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Tournament News Powered By Lake Drive MarineTournament News Powered By Lake Drive Marine

Ego Fishing Report

Whether you’re wading inshore, casting metro canals or ponds, chunking-and-winding bass from the bow, or battling big waters, we all need gear that gets the job done. While most of us spend plenty of money on rods, reels, line, tackle, and weather-capable apparel—fishing tools and accessories are sometimes an afterthought.

We’ve all been there, asking fellow anglers if anybody has pliers, hook remover, or line-cutter. That’s fine when fishing with buddies, but out solo it can be a sad situation.

Now add your once-in-a-lifetime landing of a trophy fish without any scale or measuring tape to validate the catch. Hard to say how many potential wall-mount replicas (and record-breakers) have been released without specs, only to survive in blurry, first-person cellphone photos and tall tales.

Ugly Stik Report

Ugly Stik ScalesUgly Stik Scales

In 2021, Ugly Stik unveiled a lineup of Ugly Tuff Tools designed to be the failsafe for anglers on and off the water.

For 2023, Ugly Stik is introducing four models of scales and grips to its Ugly Tuff Tools arsenal. Every angler knows the delicate balance between using your scale and ruining it when conditions get tough which is why Ugly Stik Ugly Tuff Scales feature durable, non-slip grips for wet and slimy environments.

Suggested retail is $59.99. For more information, visit www.purefishing.com/pages/ugly-stik.

Lew’s Report

Lew's Custom Lite SS BaitcasterLew's Custom Lite SS Baitcaster

Three years ago, Lew’s stepped up the baitcast game with the introduction of the legendary brand’s lightest reel, the Custom Lite. Lew’s now introduces the Custom Lite SS, a baitcaster specifically built to excel with extremely light finesse baits.

Engineered to cast light baits further with accuracy and ease, the newest Custom Lite features an ultra-shallow 30mm spool design that requires less inertia to spin when casting light weights, helping you put finesse baits exactly where you want them in any condition. Anglers who rely on small crankbaits, finesse swimbaits and weightless soft plastics will find it fits well for those as well. The reel allows you to maintain the power and control of a baitcasting reel with smaller baits to attract the fish that won't eat a heavy, bulky bait

Like the original Custom Lite, the new Shallow Spool features an aluminum alloy Speed Gears®, the P2 Super Pinion® for consistent durability and power, C45 Carbon side plates and 11 stainless steel double shielded ball bearings.

The innovative Speed Knot™ allows for quick line tying and hides the knot at the base of the spool for smooth line delivery.

The new Custom Lite Shallow Spool suggested retail is $299.99 and available at most sporting good dealers.

Daiwa Report

Tatula Elite bass rod seriesTatula Elite bass rod series

Relying on extensive input from some of the best pro anglers competing on the B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing tournament circuits, Daiwa brings new blank construction technology and a lighter ‘Air Sensor’ reel seat to its expanding 29-model technique specific Tatula Elite bass rod series.

Along with the upgrade to rods in existing Tatula Elite lineup, more models have been added. In the nine new rods now being offered, bass anglers will find unique spinning rods for casting hair jigs long distances and longer length cranking rods built with lighter glass blank material so baits will go even deeper.

At the core of the redesigned Tatula Elite bass rods is Daiwa’s exclusive SVF NANOPLUS graphite and X45 Bias blank construction. They are lighter and have more muscle.

Within new Tatula Elite lineup, bass anglers will also find new lengths and actions designed for even more advanced techniques, designed by Daiwa pro anglers Brett Ehlers, Randy Howell, Takahiro Omori, Cody Meyer, Seth Feider, Ish Monroe, Patrick Walters, Corey Johnston, and Chris Johnston.

Brett Ehlers key contribution to the new rods in the series is the Tatula Elite TTEL801MHRB-G, an 8’ medium-heavy power deep-cranking rod with an EVA split grip so he can make longer casts to make his baits run as deep as possible. Randy Howell takes the ‘universal’ approach with his Tatula Elite TTEL721MHRB 7’2” EVA split grip power casting rod for finesse techniques and smaller topwater lures when accurate casts are a must.

Whitewater Fishing’s New Torque Insulated Heated VestWhitewater Fishing’s New Torque Insulated Heated Vest

A warm core promotes circulation to your legs, feet, arms, and fingers and keeps you on the water longer.

Whitewater Fishing’s new Torque™ Insulated Heated Vest can help do that.

At its epicenter is an adjustable heating system with two internal pads on the chest and one in the back. Warmth is delivered via a one-touch button that takes you through three heating levels: (≈100° F) to mid (≈113° F) to high (≈131°F.). Such thermostatic control takes aim at an array of temperatures and weather conditions, letting you find that sweet spot.

Heating power is delivered by a built-in USB power cable in the front pocket. Choose to power your new Torque Insulated Heated Vest with Whitewater’s 5V/2A power bank, which is sold separately.