Daiwa Silvercast Spincast Reel

WHAT SETS IT APART?

Available with right- and left-retrieve options, the Silvercast features a new soft-touch, dual-paddle rubber handle for grip comfort, and an optimized line aperture for maximum casting. Weighing 8.8 to 10.1 ounces, the reels come pre-spooled with 8-, 10- or 12-pound test monofilament. Available in three sizes, each delivers a 4.3:1 retrieve ratio with line pick-up rates 21.8- to 25.9-inches per crank, depending on model.

HOW DO I USE IT?

Daiwa packs generous amounts of fun and functionality into a moderately priced reel with a familiar form and dependable heritage. The revamped Silvercast spincast wraps the reel’s enhanced performance with a modern form comprising durable, lightweight aluminum and a more modern flair to the nose cone and body. Inside, the Silvercast boasts a ball-bearing drive, an oscillating spool for precise level winding, and an ultra-smooth multidisk drag.

HOW MUCH?

$39.99

MORE INFORMATION: 

Daiwa.us

ANGLER’S INSIGHT: 

I’ve taught enough youth fishing classes to know the endearing and enduring appeal of the spincast reel. Most kids and beginners can handle spinning tackle. We typically encourage folks to work their way into the more accurate and time-efficient baitcast reel. Even so, the spincast reel’s push-button simplicity presents a bridge that might spur beginners to expand their skills, while learning on a very forgiving platform. With Daiwa quality and precision, the revamped Silvercast advances this objective.

Plano EDGE Hook Box

WHAT SETS IT APART?

The Plano EDGE series offer utility boxes designed for specific applications, and the Hook Box is a first-of-its kind for today’s huge lineup of specialty hooks. Gone are the days of sorting through a tangled mess of hooks. The box is made with all the features of Plano’s EDGE technology. The box is sealed with a Dri-Loc O-ring seal, and hooks stay rust-free with Rustrictor technology and the WaterWick divider with a reusable moisture wicking packet. The EZ label system makes it quick and easy to identify hooks without having to open up the box. You get a full view of the contents through the DuraView polycarbonate lens. 

HOW DO I USE IT?

The EDGE Hook Box comes in two of Plano’s most popular frame sizes. The 3600 model has a soft, compound mat in the bottom that holds hooks for easy organization. The 3700 model adds a bottom level with multiple open compartments for arranging bulk packaged hooks by category or size. 

HOW MUCH?

$59.99

MORE INFORMATION: 

Planomolding.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT:

Like all of its EDGE Series boxes, Plano has created yet another way for keeping hooks organized, protected from rust, and quicker and easier to identify. You can spend more time fishing than sorting through a tangled mess of hooks. 

Abu Garcia Revo Rocket SP

WHAT SETS IT APART?

A blistering-fast 7.6:1 gear ratio with up to 43 inches of retrieve for each turn of the handle (Size 30 model). Why would you need that, you might ask? First, let’s go over what makes the new Revo Rocket SP stand out. 

A one-piece aluminum, asymmetrical X-Craftic body design makes the reel more compact and incredibly lighter in weight, even without sacrificing strength and torque under load. Weights are 7.3, 7.6 or 7.8 ounces for the available 20, 30 or 40 model sizes, respectively. Don’t let the small size fool you into thinking it skimps on strength, torque and drag power. 

The Rocket features a new gear system that is 17% larger than the previous generation, allowing for extra gear strength and the ability to create the extreme gear ratio. A 9+1 bearing system and Friction Free Main Shaft combine for smoother running on casts and retrieves. 

HOW DO I USE IT?

Add it all up and you have the ideal package for both finesse and power fishing in a spinning reel. When fishing finesse baits over large flats or elongated points, long casts are usually necessary to reach the strike zone. The Rocket enables you to quickly recover line after leaving that zone to reload and make another cast. The same goes for drop shotting in deep water. The Rocket is also ideal with a full-speed smallmouth on the line; it can’t outrun this reel, resulting in fewer lost fish. 

HOW MUCH?

From $209.95

MORE INFORMATION: 

Abugarcia.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT:

I reviewed the Revo Rocket 30, the middle model of the three reels. Before now, I never considered the benefit of a high gear ratio spinning reel, since after all (or so I thought), fast retrieves were more aligned with casting gear. 

The Rocket showed me all the reasons why it’s now in my regular daily rotation. Putting it through the paces, early on I recognized the harmonious balance of speed and torque delivered by the oversized gearing system. 

I live in middle Tennessee, and we’ve got fairly decent smallmouth fishing in these parts. In testing it out, I never once got outrun by a smallmouth coming at the boat, or any other angle that leaves me trying to crank fast enough to avoid losing the fish. 

I also experienced the advantages and benefits of maximizing baits in a strike zone requiring long casts. When the bait leaves that zone, the faster line recovery time does indeed make a difference in launching the next cast far out to a distant flat or long point. 

I can also see the Rocket as my go-to for dock skipping, allowing me to cover more water by running the trolling motor on a higher speed. Think about that. Burning baits along shoreline cover or docks with a spinning reel is now more efficient and doable. And with the complete package of compact size, lighter weight and strong drag system, you can get those stubborn fish out and away from the dock, faster, to prevent a valuable lost fish. 

Overall, I see this reel ideal for finesse and power fishing. Above all else, it has all of the rugged, reliable and features I’ve come to respect in the Revo lineup. 

Abu Garcia Revo X Combos

WHAT SETS IT APART?

Combining the dependability of the Revo X reels with keenly matched rods and giving the package a stylish look, Abu Garcia offers a line of combos that deliver the performance we’ve come to expect from this legendary brand. The baitcasting and spinning reels feature asymmetrical designs for lighter weight and greater strength. Both rods are made of 30-ton graphite for optimal sensitivity, with blanks designed to match Revo performance. Carbon rear grips both contribute to a lightweight, sensitive design.

HOW DO I USE IT?

Abu Garcia offers three Revo X Low Profile Baitcast Combos, each with seven stainless steel ball bearings plus one roller bearing, Mag-Trax brake for consistent pressure, DuraClutch design, compact bent handle and star and the smooth reliance of a Carbon Matrix hybrid drag system, 20 pounds. The two spinning combos feature machined gear systems, friction-free main shaft design and the Rocket Line Management System, which improves casting distance and reduces wind knots.

HOW MUCH?

$199.95

MORE INFORMATION:

AbuGarcia.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT:

Abu Garcia describes its new lineup of Revo X combos as a purpose-built, premium rod-and-reel series designed to elevate the avid angler’s game. Consider it mission accomplished with these sharp-looking, feature-rich outfits. Starting with solid construction, the Revo X Low Profile Baitcaster is made with a lightweight, rigid and corrosion-resistant X2-Cräftic alloy frame, while the Revo X spinning reel boasts a compact Insert Molded C6 (IM-C6) carbon body.

Water Wood Custom Baits Turbo Prop 

WHAT SETS IT APART?

Built in the Carolinas, the Turbo Prop is the perfect bait for targeting bream beds but shines anytime the bass are up shallow. The double propped bait has a unique design and it creates plenty of commotion on the surface of the water. The bait also comes with a Satin Matte finish (SMS). With a matte finish, lures have a natural, more discreet appearance in the water. 

HOW DO I USE IT?

Through the use of Marupá Pedra wood from Brazil, the Turbo Prop is heavier than most balsa type baits, which means it’s easier to cast than balsa lures that catch the wind. It also means that the lure works better in a chop, preventing it from flying out of the water or foul hooking on the prop. Whether you utilize short twitches or faster, longer pulls, it stays consistent and makes exactly the amount of commotion that you desire. The construction allows for larger and stouter hooks to be used, which provides more bite and better holding power.

HOW MUCH?

$36.40 – $38.50

MORE INFORMATION:

waterwoodcustombaits.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT:

A prop bait has been part of my fishing arsenal for several years now, so I was really excited to try something different. Many of the prop baits that I have used in the past are very slender and a bunch of them are very lightweight and difficult to cast. The Turbo Prop has a bulky profile, which matches the profile of a bluegill. You can also sling this bait a mile, and while most of my prop bait fishing is done in closer quarters, in clear water, long casts will be important so you can stay way back and not spook the bass with the boat. 

Talking to some of the top prop bait pros like Bernie Schultz and Brandon Palanuik, they want a bait with counter-rotating props that create a certain sound when you move them. It’s not easily described, but it is a sound you know when you hear it. That is the exact sound the Turbo Prop makes when you twitch it in the water and it is a sound that will trigger big bites. 

Another important aspect to prop bait fishing, particularly in the springtime, is a bait that stays in the strike zone for a long time and doesn’t move very far when twitched. This bait achieves that and you can pretty easily control how much you want to move the bait on a single twitch. I don’t do this very often, but you can also buzz it along the surface very easily with the wood components.

I have been using a color called natural gill, which I really like, and the rest of the color lineup looks phenomenal as well. 

When testing this bait on Lake Hartwell, the bait triggered some impressive blowups in super shallow, clear water and I can’t wait to use it during the prespawn, spawn and post spawn, when I believe the prop shines the best. For me personally, I will definitely be switching out the back treble hook for a feathered treble hook, which adds more attraction to topwater baits like that and makes me feel like I have a better chance of catching a bass that doesn’t fully commit to the bait. 

SPRO Speed Demon 55

WHAT SETS IT APART?

Measuring 2.17 inches with a weight of 3/8 ounce, the Speed Demon 55 carries sharp No. 5 Gamakatsu trebles for quick hook sets and holding efficiency. Designed with SPRO’s signature Mean Eye design, this new bait comes in six orange-matching colors: brown bug, chartreuse blue, crystal craw, delta craw, green pumpkin craw, laundry matte, natural craw, old school shad and whiskey river.

HOW DO I USE IT?

Designed for a 3- to 5-foot running depth, this bait was built for life in the fast lane. Speed plus a rapid rattle allow anglers to cover lots of water with a fish-taunting presentation. The Speed Demon 55 is made with a premium computer chip bill that gives the bait a tight wobble with enticing flash and causes erratic deflections when the bait impacts solid structure. Slow the retrieve and this crankbait’s intense wobble softens for a more subtle appeal when targeting more sluggish fish.

HOW MUCH?

$13.15

MORE INFORMATION:

SPRO.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT: 

Ideal for burning around shallow grass, rocks and wood, the SPRO Speed Demon fills one half of a deadly one-two punch; the other role is played by a topwater frog. When you’re up shallow frogging those mats, pads and pockets, keeping a shallow to intermediate running crankbait handy just makes sense. “Fish what’s in front of you,” we say. When opportunities arise, depending on a single bait narrows your potential. Diversity helps us harvest the most of a given scenario, and the SPRO offers a solid player in the Speed Demon 55.

Googan Squad Bumper Spinnerbait

WHAT SETS IT APART?

The Googan Squad Bumper features a hand-tied skirt fastened around a sticky sharp Mustad hook and securely holds plastic trailers on a double keeper. Available in 1/4-, 3/8- and 1/2-ounce sizes, the Bumper is offered in bluegill, chartreuse/white, sexy shad, sunrise craw, white and black/blue. The brass Colorado blades come in silver, gold or silver and gold combination, depending on the colorway. The black/blue colorway comes with black nickel blades.

HOW DO I USE IT?

Cold water’s doable; dirty water’s doable. Yet cold and dirty water is largely considered the kiss of death for bass anglers. You try to avoid it, but when winter or early spring fronts bring lots of rain, or when snowmelt cranks up the dingy run-in, you may not be able to avoid it. Googan Squad addresses this nightmarish scenario with its Bumper spinnerbait — a double Colorado blade model designed to thrive in the cold and dirty. Enabling slower retrieves than willow-leaf baits, the Bumper emits heavy vibrations that allow fish to locate the target when visibility declines.

HOW MUCH?

$6.99

MORE INFORMATION:

Googansquad.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT:

If we’re being honest, those dreamy days happen far less than the ones with a more challenging demeanor. The fact is, Mother Nature’s not always in a generous mood. When conditions prove challenging, specialized tools like the Googan Squad Bumper help mitigate the struggle. Complementing the overall problem-solving premise, this bait includes a pre-rigged rubber knot stopper to prevent the line from slipping down the wire. Another helpful detail is the lure weight printed on the head’s underside.

Huk Women’s Journey Pant

WHAT SETS IT APART:

Using a lightweight 90% polyester and 10% Spandex fabric, Huk ensures durability that doesn’t sacrifice comfort and performance. Available in sizes S-XL in Iron Heather, Ice Blue Heather and Sea Fog Heather colors, the Women’s Journey Pant includes a mesh yoke for breathability and a four-way stretch. With a quick-dry construction, this pant is SPF-rated to protect skin against UV rays.

HOW DO IT USE IT?

Comfort with a great look — when it comes to women’s fishing pants, that’s a tough target to hit, but Huk’s aim was true. Recognizing that many of the common apparel options — sweat pants, yoga pants, jeans — are not ideally suited for the fishing/boating scene, Huk designed the new Women’s Journey Pant to provide a more appropriate option. Made with a flexible, breathable, close-fitting form, this pant allows freedom of movement on and off the water.

HOW MUCH?

$70

MORE INFORMATION:

Hukgear.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT:

Admittedly, I wouldn’t look good in this style, but I know the features and stylistic points my wife values in outdoor wear, so it’s easy to recognize the design effort Huk made here. An elastic waist and drawstring closure provide a snug but not constricting fit, while the Journey’s button-secured roll-up cuffs allow for quick conversion from an ankle-length to Capri style. Huk added mesh pockets for holding essentials without a bulky feel, along with a hidden zipper pocket in the back for keys, fishing license or credit card.

Evergreen Shower Blows SB-150

WHAT SETS IT APART?

The original Evergreen Shower Blows SB-125 now expands the lineup with the new SB-150, also available in six new patterns. The SB-150’s elongated body design minimizes air resistance on the cast, while internal tungsten weights in the rear guarantee greater casting distance, even against headwinds. What is more, the SB-150 maintains perfect balance in the water allowing it to make quick, consecutive turns without jumping out of the water, replicating an agitated baitfish on the run. As you would expect from Ever Green baits, the SB-150 features lifelike eyeballs, scale patterns and authentic gills. Layered airbrushing creates added realism. 

Measurements: 5 7/8 inches long and 1 9/16 ounces, with No. 2 trebles and hand-tied feathered rear hook. New colors: Full Metal, Flash Wakasagi, Flash Clear Shad, Ghost Olive Shad, Silver Flitter Shad, adding to existing patterns, Bone, Natural Gill and Black Bone.

HOW DO I USE IT?

The SB-150’s distinctive design moves water like a subdued popper-style topwater, with splatters, spits and bubbles, all while locomoting in a walk-the-dog action. 

HOW MUCH?

$23.99

MORE INFORMATION: 

Evergreenbaits.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT:

Designed like a walking bait but with popper action characteristics, you get two baits in one with the SB-150. The weighted bait casts like a missile, and you get incredible distance for long-range schooling fish. Evergreen’s premium hooks and authentic aesthetics make the investment worthwhile. 

Plano EDGE Jig/Bladed Jig Box

WHAT SETS IT APART?

A customizable box specifically for bladed jigs and jigs with all the features of Plano’s EDGE technology. A WaterWick divider with a reusable moisture wicking packet, a Dri-Loc O-ring seal and Rustrictor technology that protects expensive bladed jigs from rust and moisture-related damage are integrated within the box. The EZ label system makes it quick and easy to identify baits without having to open up the box. You get a full view of the contents through the DuraView polycarbonate lens. 

HOW DO I USE IT?

As an addition to the 3700-size box, the smaller 3600 version comes equipped with vertical dividers to maximize storage space while protecting the baits. That gives anglers even more storage solutions to fit their needs. 

HOW MUCH?

$32.99

MORE INFORMATION: 

Planomolding.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT:

Plano continues adding specialty utility boxes to its EDGE lineup of storage solutions — and for good reasons. What I like most about them all, including the Jig/Bladed Jig box, is each has a design specific to the application, and with the same goals in mind. The goals are protecting expensive lures from rust and water damage, while keeping the baits organized and at the ready to use.