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Okuma's Safyre Spinning Reel for Fresh and Saltwater Duty
Okuma had plenty to showcase this season, but the big
reel launch for the brand was the new Safyre spinning reel. Designed for both
freshwater and saltwater inshore duty, the Safyre has been engineered to handle
a variety of species and conditions ranging from finesse bass work to battling
inshore reds. |
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Every Day Carry (EDC) and American Made
Reels from Bates
Bates Fishing Co. is quickly carving out a reputation for combining precision
machining, innovative tech, and craftsmanship in a market crowded with
cookie-cutter reels. At this year’s ICAST, the Bates team rolled out an
impressive mix of new models that expand their lineup in both directions - from
more affordable everyday workhorses to premium, fully machined American made
halo pieces. |
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Old Town PDL 120 PRO Fully Loaded
- Five Takeaways
Gone are the days when fishing kayaks were simply
paddle- or pedal-powered platforms - the latest generation are fully rigged
fishing machines, capable of supporting everything from multiple motors to
cutting-edge electronics. Old Town, for example, showcased a fully outfitted
version of their new PDL 120 Pro, and after getting hands-on time with the boat,
I came away with five takeaways. |
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Daiwa Soups Up Tatula and Ballistic Series Reels
Daiwa typically has a large presence at ICAST and this year was no different. On
the freshwater reel side their biggest announcements focused on further
refinements to their Tatula offerings and a completely new Ballistic spinning
reel.
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KastKing Launches Mg-Ti Baitcaster with Lightweight Titanium Spool
KastKing has long been known for delivering solid reels at reasonable prices,
but the company is now proving it can compete well beyond the budget category.
At this year's ICAST, KastKing unveiled the Mg-Ti Elite, a hybrid magnesium and
titanium baitcaster that showcases the company's growing focus on premium
materials and innovative engineering. |
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Hard Bodied Swimbaits Glide
into ICAST 2025
The swimbait market continues to be one of the fast growing areas of the tackle
industry and this year at ICAST we are seeing a big push by large manufacturers
to either create new baits or work with custom builders to bring some of their
popular designs to market. |
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ICAST Day 1 : Standout Products at
ICAST on the Water
ICAST 2025 kicked off this morning with the outdoor event where manufacturers
could provide a first hands on look at the newest launches. By displaying these
products outside in a event called "ICAST On the Water" they enabled buyers and
media to try everything from making a few casts with new reels to getting a ride
in the latest kayaks. These are the products that stood out.
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TackleTour Videos Live from ICAST 2025
This ICAST the team is on the show floor covering the event in both articles and
video coverage. You can access all the latest videos on
TackleTour's official
Instagram account here. Please be sure to be logged into your IG
account to access all the content.
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Z-Man
Brings the SWAG this ICAST with a Hybrid Tail Design and Line Through System
When it comes to swimbaits, anglers are always searching for that one lure that
does it all - one that looks realistic, swims naturally at any speed, hooks fish
solidly, and stands up to punishment from big bass and toothy predators alike.
This ICAST Z-Man is introducing the SWAG LT, a swimbait designed to deliver on
all these fronts for serious trophy hunters.
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SEVIIN Launches High Performance GX Series Baitcaster
Two years after making waves with its GF and GS reels,
SEVIIN is heading back to the upcoming ICAST 2025 show with its most advanced
casting reels yet - the all-new GX Series. Designed for anglers who are looking
for a high performance reel the GX Series combines premium materials, refined
ergonomics, and precise engineering, all at a competitive $220 price point. |
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Swimbait Skunkwerx Rat Rumble 2025 - Top Rat Swimbaits for
2025
From handcrafted garage builds to factory-made models, rat swimbaits come in a
wide array of materials, actions, and personalities. Each one brings something
unique to the table in terms of sound, movement, and fish-drawing power. In our
ongoing Skunkwerx Rat Rumble series, we dive into our top five picks across four
categories: custom wood, custom resin, mass production, and unconventional
designs. |
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The Porterhouse of Spinnerbaits? : Keitech's Tee-Bone
Just about every lure manufacturer makes them,
just about every bass fisherman has thrown one, and yet, quite possibly one of
the most overlooked or taken for granted baits out there today is the
spinnerbait. They all look the same, don't they? But upon closer inspection,
most manufacturers offer their own unique twist... |
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Affordable JDM? Major Craft's Benkei Reloaded
Major Craft, one of Japan's long standing rod manufacturers, has been importing their product to North American shores for about a decade now.
It was high time to got reacquainted with Major Craft and what better way to accomplish that than with a look at a stick in their Benkei Reloaded series? |
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Light and Refined – The Bates Hundo 100 Baitcaster is the
Real Deal
Bates may still be a relative newcomer to the tackle industry, but with the
Hundo 100, the reel company is making a serious push into the premium
low-profile reel market. Built on a CNC-machined aluminum frame and priced
competitively the Hundo focuses on refined performance. |
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A Topwater Toad for Enthusiasts? Keitech's Noisy Flapper
Keitech was established in Japan the mid 1990's
by Kei Hayashi and came to North American shores probably a decade or so later.
We have been fishing their product off and on since that time privately enjoying
the nuanced, quality touches infused into each product. Today, we take a look at
one of those gems in Keitech's Noisy Flapper. |
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Shimano
Goes Smaller for Finesse with New Flagship MGL Exsence Spinning Reel
Shimano’s flagship MagnumLite spinning reel gets a refresh and a new,
smaller size. The latest addition to the Exsence lineup is the 2500-size Exsence
XG B, a reel engineered for enthusiast finesse anglers. Featuring a lighter
magnesium frame, an asymmetrical CI4+ MGL Rotor, and a souped-up drag system,
this new iteration brings JDM performance and refinement to the U.S. finesse
scene. |
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Putting the "What?" in Creature Baits, the Deps Bull Flat
Deps's soft plastic Bull Flat can best be described as a creature bait that's been smashed under a coffee mug to make the body thinner and wider, with a ribbed swimbait
tail attached instead of claws. |
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Profiling Your Next Bass Rod
- Deciphering the Code
So you're in the market for a new fishing rod, but are unsure
where to start. Maybe you have a specific technique in mind but are confused as
to what traits to look for or what those specifications really mean, and what
rod really meet's your personal tastes and application. |
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Dead Bait 3D Printed Swimbaits – Meet the Dead Rat and Dead
Walker
The rise of 3D printing has quietly reshaped how products are designed,
prototyped, and even produced, and the fishing world hasn’t been immune to its
pull. Enter Dead Bait, a new brand born from the minds behind Illude, Lunker
Fighters, and Bass Espionage. |
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Delivering Versatility with Power, the Deps GE-74HRF
Gain Element Rod
Though Deps has been building them for a long time
to sell in their local, domestic market, rarely discussed are their many series
of bass rods. This is because, as mentioned, up until now, the rods were only
available in Japan. This has changed. There is now a small selection of sticks
to be had in North America.
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Electronics Mounts That Are Built to Take a Beatdown
BeatDown Outdoors offers a wide range of mounting solutions not just for the bow, but also the console of today's bass boats. Not only are their bow mount solutions designed with relatively small footprints, but most offer both vertical and swivel flexibility like a camera's tripod. |
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Affordable JDM? Major Craft's Benkei Reloaded
Major Craft, one of Japan's long standing rod manufacturers, has been importing their product to North American shores for about a decade now.
It was high time to got reacquainted with Major Craft and what better way to accomplish that than with a look at a stick in their Benkei Reloaded series? |
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Enthusiasm Rekindled : Shimano's 23 Antares DC MD
Shimano Japan's 2023 Antares DC MD has been engineered and refined as a tool to assist anglers in their pursuit of big fish. Further, this Antares DC MD is built to sling big baits in pursuit of these monster fish with an enhanced digital braking system.
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Simple and Effective Trailer – Berkley PowerBait Shape 108
craw
With countless jig trailer options on the market
ranging from hyper-realistic designs to simple, throwback profiles reminiscent
of the old pork trailers - Berkley’s Shape 108 stands out by combining the
brand’s popular PowerBait scent with a streamlined, surprisingly versatile
design that pairs well with a wide range of jigs.
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Daiwa Mangetsu Baitcaster –
Retro Vibes, Modern Features
Daiwa and Tackle Warehouse have teamed up to release the Mangetsu
baitcaster, a reel built on the classic Tatula 150 platform but styled with nods
to vintage JDM classics. While it brings retro aesthetics, the Mangetsu is
packed with modern performance upgrades... |
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Daiwa Covers Bass Weekend Warriors
and Travel Anglers with New Tatula and Steez Rods
At this year’s Bassmaster Classic, Daiwa launchesits refreshed 2025
Tatula bass rod lineup, highlighting the brand’s continued push to refine and
elevate its mid-range offerings. But Daiwa didn’t stop at the Tatula line. The
company also expanded its flagship Steez family with the launch of a
travel-friendly 5-piece rod series...
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Going Hard in the BBZ – Bill Siementel’s New Swimbait from Fishlab
Designed by distinguished lure designer Bill Siementel,
the Fishlab BBZ Hard Swimbait is a four-piece bait that is designed to mimic
forage species in both fresh and saltwater. Now in collaboration with the team
at FishLab, this latest BBZ swimbait prioritizes ease of use, durability, and
exceptional value. |
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Smooth Like Butter : ARK's Refreshed Tharp Series B-Hittay Moving Bait Stick
I've always been a fan of
that buttery smooth feel of glass in a moving bait stick, and the composite
blank in that rod is very reminiscent of that feel. When I caught wind of ARK
Fishing's intention to refresh Tharp's signature line, I kept an eye out for
availability, and when the sticks hit, I nabbed the refreshed version... |
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Old Town Goes
PRO with Two New Kayak Models: PDL 120 PRO & ePDL+ 120 PRO
Old Town Kayaks, renowned for their exceptional
quality, are still proudly rotomolded in Maine, USA. At this year's Bassmaster
Classic, the company is unveiling five new models, including two designed
specifically for anglers seeking pro-level features. Introducing the PDL 120 PRO
and the ePDL+ 120 PRO - available in both manual and motorized configurations to
elevate your on-the-water experience. |
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The Baby Jack: Z-Man and Evergreen’s Downsized Jack Hammer
Is there a bait that has put more weight on the
tournament scales than the ChatterBait JackHammer? This bladed jig, a
collaboration between Z-Man and Evergreen, has become a staple at every level of
competitive bass fishing. Now, at this week’s Bassmaster Classic, the two
companies are unveiling a downsized version of their award-winning bait - the
ChatterBait JackHammer Baby Jack. |
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The Surprising Fioretto Essence MFE-C-73SB from Molix
With the number of brands
competing for a spot on your rod rack, it can be difficult for a manufacturer to
garner any attention. Case in point? It's been over ten years since we last saw
a stick from Molix grace the pile of products to be reviewed here at TT HQ...
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Rigged and Ready? Z-Man Shadtron LT Swimbait
The Shadtron LT is the newest addition to Z-Man’s soft
plastic swimbait lineup, engineered to deliver a lifelike shad profile with
exceptional durability and versatility. Crafted from Z-Man’s signature ElaZtech
material, it features outstanding longevity while maintaining a soft, natural
feel. But how does it perform on the water? In which scenarios does it shine,
and where might it fall short? Let’s rig it up and dive in.
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Casting that Screams: The Innovative Trika Ti100 Baitcaster
Trika’s Ti100 baitcaster marks the rod brand’s entry
into the reel market, offering anglers a blend of performance and innovation
that stem from use of advanced materials and a precision CNC machined frame. Use
of full ceramic bearings in the casting system aim to enhance both casting
performance and overall feel. But how does Trika’s debut reel stack up against
the industry’s established reel leaders? |
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Gomexus Stepping Up
their Metal Game with
Spools, Swimbaits, and
Tools
Once known primarily for
their reel handle and
knob upgrades, Gomexus
has fully embraced metal
craftsmanship -
investing in tooling,
design, and even
acquiring a swimbait
manufacturer to expand
into precision-made,
metal-based tackle. |
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Precise Lure Control – Shimano’s Finesse Oriented Vanford FA Spinning Reel
Shimano continues to distinguish its CoreSolid and
Magnumlite spinning reels, expanding each lineup with models tailored for either
precision lure control or sheer strength. The new Vanford FA reels further
define what it means to be a Magnumlite series reel, incorporating refinements
and performance upgrades over the previous generation. |
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New Gold Standard? – Costa’s 580 Gold
Mirror Polarized Lenses
Costa’s 580G lenses are a popular
choice among anglers, known for their exceptional polarized performance and
durability. Earlier this season, the company introduced a new addition to its
lineup - the "Gold Mirror" lens, featuring a rose-colored base. But how do these
new lenses look and perform in real-world conditions? |
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Built for the cold, but a
solid option year round, Bass Union Finesse Jigs
Bass Union finesse jigs are designed to excel in various conditions,
especially when a subtle, refined presentation is needed to trigger a bite.
While it’s easy to overlook a jig as just another jig, Bass Union proves that
quality matters - delivering results when every small detail can make the
difference in tough conditions.
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New Rods and
Reels at the 2025 International Sportsmen's Expo
The International Sportsmen's Expo in Sacramento
marks the start of event season for many West Coast manufacturers. This week's
show provided the perfect platform for leading reel and rod brands to debut
their new products for the 2025 season. |
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Light
yet Powerful - Daiwa Saltiga Rods and Reels
Daiwa has unveiled the new Saltiga rods, crafted for anglers seeking an
enthusiast level of balance of precision and power in a lightweight setup
tailored for saltwater light jigging. Engineered to handle heavy jigs and big
fish, these rods feature a slimmer, lighter profile that enhances both
performance and the overall fishing experience. |
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Shimano Ups Their Swimbait
Game with Gravitator Glides and Outlier Rods
Shimano expands on their Armajoint swimbaits with a new glidebait that
incorporates the same Boost technology, now enhanced with features that allow
anglers to adjust the gliding action on the fly. To complement these baits,
Shimano introduces the Outlier Rod Series - a line of high-performance rods
designed for casting full-sized swimbaits. |
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Shimano Launches New Antares 100 B Halo Reel and the First CoreSolid Tranx
Baitcaster
Shimano is starting the new year strong with major product launches,
including the latest iteration of their flagship baitcaster, the Antares.
Additionally, the Tranx series has received a significant upgrade, now featuring
a more compact and rigid CoreSolid design. |
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Missile Baits Extends Their Arsenal with the Chunky D
There is nothing quite as ubiquitous or versatile in bass fishing tackle boxes everywhere as the soft plastic craw imitators. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but one profile in particular, no doubt evolved from the old school pork rind days, is that flattened beaver style bait. Today, we take a look at the second such profile from Missile, the Chunky D. |
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Out of Control? - Daiwa
Steez's Real Control Enthusiast Rods
Daiwa's Steez rods are widely regarded as the
brand's flagship series, but the Real Control lineup elevates both performance
and price to unprecedented heights. As the first Steez rods to retail for $1,299
in the U.S., they raise a critical question: Are they truly worth the
investment, and who would be willing to purchase such a premium offering? |
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It's Legit - ARK Fishing International's Glide Bait Stick
From its first introduction
to Pro to Limited to the latest Tour edition, Invoker has been the virtual
backbone with which ARK Fishing International has pinned their place in the
industry. Amongst their non-signature series of rods, Invoker sits beneath
Reinforcer and Essence, and above Lancer and Catalyzer. It is the core of their
offering, the most dreaded seat on an airplane, and the neglected child all in
one... |
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A Hot Swappable
Jerkbait - The Baitsanity Explorer BCS 120
Baitsanity's latest release in the Explorer series is a fresh take on jerkbaits, featuring an innovative interchangeable weight system. This design
allows anglers to effortlessly adjust the lure's behavior—transforming it from
floating to fast-sinking - and customize the amount of rattle sound, all within
seconds. |
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Winding Back the Clock with Shimano's 2024 Scorpion 200/201 MD
Monster Drive, or MD for short,
is the motto in a series of Shimano JDM reels developed in support of those who
enjoy throwing monster baits in the hopes of landing that catch of a lifetime.
2024 actually marks the second Scorpion to receive this upgrade. |
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Shallow Only in Capacity, Abu Garcia's Revo5 SX SS (Shallow Spool)
Shallow spooled casting reels don't always have to
be about finesse. Anglers who spend the majority of their time probing close
quarter targets can certainly benefit too, and that's what Abu Garcia's Revo5 SX
SS is all about, so we acquired one for a closer look. |
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