Tackle Store

Do you enjoy buying equipment but are a bit anxious about whether it is going to be right for you?  Most good tackle shops will let you return a rod if you are not happy, however at Meon Springs, you have the added advantage of being able to try it before you buy it.  We are authorized dealers for ORVIS and whole-heartedly recommend their equipment. 

Below is a guide to the type of equipment needed to fish a still-water and a list of what we stock.

We offer 10% discount on all tackle to members of our club (see come fishing webpage).


Rods
When buying a rod, you need to choose a size to match the waters that you intend to fish.  You will want to buy a size 4-6 to get the best performance at Meon Springs.

For a great first rod, you can buy an orvis streamline from us for £65.  For a slightly smoother action, try a clearwater at £115 and for a better class of rod altogether, we recommend the T3, at £360.


Reels
On purchasing a reel, consider the quality of engineering and then find a reel size to fit your rod. The longer the rod, the bigger the arbor you need.  You will want to buy the battenkill mid-arbor at £99 to fit your rod size of 4-6 needed at Meon Springs. 


Lines
When selecting a line, look for smoothness, cast-ability, “lack of memory” (that means the lines ability to straighten quickly) and longevity.  At Meon Springs we stock the clearwaters at £22.95, the silver label at £29.95 and the generation 3 starting at £55.  The cheaper lines are ideal for novices however the generation 3 will give you much greater smoothness and superb presentation.


Flies
Trout take on different flies in different conditions.  Please enlist on our email update to get a weekly idea of what is best (update@meonsprings.com). These can be purchased from your local tackle shop or  you can buy a wide range of flies on site at £1.00 each.  We also stock “load and lock” fly boxes at £13, they hold loads of flies, which do not fall out.


Sunglasses
Eyes are a precious commodity that must be protected at all costs. A fly traveling at speed can do very serious damage - never fish without them in place. A polarizing pair also enables you to spot fish below the water.  We stock basic polarized glasses for £10 as well as some better styles, such as the Orvis predator for £39.


Hats
Baseball type hats are ideal as the wide brim affords shading that enhances vision when used in conjunction with your polarizing sunglasses. A hat also adds protection from those errant flies, shades you from the sun and keeps the top of your head warm.  You can buy Meon Springs hats for £10.


Nets
Like everything else, there are several types of nets that you can choose from. Bank fishermen are more comfortable with the longer handled sort that gives greater reachability.  You can buy the Snowbee sea-trout nets from us for £27.  They have a very robust, folding head, extendable handle and a deep bag.  On our catch and release we insist that you use a shallow pan net (£18).  If you do not have one, we will lend you on request.


Pliers
This is an important piece of tackle. When you’ve had enough of fishing with a barbed hook and wish to have a go on our Catch and Release, you will need to flatten the barb.  You can buy a set from us that you can comfortably carry in your pocket for £1.95.


Trout Peg
Catching a trout early in a hot summer’s session means that before you know it, your trout is nearly cooked! Put your trout on a trout peg in the water and it will stay fresh all day.  For £8 you can buy a trout peg for the purpose at Meon Springs.

Forceps
Always carry a pair of long nosed forceps. They are ideal for retrieving the occasionally deep-hooked fly.  You can buy forceps here for £3


Priest
Having caught your trout, you must dispatch it quickly and efficiently by using the aptly-named Priest to deliver it's last rites!  You can buy Meon Springs engraved priests from us for £20.


Rod licence
Failure to provide a valid Environment Agency rod licence could result in prosecution (maximum fine £2,500).  Day fishing licences are available from the fishing lodge for £5.

We have a good relationship with many tackle stores in the local area (see our links page) and are pleased to recommend, the best supplier of any brands or equipment we do not stock.