WHAT’S IN YOUR BOX?
He’s caught big carp all over Rik Europe, but what’s inside Johnson’s tackle box...
RIK Johnson’s been around the carp fishing trade for a long time, having been the main man at Chapmans Angling Centre before becoming territory sales manager for ProLogic.
He’s helped develop the latter’s new range of Last Meter terminal gear, much of which fills his box.
“I won’t use gear just because of who it’s made by – it has to be up to the job,” Rik said. With countless captures of big carp both at home and abroad, it certainly seems that his kit works just fine. Rig Tyer – Although originally designed to set the length of the hair loop when tying a knotless knot, I use this as a vice when sharpening hooks. Super Snake – No, not the latest Celebrity Big Brother contestant, this is in fact a heavy-duty braid which has a multitude of uses. I often use it as a hooklink inside a solid PVA bag, as it’s both supple and strong. Hair Stops – You can never have too many hair stops and, rather than risk running out, I carry plenty. I like the different length ones for use with long and short hairs on all sizes of bait. Last Meter Supercharged – This unleaded leader material sinks like the proverbial brick and is extremely well camouflaged. Lead Clips & Tail Rubbers – My preferred presentation is a lead clip. These ones blend in really well with all sort of lakebeds. Gladio Link – A particular favourite of mine, I rate this as the best coated braid I have used. It’s extremely versatile and, again, very well camouflaged. Bits and Bobs – This compartment houses all my bits and pieces, including scissors, needles, bait drills and more. There are even a couple of secret gadgets in there, but if I showed you those I’d have to kill you! Pole Elastic – I’d never go fishing without this stuff because it’s essential for marking my line for accurate casts. The 6-8 version is perfect as it grips the line but can be pulled off easily at the end of any session.
“My secret gadgets? If I showed you those I’d have to kill you!”