Tournament News Powered By Lake Drive Marine
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Lew’s Report
Lew's Custom Lite Casting Rod
The team at Lew’s has worked to fine tune actions, grips, and blank materials to create the new line of Custom Lite Rods, with a specific focus on extremely lightweight components. The lineup includes 20 casting models and eight spinning models, including two BFS style casting actions designed for fishing light line and lightweight baits, such as small swimbaits, jerkbaits, ned rigs, and shakey heads on casting tackle.
“I had a blast testing and tweaking these new rods with the guys at Lew's. We've got a ton of great actions that are perfect for the way I fish,” shares Mark Zona, host of Zona's Awesome Fishing Show and co-host of Bassmaster Live.
All Custom Lite Rods have HM85 graphite blanks for sensitivity and stainless-steel guides with titanium oxide inserts for durability, with spinning rods featuring a new Comfort Plus ergonomic reel seat designed in partnership with Zona and casting rods featuring a Full Contact reel seat for direct blank contact while fishing. The new Custom Lites have split grip handles with Lew's exclusive Winn® Dri-Tac Ultra ProWeave™ Grips for all day comfort and control.
“The new Comfort Plus reel seat on these spinning rods is perfect, it's just the way I want it. It might be the most comfortable handle I've used through the years!" says Zona.
The new Custom Lite Rods pair perfectly with Custom Lite Baitcast Reel, Custom Lite SS Baitcast Reel (best with BFS action rods), and the Custom Lite Spinning Reel.
Suggested retail ranges from $149.99-$179.99.
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Berkley Report
Fishing is evolving and forcing anglers to evolve with it. Forward-facing sonar has become a hot topic and is an incredible tool to allow anglers to evolve as fisheries change and enables them to understand more about fish behavior than ever before. As forward-facing sonar advances, anglers using it are looking for baits that allow them to better interact with fish using this technology. Berkley now offers three all-new baits that allow anglers to best interact with fish on forward-facing sonar.
“By taking our science-based approach to bait development and applying it to FFS the Berkley Lab has been able to create FFS baits,” said Berkley’s Chief Brand and Product Officer Jon Schlosser. “ It’s exciting to see how revolutionary these baits are, not only in their design, but in how they enable anglers to manipulate their baits in ways that have never been done before.”
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Daiwa Report
Daiwa TD EYE series walleye rod
Walleye anglers at the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo have something special to look forward to – the worldwide introduction of DAIWA’s new TD EYE walleye rods.
The TD EYE series – a 17-model lineup including spinning, casting, and trolling rods – will be showcased for the first time, and a limited supply will be available from select exhibiting tackle retailers.
The Show will be held at the Schaumburg Convention Center Jan. 25-28. For more information, visit https://chicagoland.sportshows.com/ for details.
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Shimano Report
Shimano North America Fishing, announced the debut of the SLX 70 A and Metanium DC 70 A low-profile reels.
These latest additions are available at most tackle dealers.
“Shimano’s lineup of low-profile reels continues to evolve,” says Bob Mahoney, Freshwater Product Marketing Manager for Shimano North America Fishing. “Both new models feature a robust selection of technologies tailored to help bass anglers find success in any situation.”
Shimano Metanium DC 70 A
Metanium DC 70 A: The Metanium DC 70 A represents the lightest and most durable Shimano DC reel to date, featuring a one-piece CoreSolid magnesium frame, providing unparalleled durability and a solid in-hand feel. The HAGANE Body design brings additional strength and impact resistance while eliminating flex in the reel body, improving cranking power under load. An upgraded I-DC5 braking system allows anglers to fine-tune reel function based on line and lure combinations and fishing conditions, delivering improved accuracy and heightened casting control. Metanium DC 70 A proudly features Shimano’s innovative MGL Spool III Technology, increasing casting distance by greatly reducing start-up inertia.
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Rapala Report
CrushCity Bronco Bug™
When World Champion bass angler Jacob Wheeler partnered with the design and engineering experts at Rapala to create the CrushCity™ lineup of soft plastics, he knew that they’d have to produce distinctive and superior features to stand out in the crowded lure marketplace.
The new CrushCity Bronco Bug™ lives up to that lofty goal. It is unlike anything in the market and it’s sure to become one of your new go-to softbaits.