Match Fishing Magazine

You voted, we counted and now the results are in for the prestigious Match Fishing Tackle Award 2011.

From the best pole, rods and reels, to the bait, tackle innovations and luggage that you thought deserved recognition this year, you, the Match Fishing readers and website visitors have spoken – and here is what you had to say.


Best Flagship Pole
Winner
Daiwa Airity

What can we say about the Daiwa Airity that hasn’t already been said? This has to be the ultimate pole on the market and judging by the amount seen on the bank, you lot think that too! Used by so many of the sport’s finest anglers, the Airity really is the benchmark that all other poles are measured against. A worthy winner!

Runner-Up: Browning Xitan Z9


Best Carp/Power Pole
Winner
Garbolino G-Max Power Carp

Designed specifically for the UK market, the Power Carp has been a huge success story for French tackle giants Garbolino. This is a beast of a pole that is more than capable of handling size 20 elastics yet has the rigidity to allow it to be used at long lengths. Garbolino is well known for producing quality carp poles and this one is a classic!

Runner-Up: Browning Xitan Z2 Carp Master


Best Budget Pole
Winner
MAP TKS 325

The TKS range of poles has been a big hit for MAP and the fact that the 325 has been voted as the best budget pole backs that up. The quality and performance of the 325 is exceptional and there can’t be many better poles on the market in the price bracket.

Runner-Up: Shimano Technium


Best Seatbox
Winner
Rive RX D36

The most expensive seatbox on the market wins our award and considering how many you see on the bank it is no surprise. The 36mm legs give the box awesome stability even when fully extended and the host of accessories that go with the box allow it to be customised to your own personal spec.

Runner-Up: Preston Innovations Space Station XSII


Best Float Rod
Winner
Daiwa Airity range

Perhaps the finest float rods ever produced, the Airity rods have a brand-new concept in handle design, moving away from the traditional cork. These are some of the most expensive rods on the market; however, their actions are fantastic and certainly worth the price tag.

Runner-Up: Shakespeare Mach 3XT 11ft Pellet Waggler


Best Feeder Rod
Winner
Preston Innovations Mini F1

The Mini range has always been popular and the addition of the F1 rods has only boosted that. They have proved perfect for short chucks on commercials, with the action proving ideal for Method-feeder work. The rods are available at a great price considering their quality, and we can’t recommend them enough.

Runner-Up: Daiwa Airity


Best Reel
Winner
Daiwa TD-X

It’s no surprise to find out that the TD-X was the winner of this award. Despite their price tag these Daiwa reels are some of the most popular on the market… and on the bank. Available in single or double-handled versions, these reels have great winding power and a silky smooth front drag.

Runner-Up: Shimano Technium FC


Best Luggage Range
Winner
Preston Innovations Hardcase Monster

A hugely popular product for Preston, the Monster luggage is a common sight and given the fantastic range of products available it is easy to see why. The luggage has been well thought out to make storage easier and neater. The material and build quality are excellent and the design is also rather tasty.

Runner-Up: MAP Parabolix


Most Innovative Product Of The Year
Winner
MAP Hooklength Storage Box

This completely new concept in hooklength storage from MAP has certainly caused a stir on the match scene. Allowing any length of hooklength to be stored thanks to its clever foam system, this box is a cracking product and a deserving winner.

Runner-Up: Drennan Method Feeders


Best Bait Product/Range
Winner
Dynamite Baits Steve Ringer Swim Stim Range

Designed by Steve Ringer, arguably the best commercial angler in the country, the latest Swim Stim groundbaits have certainly proved to be a big hit. Supplied in two different mixes and in 2kg bags, they are great value and very effective.

Runner-Up: Marukyu EFG Groundbaits


Best After-Sales Service
Winner
Daiwa

Daiwa is well known for its after-sales service and has won many awards in the past for its customer care. The company is clearly keeping the customers happy, which is pleasing to hear in such hard times. Good work Daiwa!

Runner-Up: MAP


Best Mail-Order Company
Winner
Nathans of Derby

Nathan’s really is one of the top tackle shops in the UK and judging by the amount of votes they received you think so too. Thanks to excellent customer service and speedy delivery, Nathan’s online side of the business is growing by the month, and after using its website it is easy to see why.

Runner-Up: Fosters of Birmingham


Best Fishing Website
Winner
matchfishing-scene.co.uk

Arguably the biggest match fishing community on the internet, matchfishing-scene has become a fantastic forum with thousands of knowledgeable, friendly members. With member competitions, its own champions league and various other perks, it really has become the must-see website for the match angler.

Runner-Up: matchfishingmagazine.com


Tackle Company Of The Year
Winner
Daiwa

Yet another award for the Scottish tackle giant and perhaps the most important one of all! Daiwa’s quality products combined with the best customer service obviously mean a lot to the public and that is why it has won this fantastic accolade. With another great range of products ready for 2012 we can see yet another bumper year for Daiwa.

Runner-Up: MAP


Best Match Venue
Winner
Maver Larford Lakes

Larford, in Worcestershire, has become the finest venue in the country thanks to Phil Briscoe’s vision in creating the three lakes that we now take for granted. The Match Lake has some of the finest F1 fishing available, with Arena also boasting huge match weights throughout the year. The Speci Lake is perhaps the showstopper with its colossal head of big carp, and with huge shoals of bream and other species to target it really is the ultimate lake. Popular with club and open anglers alike, Larford is always busy throughout the year and hosts many big events during a season. A must for any match angler!

Runner-Up: White Acres