular tactic of margin fishing, or, conversely, give yourself the full reach of the venue, picking up fish who have stayed out of the range of other anglers.

The Matchwinner range has been designed to offer maximum cross-compatibility for top kits, with all kits pre-brushed, and featuring UK made Pure PTFE brushes, as well as being pre-bore wrapped, giving anglers the option of easily fitting side pullers to these dynamic, capable match poles.

Slide easy matte finish paint ships your pole in and out with a glide so smooth, you’ll barely notice it, giving you speed and flow throughout your match. Daiwa’s decision to opt for selective areas of reinforcement on this high-grade carbon pole have kept the pole lightweight, without impacting on its movement or effectiveness, giving you a top-flight match fishing experience at an affordable price.

All poles come fitted with a Match top three kit, and supplied with spare Match and Power top kits, as well as tournament cups, pole holdall, and tubes, for a formidable, complete match fishing kit that delivers well above its price point.

What do people say?

Offering superb handling for the price, this is an excellent package that’s well worth the money.

Buy your DAIWA MATCHWINNER C3 14.5M Pole



 

 

 

 

 

For match anglers who’re just starting out, and really need to keep to a budget, there’s the

DAIWA POWER CARP MARGIN POLE



An ideal addition to any match angling kit, and an affordable way for cash-strapped newcomers to the match arena to sneak in a sly, competitive advantage.

Margin fishing is gaining popularity, and prominence, as a way to win matches on hard-fished venues, where fish are sensibly wary about the open expanse of water, where they've seen plenty of bait being placed, and been frequently surprised by a sudden hook, and a short, sharp journey to the surface.  The larger fish, particularly, are the ones that have learned to steer clear of easy feeds, and conserve their energy for uninterrupted, natural banquets.  These fish tend to keep to the sheltered spots on the edges of a lake, river, or canal, close to the bank, deep in the weeds, at a distance that's awkward for longer match poles to scale back to.

At half the length of a typical match pole, the Daiwa Power Carp Margin Pole is perfect for the kind of short range fishing that can turn around a peg that, being up in a tight spot, may seem, at first, like a bad draw, and gives the angler on a flyer something to do when the action goes quiet, as it does on even the best draws, from time to time.

Buy your DAIWA POWER CARP MARGIN Pole



 

 

 

 

 

Whether you want to exercise competitive advantage from the very start of your match fishing career, or you're simply looking to build a match tackle set up that gives you angling opportunities for every second of a match, whatever the fish decide to do during the time you're on the peg, then this affordable, versatile margin pole is a good buy, and a vital weapon in your arsenal.

 

Top Tips

In match fishing, whatever you can do to get an edge over your rival anglers will make a difference to your final score.  Steve Ringer particularly likes to make the most of tactical baiting, and fishing past a groundbait layer.  He also reminds match anglers chasing a win not to underestimate the importance of fishing until the final moments of a match, as those last-gasp tiddlers can make all the difference.



Here’s a little more detail on Steve Ringer’s suggestions…

Tactical Baiting

Angling in general, and match angling in particular, are about far more than just the tackle you put in the water, and the conditions on the day.  Angling is about knowledge, skill, and preparation.

Just as river anglers will free bait their local waters through the close season, turning the fish there on to certain baits, and leading them to expect choice morsels at certain spots, making it more likely that, come June 16^th, there'll be plenty of piscatorial action exactly where anglers want it, so match anglers, too, can benefit from tactical baiting.

If you have the opportunity to visit the venue the day before your match, or you're competing at a multi-day event, be aware that carp, particularly, seem to favour bait that has been in the water for 12-24hours, perhaps because it has released a stronger scent trail, perhaps because, on hard-fished venues, they've become used to the pitfalls of rushing in to feed on fresh, new bait.  Baiting around a venue the evening before, especially if you've already had your peg drawn, can yield impressive results the following day, and is certainly a tactic worth trying, whatever bait you're using.

 

Fishing Past Your Groundbait

 If you put an underwater camera in to the waters of most popular venues during a match, you'd notice something interesting; fish, particularly the smaller ones who can often end up sneaking you a win in the closing minutes of a tense match, will back away from bait placed in the centre of a swim, and they don't tend to come much closer, especially if other anglers are spodding during the match.

One option, of course, is to use a method feeder, which breaks down a variety of bait, creating a tasty trail right to your hook.  A  more effective option is to fish beyond your bait pile, where cautious fish are waiting for the natural movement of the water to roll bait back, allowing them to pick off individual offerings without risk.

Fishing past your bait is simple: bait to the end of your pole's reach, then sit as far forward as is practical and comfortable on your seatbox, leaning out, and bringing the tip of your pole clear of your groundbait, dropping hookbait into the laps of fish who feel safe, and ready to feed.

Of course, for this to work effectively,  you need a stable, durable seatbox, such as the Daiwa Tournament 500, which provides an integrated footplate, giving you strong, steady support when you need to take your pole, and your weight, well forward, as well as plenty of on-box storage, so you can bring all your essential tackle to the peg, ensuring everything you need is immediately to hand, and ready for action



Never Underestimate That Last-Gasp Fish

Matches are won by insignificance.  In the final couple of minutes of a match, it can be tempting to fish for appearance, especially if it seems that the fish have shut up shop. Try offering different bait, presented in a new way, take your pole past your groundbait, and be ready for action as soon as you feel a take.  If a fish is clear of the water when the hooter goes to signal the end of the match, it counts – and, sometimes, even a tiddler of a fish can make the ultimate count, and give you victory by a seemingly insignificant few grammes.

Last Words…

Whatever your match angling ambitions, with Daiwa's technology, intelligent design, and craftsmanship that's all about performance, feel, and responsive handling, combined with Angling Direct's knowledge, passion, and angling expertise, you can easily find the tackle and accessories to take your fishing to the next level, and set the standard as a serious angler, backed by a company that's serious about your fishing, and a brand that's dedicated to perfection.

Match angling is a complex, demanding discipline, whose challenges are best met by the technology and future-thinking that's part of the DNA of the Daiwa brand.

Buying the best can be expensive, whatever your sport, hobby, or discipline; having the best, however, is priceless.  Angling Direct price check all our leading brand items, ensuring you'll never find them cheaper, while our AD Rewards scheme makes buying the additional tackle to enhance your angling arsenal even cheaper.  If your debut match comes before your next payday, we may be able to offer you flexible, affordable financing options, so you can get the tackle and equipment you want, when you need it.

Daiwa and Angling Direct: a match made in fishing heaven.