There is no place better than the annual ICAST (International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades) show in Orlando, Florida, to see the newest fishing products available this fall or early next year. The weeklong event is a blast for outdoor media because it allows us to get a sneak peek of things to come.

This year we saw a couple of different trends, including the introduction of next-generation trolling motors from a number of manufacturers. Also, since the ICAST show is a useful indicator of the future, anglers can expect to have even more options for sunglasses, deck boots, electric reels, and lithium batteries. Below, the products listed in alphabetical order caught our eye in some way. For complete features and specs on each product, check out the link provided to their official website.

Abu Garcia Revo SX-SS

The precision redesigning that went into the Abu Garcia Revo SX-SS is obvious. A lightweight, shallow spool makes this reel purpose built for skipping, pitching and flipping. No long casts with this one. A high speed 8.1:1 gear ratio and 22 pounds of Power Stack Carbon Matrix Drag will help pull big bass out of thick cover.

AFTCO Mojeaux 1/4 Zip

ICAST’s winner for Warm Weather Technical Apparel for Women, the AFTCO Mojeaux 1/4 Zip Performance Shirt was designed by Capt. Moe Newman of Venice, Louisiana. She spends more days than most on the water in the Gulf heat. Her performance shirt includes Air-O Mesh ventilation fabric with UPF 50 sun protection, DWR stain release, quick dry / moisture wicking, a stealth zipper pocket, and thumb loops.

Bajio Eldora

Florida-based Bajio sunglasses label some of their frames after spots in the Sunshine State, places like Stiltsville and Ozello. The Eldora frames are named after an area of Mosquito Lagoon, located not too far from their office. Bajio prides itself on its quality frames and lenses, but also their sustainable practices and initiatives. Of note, Bajio recently launched a College Ambassador Program to help students and prospective students learn about the fishing opportunities at different universities.

Berkley Swamp Lord

The hollow-body Swamp Lord topwater frog from Berkley was designed by longtime bass pro Bobby Lane. The frog features mega-sharp Fusion19 hooks, plus a supple body material that easily collapses when eaten. A sealed body chamber reduces water intrusion. Buy the Swamp Lord in both standard and popping models.

Bonafide SKF 117

In a world where kayaks are looking more and more like single-person boats, the Bonafide SKF 117 keeps it surprisingly simple. The hybrid standup/sitdown fishing kayak is at home on the shallowest flats. A spring-loaded skeg in the keel deploys by a lever to help track straight. Total length is under 12 feet, but still has room for a cooler behind the seat. Plus, the high rise seat makes it easy to stand up and fish on the wide-open front deck. You’ll have no problem adding accessories such as a fishfinder or Micro Anchor if you want to go that route.

Columbia Castback TC PFG

A couple great features highlight the new Columbia Castback TC PFG shoe. First, you might notice the grippy razor sipings on the rubber outsole for exceptional staying power on the boat. Second, the midsole incorporates the OMNI-MAX Plus system: a TECHLITE+ midsole cradles the heel for balance while deflection domes in the forefoot and heel absorb impact. A fun fact: Castback’s shoe heel collapses if you want to wear the shoe like a slip-on.

Costa King Tide

Years in the making, the Costa King Tide 6 and 8 sunglasses are loaded with innovation. Two options include a medium wrap 6-base frame (King Tide 6) and a full wrap 8-base option (King Tide 8). What you’ll notice on the frames are the removable side shields, shark inspired venting to prevent fog, sweat management channels and eye wire drains, and non-skid hooding to keep your frames in one spot when you’re not wearing them.

Daiwa Tatula Elite

At the show, Daiwa introduced the TATULA Elite AGS bass rod series, a 16 model lineup with the latest advancements in Daiwa rod technology. At the core of the TATULA Elite AGS rods are lightweight SVF Nano Plus blanks, along with X45 Bias construction to prevent blank twisting for greater strength, excellent sensitivity, and hook-setting power. In conjunction, Daiwa also released a redesigned and affordable TATULA 100 that’s extremely palmable and ultra-ergonomic.

Fenwick World Class

Fenwick’s World Class rod series provide anglers with 62 technique-specific rods to meet their specialized needs. The freshwater rod models consist of bass casting, bass spinning, bass crankbait casting, and walleye spinning. The saltwater rod options offered include inshore spinning and casting rods. What makes the World Class rods special is how they feel in the hand — they developed a winner. Features include tailored foregrip, 40/36 ton graphite blend with proprietary reinforcing resin, contoured rod butt, and titanium guide frames with super thin zirconia inserts.

Garmin Force Kraken

Garmin Force Kraken’s brushless trolling motor produces 100 pounds of thrust on a 36-volt system. Key “modes” that new anglers will like include the precise anchor lock technology, route navigation and heading hold abilities. The Kraken trolling motor is designed with longer shaft lengths (63, 75 and 90 inches) and a pivot-style mount. Kraken also features wireless integration with Garmin electronics, plus select motors include a built-in all-in-one transducer with Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonar.

G. Loomis NRX+ Inshore

Best saltwater rod at the show went to the G. Loomis NRX+ Inshore. These American-made blanks are rolled with Spiral X technology for increased casting distance, heightened sensitivity, and drastic weight reduction. No doubt about it, the rods are lightweight in your hand. Other specs include custom CI4+ reel seats and Fuji Titanium SiC guide train. The full lineup includes 10 casting and spinning rods.

Grundens Fishfinder Sandal

Grundens incorporated SeaDek into the footbed of its Fishfinder Sandal for wet traction and all day comfort. Water-friendly synthetic straps are quick drying, while a compression-molded EVA midsole delivers heel and arch support. The razor-siped non-marking rubber outsole performs well in wet conditions. This sandal offers everything you need in a flip flop.

Hobie Eyewear Floating Collection

While other sunglasses sink, Hobie Eyewear’s floating collection won’t slither into the depths. If you accidentally drop these sunglasses over the side, you won’t be kicking yourself. These glasses float. Different models are available, including the popular Coastal, Mariposa, Bluefin and Mojo (pictured) frames. All models are base 6 or 8 and feature Hydroclean 360 polarized lenses.

KastKing IReel

You might know about KastKing fishing products from Amazon, but its new IReel is as close as you can get to a “smart” reel. The IReel IFC (Intelligent Frequency Control) low-profile baitcaster features an axis eye line guide, lightweight aluminum alloy frame and carbon fiber side covers, 11+1 double-sealed stainless ball bearings, and a digital braking system. But the true highlight might be its Bluetooth capability. The reel connects to an app on your phone, then uses sensors in the spool to capture casting metrics (such as number of casts made, average distance, farthest cast, and retrieve speed) which you can study later off the water.

Minn Kota Riptide Instinct

The new Minn Kota Riptide Instinct brushless trolling motor is packed with QUEST technology. Check the specs on their website for complete details, but some highlights include 30% longer runtime and 50% greater torque, a redesigned and upgraded mount to handle increased torque, carbon fiber infused shaft, a new lift-assist assembly, and real-time battery monitoring. We tried out a model with a 100-inch shaft on a center console boat — this new Instinct motor is built for offshore fishing too.

Mustad Alpha Point

Mustad’s Assault 4/0 Wide Gap hook is a next level option for weedless rigged soft plastics because of its unique hook shape and AlphaPoint 4.8 technology. AlphaPoint delivers an even sharper and slimmer hook point length than the popular UltraPoint. An elongated and shallower point section allows for deeper and faster hooksets, while Mustad’s strategic Tak-bend gives larger and thicker soft baits the ability to sit flush to the hook. Soft plastics will fully collapse and produce better hooksets.

Native Watercraft TitanX 12.5

One the most loaded kayak rigs we’ve ever seen at the ICAST show. The new TitanX 12.5 measures 12 and a half feet long and 40 inches wide. What you can customize on the boat is eye-opening. Up front, a quick release mount allows a trolling motor to easily be added or removed (not pictured in this photo). Then, in the cockpit, there’s space for two Garmin graphs on a bar accessory, and the Propel Pedal Drive. In the back, a Native Watercraft Sidekick Wheel System, YakAttack BlackPak Pro and dual Power-Pole Micro Anchors. At the stern, a Newport Vessels NK 300 Motor with foot steering. Yep, two motors on this rig.

Newport Bluetooth Lithium Battery

Newport introduced its Bluetooth Lithium batteries. The lightweight battery features LiFePO4 cell construction and Bluetooth connectivity. With three versatile power options (24V50Ah, 36V30Ah and 36V40Ah), each battery is equipped with mobile-enabled Bluetooth monitoring. Anglers can check real-time battery status directly from their smartphone using the Newport Battery app. In addition, a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) actively monitors and regulates battery functions for optimized performance.

Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL + 132

The Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132 stole the show, winning the best boat at ICAST. What grabbed everyone’s attention was the ePDL+ drive, similar to an assist you might see on an ebike. The saltwater-proof ePDL+ drive allows anglers to seamlessly switch between manual pedal, power-assisted pedal, or fully motorized cruise control. There are five levels of power assistance total. A cruise control option lets a kayaker take their feet off the pedals, allowing the motor to take over.

Pelagic’s Steve T Goione Shirts

Steve Goione, a marine artist who works with fishing tournaments such as the Bermuda Triple Crown, teamed up with Pelagic to produce shirts with his incredible artwork. Goione utilizes a technique called pointillism, painting with small, distinct dots in conjunction with fish patterns to form an image. The tough task was to transfer Goione’s prints to Pelagic’s shirts, but the results were an absolute success. Pictured in the inset, Pelagic’s tri blend shirt with a sailfish.

PENN Spinfisher VII

The newest Spinfisher VII features IPX5 sealing so you don’t have to worry about saltwater getting into the gearbox or drag system. Penn’s HT-100 drag washers are also housed in a fully sealed spool. A full metal body and side plate keep the brass CNC gears in precise alignment under stress. Pictured, notice the unique line keeper that holds heavy leader material.

Plano Edge Jerkbait Box

The Plano Edge Jerkbait box is purpose-built to hold up to 20 jerkbaits. An EZ label system and crystal-clear lid makes organization easy. And Plano’s Rustrictor technology offers 360 degree moisture protection. The days of untangling a mass of hooks and lures from your tackle tray are gone.

Rapala CrushCity

Rapala introduced its first-ever line of soft baits, with design help from pro angler Jacob Wheeler. The brand is called CrushCity, and they already have five different creature baits ready to rock. The baits look pretty darn tantalizing. Rapala says to pair CrushCity softbaits with VMC hooks and Sufix fishing line. Pictured, from left to right, the Cleanup Craw, Freeloader, Mayor and Bronco Bug.

Salt Life SLX

Salt Life has so many different options when it comes to clothing, you’ll have something to wear whether you’re on the water or out to dinner. Salt Life designed its best performance fabric for a life in the sun, near the water, with their proprietary SLX UVapor fabrics. Look for that SLX label. You’ll also notice the breathability of Salt Life offerings in positions along the back or under the arms (pictured).

Savage Gear BFT Flyer

The Savage Gear BFT Flyer is a pre-rigged flyingfish lure built to catch big-game species such as tunas. The design is based on a meticulous 3D scan of an actual flying fish. The 16-inch Flyer’s wings are easily removable by design. The lure comes pre-rigged in a harness, able to be presented for trolling or kite fishing. A line-thru design causes the lure to surge up the leader when a fish is hooked, preventing the fish from utilizing the lure’s weight as leverage during the fight.

Seaguar TactX

Seaguar TactX comes as a budget friendly braid and fluoro kit. Seaguar provides a recommended leader pound test to go along with the 4-strand braid. The braid is strong and abrasion resistant, engineered to maintain its round shape and stay firm to minimize rod tip wrapping and wind knots. Treat this braid as an all-around option for castability, abrasion resistance and overall strength.

Seviin Reels

St. Croix, the well-known rod company, now makes reels. Under a new brand called Seviin reels, they introduced spinning and baitcasting models at ICAST. Yes, fresh and saltwater too, with the GX Series Seviin for freshwater and GSW for saltwater. Available in 3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 sizes, GSW reels are sealed with fully gasketed side plates and blade seals on the spool shaft. Specs include 6 + 1 shielded stainless-steel bearing system, powerful multi-stack carbon fiber drag, stainless-steel drag components, and precision hard-brass pinion and die-cast drive gear.

Shimano Mastiff FC

Shimano won the best line category at ICAST with its Shimano Mastiff FC fluorocarbon line. In particular, Mastiff FC utilizes NANOARMOR technology. An application of nano-size ridges across the outer surface of the line helps prevent knot-slipping when fighting large fish. Plus, there’s no slippage when bass fishing with techniques like twitching, jerking or casting large lures.

Shimano Poison Ultima

The freshwater Poison Ultima rod from Shimano has its history in the JDM market. This rod incorporates some of Shimano’s most advanced rod technologies, including Spiral X Core technology, Hi-Power X technology, and Shimano X-Guide. Casting models feature Shimano’s Full Carbon Monocoque grip — a full-carbon design that’s surprisingly sensitive. Of note, the new handle shape was developed by analyzing tournament anglers’ movements and holding posture to elevate performance.

Toadfish Casting Series Rod

A Toadfish casting rod is a great inshore option. They’re lightweight and built with salt-proof hardware. Components include Kigan 3D stainless steel guides, plus Winn Grip foregrip and handle butt. Buying a Toadfish rod as part of their Put ‘Em Back movement actually helps clean coastal waters, as Toadfish supports replanting and replenishing oyster habitat efforts.

Tsunami Forged Spinning Reels

A new beefy option from Tsunami. You might be aware of their Forged lever drags, but Tsunami introduced black Forged spinners in a number of sizes (4000, 6000 and 8000). Pick these spinners up, and you can feel the weighty toughness in your hands. The reels feature a stainless gear S-Drive, similar to their SaltX spinners. The 4000 model has a 6 bearing system.

TUF-LINE Fluorocarbon XD

TUF-LINE Fluorocarbon XD was designed to be abrasion-resistant and virtually invisible underwater. The company says this is the leader to use when targeting skittish fish or when fishing in heavy cover, dragging baits along rocky bottom, or jigging offshore. With less stretch and slack, plus its quick sinking ability, expect a great bait presentation and solid hookset.

XTRATUF BioLite

Check out this unique sandal from XTRATUF. It reminds me of Crocs. But these XTRATUFs are made using BioLite, a low compression high performance injection molded EVA foam that is easy to clean. Take these water shoes anywhere. They’ll drain quickly and dry out in short order. Can you handle the look of them?

YETI Yonder Water Bottle

YETI released some new sizes of its lightweight and nearly indestructible Yonder Water Bottle, along with a new Tether Cap. This is a great bottle to use when you need to keep the weight down in your backpack. Yonders are made from BPA-Free 50% recycled plastic, they’re 100% leakproof and 50% lighter than Ramblers.

Z-Man Rattle Snaker

Z-Man figured out a way to add rattles inside its soft baits with the Rattle Snaker. Insert the tool’s point into the bait’s tail, head or torso. Then place a rattle inside the tool’s hollow needle. Implant it with the pushrod and you’re all set. The package includes a surgical steel grade needle protected by a silicone needle guard, 10 glass rattles, and storage for rattles or tungsten weights.

Z-Man Mulletron

Z-Man’s Mulletron is a great finger mullet imitator. The realistic head and body shape, lifelike gill plate, eye and fins are molded from ElaZtech superplastic. The bait does not come pre-rigged, so Z-Man recommends using a ZWG hook. Pick from 10 popular inshore colors. Available in 3.3- and 4-inch swimbaits sizes.

The post Here’s What Caught Our Eye at ICAST appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Braided line is strong, surprisingly strong. With fishing line companies only getting better and more specialized in their manufacturing, I’m not surprised to see a trend among anglers preferring lighter lines. The swordfishing standard is 80-pound braid, but anglers continue to experiment with lighter stuff. Freshwater bass chasers shifted from 65-pound down to 50-pound braid when fishing frogs in the slop. Hand-crank deep-droppers spool up with 20-pound braid to catch species such as snapper, tilefish and grouper. And slow-pitch jiggers pick up 15-pound test at times.

What it really comes down to is that braided line is almost always stronger than what’s listed on the front of the spool. It really isn’t much of a secret anymore. But what a great confidence boost for anglers when fighting fish! 

I wanted to conduct a simple test using 10-pound braid (also called polyethylene, PE, Dyneema or Spectra line) to see when it really breaks. I believe that 10-pound test is fast becoming the new inshore norm, if it isn’t already. Twenty-pound used to be the “old reliable” option on your favorite inshore spin outfit, especially when using mono. Then, 15-pound braid was all you really needed for most species, unless targeting tarpon, or larger stripers, redfish or snook. Now, I’m having plenty of success with 10-pound braid (and I know some daredevils who regularly dip into 8-pound territory). 

The Backyard Line Test

I set out to test the 10-pound braided line I had easily available to me. I did not consider the carrier count; diameter; or specific attributes that might affect abrasion resistance, smoothness, stiffness, casting distance, or knot-tying ability. I was strictly interested in the 10-pound-test label. This completely unscientific experiment utilized an Ugly Stick 75-pound digital scale and my truck’s trailer hitch. Don’t confuse my experimentation with IGFA’s professional line testing equipment.

The trailer ball is what I attached one end of the line to, with the other end connected to a hand scale. I tested lines from each spool three times and recorded the results.

My goal was to get the line to break, but not at the knot or the ball hitch. I wanted to test the line, not my knot-tying skills. Sometimes, the line did break at the knot. In those instances, I re-tied the hook and tested again. These tests were not in a controlled environment with all variables managed. But I still consider the testing valuable, as it better simulates what anglers might encounter on the water, not in a lab. Real-world testing, if you will. 

The Results Were Surprising

These tests looked at the brute-force break strength of the line and nothing else. Strength is definitely a consideration when choosing a fishing line, but it’s not the only characteristic that matters. Further, after testing these four lines, they all passed the strength test, in my opinion. Consider other factors and features such as price, abrasion-resistance, smoothness, stiffness, casting-distance, knot-tying ability, or even color. The bottom line is to find a line that matches your needs.

The Takeaway

What I gathered from my results is that all the different lines broke at a strength of at least twice what was listed on the spool. Breaking strength averaged from 20 to 30 pounds of pressure, depending on line. That’s much higher than I imagined. (NOTE: I believe if I ran these simple tests again, I’d get different numbers, but not by much one way or another. And I’m certain line manufacturers have their own line-testing results.) 

With 10-pound braid really breaking at 20 or even 30 pounds of pressure, dropping down in line-test to 10-pound shouldn’t lengthen fight time when battling most inshore species. Game fish can still be released healthy with 10-pound line. You can still get heavy-handed with the drag too, if necessary, although I like to set my drag pressure at 1/3 of the line’s breaking strength.

I’ve learned that opting for the lighter 10-pound has other advantages with few downsides. 

• Casting farther, especially with light lures.
• Using lighter rods and reels, leaving you less tired at the end of the day.
• Fitting more line on a spool, especially important on low-profile baitcasters. 
• Better able to feel subtle bites or movements of the lure.

I completely understand that 10-pound-test might not be the answer when fishing near structures such as jetty rocks, bridge pilings or docks. Plus, you better be attentive with your knot tying — most lines snap at the weakest links which are the connection points. There are very few knots that test at 100-percent of the main line’s strength. Dropping down from 20-pound to 10-pound lessens your margin for error if your knots aren’t always up to snuff. 

The post How Strong is 10-Pound-Test Braid? appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

The ICAST fishing tackle trade show, normally held every July in Orlando, opened online this week to showcase all the new tackle and fishing gear debuting this summer through early next year. In this gallery, we have gathered many of the new standout saltwater fishing lures and lines you’ll soon see on store shelves.

Read Next:

ICAST: New Products Best of Show Awards

ICAST: New Fishing Lures and Lines

ICAST: New Apparel

Berkley FluoroShield

Berkley’s new FluoroShield is a fluorocarbon-infused nylon copolymer line that combines the manageability of monofilament with the abrasion resistance of fluorocarbon. Its refractive index resembles that of fluoro, making it less visible to fish. Like mono, FluoroShield possesses nearly neutral buoyancy, making it ideal for fishing a wide variety of artificial baits. Available in pound tests from 4 to 30, FluoroShield comes in 300-yard filler spools ($8.99 to $10.99) and 3,000-yard bulk spools ($49.99 to $74.99).

Z-Man BullZeye Spinnerbait

Designed for inshore and redfish applications, BullZeye Spinnerbait employs a 17-7 stainless LiveWire frame for maximum vibration. Custom size 4 and 4.5 gold-plated Colorado blades ride the coffee-colored wire for minimal wire reflection. A stainless-steel ball bearing swivel maximizes rotation and durability. The wire arm connects to the EyeStrike Swimbait Eye jighead with a quick-clip attachment for quick, convenient jighead changes. The pro-grade EyeStrike jighead features oversized 3D eyes and is armed with a 3/0 heavy-duty VMC hook and extra sharp keeper barbs. Available in 1/8-, 3/16-, and 1/4-ounce weights, the spinnerbait costs $4.99.

PowerPro Depth Hunter Offshore

Designed for offshore anglers who pay out significant lengths of line when deep-dropping or deploying a trolling spread, Depth Hunter braided line uses a repeating pattern of five colors that change every 100 feet. This braid also features PowerPro’s Enhanced Body Technology and provides a high strength-to-diameter ratio with minimal stretch for sensitivity and hook-setting performance. Available in spools of 1,000, 1,500 and 3,000 yards and in 65-, 80-, and 130-pound test, the line costs $129.99 to $489.99.

FishLab Scrum Popper

FishLab Tackle has partnered with Fish Inc, big-game bait producers, to release the Scrum Popper for offshore saltwater species. The big-bodied topwater popper creates loads of commotion at the surface. The through-wired plug comes pre-rigged with Owner ST hooks and HD split rings. Available in skippy, natural sardine and pink shiner, the Scrum Popper weighs 2 ounces and measures 5 1/2 inches. It costs $22.99.

Sufix 131 Braid

Sufix has launched a 12-carrier HMPE braided line that features a single Gore performance fiber in the center for optimal roundness and reduced internal abrasion. With 13 fibers, Sufix says 131 Braid delivers consistently strong construction with no weak points. Available in 150-yard spools of low-vis green, and in eight strengths from 6- to 80-pound test, the line costs $39.99.

X-Rap Magnum Xplode

Designed to trigger and withstand the most vicious strikes from the biggest fish, Rapala’s new X-Rap Magnum Xplode features a low-position line-tie that pulls the lure downward when retrieved. That action causes the deep cupped face of the lure to create a surfce explosion with every rod sweep. Available in six colors and two sizes — 5 ¼-inch and 2 3/16 ounces ($19.99), and 6 ¾-inch and 5 ounces ($24.99) — the lure is armed with VMC 6X Tropic Spark Point hooks.

P-Line Topwater High Performance Copolymer

P-Line blended specific nylons to increase buoyancy, suppleness and casting distance when developing its Topwater High Performance Copolymer line. Add abrasion resistance and knot strength, and this new line creates a winning combination for topwater fishing. Available in 10- to 25-pound test and in 300-yard spools, it costs $10.99 to $12.99.

Savage Gear Pulse Tail Ballyhoo

Savage Gear’s new ballyhoo bait is driven by the company’s patented Pulse Tail design and features a built-in rattle and photoprint details. The line-through design and heavy-duty hook help ensure a strong hookset. The bait also comes with a tail cavity for an additional rattle or scent. Pulse Tail Ballyhoo come in four colors and measure 6 inches long; each weighs ¾ ounces and features a slow sink rate. They cost $11.99.

Seaguar Inshore

Made from custom Seaguar resins, Inshore fluorocarbon leader offers the expected abrasion resistance as well as impact and knot strength. It’s also faster sinking and significantly less visible underwater than mono. “I really appreciate some of the ‘little things’ about Inshore,” says Louisiana captain Mike Frenette. “Inshore is smooth and supple –—it is easy to manage and ties strong, compact knots that pass smoothly through the line guides on my rods.” Available in pound-tests from 12 to 80 and in spools of 100 yards, the leader costs $15.99 to $58.99.

Yo-Zuri 3D Inshore TopKnock Pencil 130

Yo-Zuri has added the 3D Inshore TopKnock Pencil 130 to its 3D Inshore family of lures for 2021. This larger version of the popular Pencil 100 evolved from customer requests for targeting trophy snook, striped bass, tarpon, bull reds, gator trout and trevally. The color line-up combines Yo-Zuri’s patented 3D Prism finish and new internal painted finishes. The one-knock cadence calls fish in from long distances, and its placement in the rear of the bait allows long, accurate casts. The 1-ounce, 5-inch Pencil 130 comes in 14 colors and costs $9.99.

The post ICAST: New Fishing Lures and Lines appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Seaguar’s InvizX fluorocarbon—used as main line and leader material—now comes in a 600-yard spool, sized to fit in a tackle box or boat’s glove compartment. Seaguar says InvizX is soft, supple and castable. The line becomes virtually invisible underwater, yet it features plenty of hook-setting power, sensitivity and knot strength. Available in 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-, 15- and 20-pound tests, the spools cost $67.99 to $85.99.

The post Seaguar InvizX Fluorocarbon 600-Yard Spool appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

All anglers have stories about the fish that got away, but none are as maddening as those that involve a broken fishing line. And in many cases, abrasion led to the breakage. As a result, line manufacturers tout the abrasion resistance of their products, but how does a fisherman figure out what type of line offers the best resistance to abrasion?

One method of measuring the abrasion resistance of fishing lines is fairly standard: Run a piece of line back and forth over a sandpaperlike substance, and count how many times it goes across the surface before it breaks.

Ben Miller, a project manager for VMC Rapala, said the company runs several different tests of this sort on its Sufix lines, rubbing lines over a nail head.

“It’s really difficult to measure [the abrasion caused by] things like dock posts or trees or rock or weeds, but at least the tests give us a baseline of comparing apples to apples in a laboratory,” Miller says. “There isn’t an exact science to it. Some lines will have better abrasion resistance over sandpaper, and some last longer over a nail head.”

Another way to measure ­abrasion resistance is what’s known as the 3,000-cycle unilateral abrasion test, according to Tom Woldruff, the product manager for PowerPro. The fishing line goes back and forth 3,000 times over a ceramic guide — as would occur with a fishing rod.

PowerPro goes a step further and also tests its braided line for what’s called transverse abrasion.

“When anglers return broken line to us, we can see that it was abraded against structure with fish on,” Woldruff says. “We use our own equipment, take line underwater and replicate the movement of the line in a real-world situation, in all directions, across 800-grit sandpaper. I’ve not seen anybody else in the industry do this test.

“We use the information to fine-tune our products,” Woldruff adds. “We’re focused on both [unilateral and transverse] abrasion. I think eventually the rest of the industry will have to catch up with that.”

Harder is Better
Fishing lines made from different materials vary in abrasion resistance. The four main types are fluorocarbon, monofilament, copolymer and braid. All things being equal in terms of diameter, fluorocarbon is usually the most abrasion resistant.

Dave Burkhardt, president of Trik Fish, says fluorocarbon weighs approximately 1.85 to 1.9 times as much as monofilament. That density explains why it sinks, plus — unlike mono — it doesn’t absorb water.

“Because of the density factor, it’s much more abrasion resistant. It’s just physics,” Burkhardt says.

“Typically, fluorocarbons have always been a harder material,” Chris Pitsilos of Pure Fishing says, which makes Berkley, Spiderwire and Stren lines. “They’ve had a tendency to be springy and stiff but also very ­abrasion resistant.

“Some of the first fluorocarbons that came out were leader material,” Pitsilos continues. “We offer a main-line fluorocarbon, Vanish. A little bit thinner diameter, it’s also going to be supple but manageable.”

Burkhardt says monofilaments can be made with a harder surface, but if too hard will also be difficult to cast. “Your better lines have a nice balance as far as suppleness versus abrasion resistance.”

Pitsilos notes that angler ­priorities for monofilament are less stretch, more sensitivity, and more abrasion resistance. He says of Berkley Trilene XL and XT (the brand’s top-selling monofilament lines), “XL is extra limp; XT is extra tough — a bit stiffer and more abrasion resistant.”

Line in Layers
Copolymer lines feature both hard and soft layers, making for the best of both worlds, according to Burkhardt. Trik Fish X-Rated has a harder finish on the outside layer, covering three more-supple inner layers, “so it actually has four dimensions ranging from greater abrasion resistance outside to more softness on the inside.”

Burkhardt adds that copolymer line has more tensile strength than mono of equal diameter, which means anglers can fish 10-pound X-Rated on a reel rated for 8-pound line.

Miller says the new Sufix Advance is a low-stretch, supple monofilament with “fluorocarbonlike abrasion resistance” thanks to a magnetic extrusion process that makes the surface of the mono more abrasion resistant.

Braided Line
Braided line offers great abrasion ­resistance, but Woldruff says more fibers or strands do not translate to more abrasion resistance.

PowerPro’s SuperSlick V2 Braid (voted the best new fishing line at the 2018 ICAST international tackle show) uses eight fibers flooded with resin to make it smooth and castable. But 4-carrier (four-fiber) PowerPro provides greater abrasion resistance.

“Four-end product is very, very strong and abrasion resistant because the fibers run more parallel,” Woldruff explains. “Eight-carrier has more exposure because you have twice the number of fibers crossing one another.” But because Berkley’s FireLine Ultra 8 is fused, according to Pitsilos, it’s a bit stiffer than most, but for abrasion, it’s practically “indestructible.”

Berkley x5 gel spun polyethylene braid is four strands wrapped around a core, and x9 is a core with eight outer fibers. The x5 offers greater abrasion resistance than the same-diameter line in x9 because the size of individual strands is greater.

As Burkhardt notes, bigger diameter line is more abrasion resistant than thinner line because it takes more time to abrade a thicker line to the breaking point. “It would take you longer to wear out thicker line because there’s more mass. It’s that basic.”

Don’t Spare the Line
If your line feels abraded, cut and retie, especially if you fish around rocks, docks, reefs, oyster bars or oil rigs, or catch fish known for abrading line. Snook have sandpaperlike mouths; kingfish sport a mouthful of teeth; and sailfish can rub bills or tails against your line. Woldruff notes that it’s the last few feet of line that break, not the line in the middle of the reel spool.

“There’s nothing foolproof,” says Pitsilos of abrasion resistance. “It’s best to retie. You can’t be a lazy fisherman or you’re going to lose fish. It’s amazing when you do talk to pros how often they retie and even refill spools.”

Read Next: Line Test

Check your rod guides for nicks. Pitsilos recalls complaints about a prototype line from one of Berkley’s line testers in the field. It turned out the problem wasn’t the line but rather the angler’s nicked guide.

“If you’ve got a nicked guide, it will tear up a braid — there’s no question,” Woldruff says. “Rub a cotton swab around each guide. If it pulls that cotton off, you need to replace the guide.”

Change your fishing line, even if you don’t notice any abrasion or other weaknesses. Woldruff says the average angler will get a season out of a quality braid, but you should change it more often if the line is used around pilings and oyster beds. You’ll be glad you did when you connect with a fish of a lifetime.

The post Choosing Fishing Lines and Leaders That Will Resist Abrasion appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Sufix Advance Monofilament Fishing Line

Gulf Coast Slam Fluorocarbon Leader from P-Line

New Super8Slick V2 Braid from PowerPro

Seaguar Gold Label Fluorocarbon Leader

Berkley X5 and X9 Braided Fishing Line

Maxima USA Fishing Line Color-Coded Crimps

J-Braid x8 Grand Fishing Line

The post ICAST 2018: New Fishing Lines appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Smoother braided line whisks through guides and provides quiet casts and a quick vertical descent, all good reasons for SpiderWire’s Stealth Smooth braid, the company says. The eight-carrier line features a high tight-weave pick count. After weaving, Smooth is coated with a thin layer of microcrystalline polymer for colorfast, thin diameter. Available in 6- to 80-pound-test and in spools of 125, 200, 300, 500, 1,500 and 3,000 yards, Smooth comes in moss green and starts at $13.99.

The post SpiderWire Stealth Smooth Fishing Braid appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Van Staal VR50 Inshore Spinning Reel

The new VR50 is the smallest and lightest (8.9 ounces) fishing reel Van Staal has ever produced. Meant for inshore species, the spinner features waterproof drag, body and transmission; 12 bearings; and stainless steel main shaft. Available in September, expect a retail price of $489.

Costa Ocearch Limited Edition Sunglasses

Costa Sunglasses’ new Ocearch Limited Edition sunglasses include three brand new lightweight frames. A portion of profits will go to funding future Ocearch expeditions. The MSRP range varies per lenses, and they are available now.

Eagle Claw Trokar Assist Hooks

Eagle Claw’s Trokar line now offers assist hooks that include, with the two hooks per package, two split rings and two solid rings. Having that vital hardware at hand will make adding assist hooks to metal jigs (or lures) quick and ensure a strong connection. The cord, on the heavy-wire Trokar hooks, is heavy Kevlar. MSRP is $11.99 for all sizes, from 1/0 to 7/0. Available late 2017.

Grundéns Deckhand Hoodie & Fish Head LS

Grundéns’ Deckhand Hoodie (left) and Fish Head LS are the newest polyester knit additions to their saltwater-centric lineup. You’ll have to wait till early 2018 to buy the hoodie, but the Fish Head long-sleeve shirt is out now.

Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader

The Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader, the winner of the Fly Fishing Accessory category in the New Product Showcase, features an all-new four-layer Gore-Tex pro-shell fabric in the legs and three layers up top. The wader is the most breathable line of waders Simms has built while not sacrificing durability, and they cost $499.95.

Huk Attack Shoes

Huk Gear showcased its brand new Attack shoe, which offers bullet-proof durability with the GripX Wet Traction non-marking outsole and performance lacing. MSRP is $84.99.

Columbia Force 12 Zero Woven Long-Sleeve Shirt

Columbia’s new Force 12 Zero Woven Long-Sleeve Shirt features ventilation to keep anglers cool and tabbed roll-up sleeves for versatility. The zippered chest pockets are perfect for storing loose items, and the shirt costs $130.

The post ICAST 2017 Top Takeaways, Day Two appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Shimano Curado K Crossover Baitcaster

Shimano’s new crossover baitcaster — the Curado K — benefits from a variety of new technology, including micromodular gears that are among the factors making the fishing reel lighter, smoother and stronger than ever. It’s available now, and the mark is $179.

Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal Fishing Kayak

Ocean Kayak’s Malibu Pedal ‘yak features the PDL drive system with a 10.3:1 gear ratio for speeds up to 5.5 mph. Length is 12 feet, weight is 100 pounds and price is $2,199.99.

Penn International VI Big-Game Reel

Penn Internationals receive a makeover — this International VI is lighter and beefed up, upping the ante for this revered big game series. MSRP is 699.95.

Columbia Sportswear PFG Solar Shade Zero Shirt

The Columbia Sportswear PFG Solar Shade Zero woven long-sleeve shirt comes with patented Omni-Shade Sun Deflector technology — tiny white dots of titanium dioxide placed on the fabric that block UVA and UVB rays. MSRP is $95.

Shimano Coltsniper Walk Topwater Pencil Bait

Shimano’s Coltsniper Walk Topwater pencil bait emits a high-pitched rattle when walking the dog. Material is glass fiber, length is 110 millimeters and price is $9.99.

Halco’s Trembler 70XS Lipless Crankbait

What’s unique about Halco’s new Trembler 70XS lipless crankbait is it’s built for saltwater use, and can be cast, jigged or trolled up to 6 knots.

Columbia Sportswear Omni-Shade Sun Deflector Shirt

Columbia’s Omni-Shade Sun Deflector camo fishing shirt incorporates titanium dioxide dots to deflect the sun to the keep the fabric cool. The shirt will be available January 2018 and retails for $70.

Hobie Fishing Worlds 7 Kayak

In its booth, Hobie unveiled this Hobie Fishing Worlds 7 kayak to represent the next annual championship — the seventh — which will be held at massive lake in Sweden in May 2018. (All participants have won a Hobie-sponsored tournament somewhere in the world.)

Grundéns Women’s Outdoor T-Shirt

Grundéns charcoal-colored Women’s Outdoor t-shirt with a pool-blue logo is 52 percent cotton and has a crew neck with an active-fit design. Its retail price is $24.99.

Xtratuf Spindrift Deck Shoes

The new Spindrift Deck Shoes from Xtratuf, set to come out in spring 2018, have a 100-percent breathable quick-dry technology and non-marking slick-resistant outsole. There are three color options each for men’s and women’s styles, and they will cost $100.

Pelagic Hydro-Lite Boardshorts

Set to come out in spring 2018, Pelagic’s Hydro-Lite Boardshort series features five color patterns (pictured is the Americamo) and costs $69. The Hydro-Lite Pro Series includes three colors and will cost $79.

Yeti Rambler Mug

Yeti’s 14-ounce, stainless-steel Rambler mug comes with a TripleGrip handle and features the company’s No Sweat design with double-wall vacuum insulation. It costs $24.99.

Frogg Toggs Women’s Softshell Fleece Jacket

Designed and tested by ladies who are outdoors enthusiasts, Frogg Toggs’ Women’s Softshell jacket is fleece-lined with an adjustable hood. The zippered front closure features an internal storm flap, and there are two internal storage pockets. Cost is $89.99.

The post ICAST 2017 Top Takeaways, Day One appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Carrier Counts

Have you counted the fibers in your braided line recently? Yeah, me neither. But even if the naked eye can’t identify different carriers woven together to create polyethylene (PE) fishing line, thread count still matters. Just like men’s suits and bedsheets, right?

Consider how braided fishing line is constructed. Polyethylene microfilaments are gel spun (spun together while in partial-liquid form, producing a stronger interchain connection) to create carriers — or strands — often under trade names Dyneema or Spectra. The term “carrier” is sometimes replaced with “end” or “yarn” in braided-line ­parlance. What’s misleading about the braid moniker is that carriers are actually woven together (a small but specific difference some manufacturers pointed out to me) to create braided line, forming what’s known as “pics” at points where they intersect.

For example, Sufix 832 line stands for 8 strands and a pic count of 32 per inch.

“Spurred on by interest for eight-carrier braids, producers continue to make smaller polyethylene yarns,” says Dave Burch, president of FINS fishing. “Anglers want thinner and thinner lines for better reel capacity and castability, but the cost is higher for the manufacturer.”

The polyethylene used in braided fishing line is almost all chemically identical — the only difference is in the bundles of microfilaments that make up the yarn. Manufacturers’ PE microfilaments might measure differently, say 50 or 100 denier. Denier is a measurement unit for the fineness of yarn, equal to about one single strand of silk.

“Let’s say a particular braid requires 800 Dyneema microfibers to reach a certain strength,” says Clay Norris, senior product manager at Berkley Fishing. “It can be created by a four-carrier braid with 200-denier microfilaments or an eight-carrier with 100-denier microfilaments. Both are the same strength, but the eight-carrier is smoother and rounder since the ­individual fiber bundles are smaller.”

Eight-Carrier Advantage

“Four-carrier is like an off-road tire, able to cut through weeds with rigid strength and brute force,” says Ted Thibault, TUF-Line‘s global sales manager. “Eight-carrier is like a highway tire, with less noise and less friction when used. The four-carrier works well for bottomfishing, while eight-carrier casts better.”

Eight-carrier “fully occupied” braids are also known as diamond braids because of their two-over, two-under construction. The higher carrier braid is smoother and more supple than four-carrier “half-occupied” construction, commonly referred to as basket braid. Basket construction is a one-over, one-under weave, recognized by nubs on the line’s surface, producing a familiar singing noise when cast through the rod guides. Hold four-carrier and eight-carrier braids in your hand, and you can identify each type by feel alone.

“Basket-braid construction ­typically has more fiber integration, so yarns are held firmly in the line structure for better abrasion resistance,” says Konrad Krauland, founder and president of PowerPro. “The eight-end diamond braids are smoother due to their twill construction, plus quieter through the guides, and more sensitive during the retrieve.”

Four- and eight-carrier braids can actually be made on the same machine. Basket braids are made by taking out half the carriers, hence the term “half-occupied.” Diamond braids are typically fully occupied machines, meaning that each position on the braider has a carrier.

“That is not to say that eight-end braids will always be diamond braid,” says Krauland. “It is possible to [construct] eight-end basket braid by removing half the carriers from a 16-carrier braiding machine.”

The shortcoming with diamond braid is that it is more likely to bury. Typically, basket braid with a better, solid cross section is more cylindrical and resistant to burying into itself in the spool. The eight-carrier constructions are also more expensive than four-end offerings because of the higher cost of the smaller denier yarns.

Fishing Eight

“Eight-strand braid creates a smoother, quieter and rounder surface that casts farther,” says Dan Quinn, field promotions manager at Sufix’s parent company, Rapala, “plus it still retains abrasion resistance, knot strength and tensile strength. I believe that one main reason four-carrier is still around is because of the cheaper price difference.”

There are situations where a less-expensive four-strand line still might have advantages.

“Here on the West Coast, some of our calico bass fanatics like to run 60- to 80-pound four-strand as a ‘kelp-cutter’ rig,” says Mark Smith of Toro Tamer. “With the four-strand line and a short top shot of leader, fishermen can cut their way out of kelp and fish heavier cover, targeting larger bass.”

Surf-casting, tossing surface iron or fishing live bait might require a smoother-casting line such as the eight-strand braids.

“Different fishing applications demand different lines,” says Smith. “Not all braided lines are produced the same, and better suppliers target their offerings to match specific applications.”

For inshore applications, such as fishing with jerkbaits or topwater or soft-plastic fishing with fluorocarbon leader, Seaguar’s assistant marketing manager Brian Evans recommends eight-strand. “I feel like four-strand shines anywhere you have to fish in heavy grass, cover or mats, and need a line that cuts through the vegetation,” he says.

Next Gen

The jump from four to eight carriers has obvious benefits, so can anglers soon expect 12- or 16-carrier braid that’s not hollow-core?

“Sixteen-strand would be incredibly round and castable, but with so many fibers, the line would have a tendency to cut itself, flatten out, and have far less abrasion resistance,” says Quinn, “as well as cost roughly three times more than an eight-carrier to produce.”

Indeed, 16-carrier might be cost prohibitive in uses besides specialized hollow-core braid applications, points out Thibault. Most current hollow-core braids are 12- or 16-strand ­construction, but their use remains with anglers who need splicing and finger-trap style connections. Instead, manufacturers might research and utilize materials with finer denier to replicate the castability characteristics.

Burch believes he might have the next evolution in braid with FINS’ latest nine-carrier 40G product. “The center of the line is Spectra High Tenacity fiber with eight ends of PE wrapped around it,” he says. “Spectra HT is 25 percent stronger and 30 percent smaller than traditional deniers of Spectra fiber. It is the smallest diameter-to-strength ratio we have ever offered.”

Don’t be surprised to see more ­combinations of different fibers blended with polyethylene in the future.

Sufix’s 832 brand utilizes a piece of hydrophobic Gore fiber, along with seven PE fibers, to provide high strength and water repellency. Mixing and matching fibers works. Burch utilizes Spectra’s HT fiber to decrease the 40G’s diameter even further than traditional braids; his 5-pound-test has the diameter of 1-pound mono and an average breaking strength closer to 20 pounds.

Comparing Different Eight Carriers

Which Fishing Lines Test the Strongest?

“What makes one fishing line excellent and another mediocre? That’s a loaded question, since it really depends upon your tackle and how you fish it. This test compares most popular 30-pound lines.”

The post Comparing 4- and 8-Carrier Braided Fishing Lines appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.