Each year at this time, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) hosts the largest trade show in the industry. It’s called ICAST, which is an acronym for International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades.
The event runs four days at the Orange County Convention Center, just outside of Orlando, Fla. Among its many patrons are manufacturers, sales reps, angling celebrities, media and of course, the buyers. It’s a huge event that attracts enthusiasts from around the world.
New products are the focus and, trust me, there are plenty to see.
That said, I would like to share those I feel are standouts in design and application — products that I know will help you catch more fish or at least make the experience much more rewarding.
Shimano in style
Playing off the success of the Zumverno 115 suspending jerkbait, Shimano is introducing a slightly downsized version — the Zumverno 95SP. I’ve had a chance to experiment with this new lure and, believe me, it will be an absolute player for all species of black bass.
It descends to its max running depth in just a few turns for the reel handle, and it darts from side to side consistently throughout the retrieve.
Designed to reach a depth of approximately 6 feet, the lure features Shimano’s FLASH BOOST, SCALE BOOST and JET BOOST technologies, which offer unmatched castability and reflectivity with a pulsing, internal Mylar strip that continuously flickers, even when the lure is at rest.
It’s as if it has a heartbeat!
Available in 12 attractive finishes, the new Zumverno measures 95 millimeters (3.74 inches) in length and sports three sets of sticky-sharp trebles. Watch for them to hit retail outlets by late summer.
Shimano take two
Building on the Curado DC’s legacy of durability, dependability and all around versatility, the updated Curado DC 150 A features enhanced IDC4 technology for even greater casting control. Shimano’s proprietary digital control braking system utilizes an internal microcomputer to monitor spool speed, up to 1,000 times per second — applying the optimal amount of braking to reduce backlash issues, while maximizing casting distance.
The new reel is built on Shimano’s rugged Hagane body — a rigid metal structure engineered to eliminate flex while protecting internal gearing under heavy load. The Curado DC 150 A can handle any bass fishing scenario, from open water finesse to power fishing in ultra-thick cover.
This new generation reel incorporates an MGL III spool, which provides more versatility, especially when it comes to throwing lighter lures. And there’s more than enough line capacity, regardless of whether you’re using mono, fluoro or braid.
The IDC4 digital braking system works in four modes. Mode 1 assures maximum casting distance. Mode 2 optimizes braid or mono performance. Mode 3 is for fluorocarbon, and Mode 4 offers controlled braking for skipping or casting into stiff winds. The reel also employs Shimano’s exclusive cross-carbon drag system for smoother, more consistent performance under pressure.
The Curado DC 150 A will be available in three gear ratios: MG (6.2:1), HG (7.4:1) and XG (8.5:1). Watch for them to hit the shelves later this summer.
Hildebrandt shines anew
The company whose spinner blades set the standard more than 125 years ago, introduces an all new and exclusive silver-plated blade finish. Not to be confused with nickel or chrome, this new pure silver HB finish reflects a much brighter, whiter and more distinctive flash, particularly where it counts most … and that’s underwater.
In fact, silver has the highest optical reflectivity of all metals in the visible spectrum!
Having been in the works for several years, Hildebrandt will now apply the new finish to its premium blades in all sizes and shapes, to include numerous catalog lures.
Having set the bar so many decades ago with its thick, heavily plated nickel, copper and gold blades, this new HB silver finish will only add to Hildebrandt’s legacy of quality and consistency. Expect a release to retailers and mail-order houses this summer.
Yamamoto in lockstep
Keeping pace with the fuzz bait craze, Yamamoto expands its product line to include the new Uni Mas — a 20 mm soft plastic, round body lure featuring 24 extremities with bulbous ends, all designed to dance enticingly as the lure travels through the water column.
Made of ultra-durable TPE material, the Uni Mas will withstand even the most vicious strikes, fish after fish. The proprietary, high-density plastic stretches without braking, ensuring each of the body’s appendages maintain their shape to displace more water. That, in turn, creates a stronger subsurface disturbance that big bass will feel.
Whether the lure is twitched slowly with finesse or snatched more aggressively, it will deliver a consistent undulating action, regardless of water density or temperature.
With 10 proven colors to choose from, there’s an Uni Mas perfect for any situation and subspecies of black bass. Target retail price is $19.99 each. Watch for them to land this fall. Until then, here’s more.
Anglers Resource in the mix
Exclusive distributors for Fuji Rod Components in North and South America, Anglers Resource also represents Toit Angling Tools. Among their latest offerings are Toit’s AL Split Ring Pliers.
Unlike other split ring pliers, these feature a unique jaw design that safely opens all types of split rings, quickly and efficiently.
The kit includes nine stainless steel 60HRC interchangeable heads, capable of opening split rings ranging in sizes #00 to #12. The dual-action design enables you to open small split rings easily with the added range for larger rings. Simply turn the pliers and they will expand the ring further without damage.
Toit’s CNC-machined construction uses high-grade T6 aluminum and stainless steel, resulting in a tool that feels sturdy, balanced and capable of lasting a lifetime. The Cerakoted aluminum handles improve corrosion resistance, durability and hardness, and are UV stable with both chemical resistance and thermal stability.
In simpler terms, they are built to last!
Toit AL Split Ring Pliers are available in four attractive finishes with kits retailing at $169. Well worth the money, considering they can provide a lifetime of service in both fresh and saltwater. Learn more at Anglers Resource.
New threads
For those of you who build your own rods, Fuji has added two new colors to their line of Ultra Poly Prisma Thread. Included are Tidal Teal and Pelagic Pink.
Made from specialized polyester fibers, the high-grade thread provides superior UV fade and abrasion resistance, while offering a striking color-shifting metallic effect. The polyester fibers capture white light, then reflect a spectrum of vibrant, prismatic colors within controlled tones. They are particularly effective when incorporated in Dragon Scale and Tiger wrap finishes.
Like standard Fuji Ultra Poly NOCP threads, Prisma polyester fibers maintain their exact vibrancy when finished with epoxy, eliminating the need for a color preservative. Polyester also handles harsh outdoor and marine environments, resisting saltwater and scorching sun better than traditional nylon.
Suggested retail is $11.98 per 100-meter spool and are available through Anglers Resource and numerous rod-building suppliers.
