When a manufacturer with the pedigree of Hardy's releases any new product we at Fish&Fly are always keen to investigate. In this instance, even if the product is for the coarse fishing market we believe that this will still be of interest to enough of our readers to justify publishing our findings, especially as the growing trend in "classic coarse" fishing has many crossover fans with fly fishing.

Several of the Fish&Fly staff also enjoy their coarse fishing and we are sure many of you do to. We do not plan for this to become a frequent event, but we have got several products in the range which we will be reviewing over the next week or two for your (and our) interest.

Fly fishing for pike has been getting a growing following over the last few years thanks to several specialist guides such as David Wolsoncroft Dodds and bodies like the Pike Anglers Club.

Fish&Fly editor Paul Sharman recently met up with David in deepest Wiltshire to try out a new rod which has been developed specially to cater to the pike fly fishing market.

Apart from the obvious eye protection benefits, wearing polarised sunglasses is often advised for the benefits they bring in cutting glare and enhancing fish spotting in clear water.

Saltwater guide Justin Anwyl has been out and about with some Hammerhead glasses from Costa del Mar and gives his thoughts inside.........

Fish&Fly member Steven Murgatroyd, who won a Greys G-Tec earlier this year in our "Fishermens Tales" writing competition, has written in with his thoughts since getting out to use his new "magic wand" for the first time.

"This is the best fly reel I have ever used." High praise indeed and especially when coming from England International team member Jeremy Lucas. But what is it that made Jeremy get so excited about his particular reel - read on inside as he explains the reasons for his decision.

Tippet material choice can be quite personal and there is an ever growing selection. Jeremy Lucas reviews Fulling Mill's World Class Copolymer.

I have been using this leader material for almost three years now, having had it for a year before it was released for sale during a test phase. This copolymer is absolutely at the top of the leader material development gradient. It is supple and has reliable knot strength (see below), while having a thin diameter for the corresponding breaking strain.

A trip to the Spey in May was a marvellous excuse for our salmon editor to try the Hardy Demon double hander. His verdict?“It is a very rare thing for me to put down my beloved Sage and not pick it up again. But that’s just what I did. This rod is tremendous. 
Do I have to give it back?” 

The rod was beautifully balanced, light as feather and responded to a feather-like touch—yet the line fairly sailed into the distance, simple as you please, thank you very much. Casting with this rod was like conducting an orchestra with small smooth delicate movements resulting in long, tightly unfurling note-like loops. Have we forgotten how lovely flycasting can be?