HOME | TACKLETOUR FORUMS  | EDITOR'S CHOICE | REVIEW ARCHIVE | ABOUT US | 

Reels | Rods | Lures | SwimbaitsBFS Lines | Term. Tackle | Tools | Storage | Apparel | Enthusiast | Watercraft | Interviews | Events | Autopsy


 


 

 


Latest Featured Articles

 
       

The Porterhouse of Spinnerbaits? : Keitech's Tee-Bone

Affordable JDM? Major Craft's Benkei Reloaded

Light and Refined – The Bates Hundo 100 Baitcaster is the Real Deal

A Topwater Toad for Enthusiasts? Keitech's Noisy Flapper
Shimano Goes Smaller for Finesse with New Flagship MGL Exsence Spinning Reel Putting the "What?" in Creature Baits, the Deps Bull Flat Profiling Your Next Bass Rod - Deciphering the Code Dead Bait 3D Printed Swimbaits – Meet the Dead Rat and Dead Walker

Additional Recent Articles

Delivering Versatility with Power, the Deps GE-74HRF Gain Element Rod
Though Deps has been building them for a long time to sell in their local, domestic market, rarely discussed are their many series of bass rods. This is because, as mentioned, up until now, the rods were only available in Japan. This has changed. There is now a small selection of sticks to be had in North America.

Electronics Mounts That Are Built to Take a Beatdown
BeatDown Outdoors offers a wide range of mounting solutions not just for the bow, but also the console of today's bass boats. Not only are their bow mount solutions designed with relatively small footprints, but most offer both vertical and swivel flexibility like a camera's tripod.
Affordable JDM? Major Craft's Benkei Reloaded
Major Craft, one of Japan's long standing rod manufacturers, has been importing their product to North American shores for about a decade now. It was high time to got reacquainted with Major Craft and what better way to accomplish that than with a look at a stick in their Benkei Reloaded series?

Enthusiasm Rekindled : Shimano's 23 Antares DC MD
Shimano Japan's 2023 Antares DC MD has been engineered and refined as a tool to assist anglers in their pursuit of big fish. Further, this Antares DC MD is built to sling big baits in pursuit of these monster fish with an enhanced digital braking system.

Simple and Effective Trailer – Berkley PowerBait Shape 108 craw
With countless jig trailer options on the market ranging from hyper-realistic designs to simple, throwback profiles reminiscent of the old pork trailers - Berkley’s Shape 108 stands out by combining the brand’s popular PowerBait scent with a streamlined, surprisingly versatile design that pairs well with a wide range of jigs.

Daiwa Mangetsu Baitcaster – Retro Vibes, Modern Features
Daiwa and Tackle Warehouse have teamed up to release the Mangetsu baitcaster, a reel built on the classic Tatula 150 platform but styled with nods to vintage JDM classics. While it brings retro aesthetics, the Mangetsu is packed with modern performance upgrades...
Daiwa Covers Bass Weekend Warriors and Travel Anglers with New Tatula and Steez Rods
At this year’s Bassmaster Classic, Daiwa launchesits refreshed 2025 Tatula bass rod lineup, highlighting the brand’s continued push to refine and elevate its mid-range offerings. But Daiwa didn’t stop at the Tatula line. The company also expanded its flagship Steez family with the launch of a travel-friendly 5-piece rod series...  
Going Hard in the BBZ – Bill Siementel’s New Swimbait from Fishlab
Designed by distinguished lure designer Bill Siementel, the Fishlab BBZ Hard Swimbait is a four-piece bait that is designed to mimic forage species in both fresh and saltwater. Now in collaboration with the team at FishLab, this latest BBZ swimbait prioritizes ease of use, durability, and exceptional value.
Smooth Like Butter : ARK's Refreshed Tharp Series B-Hittay Moving Bait Stick
I've always been a fan of that buttery smooth feel of glass in a moving bait stick, and the composite blank in that rod is very reminiscent of that feel. When I caught wind of ARK Fishing's intention to refresh Tharp's signature line, I kept an eye out for availability, and when the sticks hit, I nabbed the refreshed version...
Old Town Goes PRO with Two New Kayak Models: PDL 120 PRO & ePDL+ 120 PRO
Old Town Kayaks, renowned for their exceptional quality, are still proudly rotomolded in Maine, USA. At this year's Bassmaster Classic, the company is unveiling five new models, including two designed specifically for anglers seeking pro-level features. Introducing the PDL 120 PRO and the ePDL+ 120 PRO - available in both manual and motorized configurations to elevate your on-the-water experience.
The Baby Jack: Z-Man and Evergreen’s Downsized Jack Hammer
Is there a bait that has put more weight on the tournament scales than the ChatterBait JackHammer? This bladed jig, a collaboration between Z-Man and Evergreen, has become a staple at every level of competitive bass fishing. Now, at this week’s Bassmaster Classic, the two companies are unveiling a downsized version of their award-winning bait - the ChatterBait JackHammer Baby Jack.
The Surprising Fioretto Essence MFE-C-73SB from Molix
With the number of brands competing for a spot on your rod rack, it can be difficult for a manufacturer to garner any attention. Case in point? It's been over ten years since we last saw a stick from Molix grace the pile of products to be reviewed here at TT HQ...
Rigged and Ready? Z-Man Shadtron LT Swimbait
The Shadtron LT is the newest addition to Z-Man’s soft plastic swimbait lineup, engineered to deliver a lifelike shad profile with exceptional durability and versatility. Crafted from Z-Man’s signature ElaZtech material, it features outstanding longevity while maintaining a soft, natural feel. But how does it perform on the water? In which scenarios does it shine, and where might it fall short? Let’s rig it up and dive in.
Casting that Screams: The Innovative Trika Ti100 Baitcaster
Trika’s Ti100 baitcaster marks the rod brand’s entry into the reel market, offering anglers a blend of performance and innovation that stem from use of advanced materials and a precision CNC machined frame. Use of full ceramic bearings in the casting system aim to enhance both casting performance and overall feel. But how does Trika’s debut reel stack up against the industry’s established reel leaders?
Gomexus Stepping Up their Metal Game with Spools, Swimbaits, and Tools
Once known primarily for their reel handle and knob upgrades, Gomexus has fully embraced metal craftsmanship - investing in tooling, design, and even acquiring a swimbait manufacturer to expand into precision-made, metal-based tackle.
Precise Lure Control – Shimano’s Finesse Oriented Vanford FA Spinning Reel
Shimano continues to distinguish its CoreSolid and Magnumlite spinning reels, expanding each lineup with models tailored for either precision lure control or sheer strength. The new Vanford FA reels further define what it means to be a Magnumlite series reel, incorporating refinements and performance upgrades over the previous generation.
New Gold Standard? – Costa’s 580 Gold Mirror Polarized Lenses
Costa’s 580G lenses are a popular choice among anglers, known for their exceptional polarized performance and durability. Earlier this season, the company introduced a new addition to its lineup - the "Gold Mirror" lens, featuring a rose-colored base. But how do these new lenses look and perform in real-world conditions?
Built for the cold, but a solid option year round, Bass Union Finesse Jigs

Bass Union finesse jigs are designed to excel in various conditions, especially when a subtle, refined presentation is needed to trigger a bite. While it’s easy to overlook a jig as just another jig, Bass Union proves that quality matters - delivering results when every small detail can make the difference in tough conditions.

New Rods and Reels at the 2025 International Sportsmen's Expo
The International Sportsmen's Expo in Sacramento marks the start of event season for many West Coast manufacturers. This week's show provided the perfect platform for leading reel and rod brands to debut their new products for the 2025 season.
Light yet Powerful - Daiwa Saltiga Rods and Reels

Daiwa has unveiled the new Saltiga rods, crafted for anglers seeking an enthusiast level of balance of precision and power in a lightweight setup tailored for saltwater light jigging. Engineered to handle heavy jigs and big fish, these rods feature a slimmer, lighter profile that enhances both performance and the overall fishing experience.


Shimano Ups Their Swimbait Game with Gravitator Glides and Outlier Rods
Shimano expands on their Armajoint swimbaits with a new glidebait that incorporates the same Boost technology, now enhanced with features that allow anglers to adjust the gliding action on the fly. To complement these baits, Shimano introduces the Outlier Rod Series - a line of high-performance rods designed for casting full-sized swimbaits.
Shimano Launches New Antares 100 B Halo Reel and the First CoreSolid Tranx Baitcaster
Shimano is starting the new year strong with major product launches, including the latest iteration of their flagship baitcaster, the Antares. Additionally, the Tranx series has received a significant upgrade, now featuring a more compact and rigid CoreSolid design.
Missile Baits Extends Their Arsenal with the Chunky D
There is nothing quite as ubiquitous or versatile in bass fishing tackle boxes everywhere as the soft plastic craw imitators. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but one profile in particular, no doubt evolved from the old school pork rind days, is that flattened beaver style bait. Today, we take a look at the second such profile from Missile, the Chunky D.
Out of Control? - Daiwa Steez's Real Control Enthusiast Rods
Daiwa's Steez rods are widely regarded as the brand's flagship series, but the Real Control lineup elevates both performance and price to unprecedented heights. As the first Steez rods to retail for $1,299 in the U.S., they raise a critical question: Are they truly worth the investment, and who would be willing to purchase such a premium offering?
It's Legit - ARK Fishing International's Glide Bait Stick
From its first introduction to Pro to Limited to the latest Tour edition, Invoker has been the virtual backbone with which ARK Fishing International has pinned their place in the industry. Amongst their non-signature series of rods, Invoker sits beneath Reinforcer and Essence, and above Lancer and Catalyzer. It is the core of their offering, the most dreaded seat on an airplane, and the neglected child all in one...
A Hot Swappable Jerkbait - The Baitsanity Explorer BCS 120
Baitsanity's latest release in the Explorer series is a fresh take on jerkbaits, featuring an innovative interchangeable weight system. This design allows anglers to effortlessly adjust the lure's behavior—transforming it from floating to fast-sinking - and customize the amount of rattle sound, all within seconds.
Winding Back the Clock with Shimano's 2024 Scorpion 200/201 MD
Monster Drive, or MD for short, is the motto in a series of Shimano JDM reels developed in support of those who enjoy throwing monster baits in the hopes of landing that catch of a lifetime. 2024 actually marks the second Scorpion to receive this upgrade.
Shallow Only in Capacity, Abu Garcia's Revo5 SX SS (Shallow Spool)
Shallow spooled casting reels don't always have to be about finesse. Anglers who spend the majority of their time probing close quarter targets can certainly benefit too, and that's what Abu Garcia's Revo5 SX SS is all about, so we acquired one for a closer look.
TT Interview: JDM Brand Dranckrazy to Introduce New Rods and Lures in the US Market
Not too many US anglers know about the Dipsy and Crazy Anglers Network, or Dranckrazy. This JDM brand is popular internationally, and under the guidance of industry veteran David Swendseid, is poised to make a significant push in the US market. With a proven track record of success with brands like Roman Made and DUO, Swendseid is well-equipped to introduce Dranckrazy to American anglers.
A Reliable Check Down when Fishing the Blitz of Pressured Water : O.S.P.'s DoLive Beaver

Beaver baits lend their namesake label to the flat, cone-like, oval tail at the end of the bait. In most of these profiles, that tail is split down the middle, but attached at the ends so it can be fished either as a solid piece, or, with that attachment broken, as two flailing appendages. O.S.P.'s DoLive Beaver has no such option. In fact, the bait looks more like a craw than it does an ambiguous creature.

It’s Reaper Season – AFTCO’s Leveled Up Hoodie
If bass anglers had an official uniform, a hoodie would be essential. Nothing matches the versatility of an integrated hood on those chilly mornings, and AFTCO's Reaper takes it up a notch. With its innovative hood anchoring system, built-in face mask, and neck warmer, the Reaper is designed to keep you comfortably shielded from the elements.
The 2024 Shimano Twin Power, Solid to the Core
Over the last season there has been one spinning reel that our Editor-in-Chief, Zander, has been raving about since he fished it earlier this season at Lake Champlain and a field day on the smallmouth. He liked the reel so much he has since purchased two of them. Given his enthusiasm for this latest entry into the Shimano CoreSolid lineup I felt it was about time to see what this refreshed Twin Power reel was all about. 
Surviving the Swamp with Megabass's X-10 F7-71XT Power Playing Frog Rod
Never one to be confined to the status quo, Megabass continues to offer anglers intriguing options for their bass fishing arsenal. Their latest venture resurrects an approach to blank technology we saw back in 2007 using organic fibers in the design of a new blank.


 

Baitsanity and Leviathan Rods Collab to Create a "Tuggin" rod for Glidebaits
Collaborations, or "collabs," as they are affectionately called are becoming increasingly popular in the swimbait world. Swimbait manufacturers often join forces with painters and rod builders to introduce custom products. Last season one such product was the Leviathan X Baitsanity Tuggin rod which was designed specifically for the Baitsanity Antidote TUG...
Redesigned and Still Affordable - Pflueger's President XT Reels and Rods
Building on the success of the President XT spinning reels, Pflueger has refreshed their President XT low-profile lineup. These new reels are designed to deliver enhanced performance at an affordable price. To complement the reels, Pflueger is also introducing new President XT rods and even a few rod-and-reel combos.
Prototyping Rods and a Novel Approach to Tackle Development - Protos : Danny Uribe
Creating a brand given these challenges has become only more complicated with today's rising material and labor costs. So how do both large established fab-less tackle companies and aspiring up and coming brands address this?
Not a Traditional Jig: RedRum Tube Cracker Jigs

Have you ever looked at a bait and wondered, “What’s all the hype about?” That’s exactly what I thought when I first laid eyes on the RedRum Tube Cracker. At first glance, it may seem like just another simple tube jig, but don’t let its appearance fool you. The Tube Cracker's unique action, sound, and versatility, along with its ability to attract multiple species, prove that looks can be deceiving.

ARK Fishing International's Wes Logan Signature Series - the 100K
Wes Logan is one of the rising stars of BASS's Elite Series tour. He claimed his first victory in just his second year and followed that up with a second place finish on the very next tournament. He's finished in the top ten at least seven times. With a resume like that, how could he not have his own signature series fishing rod? Well, that wait is over...
An EDGE for Enthusiast Frog Anglers - Plano's Frog Box
Plano’s EDGE series stands at the forefront of modular utility boxes, designed with precision to offer superior tackle protection and organization compared to traditional options. A standout in this line is the new EDGE Frog Box, featuring an innovative removable post system that allows anglers to neatly store and organize up to fifty frogs vertically.
Abu Garcia's Formula for BFS Success - Part Two : The Reels
Abu Garcia's Zenon MG-LTX casting reel is already considered a finesse reel, but like the rods in part one of this series, the Zenon MG-LTX BFS reels are built with more intent to facilitate presentations with thin diameter line.
Z-Man and Evergreen Launch Fresh JackHammer Fall Patterns Including Morning Dawn and Black Jack
There is no disputing the effectiveness of the Z-Man and Evergreen Chatterbait JackHammer, and this Fall the two companies are collaborating once again to deliver four fresh new patterns designed to coax fish that have seen it all to strike. These new bladed jigs feature some never before released patterns and blade treatments...
Ready for Deployment, Evergreen International's Combat Rat
From the Timberflash to the Noisy Dachs, Evergreen International is no stranger to topwater wake baits, but up until this year, the manufacturer has stayed away from the one topwater profile that has infested big bait slingers' mindset - the rat. This profile is so popular, it's become a sub-classification of big baits all of its own.
Trika Readies T100 Baitcaster with Ceramic Bearing Supported Casting System
Trika is gearing up to launch their new reel line, beginning with the T100 baitcaster. While this compact baitcaster shares some obvious similarities with another existing CNC reel, it quickly becomes apparent that the T100 delivers a distinct experience. This is due to its unique features, including full ceramic spool bearings and a range of surprising refinements aimed at enhancing long-term performance and durability.
All About the Treble - Weighing in on Treble Hook Options
Fishermen like to tinker. Whether it is with their rods, reels, or baits, there's something fundamental about the desire to customize your gear to perfect an intended presentation. One of the sub-groups of bass fishermen where this might be most prominent is with those who enjoy throwing big baits. With those baits specifically comes the desire to achieve the perfect behavior when the bait is paused.
Abu Garcia's Formula for BFS Success - Part Two : The Reels
Abu Garcia's Zenon MG-LTX casting reel is already considered a finesse reel, but like the rods in part one of this series, the Zenon MG-LTX BFS reels are built with more intent to facilitate presentations with thin diameter line.
Gomexus Expands Swimbait and Tool Offerings, Debuts Second Cyberbait
Primarily known as an aftermarket upgrade component manufacturer, Gomexus has quickly expanded their product offering by branching out into the swimbait, reel, and tool segments. This ICAST the company unveiled an array of new products that leverages their expertise in CNC manufacturing.
Rocking the Northland Minnesota Mullet for Kickers
Hair jigs have been employed for bass fishing for years, and especially when fishing for smallmouth, but hair jigs designed for largemouth often taken a backseat with so many lure options. Northland, a specialist in jigs, has created a new jig with all the best attributes of a tiny marabou jig but with some extra features designed specifically for largemouth.

 

   

Google
  Web
  TackleTour

 

 

 
 





 

 



Copyright 2000-2024 TackleTour LLC All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy information