Like two kids in a very large candy story, The Fisherman’s Toby Lapinski and Jim Hutchinson spent three full days out of the Orlando heat and humidity in July and inside on the convention floor at ICAST 2018 looking over new fishing gear.
Sure, we could look, and we could touch, but just like you we’re just eager to actually look and touch on the surf grounds when it matters most. And while some of the hottest new tackle that we played around with indoors won’t be available for outdoor use until early in 2019, there were several hot new offerings from the top manufacturers in the world that should be available in your local tackle shop just as the fall run is beginning to kick into gear along the Striper Coast.
Protect Your Eyes
For folks who like to wear their heart – and commitment to the environment – on their sleeve, Costa Del Mar’s new Untangled Collection is right up your alley. According to Costa’s Todd Barker, Costa’s commitment to conservation and sustainability shines through on frames like the Baffin and Pescador. “What’s really special about this collection is that the frames are made from recycled fishing nets from off the coast of Chile,” Barker said, explaining how even the Costa logo plate comes from recycled aluminum while the temple and nose pads are made from recycled rubber. “Glass lenses as well,” added Barker, the premium 580 polarized glass (Glass is, of course, favored in the surf.). At $269, the Pescador model also has side shields to keep out peripheral glare. www.costadelmar.com
While a lot of surf fishing takes place at night, if you’re only fishing the dark then you are missing out on some great fishing opportunities! However, eye protection and the ability to cut glare and see “into” the water is no less important whether you’re fishing from shore or on a boat. The brand-new ChromaPop Glass polarized lenses from Smith Optics provide 12x more scratch-resistance than standard polymer lenses while weighing a full 20% lighter than traditional glass lenses. ChromaPop glass is the most optically clear lens substrate available and it eliminates glare in all water depths for unrivaled vision. The lenses are available in three polarized tints and four of Smith’s most popular frames, and they retail for $249.00. www.smithoptics.com/us
Reel-in a Cow
Casting distance isn’t something that surf fishermen really think about until that inevitable day when striped bass, bluefish, false albacore or whatever the quarry for the day remains just outside of casting range. This is the type of scenario when the new Okuma Surf-8K really shines as it is built for ultra-long casts in a rigorous saltwater environment. The reel features a slow oscillation system, which gives an exceptional line lay upon retrieve, and is optimized for use with braided line resulting in even greater casting performance. Top off all the features with carbonite drag washers capable of dishing out 40 pounds of fishstopping power, and a price tag of just $99.99, and you will not only reach those far-off fish, you’ll be able to land them, too! www.okumafishing.com
The highly anticipated PENN Spinfisher VI is the 6th generation in the Spinfisher series and incorporates PENN’s IPX5 sealing system. “Whether the reel is in the gunnel of the boat or in the surf and you’re taking heavy waves you’re not going to get any water on the inside of the gear box or the drag system,” said PENN Brand Manager Ben Joyce. Redesigned from the ground up, the Spinfisher VI has been upgraded with CNC gear technology (similar to PENN Clash and Slammer), with the 2500 to 5500 models incorporating aluminum main gear, while the 6500 and up feature brass. The 4500 and 6500 will also be available bail-less for fall pluggers. Priced from $139.95 to $249.95. www.pennfishing.com
Northeast surfcasters have been chomping at the stainless steel bit to get their hands on the new SaltX from Tsunami; you’ll have to wait a little longer, but at $375 this one could be well worth it. “What makes this reel unique are the insides,” said Director of Product Development at Bimini Bay, Cameron Hughes. “Everything in this reel is 6061 aluminum or stainless steel.” Hughes said drive gear, pinion gear and slider are all stainless; the shaft is titanium coated with an aluminum slider, and yes, fully sealed. “You can turn the handle underwater,” said Hughes of the 14 seals and 50 pounds of drag in the 6000 size Tsunami SaltX, which will be in stores by early 2019, in time for the spring run. www.biminibayoutfitters.com
When the S-Series reels hit the market last year, surf fishermen were ecstatic to see a familiar platform brought into the 21st century. Now the reel is being taken one step further with the Limited Edition Greenie S7000 and S8000 reels from Star Fishing Tackle. Building on the popularity of the S-Series, the Greenies feature several upgrades geared directly at surf fishermen including an iconic green coloring, reduced weight, additional water drainage ports on the rotor, strengthened foot stem and additional side plate seals for improved waterproofness. Due out this fall with a very reasonable retail price of just $199.99, check them out at your local Star Fishing Tackle dealer. www.starfishingtackle.com
Surf Sticks
With 60 new models in the Lamiglas rod catalog, it is no surprise that they have some great new surf rods on the way. While the revamped GSB line-up is a great off-the-shelf option, surfcasters looking for a custom rod should check out the new Lamiglas GSB Raw Blanks. These bulletproof blanks feature an unsanded, uncoated finish that results in a slightly thicker blank wall to produce an insanely durable rod, perfect for the rigors of the surf! There will be four models available—108 1L, 120 1L, 132 1L and 132 1M-OS— which were chosen from the most popular of the GSB rods. The blanks retail between $140 and $170 and began shipping to tackle shops and custom rod builders this summer. www.lamiglas.com
Hitting the market just in time for the fall run, the new ODM D.N.A. Surf Rods combine performance and value in a single package. The blanks are built with proprietary carbon nano technology and feature Fuji Alconite K-Frame guides built with NGC layout, a custom spiral nonslip fore grip and a split butt grip for maximum comfort and performance. The D.N.A. rods are built on moderatefast, 2-piece blanks with 60/40 splits designed to flex and perform like a 1-piece rod, but with the convenience a 2-piece rod offers. There are currently three models from 9 to 11 feet in length and they will retail from $249.00 to $299.99. www.odmrods.com
Surfcasters plugging with St. Croix Mojo Surf sticks know the deal on these quality SCII graphite blanks. Light, yet strong, the Mojo series is great for all-day plugging, fish after fish. If you’re looking to get out past the bar and put the “pedal” to your metals, look for the new St. Croix Mojo Kayak rod out this fall. With shorter butt and a grip that reduces slipping when wet, the Mojo yak rod is what “Crazy” Alberto Knie refers to as the perfect kayak rod for “high sticking” fish. “I don’t care how good you are, especially on a kayak, the truth of the matter is that fish is going to do a quick turn on you,” Al said, ultimately leading to pressure at the tip. Like the Mojo handles this side of the bar, the Mojo Yak can take you out beyond, all while taking the pressure. Starting at $150. www.stcroixrods.com
Stay Connected
Single inline hooks are a great replacement for trebles in a lot of scenarios for fishermen who throw artificial lures. First and foremost they hold better than treble hooks so you’ll lose fewer fish. Also, with fewer hook points flailing around, they are safer for both angler and fish alike. The only real problem with these hooks has been that up until now, you could only buy them in small packs of two to five hooks. Well, Owner has solved that problem with their new Bulk Inline Hook Packs, which include 25 hooks per pack making the act of changing out the hooks on a bunch of your lures that much easier! www.ownerhooks.com
Most surfcasters would probably prefer to fight than switch braids. But those looking for a little extra toughness out of their 2018 spool selection might look to the PowerPro Super-8 Slick V2, voted Best Fishing Line this summer at ICAST. “What’s different about this versus the Super-8 that we’ve had before is that we’ve actually added toughness to this,” said Shimano’s Roy Leyva. “It’s a much stronger, much tougher line, still incredibly smooth with castability and noise reduction going through the guides.” PowerPro standard colors remain, the ever-popular marine blue and moss green, but now out is onyx (black charcoal colored). “Super Slick is a great castability line…at ranges for 8, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 65 and 80,” Leyva said of the line ratings. www.powerpro.com
Most fishermen these days use a snap to ease in the changing of lures, and the most popular style are what are referred to as “paper clip” snaps due to their similar design. Adding to their already popular Split and Twin Lock snaps, Spro is adding the Power Snap their line-up this fall. The snaps come in four popular sizes—50-, 75-, 125- and 175-pound— which are true-tested to ensure accurate ratings. The unique egg shape allows for increased freedom of movement of your lure resulting in better action. The diagonal wire makes for easy lure changes while retaining a secure hold and the 90-degree bend is angled in to reduce weed build-up. At just $4.99 per pack, be sure to stock up on some in each size for the fall run! www.spro.com
What to Throw
Some eyes are forward for casting, others farther back for vertical jigging; the new Berkley Fusion Bucktails have both! Plus, tougher hooks, stronger bucktail wraps, and a unique gripper to keep plastics and large Gulp baits in place. According to Berkley’s Allie Frey, the flat bottom design is another unique aspect of the Fusion bucktail. “When you’re fishing it along the rocks it’s going to be really hard to roll over,” Frey said. Available in eight colors and 12 sizes from 1/8 ($3.99) to 8 ounces ($9.99) the weights are printed clearly on the bottom so you no longer have to eyeball estimate when the guy next to you says, “go with 3 ounces.” “These will be available this fall, and we’re really excited,” Frey added. Yeah, us too! www.berkley-fishing.com
Surfcasters know the Daiwa SP Minnow as a proven producer season after season; now the SP has a topwater cousin in the new Daiwa Mebachi. Japanese for “big eye” the Mebachi poppers sure stands out at first look. According to Daiwa’s Marc Mills, it’s the choice of floating or sinking that really makes these plugs unique. “We have the floating, which stays right on top of the water at all times, does a little bit of a different walk, and gets a good spray,” Mills said. The sinking version on the other hand provides a little more versatility in a popper. “It gives you a better cast because it’s heavily weighted,” said Mills of this popper’s ability to cut the wind while throwing a lot of water once on top. MSRP of $19.99 www.daiwa.com
With two line-ties—one on the top and one to the front of the jig’s head— the new Mustad Big-Eye Bucktail jigs are perfect regardless of how you need to present a jig in the surf. Built on 2X Mustad jig hooks and featuring oversized 3D eyes, these jigs will get bit and are durable enough to stand up to the rigors of a salty environment. Big-Eye bucktails are available in eight colors and 12 different weights to meet all your jigging needs, with prices ranging from $3.49 to $10.49 depending on size. www.mustad-fishing.com/am/
Originally known for the Oozzie Jig and the Chum Plug, the Odin Lure Company re-entered the fishing market at ICAST 2018 with the debut of the Frigg Popper. The secret behind this lure’s design is a built-in bait well that, when filled with Odin’s own specially-formulated “Fish Smack” scent, slowly releases a chum slick behind the lure to both attract fish and secure a strike from an otherwise weary gamefish. Available in six sizes from ½ to 2.5 ounces and seven fishy colors, these lures just might give you the edge needed to turn on the bite this fall for the reasonable retail price of $19.95 – $29.95. www.odinlures.com
On October 1, keep an eye out for the new Power Bucktails from Spro, specifically designed for the needs of hardcore jetty jocks in the Northeast. “This is one we made for stripers and other large gamefish,” is how Spro’s Syd Rives described the new heavy duty bucktail with extra heavy Gamakatsu hook. “What we’ve done is put a bigger hook in it; this is a 4X strong hook and we’ve put a bigger linetie,” Rives said. That “tie” eye is farther forward and large enough to accommodate heavy leader and larger, more powerful snaps. The Spro Power Bucktails come in 1-, 1-1/2-, 2- and 3-ounce sizes in white or chartreuse, with lots of thick, heavy bucktail for more buoyancy. Retailing for $8.99 to $10.99 apiece. www.spro.com
When Mads Grosell from Savage Gear set out to design the slow-sinking 3D Mackerel Stick Bait, he wanted to make something that really looked like a mackerel. “I got a fresh mackerel, scanned it with a computer, made the patterns from the fish and printed them directly on the side of the lure,” he said. But this lure is more than just a fancy exterior, the guts are built strong with a through-wire that is welded at each end. Available in three sizes—5, 7 and 8.5 inches— and sporting a retail price of $14.99 – $21.99, every lure comes with both Owner DG ST-66 treble and DG inline single hooks, as well as double split rings on every connection to prevent the fish gaining torque and popping free. Choose from five different mackerel color patterns to match your conditions. www.savage-gear.com
Add some commotion to the ocean with the new Surface Blaster and Surface Striker topwaters from Tsunami. Built to throw lots of water, the wide-mouthed Surface Blaster popper comes in two sizes, surf stripers or school bluefin. “Very high impact plastic with the hologram inside the body of the lure so it’s never going to wear off when the hooks start swinging and teeth start scratching on the body,” is how Jerry Gomber, Director of Development at Bimini Bay Outfitters put it. Tsunami’s new Surface Striker is a solid body that floats on or just below the surface, depending on how you adjust the lead balls in the chambers inside. Both are through-wired with stainless welded at both ends and complemented by heavy-duty split rings and VMC 3X hooks. Available in local favorites like mullet, mackerel and Wonder Bread. www.biminibayoutfitters. com
Available right now and ready to rock right out of the box are the newest fall colors from Yo-Zuri. The Hydro Minnow has become one of the “go to” plugs for surfcasters, particularly because of the weighttransfer system allowing for super long casts, not to mention that tight-wiggle that drives bass nuts. Also boasts 3X hooks and 3X split rings to ensure reliability fish after fish. But now it’s all about matching the hatch! “This year we’re releasing two new colors of the Hydro Minnow,” said Yo-Zuri account manager William Fernandez, adding “a blurple color and a yellow mullet color, and both of them come in a 6-inch ($9.99) and a 6-3/4-inch ($11.99).” Also look for the Mag Darter in school bus yellow and blurple from $12.99 to $17.99. www.yo-zuri.com
