13 Fishing Has a New Flagship : Archangel

Introduction: Jumping into the fishing industry scene just a little over four short years ago, 13 Fishing is arguably the most aggressive manufacturer of both rods and reels currently in operation. Their motto? Put aside all the petty jealousy, infighting, bragging, chest thumping. Fishing is about having fun being with friends and enjoying the outdoors - go have fun! This spirit is evident in the playful way in which they develop and bring to market their products.

13 Fishing made their name in the ice fishing market and this year, they introduced what may very well be the ultimate ice fishing stick.

Getting Serious: Their story began, of all places, in ice fishing. The principals at 13 Fishing recognized ice fishermen were a largely an overlooked demographic, so swooped in and developed gear to specifically suit their needs. It was a runaway success! They continue to support this market, this year introducing what may very well be the ultimate ice fishing rod - the Tickle Stick - a stick made of solid graphite where the top half of the stick is cut to present an almost flat instead of round surface. The result, they tell us, is unbelievable sensitivity.

It's a solid graphite rod cut down the length to leave a sliver of graphite.

The result is a tip so sensitive you can feel a fish swimming up towards you.

But of course, the bass fishing market is where the big boys play. 13 Fishing is an active participant in this market and over the last couple of years, we've seen smart, sensible introductions in the hottest contested market - middle tier bass rods. Last year, to their fans' delight, the company introduced fishing reels. Yet even with this diverse product line, it's tough to make a name for yourselves in the bass fishing world unless you make a big splash with a product that turns heads of those unfamiliar with your brand. To do that, it has to be something somewhat unique and intriguing.

But the big news is their new flagship.

Let's be honest. With the number of original equipment manufacturer resources available today - many of them attending ICAST even - heading overseas to produce a line of fishing rods, slapping on some fancy or not so fancy cosmetics, whatever components you decide to put on them, and branding them with your name is a very common if not overdone business model. Being another "me too" manufacturer is not going to turn heads.

Built to perfectly balance on end.

This series is sure to turn heads.

To really turn heads, make a name for yourself, and build that lore about your product you need product with a story, product with a purpose, product with a soul. To that 13 Fishing replies with their brand new, flagship line of fishing rods, the Archangel series.

Built with all the latest tech and spec's.

The Archangel series is Made in Japan.

Sure, those who follow the company on social media and have seen the teases and read the specifications already know - this is a high end graphite stick made with Fuji Torzite guides (among the first), and retailing for over $500 a stick.

Fuji Torzite Guides.

That's where the intrigue ends for most and where those who dismiss the product on that information alone will miss out. No, what the Archangel series from 13 Fishing represents is a high end rod, designed in the USA, and made in Japan with only the highest grade materials available. Did you catch that? We said made in JAPAN.

Custom designed handles.

Though it's really difficult to know anymore where a product is really made, still we're talking Evergreen International, Megabass, Shimano, Daiwa, GanCraft, Deps, territory over here. 13 Fishing has gone JDM?!

Custom designed reel seats.

Well, not exactly - remember, these rod were designed in the US with intended use in North America. That means this is an entire series with American tapers, made for the US, manufactured in Japan. The only other manufacturer doing something like this that we can think of is Daiwa with a select number of their Steez sticks. Megabass's Orochi XX rods are made with American tapers, but they are not built in Japan.

Japanese detailing.

But built with American tapers.

Looking over the prototypes at ICAST, we can see these sticks are certainly a step up from 13 Fishing's existing product line. They are, as one might expect from a flagship, more refined. They are built to balance not just in your hand, but paintstaking steps were made so the rods would stand and balance right on their butt ends. There is no practical application for this in fishing, but they did this because they could - that's what this series is about.

Jim Coble, President of 13 Fishing has a lot to smile about as his company is making big strides in the bass fishing market.