Go Big, Really Big: When most anglers think about spoons they think about small metal blades used for jigging and casting. This show the company highlighted the Ben Parker Magnum Spoons, and as you might guess from the name these spoons are mammoth. These spoons can weigh up to 3 1/2oz. and come loaded with premium terminal tackle including SPRO Power Swivels and 4/0 EWG Short Shank Trokar Treble hooks tied with Pearl Flashabou. These huge spoons are available in a variety of patterns ranging from the traditional Nickel Plate Chrome to Shattered Glass and Shad patterns. 

A Spoon Rod: So what do you use to fish a spoon as big and robust as the Ben Parker Magnum Spoons? Nichols has anglers covered with a brand new series of application specific rods. The company has partnered with rod company Alpha Rods to provide anglers with high quality custom rods that are designed to be lightweight yet durable and feature specific tapers that can handle both big lures and big fish.

Alpha rods worked closely with Kentucky Lake Pro Ben Parker, a well known ledge and structure fisherman to create what they believe is the best spoon rod on the market. The rods are built with unidirectional carbon fiber and nanotube technology.

The Ben Parker Spoon Series rods are designed to handle spoons all the way up to 6oz. and feature a extra fast action and are rated extra heavy. Though designed specifically for spoons this 7'5" rod is also suitable for fishing swimbaits, or even umbrella rigs.

When it comes to hardware the Ben Parker Spoon rod utilizes Fuji KR concept micro guides, Fuji reel seats, and Winn Grips. Each Alpha rod is hand made in Silver Springs, Florida one at a time and comes backed with a lifetime warranty. It doesn't get much more custom than this. So what will it cost you? Try $399 dollars per rod.

At the show Nichols also introduced an upcoming swimbait rod that is 7'9" in length and features a Mod-Fast action. This rod is designed to fish a wide variety of swimbaits ranging from 1 to 5 ounces and can handle line all the way up to 65 pounds. 

Nichols had a number of new products at the show but it was the Ben Parker Magnum Spoons and Alpha Spoon Rod that really caught our attention. Together this combo is a complete solution for anglers looking for a deadly structure fishing rig. Just like big swimbaits are ideal for targeting big fish, these massive spoons are designed to target lunker bass, but with the versatility of being able to pick them off underwater structure. Nichols and their new custom Alpha Rods make it easy to leverage a lure as proven as a spoon to go big or go home!