Welcome to Gerry’s Fishing. As the UK’s largest specialist independent fishing tackle store, we know that when it comes to outfitting yourself for a serious session, you need gear that absolutely will not let you down. We have spent over four decades supplying local anglers here on the Morecambe coast and thousands more worldwide with top-tier equipment. Today, we are taking an in-depth look at one of the most iconic, influential, and globally recognized brands in the history of angling: Fox International.
If you are a carp angler, a predator hunter, or a dedicated specimen specialist, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the history, the brand’s core specialities, and the flagship products that have made the “Fox” logo a stamp of absolute premium quality on the bank.
The History of Fox International: From a Garage to Global Dominance
The story of Fox International is one of the most famous “rags to riches” tales in the UK tackle industry. It did not begin in a corporate boardroom or a massive manufacturing plant; it started in a small Essex garage in 1967.
The company came to life when founder Cliff Fox, an obsessive angler with a brilliant knack for engineering, started a company on his 18th birthday called “Fox Angling Supplies.” Cliff recognized that the tackle available at the time simply was not up to the task for the rapidly evolving UK specimen scene. He began hand-making metal bait feeders in his garage and distributing them to around 30 local tackle shops. The demand was instant and overwhelming.
The true turning point for the brand came in 1982 when Cliff filed a patent for an adjustable-legged bedchair. This single invention revolutionized angler comfort on the bank, allowing fishermen to sleep level on uneven, muddy sloping banks. Alongside this innovation, the company officially changed its name to Fox International.
Throughout the 1990s, Fox cemented its legendary status by tackling the bite indicator market. The release of the original Fox Micron bite alarm was a watershed moment in carp fishing history. The Micron was so reliable, weatherproof, and technologically advanced that by the mid-90s, Fox controlled roughly 80% of the entire bite alarm market, eventually selling Microns in nearly 50 different countries.
Today, headquartered in Brentwood, Essex, Fox International is a multi-million-pound global powerhouse. They produce well over 3,000 distinct products and have expanded their empire by acquiring legendary brands like Spomb and launching dedicated subsidiary brands such as Fox Rage (predator) and Matrix (match). Despite their massive size, the core ethos remains the same: designing tackle that solves real problems for serious anglers.
Where Fox Specializes: The Specimen Masters
Fox International has its roots firmly planted in the UK specimen carp scene, but their aggressive research and development have allowed them to dominate multiple facets of the sport. They specialize in high-end, highly reliable gear designed to withstand the rigors of long-session angling in punishing weather conditions.
Here is exactly where the Fox brand excels:
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Elite Carp Fishing: From industry-leading bite alarms and sprawling, storm-proof bivvies to premium carbon rods and intricate terminal tackle (the Fox Edges range).
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Bivvies and Bankside Comfort: Fox is arguably the world leader in bankside living. Their bedchairs, sleeping bags, and patented bivvy erection systems (like the ETS boss) are designed for anglers who spend multiple days and nights on the water.
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Bite Detection: The Micron name is royalty. Fox specializes in integrating digital, weatherproof circuit boards with mechanical roller wheels to create the most sensitive and reliable bite alarms on the planet.
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Predator Fishing (Fox Rage): Through their Rage subsidiary, they produce some of the most effective, highly engineered soft plastics, crankbaits, and lure-fishing rods available for targeting pike, perch, and zander.
Famous Fox Product Ranges
At Gerry’s Fishing, we know that understanding the exact specifications of a product is crucial before making an investment. Below are the detailed website product descriptions, practical uses, and exact specifications for some of the most highly sought-after Fox products we stock.
Fox Horizon X4-S Carp Rod
Product Details:
The Horizon X4-S is a stunningly crafted rod that sits right at the sweet spot of high performance and accessibility. Using an ultra-high modulus carbon construction coupled with a full 2k multidirectional carbon weave wrap, this rod delivers a superb lightweight, crisp action blank. The multidirectional carbon cloth drastically reduces blank twist during the casting stroke, ensuring the rod tracks perfectly straight for supreme accuracy. The blank is finished in a stunning gloss, wrapped with anti-tangle K-Series style guides featuring ceramic inners for reduced friction and smooth line transition. It is fitted with a Fuji 18mm DPS reel seat, understated gunsmoke cosmetics, and a full Japanese Shrink Wrap handle for maximum grip.
Uses:
The Horizon X4-S is the ultimate workhorse for the dedicated carp angler. The 12ft 3.25lb or 3.5lb test curve models are exceptional at punching heavy solid PVA bags out to the middle of sprawling gravel pits, cutting right through stiff crosswinds. Despite their casting prowess, the ultra-high modulus carbon ensures the tip recovers instantly but remains forgiving enough to lunge and absorb the powerful, last-minute under-the-tip surges of a 30lb+ carp, preventing devastating hook pulls at the net.
Specifications:
| Feature |
Specification |
| Blank Material |
Ultra-High Modulus Carbon with 2k Wrap |
| Guides |
Anti-Tangle (50mm butt ring to 16mm tip on 12/13ft models) |
| Reel Seat |
Fuji 18mm DPS |
| Handle |
Full Japanese Shrink Wrap |
| Cosmetics |
Stunning Gloss Finish with Gunsmoke Fittings |
| Available Test Curves |
3.0lb, 3.25lb, 3.5lb, 3.75lb (Spod/Marker options available) |
Fox RX+ Bite Alarms
Product Details:
The RX+ Bite Alarm represents the absolute pinnacle of Fox’s bite registration technology, vastly improving upon the legendary NTX-R. The RX+ features a fully weatherproof sealed case, deeper ears to hold the rod securely on savage takes, and an advanced D-Tec Sensing System combined with a CNC machined Tru-Run roller wheel. It features an indexed ergonomic control for volume, tone, and Intelligent Sensitivity featuring “See-Saw elimination”—a system that requires the line to travel a specified distance in the same direction to trigger the unit, completely ignoring false beeps caused by wind and undertow. It boasts twin multi-colour LEDs (with a Colour Sync function via a button on the battery cover) and manually selectable day and night modes with Vari-Bright adjustable LED brightness.
Uses:
The RX+ is designed for the uncompromising specimen angler who needs perfect bite registration in the worst conditions imaginable. Whether you are fishing a massive inland sea in France or a local windswept syndicate water, the Intelligent Sensitivity ensures that when the alarm sounds, it is a fish, not the wind. The massive range performance of the RX+ receiver means you will never miss a drop-back bite, even if you are zipped up tight inside your bivvy during a howling winter storm.
Specifications:
| Feature |
Specification |
| Detection Type |
D-Tec Sensing System / Tru-Run Roller Wheel |
| Sensitivity Control |
8 Settings with See-Saw Elimination |
| LEDs |
Twin Multi-Colour (Adjustable via Colour Sync) |
| Power Out |
2.5mm socket for illuminated Swingers |
| Thread |
Rigid 3/8” Stainless Steel |
| Battery Requirement |
2 x AA batteries |
| Receiver Range |
Ultra-Long Range Radio Performance |
Fox Frontier II Bivvy
Product Details:
The Frontier II is the next generation of Fox’s incredibly popular shelter range, taking usability and protection to new heights. Constructed from 100% Polyester khaki VenTec fabric featuring a blackout laminate lining and a massive 20,000mm hydrostatic head, it is completely impervious to torrential rain. The core of the bivvy is the patented ETS (Easy Tension System) Boss—a geared aluminum central block that prevents frame collapse during setup and allows the entire shelter to be erected and broken down in seconds. The Frontier II features a high, flat-back design to maximize usable internal space and headroom. It comes standard with a Vapour Peak (reducing condensation), widened front doors, four all-weather camo mozzy mesh vents, and a heavy-duty zip-in groundsheet.
Uses:
The Frontier II is the ultimate “home away from home.” It is explicitly designed for the serious session angler who spends nights on the bank year-round. The ETS system makes it brilliant for mobile anglers who need to move swims quickly to get on showing fish, as it goes up faster than a traditional pram-hood bivvy. The advanced ventilation system creates a cool airflow during sweltering summer days, while the VenTec fabric and vapour peak keep the heat in and condensation out during freezing winter nights.
Specifications:
| Feature |
Specification |
| Fabric |
VenTec with Blackout Laminate (20,000mm HH) |
| Frame |
Lightweight Aluminum with ETS Geared Boss |
| Dimensions |
250cm (W) x 185cm (D) x 130cm (H) |
| Weight |
18 kg (Packed Weight: 19 kg) |
| Ventilation |
Four Advanced Camo Mozzy Vents |
| Included Accessories |
Vapour Peak, Heavy Duty Storm Poles, Groundsheet, Pegs |
Fox Mini Micron X Bite Alarm
Product Details:
The Mini Micron X is a modern, feature-packed rework of the old-school classic Mini Micron. It retains the beloved, compact, retro aesthetic but packs the internal hardware of a high-end modern alarm. It uses Fox’s D-Tec Sensing System and roller wheel technology for clear, consistent bite detection. It features two highly visible 5mm multi-coloured LEDs (Green, Blue, Red, and Orange) which can be selected simply by holding down the volume button and pressing the sensitivity button. The alarm features adjustable volume, tone, and sensitivity, alongside a cone speaker for a crisp sound. It also includes a 2.5mm power-out socket for use with illuminated bite indicators.
Uses:
This alarm is perfect for the mobile angler, the stalker, or anyone who prefers a minimalist, lightweight setup without sacrificing the reliability of an I-Com receiver system. Because of their small footprint, they sit perfectly on tight buzzer bars or single banksticks, making them ideal for fishing tight, overgrown margin swims where bulky alarms would get in the way.
Specifications:
| Feature |
Specification |
| Sensing Technology |
D-Tec Sensing System / Roller Wheel |
| LEDs |
Two 5mm Multi-Colour LEDs (Adjustable) |
| Controls |
Volume, Tone, Sensitivity (Button operated) |
| Power Out |
2.5mm socket |
| Receiver Compatibility |
Fully compatible with Mini Micron X Receiver |
| Battery Type |
Takes small N Type/ LR1 batteries |
Fox RX+ Light
Product Details:
The Fox RX+ Light is a highly advanced piece of bankside illumination designed to seamlessly integrate with your bite alarm setup. It features a weatherproof sealed case, a reliable built-in 5200mAh Li-ion battery, and a USB-C charge port. The light provides a stunning 1000 lumen output in white light and features a two-colour main light (White and Orange) with 4 brightness settings for each. Crucially, the RX+ Light can register up to 12 RX+ products to its memory. It sits on an independently indexed and rotating 3/8 BSF thread and comes with a bivvy attachment plate.
Uses:
While it operates flawlessly as a standard, high-powered bivvy light or a floodlight to illuminate your swim for night-time photography or netting fish, its real magic lies in its connectivity. When linked to your RX+ bite alarms, the light will automatically illuminate your bivvy the exact second you get a run, allowing you to easily find your boots and headtorch in the pitch black. When paired with the RX+ Sensor, it acts as a brilliant security light to deter bankside intruders or rodents.
Specifications:
| Feature |
Specification |
| Maximum Output |
Up to 1000 Lumen (White Light) |
| Battery |
Built-in 5200mAh Li-ion (USB-C Rechargeable) |
| Connectivity |
Links to RX+ Microns, Sensors, and Remotes |
| Light Colours |
White and Orange (4 brightness settings each) |
| Mounting |
3/8 BSF Thread and Bivvy attachment plate |
| Dimensions |
152mm x 67mm x 53mm |
Fox International FAQs
Is Fox tackle only designed for carp fishing?
Not at all. While Fox International built its global reputation on carp tackle, they have heavily diversified. Their subsidiary brand, Fox Rage, is one of the leading names in European predator fishing, producing incredible lures, rods, and braided lines for pike, perch, and zander. Furthermore, their Matrix brand produces elite-level gear for the modern coarse and match angler, including seat boxes and feeder rods.
What is the Fox ETS system on their bivvies?
ETS stands for “Easy Tension System.” It is a patented, geared aluminum block used as the central hub on their Frontier range of bivvies. Traditional pram-hood bivvies require you to slot multiple poles together and physically pull the fabric tight. The ETS block is spring-loaded and geared; you simply splay the ribs out, push the boss together, and the bivvy locks into place under perfect tension in seconds. It prevents frame twisting and makes setting up in the rain incredibly fast.
Can I connect my Fox alarms to a receiver if I buy them individually?
Yes, but it depends on the model. Modern Fox alarms that feature the built-in I-Com transmitter technology (such as the RX+, Micron MX, and Mini Micron X) can be bought as single heads and synced to their respective receivers later. However, entry-level alarms or older “standalone” models without internal transmitters cannot be linked to a remote receiver.
Where are Fox products developed?
Fox’s global headquarters, massive showrooms, and primary research and development facilities are based in Brentwood, Essex, in the UK. Their gear is designed by an elite team of UK and European consultants who test the products relentlessly on demanding waters before they ever reach the tackle shop shelves.
Equipping yourself with Fox International tackle means investing in a legacy of innovation, reliability, and unparalleled bankside performance