Explore the Latest Sportfishing Gear at iCast 2025: Top Innovations and Upgrades

Why we love it 

• This reel is now ~33% lighter and has ~40% thicker gear design resulting in a lighter and stronger fishing reel.  
• Includes MAGSEAL technology which seals the components and allows this reel to be fished in any conditionsInshore anglers will appreciate this!  
• The reel still has a 5.8 gear ratio available on the smaller models for existing Ballistic lovers but now also a 6.2 gear ratio for size 2500 and above for quicker retrievals. 

Rapala ClapTail 110

If you are a Whopper Plopper lover you'll absolutely have to get your hands on the new Rapala ClapTail 110 topwater bait! This lure has a stainless steel metal prop and back blade that collide on retrieval to produce a multi-tone sound to drive fish nuts! 

VMC Minnow Shaker Jig 

This simple but innovative jig has got us excited! We love the big eye on the unpainted jig, though the dual mono keepers are a GAME CHANGER! We had the opportunity to fish this jig early summer pitching for walleyes and we did not have to adjust our soft plastic on this jig at all, ALL DAY. Match this with their new CrushCity The Jerk minnow bait and you'll be successful! 

Z-MAN 2.75 Fuzzy TRD 

We love seeing the popular ned rig plastic combined with the fuzzy dice concept! Leveraging Z-Mans ElaZtech durability with hand threaded silicone skirt material will drive fish nuts in a little different presentation. You can Drop Shot, Wacky, or Ned Rig this one! 

Abu Garcia MAX Series Low-Profile Reels & Combos 

Abu's Max series of fishing reels and combos got a much-appreciated upgrade. We love seeing more options of low-profile reels at the sub $100 price points. There are three options in the Max series starting at $69.99 and going up to an Elite RKT 9+1 model at $149.99. These reels fit better in your palm with an asymmetric body design, a better braking system and more premium components used in these models than before. 

St. Croix Premier Series 

One of St. Croix Rod's legacy series, the Premier finally got a face lift after ~65 years! Among the biggest changes, are updated guides and handle styles as well as overall lighter in weight. One thing we appreciate with this update, is St. Croix did not alienate the heritage of this seriesthe rod still has that instant recognition but with increased performance! 

Shimano Curado M Low-Profile Reels 

The new Curado M is the lightest version to date weighing about 6.5 ounces. This reel offers a ultra-thin MGL III spool with super smooth and quiet retrieve, as well as more durable gearing components to help withstand tough battles with almost any fish. Shimano continues to offer one of the best braking controls in their baitcasting reels on the market. If you are looking for an upgrade, you must seriously consider this one! 

Daiwa ProRex Spinning Reels