Tournament News Powered By Lake Drive Marine
Thursday, January 08, 2026
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(Provided by Berkley)
Berkley Introduces New Line of Premium Bass HooksBass anglers understand the importance of sharp hooks, though most don’t practice their hook sharpening skills often enough. The new Berkley® Fusion19™ hooks give novice and avid anglers the sharpest hooks that stay sharper longer than any other on the market.
These needle-point hooks are designed to withstand the toughest, thickest cover without damaging structural integrity. The traditionally rich Japanese philosophy of making superior swords and knives combined with a technologically-advanced polymer coating called Slickset™ gives anglers the advantage. Utilizing Slickset coating, Fusion19 hooks easily penetrate with less force to catch more fish, and conserve energy during long days on the water.
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(Provided by Shimano)
Stradic FK Spinning ReelShimano has unveiled its “Hagane” design concept to a new series of Stradic FK spinning reels, recognized as the “Best New Freshwater Reel” at the 2015 ICAST Show.
The Hagane concept creates a fishing reel that will exceed the demands of hardcore fishing use. The Hagane Gear provides power from a cold forged drive gear while X-Ship provides power and smooth rotation from large precision cut gears. The body affords reel rigidity and impact resistance, along with transforming angler strength into cranking power.
The Stradic FK reels – offered in ST-1000HG, ST-25000HG, ST-C3000HG, ST-4000XG and ST-C5000XG models - provide the most demanding anglers with the needed smoothness and durability for freshwater species and most inshore saltwater pursuits.
The reel also features CoreProtect that provides water resistance and seals key areas to prevent any water intrusion.
The Stradic 1000HG, 2500HG and C3000HG have 6.0:1 gear ratios – the 1000 takes in 31-inches of line per crank while the 2500 and C3000 take in 35-inches. The 4000 has 6.2:1 gear ratios, pulling 39 inches of line per spool rotation and the C5000 takes in 41-inches per crank. All five reels feature six shielded AR-B bearings plus Shimano’s one-way bearing Power Roller.
Each equipped with a cold-forged aluminum spool, the Stradic 1000HG has the capacity for 140 yards of 4-pound mono or 85 yards of 15-pound PowerPro; the 2000HG can handle 140 years of 8-pound mono or 145 yards of 15-pound test PowerPro; and with its larger spool on a 2500 size body, the C3000HG holds 170 yards of 8-pound mono or 140 yards of 20-pound PowerPro. The Strdic 4000XG handles 200 yards of 10-pound mono or 170 yards of 30-pound PowerPro and the large spool/400 size body Stradic C5000XG can take 195 yards of 12-pound mono or 200 yards of 30-pound PowerPro.
The suggested retail on the new Stradic reels range from $199 to $229.
For more information on the new Stradic FK spinning reels, see your local tackle dealer - visit the Shimano web site at http://fish.shimano.com - or call Shimano’s product support team at 877/577-0600 (6 am to 5 pm Pacific Standard Time).
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(Provided by G. Loomis)
G. Loomis IMX Series and E6X Walleye Series Rods Announced
For those fishing situations where sensitivity is the most critical need, G. Loomis announces a new series of high-performance IMX graphite walleye rods available for spring 2016 season openers. Designed for techniques where anglers are holding the rod – jigging, rigging, light-line finesse and universal actions for versatile use – the IMX series includes 10 spinning models that are lightweight, responsive and on the far edge of extreme sensitivity.
Along with the new IMX rods, G. Loomis is also bringing its award-winning E6X graphite and Multi-Taper Technology to walleye anglers. With the new E6X Walleye series – including nine spinning and three casting rods, anglers of all levels can experience what G. Loomis rods are all about, with durable models for select specific walleye fishing techniques – vertical jigging, rigging, bottom-bouncing and trolling - plus ‘universal’ actions for versatile use.
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Improve your footing on ice with FreeStep6 The FreeSteps6 from Hillsound Equipment is an over-the-boot traction system that provides better footing when walking on ice, slimy river beds, and muddy slopes.
The independent stud system with 21 spikes has a thermos-plastic harness and welded chains to withstand repeated foot strikes. The ¼-inch spikes are lightweight and made of stainless steel. It’s designed to slip on and off the boot as needed.
A pair sells for $39.99. Visit http://hillsound.com for more information.
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Shimano announces advanced features in new Citica I reelsShimano’s new Citica I series reels, including the CI-200HG and left-hand retrieve 201HG with 7.2:1 gear ratios, and the CI-200 and 201 (left-hand) with 6.3:1 gear ratios, are being offered in a limited number of reels shipping to select tackle dealers in the U.S. and Canada the week of June 1.
First offered in reels including the Antares, Metanium and Curado, the new Citica I reels feature Shimano’s ‘Hagane’ design concept. With the toughness provided by a rigid, impact resistant Hagane body, angler strength is transformed into cranking power to help land big bass. Anglers also are provided with X-Ship technology for smooth retrieves, plus they can achieve long casts with Shimano’s S3D spool for balance and reduced vibration. Shimano’s SVS Infinity braking system provides easy-to-manage centrifugal brake performance for precision casting adjustments.