Check out some of the newest rods and reels shown off at ICAST 2019. As well as new line and leaders to help optimize your time out on the water.
Reels
Shimano Stradic FL (Winner: Best Saltwater Reel)
The newly designed Stradic FL spinning reels feature Shimano’s MicroModule Gear II for unparalleled smoothness and SilentDrive Technology for microscopic tolerance levels to reduce any handle play and eliminate any clicking noise in all moving parts. Of particular interest to fishermen looking for a new schoolie, weakfish, or albie reel is the addition of Shimano’s X-Protect, which provides the Stradic FL with maximum protection in harsh saltwater environments. The new Stradic FL reels are in five models – 1000HG, 2500HG, C3000XG, 4000XG and C5000XG.
$200-$230; fish.shimano.com
Penn Fathom II Star Drag
The second-generation Penn Fathom II Star Drag reel is built with a rigid metal frame and sideplates, with added features to make it more angler-friendly than ever. Featuring a fast gear-access sideplate, any angler can service his gears and drag system quickly and efficiently. The Penn live-spindle design offers long, effortless casts, while the power gear ratios (select models) give ultimate torque for winching up deep fish. A magnetic casting brake is available on 12 and 15 sizes.
$200-$250; pennfishing.com
Shimano SLX DC
Built on the same compact, rigid and versatile platform as the popular SLX bait-casting reel, the SLX DC adds Shimano’s unique I-DC4 Digital Control Braking technology. This system uses a microcomputer to monitor spool speed 1,000 times every second and apply the perfect amount of brake to prevent backlash and maximize distance. Anglers of all skill levels will appreciate less thumbing and trouble-free casting in all conditions. The SLX DC has a long, powerful handle and is available in three gear ratios.
$190; fish.shimano.com
Daiwa Coastal SV TW
The compact and palm-able Coastal SV TW 150 is ideal for inshore saltwater applications, such as bucktailing fluke or casting to schoolie stripers. It has a deeper 150-size spool in a 100-size reel body. The SV spool is strong and capable of tolerating the increased pressures of braided line. The T-Wing system allows the line to pass freely, without friction, through the level wind’s eye on a long cast. The small reel is substantial and stoutly built around an aluminum frame and side plate. The Zaion Star Drag is a “high density” carbon-strain material that is 20 percent stronger and 50 percent lighter than traditional nylon and aluminum.
$250; daiwa.com
Okuma Cedros
The Cedros spinning reels feature a rigid and corrosion-resistant magnesium and aluminum alloy construction for a lightweight feel and ultra-sturdy platform. The Cedros has a powerful drag housed under a machined aluminum anodized spool. The Cedros has seven high-performance, corrosion-resistant, stainless-steel bearings for smooth operation and features a dual anti-reverse. The manual bail trip function eliminates accidental bail closure upon casting. The comfortable foam EVA handle knob is attached to a machined aluminum, screw-in handle design that can be switched from left- to right-hand retrieve. The reel has a 5.4:1 gear ratio and picks up between 40.9 and 45.9 inches per turn of the handle, depending on sizes, which include 8000, 1000, or 14000.
$160 to $180; okumafishingusa.com
Tsunami SaltX
With a forged and CNC-machined aluminum body and rotor, the Tsunami SaltX uses 14 seals to create a fully waterproof design that, combined with the sub-$400 price point, has surfcasters excited about its potential as a dunk-able surf reel. A sealed hammer drag system is designed to halt the runs of heavy stripers, while a manual closing bail prevents unintended cast-offs. The SaltX comes in a carrying case with a bail-less conversion kit and servicing tools. It is available in silver and black.
$380; biminibayoutfitters.com
Rods
St. Croix Avid Surf (Winner: Best Saltwater Rod)
Avid Surf rods combine St. Croix’s Integrated Poly Curve mandrel technology with premium, high-modulus SCIII carbon for exceptional strength, smooth power and increased sensitivity. Fuji K-Series KW tangle-free guides with Alconite rings and Corrosion Control frame treatment provide superior casting distance and improved corrosion protection, while a custom cork-taped handle with machined trim pieces provides a sure, comfortable grip. It is available in seven spinning and three casting models.
$250 to $420; stcroixrods.com
Lamiglas Carbon Surf
Built with 30-ton carbon blanks, the Carbon Surf series is made with power and durability in mind. The rods have crisp actions, perfect for swimming plugs, popping pencils, or snapping jigs, making them good “all-around” surf rods. Available in 7 models from a 9-foot, 3/8- to 2-ounce, to an 11-foot, 3- to 8-ounce.
$199-$219; lamiglas.com
Ugly Stik Carbon
The Ugly Stik Carbon series features 100% graphite, creating a lightweight rod with crisp action and increased sensitivity without sacrificing the legendary toughness Ugly Stiks are known for.
$80; uglystik.com
St. Croix Mojo Bass Glass (Winner: Best Freshwater Rod)
St. Croix Mojo Bass Glass series rods now employ Integrated Poly Curve mandrel technology and design. That means their super premium, 100% linear S-glass blanks have gradual, consistent tapers and uniform wall thickness from tip to butt, resulting in incredibly smooth, strong, light, sensitive, moderate-action glass rods. And, all this technology and performance comes at an attractive price point. The new Mojo Bass Glass series includes five moderate action rods—four new casting models and one new spinning rod—with specially designed models suited to target cranking chatterbaits and rattlebaits, and multi-purpose crankbait fishing.
$140-$160; stcroixrods.com
Line
Seaguar Smackdown (New Colors!)
The thin-diameter Seaguar Smackdown, made with eight ultra-thin, micro-weave strands in a round, smooth-casting profile, is available in two new colors, the high-visibility Flash Green and the camouflaged Stealth Gray.
seaguar.com
Daiwa J-Fluoro Fluorocarbon Leader
Designed and manufactured in Japan, Daiwa’s J-Fluoro Fluorocarbon Leader material is comprised of 100% fluorocarbon, which means it is abrasion resistant and nearly invisible below the water’s surface. It is designed to have low memory and increased manageability for fluorocarbon-to-braid connection knots. It is available in a wide range of sizes for a variety of presentations, from drop-shotting and Ned-rigging all the way to swim-baiting and flipping.
daiwa.com
PowerPro Moon Shine (Winner: Best Line)
In response to the growing number of nighttime bass fishing tournaments, PowerPro introduced Moon Shine glow-in-the-dark technology to its Super8Slick V2 braid lineup. The braid features a special process that makes it glow when used under blacklight. And while bass anglers have the most interest in PowerPro Moon Shine braid, there are other nighttime fishing situations for its use: targeting catfish, using it with surf outfits in sand spikes on the beach, when muskie trolling, and as part of spider rigs for crappie. In all these instances, seeing the line can lead to catching more fish. And while primarily developed for nighttime fishing use, for anglers who prefer high-visibility braids during the day, they’ll easily see its hi-vis chartreuse color.
$21 to $340; powerpro.com