Since the introduction of the Maxx-Rev Hard Body Frog lure in 2007, anglers from all walks of life have looked to Revere Maxx-Fishing, LLC, for the latest in innovative designs and commitment to quality to build the best hard body frog lures on the market. With the introduction of the Maxx-Rev lure, it gave anglers a new way to fish. And the rest of the Revere Maxx-Fishing line-up fell in place.

2009 gave way to the Maxx-Pop Hard Body Frog Surface Popper with the action of a struggling frog attempting to make its way to shore. Twitch the Popper and it projects sound waves through the water like a frog’s feet striking the surface. The Rex-Rip Hard Body Weedless sinking frog can be fished at any depth of the water column for those suspending fish or can just be dragged across the bottom to simulate the action of an actual frog digging.

Now for 2010, Revere Maxx-Fishing brings an amazing line-up to the angler with six of the most innovative Hard Body Frog lures:
First, the Rock Star Frog with a buzz bait-sounding prop.
Second, the Rex-Rip FW Hard Body Floating Weedless with the same 4/0 independent hooks for maximum penetration like the sinking model.
Third, the Maxx-Pop JP, a version of the original Popper but with jointed legs to guide it though the water.
Fourth, the Maxx-Rev DT, a diving frog that while trolling can reach 24-28-feet under the water.
Fifth, the Fat-Maxx Prop with a fatter body which means BIGGER fish.
Sixth, the Fat-Maxx Tri Prop, a Hard Body Frog with a triple propeller with the most action you’ll ever see on top of the water.
These frogs are truly the most realistic frog lures on the market with a price that any angler can afford.

Check out this new company called Colt Rod. They say that they have this innovative technology but… check out the review on the same that we did way back.

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewcapefeartechbass.html

Their press release below…

The Colt Rod Company, a new fishing rod manufacturer headquartered and with full operations in the United States, will unveil its first product line—utilizing its revolutionary Hextreme® technology—at this year’s ICAST in Las Vegas.  After millions of dollars invested in extensive research and development over the past 15 years, Colt is set to make its mark with the first true rod design advancement in over four decades.

“We’re here to change the game,” says Peter Lombardi, CEO of Colt Rod Company, “Our rods offer a level of performance and durability never before achievable in the world of fishing. Not only are they the most sensitive and accurate of any fishing rod in the world, but our hexagonal rod design (Hextreme® Technology) also incorporates an internal I-BEAM  framework, which makes them virtually indestructible.

“With Colt, gone are the days of sacrificing performance for durability. In fact, we’re so confident about the performance and durability of our rods that they are backed by our Colt Unlimited Lifetime Warranty.”

To appreciate the Colt fishing rod difference, it’s important to understand how tubular rods are made: Traditional tubular rods are made by wrapping a sheet of carbon fiber around a metal mandrel. This process causes the carbon fibers to spiral in a barber pole effect along the length of the rod.  The spiraling creates what is known as a spine. The spine in a tubular rod often times creates inaccuracies in performance and strength, and is something the industry has been trying to resolve for years.

The hexagonal design of a Colt rod features an internal I-BEAM structure that incorporates multiple types of high and low compression composite materials.  The I-BEAMS are constructed with true unidirectional carbon fiber, which creates an intentionally Engineered Spine®. The result is a rod that is ultra sensitive in feel and exceedingly accurate for casting. The hexagonal I-BEAM design also makes the rods immensely powerful and more durable than any other rod on the market today.

“There’s a lot of hype in the fishing rod industry.  Many companies like to boast about offering revolutionary breakthroughs in rod technology, but we’re the only ones who have really done it. It’s definitely a new day in fishing rod design,” says Lombardi.

The fact that Kevin VanDam won the 2010 Bassmaster Classic last weekend likely didn’t surprise many who follow the sport of bass fishing; he has been the best in the sport and the angler to beat in recent years. It is somewhat ironic though that this same fisherman who is best known for his power-fishing style did have to borrow from technology that dates back to the earliest of Classics – variable speed – to slow down for the cold water conditions found on Alabama’s Lay Lake.

VanDam was one of 34 anglers out of the 51 fishing in the Classic who relied on a foot-controlled variable speed MotorGuide® trolling motor that has a history closely paralleling that of the Classic itself. By 1972, year two for the Classic, MotorGuide inventor G.H. Harris had added variable speed control to the design of his bow-mounted foot-controlled trolling motor introduced 20 years earlier.

Variable speed provided anglers with an infinite range of speed settings from low to high, giving them the exact precision for boat control for any given condition. It was a monumental breakthrough in trolling motor technology and angler versatility. Previously, trolling motors typically had from three to five speed settings, and the selections rarely matched the conditions at hand so anglers often found themselves having to constantly switch from one speed to another.

“I did have to consciously make myself slow down in everything I was doing for this Classic,” VanDam said. “I’m accustomed to putting my MotorGuide on high and covering lots of water in a hurry with lots of casts and fast moving baits. But here it was all about dialing the speed down on my 36-volt motor, going to a 5.3:1 gear ratio baitcast reel, making long casts and working my crankbait really slow across the top of the coontail grass in the area.”

“The water was pretty shallow, so I think it was also important that I was able to move my boat around as quietly with my trolling motor as I was,” VanDam added.

VanDam and most of the others in the Classic using MotorGuide had Tour Edition TR109 Digital models on their boats. They say they prefer this model because it has a stainless steel shaft, a rock-steady Tour Gator Spring® mount bracket and a metal foot pedal … combining form and function to eliminate the flex that comes with plastic parts and to provide the smoothest in cable-steer operation.

Ever since Harris’ invention first hit the market more than 50 years ago, MotorGuide has continued to lead the way in trolling motor innovation. The brand has many firsts to its credit beyond just foot control and digital variable speed, including the retractable bow mount for easy stow and deploy, breakaway mount to protect the motor’s shaft from underwater run-ins, and digital technology for the finest in electronic performance.

Continuous improvements are always occurring within the MotorGuide product lineup, with the most recent coming from BASS Elite Series angler Brent Chapman’s father. Chapman developed a stainless steel pulley for the Tour Edition models to work with their upgraded stainless steel cables to improve upon steering feel and limiting steering torque, even when operating the motor at its highest speed setting of more than 100 pounds of thrust.

Additionally, MotorGuide now also has models that incorporate a built-in Lowrance® 200/83 kHz transducer with temperature sensor for compatibility with Lowrance HDS sonar units. Built-in transducers eliminate damage to cables and transducers from underwater obstructions, plus MotorGuide’s digital technology also helps eliminate sonar interference.

“We’re proud of the fact that the Classic trophy stays with the MotorGuide team once again, with last year’s champion Skeet Reese passing it along to now three-time Classic champion and five-time Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam,” said Kevin Fletcher, vice president of sales and marketing for Attwood Marine, the company that also includes MotorGuide products.

“We’re also proud of Pam Martin-Wells performance in having achieved the highest level ever for a female angler in the Classic, and we’re thrilled that four of the five top finishers on Lay Lake had MotorGuide on front of their boats. Congratulations to Kevin and all of our Classic anglers.”

Pl. Name DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 TOTAL
Fish Weight Fish Weight Fish Weight Fish Weight
1 Kevin VanDam 5 19- 8 5 12- 7 5 19- 7 15 51- 6
2 Jeff Kriet 5 16- 7 5 15-10 5 14- 5 15 46- 6
3 Todd Faircloth 5 18- 2 5 13-12 5 12- 5 15 44- 3
4 Russ Lane 5 14- 1 4 11-10 5 18- 1 14 43-12
5 Brent Chapman 5 13- 0 5 8- 2 5 16-12 15 37-14
6 Michael Iaconelli 5 14- 9 4 12- 3 5 10- 9 14 37- 5
7 Matt Herren 5 9- 7 5 13-15 5 12- 7 15 35-13
8 Kevin Wirth 5 8- 9 5 10-11 5 15- 8 15 34-12
9 Jeff Freeman 5 9- 8 5 8-13 5 14- 6 15 32-11
10 Takahiro Omori 5 15- 7 4 8-14 4 8- 5 13 32-10
11 Aaron Martens 5 8-11 5 7- 9 5 13-15 15 30- 3
12 Mark Tucker 5 9-15 4 7- 4 4 12- 0 13 29- 3
13 Cliff Crochet 5 9- 5 5 10-11 5 8-15 15 28-15
14 Cliff Pace 5 16- 3 1 2- 6 4 9- 6 10 27-15
15 Bobby Lane 5 7-13 5 12- 9 5 7- 5 15 27-11
16 Kotaro Kiriyama 5 10- 3 5 7- 3 5 10- 4 15 27-10
17 Jason Quinn 2 5-12 4 9-13 4 11- 7 10 27- 0
18 James Niggemeyer 5 13- 3 5 7- 4 4 6- 5 14 26-12
19 Tommy Biffle 5 14- 3 5 10- 6 1 1-14 11 26- 7
20 Gerald Swindle 5 10- 8 5 7- 1 5 8-11 15 26- 4
21 Shaw E Grigsby 4 6-15 5 10- 7 5 8- 3 14 25- 9
22 Pam Martin-Wells 5 6-13 5 9-15 5 8- 4 15 25- 0
23 Dean Rojas 5 6- 9 5 9- 5 5 8- 9 15 24- 7
24 Billy McCaghren 5 15- 4 3 4-11 2 2-10 10 22- 9
25 Stephen Browning 5 8-15 5 6-14 1 2- 9 11 18- 6
26 Terry Scroggins 5 13- 0 2 1-13 7 14-13
27 Alton Jones 5 6-12 2 7- 5 7 14- 1
28 Frank Scalish 5 7- 2 5 6- 3 10 13- 5
29 Mike McClelland 2 5- 9 3 7-12 5 13- 5
30 Bryan Schmidt 2 6- 2 3 6- 8 5 12-10
31 John Murray 4 7-12 3 4- 9 7 12- 5
32 Gary Klein 1 2-10 3 7-13 4 10- 7
33 Randy Howell 5 8-15 1 1- 7 6 10- 6
34 Byron Velvick 5 10- 0 0 0- 0 5 10- 0
35 Kelly Jordon 1 2- 9 3 7- 3 4 9-12
36 Terry Butcher 2 2-15 2 6- 8 4 9- 7
37 Randy Phillips 4 4- 5 4 4-12 8 9- 1
38 Mark Menendez 5 7- 9 1 0-14 6 8- 7
39 Brent Long 5 6- 8 1 1- 2 6 7-10
40 Don Hogue 2 7- 1 0 0- 0 2 7- 1
41 Casey Ashley 4 4- 2 2 2- 9 6 6-11
42 Steve Kennedy 2 2-10 1 3- 8 3 6- 2
43 Skeet Reese 3 5- 0 0 0- 0 3 5- 0
44 Jody Adkins 0 0- 0 2 3- 8 2 3- 8
45 Greg Hackney 1 3- 5 0 0- 0 1 3- 5
46 Jami Fralick 1 2- 8 0 0- 0 1 2- 8
47 Scott Ashmore 1 1- 7 1 1- 0 2 2- 7
48 Kevin Short 2 2- 6 0 0- 0 2 2- 6
49 Boyd Duckett 1 1- 2 0 0- 0 1 1- 2
50 Denny Brauer 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 0 0- 0
50 Darrell West 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 0 0- 0

Here are the final prototypes of the new Spro BBZ-1 micro 2.5. Weighing in at a whopping 6 grams (1/4 oz) this heavyweight is sure to knock out every fish that swims. From panfish to trout in the early spring; to those hard to get monster bass and stripers that roam the waters in late fall targeting the smallest baitfish that swim. This little gem is the newest addition to the BBZ-1 line up. Once again Spro has taken fishing to the next level. Production has started and Spro will be ready by July, at ICAST 2010.

YUM Soft Plastics announces the introduction of F2, independently tested to be 30 percent more effective than the leading attractant. Six bait styles are infused with this powerful scent, and unlike other attractant-injected baits, YUM F2 retains its suppleness and “swimability.” They also don’t dry into hard, wrinkled and useless shrivels when left out of the package.

Attract. Enrage. Engage. F2, or Ferocity Squared, is a highly concentrated formula clinically tested by the Mississippi State University under the strictest scientific conditions. The result is documented proof that bass prefer YUM F2 by 30 percent. Additional advantages include its ability to be infused in traditional soft plastics in any shape, long-lasting effectiveness and continuous dispersal of scent.

YUM F2 is initially available in four new bait styles and two existing YUM baits. The new baits include the Wooly Bullee, a flippin’ style bait; the Mighty Bug, a six-legged creature bait in three sizes; the Sallee-mander, a 6-inch swimming lizard; and the Shakealicious Worm, a 6-inch shaky head worm with an undulating skirt at the head. YUM Dingers and Money Craws also have been infused with F2.

YUM F2 just took over the top spot in bass attractants. It’s documented. It’s been proven in the strictest clinical scientific testing. Bass prefer F2. It’s the most-effective attractant on the market. Look for F2 taking over your local tackle shop or at www.lurenet.com.

On the Eve of the Bassmaster Classic, Koppers Fishing, makers of the ultra-realistic LIVETARGET crank baits, inked deals with Bassmaster Elite pros Stephen Browning and Byron Velvick.

The sponsorship arrangement, spearheaded by Koppers’ Pro Staff Manager Victor Cook, will be under the spotlight at the 2010 Bassmaster Classic in Birmingham, AL. here, Browning and Velvick will duke it out with 49 of the industry’s best for the prestigious top honor and Championship title. “We’re very excited about our new relationships with Byron and Stephen” says Cook; “both are solid anglers with great reputations in the B.A.S.S. arena.”

The LIVETARGET brand made its’ debut in 2008 in the Midwest and Great Lakes Regions, opening 100 dealers its’ first year. Two years later, the Company’s reach now exceeds more than 1,000 dealers in the U.S. and Canada, with distribution into Japan and nine European countries. Despite the accelerated international attention, Cook comments that B.A.S.S. is the ideal platform to launch the Team LIVETARGET pro staff campaign. “They’re at the top of the game” says Cook, “and we’re positioned to show the industry our intentions to participate. Stephen and Byron are truly excited about our line and we feel they will represent our brand with passion and dignity.”

Browning, who had 4 top 10 finishes in 2009, had success at all events with the LIVETARGET brand, including a 5th place in Iowa, where 15 of his 20 fish were caught using the 64 series Craw crank. His success at the event was pivotal in improving his rank to qualify for the Classic on Lay Lake, February 19-21. “I’m really excited about their product line and impressed with the Koppers’ organization,” says Browning, “They are on the cusp of something big and I look forward to growing with them”. Browning will unveil his new threads at the Classic later this week.

Well known Elite Series pro and television personality Byron Velvick will also sport the LIVETARGET colors in the 2010 Bassmaster Elite season. The former “Bachelor” contestant and Bass Center analyst, currently hosts a weekly inshore saltwater show “Going Coastal”, which is both entertaining and educational to ESPN2 viewers. “I became familiar with the LIVETARGET line during the back half of the ’09 Series,” says Velvick. “I immediately fell in love with them. Bottom line…they flat out catch fish.”

On this Wednesday, the 2010 Bassmaster Classic contenders are on the water for their last day of practice. Will what they find today have them scratching for a limit on Friday’s first day of competition, or scratching their heads as what to try next to figure out an unusually cold Alabama Lay Lake. We tried to help them break the ice a little by asking them a few more questions about their thoughts and strategies around their fishing and this week’s event.

1. Knowing what you know now at this point in your career about what it takes to sustain a livelihood at professional fishing and be competitive, what advice would you have for someone else wanting to chase the same dream?

Kevin VanDam (Plano pro staff) – Biggest thing is to believe in yourself. Do it your way and to your style. You have to have confidence, and it has to be about your own strengths and abilities; not about trying to emulate someone else. I have anglers telling me their accomplishments, and then want to know if I think they’re ready. My answer is always the same, “Only you can know that.”

Jeff Kriet (Sebile and Jewel Bait Co. pro staff) – I have a lot of people tell me they want to do what I do, fish for a living. But it’s really not true. They say they’re not because they don’t have the time or money. Well, I didn’t have the time or money either when I got started. But I made up my mind and went after it just like I was making a decision to start my own business. If you’ve got the guts and determination to do that, go for it. Be prepared for a ride, and do know that there are going to be sacrifices.

Todd Faircloth (Sebile pro staff)- Be patient, and be prepared for a slow start, in the beginning, especially when it comes to getting sponsors. I felt once I graduated to this level that things would happen in a hurry, but they didn’t. You have to understand that and have the staying power to hang in there until you get things going the way you want.

Kevin Short (Jewel Bait Co. pro staff) – If it’s for a college-aged person or younger, it is to get a college degree in marketing before you do anything else. Having the education and that kind of information on your side is ever bit as important as being able to catch fish. For someone older, learn whatever you can about marketing, however you can. I think it’s the single most important thing toward molding an angler for a long and successful career.

Tommy Biffle (Gene Larew Lures pro staff) – Take up golf at an early age. No, if someone is really serious about this as a career, it’s to spend as much time as possible fishing in all kinds of places and in every type of condition. I’m hearing some guys here this week saying they’ve never fished in water less than 50 degrees before. Then another guy who is in the know was excited to practice while it was snowing because he knew it’s an active time for fish. Fishing for a living, you don’t get to pick the days, times and places to go, so you better be ready to deal with what you’ve got.

Mike McClelland (Jewel Bait Co. pro staff) – Biggest piece of advice is to get an education first, focusing on marketing and business because what we do is a business first and foremost. And don’t get hung up on fishing as many different tournaments as you can. Instead, you’ll be better served by simply spending more time fishing and going to different places and situations.

2. Does cold water and weather make you change your choice of line type or weight?

Kevin VanDam – Not really. I’m pretty much using XPS fluorocarbon for everything; some braid for flipping around the grass. I do use a lot more line conditioner when it’s cold like this because it sheds water and helps keep my rod guides from freezing. I use a Palomar knot for fluorocarbon.

Jeff Kriet – No, not really. If I make any changes it will be going to heavier line because the water is stained and I can get away with it. I’ve got my Jewel jigs on 15 pound fluorocarbon; my Sebile crankbaits are on 15-20 pound test fluoro. I use a San Diego Jam knot on my fluorocarbon, it’s kind of like a Double Uni.

Todd Faircloth – Not really on my line choice, but I do consciously back off on my hooksets just a little. I’m using  mostly fluorocarbon  and because they are low stretch, the extreme cold can brittle them a little so I sure don’t want to break a fish off on an over-powered set.

Kevin Short - Not much of a change. I’ve downsized a little, but mostly using the same type – fluorocarbon. As for my knot, I use an Improved Clinch or a Double Uni on the smaller diameter stuff.

Tommy Biffle – If I do make any changes it will be to bigger instead of smaller. I am using fluorocarbon, Sunline. When fishing is tough you don’t want to take any chances with bites few and far between. I think I can get away with a little bigger line.

Mike McClelland - I’m liking my green Sunline I’ve got spooled for this stained water. I’m using fluorocarbon for my bottom baits, giving me the best line properties for them. For my stickbaits, I go with their monofilament because it doesn’t sink or weight them down.

3. When you have bait that is working well in a tournament, will you have an identically rigged rod and reel with an exact duplicate of that bait on your boat?

Kevin VanDam – Absolutely. I have a backup for everything. I have to be efficient. I don’t want to waste time having to rig or change a bait when I don’t have to.

Jeff Kriet – Lots of times I’ll do exactly that, especially if I’m catching fish on a Carolina rig or drop shot that takes some time to re-rig. More commonly though, I’ve got the same kind of bait tied on but in different colors or sizes. That’s really true with my shaky heads.

Todd Faircloth - Absolutely. It’s going to be right there on my deck where I can get to it in a hurry. Well, if it’s a really hot combo, I actually will keep it in my rod locker until it’s time to fish.

Kevin Short – I’ll definitely have multiple baits at the ready, but not so much identical things tied on. Usually there will be some similar things to what I’m effectively using, but in colors and sizes that give me some more options if I’m needing to change things up in an area to get another bite or two.

Tommy Biffle - Yep, I always have identical rigs of my go-to bait, sometimes as many as three others. If you’re in a key spot, the last thing you want to have to do is lose time by having to re-rig. I like all of my rods and reels to be identical so that every time I pick one up regardless of what I have on it, it’s going to weigh and feel exactly the same.

Mike McClelland - I’ll usually have similar rigs to give me more variations instead of exact duplications. I’ll have variations of bait sizes, colors and styles.

4. Do you weigh and record each keeper fish before it goes into the livewell or what is your fish culling process?

Kevin VanDam – I wish I thought culling was going to be a problem in this Classic. But no, I don’t do that. When it becomes time to assess my catch, I typically go to a balance beam.

Jeff Kriet – I do buoy all of my fish when I catch them. That not only gives me an easy way to keep count of my fish in the livewell, but also an easy way to work with them when it’s time to cull. I use a culling beam for that. As for estimating, I like to go on the light side, then when my weight is more than that I can be as excited as the crowd.

Todd Faircloth – No, I’m not that savvy. My process is always to get a limit first, then I’ll assess my catch and identify what needs to be replaced first.

Kevin Short – I don’t weigh my fish. I do tag them. On my fifth fish I will stop to weigh and record each one so I’ll know the culling order.

Tommy Biffle – I won’t mess with my catch until I have a limit. Then I’ll use a balance beam and tag the littlest one to cull first. Yes, I have messed up on my count. Wasn’t fun and it won’t happen again.

Mike McClelland - I don’t weigh my fish at the time of the catch. Many times you’re in a situation where you catch one fish, you’ll be able to catch another immediately behind it if you’ll get your fish into the livewell quickly and your bait right back in the water. When you have a limit, it’s time to assess your catch.

5.  Imagine this: It’s the final day weigh-in and you’re in line with a limit you believe has you in contention to win. Would you rather be visiting with the other pros in line and listening to predictions, or be totally tuned out and listening to your iPod?

Kevin VanDam – That’s an exciting time, and something to be shared. So many of us fishing in this Classic are good friends, and I enjoy sharing in the thrill win a friend wins. Of course, I’ve been fortunate enough to win a couple myself. It’s a special time.

Jeff Kriet - Oh, I’d be totally tuned out. I’d have some kind of hip-hop going on. I mean old school hip-hop. Just hip-hopping out, waiting to take care of business.

Todd Faircloth – No, I won’t be tuning anything out. I want to know what’s going on. I’ll be intermingling trying to figure who’s got what and what might happen.

Kevin Short - I’ll be listening to my iPod, plugged into a little bit of everything. Might be some Rolling Stones, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, u2, and who knows what else.

Tommy Biffle – I don’t mind listening and visiting about what’s going on. It’s over by then, so you’ve either got ‘em or you don’t.

Mike McClelland – On that final day, it’s cool to have an idea of what’s going on. I got into some of that action on the last day at last year’s Classic. I had a good bag of fish that was getting lots of attention, so the adrenalin starts pumping and you do begin to wonder “what if” should the leader have a tough day. I say live the moment to the fullest.

6. When you win the 2010 Bassmaster Classic, what’s the most “fun” thing you would spend part of your prize money on?

Kevin VanDam – It would definitely be something with Sherry and the boys, probably a fun trip somewhere.

Jeff Kriet – I’d be telling my wife, “you want to quit that job, you go right ahead.”

Todd Faircloth – My longtime desire is to have my own land for deer hunting, but that might not be the best option at this point.

Kevin Short - I’ll be taking my wife on a houseboat on Lake Powell for a week, and then who knows what else.

Tommy Biffle – A Kodiak bear hunt in Alaska with my bow.

Mike McClelland – Take the family to Atlantis in the Bahamas. That looks like a fun place to escape for a few days

Source: Dollahon Public Relations

Spinnerbaits are one of the most popular lures used by anglers today. Misshapen spinnerbaits that have become deformed from improper storage can be difficult to restore to working condition or even broken while trying to fix.
Knowing that spinnerbait storage is always an issue for those reasons, Plano answered the needs of beginning anglers everywhere. To the rescue is Plano’s new patented spinnerbait racks in its model 6000 series tray boxes, making them the ideal tackle box for the everyday angler. It’s quite possibly the best thing to happen to the tray box, and spinnerbaits, in years.

The racks hold the spinnerbaits securely in the tray while allowing quick and easy access.  Installation of the racks is a piece of cake using the divider-designed details. The end result is that anglers who prefer tray boxes now have the perfect alternative in tackle storage that also includes spinnerbaits.

The 6101 One Tray tackle box includes one spinnerbait rack that holds five spinnerbaits.  It measures 14″L x 8.25″W x 7.25″H.

The 6102 Two Tray tackle box, measuring 14.25″L x 8.5″W x 7.75″H, includes two spinnerbait racks that hold six spinnerbaits each.

The 6103 Three Tray tackle box includes two spinnerbait racks that hold six spinnerbaits each, and measures 16.25″L x 9.125″W x 8.5″H overall

The Sebile Flatt Shad is vibrating up a storm of activity in both the fresh and saltwater fishing worlds. Word of their effectiveness for tournament and recreational anglers around the globe has started a feeding frenzy of its own.

Among recent additions to the Flatt Shad lipless bait lineup are the new, extra-heavy sinking version of the popular all-around-size model 66, and two brand new and bigger sizes, models 96 and 124.

The Flatt Shad model 66 XH-SK, measuring just under 3 inches, weighs in at 3/4 ounce, and that’s a full quarter-ounce more than its 1/2-ounce brother, the 66 SK (sinking). It casts like a rocket, runs perfectly true and stays upright on the fall.

New Flatt Shad model 96 is a 4-inch bait that comes in both sinking (SK) and extra-heavy sinking (XH-SK) versions. The SK version weighs 1-3/8 ounces and the XH-SK model weighs 2-1/8 ounces.

The largest of the Flatt Shads, model 124, is 5 inches in overall length. It, too, comes in the sinking (SK) version, weighing 2-1/2 ounces, and the extra-heaving sinking (XH-SK) model that weighs-in at 3-3/4 ounces.

All Flatt Shad models have a high-backed shape just like the favorite shad baitfish found in many waters, and their rounded profile produces excited, hyperactive movements for a unique, wicked swimming action. They can be worked horizontally with a direct retrieve, vertically jigged, or cast long distances in open water. The Flatt Shad’s design also allows them to come through cover better than other rattling, vibrating-style lures of this type.

The newest Flatt Shads come in a variety of Sebile color options including Evidence, Blood Red and the innovative new InSight 3D saltwater colors, depending on models. Visit SebileUSA.com.

New from Jewel Bait Company, The Rock is the perfect cross between a traditional worm sinker and the popular football jig, getting the very best traits of both items. It has a hole entirely through it just like any slip sinker does, but its football shape makes it look so different. And different it is.

The Rock has an angled hole and specialized surfaces to allow for two different rigging options. Run the line through the sinker in the direction that puts the weight’s flat surface on the underside and The Rock will roll and tumble over rocks and other obstacles like nothing else can.

Reverse the line direction so the sinker’s “shovel” side faces forward and The Rock stirs up the bottom when fishing irregular areas of sand, clay, pea gravel, etc. The versatility means that the Rock Rig is the ideal single solution for both Texas rigging and Carolina rigging.

“Who would have ever imagined that something as simple as a fishing sinker was going to benefit from computer-design technology using the principles of physics and mathematical calculations,” said Gayle Julian, Jewel founder and president. “The Rock still has the same ol’ job of getting a bait down to structure, but once there it truly becomes a fishing tool for today’s modern anglers.”

The Rock is available in 1/2 and 3/4 ounce sizes and is unpainted.  The 1/2-ounce size is sold four per pack, and the 3/4 ounce comes three per package. Visit JewelBait.com.

The new Gene Larew® Biffle Bug, in the Tommy Biffle Signature Series, is a combination stride or glide bait in a compact 4.25″ design. The body is slim yet wide, and covered with concentric “ridges” spaced evenly from its nose to where the tail starts. The first 3/4-inch of its 3-inch body length is solid for hook support, while the rest of it is hollow like a tube, borrowing a feature from the Biffle-O (patent pending) family.

The body cavity is oval to better hold a round rattle in place simply through natural compression. It works with most rattle styles and makes for an extra-loud sound chamber. Compressed foam and/or scent can also be added to the bug’s cavity.

The body has tentacles on each side, plus hyperactive swimming legs. These legs come from the Biffle-O Lizard and come alive with the slightest movement. Equally unique is the Biffle Bug’s tail. It is a thin, flexible tail configuration that is convex on the backside and cupped underneath. By design, the tail is wide at its base and tapers slowly over its 2 1/4-inch tail length to a rounded tip. The tail is always “breathing,” even at rest, and offers both form and function to every fishing technique imaginable.

With legs on, the Biffle Bug is the perfect swimming bait. It can be fished alone, used on a jighead, or serve as a trailer. It is also an excellent Carolina-rig bait, especially when a small piece of foam flotation is inserted into its body cavity.

Pinch the legs off and the Biffle Bug becomes the perfect glide bait. The cupped tail provides unmatched action to the lure’s descent. Biffle Bugs are packaged eight per resealable pack. Visit GeneLarewLures.com.

Hank Parker and Plano have enjoyed a relationship together for over 20 years. When the company asked the popular television show fishing host to design an organization system that takes all the things he wanted on the boat, and in a bag  … the end result is the FTO Elite Hank Parker Signature Series tackle bag.

The Hank Parker bags are feature rich. Rubberized non-slip bases keep the bag dry and prevent sliding around on the boat. Three protective structured pockets were designed to hold sunglasses, cell phones and cameras. There’s even a special pocket for lip balm for those long days in the sun, a personal request from Parker himself. Integrated tool and towel holders on either end keep the most often needed supplies on standby for quick and easy access. Additionally there is a rear zippered compartment with large mesh pockets inside that are perfect for holding packages of softbaits.

The 4826 Hank Parker Signature Series tackle bag includes four 3600 series StowAway® utility boxes and has an overall measurement of 18″L x 13″W x 11″H.

The 4827 Hank Parker Signature Series tackle bag includes four 3700 series StowAway utility boxes and measures 20″L x 14″W x 11.5″H.

The full-figured Sebile Crankster has been making lots of noise of late, but as an old rock song says best, “you ain’t seen nothing yet.”

Joining the round-bellied Crankster family is a brand new SR “Shallow Runner” design represented by two models, SR 50 and SR 65. The numerical designations refer to lengths in millimeters, which means the two baits measure approximately 2 inches and 2.5 inches, respectively. Ironically, and amazingly, that’s also about how deep the two baits run, thus the Shallow Runner designation.

The Crankster SR can be waked on top, “bulged” just under the surface, or made to run 3-5 inches below just by the angler holding the rod tip up, down or somewhere in between. That means these shallow runners are perfect for swimming over the top of grass with the rod held high and then dropping the tip to fish the pockets and holes around the patches.

The Crankster SR 50 and SR 65 are available in six colorful finishes: Sea Chrome, Bass, Light Violet, Holo Gold/Black, Natural Mullet and Hot Yellow/Chartreuse. Visit Sebile.com.

The Gene Larew HooDaddy has found its way back into the top spot in tackleboxes across the country, mostly because scores of anglers are rediscovering the bait as one of the best big bass baits around. With the re-found popularity come six new colors to both the 6″ HooDaddy and the 4.5″ HooDaddy Jr.

All of the new colors are two-color laminates, including blackberry/sapphire, green pumpkin/Christmas tree, green pumpkin candy, dark watermelon candy, smoke neon/pumpkin pepper neon and dark watermelon neon/watermelon neon. The “neon” designation means the color includes red metalflake.

Both HooDaddy sizes feature concentric rings throughout their body lengths. The rings not only give the baits action and “noise” when making friction contact with underwater obstacles, they also boost the fish-hooking percentage. That’s because the hook’s point is brought all the way through the body and retained in the rings instead of the body, keeping it weedless but with less plastic to penetrate on a strike. All 35 colors of HooDaddys are manufactured in the company’s Tulsa, Okla. injection molding facility. Visit GeneLarewLures.com.

Jewel introduces the Hyper Pin Shaky Head Jig. This unique head is the result of marrying Jewel’s computer designed Pro Spider Jig to the company’s proprietary pivoting Hyper Pin bait keeper system. For shaky head anglers, it’s a match made in bass hog heaven.

The proven Pro Spider Jig head design comes through rocks and cover like no other. And the Hyper Pin keeper system allows for simple rigging of soft plastics and holds the bait firmly in place in a natural stance without interfering with hook-sets. This means spending less time to adjust the bait and more time fishing.

The head also features a custom Mustad hook with an eye angle and gap built to specs for improved hook-ups and enhanced fish-landing efficiency. The Hyper Pin Shaky Head is available in 1/8 and 3/16 ounce sizes, and come three per pack. The heads come in black gold and black copper color finishes, both of which match up nicely to the most popular soft plastic colors. VisitJewelBait.com.

Plano’s SoftSider product line offers the widest selection of tackle bags available.  SoftSider tackle bags are designed to serve a wide range, from the beginner to the seasoned angler.

The 4472 Open Top SoftSider tackle bag’s sleek minimalistic design allows for quick and easy access to your tackle.  Included are four StowAway® utility boxes allowing you to organize and carry all your tackle.  A molded waterproof base protects the bag from early morning dew or water from the floor of the boat while a rain shield built into a back pocket that covers the entire bag and protects the contents from rain and overspray.  Additional storage is provided by the mesh pockets on either end of the back, the two zippered pockets on the front and the large full-length zippered pocket along the back.

The 4472 Open Top SoftSiderincludes four 3700 series StowAway utility boxes.  The 4472 Open Top SoftSidermeasures 14.5″L x 9.5″W x 8.5″H. VisitPlanoMolding.com.

The Sebile Spin Shad was named “Best New Hard Lure” of ICAST 2009. The new bait is the ultimate tail spinner, featuring heavy metal alloy Bismuth inside a molded baitfish-shaped body with intricate attention to detail. On the tail end and affixed to an inline swivel is the unique Sebile Shad Blade. The Shad Blade is a lure in itself, with a wide front, narrow tail and slightly cupped backside to allow it to turn at any retrieve speed from ultra slow to super fast.

The Spin Shad’s main treble hook is strategically positioned behind the widest part of the bait’s belly to benefit from the body’s protective deflection in and around cover. It can be made even more snagless by clipping the lowest hook from the treble, leaving the other two pointing upward and being even more protected by the body. The bait’s perfect balance and split ring positioning affords vibration and flash on the fall and during retrieve. It is available in 3/4 ounce and 1 1/4 ounce sizes. Visit SebileUSA.com.

Today your camera, cell phone, camcorder, GPS and a myriad of other electronic devices are as important to your fishing trip as your rod and reel. To protect these valuable devices Plano has developed the Guide Series Waterproof Cases. Made of tough crystal clear polycarbonate featuring cam-action latches and a Dri-Loc® O-ring seal, these cases are airtight and waterproof, making them perfect for storing all your electronic gear.  Non-corrosive pinned hinges are designed to with stand the saltwater environment and provide a solid hinge that will last through years of use. Included with each case is an additional sheet of the soft rubber lining to shield the contents from the sun while on the open water. These cases are perfect for any situation where secure dry storage is needed.

Featuring an all new design, the Guide Series waterproof cases are now available in our four classic StowAway footprints: 3449, 3500, 3600 and 3700 allowing them to be used in our tackle bags alongside our traditional StowAway utility boxes. Visit PlanoMolding.com.

Where’s the beef? In the Larew® 12″ El Salto Worm
The Gene Larew El Salto Grande 12-inch worm has been beefed up in response to anglers’ wishes and the new diameter is definitely A+ worthy. Its diameter has been increased by about 15 percent and the beefed-up body is a good look to go along with its long and fleshy tail, which remained unchanged.

The El Salto Grande is available in 13 colors, many unique to the soft plastics category, including Montezuma’s Revenge, Margarita on the Rocks, and Siesta Buster. True to its Mexican-namesake heritage, the big worm has been hot for big bass over the last two weeks on the Mexico-Texas border lake – Lake Falcon. Texas guide Dannie Golden caught two fish around the 11-pound mark in recent days.

For more information about El Salto Grande and all Larew products, visitGeneLarewLures.com.

The brand new Jewel Swim Gem swimbait jighead eliminates several problems common when rigging and fishing soft swimbaits. Its unique boomerang-shaped head envelops the bait’s nose to make head and bait come together as one in a realistic looking, streamlined baitfish appearance.

The lower half of the boomerang is slightly longer than the top and distributes the weight to under the swimbait’s nose.  Doing so keeps the bait upright on the fall with the hook always properly positioned, while also providing stability so the bait doesn’t roll during retrieve.

The upper half of the head provides weight and balance. Together the top and bottom form the ultimate swimbait head, meaning that Swim Gem-rigged lures can be slow rolled or burned, and even utilized as effective bed fishing lures. Also unique is Jewel’s proprietary “J Lock” bait keeper system.  The J Lock securely holds soft plastic in place by piercing through the top of the swimbait and then clipping onto the hook’s shank.  This prevents the nose of the swimbait from being torn after several bites and does not interfere with hook setting.  A tough powder coat paint finish keeps the head looking good for catch after catch. Visit JewelBait.com.

Berkley, America’s leading fishing tackle brand, will give one lucky participant at the Bassmaster Classic in Birmingham, Ala., the chance to win $100,000 by simply casting into a target.  During the final weigh-in on February 22, one individual in the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex arena will be randomly drawn from the crowd and allowed to cast to a target on the arena floor.

“The Cast for Cash event has been a big hit of the Classic for some time now,” said John Bartow, Berkley Senior Director of Marketing. “It is a fun opportunity for anyone to have a chance to claim a very large sum of money and the crowd simply loves it. Everyone at the final weigh in has an equal chance to “Cast for Cash” and hopefully someone will walk out of the arena $100,000 richer. Berkley is proud to give this opportunity to the Bassmaster Classic weigh in audience.”

The participant will be given his/her choice of a Berkley/Abu Garcia Spincast, Spinning or Baitcast rod/reel combination spooled with Berkley Trilene fishing line. Renown angler and television host Hank Parker will provide the individual with a one-on-one  practice session to become better acquainted with the tackle for the best chance to win the $100,000 prize. The actual cast will be made during a break in the weigh in, in front of thousands of angling fans.

Cheryl Smith loves to fish, and her desire to be on the water is paying off. Her infectious angling passion paid big dividends in the Berkley Big Fish (BBF) Contest for OutdoorGirl1, as she has become known on BerkleyBigFish.com. Smith landed the biggest prize offered – a fishing trip for two with legendary angler Hank Parker.

“I was up against a lot of great anglers on Berkley Big Fish,” said Smith. “The website is so much fun, I can’t get away from it. The voting and pictures that are submitted show that fishing is growing. Families and individuals still love to get outdoors and stay active.”

The St. Charles, Ill., native has been posting pictures of her and anything with gills on BerkleyBigFish.com since early 2009. She has won multiple awards on BBF, most notably being named Elite Angler for the month of April. Smith is also a five-time category winner and has marked her place as one of the standout anglers on the site.

“It’s so good to have a website that is all positive,” said Hank Parker. “Everything about the outdoors should be all about being positive. BerkleyBigFish.com is for any angler wanting to share their story. Cheryl was the crown jewel out of the 22 anglers selected for the Grand Prize. She is held in high regard from her competitors and myself as well.”

BerkleyBigFish is a Web site that celebrates the sport of fishing through creating an online community of dedicated anglers. The almost-12,000 users (nearly double from a year ago) can post photos that are entered into monthly contests and sweepstakes with the chance to win prizes from Berkley, Abu Garcia and other sponsors.

Users have the ability to comment on others’ photos and rate them on a scale of 1 to 5 “bobbers.” Five monthly winners are chosen from these votes based on fish specie (Bass, Trout, Walleye, Inshore Saltwater and Other), with one monthly Grand Prize Finalist being hand-selected by Hank Parker to be in the running for the grand prize.

In addition, monthly “Elite Anglers” are chosen based on skill level to compete for the grand prize alongside monthly finalists. Smith qualified for the grand prize by being named an Elite Angler.

What happened? Ike no longer with Daiwa?????

Here’s a Pure Fishing release that came out today.

Renowned angler Michael Iaconelli and fishing industry leaders Abu Garcia, Spiderwire and Berkley entered into agreement for the upcoming 2010-tournament season. Beginning January 1, 2010, Iaconelli will fish Abu Garcia rods and reels, Berkley and Spiderwire line and Berkley PowerBait and Gulp! products exclusively.

“We are very excited to have Mike join our Abu Garcia and Spiderwire Teams,” said Chris Derrick, Brand Manager. “He is one of the best athletes in the sport and this partnership will help us develop new and innovative products while helping Mike elevate his game.”

The Pittsgrove, NJ native has enjoyed an illustrious career on the fishing tournament trail wrapping up 6 first-place titles, 42 top-ten finishes, 67 top-twenty finishes and amassing over $1.6 million in career earnings. Iaconelli also claimed the 2006 Angler of the Year title and hosts City Limits Fishing that is featured on the Versus network.

“This partnership is huge,” said Iaconelli. “It is a privilege to be working with Abu Garcia, Spiderwire and Berkley.  When you think about fishing these are the big names that everyone recognizes. The partnership with these major fishing brands is one that holds a lot of promise. Their technologically advanced products will be a tremendous asset to me on the competitive circuits. I look forward to continuing a very successful relationship with the folks at Pure Fishing.”

Dan from Shimano just posted the new 2010 Cumulus rod on the TackleTour Forum. These rods are the lightest they have designed. The lightest casting model weighs only 2.75 ounces!!!