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?!?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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

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.

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???

Cal and I are back from fishing Lake Novillo, Mexico. We flew to Hermosillo with Jonah from Hi’s Tackle Box, Dean from Blackwater International, and Justin from Anglers West TV. At the Hermosillo airport, owners Bob and Bill of BMB picked us up and drove the group to their bed and breakfast that’s just 2 hours away. The house is located in San Pedro de la Cueva that’s only a slow 10 minute tow to Lake Novillo. A complete article will be posted on TackleTour.com shortly. http://www.tackletour.com

We were there for a few reasons but our main focus was on the Crankbait Rod Wars, and did we have a good crankbait bite on Lake Novillo that allowed us to truly test the gear for the Year of the Crank. Aside from crankbaits, lures such as Zoom lizards, Senkos, Powerbait 10 inch worms, paddletail swimbaits, poppers, jigs… sheez, almost everything worked out there.

The lake has a lot of bass, Northern and Florida strains, and catching 4 to 7 pounders are very common with double digit bass lurking nearby. The bass in Lake Novillo are aggressive! They hit hard and don’t stop fighting until they are released back into the water. I lost a big one after it jumped clearly out of the water 4 times and finally spitting the hook right by the boat.

Anyways, enjoy these photos…