New products are normally unveiled at ICAST to retailers only, but this year at the 2015 Bassmasters Classic there were several exciting new products out for consumers to see firsthand!
The biggest buzz at the Expo was the Rapala’s Shadow Rap jerk bait. It’s supposed to mimic a wounded minnow to the tee. Rapala claims to have perfected the natural minnow action triggering fish in three ways: on the kick, on a slow fading fall, and the snap back to life. Watching this in the tank was really cool, when it is jerked to “kick”, it does a 180. I can’t wait to try one of these out on hungry bass. The Shadow Rap will retail for $9.99 with a variety of colors available.
Gary Dobyns, of Dobyns Rod Company, unveiled his newest line of rods, the Fury series. Ten Models will be available in May and retail at $109.99. Gary Dobyns said, “Dealers have asked for a lower price point rod for years, and we have finally developed one. There are a couple of 7’ spinning rods, crankbait rod, flipping stick…” He also said, “We also have a new swimbait rod.” Gary explained, “I have finally been able to come up with a price point rod that is good enough for me to put my name on. It is awesome material; a lot of 30 ton material in it, Fuji reel seat, and great guides. Our dealers have received this rod very well. We just announced it here at the Classic, but are already sitting on a pile of orders from our dealers.” Available models will be: 702SF, 703SF, 663C, 703C, 704C, 733C, 734C, 735C, 705CB, 795 SB and 765Flip casting models.
Strike King Lure Company introduced the KVD 8XD crankbait. The XD series have proven to be worth every dime to anglers across the country. Kevin Van Dam said, “The all-new 8XD is the perfect choice for times when fish are in the 15 to 22 foot ranges. This is the crankbait we have all been dreaming of.” Mark Copley of Strike King said, “The crankbait weighs in at 1.3 ounces and will be coming in 23 pro-selected colors; the 8XD is available now in many tackle retailers.”
I found many new items that peaked my interest, but can only highlight a few –
Raymarine Wi-Fish is a screenless sonar that connects to your smartphone for a wireless CHIRP down vision sonar that stays connected to your smartphone. It retails for $199.00.
Carhartt introduced their new Shoreline Vapor rain suit. It features a nylon shell protected by the Storm Defender and Rain Defender technologies. Storm flaps on the zippers make sure you stay dry in a breathable suit. The entire suit retails for $230.00.
Abu Garcia introduced their Orra Power spinning reel. It has a wider spool and a 5:8:1 gear ratio. The reel retails for $99.95.
Minn Kota introduced their new Talon in camo. It comes in both 10 and 12 foot sizes and retails for $2049.99.
HUK had their new camo performance wear at the classic. The material pulls moisture from the body and the vents in the back keep body temperature regulated. The shirt retails for $44.99.
Check out the websites of the company and their new products. There are some really cool things out there. One of the coolest, I saw at the Classic, was E2 Pecans. Edwin Evers, in the off-season, runs a pecan business. Order some E2 pecans and while enjoying them, surf the Internet and check out all the new products unveiled at the 2015 Bassmaster Classic.
Betsy Steele
