Okuma Cedros 4000/6000
Okuma expanded its popular family of Cedros spinning reels into the inshore market with new 4000 and 6000 sizes. Both reels offer a 5.8-to-1 gear ratio and 33 pounds of max drag. They feature Okuma’s precision dual-force drag system, rigid mag/aluminum alloy construction, Hydro Block watertight drag seal and dual anti-reverse. The 4000 (pictured) holds 280 yards of 8-pound mono; the 6000 holds 320 yards of 12-pound. The reels cost $154.99 and $164.99.
Shimano Symetre 3000/4000 Combos
The two largest of Shimano’s new Symetre Combos — the 3000 and 4000 sizes — offer saltwater anglers an option for a lower-cost or entry-level light-tackle outfit. The 3000 combo comes with a 7-foot, one- or two-piece, medium-heavy rod; the reel can hold 230 yards of 6-pound-test mono. The 4000 comes with a 7-foot-6-inch, one- or two-piece, medium-heavy rod, and its reel holds 240 yards of 8-pound mono. The 3000 reels come with a 6.2-to-1 gear ratio; the 4000s offer a 5.8-to-1 ratio. The combos cost $99.99.
St. Croix Legend Xtreme Inshore
St. Croix has updated its Legend Xtreme Inshore rods for 2021 with super-high-modulus SCVI carbon as well as the company’s Fortified Resin System in the lower section for max power and sensitivity plus lighter weight. Add SCV carbon and externally overlaid Advanced Reinforcing Technology, and the series now employs the greatest carbon-fiber density ever used by St. Croix. A new sandbar finish and Daiwa AGS carbon-fiber guides further elevate the rods. New models include 7-foot and 7-foot-6-inch spinners with medium to medium-heavy power and fast action, and a 7-foot medium-heavy casting rod with fast action. Prices range from $660 to $670.
Z-Man Eye Strike ChatterBait
Z-Man took its original, hexagonal ChatterBlade and paired it with a precision-balanced Eye Strike Fishing jighead to create the new Eye Strike ChatterBait. The new combo delivers the trademark vibration and adds sudden erratic left-right slashing movements. The extra-tough stainless-steel line tie holds up to the toughest predators including bull reds. The jighead also comes with oversize 3D eyes, dual keeper barbs and a 4/0 or 5/0 Mustad UltraPoint hook. Available in three colors and 1/4-, 3/8- or ½-ounce jigs, the ChatterBaits come packs of two and cost $8.49.
Toadfish Stowaway Folding Fillet Knife and Cutting Board
Toadfish’s knife and cutting-board combo packs multiple qualities into a compact product. The folding filet knife features a 7-inch titanium-coated blade and other titanium, corrosion-resistant components, a non-slip rubber grip, and a stowaway carabiner. The cutting board is made from non-porous, high-density polyethylene and folds from 12-by-16 inches to 3-by-16 inches. Dishwasher-safe, the board comes with a magnetic closure, two-stage knife sharpener (with carbide and ceramic sections), and an anti-skid bottom. The set costs $96; a neoprene case is sold separately.
Yeti Head and Neckwear by Buff
Yeti’s new Buffs feature HeiQ cooling technology and are made with 95 percent recycled Repreve performance microfiber. The seamless head and neckwear feature UPF 50+ sun protection, four-way stretch and polygiene odor control. The Buffs can be worn 12 different ways. Available in 10 colors, they cost $24.
Read Next: More New Products
Lowrance Elite FS/ActiveTarget
The most powerful Elite series fishfinder/chartplotter Lowrance has ever offered, the Elite Fishing System (FS) combines a full range of fishfinding tools with a display that’s easy to use and install. ActiveTarget Live Sonar and extreme high-res Active Imaging combine with chirp, sidescan and downscan to offer anglers multiple views of what’s below the boat. C-Map Contour+ Fishing Maps come preloaded in the units. Available with either a 7- or 9-inch screen, FS comes in a variety of models — some with all of the sonar bells and whistles and others with a smaller selection of features. Prices range from $649 to $2,499.
Fusion Handheld Mic
Fusion’s new handheld microphone features built-in pre-amplification and a compact design that mounts to the dash with a hanger and plugs into a Fusion entertainment center so that captains can make easy announcements to crew anywhere onboard or to nearby boats. Squeeze the mic’s trigger to pause any music before speaking. The mic comes with an IPX7 weather-resistant rating and costs $129.99.
Furuno NavNet TZtouch3 9F
Furuno introduced its TZtouch3 units last February in 12- , 16- and 19-inch sizes. In November, the company brought out a 9-inch IPS display for smaller vessels and second stations. The hybrid-control TZT9F features a quad-core processor and a built-in 1kW, single-channel TruEcho CHIRP Fish Finder as well as a traditional 50/200kHz RezBoost Fish Finder. The MFD is also compatible with a wide array of Furuno peripherals, including radar, autopilot, VHF, black-box sonars, and more. The TZT9F costs $2,995.
Hobie iTrek Inflatables
Hobie has just debuted a new line of inflatable kayaks — the iTrek series. Although iTrek includes five models, the two that anglers will most appreciate are the iTrek 9 (pictured, top) and iTrek 11 (pictured, bottom). These new boats come with Hobie’s signature MirageDrive pedal system, Kick-Up Fins, three- or four-piece paddle, a removable rudder system, and a lightweight aluminum-frame seat. The boats deflate and fit into a bag for easy transport and storage. They come with manual and electric pumps. The iTrek 9 hull measures 9 feet, 5 inches long and weighs a miniscule 20 pounds (36 pounds fully rigged) but can carry up to 350 pounds. The iTrek 11 measures 10 feet 8 inches and weighs 28 pounds (44 fully rigged), but can carry 400 pounds. Both measure 40 inches wide. The iTrek 9 costs $2,199, and the iTrek 11 costs $2,499.
