Why a review of a two-way radio on Angler’s Net? Simply because they can be incredibly useful for fishing! Just imagine these scenarios:
1) You’re fishing with a mate and roving for any number of species. Your partner finds the fish and radios for you to come and join in the action.
2) You’re struggling and your mate calls to say that he too was at first, but a change of bait or lure and he’s absolutely bagging up.
3) You can talk with your mates without having to leave your swim. You thus don’t miss bites and make less disturbance. Hopefully, it’ll also cut down on unattended rods.
Yes, O.K. you could use a mobile phone, but mobiles cost money to run. Two-way radios are absolutely free, and in fact you don’t even need a licence! You can talk to anyone else who’s got such a 2-way radio, even if it’s another make or model.
Their only limitation is range. Over water with a good set you may be able to pick up and transmit up to 2 miles away. In practice, unless you’re boat fishing, it’s likely to be somewhat less, especially if there are buildings in the way. However, even then you can expect a range of at least a mile, which is plenty on the vast majority of waters.
Bear in mind though that there’s quite a difference in quality between the various sets. I compared the mid-price Motorola T6222 with others that my syndicate members have. The T6222 knocked the spots off all of them for both range and clarity of reception. What’s more, the shape of the T6222 made it much easier to hold and operate – in fact all you need is one hand.
The T6222 is powered either by AA batteries or a NiMh rechargeable battery. The AAs last longer, but the rechargeables are very much cheaper in the long run. During field testing I found the rechargeables easily lasted a whole day’s fishing but the AAs managed a long weekend.
The only problem of any kind I had was using the belt clip provided. It was difficult to take the radio off the clip, and it’s not much use when you’re dressed like Michelin Man! The aerial also tended to dig into you if you bent over. However, I’ve just taken delivery of an accessory arm strap and that’s proved invaluable, saving having to dig into a pocket. Velcroed round your upper arm it works a treat. Alternatively, if your fishing jacket has epaulettes on the shoulder, fit it there and look like a copper!
As you’ve gathered I’m convinced of the usefulness of 2-way radios when fishing, especially on big waters. So too are my bailiffs, and the radios also proved invaluable on a recent trip with my wife to an antiques fair. I’m sure you can think up a multitude of other uses as well.
However, one request: please set them so that they vibrate rather than ring – otherwise you could be mighty unpopular with your fellow anglers!
So where do you get such a piece of kit? Mine was supplied by Maximon Solutions, who really know their stuff and have a wide range of makes and models in different price ranges. The T6222 is available in black, blue or yellow and costs £65.30 plus £7.93 for 1 working day delivery. Optional extras include the NiMh battery and charger for £35.24 whilst the arm strap/holder costs £17.61.
You can go straight to the T6222 page on Maximon’s web site at www.maximonsolutions.com/talkabout.html
Copyright Steve Burke, July 2002.
