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!!!

Duckett parted with e21 just this July and many were wondering what’s he up to next. Not just Boyd but Ken Whiting as well. This is what the pair is up to. They are introducing a new company called Duckett Fishing. Here’s more info…

Boyd Duckett, the 2007 Bassmaster Classic champion and one of the top professional anglers on the ESPN BASS Elite Series tour, announced today that he has established an Alabama-based company that will produce innovative, high-end fishing rods that introduce microguide technology.

The new company, Duckett Fishing LLC, will manufacture rods that were created and tested by industry-leading designers and professional anglers. The ultra-lightweight rods – called “MicroMagic” – offer unmatched sensitivity and, because of the rods’ microguides, will allow anglers to significantly increase their casting distance and accuracy, Duckett said.

Duckett will use MicroMagic rods competitively beginning in February at the 2010 Bassmaster Classic. He added that other pro anglers will soon join Duckett Fishing’s professional staff.

“I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am about this venture. What we’re doing at Duckett Fishing is making rods that take existing technology to a whole new level. What we’ve done with microguides is extremely special and ahead of the curve. We developed these rods by getting a lot of input from custom rod builders who know what they’re doing. Then we combined that with the best kind of research and development – on the water testing by pro anglers,” Duckett said.

“Our company slogan is, ‘Driven by pros, not by profits.’ What that means is that our rods were developed literally by and for pros, so people who buy this rod will be getting a rod that professionals built and like. I’ll be fishing with them in the Classic. But the second part of this is that our decisions won’t be ‘corporate-style” decisions. We’re don’t intend to cut corners and offer an inferior product. We’re committed to producing rods that truly help anglers.

Duckett Fishing was incorporated earlier this month and is based in Demopolis , Alabama . Duckett is the only BASS Elite Series angler to ever start and manage a major fishing products company. Duckett said the rods will be available online through the company Web site, www.duckettfishing.com. Next year the rods will be available in retails stores.

As he established the new company, Duckett re-assembled the development team that created the award-winning prototype for Carrot Stix fishing rods, popular, light-weight orange rods. Duckett and designer Ken Whiting were instrumental in the initial development and branding success attributed to Carrot Stix.

Earlier this year, however, Duckett severed ties with the manufacturer and distributor of Carrot Stix: Toronto, Canada-based E-21. Duckett split with E-21 primarily because of what he described in a July 2009 news release as concerns “about the general quality of the rods being made and how warranties are being honored.” In splitting with E-21, Duckett stated that the rods weren’t being produced as they were initially designed.

The split with E-21 prompted Duckett’s decision to create his own company. Whiting and E-21 executive Sean Schuyler have joined Duckett at Duckett Fishing.

“This is the right thing to do. We have assembled a terrific team, and we’re hitting the ground running. We’ll have some exciting announcements over the next few months,” Duckett said.  “But what is so significant is that this allows our team to have control over our product. We’ll be in position to make sure there is a high standard when it comes to production.”

We finally have full control of quality and production and can offer the public innovation that’s not purely profit driven.

The 2010 Bassmaster Classic will be held in February on Lay Lake , near Birmingham , Alabama . Duckett won the 2007 Classic, which was also held on Lay Lake .

“It will be pretty special to be using these new rods at Lay Lake during the greatest fishing tournament in the world,” Duckett said.

“I can’t over-emphasize how terrific it is to be working with the folks who are coming to Duckett Fishing, and I promise that we will work as hard as we can work to produce and deliver exceptional rods. Our goal is to offer anglers state-of-the-art technology that gives them an advantage on the water.”

Although he had spent more than 20 years fishing competitively, Duckett burst onto the national stage in 2007 when he won the Bassmaster Classic and the Bassmaster Legends, a “major” tournament. That year, Duckett set a single-season BASS earnings record. He also won the title at the 2007 Ultimate Match Fishing competition, a made-for-television event featured on the Outdoor Channel.

In addition to Duckett Fishing, Duckett also owns a successful product-transport business: Southern Tank Leasing, an Alabama-based enterprise that delivers products in the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest.

Their website which is still under development. http://duckettfishing.com/

2007 Bassmaster Classic Boyd Duckett is no longer with E21, the company who produced the orange Carrot Stik fishing rod.

Some highlights why he parted:

Duckett said he has severed ties with E-21 because of “strong disagreements over construction of the Carrot Stix series rods” and “because of the financial instability” of the Toronto, Canada-based company. Duckett said he believes his reputation as an angler and businessman would have been damaged had he maintained his relationship with the company.

Duckett learned recently that the Carrot Stix rods being sold in stores are not built as Duckett and Whiting had originally discussed. The rods are different from the prototypes that won ICAST in 2007. The rods are also different than the Carrot Stix rods Duckett uses while fishing on tour.

“The bottom line is that we have strong differences of opinion over the whole Carrot Stix concept. For example, I’m concerned about the general quality of the rods being made and how warranties are being honored. And I’ve learned that there are too many warranty claims being made for me to continue putting my endorsement on the Carrot Stix. I don’t want any part of the direction E-21 is now going.”

E21 Fishing started out with rods made specifically for bass anglers but as we have seen in the recent past years they have expanded into fly and saltwater application rods, and from last year’s ICAST even apparel.

In the upcoming ICAST 2009 in Orlando Florida, E21 will be introducing two new series of rods, a Jiggin’ Stik for saltwater anglers and Carp Rods for fresh. The show is only one month away and as we get more information we’ll be giving you the latest about these E21 fishing rods. Now the question is… will they be Carrot orange?

2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion and 2007 Bassmaster Angler of the Year Skeet Reese, announces a new partnership with the Wright & McGill Co. to produce a new line of Skeet Reese Signature Tessera Fishing Rods.  The series will be based on the competitive needs of one of the world’s best anglers combined with the technological expertise of one of the industry’s most well known manufacturers.

The Wright & McGill Skeet Reese Signature Tessera Fishing Rods will feature nine technique specific models designed by Reese to fit his own fishing style and the most popular fishing techniques being utilized today.  From drop shotting to flipping and pitching, swimbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits, the lineup will fill the needs of any serious angler.  The new lineup will be constructed using Wright & McGill’s proprietary S-Curve blank technology.

S-Curve is Wright & McGill’s new process of blank construction that blends a precise mixture of materials in a specific process for assembly that results in a thin diameter blank that weighs less than conventional construction without sacrificing durability.  The result of the S-Curve construction and premium components is a premium bass fishing rod that would make a Bassmaster Classic Champion proud, while making it affordable for the angling public.

“I am very excited about this new partnership with Wright & McGill,” said Reese, who has been active in design and construction of new products with his sponsors for many years.  “I have always wanted to be able to produce a premium fishing rod that would be at a price point that every angler would be able to afford; Wright & McGill Co. has given me that opportunity

“It was not easy to make the decision to leave Lamiglas as they have always been very good to me,” said Reese.  “But this new project will allow me to build the rods I’ve always wanted to build at a price point that everyone can afford; and with Wright & McGill’s distribution network, we will be able to provide many anglers a chance to experience their quality construction and affordability.”

Chris Russell, Marketing Director for the Wright & McGill Co. said that the company is equally as excited to be working with Reese.  “The thought of working with a Bassmaster Classic Champion and Angler of the Year is certainly thrilling,” Russell, said that was not the only draw however.  “Skeet has a real understanding of the business of the fishing industry, and a real sense of what the fishing public needs and wants; when coupled with his skill as an angler and his work ethic, he represents a tremendous asset, one we are proud to enter into this project with.

Reese said the rods fit his style, both as an angler and an icon.  “The components are the best available, the blanks are some of the most technologically advanced I’ve ever seen,” Reese said.  “The look of the rods will certainly be aggressive, reflecting my personal trademarks, I think everyone will see them for the revolutionary product they are.”

Wright & McGill’s Skeet Reese Signature Tessera Rods will make their industry debut at ICAST in Orlando in July, In keeping with the Wright & McGill Co. brand strategy, these rods will be designed and priced to offer exceptional quality and value at a price point affordable to a wide range of anglers; the entire line is expected to retail between $89 – $99.

Skeet Reese is a Bassmaster Elite Series pro, he is the 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion and the 2007 Bassmaster Angler of the Year who has compiled career earnings that total more than $1.9 million in career earnings. Reese has qualified for 10 Bassmaster Classic appearances, and has finished in the top 10 41 times, including four wins in BASS competition in an 11 year career.  Reese is a 39-year-old California native who resides in Auburn, Calif. with his wife Kim, and two daughters; Leamarie and Courtney. Visit his website: www.skeetreeseinc.com.

Wright & McGill Co. is one of the most recognizable companies in the fishing industry.  The manufacturer of Lazer Sharp and Eagle Claw hooks and their own brand of rods and reels, as well as big game tackle.  Their line of Essentials and Accessories gear has become one of the most sought after brands in the world today, and the new fishing rod home of 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion Skeet Reese.  For more about Wright & McGill, visit them at www.wright-mcgill.com

Shimano Xtreme Fishing Invites Anglers to Choose a Weapon
New Wii Exclusive Game from Mastiff Includes Bowfishing, Spearfishing, and Traditional Rod & Reel Fishing
Shimano Xtreme Fishing challenges players to choose a weapon for a whole new take on fishing.

Embracing the wilder side of sport fishing, Shimano Xtreme Fishing is the only videogame to let players take the fight to the fish with bow and speargun in addition to the traditional rod and reel. Featuring cutting-edge fishing gear like Shimano Voltaeus fishing rods, Hoyt bows, AMS Bowfishing reels and accessories, and Muzzy arrow points, players hunt for a legendary catch from the deck of a free-roaming boat or underwater in full SCUBA gear.
But don’t think that the hunt will be easy, because the more extreme the gear, the more extreme the fish… More than 40 varieties inhabit the massive environments, with huge predators like sharks and alligators guarding the hottest fishing spots. Shimano Xtreme Fishing takes players through exotic environments ranging from the cold, dark waters of a North American reservoir to a roaring Amazon waterfall, eerie submerged Mayan ruins, the hidden lagoons of a southern island, and the shark-infested shipwrecks of a tropical sea.

Once the weapons – bowfishing gear, fishing rod, or spear gun and SCUBA – have been chosen, players can compete to unlock new tackle, clothing, and sporting accessories in a series of challenging tournaments, each with beautiful scenery and unique time and weather conditions. Players looking for a more open-ended fishing trip can roam the vast environments in search of new hot spots while mastering their weapons of choice in Free Fish mode.
“We weren’t interested in creating just another fishing game,” said Bill Swartz, Head Woof of Mastiff. “We wanted to give players something new – the very best equipment, an incredible selection of fish and locations, and most importantly, the rush that comes from extreme fishing, whether with rod, bow or spear.”

Shimano Xtreme Fishing will be available for Wii(tm) in summer 2009.

The Bac Rac is a co-angler’s dream come true! The Bac Rac holds 4 rods across the rear deck securely while the unique design allows the Bac Rac to install in 2 seconds without fasteners or tools.

The Bac Rac is constructed of powdercoated aircraft-grade aluminum and EVA foam. The Bac Rac has 2 security straps  ensuring the safety of your rods and reels in rough water.

The Bac Rac comes in a heavy duty nylon backpack and weighs just over a pound. If you’re tired of tangled rods and not having space for the rods you need try a Bac Rac and enjoy safe secure rod storage for the back of any boat!

Retail price is $49.99
Retailers currently carrying the Bac Rac:

Tackle Warehouse

Inland Marine
Antioch, Ca

D&D Marine and Tackle
Zapata, Texas

The Berkley Bass Tank will be at the Fred Hall Tackle and Boat Show in Long Beach, Calif. The tank is scheduled to stop March 4 – 8 and will feature seminars and appearances by Berkley Pro Anglers.

Berkley sends two 4,000-gallon bass tanks all over the country to help out the everyday angler. Kids and adults alike will enjoy learning about new Berkley products and tips on how to use these innovative baits.

“The Berkley Bass Tanks are out on the road, giving all anglers the opportunity to hone their skills,” said Tammy Cox, Berkley Marketing Manager “Not only will attendees learn to “Catch More Fish,” they will also learn about new products that will help them become a better angler.”

March 4 – 8
Fred Hall Tackle and Boat Show
Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
300 E. Ocean Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90802

If you are unable to make it by the Fred Hall Tackle and Boat Show, plan to attend one of these other upcoming events:

March 12-16 – Minneapolis Boat Show, Minneapolis, Minn.
March 14-15 – FLW Tour Family Fun Zone, Branson, Mo.
March 28-29 – BASS Elite Series Expo, Russellville, Ark.
March 26 – April 5 – South Texas State Fair, Beaumont, Texas
April 24 – April 26 – Joe’s Fish Fest, St. Paul, Minn.
April 25 – 26 – FLW Tour Family Fun Zone, Charlotte, N.C.

Many big named professional anglers have their sponsors design custom tackle to their specifics and those items aren’t sold to the public. That’s to change with Quantum’s PT Custom Shop. Now when you see one of their pro-staff sporting a new rod, you MIGHT be able to get your hands on them.

Quantum is building a limited amount of these rods and perhaps reels, so they are only sold on their website and while supplies last.

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THE NEXT BEST THING TO HAVING SOME OF THEIR DNA.

Armed with the bright red prototypes for his not-yet-released Tour cranking series, KVD stole the show at the Bassmaster Elite Series Bluegrass Brawl in 2008 and launched a new era of rod-making at Quantum.

Dean Rojas was the first to call. “What are those red rods Kevin’s using? Think you could build me something special for slinging a frog? I have some ideas.” The calls and e-mails poured in, and we soon found that many of our pros had special requests — from the action, length and blank material to the guides and grip style.

(Source: Quantum)

The Quantum Custom Shop was born.

We assembled our designers and spent months in the lab fine-tuning these rods to the exact specifications of each pro angler. What they have in their boats today are more than technique-specific, they are the-man-and-his-technique-specific — every aspect optimized for absolute mastery of their bread-and-butter applications. That being said, these rods are not for everyone. They are built specifically for those who demand highly specialized equipment, custom-matched to the elevated skills of the world’s best. And now, on a limited basis, these Custom Rods are available, ordered directly through our web site only.

Quantum will be introducing a new series of rods at the Classic in Red River,  LA.

Making their debut in the Quantum booth will be the brand new Tour Elite Signature Series of rods custom designed by top pros like VanDam, Hackney, Biffle and others. It will also be the first chance for many consumers to see and feel the newly redesigned Quantum PT baitcast and spinning reels.