Although the public can’t attend this trade-only convention, Sport Fishing plans to bring you daily coverage on social media. We’ll continue the reporting after the show at sportfishingmag.com. However, we know you’d like at least a taste of the new stuff right now, so here are several new products gear-makers have shared.

Penn’s new Authority spinning reel features an IPX8 waterproof rating, CNC Gear technology with a stainless-steel gear train and pinion gear, and Leveline slow oscillation system. The 12+1 bearing system delivers a smooth retrieve, and the Dura-Drag generates maximum drag pressure. Available in September, Authority will come in sizes ranging from 2500 to 10500 and cost $499.95 to $599.95.

St. Croix’s new Rift rod series includes 16 Rift Salt boat models and 12 Rift Jig models, designed as thinner, lighter rods for inshore and nearshore fishing. The rods feature SCIII carbon blanks, EVA handles, and stainless-steel frames with Alconite inserts. Rift Salt rods are available in seven conventional and nine spinning models. Rift Jig rods come in six conventional and six spinning models. The rods cost $290 to $350.

Shimano says its new World Pop 69F Flash Boost is a multipurpose fresh- and saltwater lure that triggers explosive strikes. The cupped face of the 2 ¾-inch hard bait creates surface commotion while the bait’s body makes a deep gurgling sound with a dramatic bubble trail as it’s worked. This is Shimano’s first popper to incorporate the company’s Flash Boost technology, a visual enhancement created by suspending reflective foil on micro springs within the lure’s body. The World Pop 69F weighs 3/8 ounces and comes in 10 colors. It costs $19.99.

Designed by kayak anglers, AFTCO’s Waterline Kayak Shorts are made from Air-O Mesh performance fabric that stretches. The elastic waistband creates more comfort for all-day sitting. The shorts feature a pliers pocket, dual hand pockets, and zippered thigh and back pockets with drainage. Available next spring in sizes 28 through 42, Waterline’s measure 10 inches along the inseam and cost $79.

Yeti has added two hard-sided, wheeled coolers to its Roadie model lineup. The 48 (left, available now) and the 60 (right, available August 23) feature a retractable, dolly-style handle, leakproof drain plug, nonslip feet, and Neverflat wheels. The 48 weighs 25.7 pounds, holds 41 cans (2:1 ice-to-can ratio), and costs $450. The 60 weighs 28.8 pounds, holds 51 cans, and costs $500. Wheeled Roadies come in white or charcoal.

Garmin has taken its LiveScope real-time sonar technology and extended the range for deeper open waters. The new LiveScope XR system delivers imagery of fish and structure up to 500 feet in front of or below the boat in fresh water and up to 350 feet in salt water, without sacrificing image clarity and resolution. The functions reside in the new GLS 10 black box and accompanying XR LVS62 trolling-motor-mount transducer, which offers three vantage points. Turn the ’ducer forward to see ahead, down to see beneath the boat, or sideways for a top-down perspective of open water or shorelines. The complete package costs $2,999.99.

Huk’s A1A Pro Guide pants feature abrasion-resistant-fabric side patches to cut wear and tear while poling the flats. They offer 50+ UPF protection and employ an eight-pocket design that includes two side cargo pockets with grommets and two zippered back pockets. The waist and hem adjust, and the fabric has a durable water-repellent finish. Made from 94 percent nylon and 6 percent spandex, the pants are available in night owl gray and in sizes S through 3XL; they cost $125 to $130.

Z-Man pro C.A. Richardson has studied the parallels between freshwater bass tactics and those for redfish, and began experimenting with Z-Man’s popular Ned rig finesse technique in saltwater applications. The result: the Salty Ned ShrimpZ. He calls it “a tasty little cocktail shrimp for selective inshore predators.” The soft bait measures 2 1/2 inches and is made from ElaZtech. Its buoyancy and flared appendages allow it to land softly and parachute slowly toward the bottom. Rig it on any ShroomZ, NedlockZ or Texas Eye Finesse series jigheads. Available in August, the Salty Ned ShrimpZ will come in 10 patterns and cost $4.99 per six-pack.

Daiwa designed its new live-lining spinning reel — the Free Swimmer — with an automatic bite-and-run clutch at the base of its body, which allows anglers to instantly disengage the spool so line can peel off with little or no resistance while the bail is closed. Adjust spoon tension with the small tension-control knob at the back of the reel. The Free Swimmer also features an Air Rotor and waterproof, carbon Automatic Tournament Drag. It comes in 8000 and 10000 sizes and costs $199.99.

Frabill says its Witness Weigh net is the first combined net, scale and ruler for fresh and saltwater anglers. The net comes with a built-in 30-pound scale that weighs the fish while it is suspended in the mesh, eliminating the need to handle the catch or hang the fish vertically. Scoop the fish, remove the hook and then hold the net vertically to record the weight. Witness features tangle-free micro-mesh netting and a flat bottom for safer fish handling. The 48-inch, aluminum handle is marked to take measurements of up to 30 inches. Available this fall, Witness costs $149.99.

Penn has updated and upgraded its Fathom reels in the Fathom II Lever Drag series. Integrating the palm side plate and frame allows these reels to be more compact in hand and reduces their weight. The pull-to-turn preset knob lets anglers set it and forget it. The Quick Shift II two-speed system functions similarly to the Penn Internationals. Available in single- and two-speed models and in a wide range of sizes, including a new 80, Fathom II LDs start at $229.95 and will be available in September.

The post ICAST Fishing Tackle Trade Show Preview appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Long-distance casting reels have several things in common. Most important is the casting brake. These reels use either magnets or centrifugal pads to slow the spool on the cast, reducing the chance of backlashing the line. To further improve casting performance, the best reels use a spool, spindle and high-speed bearings.

Penn Fathom II 15

One of the most popular new surf-fishing reels comes from one of the oldest tackle companies. Penn poured 90 years of experience into its Fathom II 15 ($239.95). The redesigned star-drag reel quickly gained fans with its magnetic casting brake, and stiff aluminum frame and spool. When the reel disengages, the spool floats freely on the spindle. A small dial on the side plate adjusts the magnetic brakes to match casting conditions. Machine-cut gears and a carbon-fiber drag apply the pressure you need to pull big red drum through the breakers.

Daiwa Sealine-X SHA30

This reel has probably caught more big red drum in the surf than any other. Known on the beach as the “Slosh 30,” the reel’s no-nonsense design and reliable performance are still popular for beginners and old salts. The SHA30 uses three shielded ball bearings and a free-floating spool to maintain reliable casting performance. Marine-grade bronze and brass gears along with six stacked drag washers provide the fighting power. When I started drum fishing, I used the reel for years without fail. Like a Kalashnikov rifle, the simple construction and sturdy components keep the Daiwa Sealine-X SHA30 ($139.99) firing in the worst conditions.

Seigler SM

When a local reel company collaborates with hardcore drum anglers, the result is Seigler’s SM star-drag, magnetic-brake casting reel ($400). Virginia Beach-based Seigler Reels is located within casting distance of some of the best surf-fishing beaches and most experienced anglers. Designed for long-distance casting competitions, the reel uses the highest-end components for maximum casting distance. Smart design and sturdy construction make the SM one of the most user-friendly reels in the review.

The post Conventional Surf-Casting Reels appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Few experienced anglers can spend enough time on the water to keep their casting accuracy and distance tack sharp. And with many new anglers entering the sport over the last two years, we decided to offer some tips on how to cast a spinning reel and how to cast baitcasters and conventional round-spool reels.

We checked in coast to coast with four inshore specialists and one offshore expert, and gathered their insights. Many had similar concepts about how to cast a fishing rod, whether spin, baitcast or conventional, though some had unique ideas and others provided advanced tips. Here are their thoughts in their own words:

Inshore

Capt. CA Richardson

Shimano pro

Tampa, Florida

With spin tackle, try this variety of casts and techniques:

Dart Cast: A short, compact casting motion that starts at 1 o’clock and stops at 11 o’clock abruptly, then follow the lure with the rod tip. This allows for pinpoint accuracy on medium to long casts to fish or cover. It’s the most important cast you should master, if you love swinging artificial lures.

Pitch or Pendulum Cast: A must for close-quarters casting and very handy for fishing marshy zones or around cover like docks and mangrove edges. I like to hold my lure with a length of line that puts it even with the spinning reel. Then pendulum swing the lure smoothly at a low angle to the target area—generally within 15 to 20 feet of your position.

Feathering Line: This not only gives you greater casting accuracy but reduces wind knots in a big way. When casting, just use your index finger gently to feather or slow the line down especially before the lure hits the intended landing zone. This reduces the surface impact from the lure’s entry and places the lure in the strike zone efficiently.

With baitcasters, here are some tips for better casting:

Lure-to-Rod Balance: Know the sweet spot of your casting rod. The lure-weight spec of your rod is important. Try to choose a lure that accommodates the mid-range of that lure-weight spec. For example, if the lure-weight range is ¼ to 5/8 ounces, find a lure for that rod that weighs 3/8 to ½ ounces, and you’re in the sweet spot. You’ll get your best performance out of that rod with those lures.

Understand Rod Actions for Specific Techniques: If you’re fishing cover like mangrove shorelines or docks, then medium-heavy to heavy actions are best.

Topwater plugs are typically heavy by nature so a heavier-action rod is required to cast these lures accurately and efficiently. But you still need a moderate-fast tip to walk the bait properly.

When fishing suspending treble-hook lures, you need to choose medium-action rods with fast tips to generate good hook sets but still allow for some forgiveness when it comes to pulling the hooks.

Smart Casting: Place your lure in a landing zone that doesn’t alert the targeted fish. Then work or manipulate the lure into the strike zone.

Capt. Jot Owens

Penn pro

Wrightsville Beach, NC

Sometimes distance can be as important as accuracy and sometimes even more important. Distance casting will help you cover more area and also get a lure to a fish that might be easily spooked. If you cover more area you’ll catch more fish.

But how do you get more distance? One mistake I see many anglers make is trying to use just one hand to cast spinning tackle. Your accuracy and distance will greatly improve by using two hands to cast spinning tackle.

I hold the reel seat part of the combo with my dominant hand. I grab the line with my pointer finger and open the bail, just like on any other cast. I hold the bottom section of the rod butt with my other hand. My dominant hand controls where I cast the lure. My other hand—on the rod butt—is the power behind the cast.

The real challenge of power casting is timing. Knowing when to let go of the line with your finger and release the lure. If the lure slams into the water, you let go too late. If the lure flies high in the air and falls, you let go too early.

And one final tip I can give you for power casting: I’m usually a 7-foot rod guy for general types of all-around inshore fishing. I do appreciate a Fenwick HMG Inshore 7-foot-6-inch medium-action rod when casting topwater lures, especially trying to achieve greater distance with my casts.

Capt. Joshua Taylor

Okuma pro

Tampa, Florida

Baitcaster backlashes are merely a side effect of being new to a reel. Have patience and give yourself time to practice. With proper control and subtle adjustments to a baitcaster, you can tune your reel to avoid the bird’s nests.

The cast control mechanism, the spool tension knob, and the reel-brake system can all be fine-tuned. The brake system allows you to adjust the speed of the spool rotation, giving you a considerable amount of control over line tension.

You will have to tune your reel settings to each lure you’re using, as the different weights will require their unique settings.

Start with the brake system and the tension knob. Adjusting these pieces controls the velocity of the lure. Ideally, you should be able to freespool your reel, and the bait should fall to the ground without backlash. If you can accomplish that, then you should not get any backlash when you cast. Make adjustments until you reach the desired speed.

Now do some test casts. Do a simple overhead cast, and feel out the distance, adjust the brake accordingly. Eventually, you can begin to loosen the brake a bit and control the spool with your thumb. Start practicing with a heavier fishing lure for an easier time.

Capt. Trevor Hastings

Okuma pro

Sebastian, Florida

Not only does skipping a lure across the water with a spinning rod look awesome but it’s also very beneficial for getting into tight spaces. Inshore game fish love structure and shade, which is commonly provided by docks and mangroves. These lure traps can be quite challenging to access with a traditional overhand cast. This is where skipping comes into play.

Like anything, it will take some practice but it’s a lot easier than most people think and a lot like skipping a rock across water. Much like rocks, the shape and size of the lure is crucial—a smooth surface is the key. Anything with a bill or lip is going to give you problems much like a jagged rock would. I recommend topwater lures and soft plastics.

Think of your rod like a hockey stick and the lure is a puck. If you’re familiar with a wrist shot, it’s very similar. (You create momentum before releasing with a wrist shot). It all happens parallel to the water.

Pick your target and then draw a visual line. Now create a little momentum going back with your rod parallel to the water with your bail open, line on your pointer finger and take your shot. It won’t have the power to travel far at first, but the more you get comfortable, the more speed and distance you can incorporate. You’ll soon realize you don’t need as much force as you need a smooth confident motion. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll realize this technique is more essential to catching fish than it is flashy.

Ben Secrest demonstrating a long offshore cast with a conventional reel. Courtesy Ben Secrest / Accurate Fishing

Offshore

Ben Secrest

Accurate Fishing

Corona, California

Casting, in general, can be a difficult feat for any angler—beginner to best. Casting into a head wind is always challenging as is casting conventional tackle, especially when the pressure is on.

One thing I have learned to date is that I will never know it all, and keeping my ears open and mouth shut help my fishing every trip.

When casting conventional gear, it is key to learn as much about your reel as possible. Be able to adjust the reel so you maximize your cast but also minimize any backlashes. Most reels have a tension mechanism that controls the speed of the spool. One easy adjustment to do is to put the lure or bait on the line with the tension knob tightened and slowly loosen it until the lure or bait slowly falls to the water.

An even slow fall is what you’re looking for to slow the initial startup speed of the spool when you’re casting. This will alleviate the loops created by the spool spinning faster than your thumb can regulate. This is an easy step to take and will help your frustration level for sure.

Another tip to help with both conventional and spinning tackle is to make sure your line is tightly spooled on the reel. Casting loosely wound braid can cause very nasty backlashes.

One thing to do when you get on the boat is put the line in the water behind the boat, away from the prop and let it out until it seems tight on the spool. Let out no more than a third of the spool generally, and evenly wind it back on the reel. This does two things: tightens your line on the spool and wets the line, making it easier to cast.

Read Next: Pros’ Tips for Sight-Casting to Cobia

A big problem I frequently see involves using leaders with large knots going through the guides. This will cause you problems, especially when casting to feeding fish. You cast the lure, and the knot hits a guide, throwing a loop, causing a backlash. The bait stops mid-air after the line tightens because of the backlash, and then a monster eats the bait, resulting in a Zing-Pow moment.

Make shorter leaders with the knot outside the rod tip. Braid is tough enough to cast, so get your knots situated. (Check out the FG knot or Pena Knot—both are low profile and cast easily through guides once they’re cinched.)

Additional Tips:

• Position your boat upwind of the target for easier more effective casting.
• When fishing artificial baits that twist on retrieve, use a small swivel to attach the leader to avoid line twist, which will cause wind knots.
• Learn to follow through with your cast like throwing a ball. Jerking actions cause backlashes. Practice makes perfect so go to the park, or get on the water and cast.

The post Pro Casting Tips: Spinning Rod vs. Casting Rod appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Now that Halloween is over, it’s time to shop for the winter holidays. We’ve compiled a list of fishing tackle and gear ideas from your favorite brands that any angler would love. From reels and tools to clothing and sunglasses, and with prices ranging from $30 to $300 — this is your ultimate guide to gift buying.

(Products are listed by MSRP from least to most expensive.)

Plano Edge Flex Tackle Box

$15-$30

The first StowAway to allow full customization, the Flex Series includes the Edge 3600 and 3700. Each comes with five 4x, six 3X, nine 2x and 18 1x dividers. These interlocking dividers can create small or large, short or long storage bays within the box, creating room for everything from tools, large lures, terminal tackle, weights and hooks. All boxes come with rust-preventing technology molded into the base. A watertight seal and a supplemental desiccant divider help ward off moisture. The clear lid allows easy identification of the contents. Heavy-duty steel-pin hinges, a one-hand latch and a ribbed base add durability. The 3600 measures 11-by-7.25-by-1.63 inches; the 3700 measures 14-by-9-by-1.38 inches.

Calcutta Keeper Dry Waterproof Duffle

$40 – 50

Made from TPU, Calcutta’s duffle is abrasion resistant and fully waterproof at the seams and zipper. It features a removable and padded shoulder strap, large exterior web pocket and second sealed exterior pocket. It measures 12 inches wide by 12 inches high and 23 inches long and offers 35 liters of internal volume. The bag is gray and black and comes with four webbed loops on the sides for attaching to a boat or vehicle.

Bluefin USA Performance Solid Sportshirt

$57-$59

Made from 100 percent microfiber, these fast-drying Bluefin USA shirts incorporate anti-bacterial and cooling technology, as well as UPF40 sun protection. Features include two front chest pockets with flap closures and a vented back panel for breathability. Available in short- or long-sleeve versions, the shirts come in sizes S through 2XL. Colors include navy, black, light blue or white. Bluefin USA says the shirts run slightly large.

Pelagic Blue Water Camo Fishing Short

$69

These Pelagic boardshorts feature four-way stretch for maneuverability, an internal drawcord that acts like a belt for a custom fit, and water repellency with stain guard to ward off the elements. Made with recycled fibers from plastic bottles, these shorts come in waist sizes 30 to 40, and in eight colors (pictured is slate fish camo).

AFTCO Reaper Windproof Softshell Jacket

$99

The next generation of technical cold-weather gear in the Reaper line, the softshell jacket still incorporates a built-in face mask and neck warmer but is lined with Hexatron fleece. The fleece is fused to the 94 percent polyester 6 percent spandex water-repellent outer shell. Features include laser-cut underarm ventilation and a zippered side vent. The jacket is available in sizes S through 3XL and in charcoal, oak or black.

Okuma ITX Carbon

$105-$120

Lightweight and compact, Okuma’s ITX Carbon spinning reels feature a body, side plates and rotor made from rigid C-40X long-strand carbon fiber, making it 25 percent stronger than standard graphite reels. The ITX reels come with a multi-disc, carbon fiber drag system with Okuma’s Hydro Block Gasket, keeping water out. The 7HPG +1RB High Performance, grease packed bearings keep the reel running smoothly along with the precision machine cut brass pinion gear. The 1000-, 2500-, 3000- and 4000-size reels all come standard with 6:1 high-speed gearing.

Accurate Fishing Plier/Knot Puller

$125

Accurate has developed the ultimate tool package for anglers with its combo pliers/knot puller. Often when anglers tie a knot with braided line or heavy mono, they take a few wraps on their hands to cinch the knot tight, and that can cut the skin. The two-part knot puller threads together and is covered by rubber for a nonslip surface. It also comes with two holes atop the tool to secure hooks. Packaged with Accurate’s APXL-7 pliers, the duo solves most onboard rigging issues. Both tools are made from 6061 T-6 lightweight aluminum and anodized for corrosion resistance.

Bubba Multi-Flex Interchangeable Blade System

$126

A first-of-its-kind product, Bubba’s new Multi-Flex Interchangeable Blade System is designed to deliver the strength and durability of a full-tang traditional fillet knife while providing the ability to swap different styles of blades to tackle small, medium, or large fish in any environment. The kit includes a 7-inch tapered flex, an 8-inch ultra flex, a 9-inch serrated flex, and a 9-inch stiff blade. The non-slip handle features a aqueeze-and-slide mechanism that allows you to switch blades quickly. A locking mechanism keeps the blade secure. The kit comes with an EVA carrying case.

Grundens Deviation Ankle Boot

$130

Grundens designed its 6-inch Deviation Ankle Boot to provide anglers with a comfortable footwear option that performs on and off the water. The boots feature non-marking lugged rubber outsoles with razor-cut siping to clear mud and other debris while maintaining traction on a wet deck. The company says it prioritized a thicker insole to promote noticeable shock resistance. The anti-microbial cooling liner helps eliminate odor. Available in anchor and refraction camo stone and in sizes 8 through 14.

Garmin Striker Cast

$130-$180

Anglers who fish bridges, piers, the surf or jetties can now own Garmin fishfinding technology, and small-boat anglers have an additional option for sonar. The new Striker Cast castable fishfinder transmits sonar signals wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet. Compatible with Apple and Android devices, Striker Cast delivers returns in water up to 150 feet. It streams sonar and water temperature from up to 200 feet away. An available GPS model allows anglers to create their own 1-foot contour fishing maps and personalize them with free Quickdraw Contours software. Garmin recommends using the castable module with 20-pound test line or greater. The unit powers on when it’s floating and turns off when it’s not. It comes with a USB-rechargeable battery.

Columbia PFG Force XII 35L Rolltop Backpack

$150

Columbia’s new PFG Force XII Rolltop Backpack is a TPU-coated bag with fully welded waterproof construction to keep gear dry throughout the wettest conditions. The lightweight pack also comes with a front zippered pocket, bungee cords, outside mesh pockets, and internal-organizer pockets to hold phones, sunscreen, pliers and other smaller items. The mesh-ventilated straps and padded back panel make it adjustable and comfortable for all sizes. Available in city grey and vivid blue.

Yeti Camino Carryall 35

$150

Yeti’s Camino Carryall is made from the same waterproof, durable, and easy-to-clean material as the Panga Duffel. This tote bag keeps wet boots and gear contained, keeps dry gear protected and provides a tough barrier from sharp hooks and tools. The EVA molded bottom keeps water out and holds the bag upright. The front of the Camino features Molle loops for attaching accessories, and inside is a zippered pocket for smaller items. Carry Camino using the shoulder straps or the crossbar handle. The bag weighs 3.3 lbs and measures 18 1/8 inches wide by 14 7/8 inches high and 9 7/8 inches deep. It comes in navy, reef blue, storm gray and Everglade sand.

Gill Men’s/Women’s Hydrophobe Down Jacket

$169

Gill makes these jackets water-repellent nylon on the outside and fills them with water-repellent down insulation. Features include two hand-warmer pockets, micro-baffle construction and an adjustable hem. The lightweight jacket fits into its own internal pocket. Men’s sizes range from S through 3XL; colors include blue or black. Women’s sizes range from 4 through 14; colors include navy or orange.

Costa Ferg

$199 to $279

Fergs, named for Costa Sunglasses founder Ray Ferguson, offer a refined focus on performance details, including top and side shields, integrated textured Hydrolite rubber, and vented nose pads. Ferg’s large OmniFit frame and 360-degree nose-pad adjustability allow for a more comfortable and secure fit on a variety of face shapes and sizes. Available in four color options — matte black, matte tortoise, matte reef and shiny gray — with a variety of Costa color-enhancing 580 lenses.

Shimano Speedmaster

$250-$260

For those anglers who use heavy-pound-test braids with fluorocarbon topshots, Shimano has added the Speedmaster 12II and 16II reels to its two-speed, lever-drag lineup. The reels offer 5.7- and 3.1-to-1 gear ratios with plenty of spool capacity to battle big fish. The 12II holds up to 400 yards of 65-pound braid, and the 16II holds 450 yards of 80. Both reels feature 40 pounds of max drag pressure and Shimano’s Hagane Body with the S-Compact design. The 12II weighs 25.7 ounces and costs $249.99, and the 16II weighs 26.5 ounces and costs $259.99.

Penn Fathom Low-Profile

$250-$300

Penn has brought its Fathom brand to the realm of low-profile baitcasting reels for saltwater applications. The new reels feature a full-metal body and crank side plate, HT-100 drag system, and a brass main gear. They’re available in sizes 200, 300 and 400 with standard and high-speed options. Fathoms also come with a dual-action casting brake, TiN-coated levelwind system, and seven bearings. Max drags range from 24 to 30 pounds.

The post Holiday Fishing Gift Guide 2020 appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Shimano has fully redesigned its Tekota 500 and 600 star-drag reels, implementing the company’s latest technologies to make the reels more compact, ergonomic and lighter. The new models feature Hagane bodies and CoreProtect technology for water resistance, and come in left- or right-hand retrieve standard and line-counter versions. All haul in 38 inches of line per crank with 6.3-to-1 gear ratios. The 500 (pictured) can carry 240 yards of 50-pound braided line and costs $209.99. The 600 holds 330 yards of 65-pound-test braid and costs $219.99.

The post Shimano Tekota 500/600 Reels appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Penn‘s new Fathom II LW levelwind conventional reels feature a full-metal body and side plates, HT-100 carbon-fiber drag washers and a 4+1 stainless-steel bearing system. The heavy-duty reels are designed to handle daily extreme abuse. The 13 models start with a braid capacity of 445 yards of 30-pound, moving up in size to handle 770 yards of 80-pound. Max drag for all models is 30 pounds; gear ratios for the single-speed reels range from 3.7-to-1 to 5.5-to-1. Weights range from 19.8 ounces to 27 ounces, and prices start at $199.99.

The post Penn Fathom II LW appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

To help our readers who might be equally challenged, I present this (­hopefully) helpful selection of 24 ideas, from stocking-stuffer tackle items to gear that deserves the full gift-wrap treatment.

REELS

Shimano Stella C4000

Accurate Tern

Okuma Tesoro 5S

Penn Spinfisher VI 2500

RODS

St. Croix Mojo Yak

G.Loomis E6X Inshore

Okuma PCH Custom

Penn Battalion Inshore Spinning

LURES

Yo-Zuri Hydro Minnow LC

Halco Max 190

Savage Gear 3D Mack Stick

Z-Man HeroZ

Rapala X-Rap No. 6 Twitchin’ Mullet

GEAR

AFTCO Maxforce XH1 Harness

Cuda Crimper Kit

Yeti Camino Carryall

RAM X-Grip Phone Cradle with Twist-Lock Suction Cup

Patriot 20QT Cooler

APPAREL

Bluefin USA Solar Tee

Pelagic Chugger Fleece Hoodie

Salt Life Andros

Costa Pescador

The post Fishing Gift Ideas for the Holidays appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Shimano has added three PG, or Power Gear, star-drag reels to its Torium series conventionals. The 16-, 20- and 30-size models amp up the max-drag capability of the original Toriums from 24 pounds to 33 pounds while maintaining the same line capacity. The three new models feature a 4.6-to-1 gear ratio compared with the originals at 6.2-to-1, providing the power needed to wrestle big saltwater species. The reels come with standard Torium technologies such as cross-carbon drags and high-efficiency gearing; they cost $229.99 to $249.99.

The post Shimano Torium PG Reels appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

I was outgunned, pure and simple. Jigging for bluefin in the 40- to 80-pound range, I was using 30-pound-class gear with 65-pound braid and a 30-pound fluorocarbon wind-on leader when something significantly larger than expected inhaled my rather puny 4-inch pink Butterfly jig. It would take two and a half hours — and an immense expenditure of sweat — before we finally saw color.

The tuna settled into its death spiral for a final tug of war about 20 feet below the boat. But with the drag set at 10 pounds of pressure, forcing the fish any farther up in the water column was simply impossible. Should I apply a bit more drag, or thumb the spool? These questions shoot through the minds of countless anglers in the final moments of an epic battle.

We all know what forcing the issue usually leads to: a heart-breaking break-off. So instead of tightening the drag, I backed it off and we pulled the boat away from the fish, changing the angle of attack from vertical to nearly horizontal.

The bluefin came out of its spiral and allowed itself to be brought to the surface, albeit 50 yards away from the boat. I kept the pressure steady but never exceeded that of the preset drag, as the boat paralleled the fish, inching closer and closer. Too tired to turn and dive, the fish’s left eyeball was locked on my own when 10 minutes later, the gaff struck home.

The experience proved that ­having your drag properly set — and then using it properly — is quite literally a make‑or-break factor.

A Fine Line

“The old standard of setting the drag to between 25 percent and a third of the line’s rated strength still holds true,” says Shimano rep Capt. Bryan Williams of Wilmington, North Carolina, “but braid has changed things. In the old days, we’d move up the drag on big fish, but now I tell people to leave it alone.”

Williams notes that as a fish takes line, the drag pressure increases without any assistance from the angler because the spool’s diameter shrinks. Move the drag lever forward, and you stand an excellent chance of breaking off. He says the same goes for spinning reels, even though the change isn’t as noticeable. Adding pressure by thumbing the spool on any reel is an even worse move, he says, because you want the line moving as smoothly as possible.

“With today’s smaller, smoother reels, such as the Talicas I fish, touching the spool creates uneven pressure and increases the chance of pulling the hook,” he says.

Williams does point out, however, that you have to vary how you set the drag according to the type of fishing you’re doing. When targeting grouper, for example, he cranks up the drag to the point that only a very large fish can take drag, and then only a little. “You have to force those fish away from the ledges very quickly,” he explains, “or you’ll get chafed off before the line has a chance to break from the fish’s pull.”

Under Pressure

Capt. Will Burbach of Tampa, Florida, who spends much of his time forcing large snook out of mangroves and away from piers and bridges, uses drag pressure the same way. “Fishing in heavy cover, you can’t set your drag for small or average fish,” Burbach says. “You have to use heavier gear and really crank down on the drag. Yes, you will break off sometimes, but if you fish a light drag, you’ll get fouled or cut off almost all the time.”

When fishing in open water, such as targeting tarpon on the beach, Burbach says you can go lighter on the drag without as much break-off risk. Still, he says he sets drags at a third of the line’s breaking strength and often is willing to risk setting it even higher. “Part of it has to do with the fish,” he explains. “It has a better chance of recovery if you don’t stretch out the fight, and wear it down too much.”

Burbach also says that regardless of how you’re fishing, the worst thing an angler can do is fiddle with the drag on a spinning reel midfight. “Sometimes people loosen the drags I’ve set because it feels tight to them, and the next thing you know, they’re tangled in the mangroves,” he says. “Or maybe they overtighten an already tight drag, and break off. If you start messing with settings while a fish is on the line, you’ll never know where the drag is and where it really belongs.”

Setting the Mark

Interestingly, Williams and Burbach differ on how to set the drag in the first place. Williams always uses a scale, with the rod and reel at an appropriate fish-fighting angle. Burbach, on the other hand, says setting by feel works well, just as long as you know your gear inside and out. He tests the drag strength by pulling line by hand directly from the reel. He admits that this technique does require some trial and error, and says you’ve “gotta get the feel” through experience before you’ll be setting drags properly.

Capt. Kevin Beach, who runs Pale Horse out of Venice, Louisiana, uses both methods. “I set my drags by hand with the light stuff, and by scale with the heavy stuff,” he says. Beach also points out that it’s critical to set to your leader strength, not your line strength, when you’re forced to use lighter leaders to get bites from finicky fish.

Okuma’s product development ­director John Bretza stresses the importance of getting to know your gear. “I would take the time to familiarize myself with a new reel before use,” he says. “The drag systems in today’s reels can be your best advantage over big fish, but when used incorrectly, can have the opposite effect. Imagine driving a car and rather than gradually coming to a stop at a light, you slam on the brakes. If you don’t have a good feel for your drag and understand how the system works, and you overtighten the drag, you’ll have the same abrupt impact when a fish strikes your lure or bait.”

Like Williams, Bretza also notes that the rising popularity of braid has had a significant impact on how anglers set and use their drags. The elimination of significant stretch means that anglers using braid have a much less forgiving system. When the drag is set right, however, you have more firepower at your fingertips than anglers have ever had in the past, and being outgunned doesn’t mean you can’t catch that fish of a lifetime.

Read Next: New Fishing Reels for 2019

Drag Tech

By all accounts, the use of carbon fiber is one of the most important advancements in drag technology during the past decade. When compressed, it doesn’t have the same memory found in previously used drag materials. That memory could cause a major issue if an angler failed to loosen a reel’s drag for storage.

Carbon fiber also allows for the application of wet-drag systems, which include greases and can reduce start-up inertia and heat buildup. “We use Cal’s grease on Okuma lever drags,” says John Bretza, Okuma director of product development, “because it has proved to help reduce heat buildup.”

Shimano rep Bryan Williams says that Shimano’s Dartanium II woven carbon-fiber drag materials allow smaller reels to put out a lot more pressure than in the past. “Today I can hand a kid or a small woman a reel like a Trinidad 16, which anyone can handle, but it still puts out a lot of drag,” he says. “They fight the fish instead of fighting the gear.”

The post How to Set and Use Reel Drag appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Alutecnos has introduced a new Gorilla 20 two-speed lever-drag conventional reel, the 20V_2S. The new 43.7-ounce Gorilla offers more than 45 pounds of drag while delivering free-spool. It features 6.5- and 3.4-to-1 gear ratios, infinite anti-reverse and a multidisc drag system. Capable of handling 985 yards of 20-pound mono or 1,094 yards of 50-pound braid, the reel comes in black, blue, red, gunmetal, silver and gold. The 20V_2S costs $726

The post Alutecnos Gorilla 20 Fishing Reel appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.