The 2013 Bassmaster Classic Expo presented by Dick's Sporting Goods proved a boon to all in attendance. Exhibitors ran low on supplies of baits and tackle as crowds packed the halls all three days of the event. The Classic Expo is fast becoming a place for manufacturers to roll out new gear for the upcoming year. Here's a sample of the goods from the 2013 show.
The new Abu Garcia Revo MGX Extreme is described as a souped-up version of their highly popular MGX. It weighs a scant 4.9 ounces — the lightest low profile reel in the world they say — and comes with upgraded bearings and gears as well as a newly designed spool for ultimate casting performance.
Academy Sports + Outdoors
The new Mystic reel from H2O Express is a lightweight reel (5.8 ounces) that features many high-quality features, both in its design and in the quality of its component parts. The new Mystic reels are available in baitcasting and open-faced spinning models.
Rapala Scatter Rap
Much buzz has been surrounding the Scatter Rap, due mostly in part to its innovative action. While you may have one or two crankbaits that "hunt" or act erratically on the retrieve, every Scatter Rap has a built-in side-to-side action that Rapala calls evasive action. All of this is done with no tuning required. Plus, sticky-sharp VMC hooks come standard. www.rapala.com
Academy Sports + Outdoors
This new line of H2O Express Ethos Microguide Baitcasting Rods is on the market. They’re offered in a wide variety of lengths and actions.
ATX Wheels
This maker of custom, aftermarket wheels has a long list of new styles and models which will make your ride look and perform its best. Shown here is the new ATX Shackle Wheel. It’s offered in 17-, 18- and 20-inch sizes. It’ll fit most trucks, including the Toyota Tundra, and SUVs.
Baitanator
This self-baiting hook is new to the fishing scene. Although initially designed for catfish the company says it’ll work for any species, and they point out that with this product you’ll never wonder again if your hook’s baited.
Tracker Marine
The new Tracker Pro 160 features a mod V hull designed aliminum boat with a custom trailer. (There’s also a Pro 170 model.) You can buy a fully rigged 160, complete with a Mercury FourStroke outboard, Lowrance electronics, Minn Kota trolling motor and fully aerated livewell for $8, 595.
Carhartt Force
A sweat-wicking, stain-fighting fabric — shirts are being expanded to include several new styles for both men and women. There are flame-resistant and high-visibility fabrics available, too.
Castaway
Their new Skeleton Extreme XDD rod — 7 foot, 6 inches, medium-heavy — is built especially for big, heavy deep-diving plugs. The Strike King 10XD was used as the bait of choice during product design and production.
Dyna-Tek
New for 2013, Dyna-Tek is offering what they say is the first consumer applied non-stick coating. According to the company, the formula they use provides an easy-to-apply non-stick, anti-friction coating to your rod, guides, line and reel spool cutting friction by over 50 percent and increasing sensitivity to your equipment and tackle.
Edge Rods
These Gary Loomis rods are now available for bass specialists. The line features three crankbait rods, one drop shot rod, two flipping sticks, one general purpose rod and two swimbaits models.
Evan Williams
Evan Williams is introducing a new bourbon called Cinnamon Reserve. It’s a Kentucky straight bourbon whisky with all natural cinnamon flavors. It’s most often consumed straight, on the rocks, with Coke or with Dr. Pepper.
Fishidy.com
This Internet map service shows anglers maps of their favorite lakes along with hot spots, local fishing tips, weather information, a fishing log and much more. There’s also a free app for your portable Internet connected device.
Hitch Huggee
This company makes a soft cover for the drawbar on your truck or tow vehicle. It comes in three sizes and will save your shin if you walk into the drawbar.
Humminbird
The 360 Imagining is a backwards compatible transducer that’ll allow any compatible Humminbird unit to show you what’s in front of the boat and to the side of the boat — up to 150 feet in every direction — as well as what’s under the boat.
Jack-It Products
A relative newcomer to the scene, Jack-It Products, LLC, is offering two new crankbaits this year. The first, the Hydronic, pulls through the water with less resistance and it’ll remain stable at high speeds. The second, the Predator, rolls as it comes to the end of its wide wobble creating a most unique action. www.jackitproducts.com
Jewel Bait Co.
This jig maker has gone back to what they call the old days with their Old School Skirts. They have no sheen to them and no flake or other fancy coating, just a flat, rubber look. They are made of silicone, however, so they won’t ball-up, twist or tangle. They’re available on all of their football heads and all of their finesse heads or can be purchased as add-ons for other heads. www.jewelbait.com
Kistler Rods
This company has introduced their new KLX micro Fishing Rods for 2013. According to Kistler these rods are American made, feature high-end components and are affordable. They are available in both casting and spinning models. www.kistlerrods.com
Lane Brothers Outdoor Gear
This new company — owned and operated by the Chris, Bobby, Arnie and Kellie — is offering a collection of clothing for the outdoorsman and woman. Lines include hats, shirts, jackets and accessories. www.lb3outdoors.com
Mustang Survival
This new line of entry-level inflatable PFDs features membrane inflatable technology and offers 26 pounds of buoyancy. They’re offered in several colors and in manual or automatic plus manual inflatable models. www.mustangsurvival.com
Mystery Tackle Box
This company, new to the fishing scene, offers anglers a chance to sign-up over the Internet for a monthly shipment of “mystery” tackle. According to the company you’ll always receive more tackle than you pay for. A variety of payment options are available. www.mysterytacklebox.com
Outdoor Recreation Company of America (ORCA)
This Franklin, Tenn., company opened its doors in September of 2012. They make premium, American made coolers designed for anglers, hunters and other outdoorsmen and women. www.outdoorrecreationcompanyofamerica.com
Ranger Boats
For 2013 Ranger has introduced two new aluminum boat lines, the Tournament Series and the Apache Series. The tournament Series is designed for tournament fishing while the Apache Series is a multi-purpose line for utility work on the water, waterfowl hunting and multi-species fishing. Ranger also has a new Z Comanche 520C model that is built on their highly popular 520 platform. www.rangerboats.com
Ranger Boats
For 2013 Ranger has introduced two new aluminum boat lines, the Tournament Series and the Apache Series. The tournament Series is designed for tournament fishing while the Apache Series is a multi-purpose line for utility work on the water, waterfowl hunting and multi-species fishing. Ranger also has a new Z Comanche 520C model that is built on their highly popular 520 platform. www.rangerboats.com
Razr Rods
Razr has introduced their Platinum Edge Series for 2013. The American made line of rods includes four casting models and three spinning models. According to the company the rods are light, strong and extremely sensitive.www.razrrods.com
Reel Girls Fish
Reel Girls Fish has introduced a new line of polo shirts to add to their already extensive line of products for female angleers. The new polo shirts are vented for circulation and dry very well. www.reelgirlsfish.net
Smithwick Lure Company
The new Perfect 10 Rogue will be here shortly. It’ll dive deep — 8-10 feet on 10-pound-test line — and is designed for long, accurate casts. www.smithwicklures.com
Star brite
Star brite’s new fuel additive is an all-in-one product. It’ll stabilize your fuel for up to two years, clean your fuel system, remove carbon deposits and help your motor deal with the problems associated with ethanol. www.starbrite.com
Toyota
Their new Tundra, made in San Antonio, Texas, features a refreshed exterior, a refreshed interior and is available with three different engine sizes, three different cab sizes and three different bed sizes as well as four-wheel and two-wheel drive configurations. With a 10,400 pound towing capacity it’ll handle any bass boat available today. www.toyota.com
Vertical Lures
The Ultimate Creature Bait is new for 2013. Its solid head keeps the bait moving forward on its descent and its legs are designed for massive flair when the bait stops. It’s also salt and garlic impregnated. www.verticallures.com
Wiley X
Three new models of the Wiley X Black Ops collection of sunglasses are shown here. All the glasses in that collection meet military ballistic standards and are available with prescription lenses. Nearly all are available with polarized lenses. www.wileyx.com
Yamaha
The new 2.8L Four-Stroke VF150 V MAX SHO® model weighs in at 480 pounds and according to a company representative offers advantages over similar two-stroke models which include no oil mix, less smell and less vibration. www.yamaha.com
Yo-Zuri
Yo-Zuri has two new big bass baits to offer anglers this year. The first is a large, noisy popper, the Sashimi 3D Popper, and the other is a large, walking-type bait, the Sashimi 3D Pencil. Both come in a variety of colors, some of which change colors when the angle of view is changed. www.yo-zuri.com
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