Smokin’ hot!

This week we're going to talk about some of the new Quantum PT rods and reels. We'll start with the reels and then progress to the rods. I honestly think these are some of the neatest products out this year.

This week we're going to talk about some of the new Quantum PT rods and reels. We'll start with the reels and then progress to the rods. I honestly think these are some of the neatest products out this year.

As a professional angler I want — demand — three things from my fishing reels. They have to be smooth so I can make long, accurate casts; they have to be durable so they'll last a whole season; and, they have to be lightweight so that I can make thousands of casts in a day without wearing myself out.

The new Smoke reels meet all of those requirements. They come with nine PT-grade, stainless/polymer hybrid bearings, a ceramic and carbon fiber drag and EVA knobs on the handle. They're as smooth as silk and they cast a mile.

Given the quality of those components, it should come as no surprise that they last forever. Serious tournament anglers should get several seasons from them. For casual anglers, they may very well last a lifetime.

Smoke reels come in two sizes. The smaller 100 weighs 6.2 ounces. The larger 150 version offers a little more line capacity along with a bigger handle and weighs in at 6.8 ounces. That's feather-light by almost any standard. Each comes in three gear ratios, from low to super high, to meet whatever cranking speed you might need as well as in right- and left-hand retrieves.

The 100 will retail for $200; the 150 for around $220. Both reels should be available by the end of this year.

I demand no less from my rods. The new Quantum PT Smoke rods meet those demands perfectly. They come in four lengths and three actions. The 6-foot, 6-inch model is available in a medium and medium-heavy action, as is the 7-foot version. There's also a 6-foot, 9-inch medium-heavy action model and a 7-foot, 4-inch heavy action model.

All feature micro guides mounted on super-sensitive HSX70 high-strain million modulus graphite blanks, which not only helps keep the weight down but also increases sensitivity.

These rods retail for $130. They'll be available with the reels.

I've taken the time to review these rods and reels in detail because I think they'll help you catch more fish, and that's honestly what I want you to do. They let you cast all day with a quality product that weighs next to nothing. (Depending upon which rod and reel you choose, the entire outfit will weight between 8 and 9 ounces. Compare that with what you're using now.)

And, you can't beat the price. A professional grade outfit can be put together for $350. That's a heck of a deal in this world. If you're in the market for new tackle, give the Quantum PT Smoke rods and reels a close look before you buy anything else.

Remember, it's all about the attitude.