Live test: Mitchell Impact Feeder rods

IYCF’s Tony Grigorjevs takes a look at Mitchell’s new range of rods designed for modern commercial fisheries

COMMERCIAL fisheries are now a very different type of venue to what they used to be. The carp and F1s that could easily be held with one hand have packed on the pounds and many are now double-figure chunks that barely fit in a landing net! As a result, tackle companies have had to realign their design process when it comes to launching new products capable of subduing these big fish with minimal fuss. Mitchell is the latest brand to create a new set of rods that are bound to excite commercial enthusiasts, with the Impact R range set to hit the shelves. The 11ft Method Feeder model (£79.99) was my weapon of choice for the live test at Hillview Lakes in Gloucestershire. Moorhen Lake is a typical commercial water where the fish are growing at a staggering rate. Use the wrong kit and you’re going to find yourself in all sorts of trouble! With the wind gusting into the righthand bank and no anglers set up on it, I felt confident that chucking a small feeder packed with pellets close to an empty platform would produce. A 30g cage loaded with micros was launched in the right direction and despite being around 40 yards away, the rod made it effortless and achieved it with accuracy. Armed with the 1oz tip (it also comes with a 1.5oz version too) it took around 30 minutes to get a bite but when I did the power shone through. Cranking into the fish, there was only ever going to be one winner and a 4lb F1 was soon beaten. The power through the blank that progressively fed its way through to the tip helped subdue numerous fish to 8lb on the day. If smaller F1s and big silver fish are more to your liking then you are also catered for, with lighter float and feeder rods among the extensive range. As if the rods aren’t enough, Mitchell has also launched a brand new reel which includes a pretty unique feature. The Full Control MX7 (£119.99) has been designed in both 2000 and 4000 sizes with the latter perfect for commercial float and feeder work. But it is the slightly bizarre looking trigger that helps control the clutch in an instant that will help these sell like hot cakes. Setting the drag fairly slack helps avoid that gut wrenching feeling of having your rod pulled in on the take but you then have the problem of an angry carp ploughing off at pace in a split second before you can tighten it up. That issue is a thing of the past with this reel though, because simply placing your finger on lever temporarily tightens the drag before you are able to do so in a more conventional manner. The line lay is impressive, as is the pace at which they retrieve a feeder. Mitchell has a proud history in the sport and there is every chance this combo will add to that legacy.

The unique handle helps tighten the clutch a split second after hooking a big fish