(Editor's note: This is part 2 of a 3-part story that covers new bass products unveiled at the recent ICAST industry trade show. To read part 1 of this story, click here.)

Blakemore

Blakemore celebrates the 50th anniversary of its legendary Road Runner this year and is building commemorative Gold Series Road Runners. The special baits feature hand-tied feathers, foil-finished heads, flash accents, and a 14kt gold-plated blade. Each pack includes an entry form to win a fishing trip with Jimmy Houston on his private lake. ($3.00)

  • Blakemore's the original horsey-head company. The Rollin' Thunder, designed with Randy Howell,

    has already been available, but it now comes in blue/chrome/shad. Of particular note is the new Rock'n Runner, which is basically a Rollin' Thunder mounted under a Chatterbait-style blade. ($6.00, BlakemoreLure.com)

    D-A-M

  • Okuma handles this German reel company in the U.S., and D-A-M will re-release its classic Quick spinning reel ($199.99) alongside its new Quick Retro spinning reel ($199.99). (DAMInternamtional.com)

    Daiwa

  • Daiwa led a high-tech charge last year with its Steez baitcaster, but the biggest news from Daiwa this year was its value-packed MegaForce baitcasters. Check it out: For about $60, you get a 7:1 gear ratio and a Twitchin' Bar. A single push of the Twitchin' Bar picks up 7" of line. Five ball bearings plus a roller bearing, a six-point drive train, and high-strength, oversized gearing should deliver solid, smooth performance. Available in both right- and left-handed models. ($59.99).

  • The Steez family has grown with a new model – the Steez 100HA, which is designed for heavier line and power-fishing. With magnesium frames and sideplates, plus Titanium components, the new Steez weighs in at just 5.6 ounces. Available in both right- and left-handed models. ($449.95)

  • The Steez rods lineup also expanded to match the new reel, with three new models: the 8' heavy-action SVF Compile-X flipping stick ($599.95), the 7' medium-heavy SVF Trigger rod ($399.95), and the 7' medium-light spinning model ($399.95). (Daiwa.com)

    Humminbird

  • Like other electronics manufacturers, Humminbird's new model year doesn't coincide with ICAST. It did have a "newer" product on hand, though. Humminbird listened to its customers and completely retooled its Fishin' Buddy. The upgraded version features a new control head with ergonomic clamp-mount design, 9-degree SideFinding transducer, and high-resolution monochrome and color screens. Select models feature a telescopic tube that extends from 24" to 40" for boats with additional freeboard. Runs on six AA batteries. ($99.99–$249.99, Humminbird.com)

    Ima

    Ima's a big name in Japan, and known for its hardbaits, but is just now making a charge into the U.S. market. Ten baits were available last year, but Ima's U.S. pro staff contributed to three new Ima designs.

  • The Flit 120 is a fluttering/darting jerkbait designed by FLW Tour pro (and Purdue fisheries graduate) Michael Murphy.

  • Elite Series pro Fred Roumbanis was an early adherent when Japanese wakebaits first reached the shores of California. He helped Ima design the new Roumba wakebait. Roumbanis noted he's been throwing the prototypes on tour this year.

  • The Shaker was developed with Elite Series pro Bill Smith. He owns Top Pro Shop in Kentucky, and Ima noted he adds a "multi-dimensional perspective to the team." The Shaker's a shallow crank with the "charm" of a balsa crank. Features a magnetized weight system for casting distance and accuracy. Smith also helped develop the Pudgy Shad for warm-water cranking around stumps, points, and rocks. (ImaLures.com)

  • Ima confirmed there's a "diamond-shape" weedless swimbait coming sometime next year. It's still in the R&D stage right now.

    MacDaddy's

  • You probably wouldn't want to fish with it, but it's for a good cause. MacDaddy's has joined the Fishing for A Cure campaign against breast cancer with a solid platinum lure with a ribbon design in pink sapphires. Matching earrings are available, and the hooks can be removed and the lure worn as jewelry. MacDaddy's co-founder Mac McBurney said 10% of the proceeds from the sale of the lure will be donated to fight breast cancer. Copies at lower prices will also be offered. Prices start at $49.95. (MacDaddysFishingLures.com)



    From top: Daiwa MegaForce, Ima Flit 100, Ima Roumba, Mann's Waker Elite Series, Mann's 10" Topwater Snake.

    Mann's

  • Three new products join the HardNose fold this year – the 10" Topwater Snake, 6" Wonder worm, and 9" Ribbontail worm. We saw a video for the Snake in action and notable was it can be worked much slower than a toad, and it looks darn near real. The Wonder worm is versatile – it's a slow-sinker that can be fished weightless, or on a shakey-head. Key for the 9" Ribbontail is that, because it's a HardNose product, you can launch it without fear of the worm sliding down the hook. ($2.99)

  • The C-4 Elite Series crank is a square-billed, heavy-body "crashbait" designed for heavy cover. It comes in the Elite Series pro paint schemes. ($4.99)

  • Notable too is that Mann's has created a wakebait. The Waker Elite Series swims 1" to 3" deep whether you burn it or slow-roll it, and it casts like a bullet. Again, Elite Series paint schemes on this one. ($4.99, MannsBait.com)

    Minn Kota

  • Minn Kota didn't roll out any new bass-specific products this year, although is its new Trim-N-Troll is cool for BassFans who may run big-water boats and dabble in trolling. The Trim-N-Troll is a rear-propulsion system that works in conjunction with the Minn Kota Trim Tabs. It allows control of the boat from the rear, and leaves the front deck open for fishing. Kits, which include Trim Tabs, range in price from $1,689.99 to $2,009.99.

  • Notable too is that Minn Kota's Trim Tabs, which reached market later than expected, are now widely available. (MinnKotaMotors.com)

    Mitchell

  • The new Avocet II Silver and Gold are value-priced spinning reels with a price tag to fit almost any budget. A great option as a first step up from spin-casting. ($19.99–$29.99, FishMitchell.com.

    Mustad

  • Hook master Mustad showed off several new Assist hooks, which are stingers and trailers in various forms that attach to hardbaits. Applications include spoons, spinnerbaits, swimbaits and more. One version – the ARS49 or ARL 49 – is built with wire and a barrel swivel.

  • Elite Series trebles (3/0–No.6) feature an "exclusive hybrid shape."

  • Fans of Mustad's Big Mouth tube hooks will appreciate the new Big Mouth Light Wire Tube Bait hook (5/0, 4/0, 3/0).

  • The new 45-Degree Wide Gap Jig hook has a downturned eye, which Mustad said is prefect for fishing braid in heavy cover. Available in heavy wire (6/0–3/0) and extra fine wire (5/0–2/0). (Mustad.no)

    Mustang Survival

  • New from Mustang, known for its inflatable PFDs, is the MD0450. The vest incorporates LIFT automatic hydrostatic activation and offers 40-pound buoyancy when inflated. The LIFT design helps float a victim's mouth up to 9 inches higher out of the water. The collar is a comfortable neoprene, and the vest is 420-Denier nylon.

  • Also new from Mustang are two new rain pants. The MP4224 is the waist version, and the MP4225 is the bib version. (MustangSurvival.com)

    Nature Vision

  • The maker of the Aqua-Vu introduced a new value-priced underwater camera. Fish TV retails for $99 and the company hopes it'll "introduce a whole new generation of watersport enthusiasts to the learning and enjoyment underwater viewing provides." The system includes a 5" black-and-white monitor with adjustable contrast and brightness, plus sunshield.

  • Nature Vision announced at the show that it had agreed to acquire Illinois-based Fish Hawk Electronics – a company noted for its downrigger display technology, as well as water-, light-, and oxygen-monitoring products. (AquaVu.com)

    Northland

  • Northland showed off its new lineup of Slurpies bass plastics, many designed by Dean Rojas. New shapes include the Ringworm, Swim'n grub, Shaky worm, Baitfish Jiggin' tube, Baitfish Flippin' tube, Dip-Stick worm, Jerk Shad, Brush Beaver, and Jungle Hog ($3.99–$4.50).

  • The Sling-Shot slotted worm weight is a bullet-shaped weight with a simple but effective rubber pegging system ($3.50–$4.99).

  • New is the Jungle Bug finesse jig. Northland also redesigned its Jungle Jig lineup. Notables include a 5/0 Mustad hook, inset line-tie, Buck-Shot rattle claws and realistic skirts. ($3.30, NorthlandTackle.com)

    Okuma

  • A value price point was the aim of Okuma's bass offerings this year, and for $44.99 anglers can get the Virage low-profile baitcaster. Comes with expected standards like brass gears, centrifugal brakes, and a multidisk carbonite drag system. (Note: Han Solo was not harmed in the making of this reel.) For $10 more, Okuma now offers the Tycir low-profile. Comes with the same features as the Virage, but with three ball bearings (vs. 1 for the Virage).

  • Okuma also showed its new value-priced spinning reel – the Avenger. ($39.99–$49.99)

  • Okuma also has a new line of value rods called Aquios with stainless-steel guides and reel seat, a 1-year warranty. ($29.99, OkumaFishing.com)

    Optimum

  • Optimum's new product puts the focus on youth. The Kid's Fishing Starter Kit includes bobber, jighead, sliding sinker, stringer, worm hooks, assorted plastics, and a fishing handbook. ($9.99, (OptimumBaits.com)

    The Mustang MD0450 (top) includes LIFT, which raises the victim's mouth up to 9 inches higher out of the water. Nature Vision's Fish TV is an affordable underwater camera – prices begin at $99.

    OS Coatings

  • This color and dye company displayed its new Superglow Quick-Coat markers, which add glow accents to baits. ($4.15)

  • Three new colors are available for Quick-Coat Lure Dip – blaze orange, hot pink, and purple. ($4.99)

  • Pro-Tec Powder, which can be used and blended to customize jigheads, now comes in new bass colors – watermelon/pepper, watermelon/flake, smoke, junebug-flake, copperhead, rootbeer/flake, and green-pumpkin. ($5.99)

    Outdoor Specialty Products

  • The V-T2 Livewell Ventilator is said to enhance fish survival in a livewell. The company noted: "The V-T2 Livewell Rejuvenation System is the newest addition to the OSP brand of specialty livewell care products (which includes Rejuvenade). Using nature's physical laws of atmospheric diffusion, evaporation, evaporative cooling, and degassing, the V-T2 creates a natural fresh-air exchange between the environment and the livewell to provide a more naturally balanced and fish-healthier livewell environment." Installation can be performed by a do-it-yourselfer or boat technician. (OSP-LLC.com)

    Owner

    Two new Owner hooks are of note for BassFans.

  • The Weighted Twistlock employs the same hook as the 5132 Twistlock, but features a non-moveable weight attached to the shank. The Twistlock keeper-screw is patent-pending because it includes a centering pin for perfect alignment – key when stringing baits like toads and buzz plastics. Comes in 3/0, 4/0 and 5/0. ($6.00)

  • Also new is the Ultrahead Shaky, which features the same Twistlock keeper noted above. It's built with a 30-degree-bend cross-eye hook in black-chrome finish. All hooks are 4/0 and weights range from 1/16- to 1/4-ounce. ($6.00, OwnerHooks.com)

    Pacific Coast Eyewear

  • Pacific Coast is a company with eyes on the fishing market. It made its name in motorcycle eyewear, and offers a full line of polarized sunglasses. (PCSun.com)

    Persuader American

  • Here's an interesting concept. Persuader's new E-Chip Flipping jig uses a patented "E-Chip" on the shank of the hook. Even slight movement causes the E-Chip to generate a small electrical charge, which Persuader said is similar to the charges given off by nervous systems in baitfish. How's it work? The E-Chip is a tiny tube with an internal BB. When the BB strikes the ceramic crystal at either end, it generates an electronic impulse. The chip reportedly never wears out and needs no power source to keep it charged.

  • Also new from Persuader is a topwater called the Popping Walker. (PersuaderAmerican.com)

    Picasso

  • Picasso showed off its new Finesse Spider jig designed by 2006 BassFan Rookie of the Year Jared Lintner. It features a small, cone-shaped head, recessed line tie and big, wide-gap hook. Available in three sizes and eight colors. (PicassoOutdoors.com)

    Pflueger

  • Pflueger's got a new flagship reel – the Patriarch low-profile baitcaster. Two high-speed models will be available – 6.4:1 and 7.1:1 – and both boast of 10 double-shielded stainless-steel ball bearings, centrifugal and magnetic brakes, titanium-sided sideplates, titanium line guide, and more. The reel weighs 8.4 ounces.

  • Pflueger also unveiled a new low-profile baitcaster at a price point below the Patriarch. The Asaro is built with seven double-shielded stainless-steel ball bearings and offers the choice of a wide or standard spool. It has a centrifugal brake system, but lacks the magnetic brakes of the Patriarch. Also new is the Asaro spinning reel.

  • The Supreme XT is Pflueger's new top-end spinning reel. Four models comprise the series with recommended line weights for each (4-, 6-, 8-, and 10-pound). The body and rotor are built of lightweight magnesium, so weights range from 6.5 ounces to 9.6 ounces. Nine stainless-steel ball-bearings are included, as is a carbon drag system. The three larger models are geared at 6.2:1, while the smaller model clocks at 5.2:1.

    From top: Owner Weighted Twistlock hook, Pflueger Patriarch, Plano Guide Series Extreme 1430 waterproof box.

  • For those who prefer the old-school rear drags on their spinning reels, Pflueger will now offer the Trion Rear Drag spinning reel.

  • Pflueger also offered up a new high-performance spincasting reel – the Cetina – with four ball bearings, an aluminum frame, and machined-aluminum front cone. (PfluegerFishing.com)

    Plano

  • In terms of classic-style hard boxes, Plano will offer its new 8613 Magnum Hip Roof Box, with a FlipSider top and three internal, extra-deep trays. Also new is the 8616, which includes three additional internal trays, rather than the FlipSider top.

  • Two new SoftSiders are available – the midsize 3360-30, and the big 22"x10" 3379 with an expansion zipper size for increased storage space.

  • Three new waterproof Guide Series Extreme polycarbonate cases – the 1425, 1430, and 1435 – are meant to store odd-shaped items like cell phones, MP3 players, wallets, and other key items (like keys).

  • The 3758 Guide Series Gear Bag is a new size in the line that includes three utility boxes with a bulky interior to store line, reels and more.

  • Plano said its new 7080 XL ProLatch StowAway is the "world's largest StowAway." It measures 17.5" across by 5" deep. (PlanoMolding.com)

    Power Pro

  • There isn't a new PowerPro line this year, but notable is that boxes of PowerPro will now be sold with the integrated EZ Spool system, which lets you wind line onto a reel straight out of the box. Boxes include arbor tape and a cutter. (PowerPro.com)

    Quantum

  • Two new baitcasters from Quantum are the Code ($89.95) and Burst ($69.95). The Code is an aluminum-frame model with Quantum's ACS II feature, which allows the user to make external centrifugal brake adjustments. Burst, on the other hand, features magnetic brake control. Quantum noted that "Burst is a good choice for those who like tighter control of their budget and spool speed," while Code "does cost a few bucks more, but the payback's higher too, because with its ACS cast control, the centrifugal brakes can be totally turned off for the most daring to really let fly." Both are available in either 7.0:1 or 6.2:1.

  • The Accurist is now available in a 7.0:1 gear ratio.

  • The new flagship spinning reel from Quantum is the Tour Edition series, which the company said is an upgrade from the Energy PT series. Features include 12 polymer-stainless PT bearings, a redesigned line-management system, a lightweight "skeletal" titanium handle, and a third-generation TiMAG III titanium bail. ($239.95)

  • SuperLite rods join the PT family with 18 models. They employ HSX72 hi-strain graphite and are built for specific actions – from dropshots to big swimbaits. There's no foregrip, and the split-handle grip incorporates EVA foam. Guides are American Tackle titanium frames with diamond-polished Nanolite inserts. ($229.95)

  • Energy series rods have been redesigned for a new look and lighter weight, and come with a limited lifetime warranty. ($99.95, QuantumFishing.com)

    – End of part 2 (of 3) –