This is the time of year when many anglers are adding to their tackle arsenal. Most restock with proven producers and then review the new stuff they’ve heard the pro sare using and make some choices. Some trends we are seeing is a host of new reel manufacturers – too numerous to mention, but don’t be surprised to see some reels with names like Seviin and Denali you’ve not seen before in shops this year. From ABU Garcia to ZOOM, here’s a preview of some of what you’ll see in shops, online and on the pro’s boats this season.
ABU Garcia
The ABU Garcia Zenon X spinning reel looks to be a popular choice among area anglers this season that excels in finesse fishing techniques while offering the versatility to also handle heavier baits. The reel features an asymmetric, one-piece, lightweight aluminum gear box, Air fin spool design helps reduce weight, a V-Rotor design that reduces start up inertia, a carbon fiber handle and co-molded handle knob, a AMG2 fully machined aluminum main gear that gives unparalleled smoothness and durability, 9+ HPCR bearing system, 6.2:1 gear ratio for around 6 ounces in all versions.
Berkley
Offering anglers the durability and performance of a plastic bait, the new Berkley Dime crankbait is said to feature balsa-like action thanks to Berkley’s patented Flash Disc technology. It not only casts further due to the weight transfer system in the smaller sizes, but it tracks perfectly and features sticky sharp Fusion19 treble hooks. The bait comes in a number of intricate and modern color options to match the hatch that balsa baits cannot achieve. The bait is available in four sizes.
The Berkley Nessie is a new swimbait that resembles the Megabass Magdraft baits. The Nessie is available in three different sizes starting from five-inch up to nine-inches, the PowerBait Nessie presents a big profile with the ability to be retrieved at various speeds and cadences due to the unique stabilizing fins that keep the bait running consistent at all times (it doesn’t roll). This bait has a mesh reinforced joint and hook retention clip so it’s very durable. Anglers will enjoy skipping it under docks on clear area lakes.
Bill Lewis
The Hammer-Trap is the newest offering from Bill Lewis in the lipless category, which they put on the map over 50 years ago. The Hammer-Trap’s name is derived from the incredible hammering action. This action, which will literally rock your rod tip, also activates the Tri-Tone sound chambers. In turn, this emits 3 distinct tonal frequencies as well as the next-level vibration. When stopped on the retrieve, the Hammer-Trap will fall with a fluttering action. The Hammer-Trap, which comes in 3/8 and 5/8-ounce is available in 16 pro-selected colors and comes equipped with Mustad Triple Grip hooks.
Culprit
The Culprit Shakin’ Neko Craw looks to be a hot bait for this spring, the first of its kind for use in finesse applications of Neko rigging, shakey head, wacky rigs, and even trimmed down for Ned rigs. When rigged Neko style, each twitch of the rod produces an action much like the tail of a crawfish as it scoots in short bursts on the bottom. There is even a built-in groove to securely hold an O-ring, popular with Neko and wacky rigging.
Costa Del Mar
Costa’s new King Tide sunglasses are built for those who seek performance from their eyewear both on and off the water. For the first time in Costa’s history, this frame is available in two styles – King Tide 6, a six-base frame with a straighter wrap and King Tide 8, a full wrap-around eight base version, giving elite watermen and anglers a choice in style and fit at the highest level of functionality.
Technical specs on both frames include removable side shields for optimal use on and off the water, shark inspired venting to achieve a near impossible zero-fog effect, top of the line sweat management, and the introduction of non-skid hooding to keep your frames exactly where you set them, no matter the conditions.
Daiwa
Daiwa has a redesigned and incredibly affordable Tatula 100 that’s ultra-ergonomic (fits in your hand nicely). The first upgrade is a new, thinner and lighter 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum spool for greater casting distance and more control. Ultimately, Daiwa created a farther-casting reel with better braking system. Daiwa also went to what they call Hyperdrive gearing found in their higher end models like Steez and Zillion. MSRP is $179.
MEGABass
Achieving overwhelming long-distance castability that exceeds the average flight distance of similar 70mm jerkbaits, the Megabass X-Nanahan jerkbait features a unique shape that provides excellent swimming response and intuitive handling. The X-Nanahan’s body is carved from a high-volume block to create a visually tight silhouette with high precision. The X-Nanahan concept fuses the ideals of Shinjin Sato, one of Japan’s foremost jerkbait anglers, and the engineering of Yuki Ito, creator and lure designer of dominant jerkbaits like the Vision 110. Bursting to life with dynamic jerking and darting action that sets it apart from the school, the X-Nanahan produces high-pitched rolling action on a straight retrieve and sharp dynamic darting action when twitching.
The MEGABass SHADING-X R62 is fueled by a patented balancer system that, despite its small 2.4in, 3/16oz size, enables dizzyingly high-pitch action and improved cast performance, elevating the finesse shad category to new heights. Reengineered to perform in the toughest conditions, the SHADING-X R62 is built to deliver bites when bass are keyed on precise, high-pitch action and smaller offerings. Available August 2023 in limited quantities. See at Megabass.co.jp.
The MEGABass KANATA+1 expands the depth range of the original big body KANATA jerkbait. Now reaching depths of 10+ft, the KANATA+1 exhibits a high-pitch natural rolling action and a big, showstopping flash-and-dart action not found in other oversized jerkbaits. Coming in at 6.3in, 1-1/8oz, KANATA+1 features a tungsten Triple Oscillating System (PAT.) to propel the bait to the farthest reaches to hunt new targets.
MES Lures
The creative mind of Mike Seal produces many creations. The MES Lures Root Frog continues to be a local favorite among bass and snakehead anglers. Seal’s fertile lure designing mind has created a floating frog with two sets of legs imitated by silicone strands both fore and aft of a hollow body. The colors are insane, especially the one featuring day glow orange. There are ¾ oz. hollow bodied versions as well as ¼-oz. versions you’ll want to try this season.
Rapala
This hard bait manufacturer has introduced a line of soft baits called Crush City. There’s the Bronco Bug, The Freeloader, the Ned BLT, The Cleanup Craw and The Mayor.
The new Bronco Bug differs from similar baits with a perfect level of body thickness, which allows an angler to Texas rig to keep it snagless, while allowing for easy penetration of the hook. It features a dolphin-like swimming action and a “Bronco Buck” kick when jigged. The body of the bait has raised ribs on each side to hide the hook point, meaning that when one side of the bait starts to show wear, the hook can be flipped without compromising any action, thereby increasing durability and efficiency. The appendages face forward, which means they’ll create a disturbance larger than that of the overall package and remain quivering with the slightest bit of current or angler manipulation.
Collaborating with Jacob Wheeler, the product engineers at Rapala sought to create the ultimate chatterbait/spinnerbait trailer bait. The new Crush City Freeloader can be used as a vibrating jig trailer, alone as a swimbait, or for countless other traditional and novel soft plastic presentations. The body features miniature ribs for added action, water movement and a realistic texture, but the unsung hero of this product is the tail, which tapers to a point, albeit one with a ball at the end. That creates a kicking action which is subtly realistic. It’s the reason why it has quickly become Wheeler’s spinnerbait trailer of choice, too, adding a bit of bulk, color contrast, and a touch of ultra-realism. 4 1/4 inches long. 6-pack for $5.99. 17 custom colors
The Rapala CrushCity™ Ned BLT is a 3-inch tapered worm. It combines durability and high floating, while also retaining maximum action. It’s built with TPE, so it’s super-flexible and has some really good colors to it, but the key is that three inches is the perfect size whether you’re dealing with largemouth bass, spotted bass or smallmouths. Available in 16 custom colors.
The Rapala OG Deep Tint 7 is a small, flat-sided crankbait made with premium balsa wood and circuit board lip. The flat-sided body design, combined with its balsa wood construction gives it a tight and finesse wobble. Getting the deep diving swim was a labor of love but pro angler and Rapala consultant Ott Defoe has perfected it in this new staple of cold water fishing. The new OG Deep Tiny 7 comes in 19 natural colors with a body length of 2-1/4 inches and weighs 5/16-ounce.
Strike King
The new Gravel Dawg crankbait delivers a wide wobble action in a bite-sized, 1.5 profile. It grinds through rock, wood, and grass better than any medium-diving crankbait in its class. The Gravel Dawg comes in two different versions – the Gravel Dawg 8 and Gravel Dawg 10. Both sizes keep the same body profile and size, but the bill changes between the two to achieve different diving depths. These baits will have you covered in the 5-10 ft. range throughout all parts of the country.
Shimano
Shimano designed the ARMAJOINT 190SS Flash Boost (FB) to solve the challenges of casting a big jointed swimbait and the proprietary ARMABOOST technology significantly increases casting distance and accuracy by reducing unnecessary air resistance and the chances of the lure spinning during flight. As the angler casts the lure, ARMABOOST technology facilitates the lure to disconnect from an internal magnet and forces the body to fold into its compact shape. Once the lure hits the water, the lure’s body reengages with the magnet to create a smooth and natural swimming action. Swim in an S-pattern, but the bait will not flare out when stopped due to the fold in its body. ARMAJOINT also features Shimano’s proprietary FLASH BOOST technology that constantly emits a fish-attracting flash during the retrieve — even on the pause.
Shimano’s Swagy spinnerbait incorporates an innovative tapered-wire design to add durability without sacrificing the lure’s vibration. The lower arm’s thicker (0.95mm) wire improves hookup ratios and adds durability. Swagy’s upper arm tapers to a thinner (0.6mm) wire, boosting the lure’s specially-designed blades to transmit more vibration through the lure body and causing the skirt to have more action as the lure moves through the water. Swagy’s head design incorporates both tin and tungsten while precisely placing the high specific-gravity tungsten on the bottom portion of the head to stabilize the swimming action during fast reel retrieves. The shape of the blade’s front cup creates a faster rise for extreme vibration.
The new Curado 200 M inherits the latest Shimano reel technologies to provide ultimate castability with heavier lines and lures in any power fishing situation. Expanded line capacity comes without compromise as the Curado 200 M now leverages Shimano’s MagnumLite (MGL) Spool III to reduce start-up inertia for unparalleled casting performance, especially when targeting trophies with large paddle-tail swimbaits, big jigs, deep- diving cranks, oversized frogs, Carolina rigs or umbrella rigs. The addition of SilentTune technology improves spool quietness during casts. SVS Infinity technology provides precision casting performance with easy- to-manage and consistent spool control and brake force adjustments when faced with demanding conditions or switching between baits. The aluminum HAGANE Body provides added rigidity to increase cranking power and overall reeling efficiency, while MicroModule Gear, Cross Carbon Drag and X-Ship deliver the tournament-tested smoothness, durability, and versatility for which the Curado family is known.
The newest addition to Shimano’s CoreSolid lineup of spinning reels is the Stradic FM and it showcases reel technologies passed down from Shimano’s flagship spinning reels. The addition of InfinityDrive delivers light rotation and increased cranking power under load, while the new Duracross Drag system provides the smooth performance of felt with up to 10 times the durability. Shimano’s X-Protect water-repellent coating and specially designed, water-channeling labyrinth construction ensure a lifetime of dependable performance by stopping water penetration in key areas without adding a heavy rotational feel. The new Anti-Twist Fin — an elastic polymer on the underside of the roller — enhances line management for anglers fishing monofilament or fluorocarbon line.
Snagproof
Check out the unique Zoo Pop – a little bait that will rock (or pop!) your fishing world! With its incredible popping action that floats-at-rest, the Zoo Pop (TM) is a brings finesse fishing to power frog fishing and is an incredible bait that creates its own action. The super soft hollow body creates incredible popping action in a finesse profile that will get fish to go when larger profile frogs won’t . The Zoo Pop stays “snagproof” even in heavy grass, pads and vegetation thanks to the fully integrated hook design.
Tiger Crankbaits
These sought after custom painted plugs are created locally by Greg and Heidi Stinnett and long-time tournament angler Harvey Reece. Last year’s Hot Cherry Craw is a custom-painted medium diving crankbait similar to a Bandit 100 that anglers snapped up like free beers at a football game. The new Electric Bluegill color pattern continues to drive demand from anglers wanting a Bagley-type crankbait in this outstanding color.
Yamamoto
The Yamatanuki 2.5 repeatedly requested by pros and consumers who wanted a smaller, more compact version of their new favorite soft plastic. The smaller size allows for greater application in clear water, smallmouth, spotted bass, and other finesse scenarios. The 2.5” perfectly fits the bill as it can be fished on light line, rigged weightless, or on most any style of jig head. It can be cast, pitched, skipped, dropped, or presented however the situation calls for.
Although designed to be the perfect tool for forward facing sonar, the new Scope Shad offers the perfect profile to fool even the most pressured bass. You can confidently rig it for a vertical presentation on technique-specific jig heads such as the all-new Buckeye Scope-Head. It is also an incredible offering on a drop shot as it is constructed from Yamamoto’s Mega Floater Formula. Pair it this winter with an underspin. Available in 13 clearwater-specific colors, 3-inch size.
Z-Man
The Chatterbait Elite EVO is the culmination of thousands of hours of professional testing, tweaking and bass-in-the-boat, this next-level bladed jig features all new hybrid molded split-grip and wire trailer keepers to pin all soft plastics tightly in place, while expediting perfect rigging, every time—built around a 5/0 custom heavy-duty needlepoint black nickel hook. The hook was custom designed by Z-Man pro Stephen Browning, including exclusive barb placement for optimal performance, hookset to lip-lock. Wire-tied 100% silicone skirting maxes out durability. Stainless steel blades sport extra durable plated, painted and glitter finishes. Available in 3/8- and 1/2-ounce sizes in 12 elite color patterns.
Zoom
Building upon the success of the widely popular Zoom Horny Toad, the Zoom Uni-Toad Swimbait is molded with the same body but with a single paddle tail instead of two Ultra-Vibe legs. On the bottom it features a belly slit to increase hook penetration and make it easy to rig weedless on EWG or screw-lock style hooks for fishing over grass and pads. It can also be fished as a trailer on the back of your favorite buzzbait to create better casting performance and a bigger target than a silicone skirt for hungry bass. Offered in Zoom’s best-selling colors.
