Here we are a few days away from the Bassmaster Classic 2016. It seems as though it was just a moment ago when we were watching Randy Howell hoist the trophy in Alabama followed by his press conference where he revealed his winning baits.
Then last year, Casey Ashley got to the top of the bass fishing world and like his predecessors, got to experience the incredible ride that is being the current Classic champion. He too sat in front of the press and held court on his victory.
The Classic is a life changing event for that angler who is fortunate enough to walk away with the trophy; there is no denying that.
A New Season
The Classic marks the starting gun for another Elite Series year but also kicks off the new season for manufacturers of all those goodies that we use in fishing. Every company of any repute would love to have their new bait be known as the “winning lure” of the Classic. Not to mention, the rod, reel and/or line that the new champion was using to land their winning catch.
This year there will be no shortage of new releases making their debut at the Classic. All designed to capture our angling dollars. Some will prove themselves to be superior products, others will be met with a lukewarm response while still others simply will not get off the ground.
We’ve heard of some interesting new goodies so we’re gonna give you a short list of those to watch for in the very near future.
A Glimpse into the Gear
Daiwa is coming out with the Tatula CT. A new reel that is slightly smaller than its older siblings but uses some new technologies alongside some proven features and delivers all this for $129.99.
Shimano is introducing a new Caenan for the budget minded which will retail for $99.99. This value priced reel is aimed at new anglers who are looking for their first casting reel.
Lew’s will showcase the new Super Duty Wide Speed Spool with line capacity built for A-rigs, large swimbaits, deep diving cranks or other applications that require lots of line. This new reel will retail for $199.99.
A couple of new hardbaits that are set to be released include the Jackall Gantarel Jr.. A nifty swimbait that should prove to be as effective as its big brother the original Gantarel.
Rapala has run teasers for a new lure without being specific as to what it is but hint that it will be a game changer.
New soft plastics are going to be plentiful as will introductions of terminal tackle.
So, for us gear-heads, this is the start of our season. What will we end up with in our tackle boxes by the end of this year? Which new lures are gonna replace our go to’s? Which new rods and reels will be those that we reach for first cause they fit us like a glove?
Beats the fire out of us. But the fun is answering those questions is the journey. Fishing as many as we can, learning the ins and outs of all that new stuff.
All we can say is, we’re all in!
See ya’ on the water …