After an extended period of fishing mainly with ‘swingers’, I’ve made the decision to change to ‘bobbins’ to see if it improves my set up and allows me to get better indication on the odd occasion a carp picks up my bait!
There are a whole range of manufacturers competing across the market, but, as I’ve been using quite a few Gardner products recently, I thought I’d get the ‘Bug’. Bug indicators are available in four different sizes to suit any given situation, from micro and mini through to maxi and mega, and spare interchangeable parts are available for all.
The Bug also comes in a wide variety of colours to suit changing light conditions (and carpers constantly changing moods!) and has a betalight slot so it can be seen at night. I chose the white indicators, and they have been easy to see in almost all circumstances.
With a huge choice of differing screw in weights and options to go for, the 22mm megabug seems to suit me the best; I can fish slack or tight lines and know that because I’m using a fairly short 15cm chain, the minimum weight means I’m not going to pick my mainline up off the bottom as long as I’ve given it plenty of time to sink.
Attaching to Bug to the mainline is simple; two rubberised antennae protuding from the top of the body allow the Bug to grip the line safely, but more importantly, release quickly when lifting the rods. A small ring sits around the antennae which can be moved up or down to provide tension so it can be adjusted to fit lines (or braids) with different diameters; a neat little touch rather than the clumsy screw thread arrangement on many other designs.
The anti-rust chains are finished in a tidy matt black and come in either the short 15cm length or can be exchanged for longer 30cm chains if required; again spares can be purchased in the unlikely event of a breakage. Fitting the Bug to a buzzbar or bankstick is via an ‘O’ shaped bracket. For those who like the idea of looking smart on the bank, the range includes a Bug cradle designed to stop your Bugs getting grubby and stop them swinging around in the wind.
Using my Bugs presented no unforeseen difficulties, no tangles or issues with them coming off the line unnecessarily, and bite indication was outstanding so I would definitely recommend them.
Complete Bug indicators are available for around £8.99rrp and are supplied in packs of two. Changeable parts at start from just £1.99 and let the angler construct a Bug to suit exact requirements. More details (and video demonstrations) at www.gardnertackle.co.uk or contact your local stockist.
Clint Walker, 2011 ©
