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NY, NJ, CT, RI Edition
September 01, 2009
Volume 20 � Number 9
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Nor'east Saltwater Online Magazine powered by:
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Surf Fishing Products Buyer’s Guide
by Chris Grech
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There is always something appealing when reading about new fishing products. Are you looking to pick up new spinning reel? Maybe you want to add some new gear to your existing birthday wish list? Or are you simply searching for some new bathroom reading material? If you are like me and said yes to all of the above, you’ve come to the right place! Now it’s time to look at some new surf fishing products for 2009 and 2010.
Lamiglas Dry Top
Lamiglas has expanded their commitment to surf anglers with the introduction of a premium Dry Top. Constructed of the finest materials to weather the roughest conditions, the Lamiglas dry top will allow adventurous anglers to enjoy the comfort of keeping their body core warm and dry while pursuing gamefish. Cut generously to provide for full freedom of movement, the Dry Top is constructed of waterproof, breathable and seam-sealed polyester outer shell backed with a micro porous layer and a tricot interior. On the left chest, a sealed pocket provides a protected spot for personal items. Building upon this durable base, it’s the seal system that elevates the Lamiglas Dry Top’s performance to the premium level because it features a triple action body seal. The interior tunnel is completed with an elastic closure around the bottom. Over this tunnel is an additional flap with a neoprene gasket and completing the seal are hook-and-loop adjustments to tighten each side. Sleeves are sealed with a form-fitting neoprene gasket and double pull hook-and-loop fasteners. Perhaps the greatest point of separation is the neck seal. Where dry suits and other dry tops utilize a very tight and unforgiving latex seal, the Lamiglas Dry Top incorporates an adjustable neoprene neck seal that’s both functional and substantially more comfortable. Available in five sizes, M, L, XL, XXL and XXXL, Lamiglas Dry Tops are an effective choice for anglers of virtually all sizes. Additional information can be found at http://www.lamiglas.com/
Penn Torque Spinning Reel
Anglers in search of a rugged spinning reel for heavy saltwater angling applications can rely on the new Penn Torque spinning reel in three sizes for any situation. With this USA-made reel, striper chasers can take to the Montauk surf with heavy bucktails, poppers and tins. The reel is beefy enough to handle tuna, sharks and other offshore gamefish. Fully sealed, saltwater and sand simply can’t get into the fully machined aluminum body, the 7+1 stainless steel bearings and the patented Versa-drag. The oversized HT-100 Versa-Drag system allows for multiple drag settings to match ever changing fishing situations with maximum drag ranging from 38 pounds to 50lbs.
Available in classic Penn gold or the new black with gold accents, the Torque features an integral clutch sleeve to eliminate any back play of the rotor, one-piece aluminum frame with forged aluminum spool and side plates and a rugged one-piece handle arm. The 100% stainless steel bail features a unique system under the rotor where the angler can choose between automatic or manual trip at the touch of a switch. A dual arm bailess kit is available for those who prefer the more traditional style. The high capacity spool is braid ready, which means the reel is built to withstand the strains that braided lines put on a reel. The 19.9-ounce size 5 reel has a 5.9:1 gear ratio and 38-pound maximum drag. The size 7 Torque weighs 26.5 ounces with a 5.1:1 gear ratio and 41-pound maximum drag. The size 9 weighs 28.5 ounces, has a 5.1:1 gear ratio and a 50-pound maximum drag. This high performance Penn Torque spinning reel is made in the USA. MSRP $659.99 to $699.99. For details please go to http://www.pennreels.com/
Shakespeare Ugly Stik Inshore Select Rods
Shakespeare Ugly Stik rods are known for handling any fish on any body of water. The new Ugly Stik Inshore Select Rods give surf and inshore anglers the toughest, most dependable rods on the market. The Ugly Stik Inshore Select series offer four spinning models in lengths ranging from 7-foot to 7-foot, 6-inch in medium light, medium, and medium heavy actions along with two casting models both 7 foot in medium light and medium actions. These rods were designed with the inshore angler in mind with even tapered actions tailored for throwing live bait or artificial lures. Inshore Select series feature the Howald Process Triple Built construction with an inner graphite core running from the butt section to the tip of the rod for added sensitivity and an outer layer of glass and graphite mix for strength and durability. These rods boast Fuji aluminum oxide guides with black stainless steel frames, Fuji reel seats on the spinning models and Total Touch reel seats on the casting models for optimum sensitivity. Also included are customized EVA split grip handles for weight reduction and better balance while reducing fatigue on the water. $49.95 MSRP. Additional detail and specifications can be found at http://www.shakespeare-fishing.com/
Stren Stamina Line
When surf anglers need a monofilament line with unsurpassed abrasion resistance that is shock resistant, but can carry the weight of any trophy fish, they can reach for Stren Stamina. Now, this great line is available in a new clear version for tough saltwater abuse. With its remarkable abrasion resistance, fantastic recovery, and high resistance to shock from hard-charging gamefish, Stren Stamina is saltwater tough for all surf, inshore and offshore fishing applications. The line is also available in the famous Stren Hi-Vis Gold color for anglers that need a powerful, shock-resistant line and clear for a more lifelike presentation. Available in pound tests ranging from 10 to 100 pounds, Stren Stamina comes in custom 1/4-pound, 1- and 3-pound spools with an MSRP of $6.49 for 1/4 pound spools and $37.49 to $172.99 for bulk, depending on pound test and spool size. http://www.stren.com/
Berkley Gulp! Saltwater 6-inch Jerk Shad
The popularity of Gulp! Alive! Jerk Shad has increased among anglers pitching artificials to striped bass, bluefish, weakfish and fluke from the suds. The new 6-inch Jerk Shad gives anglers a larger profile with the same great action as the previous model. Gulp! Saltwater 6-inch Jerk Shad are stored in the oval bucket, which keeps bait shapes truer for better performance by allowing them to suspend in the tubs. Plus, these baits are completely rechargeable: once the bait has been used for a while, it can be placed back in the container to soak up more fish-catching scent and flavor. These 6-inch Jerk Shad are also available in re-sealable Gulp! Saltwater packages for convenient use when you crave a smaller package to lighten your load. Available in eight fish-catching colors including Arkansas Shiner, Black, Baby Bass, Chartreuse Pepper Neon Glow, Lime Tiger Glow, New Penny, Nuclear Chicken and Pearl White, the biodegradable Jerk Shad comes in wide-mouthed, re-sealable, plastic containers that keep bait fresh and reusable for the next trip. The exclusive formula disperses scent and flavor 400 times more than plastic baits. The new bait has an MSRP of $19.99 for a pint-sized oval shaped container and $6.99 for Gulp! Saltwater packages. http://www.berkley-fishing.com/
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Abu Garcia Soron SX
The Abu Garcia Soron STX quickly became one of the most popular saltwater spinning reels on the market. Now the STX is joined by the Soron SX, with many of the same strong features but at a lower price. The SX is available in five sizes, from the diminutive SX10 to the hefty SX70. All five models are based on the X-Craftic alloy body and body cover for corrosion resistance. The six HPCR (High Performance Corrosion Resistant) bearings and IAR bearing are built for corrosion resistance as well making this reel ideal for saltwater applications. The multi-washer Carbon Matrix Drag System is extremely smooth even under heavy loads and is sealed for added corrosion protection. With Duragear gears, the SX will be reliable for years. Each reel is packaged with two spools for optimum line selection versatility. The braid spool is equipped with O-ring inserts on the spool to prevent braided line from spinning on the spool. Anglers no longer need to spool monofilament backing when using braid. The other spool is a traditional spool without the O-ring. The SX10 weighs 7.8 ounces and has a spool capacity of 110 yards of 6-pound test Berkley FireLine. The SX20 weighs 9.5 ounces and carries 130 yards of 8-pound test FireLine. The 10.6-ounce SX40 can be spooled with 210 yards of 10-pound test FireLine. All three reels have a gear ratio of 5.1:1. Both the SX60 and SX70 have a gear ratio of 4.8:1. Weighing 14.9 ounces, the SX60 has a line capacity of 350 yards of 14-pound test FireLine. The SX70 weighs 20.3 ounces with a line capacity of 300 yards of 20-pound test FireLine. All Soron SX reels can be configured for left or right handed fishing. MSRP $99.95 to $119.95. More information can be found at http://www.abugarcia.com/
Pinnacle Coastal Power Rods
Pinnacle’s Coastal Power Rods consist of a broad assortment of 22 models including casting, spinning, trolling and stand-up models. Select models were developed for the East Coast angler while others were designed for West Coast applications. All are built using graphite composite blanks with dual layer construction. All Coastal Power Rods have comfortable and durable EVA handle grips and light weight graphite reel seats with cushioned stainless steel hoods. Additional features include heavy duty aluminum oxide insert or stainless steel guides, light weight graphite or aluminum gimbals on selected models, heavy duty aluminum reel seat on selected models and roller top and stripper guides on selected models. A great model for surf fishing applications is the CPT1002BWS prices at $40.99 MSRP. This medium action spinning rod measures 10 foot and breaks down into 2 pieces. It handles 12 to 30-pound line and includes 6 guides plus the tip. For more information please visit http://www.pinnaclefishing.com
Spiderwire Stealth Braid
Spiderwire is known for its strength and staying on the cutting edge of technology. The company has now improved the coating technology of Spiderwire Stealth for significantly improved casting distance and longer lasting color. Breakthrough Color-Lock Technology holds in color, resists fading and won’t bleed. According to the company, in a controlled casting test with identical equipment, improved Spiderwire Stealth is proven to outcast the competition by 15 percent. Spiderwire Stealth Braid features Teflon-impregnated microfibers for smooth casting. Made of ultra-high strength polyethylene (PE) fibers, this multi-carrier braid is smooth and round to resist digging in on spools, is whisper quiet and shoots through rod guides with less friction and adding distance to casts.
This braid allows your line to stay hidden in the water for more strikes. Available in pound tests ranging from 6 to 100 pounds, Spiderwire Stealth Braid comes in 125, 300, 1,500 and 3,000-yard spools with an MSRP of $13.95 to $403.50, depending on pound test and filler or bulk spool size. http://www.spiderwire.com/
Berkley Gulp! Alive! Attractant
Berkley has added four new Gulp! Alive! flavors that are sure to drive fish crazy. These new sprays include: Menhaden, Sandworm, Minnow and Shad/Shiner. The Attractant Spray is specially formulated for saltwater using the exclusive Gulp! juice. Sprayed on any artificial lure, the attractant makes it smell and taste alive. The 8-ounce trigger spray bottle is ozone safe and aerosol free. Convenient and easy to use, simply aim at the bait and fire away by pulling the trigger. The nozzle can be adjusted for a fine spray or heavy stream. The Gulp! juice coated bait is now ready for the cast. The bait will disperse the scent in the water like a blood trail, expanding the strike zone. It even enhances live and natural bait effectiveness. Be extremely careful not to get it on your skin, clothes, or spill it inside your truck because this stuff is STRONG! The MSRP for the new Gulp! Alive! Attractant spray bottle is $8.99.
http://www.berkley-fishing.com/
Fin-Nor Sportfisher Spinning Combos
For 2010, Fin-Nor is showing its capabilities of reinventing the value side of the saltwater market. Their new Sportfisher spinning combos, featuring a 100 percent new spinning reel with looks and features never seen before in the $100 combo category. For starters, Sportfisher reels have a machined aluminum body, side plate and rotor. Then there’s the 5-bearing drive, MegaLock Continuous Anti-Reverse, oversized multi-stack sealed drag system, forged aluminum spool and aluminum handle. Sportfisher combo rods are just as impressive featuring durable, heavy-duty E-Glass construction with quality double-footed guides. There are four reel sizes and seven rod combinations in the Fin-Nor Sportfisher combo lineup. They range in price from $99.95 to $149.95, depending on model, making them ideal for the value-minded angler who still demands the durability and excellence. Additional info can be found at http://www.finnorfishing.com/.
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