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(Provided by Shimano)

Anglers can experience an extra level of confidence with the new PowerPro Zero-Impact microfilament braided line with its “Termination Zone Technology” to braid.

Zero-Impact is available in 20- to 100-pound test strengths - each in 150-, 300- and 500-yards spools - and in both hi-vis yellow and aqua green colors.

Setting Zero-Impact apart from standard braided fishing line, PowerPro engineers are able to make Zero-Impact stronger in the “termination zones” by 50-percent.

“The 32-inch ‘Termination Zone’ is a clearly identifiable black section after every 20-foot section,” explains Ted Sakai, PowerPro product manager. “Normally any braided line on the market loses 30- to 50-percent of its strength you make a knot. It’s this black section where you tie on your lure, swivel or leader so this impact area is not only stronger, but also provides typically 100-percent knot strength.”


(Provided by Shimano)

When first introduced to its showcase bass rod series in 2010, G.Loomis took rod construction to a new technology level with the use of NRX graphite. The company has expanded its NRX Bass Series of rods to include NRX umbrella rig, Mag Bass and Spin Jig rods, along with new ‘Jig & Worm’ and ShakyHead rods for 2014.

As with all NRX bass – and fly – rods, each rod is offered in two colors - matte black blank with blue wraps, and a deep green blank with accenting green wraps.

With the NRX blank construction method, G.Loomis utilizes a stiffer, lighter and higher density carbon married with Nano Silica resin to design rods that are lighter, yet more durable, extremely sensitive, and yet stiffer. “By using NRX graphite, especially on the heavy power umbrella rig rods and new jig and worm casting rods,” said Dave Brinkerhoff with the G.Loomis rod design team, “we can bring bass anglers the most dynamic rods in terms of lightweight, strength and sensitivity that we can make.”

(Provided by Shimano)

When first introduced to its showcase bass rod series in 2010, G.Loomis took rod construction to a new technology level with the use of NRX graphite. The company has expanded its NRX Bass Series of rods to include NRX umbrella rig, Mag Bass and Spin Jig rods, along with new ‘Jig & Worm’ and ShakyHead rods for 2014.

As with all NRX bass – and fly – rods, each rod is offered in two colors - matte black blank with blue wraps, and a deep green blank with accenting green wraps.

With the NRX blank construction method, G.Loomis utilizes a stiffer, lighter and higher density carbon married with Nano Silica resin to design rods that are lighter, yet more durable, extremely sensitive, and yet stiffer. “By using NRX graphite, especially on the heavy power umbrella rig rods and new jig and worm casting rods,” said Dave Brinkerhoff with the G.Loomis rod design team, “we can bring bass anglers the most dynamic rods in terms of lightweight, strength and sensitivity that we can make.”

The new NRX842S SJR spinning rod is designed off of G.Loomis’ popular Classic Spin Jig series. It has slightly slower action for easy loading and exceptional lure control, “plus the 7-foot length increases casting range and provides solid hook-setting power both at long-range and in deeper water,” Brinkerhoff explains.

In expanding its NRX ‘Jig & Worm’ rod line-up, G.Loomis now offers two new casting rods and three new spinning rods. For deep water use with big worms, jigs and creature baits, the NRX894C JRW and 895C JWR 7-foot-5-inch casting rods have the extra length needed to enhance casting distance and positive hooksets.

On the spinning side, with the design focus on dragging tubes in deep, clear waters where extra length and power is needed, the new rods the 7-foot-3-inch NRX 872S spinning rod, and the seven-foot-six-inch NRX 901S and 902S. “We’re really taking care of smallmouth anglers throughout the Great Lakes areas with these rods, plus those anglers who fish big clear-water impoundments,” notes Brinkerhoff.

And for those deeper water situations where a bit more power is needed when using a shakyhead worm, there’s the new 6-foot-10-inch NRX-823S SYR. “You’ll be able to work the bait with the right action and very little lateral movement with the mid-tip flex,” Brinkerhoff said, “plus you have that added NRX sensitivity and extra power when the fish move deep.”

The new NRX916C UBR umbrella rig casting rod – a 7-foot-7-inch extra-heavy power model – features a “tip soft enough to load, yet stiff enough so it doesn’t overflex and create issues with the line and reel,” Brinkerhoff said. “And because of NRX sensitivity, you’ll feel every change in the rig and how the baits are swimming.” The rod is rated for 50- to 80-pound PowerPro braid.

Following the fast action, magnum taper design of its Mag Bass Classic rods, the NRX Mag Bass casting rods include the 7-foot NRX842C MBR and 843C MBR. The 842C is the ‘open water’ for use around docks, weed edges and rocks, while the 843C has a slightly slower flex for fishing lighter baits and unweighted soft plastic jerkbaits. “Bass anglers will also appreciate the versatility of this rod,” notes Brinkerhoff. “It can also be the perfect rod to pursue northern pike and walleyes, along with in the salt for snook and redfish.

Suggested retail pricing is NRX umbrella rig - $650; NRX Mag Bass - $525; NRX Spin Jig - $525; NRX Jig & Worm – from $550 to $600; NRX ShakyHead - $550. All the G.Loomis NRX bass rods feature a unique ‘Hybrid Guide System’ that combines the strategic placement of both Fuji titanium-framed SIC and REC Recoil black ion coated nickel-titanium guides from the stripper to the tip. G.Loomis also provides its own ‘skeletonized’ reel seat design, where an angler’s finger is truly on the rod blank.

The rods are backed by the G.Loomis ‘Wild Card’ program, a popular option first offered on the NRX rods to provide anglers with a one-time-only free replacement should they accidently break it - no questions asked. In addition, like all other G.Loomis rods, they feature a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner.

The new NRX842S SJR spinning rod is designed off of G.Loomis’ popular Classic Spin Jig series. It has slightly slower action for easy loading and exceptional lure control, “plus the 7-foot length increases casting range and provides solid hook-setting power both at long-range and in deeper water,” Brinkerhoff explains.

In expanding its NRX ‘Jig & Worm’ rod line-up, G.Loomis now offers two new casting rods and three new spinning rods. For deep water use with big worms, jigs and creature baits, the NRX894C JRW and 895C JWR 7-foot-5-inch casting rods have the extra length needed to enhance casting distance and positive hooksets.

On the spinning side, with the design focus on dragging tubes in deep, clear waters where extra length and power is needed, the new rods the 7-foot-3-inch NRX 872S spinning rod, and the seven-foot-six-inch NRX 901S and 902S. “We’re really taking care of smallmouth anglers throughout the Great Lakes areas with these rods, plus those anglers who fish big clear-water impoundments,” notes Brinkerhoff.

And for those deeper water situations where a bit more power is needed when using a shakyhead worm, there’s the new 6-foot-10-inch NRX-823S SYR. “You’ll be able to work the bait with the right action and very little lateral movement with the mid-tip flex,” Brinkerhoff said, “plus you have that added NRX sensitivity and extra power when the fish move deep.”

The new NRX916C UBR umbrella rig casting rod – a 7-foot-7-inch extra-heavy power model – features a “tip soft enough to load, yet stiff enough so it doesn’t overflex and create issues with the line and reel,” Brinkerhoff said. “And because of NRX sensitivity, you’ll feel every change in the rig and how the baits are swimming.” The rod is rated for 50- to 80-pound PowerPro braid.

Following the fast action, magnum taper design of its Mag Bass Classic rods, the NRX Mag Bass casting rods include the 7-foot NRX842C MBR and 843C MBR. The 842C is the ‘open water’ for use around docks, weed edges and rocks, while the 843C has a slightly slower flex for fishing lighter baits and unweighted soft plastic jerkbaits. “Bass anglers will also appreciate the versatility of this rod,” notes Brinkerhoff. “It can also be the perfect rod to pursue northern pike and walleyes, along with in the salt for snook and redfish.

Suggested retail pricing is NRX umbrella rig - $650; NRX Mag Bass - $525; NRX Spin Jig - $525; NRX Jig & Worm – from $550 to $600; NRX ShakyHead - $550. All the G.Loomis NRX bass rods feature a unique ‘Hybrid Guide System’ that combines the strategic placement of both Fuji titanium-framed SIC and REC Recoil black ion coated nickel-titanium guides from the stripper to the tip. G.Loomis also provides its own ‘skeletonized’ reel seat design, where an angler’s finger is truly on the rod blank.

The rods are backed by the G.Loomis ‘Wild Card’ program, a popular option first offered on the NRX rods to provide anglers with a one-time-only free replacement should they accidently break it - no questions asked. In addition, like all other G.Loomis rods, they feature a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner.


By Louie Stout

Add a spinner to your SenkosAdd a spinner to your SenkosTake your favorite stick worm, add a tail spinner, and start whacking bass, says Bassmaster Pro Keith Poche.

It’s the perfect setup for fishing fussy bass and a trick that Poche learned from Louisiana buddies four years ago.

It sounds like something that would work well on Michiana waters, too.

Key components include a 5-inch stick worm (Senko or whichever brand you prefer), a small, No. 1 Colorado blade attached to a quality No. 2 ball bearing swivel fashioned on a screw-in eyelet. He uses a gold blade under cloud cover and silver on sunny days.


(Provided by Shimano)

IRVINE, Calif. – Relying on ‘inner friction’ to provide consistent brake force with its new SVS Infinity braking system, along with a lightweight, sensitive platform with new frame material, Shimano introduces the Chronarch CI4+ baitcasting reels.

For precision casting and finesse techniques when targeting bass, or to attack the salt for redfish and sea trout, the new series includes the Chronarch CH150CI4+ and left-hand retrieve CH-151CI4+ with 6.2:1 gear ratios, and the CH-150CI4+HG and 151CI4+HG with 7.6:1 gear ratios.


(Provided by Shimano)

As part of its 10th annual “World Record Achievement Awards” reception this past weekend, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) again recognized Shimano for the use of its rods and reels, and also PowerPro for its braided line, in setting world records in 2012.

In tracking both line class, all-tackle and junior category record catches during 2012, the use of Shimano reels leads the way with 178 saltwater records and 65 freshwater records. Shimano rods also took top honors with 75 saltwater records.