The first choice net for the BPS was the Huntsman Landing Net marketed by Harris Sportsmail. Sadly this has now been withdrawn.  A new company called Spro, who have two differing styles of net that fill the void nicely. The first is very similar to the Huntsman except for being based on a traditional Salmon/Grilse net with a slide through handle; whilst the other net is available in two sizes and has a folding triangular net head. This also has a clip for attaching to your belt or waistcoat. Both nets feature adjustable handles and a pike-safe rubberised mesh. Both are available from various mail order firms for between £25 and £30 - excellent value for money.

Other companies offer similar products, so shop around for the best deals.

A waistcoat is a key part of our roving system, allowing you to travel light; but carry those essential items with you. There are  two types to decide on - Shorties & Regular.

Shorties & zip off vests allow you to wade in fairly deep water without getting the contents in the lower pockets wet, whilst regular waistcoats offer a far greater load carrying capacity and warmth to your lower back. When choosing a waistcoat, look for those that feature a strong shoulder design and preferably a woven or neoprene collar to help support the load. Shakespeare, Daiwa, Greys, Wychwood, etc; all offer a variety of waistcoats to suit all budgets and requirements.

Rod

Forget about the need for 3 lb test curve rods, you just don’t need these. Any decent Carp rod of around 2 to 2½ lb test curve will do, with a length of up to 12 foot easily covering almost every water you will fish. In those waters where you don’t need to reach over marginal weed to fish, a fairly strong spinning rod of between 9 and 10 ft is ideal.

There are many manufacturers out there producing suitable rods to suit all budgets. I personally use two rods from Fox & Greys.

I own a Fox XS Predator 9 ft spinning Rod, and a brand new Greys Prowla 11ft 2.25  lb T/c Bait Rod. Both of these rods will cover virtually any water and conditions that I could ever face.

Everyone will have their own idea of what suits them best. But as a general rule, you want a rod that is light enough to be carried all day long and to cast and retrieve both baits and light lures as well as occasionally putting a float out for a reluctant taker or a short rest.

The secret to our style of fishing is to keep it simple and to travel as light as is humanly possible. This photo of Wayne in action shows perfectly how little gear is actually required for a days fishing on the rove.

All that is missing from this photo is the landing net which is usually clipped to the back of his waistcoat, a small bag containing enough bait for a day’s fishing, a few extra tackle/lure items, some drink, snack bars, terminal tackle, etc. And of course your rod and reel. Everything else that is required for the day is held within the multitude of pockets in the waistcoat.

The real beauty to our style of fishing, is that it brings it well within the financial reach of any angler wishing to try it out for themselves for the first time, or for those who wish to escape from just sitting behind a pair of matched rods waiting for pike to find their bait. Getting on the rove will bring more sport, and more enjoyment.

For those wishing to try it for themselves, here’s a breakdown of some of the equipment that you’ll need.......