Probably the simplest item of leger tackle, the bomb has been refined and tweaked over the years. There’s now one to cover every possible bomb fishing scenario.
MIDDY SQUARE MATCH BOMBS
Small, square leads with a built-in swivel, designed to create minimal splash. The flat sides hold well on the bottom, resisting movement from liners and tow, which is a common problem with leads under 1oz (28g). The small splash is reminiscent of loosefed pellets.
+ Great over both hard bottoms and silt
+ Go-anywhere lightweight leads
+ Hold the bottom well for a smaller lead
+ Fly well for a square lead
- Only suitable for short-range work
Weights: 7g, 10g, 14g, 21g (0.25oz-0.75oz)
Price: £1.85 for two, www.middytackle.com
PRESTON DISTANCE BOMBS
These are the classic bomb shape, designed for optimum distance and accuracy. The small sizes are non-toxic in order to remain legal for use in the UK, while the larger sizes are lead, reducing the overall size needed.
+ No-compromise on accuracy and distance
- Limited bolt rig effect
- Small size and dense material mean they sink into silty bottoms
Weights: 15g, 20g, 30g, 45g (0.5oz-1.6oz
Price: £2.49-£2.99 for two, www.prestoninnovations.com
GURU IMPACT BOMBS
This is a pear-shaped lead with a caged hole in the middle that can be stuffed with soaked pellets or groundbait, delivering a small sample of feed right next to the hookbait.
+ Can be used with or without feed
+ Can be fished free-running or with lead clips for a bolt effect
- A true bomb shape would cast better
Weights: 19g, 31g, 43g, 57g (0.7oz-2oz)
Price: £3.99 for two, www.tackleguru.com
KORDA INLINE FLAT LEADS
Perfect for larger specimen fish and use with bigger hooks, these heavyweight inline leads give far greater hooking potential over swivel pear leads when fished over hard bottoms.
+ Internal tubing prevents line damage
+ Exceptional self-hooking effect
+ Discreet on the bottom – looks like a stone
- Only suitable for hard bottoms
- Don’t cast well enough for use at long range
Weights: 31g-141g (1.1oz-5oz)
Price: £1.85-£2.49, www.korda.co.uk
DINSMORES BALL LEGERS
A traditional style of weight, often used on rivers for rolling a bait under features using the flow – perfect for when barbel and chub want a moving bait.
+ The inline design provides great self-hooking properties
+ Can be manoeuvred into otherwise unfishable spots
- Fly a little awkwardly, limiting their range
- The non-toxic material makes them a little bulky in the larger sizes
Weights: 10g-40g (0.35oz-1.4oz)
Price: £2.99-£3.25 per pack, www.dinsmores.co.uk
PRESTON ICS INLINE MATCH CUBES
An inline square lead, fully compatible with the ICS quick-change system. You can remove the lead and replace it with any ICS lead or feeder without disassembling the rig. It can also be elasticated if used with an elasticated stem kit.
+ Use with or without elastic
+ Excellent self-hooking properties
- Not great over silty bottoms
- Accuracy and distance are limited, especially in smaller sizes
Weights: 15g, 20g, 30g, 45g (0.5oz-1.6oz)
Price: £3.99 for two, www.prestoninnovations.com
