A variety of new products for fishing have hit the market. From fishing rods and lures to boots and waders, anglers can enjoy adding to their equipment. These new products offer valuable enhancements and additions to existing gear. When fishermen head off for their next expedition, they might want to take one or more of these items along.
Warmwater Rods from G. Loomis and Sage, Women's Shakespeare Combo
The Shorestalker line from G. Loomis features fly rods that are purposely sized under the 8-foot-8 inch maximum length for use in bass tournaments. Sage has added a new rod, the Bluegill, to its popular BASS. These short, strong rods are intended for pushing heavier flies into tight spaces. The Shakespeare Ladies’ Bigwater Combo pairs a 7-foot Ugly Stik with a Bigwater spinning reel that comes ready-to-fish, loaded with 14 lb. line. In spite of the fact that Shakespeare felt the need to make it pink, this is an excellent combo for serious fishing.
New Lures from Rapala, Strike King, and Mepps
Three new lures from Rapala are the Rapala Gliding Rap, advertised as possessing a “slide and glide” retrieval motion, the Rapala Subwalk, that allows the angler to “walk the dog” 3 – 6 inches below the surface, and the Rapala Clackin’ Rap, featuring a brass sound chamber with clicking pellets inside to attract the attention of cruising fish. Strike King has several new baits in its lineup for 2009. The new offerings include the Bottom Dweller deep water spinnerbait, the soft plastic Caffeine Shad, and the Wake Shad. Mepps' new Black Fury Spin Fly, with its fur tail and flashing spinner, is a bit heavier than many flies, which may make it a great choice for casting to bass and other larger fish along the edge of weed beds.
New Wading Boots Focus on Rubber Soles, Fewer Seams
The big news in wading boots is the emphasis on designs that avoid transporting aquatic nuisance species. The Cloudveil 8X Grippy Rubber Boot and the Simms Rivershed Wading Boot both feature improved rubber soles as a cleaner alternative to felt. The Simms boot is even designed for wear during the hike to the fishing location. L.L. Bean has responded with the RiverKeeper Wading shoe, constructed with fewer seams in the upper portion of the boot and an easier-to-clean finish.
Waders That Fit Like Jeans, New Hippers for Women
For anglers who enjoy stopping off for a late diner breakfast after a morning fishing outing, a pair of Cloudveil Hellroaring Wader Pants might be just thing. These close-fitting waders look enough like regular pants to pass muster in most casual settings. They aren’t available in women’s sizes, but women have an alternative to pulling a full set of waders on and off in parking lots. Dan Bailey has a pair of women’s hippers for just $99.
Trying Out New Equipment is Part of the Fun
Part of the fishing experience is trying out new rods, lures, and other equipment. When anglers head out to the lake, stream or river with new rods, lures, or clothing, they add the interest of checking out new gear to the excitement of bringing in fish. Fishing enthusiasts can tie on a new lure, test the mettle of a new rod, or keep themselves warm and dry with good-looking and well-performing boots and waders. Whatever equipment they choose to use, they are sure to find that a day spent fishing is a day well-spent.
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