Do people really buy an item because angler X is using it? I would actively not buy a brand if a sponsored angler using it irritates me and have done so plenty of times in the past, the worst in angling i have come across have normally been a sponsored one - desperate ****ers.

In reply to Post #1
I think I'd rather try things for myself over what a paid angler is flogging for the bosses.

Most of the time, they don't even use the things they show in their fishing, so no, i only buy things i think that will cover my needs

In reply to Post #3
As above, I've been behind the counter on a "show day" then proceeded to sell terminal tackle of other brands to these muggy "ambassadors" once they had finished promoting items they don't even use themselves.

It's all a con.

The quicker people realise this, the more money they'll keep in their pockets.

In reply to Post #1
There just salesman at the end of the day. Clever advertising and key words.

In reply to Post #1
I think the youngsters that are easily swayed and believe what they see on social media etc .
I only buy bait that Slim Belly is currently using as it’s the best !!!

There's loads on my place. They only bug you if you let them. Otherwise, they're mostly decent blokes under a bit of pressure to catch.

I just leave them to it and catch fish on blunt hooks and last weeks hookbait 👌, you should try it 🙂

Too be fair I bought the MK1 ESP Terry Hearns 23 years ago after seeing Tel advertising them 😂

I still use them as my main rods today.

In reply to Post #8
Well watch a video by a tackle brand and video by one of the bait companies/Cypography. No Delks and using RX+ etc. I always noticed that.

For me, primarily it comes down to my requirements. From there I look at reviews and take recommendations from others… as such my gear is a complete mish-mash of brands

Its the way of the world at the moment isn't it?

Seems to be the same in all avenues of how the public can be parted from their money - influencers influencing where you holiday, eat, enjoy music, which bike you ride, hook you use, which channel you watch and so on.

Feels for a few years now that people are getting sick of it.

Someone must be buying from this method though as they keep on influencing!

Most of my gear is so old that no self respecting influencer or modern sponsored angler would be seen dead with it🤣🤣

Bivvy and soft luggage - Aqua Union Jack - discontinued
Rods - ESP Vertex Distance 12’9”- Discontinued
Reels - Basia QDX 45. Probably my newest big item but superceded by about 5 other models. Not sure if they still make them
Pod - Original Worldwide that I’ve customised into a carbon pod. Probably 15 years old.
Banksticks - Original Solar stainless steel - God knows how many years old.
Alarms - Heavily modified Nash Neville Stainless steel Alarm circa 1990’s - Discontinued
Waterproofs - Aqua Union Jack Himalaya or Berghaus 3 layer extrem - both discontinued
Boat - Original dark green Bic 252. Discontinued
Barrow - Carporter MK1 - Discontinued
Landing net - UltraCult - Anyone remember them. Bought around 1996. Company no longer exists.
End tackle - mix of Temu, Bank Tackle, Korda, Rigmarole, Gardner etc as I see fit to suit the job.

Go on……..influence me then ya barstewards 🤣🤣🤣

In reply to Post #12
Actually you would be classed as über cool
Could be an influencer if you wanted to be
Lol

In reply to Post #12
Older gear especially the Aquas were built different. A mate of mine has a few and the old dome tent/bivvy of his is still going strong. He obviously doesnt use it much but what a bit of kit. My old Armo mk2 made in Stapeley lasted years till it got moused at the back of the garage one winter 😢 I was gutted. Got it cheaper becuse they stitched the wrong badge on it in the shop haha.
My old Solar stainless sticks I also bought from Stapeley 20+ years ago I still use.

I usually just ask on this site for recommendations.