While the Bassmaster Classic is best known as the pinnacle of professional bass fishing, in the days surrounding the event, many tackle companies unveil their newest products at bass fishing’s biggest stage. Here’s some of the gear that caught our eye on our trip to Tulsa back in March.
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The Regal LT is highlighted by Daiwa’s AirDrive technology and Zaion V composite construction for extra durability in a lightweight package. A screw-less rotor and AirDrive bail system decrease the reel’s weight by 15% which, along with the machined aluminum handle, leads to a smoother retrieve while improving control and accuracy.
The Berkley Finisher is designed to be used with forward-facing sonar and fishes with the versatility of a slow-sinking glide bait, allowing anglers to hit different portions of the water column and tweak the retrieve cadence to trigger more aggressive strikes. The flattened belly and arched back work together to generate a realistic rolling action, and each size is armed with Fusion19 treble hooks.
Old Town Limited-Edition Sportsman Autopilot Fire Tiger Kayak
Few fishing colors are as universally cherished as fire tiger. Like the legendary lure color, the limited-edition Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot Fire tiger features vibrant chartreuse and orange hues that are easily seen even in low visibility conditions. Featuring spot-lock technology, anglers can command the kayak with the touch of their thumb using the iPilot remote.
Gamakatsu Nano Alpha Horizon Jighead
Designed to be fished with live sonar or in finesse situations, these ligjtweight jigheads feature a double-barbed bait collar to keep soft plastics stationary over the medium wire 90-degree hook, which is 4 times more corrosion resistant for longevity and swift penetration on big bass.
Lowrance Eagle Series Fishfinders
Featuring IPS screens for extra clarity through dried salt and fish slime in marine environments, the new Eagle Series Fishfinders also tout high-resolution detailed C-MAP inland charts, and improved range and performance using Downscan and Chirp, making it easier than ever to find fish in dense cover like weed beds and tall grasses.
The new 1-piece Clarus rods are built around a lightweight carbon blank and feature a comfortable custom-fit Shimano reel seat, durable titanium oxide guides and premium cork handles for a rod that blends sensitivity and power at an approachable price point.
With a low-angle line tie, the Walking Haint glides side-to-side effortlessly and generates an audible knocking sound from the interior rattle. Both the 110 (4.3 inch, 5/8-ounce) and 125 (5 inch, ¾-ounce) models are designed for long-distance casting, and each is armed with Gamakatsu round bend treble hooks and heavy-duty split rings.
St. Croix PHYSYX Series Spinning Rods
These ultra-sensitive rods are built around a blank made of SCIV+ carbon fiber and SCIV+ iAct Glass to provide exceptional power in finesse fishing applications. The carbon fiber reel seat and Trigon carbon handle create a comfortable grip while titanium-framed silicon carbide guides are both lightweight and built to withstand heavy loads for all-day performance.
Designed for use with forward-facing sonar, these 3-, 4- and 5-inch shad-shaped baits are molded with a blunt nose so they fit snug to your favorite jighead. Each bait is infused with YUM’s F2 scent and features a tapered forked tail to generate subtle, life-like action in open water.
The new Bait Fuel Injector Kit allows you to inject BaitFuel fish attractant into any soft plastic you’d like. The attractant is slowly released over the span of several casts, allowing you to spend more time fishing and less time applying scent.
A finesse swimbait specifically designed for “drop swimming” on a drop-shot rig, the 6th Sense Party Minnow delivers multi-species attraction, and is especially effective when the fishing is tough and bites are hard to come by.
