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We’re in Orlando for the annual ICAST fishing commerce present to seek out the perfect new gear launched this 12 months. After the primary day, it’s clear this is among the greatest exhibits in current reminiscence. There are extra distributors, producers, and kit to comb by than in years previous. We spent most of day one looking for revolutionary rods in each the contemporary and saltwater classes. We even had the chance to check among the new merchandise main as much as the launch right here at ICAST. Under is a roundup of our favourite rods it is best to have in your radar for the rest of the 12 months.
New Freshwater Fishing Rods
Spro Bronzeye Rods
Spro is strategically moving into the rod market by partnering with totally different anglers and entities to create technique-specific rods one by one. The corporate’s newest invention, the Bronzeye Rods, rapidly caught my consideration. Working with Dean Rojas, designer of the Bronzeye Frogs, Spro engineered three frog-specific rods to pair with sure baits specifically conditions. Anglers can select from a 7’ medium heavy, a 7’ 2” heavy, or a 7’ 4” heavy rod on this sequence. I acquired the 2 smaller rods for testing just a few weeks in the past and have been impressed. They’ve the size to successfully work the baits and the spine to drag huge fish out of canopy. —Shaye Baker
KastKing Kestrel One-Piece Finesse Rod
The very first thing I seen once I picked up the Kestrel rod was its light-weight design. Simply by holding the rod, it’s clear the clean was made to do one factor: finesse fish. The Kestrel sequence is available in 4 totally different graphite fashions starting from 6’8″ to 7’2″. Every rod is a one-piece design to extend sensitivity and really feel. The rods characteristic quick actions and are available ultralight to medium mild powers. In addition they embrace carbon combating butts, EVA handles, and high quality reel seats. Every mannequin retails for $90. —Ryan Chelius
13 Fishing Oath Collection
As a complete, 13 Fishing has a confirmed monitor document of making high quality gear. And so they’ve completed it once more with their new Oath sequence of rods. There are 14 fashions, all priced at simply $99, making this among the finest budget-friendly rod choices launched on the present. The Oath sequence consists of seven casting rods (starting from 6’ 8” to 7’ 11”), three cranking rods (from 7’ 0” to 7’ 9”), and 4 spinning rods (measuring 6’ 10” to 7’ 6”). All fashions characteristic high quality evolve guides, reel seats, and split-grip AAA cork handles. —SB
Shimano Poison Adrena B
Shimano redesigned its fashionable Poison Adrena rod lineup utilizing its proprietary “Spiral X Core know-how and Toray Nanoalloy.” One of the best translation I may give is that they made the rods a lot lighter whereas concurrently strengthening them. And that’s all anglers must know. Shimano claims the rod is 10 to fifteen % extra delicate and stronger than earlier fashions.
Whereas we are able to’t say if that share is appropriate, we’re positive that this rod feels nice in hand. I’m intrigued by the complete carbon monocoque deal with, which excludes any cork or EVA foam. This design is meant to make the rod much more delicate by making a direct vibration switch by the rod and into your hand. The Poison Adrena Collection B is available in six casting and three spinning choices. Every mannequin retails for $379-$399.
G. Loomis GLX Bass
The favored G. Loomis GLX Bass sequence has a re-engineered design to enhance sturdiness and excel at situation-specific duties. In addition to the structural upgrades, which come from their mix of high-modulus graphite and superior resin applied sciences, these rods are stronger and extra delicate than ever. The very first thing I seen after selecting one up within the new product showcase was the steadiness from the butt part to the rod tip. The brand new GLX additionally feels nice in hand, and I think it may throw lengthy casts. G. Loomis broke down the fashions into technique-specific classes: magazine bass, jig & worm, flip & pitch, Carolina rig, spin jig, shakeyhead, jerkbait, drop shot, and bladed jig. The GLX Bass sequence will begin retailing at $550.
New Saltwater Fishing Rods
Shimano Ocea Jigger Infinity Motive
A jigging rod should be ultra-sensitive, and the brand new Shimano Ocea Jigger Infinity Motive is simply that. It’s designed particularly for deep-water slow-pitch jigging and options a wonderful really feel, a cushty deal with, and sturdy supplies. Shimano used a lot of their design applied sciences to develop this rod, however the one factor anglers must know is that the Ocea Jigger is light-weight, extraordinarily delicate, sturdy, and highly effective sufficient to land huge fish. I already need one for summer time fluke fishing within the Northeast. —RC
Temple Fork Outfitters Traveler
TFO designed this rod for anglers on the go. It breaks down into three sections and packs right into a 32-inch tube for simple overhead airplane storage. The rod options strong building with good reel seats, corrosion-resistant guides, and a high quality cork deal with. It feels good in hand, and the power to interrupt this rod down permits anglers to journey simply with a spinning setup. —RC
Star Rods Gamefish Restricted Version Inshore Rod
This limited-edition carbon fiber fast-taper clean is one in all 500 rods ever produced. Made within the USA, every rod incorporates a distinctive design by wildlife artist Steve Goione, his signature, and a manufacturing quantity. They give the impression of being nice and really feel even higher. It comes outfitted with fuji guides and robust reel seats throughout three totally different actions. Regardless that this can be a restricted version rod with gorgeous art work, it has all of the parts to carry out nicely for redfish, snook, schoolie stripes, and different inshore fish. —RC
New Fly Fishing Rods
Temple Fork Outfitters Elevare Euro Nymphing Rod
A buddy of mine says that euro-nymphing is dishonest as a result of the method is so efficient. He additionally doesn’t know find out how to euro-nymph. If you know the way to euro-nymph, then it is best to maintain an eye fixed out for TFO Elevare rods. They arrive in sizes starting from 10′ 2-weights to 11′ 4-weights. I held up the ten’6″ 3-weight and was impressed. It’s snug, controllable, and very mild (each mannequin weighs lower than 2.9 ounces). This might be a trout slayer in quick water. —RC
St. Croix Technica Collection
St. Croix unveiled its new flagship trout fly rod at ICAST 2024. The Technica sequence is available in 3-, 4-, and 5-weight fashions with average/technical actions. I had the prospect to solid this rod on the makeshift pond, and I beloved it. I threw tight loops at lengthy distances with out an excessive amount of effort. St. Croix markets this as a dry fly rod, and I’ve little question this stick would excel at touchdown tiny dries on huge water. It enters the premium fly rod class at slightly below $1000. —RC
Temple Fork Outfitters Resolution
TFO made yet one more splash in new rods with their mid-level Resolution sequence. There are ten totally different fashions, and all are made for freshwater purposes. The 5-weight model within the new product showcase had a balanced really feel and quick motion. Whereas I didn’t get to solid it, I think it will do nicely on most rivers. TFO says the rod is constructed from premium supplies for intermediate to superior anglers. Every mannequin retails for $500.
