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Chatterbait Report
Z-Man ChatterSpike™
Ever since the Original ChatterBait won the first of what would soon add up to dozens of tournament wins, the bladed jig’s soft plastic trailer has always been along for the ride, almost an afterthought. Science explains it best: The tail helps maintain balance, offers counterweight and assistance with movement, and certainly, communicates a very specialized message.
Bringing out all the best fish catching vibes of a ChatterBait—while simultaneously injecting extra dimensions of balance, movement and bass talk—the new Z-Man ChatterSpike™ looks and performs like it’s perfectly at home on the back of any bladed jig.
Streamlined and hydrodynamic at first glance, the ChatterSpike’s minimalist pintail baitfish façade embodies some impressive engineering, plus it’s made with the soft and durable ElaZtech material.
“To give the ChatterSpike a crisp, fluid, extra-responsive action, we sculpted it with a diamond-shaped cross section and leading edges that effortlessly slice through water and transfer energy all across the body,” explains Jose Chavez, Z-Man Director of Product Development. “To increase water displacement and quivering action though the tail section, we cut in a series of V-shaped ridges, top and bottom. This segmented posterior makes the ChatterSpike swim with a crisp, fast whipping action, side-to-side. It’s a tight but realistic range of movement that can actually be customized by the angler.”
Equipped with dorsal and ventral hook slots, the 4.5-inch ChatterSpike is easy to rig arrow-straight, fitting all bladed jigs. Beyond deployment as a ChatterBait trailer, the ChatterSpike also fits a variety of other applications, including spinnerbait/buzzbait trailer and soft jerkbait/swimbait. Innovators and leaders in the ChatterBait category it created, Z-Man offers the most comprehensive range of bladed jigs and soft plastic trailers today. The ChatterSpike comes in ten ChatterBait matching colors, all crafted in the USA.
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Provided by Best on Tour
Save money on braid
We all know that fishing line can be a huge investment for an angler, especially when he or she has 10-20 or more rod and reel combos. Even with normal use and retying it is always annoying for an angler when line goes to waste simply because the reel spool gets low on line. This blog has six ways that an angler can save money on fishing line while still having the best performance possible.
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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.