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St. Croix Report
The all-new St. Croix Legend Elite Panfish Series features five spinning rods – each designed for extreme sensitivity to detect the subtlest of strikes – combining the lengths and actions needed to deliver lighter baits and lures with the strength and durability required to manage autumn’s trophy-sized specimens.
Panfish species unite anglers throughout the country and beyond through the passionate pursuit of some of the most popular fish that swim. Renowned for the sport they provide on light tackle and prized for their delicacy on the table, crappies, perch, and sunfish serve as the entry point for those exploring fishing for the first time, while also remaining dedicated targets for panfish purists who never abandon the search.
Techniques for targeting panfish have come a long way since the days of the red-and-white bobber suspending a chunk of worm. Indeed, contemporary panfish hunters now employ dynamic, mobile presentations – applying insights learned from tournament circuits and from the bass and walleye crowd – to target the oversized specimens that other anglers overlook. At the heart of many of these techniques are highly specialized rods designed for extreme sensitivity to detect even the subtlest of strikes. Lengths and actions are varied, as required to present compact baits and lures, while delivering the power necessary to subdue the largest individuals in the school – and even the bigger predator fish who are hunting them as well.
Just in time for the fat fish of fall, the artisan rod crafters at St. Croix remind panfish hunters of their new Legend Elite Panfish Series – five new spinning rods that master panfish-specific presentations using St. Croix’s entire library of proprietary technologies. Each model is designed and handcrafted in Park Falls, Wisconsin to help crappie, bluegill and perch hunters catch more fish and have more fun, every time they hit the water.
Legend Elite Panfish includes two ultra-light power, fast action rods that are perfect for approaching shallow, spooky fish with slip bobbers: the 5’6” LEP56ULF and a longer 6’ LEP60ULF.
Two light power, extra-fast action Legend Elite Panfish rods are outstanding choices when casting, drifting or trolling light jigs dressed with soft plastics: the 6’4” LEP64LXF, and the longer 7’ LEP70LXF. The sensitivity and extra fast tip of these rods render them uniquely capable of detecting the lightest of bites.
Casting and trolling very small crankbaits for trophy-caliber crappies has skyrocketed in popularity, as more anglers have witnessed the power and efficiency of this mobile presentation. The Legend Elite Panfish Series includes a 6’9” light power, fast action model – the LEP69LF – that suits this technique perfectly, as its length and fast action tip help to prevent small crankbait hooks from pulling free from paper-thin crappie mouths.
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Loomis Report
G. Loomis further expands its all-encompassing IMX-PRO bass rod series with the addition of 17 new ‘Classic Action’ rods – Mag Bass, Spin Jig and Classic Casting.
The new rods are shipping to G. Loomis rod dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada, and include some special actions ideal for fall largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing. Retail prices range from $315 to $375.
The seven new Mag Bass (MBR) action casting rods are highlighted by magnum tapers and light tips to facilitate long cast and deep-water hooking abilities. The line-up includes 6’6”, 7’ and 7’6” rods, all with a parabolic action to absorb the energy of a surging bass. According to G. Loomis senior planning manager David Brinkerhoff, one of the more popular rods for most bass anglers will the IMX-PRO 843C MBR.
Originally designed for use with soft plastics, the eight new IMX-PRO Classic Spin Jig (SJR) rods provide the best alternative for anglers who favor spinning applications where a casting rod is usually prescribed. In models for finesse techniques to power fishing, the IMX-PRO SJR rods include 6’ models for vertical jigging, swimming lures, and when fishing in smaller waters, and 6’6” and 7’ rods in standard medium and medium-heavy powers.
Of special note within the IMX-PRO SJR line-up will be the 842S SJR for many all-around use situations, and for upcoming fall fishing, the new 7’6” IMX-PRO 901S SJR (light power) and 902S SJR (medium power) are specifically designed for the growing use of hair jigs and spy baits for smallmouth throughout clearer Great Lakes and Canadian waters.
The two 6’ IMX-PRO Classic Casting (CR) rods are the ticket when anglers need to make precise casts when fishing small topwater lures and small crankbaits or to pitch or skip a jig into tight quarters.
With the addition of the ‘Classic Action’ rods, the IMX-PRO series continues to be G. Loomis’ most extensive line-up of bass rods, now totaling 64 different models for any bass fishing situation faced or any technique used. Brinkerhoff says the IMX-PRO rods “take advantage of our on-going improvements in both our manufacturing processes and materials. We rely on our proprietary Multi-Taper Technology to design the IMX-PRO blanks which feature exclusive G. Loomis materials - a blend of resin and fibers to gain the ultimate strength to weight benefit, Fuji ‘K’ frame Alconite guide train, and more fishing comfort from increased palm swell to the full cork grips.”
He notes the cork grip design used provides enhanced fishing comfort, plus offers a split-grip feel for bass anglers who look for that in a rod.
For more information on all 64 rods offered in the IMX-PRO Bass Series, visit www.gloomis.com or stop by your nearest G. Loomis tackle dealer.
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Shimano Report
With its now-opened fishing tackle service center at its office and distribution facility just west of Charleston, S.C., Shimano has the ability to provide maintenance and repair work for its fishing reels nationwide.
According to customer service manager Michelle Williams, the new service center is staffed with technicians that provide the same top-quality service they are known for in Shimano’s Irvine, Calif. facility. They can handle any of your Shimano reel service or repair needs for our eastern US customers.