Man Versus Fish

Hobie has been around producing quality fishing vessels that incorporate a lot of ingenuity for the bass angler for some time.

This year they won Best of Boat and the biggie, Best of Show with the new Mirage Pro Angler 12. A wonderful cross between a Kayak and a boat that features their pedal propulsion system, a wider base, rod storage and storage up front along with other unexpected creature comforts. The multi-adjustable seat is something you have to see to appreciate.  [Read more…]

Damiki is introducing a new swimbait called the Anchovy Shad that is made to go with their new Panda Jig Head. This bait is 4 inches in length but presents itself as a smaller profile lure due to its design. The advantage of this is that it can be used when bass are feeding on smaller baitfish.

In the hard bait category Damiki is rolling out the Hummingbird 70. This is a smaller jerkbait style lure that will run about 5 feet deep on 10 pound fluorocarbon. The Abyss is a larger cousin of the Hummingbird that will run about 8 feet deep featuring a wider, more erratic action for active fish.   [Read more…]

Abu Garcia has gained a very loyal following for their REVO line of reels. This year they have made improvements across the line starting with the REVO Premier Generation 3.

They have reduced the weight, increased max drag pressure, made improvements to their braking system, made the footprint more compact and improved the gearing system all while keeping the functionality of the previous model.

The REVO S, SX, and STX Generation 3 have undergone similar improvements in terms of weight reduction, drag system and new gears but maintain their individuality with their magnetic braking systems and other features.    [Read more…]

Daiwa is a name most of you know for their reels. This year they are expanding their line of reels with the new Aird. This series will come in both casting and spinning versions. They are value priced at below $100.

Daiwa has also made some improvements to their Crossfire and Laguna series spinning reels while maintaining the low price point for both products.

Another casting reel added to the stable is the Lexa which will come in a 100 and a 300 series. The 300 will be available in two gear ratios with two different handle configurations.   [Read more…]

Berkley has had a lot of success with their Havoc line and this year at the convention they are debuting some more products under the Havoc brand.

They have introduced the new Pit Chunk which is for all intents and purposes, a slimmed down, cut off version of the popular Pit Boss designed by Skeet Reese. Now, as opposed to biting off the end of one, you can get the chunk version to use as a jig-trailer.

Another new product is the Skeet Reese designed Sick Fish. This little swimbait will remind a lot of anglers of another bait that is similar in design with protruding fins and a paddle tail. Add 3D eyes and custom colors, you’ve got a bait worth giving a try. [Read more…]

Airrus debuted their brand new Stargate rods which have so many new technological advances it’ll be hard to list them all, but we’re going to hit the high points for you.

To begin, this rod is built with bucky-paper from the stripper guide back. This material is said to be 10 times stronger than steel but much lighter. Their new reel seat is arranged so that the line flows smoother out of your reel to the stripper guide to enhance castability in all situations.   [Read more…]

Spro is a name that has been synonymous with innovation and quality for some time. This year they are adding some new colors to their Bronzeye Frog series. Killer Gill seemed to receive the most attention but there are others that were designed to be more visible to the fish in murky water conditions.

Spro has expanded the color patterns in the Fat John 60, Little John MD as well as the original Little John lines which include new craw patterns and chartreuse shad patterns which have been producing a lot of fish lately.  [Read more…]

Gamakatsu is a name that almost everyone who has ever made a cast for bass is familiar with. This year they are introducing a new Super Heavy Cover Flippin’ Hook. This thing is going to be near impossible to straighten out on the water.

Now if you want to attach a chain to it and pull it with a truck, you’ll more than likely be able to accomplish straightening the hook. However, I don’t know anyone who fishes like that so we can rest assured that a fish won’ t be able to. This hook also features a big barb and bait keeper. [Read more…]

There are probably a lot of folks who have yet to take a new generation Pinnacle reel or rod for a ride around the lake. They have really stepped up their game in the last few years by producing good quality offerings.

This year they are introduce the Optimus LTE Casting Reel. This reel is intended to be a workhorse tool with a value price. It will come in three gear ratios to suit your style of fishing and will match esthetically with a lot of rods out there. [Read more…]

I know that we’ve discussed the new Rage Tail baits from Strike King, but there are others that were presented at ICAST.

Let’s start with the Squadron Head. A jig-head that is designed for multiple purposes including A-rigs, as a standalone head or for rigging with hollow body swimbaits internally. They will be available very soon and come in a variety of sizes.

Another intriguing product is named the Slither Rig. This is a skirt combined with a tungsten punch style weight that the angler slides up their main line prior to tying your hook and rigging your bait. The purpose is to get your bait through all kinds of slop without fouling it before the fish can get to it. The weights start at 1/2 ounce and go up from there.  [Read more…]