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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.
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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. |
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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? |
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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.
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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.
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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... |
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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...
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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. |
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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... |
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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. |
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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. |
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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...
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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.
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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? |
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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. |
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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. |
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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? |
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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? |
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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... |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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... |
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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. |
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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? |
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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.
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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... |
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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. |
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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.
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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... |
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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