Tackle Update: New "Must Have" Products
Well, with my tournament season getting ready to go into hibernation until April, I decided it was time to post about some of the new and hottest tackle that have been plastered in all the fishing magazines and television shows. First and foremost, the Basstrix Paddle Tail Tube. This lure has been responsible for some serious big limits of fish in the 2007 tournament season. Because of it's huge exposure this lure is almost impossible to get your hands on. These lures retail for anywhere between $9.99 and $11.99 , yet I've seen them sold for $60 on Ebay. Crazy! There is no doubt that these lures are a must have, although you don't have to pay ridiculous amounts of money threw ebay and other areas to get your hands on these baits. There are similar lures out there that will do close to the same things and possibly even suit you better.
(Pictured above from left to right: Basstrix Paddle Tail Tube, and Poor Boy's Baits The Bug, Silly Rabbit, and Drop Shot Goby)
I would start with looking into the Poor Boy's Baits Silly Bunny and Silly Rabbit. These new age swim baits have been out for a while and are quietly winning tournament pros some nice paychecks. The Silly Bunny is 4.5 inches long and the Silly Rabbit is 5.75 inches long and comes with it's own hooks. Poor Boy's is the innovator of the Drop Shot Goby, a staple for Great Lakes smallmouth bass fisherman. I personally am a giant fan of their Bertha Bug and Bug. I like to use them as a trailer on my jigs. The feet have incredible action and the bait really help add bulk to my presentation. Check out the full line of Poor Boy's Baits.
Another hard to get lure right now is the Sebile Flatt Shad, Possessed Series. This may look like just another lipless crankbait, but that is not the case. The principle behind the "Possessed Series" is the glitter filled fluid in the cavity of the bait. When being ripped threw cover the fluid gives off a look of loosing scales, like an injured baitfish.
(Pictured above left to right: Sebile Flatt Shad and the Shimano Core MGFV)
Anyone who knows me, knows I am a huge fan of Shimano reels. New this year is the Shimano Core. I am definitely getting a couple of these before my tournament season starts. They offer the Core in two styles, standard and Flippin' versions. I am definitely all about the flippin' version. It comes in a 7.0:1 gear ratio, has a magnesium frame to give it it's light weight, and comes with the flippin' handle. Couple this reel with a nice light weight graphite rod and you will be able "flip" all day long without getting fatigued.
Unfortunetly for me I have scheduled to have my boat winterized and stored. I will be getting it back out on April 1st for my trip to Oklahoma's Grand Lake. Until then I have a few smallmouth winter spots that don't freeze up. I'm not one for ice fishing, so thank God for those couple areas of open water! Happy Fishing!