VMC is introducing an entire line of new hooks this year with most almost all of them sharing one feature. That being a 3 degree off-set in the hook point. If you make a habit of bending your hook-point out slightly than this line of hooks may be what you’ve been waiting for.

Included in this line-up are a Flippin hook, a line of heavy duty flippin hooks, a heavy duty worm hook, a new swimbait jighead that also features a built in keeper, trailer hooks, a wide gap hook which will come in various sizes, widegap spinshot hooks to complement their existing line-up, a new wacky weedless jig-head style hook, rugby jigs that utilize a recessed line-tie, are shaped like a rugby ball as well as having the off-set hook point, and a new weighted swimbait hook that has a keel shaped weight that is movable up and down the hook shank. [Read more…]

We spent some time at the Tightlines booth with Byron Velvick as he explained that not only are there new products, but the plastic has been made softer which will increase the action while maintaining the UV color enhancement.

New for this year are a couple of trailers designed for use with spinnerbaits or swim jigs. One a split tail for more subtle presentations while the other is similar to a twin tail grub. These will come in multiple colors and will be available soon.  [Read more…]

As most of you are aware, Koppers has for the last two years taken home best of show honors in the soft bait category.

Well, I guess the third time is the charm as they take home the best of show this year in the hard bait category with their new Frog Popper.

Like all the Live Target baits, the paint job is very realistic, comes in two sizes, features a feathered treble and will be produced in five colors.  [Read more…]

We always like to see what’s happening in the Quantum booth as they seem to have the ability to keep new product under wraps until the show.

This year they debuted the new Quantum Tour Tactical Series spinning and casting rods. These sticks are designed without inserts in the guides, lightweight blanks and small guides, not micros for improved distance and accuracy.

Last year Quantum introduced the Smoke and EXO PT spinning reel in two sizes, a 25 and 30 in both. This year, they have added models to both lines all the way up to 50 series and down to a 15 series.  [Read more…]

One of the booths that was really hoppin’ at ICAST was the Rapala booth.

Ike was there talking about how he came up with his custom colors for the DT series. He discussed how in the old days they left baits out in the sun to fade the colors for clear water or heavily pressured fish.

With his help, these Ike’s Custom Ink Colors are ready to go out of the package and don’t require all the tweaks that us old bass hounds used to use.  [Read more…]

Z-man, maker of the original chatter-bait is debuting their new Chatterbait Elite. This now carries a premium hook, a bait keeper on the shank and a new head configuration that won’t allow the blade to get caught between the eye and head. They will also add some new colors to their line-up.

Z-man has been producing quality soft plastics for some time and this year they are adding new products to their stable. The FattyZ is a stick worm with a fat tail that is made of their proven, hyper durable elastic formula. This is billed as a power finesse bait that will take a beating and keep coming back for more.  [Read more…]

Lamiglas has been around for some time producing quality products year in, year out and this year is sure to be no exception. Their Competitor Tour Series is an entry level family of sticks that use an intermediate modulus graphite blank mated with quality components for a value price.

Next up are the Infinity Bass Rods that uses a 3M powerlux resin for additional strength and sensitivity paired to a unique reel seat and split rear grip. Add titanium guides with zirconia inserts and you’ve got a stick worth exploring.  [Read more…]

Megabass is a name that needs no introduction and this year are introducing a new squarebill named the Knuckle 60 that has two lip positions so that the angler can adjust the depth they are fishing without changing baits.

Furthermore, by changing the lip position, you alter the wobble so that you effectively get two different actions. These baits will come in some of Megabass’s most popular colors and will be available soon.   [Read more…]

Plano’s been making tackle boxes, bags and other storage gear for a long time. This year at ICAST they are introducing a new line of Elite Series boxes that further maximize space and cover every genre of lure you can think of including crankbaits of varying sizes, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and everything in-between. They will come in 3600 and 3700  series to fit your existing tackle box or bag.

Plano is also introducing new Worm Files and Bags to hold all your soft plastics. There will be several sizes for the angler all designed to give you quick access to your baits and keep them neatly organized until you need them.  [Read more…]

Reins is a company that you may not have heard a lot about but judging by what they had in the booth, you will be in the near future. They showcased some baits designed for shaky-head  and drop shot applications, the first being the Bubbling Shaker Worm. These baits are very soft and supple and will be offered in two sizes, a 4 and 5 inch version.

Another versatile bait from Reins is the Swamp Mover. Again designed with multiple applications in mind but using a firmer plastic which gives it a different action in the water to entice wary fish. This will come in a couple of sizes including a magnum for flipping around heavy cover and brush.  [Read more…]