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Event Article:
2006 ICAST Rod Coverage |
ICAST Coverage Day 2 (Rods) - Perfectly matching reels in application,
balance, and style (continued)
GLoomis:
When many anglers think premium fishing rod they think "Loomis," and with good
reason. The company boasts a huge portfolio of products that span just about
every type of fishing from fly to big game salt. But more than anything else
they are known for their exceptional bass rods. Each season GLoomis releases a
few new rods that further delve into detailed applications. For this show the
biggest introduction is their new MossyBack bass rods.
Gary Schaefer introduces the new
rods to Zander and Cal
The MossyBack mirrors the now popular GLX Jig &
Worm rods with 19 new models that feature a proprietary mid-range graphite
blend. The graphite is somewhere between GL3 and IMX, but boy does it look
sweet! Many of our staff prefer rods with low gloss on the blank. We are willing
to sacrifice a bit of durability for lighter weight and better sensitivity. The
Mossy Back rods feature a matte upper blank that is coated but very lightly.
The MossyBack rods feature very
fast actions
All the MossyBack rods have fast or extra fast
tapers, "creating a lower trajectory on the cast to combat wind for longer casts
and improved accuracy," said Gary Schaefer with GLoomis' product development
team. "We also use low friction, durable Fuji Alconite guides that contribute to
longer casts." Other features include attractive composite cork butt caps, and
blank through handle design.
This series parallel's the GLX Jig
& Worm series
These MossyBack rods are basically the mainstream
Jig & Worm rods, and are ideal for carolina rigs, senkos, and flipping. The
series includes 15 casting rods and 4 spinning variants. They will be available
within this quarter and will sell for $190-$290 depending on length and
configuration.
The MossBack rod were designed by
Phil Oliva
In addition to the MossyBack rods Loomis also is
introducing a new crankbait rod which was co-developed with David Walker. This
7'6" medium-heavy power rod is specifically designed for Zander's favorite
technique.....Ripping.
Notice how the upper portion of
the rods is more matte in appearance
It has a very light tip to allow the bait to
better showcase it's intended action, and a strong lower section to handle even
the biggest strikes and power fish out of structure. This rod is shipping now
and will retail for $210 dollars.
A new crankbait rod to handle
ripping
GLoomis also addressed shaky head worm fishing
with the introduction of two new "ShakyHead" spinning rods. They are designed
for use with Shaky worms when fish are hugging the bottom. Both models are 6'10"
in length and feature different powers. They have light tips to feel slack line
bites and a stiff butt section to pull fish up from the bottom. These rods will
be available this quarter and retail fro $215-$220 a piece.
Shakyhead rods compliment the
existing MagBass series
Not just are G.Loomis rods becoming increasingly
application specific, they are becoming regionally specialized as well. At the
show we took a look at a new series of GL3 Gulf Coast rods which are
specifically designed for those on the Texas gulf coast. There are a total of 4
rods in this series, and they all feature shorter rear grips preferred by
anglers in the particular region. These shorter grips allow them to get into the
water and not have to hold their rods high to keep them dry. They will retail
for $215-$220 when they become available in the next 2 months.
The GulfCoast GL3 rods feature a
shorter rear grip to match up with the regional preferences
In addition to these rods, G.Loomis is also
introducing a new series of Carp Rods specifically for anglers abroad. They may
be available here, but demand for these products should be very high in Europe.
G.Loomis continues to stay true to the things that make their rods so desirable,
premium performance, high quality, and exceptional consistency.
Next
Section: St. Croix goes Inshore
