A lineup of what's to come in tackle, including rods, reels, lures, braid and much more.
By
SWS Staff
Updated: October 21, 2014
Penn Battle II The Penn Battle II retains the proven features of the original — full metal body, side plate and rotor, instant anti-reverse — while incorporating increased durability and fishability. Enhanced line-capacity rings indicate a properly filled spool for maximized castability. Improved corrosion resistance results from five sealed bearings and one anti-reverse bearing. Keyed carbon-fiber washers increase maximum drag up to 50 percent. Battle II reels come in eight sizes, from 1000 to 8000, including a 2500 size for inshore and light braid applications, which is new to the Penn Battle lineup. Nine Battle II spinning combos are paired for inshore, nearshore, boat and surf fishing. Reels, $99.95 to $129.95; combos $129.95 to $159.95 pennreels.comCourtesy
Accurate Extreme Series II Accurate reissues the reel that started the small-reel-big-fish phenomenon with the redesigned Boss Extreme Series II 2-speed. Like its pred-ecessor, the BX2 Series II is made of T6 6061 aircraft aluminum for light weight and strength, and anodized for corrosion resistance. Accurate’s patented TwinDrag applies efficient, smooth pressure on both sides of the spool for ultimate stopping power, and the 440 heat-treated stainless-steel gear shaft transmits power and torque to the stainless gears. The reel also features a new ARB bearing for extra corrosion protection, calibrated lever drag for accurate control, and a redesigned frame that fits comfortably in the palm of the hand. The BX2 Series II is available in 400, 500, 600 and 30 sizes, in both regular and narrow. $539 to $599. accuratefishing.comCourtesy
FIN-NOR Lethal 2-speed Lever-drag Featuring an oversized stainless drive gear and pinion, a more powerful Megadrag construction and Megashield corrosion protection, Fin-Nor’s new Lethal lever-drag offers exceptional value. The exclusive Megadrag system combines carbon-fiber and stainless-steel drag plates, with Cal’s Grease for heat-dissipating performance. Durability is assured with the corrosion resistance of the Megashield coating. The sealed Megalock clutch provides robust anti-reverse with backup. The Lethal is available in three sizes — LTL16, LTL 20 and LTL30 — in single and two-speed, allowing downshifting to 3.0:1 for extra pulling power in addition to 6.1:1 or 6.2:1 ratios for fast line pickup. Starting at $199. finnorfishing.comCourtesy
Okuma Azores The all-new** Azores spinning reels** feature a cast-aluminum body, side plate and rotor, machine-cut pinion gear and Okuma’s Dual Force Drag system. An oversized 6 mm stainless spool shaft and 8 mm forged-brass sleeve increases stability of the spool and drag alignment under up to 44 pounds of drag. A new three-part carbon composite stabilization system enhances frame stability to maintain alignment of internal parts. In conjunction with the corrosion-resistant coating, it also isolates stainless parts from the aluminum frame to eliminate electrolysis. The Z-55S features a 5.8:1 gear ratio, while the Z-65S and Z-80S use a 5.4:1 gear ratio to take in 39, 42, and 46 inches of line, respectively, per turn of the handle. $119.99 to $129.99. okumafishing.comCourtesy
Rapala Bx Waking Minnow Rapala unveils the new BX Waking Minnow, a surface-waking bait that combines the buoyancy of balsa wood with the durability of a copolymer shell. The artful finishes, dynamic flashing and rolling action make it a valuable search bait. The BX (Balsa Extreme) Waking Minnow features lifelike 3-D eyes, scales and gills detail, internal holographic foil and three No. 5 VMC Black Nickel Round-bend treble hooks. Weighing ¾-ounce at 5¼ inches long, it retains the Rapala common prey baitfish profile. It’s available in six color patterns: Blue Back Herring, Firetiger, Gold Shiner, Shadow, Smelt and Yellow Perch. $12.99. rapala.comCourtesy
Berkley Hollow Shrimp Shrimp are a valuable part of inshore fishing, and the 3-inch Hollow Shrimp — Berkley’s new addition to the Gulp! and Gulp! Alive! line of saltwater baits, is bound to find its way into the tackle boxes of many inshore anglers. The lure’s solid head keeps the hook properly aligned, while the collapsible, hollow body provides a better hookup ratio when fishing the Hollow Shrimp under a popping cork or rigged for jigging. Realistic appendages add movement to the bait, even when stationary. Available in eight Gulp! Saltwater colors and four Gulp! Alive! colors. Package of four Gulp! Hollow Shrimp, $6.99; -half-pint tubs of Gulp! Alive! $9.95. berkley-fishing.comCourtesy
Hogy Tuna Series Following the introduction of the SI Epoxy Jig, a big hit with bonito and false albacore anglers, Hogy Lure Company launches the Tuna Series, a new heavy-duty version of the lure, featuring the same vivid scale finish core, surrounded by a heavy coat of clear epoxy for excellent durability and natural light refraction. Hogy’s new Tuna Series, however, incorporates a heavier 4-ounce body, perfectly keeled for subsurface walk-the-dog action, 5X split rings, 240-pound-test ball-bearing swivel, and a heavy-duty short-shank VMC live-bait hook. Available color schemes are mackerel, herring, half beak and squid. $24.95. hogylures.comCourtesy
Yo-Zuri Crystal 3D Minnow The Crystal 3D Minnow Family has been redesigned and re-priced for 2015. The Patented 3D Prism Finish is manufactured under a proprietary-molding process that gives this lure series its distinctive flash patterns. Some of Yo-Zuri’s most popular and productive color schemes have been added to the Crystal 3D Minnow family. All Crystal 3D Minnows have flat sides and highly detailed bodies, which combine with the 3D Prism finishes to light up and flash even in low light. The flash, along with the lure’s erratic swimming action, mimics an injured baitfish. Starting at $13.99. yo-zuri.comCourtesy
Eagle Claw L2004EL Reintroduced in its original shape, design and point configuration to the Lazer Sharp line, the forged-point L2004EL circle hook carries a reputation as a premier design for billfish. Boasting a 95 percent lip-hookup rate, the light wire construction improves presentation of natural baits, yet it retains exceptional strength throughout the fight. Lazer Sharp worm hooks received an upgraded sharper needle-point design. After the transition to needle point and considerable real-world results, it was clear that the forged-point design was overdue for reintroduction. The L2004EL is available in sizes 7/0, 8/0, 9/0 and 10/0 in packs of five and boxes of 50. $4.95 to $28.99. eagleclaw.com, tro-kar.comCourtesy
Mustad 39948NP-BN Mustad’s popular Wide Gap Circle Hook, has been improved in the 39948NP-BN. Re-engineered with sharper, stronger Ultra Point and a slightly wider gap, the hook is designed for easy baiting and solid hook-sets on hard-jawed game fish like tarpon, snapper and grouper. Along with the point upgrade, this hook will be offered in sleek black-nickel finish and a full spectrum of sizes from 3/0 to 12/0. The new Wide Gap Circle features a true circle shape with a downward point 4 degrees below perpendicular, ideal for catch-and-release. $3.57 and up. mustad-americas.comCourtesy
Diamond Braid Diamond Fishing Products introduces Diamond Dacron to its line of tournament-tested braids. The new line boasts superb smoothness in addition to great abrasion resistance and strength, with an impressive 16-carrier hollow-core construction that makes it a cinch to splice in a top-shot or wind-on leader. Diamond Dacron comes in black and Hi-Vis yellow, and it’s available in 50-, 80-, 100- and 130-pound test. Starting at $33.49. diamondfishing.comCourtesy
Cortland Command Series Extruded from high-grade resins, the Command Series premium monofilament, CMC-ST8, from Cortland Line Company has the abrasion resistance and high-tensile strength to put the angler in command of the battle with the toughest game fish. The new line also holds knots extremely well, is virtually invisible underwater, easy to handle, and highly resistant to UV rays and solvents, which adds to its durability and long life. Command Series Premium monofilament is available in tests from 4- to 80-pound in a variety of spool sizes. Starting at $6.49. cortlandline.comCourtesy
Seaguar Pink Label Pink Label fluorocarbon leader material from Seaguar provides superior tensile strength, better abrasion resistance, minimal stretch, and 30 percent better knot strength than other fluorocarbon lines. Above the surface, the subtle color enhances line visibility. Below the surface, pink is the first color to disappear in the water column, minimizing visibility. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Pink Label are being donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. Pink Label Leader is available in 25-yard spools of 15-, 20-, 25-, 30-, 40-, 50-, 60- and 80-pound tests, $9.99 to $31.99; Big Game Pink Label Leader, in 25-yard coils testing 100, 130, 150 and 200 pounds. $49.99 to $89.99. seaguar.comCourtesy
Star Plasma Rods Plasma Rods, Star Fishing Tackle’s flagship series, features a redesigned Split-Grip configuration for inshore spinning. Plasma rod blanks use two types of multidirectional graphite leading into a reinforced graphite butt weave, tied together with Duratech technology. The Split Grip frees the butt section to flex, so as the rod loads, power is generated along the entire length of the blank. Plasma inshore rods feature Fuji KL-H guides for tangle-free, accurate casting, alongside Fuji’s composite SK2 reel seat that reduces weight while increasing sensitivity. Available in five 7-foot models rated from 4- to 10-pound-test lines up to 12- to 20-pound test. $199.95. starfishingtackle.comCourtesy
G. Loomis Shortstix Designed to take full advantage of the new generation of short-head fly lines, the 7-foot, 6-inch G.Loomis PRO4x ShortStix fly rods deliver long casts quickly and with less effort than traditional rods. These lightweight, high-performance fly rods feature tapers developed to make long, accurate casts, with big, bulky flies. Stiffer tips make casting easier, reducing problems that rob distance. Four three-piece rods — an 8/9-weight, a 9/10-weight, a 10/11, and an 11/12-weight — handle everything from redfish to tarpon. All use K-frame stripper guides to aid when shooting line. The two larger models also feature integrated fighting grips. $400 to $425. gloomis.comCourtesy
Shimano Terez Stand up Shimano expands its Terez Stand Up rod series with an innovative design and use of materials. It also features a No. 2 Short Straight Carbon Butt, which maintains the essential strength required of a stand-up rod, while shedding a substantial amount of weight in the process. The new rods are built on a small diameter, lightweight TC4 high-modulus blank, fitted with AFTCO wind-on roller guides and aluminum gimbals. The rods are available in either black or pearl white blanks, in three sizes: medium-heavy (TZC-STHMH2SS), heavy (TZC-STH2SS) and extra-heavy (TZC-STXH2SS) to handle up to 250-pound-test PowerPro braid. $649.99 to $669.99. fish.shimano.comCourtesy
