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Z-Man Report
Z-man has delivered a new, specialized lure designed for forward-facing sonar (FFS) enthusiasts.
The new 3.8-inch Z-man Graph ShadZ was created to reflect a vibrant sonar signal, leading with stunning realism and an array of high-performance underwater motions that appeal to the most challenging bass, walleye and other species.
“All elements of the Graph ShadZ exist to reflect a solid sonar return signal and to move and react in ways that coerce strikes from today’s toughest bass—suspended and cover-oriented fish that see tons of lures and constantly surround themselves with clouds of bait,” suggests Z-Man pro Luke Clausen, an FFS fan since day-one.
Radical Line-Through Design
The sculpted Graph ShadZ head has a line-through design. “Among the biggest obstacles anglers face with interactive sonar presentations—moping, Damiki or hover rigging— is having to reposition the knot on the eyelet after every cast to maintain a natural lure angle,” explains Director of Product Development Jose Chavez. “Our objective was to give anglers a perfectly balanced lure that hovers horizontally, rather than unnaturally nose- or tail-down.
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Abu Garcia Report
The Abu Garcia Max spinning reels received a major upgrade and completely redesigned to offer anglers technology normally only found in higher priced spinning reels.
Utilizing the V-spool and V-rotor design, originally developed for the Abu Garcia Zenon spinning family, combined with the AMG CNC machined gear system, the Max Elite offers ultra-smooth gear feel with a low-inertia rotor. This delivers exceptional, effortless reeling and durability, making it the ideal choice for anglers who are looking for performance at an exceptional value.
The inclusion of a lightweight carbon handle and a C6 carbon-infused body significantly reduces the overall weight, ensuring effortless handling and increased comfort during long days on the water. The advanced Rocket Line management system and Rocket Spool Lip provides superior line control, reducing the chances of wind knots and tangles.
Key Features – Max Elite Spinning Reel
- 9+1 Stainless steel bearings
- CNC machine gear
- Lightweight carbon handle to reduce weight
- C6 carbon-infused body for reduced weight
- Asymmetric C6 Carbon body design for a more compact and lightweight design
- V-Rotor and V-Spool design provides a more compact spool and rotor system and reduces start up inertia
- Rocket Line management system helps reduce “wind knots”
- Rocket Spool Lip allows for better line control
- Reel Sizes: 2000 • 2500 • 3000 • 4000
Suggested retail is $99.99.
To learn more about Abu Garcia rods and reels, click here.
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Rapala Report
With the new Rapala 20 lb. High-Vis Digital Scale, the readings you see in the screen are crystal clear – under any light conditions, day or night, even when the sun is at its brightest.
This scale’s oversized E-Ink display is highly visible and can be seen from all angles and with sunglasses – letting tournament bass anglers to get faster readings and allowing them to get back to fishing faster. In addition, the highly visible readings can be clearly seen for those using mobile phones and video cameras to record their on-the-water performance. The scale offers an optional LED light to illuminate the screen for low-light conditions.
The Rapala 20-pound High-Vis Digital Scale has been engineered to be a tournament-grade scale. Whether you’re competing in a local Tuesday Nighter or at the highest levels of competition, the Rapala High-Vis Digital Scale will clearly document your catch – ensuring your big fish stories are backed by cold, hard evidence.
The scale’s external strain gauge provides +/- 0.2% accuracy to make sure you’re on the mark every time. Featuring three weight display options, anglers can choose between the 5-storage bin, 8-storage bin, or no limit, and all modes can be used in “vs. Mode" to compete with other anglers.
Anglers can view their total bag weight, as well as the minimum and maximum weights stored to remind themselves of the size fish you need to cull. Settings in the top bar display mode setting, tournament validation date, and time stamps.
A large ergonomic grip with a trigger finger power/selection button makes it easy to use. The heavy-duty composite weight clamp quickly and securely holds fish without hurting their mouths. The new digital scale is waterproof. A cloth storage bag is included for storage in your boat or tackle box. The scale requires 4 AAA batteries (not included).
The 20 lb. Rapala High-Vis Digital Scale has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $195.
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Strike King Report
Strike King’s Tour Grade Hair Jig
Strike King’s Tour Grade Hair Jig is said to outperform other Marabou jigs.
Tailored for ultra-finesse presentations, this jig boasts a hand-tied, premium Marabou feather that creates lifelike, pulsating movements in the water, triggering powerful reaction strikes. The sharp hook penetrates with ease, but still has all the power needed for bringing your catch back to the boat.
The Tour Grade Hair Jig excels in scenarios involving smaller forage or when handling those tricky, elusive bites.
- AVAILABLE IN 4 SIZES to match any angling preferences or fishing conditions
- PREMIUM HOOK is ultra-sharp and strong for easy penetration and solid hooksets
- HAND-TIED MARABOU FEATHER is premium to create lifelike pulsating movements in the water
- IDEAL FOR FISHING around smaller forage and highly effective with finicky fish