Tournament News Powered By Lake Drive Marine
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Monday, November 24, 2025
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Shimano Report
Shimano Offers Special Pricing on Loomis/Shimano Baitcast Combo
For the first time in the 20-plus years G. Loomis Rods has been part of Shimano, bass anglers are being offered a limited-edition combo now available from select tackle shops nationwide.
The combo matches up Shimano’s high-performance Bantam MGL reels with a special model G. Loomis IMX-PRO 863C JWR rod – normally a combined $675.99 value, for the special price of $499.99.
“This is a great opportunity for those anglers who want to experience bass fishing at a higher level, with what many consider one of the best reels and best rods available,” said Trey Epich with Shimano’s product development staff. “We take great pride in the Bantam MGL as one of our legacy reels, and the IMX-PRO rod showcases the advancements in G. Loomis’ rod manufacturing that have happened since Shimano’s ownership role starting in 1997.”
With the Bantam MGL reels – offered within the combo in three different gear ratio models in either right- or left-hand retrieve, anglers can experience Shimano’s ever-expanding technology to its original low-profile baitcasting reel. The reels feature Shimano’s ‘CoreSolid Body’ design providing rigid, solid and sensitive performance, while the super-light MGL spool allows added casting distance, even with lighter lures, along with smoother flipping and pitching.
Designed within its extensive IMX-PRO line-up, the versatile 7-foot-2-inch medium-heavy power IMX-PRO 863C JWR is ideal for a wide range of bass fishing applications. The rod relies on G. Loomis’ proprietary Multi-Taper Design blank construction, tangle-free Fuji K-Frame guides to help with slackline techniques, and a tapered full cork rear grip that gives the split-grip feel many bass anglers favor.
Only a limited number of these special baitcasting combos are available – just in time to brighten the holidays for any avid angler on your list or to even just treat yourself. For the tackle shop locations offering the baitcasting combo, visit here – BANTAM MGL/IMX-PRO 863C Limited Edition Combo.
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Strike King Report
The Rage Ned Bug Combines Action And Finesse
Ned Rigging has taken the bass world by storm and has become a go-to presentation for anglers fishing tough conditions or pressured waters.
Normally a Ned Rig excels when it gets tough because it has a small profile and a subtle action. The Strike King Rage Ned Bug combines finesse and action.
“Not only will this shine as a Ned Rig bait but when the bite gets tough using it as a drop shot bait will be off the hook,” says Mark Zona, host of Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show. “Largemouth and smallmouth alike will knock each other out going for this morsel”
The all-new Rage Ned Bug comes in 15 colors. Suggested retail is $6.99 for a nine-pack.
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Strike King Report
Ned Rig Jig Heads traditionally have a slightly rounded head.
Strike King Tour Grade Ned JigStrike King’s new version has a perfectly round yet also flat side which allows it to easily stand up on the bottom. The Ned Jig Head comes with a light wire No. 2 sickle style hook-and-bait keeper from Eagle Claw, so there’s no doubt that hook ups will be on point.
“These jig heads paired with the new Strike King Ned Soft plastic lineup will flat get you bites - small and large green and brown bass!” MLF Pro Cody Meyer exclaimed. “I have been finesse fishing all my life and I am stoked with this new offering from Strike King.”
The New Tour Grade Ned Jig Head comes in 1/16, 3/16 and 1/8 ounce sizes in Green Pumpkin and Black. Manufacturer’s suggested retail is $4.99.
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Zoom Report
Zoom Offers Hollow Body Frog with Third ‘Tail’ for Walking Action
Zoom Bait Company announces the release of the new Hollow Body Frog, a soft-bodied topwater morsel that “walks the dog” easily and promises an unusually high hookup percentage. Frogs continue to excel in heavy vegetation, but over the last decade their use has expanded significantly, and no self-respecting angler leaves home without one tied on.
South Carolina pro Brandon Cobb, a two-time Elite Series champion during his inaugural season on the Bassmaster Elite Series, said being able to keep a frog active but in place is critical when big bass are wary.
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Provided by T-H Marine
T-H Marine Improves Steering Clips for Trailering Outboard Motors
T-H Marine Supplies, Inc. announces the complete redesign and reintroduction of their STEER STOP™ Outboard Hydraulic Steering Lock.
Using two stabilizer clips that attach to an outboard motor's hydraulic steering rams, STEER STOP™ works by keeping the engine centered and preventing damage that occurs when a motor swings left and right during transport. The new and improved STEER STOP™ is now available online and will also be available through a variety of retailers.
"The original STEER STOP™ paved the way, but it was time to make improvements so it could be even more reliable, more durable, and easier to use," said T-H Marine President and CEO, Jeff Huntley. "Now boaters will notice several ways the new STEER STOP™ stands apart from imitation and performs better than any other hydraulic steering lock on the market."