2006 Product Review
By: John Gipson Jr.
Fishing Lines- I
would like to share an excellent new fishing line with you. The new
Gamma Lines by Frog Hair Fishing are creating a new generation of
fishing lines. The line has superior strength compared to other lines
of equal pound test. For example, the new Gamma High Performance
Copolymer series of lines is a copolymer line that breaks at remarkable
poundage. The 12-pound test copolymer line breaks at a remarkable 20
pounds of pressure and the 14-pound test breaks at an unbelievable 23
pounds of pressure. With traditional fishing line breaks occur at their
pound test mark while Gamma exceeds all of their marks and maintains
the feel and look of monofilament line. The line also has very little
memory and is more resistant to line twists. Check out the new Gamma
Technologies Lines at www.froghairfishing.com
Soft Plastics- The
new Mister Twister Comida is an excellent choice compared to higher
priced competitors. The Comida is salt impregnated and scented with
exude. Exude is a time released formula which releases a scent trail
and bubbles the longer it is left in the water. This is an excellent
match with these lures because when you are slowly working a Comida it
is very hard for bass to resist the crackling and bubbling coming from
the lure. The Comida comes in 16 different colors and is available at
Lunker's for only 2.99 a 10 pack. Comidas are an excellent choice for
any lake and any species of bass. Click on this link to check out the
new mister twister Comidas. http://www.mepps.com/mistertwister/library/lures/productinfo.asp?ID=678&Origin=Lures&Uniq=2433
Crankbaits-
The team at Strike King has come up with an even larger line of the new
“Bleeding Bait” series tackle. They now offer a crankbait called the
Mini 3, which is a smaller version of the series 3 crankbait. This
crankbait will help you catch less aggressive fish and still dives up
to the traditional 5 feet. The crankbait is available in 6 colors and
is sure to be a hit this season. www.strikeking.com
Jerkbaits- For
all of the Lucky Craft pointer fans another great addition to this line
has taken shape. For 2006 Lucky Craft introduces the new Slender
Pointer that comes in 4, 4.5, and 5-inch sizes. This jerkbait also
comes with 3 hooks and allows you to get a great hook set. This is a
great lure to throw on those cold October and November days. www.luckycraft.com
Spinnerbaits- The team at Strike
King has
also come up with an excellent spinnerbait for 2006. The new Strike
King Premier Plus Spinnerbait is an excellent choice for all anglers.
This lure comes in 1/4, 3/8, and1/2 oz sizes and is loaded with extras.
The lure includes 3D eyes, Flex Band stainless steel wire, and a ball
bearing swivel. This is the must have for Spinnerbait fishermen in
2006. www.strikeking.com
Top Water-
Xcalibur tackle has come up with an outstanding surface lure. The Xz2
Zell Pop is an awesome popper designed by pro angler Zell Rowland. www.xcaliburtackle.com
Lipless Crankbaits- Bill Lewis Lures have evolved their famous Rat-L-Traps for 2006. The proven Rat-L-Trap bodies now come in 4 new holographic colors.
Accessories- How many pairs of metal pliers have you accidentally dropped into the water? Well, the new XTools floating metal pliers, or MTPR, are a revolution in fishing pliers. These pliers are capable of cutting monofilament lines up to 400 pounds, braided lines up to 250 pounds and steel leaders up to 105 pounds. These pliers are made up of replaceable heat-treated stainless steel and contain replaceable tungsten carbonate blades. They are lightweight and come with a custom fit sheath and safety lanyard. Check out this exciting new product at www.XTools.us
Crankbaits
Rapala- For 2006 Rapala has came out with an array of lures. The new DT Sure Set Series crankbait has your traditional DT body but is equipped with sure set hooks. The hooks are designed by pro angler David Fritts and won the ICast Best in Show award in 2004. They have also taken the new Sure Set hooks and added them to a skinnier crankbait called the DT Flat Sure Set Series. These lures are excellent for less-aggressive bass because they will cause less vibration under the water. Both of these products are available in 5 colors. In addition, Rapala has introduced the DT Flat Series, which is a balsa crankbait with a coffin lip. The coffin lip will allow you to fish around more cover and not get snagged, allowing you to catch more fish. They have also introduced the X-Rap 14, which is a larger version of the X-Rap. This lure is available in 8 color patterns that are sure to lure in lunker bass. They also have a new Jointed X-Rap that comes in 6 colors and has a jointed body. The jointed body allows you to fish the lure more slowly and causes a wounded minnow appearance. www.rapala.com
Bomber- New for 2006 Bomber has introduced the 4A crankbait. This lure dives to depths of 6 feet and is designed to deflect off the bottom. This new lure is offered in 6 colors. http://www.lurenet.com
Yo-Zuri- If you like to finesse fish then take a look at this new Yo-Zuri crankbait. The team at Yo-Zuri has come out with the new SH-50 crankbait. This lure has a small profile and is only 2 inches long but still dives to 6 feet and suspends. http://www.yo-zuri.com
Hooks
Eagle Claw- Eagle Claw is now offering 2 new colors of hooks for 2006. Instead of just offering black and red hooks Eagle Claw is now offering chartreuse and crawfish colored hooks in the Lazar Sharp line. http://www.eagleclaw.com
Gamakatsu- The new Magic Eye Treble eases the pain of putting new treble hooks on your favorite lures. These hooks come with a flat portion that allows you to easier slide the hook onto a split ring. These hooks are available in either black or red and in sizes from 1/0 to 5/0. www.gamakatsu.com
Tru-Tungsten- The new Ball Buster jig heads from Tru-Tungsten may be the years best jig head. This jig head allows your lure to stand up while being worked along the bottom. They are available up to ¼ oz. and are designed by professional angler Mike Iaconelli. http:// www.fishharder.com
Tru-Turn- The ultimate in drop shot hooks is nor available in 2006. The Standout Hooks from Tru-Turn will allow your lure to stay horizontal and is a must have for dropshotting. http://www.tticompanies.com
Weights
Bullet Weights- Bullet has purchased a patent for their screw-in weights. These weights are used for Florida Rigging a lure and can be screwed into your lure. This will cause the weight not to move and allow you to fish better in heavy cover. The weights are available in sizes of 1/16 oz. to 1 oz. www.bulletweights.com
Yum- The new lead-free weights from Yum are an excellent choice for bass fishing. The weights feature an absorbent surface and can be soaked in your favorite attractant. They are available in sizes from 1/16 oz to ½ oz. http://www.lurenet.com
Gambler- Gambler has created a new way to Florida Rig. Their design is a weight that comes with a device to pull the line through the weight and then thread it inside. They are available in sizes of 1/8oz. to 1/2oz. www.gambler-bang.com
Rods
G.Loomis- With dropshotting now legal in our state G.Loomis has come out with the perfect pole. The new GLX 820S is a 6-10 rod that is rated for lines of 4-8 pounds and up to 3/8oz. lures. This rod is lightweight, flexible and will allow you to detect the deepest bites. www.gloomis.com
All-Star- All-Star rods have introduced the Platinum Rod Series for 2006. The rods are designed with skinny blanks that allow you to detect more bites. The rods are also offered for specific categories, such as the drop shot, cranking, or jerkbaits. www.allstarrods.com
Tackle Storage
Falcon-
The new Falcon Spinnerbait Wallet is an excellent choice for storing
spinnerbaits. The fold open design and zipper top allows you to keep
spinnerbaits easily accessible and save you time on the water. The
wallet can hold up to 15 spinnerbaits.www.falconrods.com
Electronics
Lowrance- The LMS-339c is designed for Great Lakes anglers. This unit comes with iGPS and the Global Map 3600c. This unit also has a 50 kHz transducer. Lowrance has also come up with a very affordable handheld GPS called the iFinder Hunt c. This unit is Navionics compatible, has a recorded to record notes on your catch, and can even play MP3’s. www.lowrance.com
Humminbird- The new 700 series from Humminbird has a 5-inch screen and 640 vertical pixels. The 700 series is available with or without GPS and is Navionics compatible. The unit also comes on the Tilt and Swivel Quick Dismounting System or it can be installed as an in-dash unit.
Trolling Motors
Minn Kota- The new Edge Series of trolling motors provides anglers with the power and reliability of a Minn Kota but in a smaller size. The units are available in sizes from 70-pound to 40-pound thrust and are offered at great prices. www.minnkotamotors.com
Continue to watch for new products or if you know of a new product you’d like me to take a look at email me at fourflagsbassmasters@yahoo.com
Vertical Lures- The new JIGX from Vertical Lures is revolutionizing jig fishing. The new lure has a hole through the top of the jig that leads through the head to the back of the hook. The eye is located where the head and hook meet, to protect the knot. In addition, this design allows you to fish the jig in very heavy cover and not bring back weeds, because the weeds split around the line instead of tangling on the eye. They are available in five different colors and in sizes of 1/4oz to 1oz. Look for these lures in local stores soon.
BASS-THUMB- How many days have you gone out on the water and came home with a torn up thumb from catching bass? Well, those days of the stinging sensation are over with the BASS-THUMB. The BASS-THUMB is a made of 2mm neoprene and suede underlining to give incredible grip when lipping a bass and protect your thumb from their sharp lips. The BASS-THUMB also has a ¾” elastic band that is stitched across the base of the thumb, to keep the BASS-THUMB stay snug throughout the day. Look for this new product in local stores soon.
Humminbird- If you are not using a new Humminbird 981c or 987c graph and someone else in the competition is you’re in big trouble. The 987c actually takes pictures of the bottom from the sides of your boat, which is where you are fishing. It also has a color screen, GPS, water temperature reading, barometric pressure record, speed, time and depth reading, which all can be displayed at once. The split screen feature can be set to your preferences, either with GPS/Side Imaging or Color Graph/Side Imaging.