Built for the Bite: G. Loomis Refreshes IMX-PRO BASS Bottom Contact Series

Introduction: For anglers who live and die by what they feel through the blank, bottom contact rods are among the most critical tools in the boat. Whether dragging a football jig, probing rock with a Texas rig, or methodically working structure with a shaky head, sensitivity and control are everything. At this weekend’s Classic G. Loomis officially announced a significant refresh and expansion of its IMX-PRO BASS Bottom Contact lineup, bringing the total offering to 25 technique-focused rods designed specifically for bottom-oriented bass presentations.

G.Loomis launches the refreshed IMX-PRO BASS line and adds nine brand new models

Bottom’s Up: It was time for the IMX bottom contact rods to get the upgrade treatment and the new IMX-PRO BASS rods follow the company's latest design refreshes, like GLX, featuring a clean modern look but elements clearly tying them back to the classic designs that G.Loomis is known for.

The refreshed IMX-PRO BASS rods carry a clean, refined aesthetic. The blanks feature a matte-black finish with dark grey or black thread wraps. Gunmetal-anodized hardware round out the understated but premium look. They also look more like a family now, right alongside the GLX and NRX+ rods.

There is even a new Bait Finesse casting rod in the new lineup. This rod has a Fast Action Light Power and lure rating from 1/16-5/16 oz.

Built for experienced anglers and tournament competitors who demand specialized tools, these redesigned rods aims to provide more dialed-in options than ever before. According to Kade Gewanter, Freshwater Marketing Manager for Shimano North America Fishing, the goal was simple: give anglers exactly what they’ve been asking for.

“We expanded the IMX-PRO BASS lineup to give anglers more of the exact tools they’ve been asking for,” said Gewanter. “Bottom contact techniques are all about feel and control, so we refined the tapers and actions to make each model more dialed in and technique-specific than ever.”

At the core of the updated lineup is TaperTec, the rod-building philosophy that guides how each new IMX-PRO BASS blank is engineered. Rather than relying solely on material upgrades, this approach focuses on carefully tuned tapers that optimize performance for specific techniques.

The rods are armed with Fuji Alconites and threading is a stealthy grey which matches the gunmetal checks

The new IMX-PRO BASS rods also utilize a high-modulus graphite construction designed to reduce weight while maintaining strength and responsiveness. By minimizing unnecessary material throughout the blank, the rods are designed to deliver improved sensitivity, an essential trait when detecting subtle bottom transitions or light bites.

Complementing the updated blanks the rods are equipped with tangle-free Fuji Alconite guides featuring optimized spacing. The goal is smoother line flow and reduced line-to-blank contact, two details that can improve casting efficiency while maintaining clean line management when working bottom-contact techniques.

The Jig and Worm casting models all feature a split grip handle design. Alls rods are finished with composite cork butts for durability and weight reduction

The new lineup also standardizes split-grip handles across all models except the MBR (Mag Bass) variants. This change is designed to reduce overall weight while providing a more ergonomic feel during those long days on the water.

A look at the spinning rod guides. Notice the black threading here for even more stealth

A custom carbon-infused CI4+ reel seat further enhances the hand-to-blank connection, increasing the transmission of vibration and subtle feedback from the lure. Recognizing the different demands of finesse versus power presentations, G. Loomis refined the handle designs for both spinning and casting models.

Spinning rod handles are minimized for weight and sensitivity

Spinning rods feature uplocking reel seats paired with a custom cork palm-swell foregrip that provides added control and comfort when fishing finesse techniques like shaky heads, Ned rigs, and light Texas rigs.

The spinning rods feature a CI4+ reel seat paired to an ergonomic shaped cork grip that provides access to the blank in front of the seat

Casting models utilize sculpted cork grip profiles designed to reduce pressure points while maintaining control during aggressive hooksets and high-intensity fishing scenarios common with jigs, heavy Texas rigs, and other bottom-contact presentations. These seats always look great and feel comfortable, and have become a popular choice for all of the higher end G.Loomis rods.

The familiar proprietary CI4+ casting reel seat. Both spinning and casting models are finished with a gunmetal element fitted to the clamping bolt and finished with composite cork

There are a total of 25 new models, which includes nine brand new additions, making the redesigned IMX-PRO BASS Bottom Contact lineup one of the most comprehensive technique-specific offerings in the company’s already robust lineup. For anglers who rely heavily on bottom-oriented techniques, the expanded selection promises more specialized tapers and actions designed to match specific presentations and fishing styles.

Mag Bass models have a more classic look and feel with a full cork grip

Finally, it is great to see that every rod in the lineup is still designed and rolled at the G. Loomis Factory in Woodland Washington, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to domestic manufacturing and tight quality control. The new rods are starting to become available now through authorized G. Loomis retailers and through the company’s own website.

Still crafted in Woodland Washington
 

Our Quick Take: Technique specific rods have become essential tools in modern bass fishing, and few categories demand more precision than bottom-contact applications where sensitivity and control are everything. With the expanded IMX-PRO lineup, G. Loomis is clearly doubling down on delivering purpose-built rods designed to keep anglers better connected to their bait, the structure, and ultimately the bite.