So we’ve talked a bit about all the new baits, rods, reels, lines and terminal tackle that you’ll be seeing soon on your favorite tackle store’s shelves. But there are a few items that got our attention at ICAST this year that you probably won’t see anywhere including some from names that you already are familiar with.
Let’s start with a couple that we got wind of last year that were still in the development stage and are now going into production. The problem with these first two is that while they are being released, they aren’t going to be available in the U.S. market.
No, we can’t walk into our local shop and buy them. However, if you’re planning a trip to Europe, you’ll be able to get them there!
Now you’re thinking, “You gotta be kiddin me!?” No. This is not a joke but rather a decision made by some corporate types, but don’t despair. If you like what you see, we’re gonna give you a phone number to call to voice your opinion on the matter and who knows? Maybe if enough of us bend their ear, we just might see these baits find their way back to the stomping grounds where they were created.
What are they?
Both of these baits were created by Bill Siementel for Spro. They expand on the line of BBZ’S.
The first is a deep diving, four segmented BBZ-1. Built to get down to depths where the big boys hide, these baits feature the quality components and finishes that Spro is known for while providing the same great swimming action of the original BBZ-1.
The second is an addition to the Baby BBZ line. If you look at the pictures, you’ll see a lip similar to that on a wake bait but the size and shape of the Baby BBZ.
When we saw this we couldn’t help but come up with all kinds of situations where this bait would be applicable, especially on some of the lakes that we fish that see a ton of pressure.
We can only hope at this point that Spro reconsiders their stance of only releasing these baits across the pond. For those of you who would like to contact Spro directly, their number is 770-919-1722. Who knows, if enough of us make some noise, we may get them to change their minds.
More Crankbaits
Another lure that was new this year at ICAST was the Floatback Lure. This bait is a crankbait that has a few interesting features built in. The first being that the angler doesn’t tie to the bait but rather to the hooks. You thread your line through the body of the lure then lock it in place with the use of a bead.
When you hook a fish or get snagged on something, a quick snap of the rod tip will release the bead which allows the body of the bait to float back up you line.
This has a duel purpose. When fighting a fish, the body detaches from the hooks and can’t be used as leverage for the fish to throw the hook. In the case of a snag, while you may lose your hooks, you won’t lose your lure.
The Floatback Lure has one other unique feature in that it can reach multiple depths by either threading your line through the line tie, then through a hole in the bill or just threading your line through the bill. This allows this crank to be used in the 10 foot range or the 25 foot range. You can get more info on these at floatbacklures.com.
Color Changing Baits
Smartbaits is another company that caught our eye. They focus on a color changing technology that is offered in a series of hard and soft baits. When we say color changing, you have to think in terms of those toys for kids that changed colors by using water of different temperatures. At least that’s the first thing that came to our minds.
Most of the change in color that occurs is directed at changing the appearance of the bait to look as though it’s bleeding. There are other variations built into their line of softbaits that have more gradient to the change. They even offer some baits that glow in the dark for the avid night angler.
You can find more information by visiting www.smartbaits.net.
Once again, this is not a comprehensive list of all the unusual offerings we saw but we look for those companies who are doing something completely removed from the “flavor of the week”, so to speak.
Whether or not any of these will find their way to your local tackle store remains to be seen but it does show that the spirit of innovation is alive and well in the fishing industry. That is just one part of this wonderful past time that keeps us doing what we do.
See ya’ on the water …