You’ve seen the latest Pflueger spinning reels and now here’s the latest from Abu Garcia. The Revo Premier spinning reel uses the NanoShield Technology. Look for the preview article coming very soon on TackleTour.com

Here’s a picture of the Revo Premier Spinning

Preview of the Patriarch and Supreme XT spinning reels will be on TackleTour.com very soon but here’s a sneak peek at these stunning magnesium reels… Available September 2010.

Patriarch Spinning

Supreme XT Spinning

Prior to 2006 Abu Garcia had no say in the low profile reel market and I have to say, what they were offering before really sucked, and I bet the Abu reel team agrees. Then all of the sudden out of no where they introduced the Revo reels at the 2006 ICAST. It was Abu’s REVOlution, making a huge dent in the freshwater low profile reel market and even had the guys at Shimano running scared.

So when is Abu Garcia’s Next REVOlution and where are they headed?

Here are my thoughts on where they are going…

1) Abu Garcia rods – They started out with the low cost yet attractive and decent performing Vengeance and Vendetta rods. And recently the Veritas white bass rod that we previewed and also seen on our TackleTour Forum. Just last ICAST we also gave a sneak peek at the new lightweight rod but haven’t seen much of it lately except that it’s in the works. It will be called Verdict and will be super-lightweight and well-balanced. It’s time they introduce higher end rods in the Abu Garcia brand, though Jim at Abu did tell us at ICAST they want to introduce high-performing, JDM looking rods at affordable prices, and of course widely available and easy to buy, with a warranty.

2) The REVO lowprofile baitcast reels, they already have a great product here and only minor changes can be made if any. Nothing will probably happen here for this year’s ICAST unless they are making new reels out of new materials to make it super-lightweight. If it ain’t broken don’t change it.

3) So what’s left for the Next REVOlution? I have a feeling that it’ll be in the freshwater spinning reels and perhaps a high-end line of spinning reels under the REVO name. I was about to review the Pflueger Supreme XT spinning reel which I tested for trout fishing and it performed well but was then told it will be replaced by a newer and better model that will be introduced at ICAST 2010. Someone at Abu also leaked some word of a feather-lightweight spinning reel similar to what we’ve seen in the Revo Premier baitcaster.  This would match with the high-end lightweight rod, Verdict, that’s currently in development. Aside from that they can probably introduce a whole new line of REVO spinning reels here.

That’s where I’m seeing Abu Garcia headed for next year with prototypes being introduced this year at ICAST.

What would you like to see in the NEXT REVOlution?!?

Every year before the Classic, Berkley will introduce new baits to the public. Some of these baits might have been used by pros prior to the Classic and some are brand spanking new. I just got word that for the 2010 Bassmaster Classic, Berkley will be introducing these new baits and they will be available in January as they are being trucked to retailers as we speak.

I’ll give you a brief list of baits that will be released and a more detailed article later on TT with specs and all.

1) There will be a 3 inch Crazy Legs Chigger Craw. A lot of anglers have had success with the larger version and now there will be a smaller size for more finesse application. It will be made from PowerBait and will have the same action as the larger.

2) 3 inch and 4 inch Minnow bait made from PowerBait instead of Gulp!. Why the PowerBait scent instead of the Gulp!? It seems like bass anglers never got into the Gulp! stuff, so that’s why Berkley is coming out with the same bait but with PowerBait.

There will be more baits being introduced mid-year which we’ll give you the scoop on later on.

More details on the Classic baits coming after the New Year on TT.

Last weekend I hosted a kids fishing day with all my nephews, niece, and my 2 year old son, a total of 5 of them.  The goal was to put them on some schoolie striped bass so they would have some fun playing with them, and that I did. Zander was also out with his son and they got into the fun as well. I can’t believe Zander has his 8 year old son casting a jerkbait and RIPPIN’!!!!!

All the parents including my father came along. The kids ended the day early after each and everyone of them caught some fish, so the rest of the day was just my dad and myself, and no single fishing trip can go without testing some sort of new tackle. The test subject this time was the new Abu Garcia Vendetta bass rod.

ICAST preview here: http://www.tackletour.com/reviewicast09rodsabugarcia.html

- The rod felt really nice with the Revo Winch. Pretty balanced and lightweight.

- Components are outstanding for the price range

- Sensitive. Was able to feel when I hit vegetation when ripping for stripers

- Appearance wise, the rod looks premium!

- Here’s one negative I’ve noticed. The EVA grips aren’t as solid as the “Hypalon” thicker material. Only time will tell if it’ll hold him. I’ve seen indentations from it being pressed up against something for a period of time. But then again, you have to remember the rod costs only $79-90!!!!!

So far my impressions are very good for this under $100 rod that looks like it costs $250+. I can’t wait to take it on the water again.

Every few years someone always invents a knotless hook. They appear to be a great concept but after a short period of time we always see those companies fade away. Have you ever tried a knotless hook and what do you think of them?

(In 2004: Preston knotless hooks that we covered at a local show  http://www.tackletour.com/reviewfh2004.html )

New for 2010 is easy2HookUSA knotless hook. Here’s what they have to say about their product.

Outdoor Specialty Innovations, Inc., (OSI) a manufacturer and marketer of unique, high quality fishing accessory products launches the new, internationally patented easy2HookUSA “knotless” line of fishing hooks at the 2009 ICAST show in Orlando, FLA.

According to Ron Baskett, the company’s founder and CEO, the new fishing hooks do not require anglers to utilize a “knot” when tying their lines to a hook, but rather,  employ a “loop” “wrap” and “pull” tight process that totally eliminates the need for tying a knot ever again!!

“Our new hooks eliminate the time consuming necessity of tying knots and do so without sacrificing the integrity of the line itself,” Baskett said, “this is a revolutionary approach to an age-old-angler frustration. With easy2Hook you can attach your lines in seconds and thereby increase your chances for a successful fishing trip simply because your line is in the water a greater proportion of the time”!!!

Baskett believes the easy, convenient and hassle-free “knotless” feature of easy2Hooks will change the future purchasing habits of many anglers around the country and will also attract new participants to the sport who in the past found traditional hooks frustrating to use.

Ardent will be introducing their new flipping and pitching technique specific reel, the Denny Brauer Signature F-700 Flip-N-Pitch.

It takes on the form of the F-500 with addiotional features we’ll cover at ICAST.

A few weeks ago I blogged about a rumor that Abu Garcia might be coming out with some components for people to mod their Revos. Well, as ICAST nears those rumors doesn’t seem to be true. What’s 100% true is that the Revo series will be redesigned for 2010 with new looks and features. Here’s the 2010 Revo Premier.

Abu Garcia is going to introduce two new rods this year that’s designed to match their reels perfectly in terms of balance. These rods look premium, even with some JDM appearance, but only costs $79-89! More info coming next week. But what do you think?

MSRP: $249.95

Frame: Aluminum

Gear Ratio: 6.4:1

Brake: Ultimate Brake System

Drag: Carbon Fiber washers

Bearings: 9+1

Line Capacity: 12lb/100yds

Weight: 6.8 oz

SkippyFiSH lures trigger the genetic response in all game fish to attack! They can’t resist, They must FEED! This is the most realistic LIFE LIKE TECHNOLOGY ever used to catch fish. All SkippyFiSH lures are injected with the perfect blend of SCENT to give you the maximum advantage. The life like texture of our lures force fish to hold on longer allowing you to set the hook and catch more fish. SkippyFiSH can be used to skip under docks, trees and other hard to reach areas where bass and other game fish like to hide. Grass beds and Lilly pads are no match for SkippyFiSH. Our lures are completely weedless allowing you to catch fish in areas were other lures would never think of going. SkippyFiSH are great for drop shot rigs & carolina rigs. Try them on jig heads as a swim bait at various depths for suspended fish. Multiple skips across the water simulate bait fish scattering and running for their lives as predator fish begin to feed and FEED they will, plant your feet, hold onto your rod and Enjoy the Ride, for you are …SkippyFiSH!

Available in 8 colors and two sizes: 4 and 6 inches

A pack of 10 runs for $4.19 (6 in) and $3.79 (4 in)

Rigging Methods: http://www.skippyfish.com/rigs.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiZsGRr0DC4

Kayak anglers, here’s something new and innovative that can make your days on the water more pleasurable, especially after many long battles and long paddles, this Elec-Trek fishing kayak by Dragonfly Boatworks can be a lifesaver. This new fishing kayak will be introduced at ICAST in two weeks.

“Elec-Trek:  Too pooped to paddle?  You’ll love this kayak!  A wireless hand-held control gives you instant relief and speed at a click of a button.  What a concept…molded, under-kayak tunnel stores an electric motor affording quiet, snagless access to where you want to be.  Includes padded back rest, four integral rod holders, foot controlled rudder amd fore/aft dry storage (rear sized for five-gallon bucket).”

Elec-Trek:
Length: 14′
Weight: 100 Lbs.
12-V Lithium battery.
12-V 53-lb thrust trolling motor head.
12-V charger.

Color options available.

Price: $3200.00 :O

Youtube video on the Elec-Trek:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4decMUsPBU

The Quantum preview article didn’t provide TT quality photos of the reels. (We’ll get those in two weeks at ICAST)

Preview article on TT: http://www.tackletour.com/reviewquantumpre2010.html

Here’s a larger higher quality photo of the new Quantum Tour KVD PT casting reel.

Pflueger will be introducing perhaps their lightest reel ever. The Patriarch XT will be only 6.8 ounces. The new lightweight reel will also feature a Carbon Fiber Handle with EVA knobs. More details to come on the first day of ICAST , July 15th.

Rumor has it that Abu Garcia is going to introduce new upgrades or mods to their Revo reels.  We aren’t 100% sure what it is yet but sources tell us it’s coming and we’ll see it at ICAST. It has been really hush hush on this even we couldn’t dig up more dirty on the new products.

Perhaps what some of you saw on PureFishing’s Japanese and Australian website will be brought to the USA?

What’s your guess?

Shimano: There have been some rumors flying around regarding some new products that Shimano is going to unleash at ICAST this July. One that interests most anglers is a new Mg reel, perhaps one that’s very similar to Shimano Japan’s Aldebaran. Then there’s the rumor about a new Cumara series. Just rumors or that’s real? Both of these are true! There will be a new Mg reel and a new Cumara series but what exactly… we’ll let you know once we find out more.

Ardent Reels: I got word from reliable Ardent sources that they will be introducing a new reel in July with some innovative designs. More info to come shortly.

In February 2009 Pure Fishing Japan announced the new Abu Garcia Morrum ZX1600 and ZX1601 reels.

Since ICAST 2009 is nearing we have heard various things but nothing for sure if they are going to bring the new Morrum ZX to the United States. It sells in Japan for about $477 USD.

If Pure Fishing USA brought the reel over to the States, are we willing to pay about $500 for the reel?

And if they diluted the reel a little to decrease the cost, would you buy one?

Pictures of the Japanese Abu Garcia Morrum ZX

Abu Garcia ZX 1600 IVCB-4 and ZX 1601 IVCB-4

Abu Garcia ZX 1600 BJ IVCB-4 and ZX 1601 BJ IVCB-4

Abu Garcia ZX 3600 LJ ICVB and ZX 3600 LJ ICVB

I was surfing the web and ran into this “new” company called Trigger X. They make biodegradable soft baits that’s impregnated with their “Ultrabite Pheromones” which according to their video took 7 years to perfect (development and test). They have plastics for Bass, Walleye, and looks like inshore species. I have to say they do have some good looking plastics that I’m sure would catch fish since they are proven designs… but… the ultrabite pheromones? Hmm… has anyone tried these yet?

Here’s an update to the new Shimano Voltaeus rods.  These are the “Ugly Stiks” of Shimano. I’ve used a pair of these rods for trout and bass and they are lightweight and extremely durable, and the best part, a great value!!! Shakespeares Ugly Stiks have a limited warranty but the Shimano’s Voltaeus Rods have a limited LIFETIME warranty.

Here’s the producTTpreview on TackleTour: http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimanovoltaeus.html

New for Spring ‘09 – Engineered with its proprietary ‘Uni-Fiber’ construction process, Shimano kicks off the new year by introducing the new Voltaeus rod series, offered in 29 models for every kind of freshwater use and certain saltwater situations. According to Justin Poe, rod development manager for Shimano, the Uni-Fiber blanks will provide anglers with “an incredibly durable yet lightweight fishing rod with exceptional sensitivity. And no matter what you fish for, you find a Voltaeus in the length and action you want.”

By utilizing three different composite materials – including carbon for sensitivity and lightweight and T-glass for durability – and chemically bonding them together in the manufacturing process, Shimano is able to overcome the adage that an ultra durable rod had to have heavy feel to it. “In designing the Voltaeus rods, we fished with many different rods that are known for their durable, can’t break it image,” said Poe. “While that is a valued feature, anglers today want more than just that – they also want a rod that is light in weight and a true pleasure to fish, sensitive with true defined actions, and built with high-tech components. With Voltaeus, we provide angler’s with today’s version of yesterday’s favorite.”

The Voltaeus series includes 13 freshwater spinning rods – everything from 4’6”, 5’ and 5’6” ultralights, 6’, 6’6 and 7’ medium actions, 6’6” and 7’ medium heavy and 7’ heavy action models. There are two-piece rods offered in 5’6”, 6’, 6’6” and 7’ lengths.

For freshwater casting, the Voltaeus line-up includes 8 rods – 6’, 6’6” (both 1- and 2-piece models) and 7’ medium actions, 6’, 6’6” and 7’ medium heavy actions and a 7’ medium light.

For saltwater situations, Shimano offers 4 spinning and 4 casting models – with 6’6” medium and medium heavy, 7’ medium and 7’6” medium heavy actions offered in both spin and cast versions. All are one-piece models.

“Along with this extensive line-up, a unique construction process to provide both durability and sensitivity, stainless steel guide frames and custom designed reel seats, “ said Poe, “we also back the Voltaeus rods with Shimano’s limited lifetime warranty. For any type of angler and for any type of fishing, you can’t go wrong with Voltaeus.”

Suggested retail: from $39.99 to $59.99 – the attached tech sheet on the Voltaeus series provides specifications and pricing on each of the 29 models.

PowerPro launched it’s new website on April 1, 2009. The new website takes on the same layout as Shimano’s website (since Shimano acquired PowerPro/Innovative Textiles) back in December 2008.

Here’s the URL: http://powerpro.com/

You take a look at the new website and tell me what you think.

Though the layout is good I think the background needs a makeover already. It doesn’t go with the overall color theme they’ve chosen. What do you think?

Note: Though I think the new website needs work, PowerPro braided lines is still one of my go-to braids.

I just noticed Airrus Rods has launched their new website. It has info on the new rods and now anglers can purchase directly from the company, including custom orders on some of the rods.

http://www.rodsbyairrus.com/index.php

Vertical jigging is a very effective method on catching both freshwater and saltwater fish. There are many manufactures producing metal jigs and spoons for this technique but some are better than others. This brings me to  P-Line’s Laser Minnow which I first saw at the Long Beach Fred Hall show at the beginning of 2008.

The body of the lure looks great but I did find that the wire loop they used are very thin, thinner than my favorite MegaBait Live Jigs.  This is a problem not only for saltwater anglers but also vertical fishing for freshwater species. If the wire breaks on a big bass that would be heartbreaking. I’ve broken the wire before while vertical jigging for rockcod.

I’ve contacted P-Line about this but never got a response. Hope they are listening.

So…  my number 1 goto lure for rockcod and lingcod fishing is still  the Megabait Live Jig. (http://www.tackletour.com/reviewmegablivejig.html) This lure gives good action on the drop and is deadly when jigged for rockfish. I’m able to bounce the rocky bottom and completely bend the wire without it breaking.

MegaBait Live Jig

Introduction: Since the departure of Ken Whiting a couple of years ago no one knew what would happen to Airrus Rods, and the following year the company was pretty quite. But as we saw at the 2008 ICAST Airrus is still active and actually quite lively by introducing the Copperhead Crankbait and Feather Touch series of bass rods. Well, things are still happening at Airrus and this year they are releasing a new product pre-ICAST. Let’s see what the new K-Lite series of bass rods has to offer.

Introducing the new Airrus K-Lite

K-Lite Rods: If you’re familiar with the Airrus rod series you might know where the new K-Lite rods are branched off from. It’s not confirmed but from the looks of it the K-Lite rods appear to be like their N-Sync model except the last portion of the handle is different. I think it actually looks better than the N-Sync as many people couldn’t get used to the entire graphite handle and the weird shape it had. Now with the K-Lite rods you are still holding directly onto the graphite blank but the aft part looks much more like a traditional rod.

The K-Lite bass rods are made in the USA

The Airrus K-Lites are made in the USA with the finest components such as Fuji guides and REC trim ring and winding checks. Initial measurements for a 6′6″ rod weigh only 3.5 ounces and about 5 ounces for the 7′ MH and Heavy models.

Currently the K-Lite rods are very limited as they are being built here in the United States and not mass produced but popular lengths and actions are already available and the rods can be special ordered with either Fuji Alconite, Fuji Titanium, or REC recoil guides. If the rods are out of stock it would take less then 3 weeks build and get it to your doorstep.

The rods will retail for $249.95 with Fuji Alconite guides and $349.95 for Fuji Titanium or REC recoil guides.

Majority of your hand will be gripping directly onto the rod as part of the handle is connected to the rod itself

Where can I buy the rods: Airrus is about to launch their new website which anglers can customize their rod order or can be bought at these online store/retailers: TackleWarehouse, Land Big Fish, A20 Boating, Renegade Marine,  Mullins bait and Tackle, and Bass & Pike Tackle (Italy).

Almost like the N-Sync but the K-Lite looks better

Conclusion: We are all glad Airrus is still active and still being innovative in the rod market, especially in this tough economy. The new Airrus K-Lite series is looking very promising and the overall rod is quite impressive not only with the quality components but of the blend of traditional yet next generation appeareance.

While at Lake El Novillo in Mexico Jonah from Hi’s Tackle Box brought some of the new Jackall Ninja Swimbaits for us to check out. Though I didn’t have a chance to fish this new swimbait because my focus was on the Crankbait rod wars, I did dunk it to check the action, and I have to say it runs pretty nice with Cal agreeing to the Ninja’s tail kicking action.

Colors available: CA Trout, Chartreuse Shad, Tennessee Shad, SS Shad, and Hitch

MSRP: $24.99

There have been a few photos showing up on TackleTour articles with me fishing the E21 21 Carrot Gold casting rod. So just wanted to give everyone a heads up that I am currently finishing up this review since Cal and myself just got back from one of our testing grounds in Mexico. (Lake Novillo)

I’m not going too deep into this but I’ve found an issue with the tip guide. A lot of people were concerned that braided lines will groove this type of guide. Well, after extensive cranking with braided line the top guide didn’t show any grooves but you know that black Titanium Carbide coating they put on all the guides, well, the braid ate through that pretty quickly. More performance results, details, and photos in the full review.

Anyone else seeing this with their Carrot Gold Stix???