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Right then, let’s talk about one of the most essential, yet often overlooked, bits of kit in your armoury: your fishing catapult.
Forget the little Y-shaped twig you used to fire pebbles at your mates with. We’re talking about precision-engineered baiting tools designed to put a spread of boilies on a sixpence at 80 yards, or to gently shower particles over a spot in the margins.
A good ‘catty’ is your best friend for building up a swim and getting those carp queuing up for a munch. Choosing the right one can be the difference between a blank and a red-letter day. Don’t just grab any old thing off the shelf.
Think about what you’re firing, how far you’re firing it, and get the right tool for the job.
Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
The Best Carp Catapults: Reviewed
Korda Katapult
An absolute classic from Korda, this thing is a proper workhorse.
It comes in two main flavours: a light version for particles and pellets, and a heavy version for launching boilies into the middle of next week.
The frame is tough as old boots, and the rotating collars where the elastic attaches are genius – they genuinely stop it from twisting up, which used to drive me absolutely bonkers. It’s a no-frills, reliable piece of kit that has stood the test of time.
| Specification | Details |
| Frame Material | High-impact polymer |
| Elastic Type | Latex (Light or Heavy) |
| Pouch | Perforated (Light) / Solid (Heavy) |
| Max Distance | 60-80 yards (Heavy model) |
Expert Tip
Those rotating elastic attachments. You’ll fire this thing all day long and it won’t get its knickers in a twist. Simple, but mega effective.
ESP Boilie Pult
When a product has Terry Hearn’s name associated with it, you know it’s going to be special.
The ESP Boilie Pult is a beast, plain and simple. It’s designed for one job and one job only: getting boilies out there at range, accurately.
It’s got a streamlined, minimalist frame that’s surprisingly strong, but the real magic is in the twin-wall elastic. It has some serious poke!
The pouch is deep and perfectly shaped for grouping 15-20 baits tightly, so you get less spread on impact.
If you’re fishing big pits and need to hit the horizon, this is your weapon. It’s not for the faint-hearted, mind you – you need a bit of muscle to get the best from it, but the performance is just unreal.
| Specification | Details |
| Frame Material | High-strength polymer |
| Elastic Type | Twin-wall latex |
| Pouch | Deep, cone-shaped |
| Max Distance | 100+ yards |
Expert Tip
Don’t overload the pouch. The key to hitting range with this is a tight group of baits leaving the pouch cleanly. It’s all about aerodynamics, people!
Avid Carp Multi Catapult
Now this is clever. Very clever.
The team at Avid looked at the problem of needing different cattys for different jobs and came up with a blinder of a solution.
The Multi Catapult is a modular system. You get one super-comfy frame, and then you can buy different pouches and elastics to clip on and off. So, in seconds, you can go from firing maggots in the edge to launching boilies at 70 yards. It’s brilliant!
It saves space, saves money, and means you’re always prepared.
The elastics feature their PTC (Power Twist Control) system, which helps prevent tangles. An absolute result for the angler who likes to stay organised and efficient.
| Specification | Details |
| Frame Material | Polymer with rubberised grip |
| Elastic Type | Interchangeable PTC elastic |
| Pouch | Multiple options (sold separately) |
| Max Distance | Varies with setup (up to 80 yards) |
Expert Tip
Grab the frame and two pouches – a small particle one and a medium boilie one. That’ll cover you for 90% of your fishing situations in the UK.
Fox Slik Powerguard Catapult
Let’s be honest, who hasn’t absolutely whacked their knuckles with a catapult? You’re concentrating on the spot, you pull back, the elastic slips… and BANG! Tears in your eyes.
Well, Fox have sorted that right out with their Powerguard design. The frame has this unique moulded shield that protects your hand. It’s one of those ideas that’s so simple, you wonder why no one did it before!
Beyond that, it’s a top-quality catty. The Slik elastic is super durable and performs brilliantly, and the rigid frame prevents flexing when you’re putting it under serious pressure for long-range work.
They do a few different models for various baits, but that Powerguard feature is the star of the show!
| Specification | Details |
| Frame Material | Polymer with Powerguard grip |
| Elastic Type | Slik Latex |
| Pouch | Varies by model |
| Max Distance | Up to 90 yards (Powerguard Method model) |
Expert Tip
As someone who’s done more than their fair share of baiting up, my knuckles thank Fox for this design. It’s a godsend during a long session when you’re trying to stay accurate and fatigue kicks in.
Buying Guide: How to Pick Your Pult
Choosing the right catapult isn’t rocket science, but get it wrong and you’ll be spraying bait everywhere except where the fish are.
- Match the Bait to the Pult: This is rule number one. You wouldn’t use a delicate little particle pouch to fire 20mm boilies, would you? It’ll break. Likewise, a big, powerful boilie pult will just turn maggots into mush. Particles, pellets, and groundbait need lighter elastics and wider pouches. Boilies need heavy-duty elastics and deeper pouches to group the baits.
- Think Distance: Are you fishing the margins or casting to the horizon? Don’t buy a mega-range pult if you’re only fishing 30 yards out. You’ll have no control. A softer, lighter elastic gives you way more accuracy at short to medium range.
- Get Hands-On: If you can, pick them up in a tackle shop. The handle should feel comfortable. A good grip means better control and less fatigue.
- How to Use It: Be consistent! Use the same number of baits in every pouch. Pull back to the same point every time (your chin, your chest, whatever works). Use a fixed marker on the far bank to aim at. Little and often is the key – don’t pile it all in at once. Build the swim, keep them interested!
- Safety First: Always, and I mean always, check your elastics for nicks or perishing before you use them. A snapping elastic can cause a serious injury. And for goodness sake, check your surroundings before you let fly!
The Final Verdict
So, which one should you buy? Honestly, they’re all top bits of kit from brands you can trust. But if you’re twisting my arm:
- The Ultimate All-Rounder: The Avid Carp Multi Catapult. Its versatility is unmatched. One frame for every situation. It’s just smart.
- For Maximum Range: The ESP Boilie Pult. If you need to send boilies into orbit, this is your tool. An absolute weapon for big-water anglers.
- The Solid & Reliable Choice: The Korda Katapult. It’s a true classic that has never let me down. A brilliant, no-nonsense baiting tool.
- For Comfort & Safety: The Fox Slik Powerguard. That knuckle-protecting grip is a game-changer, especially for newcomers or during long, bait-heavy sessions.
Get the right one for your style of fishing, practice with it, and I guarantee you’ll put more fish on the bank!
FAQs
How do I stop my catapult elastic from twisting?
Look for catapults with rotating attachments where the elastic meets the frame, like the Korda Katapult. These allow the elastic to turn freely, preventing frustrating tangles and improving its lifespan.
Can I use one catapult for all types of bait?
Not effectively. A powerful boilie catapult will be too aggressive for soft particles, while a particle pult won’t have the power to fire boilies any real distance. A modular system like the Avid Multi Catapult is the best solution if you want one frame for multiple bait types.
How often should I replace my catapult elastic?
Inspect it before every session for small cuts, perishing, or weak spots, especially near the connection points. As a rule of thumb, if you fish regularly, replace it at least once a season or as soon as you see any signs of wear.
What’s the best way to improve my baiting accuracy with a catapult?
Consistency is key. Use the same stance, pull back to the same anchor point on your body every time, and load the same amount of bait for each cast. Aim at a fixed marker on the far bank, and practice to learn the trajectory of your chosen bait.
