Mercury Report
Mercury Marine Avator™
Mercury Marine has launched the Avator™ 75e and 110e electric outboards. These new models are the latest to join Mercury’s all-electric propulsion lineup, which also includes the Avator 7.5e, 20e and 35e outboards.
Since its launch in 2023, Mercury’s Avator electric propulsion series has won multiple design and innovation awards in both the marine and electronics industries. Most recently, the Avator 20e and 35e received 2024 CES Innovation Awards in the Sustainability, Eco-Design and Smart Energy category as well as 2024 Boating Industry Top Products Awards.
“We are proud of all the recognition we have received for our Avator electric outboards to date, and we are excited to introduce our most powerful new models yet,” said John Buelow, Mercury Marine president. “The 75e and 110e electric outboards are well-suited for powering a variety of vessels, including pontoons, runabouts, skiffs and RIBs, providing more people with a user-friendly, sustainable boating experience.”
Powerful performan
Featuring Avator’s industry-first transverse flux motor technology, which delivers instant torque and reliable, efficient power, the new 75e generates 7500 watts at the prop shaft, which converts to 10 horsepower. The 110e generates 11000 watts at the prop shaft, which converts to 15 horsepower.
Rapala Report
Rapala RapStack Tackle Trays
When you’re more organized, you have more time to catch more and bigger fish. The key is putting your fingers on the right lure at the right time and knowing exactly where it is, is the key.
New Rapala RapStack Tackle Trays are designed for keeping your tackle protected and in perfect order with heavy-duty construction and smart design.
Suitable for hard baits, soft baits, terminal tackle, line, tools and other accessories, Rapala RapStack Trays offer a secure, quick-latch system for single-hand access. Re-writable labels (2 included) allow anglers to label their trays however they like – by different types of lures (saltwater or freshwater), different species (bass, walleye, trout), or different techniques (casting, trolling, jigging).
Rapala Report
CrushCity™ Freeloader™ by Rapala
True to its name, the CrushCity™ Freeloader™ by Rapala has moved into Jacob Wheeler’s tackle box and won’t move out.
Before the lure was even released to the public, Wheeler used it as part of his winning strategy at a Bass Pro Tour event on Alabama’s heavily pressured Lake Guntersville. That same week, Minnesota angler Adam Rasmussen employed it to win a Bassmaster Open on nearby Wheeler Lake. This “Freeloader” quickly earned its keep.
Collaborating with Wheeler, the product engineers at Rapala sought to create the ultimate chatterbait/spinnerbait trailer bait. It can be used as a vibrating jig trailer, alone as a swimbait, or for countless other traditional and novel soft plastic presentations.
Abu Garcia Report
Abu Garcia Zenon X Spinning Reel
Abu Garcia has added a new model to the Zenon spinning selection with the Zenon X.
This new model fills the gap by offering the flexibility to fish lightweight finesse style baits while also providing the power to handle heavier baits when needed.
Building upon the success of the original Zenon spinning reel, the Zenon X features the same efficient asymmetric aluminum frame, combined with an oversized AMG2 machined aluminum gear system that delivers the perfect balance of weight, performance and durability.
“This new addition to the Zenon spinning reel lineup is a game-changer for freshwater anglers,” said Andrew Wheeler, Director of Freshwater at Abu Garcia. “The Zenon X combines lightweight design, durable construction and precision engineering to deliver a reel that excels in finesse fishing techniques while offering the versatility to handle heavier baits with ease. It’s the ultimate tool for passionate anglers seeking exceptional performance on the water.”
KEY FEATURES
• Asymmetric one piece aluminum gear box design delivers a compact reel design that is ultra-lightweight
• Air fin spool design helps reduce weight
• V-Rotor design reduces start up inertia
• Carbon handle and co-molded handle knob
• AMG2 fully machined aluminum main gear gives unparalleled smoothness and durability
• 9+1 HPCR bearing system
• Rocket line management system
• Mid-arbor spool design
• 6.2:1 gear ratio
• Weight: 2000 – 6.0-ounces • 2500MS – 6.5-ounces • 3000MS – 6.6-ounces • 3500MS – 6.8-ounces
Suggested retail is $299.95.
To learn more about Abu Garcia, click.
Lew’s Report
Lew's Custom Lite SS Spinning Reel
Lew’s introduced the Custom Lite SS at the 2024 Bassmaster Classic in Tulsa, Ok.
The 200 size Custom Lite SS Spinning Reel fits in perfectly with the lightweight design and smooth drag offered in the rest of the series, but specifically excels in situations where one would normally use backing tied to a braided main line.
Tailored for finesse applications, the innovative shallow spool design of the Custom Lite SS Spinning Reel strategically reduces line capacity to eliminate line waste and the need for backing, especially when using braided line. The Custom Lite SS is engineered with a feather light Tanso Tech frame and skeletal rotor, weighing only 6.7 oz. for lightweight strength and increased sensitivity. Within the reel lies a precision-machined aluminum gear and a hybrid carbon drag system for steady power and ultra-smooth operation.
“With braided line being such a must in finesse fishing, the Custom Lite SS is so perfect! It's just unnecessary to have that much line on a spool plus it makes it lighter – combine that with the all-around smoothness! You just can't go wrong with it,” says Mark Zona.
The reel will sell at retail level for $159.99.