The first thing I noticed about the video is that it is not in wide-screen, the de-facto standard now for all TV productions. I did watch it twice though. Well, sort of, because the first time I fell asleep and missed most of the ….. action? There are some nice graphics showing how the lures behave in the water. Graphics are one thing, but showing their behaviour in reality, even if it was filmed in a tank, would have been much better. However, you are told on every Fox lure that they are ‘tank tested’ so they should do what the label says and how the graphics show it. There’s a short chapter on rod choice although they only mention the Fox range and model names and don’t point you to what casting strengths you should look for. Sadly there was nothing specific on reels either, choice of types or makes, etc. Nor on braids, which I found strange since Fox do sell braids and Dave Kelbrick was talking about breaking strains up to 80lbs, so couldn’t he have said what line that was? Could it be that Fox don’t market such a line yet, but don’t want to spoil their pitch by recommending another make now in case they come in with one at a later date? Some idea on how to load it, how much to use, and how far off the top of spool it should come. I know this, but many watching the video won’t know and that is really useful stuff to know. They mentioned the Fox Solid Jerk Bait Traces, but again, we didn’t see one close-up in the flesh nor how to tie one on, just a picture of the tube they arrive in and a graphic of fitting a lure to one. No mention either of the terrific spinnerbaits that Fox do, one of my favourite lures. Nor of the bucktails, Polaris, Inducer, and Weedbuster. Might they be discontinued? I was also appalled at both Mick and Dave putting the lure’s hook through the bottom rod ring to secure the lure rather than using the keeper ring. That is a VERY BIG NO, NO! I suppose if you’re in their privileged position and given all the rods you could ever want any time you want them it’s OK, but for us mere mortals of the rod buying public, never, ever follow that practice, please. Sorry lads, bad example that! There might have been a time limit on making this film, but that being the case, more preparation could have been put into the planning of what they had to show to make it a true ‘guide’ for the ‘newcomer’ and ‘experienced angler’ alike. I got the feeling it was a film of a couple of mates enjoying a nice few days afloat, pike fishing together and exhibiting some Fox lures. It failed to educate me into how the lures should be really worked, neither did it entertain me. I felt like a viewer at a distance and didn’t for one minute feel involved. If anyone thinks from this that I am on an anti-Fox rant, you couldn’t be far wrong. I very much appreciate what Fox are doing in the lure market, never before have so many quality jerk baits and other lures been offered to lure fisherman at reasonable prices. In this respect I am a big Fox fan and it really irks me to slate it in this way. I was just so disappointed with this video (whoever had made it) and in this day and age we expect more. Having worked in the film and TV industry, I have seen what goes on and 90% of it is in planning and preparation. After that it’s getting the script right, taking many shots from different angles and the final bit is in the good editing. At £ 9.99 I can’t really recommend the DVD, but give it away free on the counter it might sell some rods and lures. Rating: 4/10 |
