Provided by Humminbird
Humminbird Basemap Gets Anglers Fishing, Right Out of the Box
The moment anglers press the power button on any Humminbird HELIX, G2 or G2N (networking) unit with GPS, they will now have access to the new Humminbird Basemap, a vast, pre-loaded coastal and lake map resource built into all units.
According to Humminbird Brand Manager Ray Schaffart, "We wanted to make it easier for anglers to navigate and start catching more fish the second they hit the water. By improving our cartography coverage with Humminbird Basemap, theyíll be able to locate fish-holding structure and experience more successful fishing adventures. Saltwater anglers will also appreciate the technology, which calls out hazards and depths, making for a more relaxed time on the water."
The Humminbird Basemap helps anglers pinpoint fishing hot spots by showing freshwater depth contours in 10- and 20-foot increments for more than 10,000 American lakes, not to mention precise coverage of the entire U.S. coastline thanks to NOAA-based charts, the most trusted source of coastal data. The Basemap also includes navigational aids, marker buoys, depths, points of interest and launch locations to improve the boating experience. In addition to the pre-loaded lakes with contour mapping, the Humminbird Basemap provides shoreline-only maps to hundreds of thousands of other lakes. It also displays highways, roads, railroads, bike paths, and streams, along with more than 200 icons.
To support consumers who recently purchased a HELIX, G2 or G2N GPS model, or any first generation HELIX 9, 10 or 12 model, the Humminbird Basemap will be available as a free software download. Consumers will need to visit www.Humminbird.com to set-up - or log into - their MyHumminbird account. Once logged in, they can download the software for their applicable model(s). Another advantage of the Humminbird Basemap is that it is updatable, so future enhancements and expansions will be made available.
"Humminbird is the leader in providing complete fish-finding solutions, whether on a lake or on the coast," Schaffart says. "The Humminbird Basemap is yet another innovative way we improve the angling experience every day."
The Humminbird Basemap are now be included on all HELIX, SOLiX, G2/G2N GPS models.
For more information, call Humminbird at 800-633-1468 or visit www.Humminbird.com/Humminbird-Basemap.
(Provided by Shimano)
Curado K Baitcaster
With a new look and technology focused on reliability and durability, Shimano’s all-new Curado 200 K series baitcasting reels are ready for anything from hardcore tournament use, to day-after-day, weekend-after-weekend performance.
A long-time favorite among bass anglers and also for coastal saltwater use, the six new Curado 200K reels – both left- and right-hand retrieve models offered - include the 200K and 201K with 6.2:1 gear ratios, the 200KHG and 201KHG with 7.4:1 gear ratios, and the 200KXG an 201KXG with 8.5:1 gear ratios. Each now features a host of new innovative Shimano baitcasting reel technology, most notably MicroModule gears, SVS Infinity braking system, and a smaller platform ergonomic shape.
For smoother and sensitive rotation, Shimano’s MicroModule gearing provides more gear engagement between the drive gear and pinion gear. Shimano’s upgraded SVS Infinity centrifugal brake system – introduced on the Aldebaran reels - offers both adjustable internal brakes and a wider adjustment range with the external dial. It allows the new Curado reels to cast everything from light to heavy lures without opening the sideplate. The new compact Hagane Body – 10-percent smaller than past versions - is easier to palm and yet has a wider spool opening.
“Not only will anglers notice a definitively smoother operating Curado than previous models, the smaller platform without any line capacity reduction will be the other instantly noticeable feature,” said Shimano regional sales rep Drew Sadler.
Along with the new Shimano technology on the new Curado K reels, anglers will notice the overall lightweight feel from the aluminum frame, the CI4 material ‘A’ side sideplate, and a graphite ‘B’ side sideplate. Even the appearance of the new reels will appeal to anglers who have been using Curado reels for nearly an entire generation – the sideplates have a matte black finish, with ‘Curado green’ color on the spool and cast control knob.
With longer 45mm length handles for both comfort, leverage and power, all six Curado K sizes – when filled with PowerPro Maxcuatro braid - can hold from 230 yards of 30-pound test, and up to 120 yards of 65-pound. With mono, the reels hold from 180 yards of eight-pound, and up to 110 yards of 14-pound. The 200/200K and 200/201KHG reels weigh 7.6-ounces, while the high-speed 200/201KXG reels tip the scale at 7.8-ounces. All sizes have six shielded anti-rust ball bearings – an added plus for saltwater use, along with a one-way roller bearing for zero handle back-play.
The reel sells for $179.99.
For more information on Shimano’s new Curado K series baitcasting reels, see your local tackle dealer or visit www.fish.shimano.com.
Strike King Lure Company
Lew's Holdings Corporation ("Lew's"), a portfolio company of Peak Rock Capital, has acquired Strike King Lure Company, a leading supplier of branded fishing lures, sunglasses, and other fishing accessories.
Founded in 1964, Strike King is an iconic brand in the fishing industry. The company's innovative product portfolio includes wire baits, hard and soft plastic lures, terminal tackle, sunglasses, and related fishing accessories. Headquartered in Collierville, Tenn. Strike King benefits from an exceptional team of employees, pro staff, and manufacturing partners.
Peter Leibman, Managing Director of Peak Rock Capital, said, "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to invest in the combination of the Lew's and Strike King brands. The brands and product lines are highly complementary, and we're excited to further support the rapid growth of the overall company, while seeking additional acquisitions. I'd like to personally thank Lynn Reeves, Chairman of Lew's, for his help in introducing us to the Strike King management team."
PRADCO Report
PRADCO Outdoor Brands, manufacturer and marketer of fishing and hunting brands and products, has acquired War Eagle Custom Lures, formerly of Rogers, Arkansas.
War Eagle Custom Lures has operated in Rogers for the past 21 years. Keith Brashers started the company in his garage and built it into the No. 3 brand of spinnerbaits in the U.S., according to the 2016 Annual Anglers Trends Report by Southwick & Associates. Brashers will continue to be involved in the operation after selling to PRADCO.
War Eagle Custom Lures commanded 9.3 percent of U.S. market share in spinnerbaits in 2016, according to Southwick. Its best-selling model is the Screamin' Eagle, which is a weight-backward spinnerbait designed to be "burned" in clear-water situations to entice strikes from fish. War Eagle Custom Lures products have been credited with numerous top-level, national bass tournament victories and countless regional and local tournament wins. In addition to spinnerbaits, War Eagle offers a full
line of jigs, buzz baits, jigging spoons and jig heads.
(Provided by Humminbird)
Humminbird Announces Ice Fishing Gear Promotion
Ice anglers will have the opportunity to gear up with the most advanced ice fishing sonar model ever developed AND get a free high-definition map of their favorite lake while they’re at it.
The offer runs through March 30, 2018.
Customers can choose from more than 1,500 high-definition LakeMaster maps available through ChartSelect™ at chartselect.humminbird.com. All Humminbird LakeMaster lake maps are fully compatible with the new ICE HELIX G2 Series and include exclusive features like depth and shallow-water highlighting and lake level offset.
Upon purchase of an ICE HELIX 5 or 7 CHIRP GPS G2 model, a unique promo code will be given to each owner once the unit is registered on humminbird.com by March 30, 2018. The consumer then has until June 30, 2018 to redeem that code to download the free Humminbird LakeMaster lake map of their choice from chartselect.humminbird.com. Consumers get one free map per registered ICE HELIX G2 unit.