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Shimano Report
Stradic FM reel
Shimano North America Fishing has introduced the Stradic FM reel.
Building upon the reputation of the legendary Stradic line, the Stradic FM reel showcases Shimano's technological innovations in the Stella family of reels.
The redesigned Stradic FM adds InfinityXross Technology for unequaled gear durability and synergy by extending the gear tooth horizontally to distribute the load more evenly. The addition of Shimano’s Infinity Drive delivers light rotation and increased cranking power under load, while the new Duracross Drag system provides smooth, consistent performance. With its sleek and ergonomic design, the Stradic FM provides ultimate comfort during extended fishing sessions, minimizing fatigue and maximizing enjoyment on the water.
The Stradic FM reel guarantees whisper-quiet operation and exceptional casting performance while ensuring a lifetime of dependable performance. Shimano’s X-Protect water-repellent coating and specifically designed, water-channeling labyrinth construction stops water penetration in key areas. Anglers will be able to achieve maximum line management through the new Anti-Twist Fin, an elastic polymer on the underside of the roller.
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Daiwa Report
Daiwa Regal LT spinning reel
DAIWA’s new attractively priced Regal LT spinning reel is bursting with features and technology.
DAIWA Marketing Director Marc Mills speaks about under $80 Regal LT: “The original Regal has been our best seller in this popular price range. We expect dealers and anglers to truly appreciate the enhanced Regal LT with all its improvements.”
Species-wise, Mills says the Regal LT is a do-it-all reel. “It’ll be popular with bass, walleye, panfish, and about every freshwater angler. And, with the new 5000- and 6000-sizes, it has applications for saltwater fishing, like lighter offshore, nearshore, and jetty fishing.”
The Regal LT’s notable and foundational characteristics begin with an advanced ZAION V body. DAIWA’s exclusive ZAION V material is lighter, stronger, and more rigid than traditional composite graphite – material used by other brands in its price range.
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Lew’s Report
Lew's Custom Lite Casting Rod
The team at Lew’s has worked to fine tune actions, grips, and blank materials to create the new line of Custom Lite Rods, with a specific focus on extremely lightweight components. The lineup includes 20 casting models and eight spinning models, including two BFS style casting actions designed for fishing light line and lightweight baits, such as small swimbaits, jerkbaits, ned rigs, and shakey heads on casting tackle.
“I had a blast testing and tweaking these new rods with the guys at Lew's. We've got a ton of great actions that are perfect for the way I fish,” shares Mark Zona, host of Zona's Awesome Fishing Show and co-host of Bassmaster Live.
All Custom Lite Rods have HM85 graphite blanks for sensitivity and stainless-steel guides with titanium oxide inserts for durability, with spinning rods featuring a new Comfort Plus ergonomic reel seat designed in partnership with Zona and casting rods featuring a Full Contact reel seat for direct blank contact while fishing. The new Custom Lites have split grip handles with Lew's exclusive Winn® Dri-Tac Ultra ProWeave™ Grips for all day comfort and control.
“The new Comfort Plus reel seat on these spinning rods is perfect, it's just the way I want it. It might be the most comfortable handle I've used through the years!" says Zona.
The new Custom Lite Rods pair perfectly with Custom Lite Baitcast Reel, Custom Lite SS Baitcast Reel (best with BFS action rods), and the Custom Lite Spinning Reel.
Suggested retail ranges from $149.99-$179.99.
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Berkley Report
Fishing is evolving and forcing anglers to evolve with it. Forward-facing sonar has become a hot topic and is an incredible tool to allow anglers to evolve as fisheries change and enables them to understand more about fish behavior than ever before. As forward-facing sonar advances, anglers using it are looking for baits that allow them to better interact with fish using this technology. Berkley now offers three all-new baits that allow anglers to best interact with fish on forward-facing sonar.
“By taking our science-based approach to bait development and applying it to FFS the Berkley Lab has been able to create FFS baits,” said Berkley’s Chief Brand and Product Officer Jon Schlosser. “ It’s exciting to see how revolutionary these baits are, not only in their design, but in how they enable anglers to manipulate their baits in ways that have never been done before.”
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Daiwa Report
Daiwa TD EYE series walleye rod
Walleye anglers at the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo have something special to look forward to – the worldwide introduction of DAIWA’s new TD EYE walleye rods.
The TD EYE series – a 17-model lineup including spinning, casting, and trolling rods – will be showcased for the first time, and a limited supply will be available from select exhibiting tackle retailers.
The Show will be held at the Schaumburg Convention Center Jan. 25-28. For more information, visit https://chicagoland.sportshows.com/ for details.