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Shimano Report
Shimano North America Fishing has announced the Vanquish to the MagnumLite spinning reel family.
The Vanquish MagnumLite spinning reel is designed for anglers who demand ultimate sensitivity, responsiveness, and start-stop precision. Vanquish excels across various presentations, techniques, and especially any scenario where micro-control makes the difference between a cast and a connection with your bait.
“Vanquish gives anglers an immediate connection to their presentation,” said Kade Gewanter, Freshwater Marketing Manager at Shimano North America Fishing. “Its lightness and balance make it feel like an extension of the rod, while the INFINITY-series technologies deliver strength and line management.”
At the heart of Vanquish is Shimano’s INFINITY Technology suite: InfinityXross for expanded gear tooth engagement and lasting durability, InfinityDrive for powerful reeling under heavy load, and InfinityLoop for ultra-slow oscillation that maximizes casting distance and ensures exceptional line lay. The asymmetrical MGL Rotor further reduces rotational inertia for instantaneous start-stop performance, and the enhanced Duracross Drag and Anti-Twist Fin elevate line management with smooth pressure and reduced slack.
The new Vanquish slots seamlessly into Shimano’s flagship spinning lineup as the lightest MagnumLite reel ever created. Available in sizes 2500S through 4000, the 2500S model features a shallow spool arbor engineered specifically for ultra-thin braid, improving accuracy, reducing waste, and offering a lighter drag curve ideal for delicate presentations.
Suggested retail is $529.99 to $539.99, depending upon the size you choose.
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Rapala Report
They say spring fishing, like the season itself, is a time of abundance. Well, wait until they try Rapala’s new Snare 50.
The Snare 50 is a versatile lipless crankbait ideal for casting, ripping through cover or jigging off bottom. The Snare’s slender profile is belly weighted for long casts and has a unique shimmy action on the fall. Its internal rattle is uniquely subtle, and, combined with the tight vibrating action at any speed, entices reaction strikes. Two No. 4 hooks handle the job of keeping the fish pinned.
The Snare 50 falls heads down on a realistic, bite-inducing 45-degree angle, whereas competitors tend to fall on the horizontal. No underwater weeds can hinder this determined lure, which is built to easily rip free from weeds and grass.
“It’s the best lipless bass lure we have ever done,” said Travis Tuma, Vice President of Sales at Rapala VMC Corporation. “There have been more pictures of bass passed around on this than on any other hard bait we’ve launched.”
This lure is being released with a body length of 2 ¼-inches and ½ oz. weight.
The Snare 50 is available in 18 delicious colors: Ayu, Big Shad, Classic Craw, Chartreuse Rootbeer Crawdad, Crystal Craw, Diablo, Green Gizard Shad, Ghost Sexy Shad, Lemon Shad, Metallic Gold, Metallic Silver, Pro Chrome Blue, Pearl Sexy Shad, Red Crawdad, Royal Gold, Royal Shad, Rootbeer Crawdad, True Gill.
The suggested manufacturer’s retail price for the Snare 50 is $7.99.
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St. Croix Report
St. Croix now offers all-new GXR Walleye Combos package matched with Sevin reels.
The rod/reel combos come in five of the most versatile lengths, powers, and actions utilized by walleye anglers at all levels. These medium-light and medium power, fast and extra-fast action spinning combos support everything from vertical jigging and snap jigging to pitching and rigging. GXR Walleye Combos feature SCII carbon fiber blanks, stainless-steel hybrid guide trains, premium-grade full cork handles, and smooth and ultra-reliable 8+1 bearing 3000-size SEVIIN spinning reels.
They are available at retail for $205 to $215. Visit www. Stcroixrods.com for more info.
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Daiwa Report
DAIWA’s AIRD 80 baitcasting reel offers a quality reel for $99.99.
At a time when manufacturers are fearful of publishing prices, DAIWA shouts “$99.99!” from the mountaintops. “It’s a great price and will stay that way – but let’s not forget about the reel behind the price,” said DAIWA Field Marketing Manager, Chris Martin. “It might be a basic baitcaster, but the new AIRD 80 is a performer and looks great while doing it.”
The sleek and palmable AIRD 80 is a prime gateway reel into fishing a baitcasting reel. “The frame is compact and comfortable in anyone’s hand, making it a great tool for anybody wanting to advance their bass fishing, including women and kids,” said Martin.
One of its pinnacle technologies is DAIWA’s classic MAGFORCE magnetic spool braking system, which reduces overrun, aka backlash – the nemesis of anglers, especially those new to baitcasting reels. Martin added, “You can adjust the braking system, too, depending on factors like the weight of the lure and wind conditions. For example, set it around 4 for throwing small swimbaits or Texas rigs and crank it closer to 10 for bulkier lures like spinnerbaits or buzzbaits.”
The AIRD 80’s MAGFORCE braking system works in concert with DAIWA’s inventive LC (Long Casting) Concept. “We use a specially shaped spool and magnetic control to maximize casting distance,” explained Martin. “Focus is put on preventing overrun in the beginning and then extending the end of the cast, particularly with midsize lures like ChatterBaits, spinnerbaits, topwaters, weighted plastics, and crankbaits.”
The affordably priced AIRD 80 gobbles up the right amount of line for its multifaceted applications. Martin says it comfortably spools 120yds of 12lb monofilament or fluorocarbon; 110yds of 14lb monofilament or fluorocarbon; 125yds of 30lb braid; and 95yds of 40lb braid. For all-around use, he specifically recommends 30lb J-BRAID Grand x8.
AIRD 80 FEATURES:
LC (Long Cast) Concept
DAIWA’s LC Concept enhances casting distance through a specialized spool design, reduced friction, and optimized braking. The concept prioritizes lightweight construction, large spool diameters, and specific spool geometries to maximize casting efficiency, especially during the final stages of the cast, and is engineered for use with midsized to large lures.
MAGFORCE Cast Control
DAIWA’s masterpiece magnetic braking system reduces backlash and improves casting performance for midsize to large lures. Magnets in the reel's side plates apply constant and controlled braking pressure to the spool, preventing overrun during casts. As you start a cast and the spool approaches maximum speed, the spool's rotor is kicked out towards the magnets, creating a smooth braking pressure to prevent backlash.
90mm SWEPT HANDLE
Designed to enhance cranking power, comfort, and aesthetics, DAIWA’s signature curved handle shape improves ergonomics, providing better leverage and a more comfortable grip compared to standard straight handles.