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An Under the Radar,
Quality Trailer Bait : Reins Ax Craw
Soft plastic trailer baits are generally designed to exaggerate the appearance of a crawdad in defensive posture. As a result, the vast majority feature large, out of proportion claw sections and bodies that for some reason resemble a crawdad that's been stepped on rather than something viable. It's difficult to argue with success, however, as the profile is proven.
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Power Tackle's "The One" for Big Baits : 4.5XXH
Following on our successful experience with Power
Tackle's The One 04MH, we wanted to dive just a little deeper into the
manufacturer's latest series and sample a stick within the same lineup with
ratings that appear a little more appropriate to my latest obsession - big
baits. |
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RatRumble : The
Waking Dead – Illude’s Zombie Rat
Over the last year I have tried to bolster my Illude arsenal and started
delving deeper into the brand’s other resin baits from their Lunker Fighters line, including the similar profiled resin
Zombie Rats. While it easy to assume that the Zombie is simply a resin variation
of the Rad this undead bait’s unique waking behavior, performance, and origin
might just surprise you. |
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MONSTERBASS Launches a Mean Popper,
the Mad Max
While Mosnterbass has partnered up with many manufacturers for their
monthly boxes they are now designing and launching more baits that are branded
under their own "Monsterbass Collection," and the newest of which is a popper
dubbed the Mad Max. |
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Bipidy-Boppidy-Boop, Ark's
Brandon Cobb's Fairy Wand is Not a Childhood Fable
Leveraging
the success of their best selling Randall Tharp signature series of rods, ARK is
hoping to catch another wave of momentum with their latest introduction, a
series bearing the name of a rising star in bass fishing circles, Brandon Cobb.
Today, we take a look at our first rod in this new line, the BB73MLXS Fairy Wand
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Designed to Smash Green
Monsters, the iRod Croaker Crusher Frog Rod
Kaimana is a saltwater inshore
and offshore series that many swimbait anglers have latched onto and there are
two additional freshwater series to book end Genesis, Fiber and Crusher. We take
a look at a rod within one of those series designed by pro Kayak fisherman, Ron
Champion. Introducing the iRod Crusher series IA784C-H Crusher Croaker.
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Blending Technical and Lifestyle Apparel Seamlessly - FAT
BASS
FAT BASS is relative newcomer to the apparel space, but the company has
been making waves with their products sporting unique artistic styling and
support from weekend warriors and Pro Anglers, including recent B.A.S.S. Elite
Series winner Takumi Ito.
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Gan Craft's Foray Into Crawler Madness : The Joi Crawler 178
If there's one bait company that has made the most
out of a signature bait and bait profile, it's Gan Craft. Their Jointed Claw
glide bait is available in six different sizes ranging from two and three
quarter inches up to twelve, but there's also a waking version, a new hybrid
glide swimmer... |
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RatRumble : Narrow Gate Baits's Affordable and Accessible WOOD Rat
The Narrow Gate Baits Rat is a foot long, three piece bait with
a body that measures out about six inches. It's a wooden rat turned on a lathe
but each section is hand cut with a dovetail saw. Craftsmanship is raw and a
little gritty, very apropos for a rat bait, and the bait itself is offered in
three different finishes...
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Now This Stick Is Legit : The Wild Side WSC72H+
Similar to its bigger and more powerful sibling
reviewed in August 2020, the WSC75XH Big Bait Special, the WSC72H+ arrives in a
custom, two compartment rod sleeve. It is a two-piece stick separating at the
handle, and once assembled, is very easy to forget was ever in two pieces |
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TackleTour's Best of ICAST
2021 Award Winners
While there were a lot of great new products there were a few across the
various categories that particularly stood out and the following are the ones
that our editors elected as TackleTour's Best of ICAST Award Winners. |
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KastKing Makes Higher-End Reels that are Still Accessible to All Anglers. Meet
the MegaJaws
Refinement and speed are two highly-desirable
traits when it comes to fishing reels. From fighting fish to simply reeling in
your rig for another cast, everybody loves a reel that delivers performance and
efficiency along with a quality feel. This year, KastKing’s new products include
reels which are designed to perform at higher levels.
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TackleTour ICAST 2021 Video Coverage
ICAST 2021 has arrived! After a strange last year we are excited to be
once again on the water and show floor here in Orlando. This year in addition to
our article coverage we will also be providing Instagram Quick Hit Videos from
the manufacturers and pro anglers.
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Quantum
Refreshes the Smoke X Series of Reels and Rods
Quantum went bold this year in the styling of their Smoke X Series of
reels and rods. The refresh of the series brings some enhanced features to match
up with the eye-catching new styling.
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Jenko Fishing Unveils Swimbaits made of Hemp
Think of all the different anglers out there and
all the lures that get popped off on a daily basis—the clutter adds up quickly.
Could an alternative material be available that is more friendly to nature? The
folks at Jenko Fishing believe so and we think what they’ve found is an
interesting start!
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Built to
Take a Beating: Visser's New Model S Spinning Reels
Spinning reels can often be associated with light line and finesse
presentations, but that’s definitely not always the case. Some anglers,
particularly those that fish saltwater, can subject their spinning reels to
extreme punishment. Whether it’s tossing a bait to Keys tarpon or chucking jigs
in the crashing suds for Montauk stripers, these reels need to be able to
withstand whatever the fish and environment dish out. |
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ARK
Fishing Introduces Three New Affordable Rod Lines
The team at ARK fishing leveraged ICAST to roll out three new rod lines
targeting value to mainstream oriented anglers. These build upon the success of
the higher end Reinforcer lines and feature clean lines and the Essence Series
in particular offers much of what we like about the Reinforcer but at a much
lower price. |
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An Array
of Unique Baits from Jackall, and a Return of a Classic
Jackall has a vast arsenal in their JDM portfolio and often times when a
new bait comes to the U.S. it has already been proven overseas. This year the
company brings back an old favorite as well as two very unique options for
anglers looking to present something different to finicky bass. |
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A
Return to Form - 13 Fishing's Envy Black is Back in a Big Way
When it comes to 13 Fishing Rods the Envy is the company’s well known
line of performance oriented sticks. This ICAST the company has completely
redesigned these new rods with a cleaner overall look and a focus on refining
their tapers for technique specific applications. |
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Keeping things Fresh and Green, the Shimano Curado Rods get a Major Redesign
While the G.Loomis GCX was the company's rod launch at ICAST Shimano also
unveiled a complete refresh to the Curado lineup of rods. The new sticks feature
a clean layout with the combination of Hi-Power X blank technology, Ci4+ reel
seats and FazLite guide inserts.
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What's in the Works at American Baitworks
Home to several brands which include Halo Fishing, Snag Proof, Net Bait,
Scum Frog, Freedom Tackle Corp, and STH Bait Co, it’s no wonder they had several
new items to show us this year. From killer new frogs to refreshed bass rods, we
dropped by to visit with pro angler Scott Canterbury to run through the latest
and greatest. |
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Seeing Red - The New G.Loomis GCX Rods Slide in Right Under IMX-Pro
It wasn't that long ago that G.Loomis launched the NRX+ Series so it was
a bit of a surprise that the company would launch a whole new series of rods at
ICAST. The GCX rods make use of proven actions to create a new workhorse series
positioned right between E6X and IMX-Pro. |
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Programmed for Performance: New Denali Android Rods
The cosmetics of these rods
instantly grab your attention. As the newest premium offering from Denali, these
feature plenty of bling and do look quite stunning in person. Starting down at
the handles, each model receives a split foam grip along with a custom reel seat
design. |
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Ready
to Destroy, the Okuma Hakai Brings a Dream Blend of Features in a Magnesium Body
Okuma has continually elevating their product offerings whether it be
refining existing lines, introducing limited edition products, or pushing the
design envelope. The Hakai is the company's newest baitcaster, and it just may
be the company's best yet with some never before seen features and a sleek
magnesium build. |
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Shimano Unveils a Lighter More Refined Curado, the 150MGL
Shimano seems to have a habit of releasing new Curado reels every ICAST
and this year the company unveiled the sleek 150MGL which is designed to be the
lightest Curado to date. |
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Abu Garcia's Zenon Series of Reels
and Rods Raise the Bar for the Brand
Designed to be the new halo reels and rods for Abu Garcia the Zenon reel
and rods take the brand into enthusiast territory when it comes to features,
performance, and price point. |
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Daiwa Dominates Reel Categories this ICAST and the Saltist takes the Salt
Daiwa crushed it this year at ICAST taking home the Best of Show in both
the freshwater and saltwater reel categories. Our readers already know how much
we like the Zillion and on the saltwater side it was the new Saltist MQ that won
over the buyers and media. |
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Stay
Fresh or Get Salty with Yo-Zuri
Just like myself, Yo-Zuri has been
in the fresh and saltwater game for quite some time now. I’ve been using their
Hybrid copolymer line and a few of their hardbaits religiously for many years
now and have caught hundreds of fish with these products. Since their offerings
cover such a broad spectrum of environments and species, it should come as no
surprise they had a healthy batch of new products to show off at this year’s
ICAST show. |
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The Tatula SV 103 Limited Baitcaster Looks Like a Keeper
Daiwa has a long history of catering to tackle enthusiasts and while the
company has been focused on expanding their mainstream offering in the last few
seasons it is good to see they haven't forgotten their roots. This season the
company is adding some extra features and styling to their popular Tatula line
with a new limited edition. |
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Shimano
Refreshes Sustain and Nasci Spinning Reels
Shimano refreshed a number of their spinning reels this ICAST and we were
particularly excited about the new look and feel of the new Sustain which has
now been redesigned with a MGL rotor. The Nasci line also gets an update and
continues to deliver a quality design for both fresh and saltwater environments.
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Shimano Turns Up the Flash with the World Minnow and World Diver Jerkbaits
While most anglers are eagerly awaiting all of Shimano's reel and rod
launches this ICAST the company surprised anglers with the introduction of two
brand new jerkbaits with some very innovative new elements designed to improve
both casting and retrieve performance with "BOOST" features. |
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Costa
Launches Untangled 2.0 Sunglasses Made From Recycled Fishing Nets - Good for
Anglers and the Ocean
This year the company unveiled the Untangled 2.0
Collection which are performance sunglasses that are as good for fishing as they
are for the ocean, as they are made from recycled fishing nets. |
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TackleTour ICAST 2021 Video Coverage
ICAST 2021 has arrived! After a strange last year we are excited to be
once again on the water and show floor here in Orlando. This year in addition to
our article coverage we will also be providing Instagram Quick Hit Videos from
the manufacturers and pro anglers.
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The Enthusiast Oriented
Steez AGS Rods are Back and Cater to U.S. Applications
The Steez rod lineup has long been coveted by anglers on both sides of
the pond, and this year U.S. anglers get a upgraded series designed to meet our
region's unique fishing techniques and applications. |
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The G.Loomis NRX+ Bladed Jig Rod – Overkill, and Just What
Enthusiasts Want
The G.Loomis NRX+ rods are a modernization of a legend, and bring the
American-made series up to date with Spiral X technology, a new resin which
makes for a lighter overall blank, improved ergonomics, and the return of the
hybrid guide-train. In addition to the popular Mag Bass actions the company is
introducing a series of technique specific models, including a brand-new bladed
jig rod... |
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Megabass America Brings Valkyrie
Worldwide and Triza Travel Rods Stateside
For the 2021 season
Megabass America is drawing from their international arsenal and bringing a two
high-end lines stateside including the Valkyrie World Expedition and Triza Series which
are designed to provide on the go anglers with applications specific rods. |
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Rat Rumble : JSJ Baits's Pack Rat (Recoil Edition)
The current Pack Rat (dubbed the Recoil Edition) is made out of a special silicone mix St. John developed during a two year hiatus from making baits. The result is a bait with
extreme elasticity and durability. |
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Plano EDGE - The Freedom to Create
Unique Storage Solutions for Every Angler
There is no
bigger name in the tackle storage industry than Plano, and the company proved
that they were still in top form when they introduced the EDGE Series, their
most premium tackle boxes to date. Offered in a wide range of configurations
these innovative boxes are designed to be both highly adaptable, and extremely
robust, for anglers of all types.
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Cashing In on Berkley's Powerbait Ned Rig Worm
As finesse techniques grow in number, the
corresponding baits seem to get smaller and smaller. I admit, I have a tough
time with some of the smaller baits because they often lead to a lot of small
bites. Still, when fishing pressure is high, there's often no other alternative
but to downsize your bait. Skeet Reese has a bait for just such an occasion. |
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Obsolete Before Its Time? Shimano Japan's SLX BFS
While a great majority of bass
fishermen participate in the various techniques that make up the overall
classification, for whatever reason, few are willing to admit to it. It's as if
using light line and tiny lures isn't as masculine or cause for as much bravado
as yanking a defenseless fish out from beneath a thicket of vegetation or
fooling one with a life size replica of a baitfish species.
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The Sleeper Assassin of Cl8Bait's Rodent Squad : Water Vole
It feels like yesterday when we first met Clayton Bryant of CL8Bait at
Bass-A-Thon 2008.
Back then he was the new builder on the scene and
now, over a decade later, he's a seasoned veteran builder. I hate to think what
that means for me, but in any case, when Bryant caught wind of our Rat Rumble,
he immediately signed up to participate. |
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Megabass Launches the Sleeper Craw and lxl SHAD TX
This season Megabass America will be adding some additional weapons to
their arsenal of baits including new sizes and colors of existing lines, as well
as the exciting new introduction of their next “Sleeper” bait. As a follow up to
their goby styled bait the company is extending the formula to one of the most
popular forages for bass, the ever popular crawfish. |
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Far from Hollow, Off the Deep End with Seaguar's Threadlock
Though hollow
braid has been around for quite some time, the use of the product in bass or
other freshwater fishing is just beginning to take a foothold because until
recently, the line has not been available in diameters that are conducive to
smaller reels and leader sizes twenty pounds and under... |
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SLIDE into the Next Phase of CZB Equipped
Reels with the 13 Fishing Concept Z SLD
The 13 Fishing team has never been afraid to question what makes a good
reel, rod, or lure, and building their brand with bold products. Building upon
the bearing-less design of the original Concept Z, the new Gen II Z SLD (Slide)
reel is designed to take cast control even further with an additional braking
system that can be adjusted on the fly, and even between casts. |
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