Details

Published: 16 June 2026

Okuma Report

Okuma Fishing Tackle announces the all-new Eminent Baitcast Reel—a lineup of low-profile reels engineered to deliver refined design and performance at an unmatched value. The series introduces a distinctive audible drag click, giving anglers real-time feedback and heightened awareness when it matters most.

The new reel will retail for $109.99.

The Okuma Eminent Baitcast Reel is built for the dedicated bass angler who gets on the water every chance they can—someone who values dependable, hard-working gear that performs cast after cast. Designed with durability and consistency in mind, the Eminent features a rigid C-40X frame with matching gear and palm sideplates, housing a CNC-cut aluminum drive gear and machine-cut brass pinion gear for smooth, reliable operation. The result is confident cranking power to pull fish from heavy cover, backed by a 5BB + 1RB bearing system and a 95mm carbon fiber swept handle.

The Eminent features a unique audible drag click system—a sought-after, JDM-inspired feature that emits a crisp, consistent sound as line is pulled from the spool. This audible feedback allows anglers to instantly recognize when a fish is making a run, even in high-pressure situations or low-visibility conditions. Beyond function, it adds an engaging, sensory element to the fight, enhancing awareness, control, and overall connection to the fish.

“At the end of the day, anglers just want a reel that feels good in hand and does its job every time,” said John Bretza, VP of Product Development at Okuma. “We built the Eminent to be dependable, easy to use, and loaded with features you don’t normally expect at this price.”

Carbon fiber drag washers deliver up to 20 pounds of stopping power, while the external magnetic cast control system allows anglers to fine-tune long, controlled casts across multiple lure styles. Available in four models with both left- and right-hand retrieve options, the Eminent offers the technique-driven versatility and value serious bass angler's demand.

For more information about Okuma visit, www.okumafishingusa.com.

Okuma Eminent Baitcast Key Features:

• C-40X frame, Gear sideplate and Palm sideplate
• CNC cut aluminum drive gear with anodizing
• Machine cut brass pinion gear
• Gear ratios: RH 6.6:1 / 7.3:1 / 8.1:1
• Available in left-hand retrieve, 7.3:1 gear ratio
• 5BB + 1RB bearing drive system95mm carbon fiber swept handle arm
• Carbon fiber drag washers with 20-lbs max drag
• 2-tone anodized machined aluminum spool
• Spool click function: Audible drag click (JDM Style)
• External adjustable magnetic cast control system

Details

Published: 09 June 2026

Missile Baits Report

Missile Baits has announced the Buzz Wagon, a premium full-size buzzbait designed to deliver performance, durability, and fish-catching action for anglers targeting bass in topwater situations.

Manufactured in the USA by Brazalo Lures, the Buzz Wagon combines proven buzzbait design with innovative features that help anglers maximize their catches on the water. At the heart of the bait is a Gamakatsu 3/0 Flip/Punch Hook, strong enough for braided line flipping applications but still has easy hook penetration due to the smooth Nano coating.

The Buzz Wagon sports an anodized aluminum blade, allowing the bait to rise quickly and stay on the surface at slower retrieve speeds. The Buzz Wagon has been engineered for performance, from the cone-shaped front section of the blade to the sleeve on wire configuration that allows the blade to contact the sleeve for a knocker sound. This design produces a distinctive sound and vibration that triggers aggressive strikes.

"The Buzz Wagon was designed to be my go-to buzzbait on tour because I could not find exactly what I wanted on the market," said John Crews, pro angler and Missile Baits owner. "Whether you're fishing a toad or a swimbait on it, the Buzz Wagon delivers the sound, action, and hook serious bass fishermen are looking for."

Key Features:

• Made in the USA by Brazalo Lures
• Premium Gamakatsu 3/0 Flip/Punch Hook
• Lightweight anodized aluminum blade for ultimate performance
• Precision-engineered blade sleeve on wire design
• Distinctive blade-to-sleeve sound for maximum fish attraction
• Ideal for use with toad or swimbait trailers
• Built for anglers that want the best buzz bait made

The Buzz Wagon is now available through Missile Baits dealers and online retailers worldwide.

Details

Published: 03 June 2026

Z-man Report

There’s something about an inline spinner that sticks with anglers forever. Maybe it is the first fish you caught in a farm pond, a mountain stream memory with your grandfather, or simply the confidence of tying one on knowing it will get bit.

For legendary lure designer and ChatterBait inventor Ronny Davis, those memories inspired the newest innovation from Z-Man: the all-new ChatterTail. Blending the timeless profile of an inline spinner with the unmistakable vibration and hunting action only the mind behind the ChatterBait could create, the ChatterTail delivers a fresh, modern, and more effective take on one of fishing’s oldest and most trusted lure styles.

“This is an extension of the ChatterBait, which is one of the most successful lures in fishing,” Ronny said. “The idea of the ChatterTail came straight from it. I wanted to add a vibrating blade to an inline spinner. I was just playing around and putting blades on every category of bait. I showed it to Z-Man, and they tried it out. It lit a fire under them.”

That spark quickly turned into obsession, leading Davis and Z-Man into a five-year development process to refine the concept into a perfected, user-friendly design.

Classic Profile, Enhanced Performance

The ChatterTail’s defining feature is its direct body-to-blade connection that produces an aggressive, unmistakable thump from the moment the retrieve begins. Unlike traditional inline spinners that can lose vibration or foul, the ChatterTail keeps working from start to finish.

“I think it works so well for a few reasons,” Ronny explained. “First, the vibrating blade lets you know it’s working throughout the retrieve, and it won’t foul up like most inline spinners. Also, you don’t have to worry one bit about line twist.”

Built for All Species and All Anglers

From smallmouth rivers and high-country trout streams to neighborhood ponds and largemouth lakes, the ChatterTail excels whether burned, slow-rolled, or drifted through current seams. Its vibration, presence, and depth control give anglers something fish simply haven’t seen before.

“I fish for all species, all the time,” Ron said. “Ponds, rivers, streams. No matter the weather conditions. I fish ’em all and this ChatterTail catches all kinds of fish. If it swims, it will bite this lure.”

For Z-Man Director of Brand Strategy Ryan

The ChatterTail will be available at tackle retailers nationwide this Fall in 1/16-, 1/8- and 1/4-ounce sizes and eight proven color patterns to cover a variety of fishing conditions. MSRP is $4.99 for the 1/16- and 1/8-ounce models and $5.49 for the 1/4-ounce version.

For more information, visit www.zmanfishing.com or see it in action at the 2026 ICAST Show, booth #4808.