LONG TERM TEST: Fox Match MSB Seatbox - 26/03/2009

If you’re an angler who travels with a mate in a standard-size car you’ll know what I mean when I say that some seatboxes are just way too big, and as someone who used to use a MatchBox previously the switch over to this box was easy for me as it’s dimensionally very similar. I’ve used it on a variety of venues, with and without the footplate depending on the venue I’ve been fishing, and it’s done everything I wanted it to and more. The side drawers hold a load of accessory kit and are reliable, and the clip-on in-between pole/accessory trays are well engineered and made to last.

At first I was very sceptical about the three spirit-level bubbles, which are there to help you get the box perfectly level, but after using them I can confirm that they aren’t a gimmick and they do work, so if pole fishing is your game this could well be the box for you.

The big side tray is just the right size for my needs and the seat includes a pole holder, which sits neatly under the crotch. I use this in conjunction with a bump bar for balling in and for situations where I need to keep the pole still. The biggest compliment I can pay this box is that within just a couple of weeks of owning it I didn’t have to think about where things were or how to set it up. In the past that transition from one box to another has taken me a few months to become totally happy.

• Dave Harrell