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Future Weapons

Future Weapons

Future Weapons

Remember the days when Fin-Nor made offshore reels that were regarded as some of the best around? They’re back. The Fin-Nor Santiago will be released later this year. Although it will be a while before I get one on the water, a close captain and friend of ours has been field-testing them and putting the hurt on some Gulf tuna. With this reel, Fin-Nor is finally getting back to it’s legendary roots. Joe Cermele
Future Weapons

Future Weapons

Also new from Fin-Nor, these are the conventional models in their Offshore series that was launched last year with big game spinning reels. The Offshore’s pack some serious punch with oversized gears and high retrieve ratio. They’ll be available in three sizes that break down into high- and low-speed models. Joe Cermele
Future Weapons

Future Weapons

If you loved the Penn Torque Star Drag as much as I did, you’ll really dig this. Penn is now producing Torques with a lever-drag. With bigger and faster gears, these reels will be incredibly versatile for everything from fluke to bluefin. This reel wasn’t even on the floor at the show, but I got a sneak preview. Joe Cermele
Future Weapons

Future Weapons

No doubt, computerized braking systems in conventional reels are pretty wicked, especially if you’re a chronic backlasher. Problem is, no one has been able to put one in a salt water reel…that is until now. Shimano stole the show with the release of the Trinidad DC. Great for throwing surface irons, surf casting or pitching livies, this reel features a fully sealed computer system the slows the spool to ward off bird’s nests. How much will this smart reel run you? Over $700, but we think it will be money well spent. Joe Cermele
Future Weapons

Future Weapons

Here’s the computer chip housed inside the Shimano Trinidad DC. Joe Cermele
Future Weapons

Future Weapons

Whether you run a small boat or are a hardcore kayak fishermen, we found the livewell for you. Actually, it’s waterproof bag Shimano has just started producing that houses a battery-powered livewell system, making it easy to sling your livies over your shoulder and head out. Easy storage and cleanup make this one killer accessory. Joe Cermele
Future Weapons

Future Weapons

On the lure front, Berkley has raised the bar on their already wildly popular””and effective””Gulp! line with Gulp! Alive. Each pattern, which include shrimp, minnows and crabs, comes in its own bucket filled with Berkley’s “secret sauce.” The difference between Alive and regular Gulp! is that when you’re finished fishing a bait, you can toss it back in the bucket for complete rejuvenation. Bottom line is unless a bluefish or jack tears the bait to shreds, this bucket will last a long time. Berkley also juiced up the scent formula and says it’ll catch even more than the original recipe. Joe Cermele
Future Weapons

Future Weapons

Bomber lures have been a staple of salt water fishing forever, and when you have a good thing going, you tend not to change the formula too much. But this year, Bomber is adding some new members to their proven line-up. For one, they’re now branching deeper into the offshore market with these Bomber chuggers. And if these lures crush wahoo and tuna the way a classic yellow Bomber Long-A crushes stripers, get ready for the drag to sing. Along with these lures, Bomber now has pencil poppers, wind-cheaters and a plethora of new colors in the mix. Joe Cermele
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