(Editor's note: This is part 3 of a 3-part story on new bass products unveiled at the recent ICAST trade show. Click here for part 1 of this story, or here for part 2.)

Rapala's not slowing down and it'll again unleash an onslaught of new baits aimed at the bass market. Here's a look.

  • The X-Rap Shad combines Rapala's classic

    shad body with "the attitude" of an X-Rap. It suspends, has a feathered tail hook, and a holographic-foil finish. ($6.99–$7.99)

  • The DT Fat is a fat-bodied, square-lip version in the DT series for heavy cover. Also available in SureSet varietal. ($6.99–$7.99)

  • The X-Rap SubWalk is built to walk the dog below the surface. Comes with a feathered SureSet on the rear. ($6.99)

  • The X-Rap Deep series gets a new member – the X-Rap Deep 08. Also notable is that all X-Rap Deeps now come with the option of a feathered SureSet on the rear. ($6.99–$8.99)

  • The Skitter Prop SureSet 07 is an upgrade from the original, as are the new Skitter Pop SureSet 05 and 07, and and Skitter Walk SureSet 08 and 11. Each gets a feathered SureSet on the rear, plus new colors. ($6.99)

  • The Twitchin' Rap 08 gets three new colors – chrome, gold chrome, and pearlescent purple. ($5.99, Rapala.com)

    Raptor

  • A unique product from Raptor is the RaptorFin. It attaches to the top of a trolling motor and helps prevent cavitation while shallow-running. The company added that the vertical fin "drastically" improves fishing and stabilizes the bow in heavy chop.

  • RaptorCaps clip on the top of electronics and act as a sunshield. (RaptorFishing.com)

    RattleHead Baits

  • This is a new company dedicated to spinnerbaits, buzzbait, and jigs. Its focus product this year is the RattleHead spinnerbait that incorporates a rattling hook assembly. The hook's moveable, and enclosed in a brass rattle chamber within the head of the bait. Winding the bait gets the whole system moving and grooving. Available in a selection of colors and sizes. (RattleHeadBaits.com)

    ReelGrip

  • The original Reel Grip has been redesigned with a new no-slip ring. Glow colors are also available.

  • The company noted that a RodGrip product is "coming soon." (ReelGrip.com)

    Shakespeare

  • Shakespeare continues to position itself as a company that wants to provide durable, reliable products at a price anglers can afford. Its new Synergy Ultimate spincast reel series is billed as "the ultimate in spincast performance." The reels include three ball bearings, a lightweight aluminum frame, a free-floating multi-disc drag system, plus a titanium line guide and pickup pins.

  • In keeping with its mission, Shakespeare's new Intrepid Front Drag spinning reel "has the features and smooth operation of reels twice the price." Features three ball bearings, machined aluminum spool, and more.

  • Several new Disney-theme youth fishing products will be available with Princess, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Cars licenses.

    Shimano

    Once again, Shimano won the ICAST Best of Show award for reels. This year, its Stradic F1 spinning reel won the freshwater category. Of particular note is that Shimano actually upgraded its entire spinning reel line. These beefed-up reels are the result of a 3-year project. Shimano reel manager Jeremy Sweet said the project identified three critical targets – gear durability, line management, and casting performance. The entire focus of the 3-year project was to improve performance in all three categories in all Shimano spinning reels.

    In terms of gear durability, Shimano applied what it calls Paladin gear enhancement. That means the reels get a cold-forged, aluminum drive gear, and a hardened brass pinion gear. In regular language, the result is reportedly a gear system that retains "out of box smoothness" for years.

    The new "Line Propulsion Management System" utilizes five different components, including a beveled spool lip which is said to make a huge difference in casting distance. Other features include one-piece bail wire, Power Roller III line roller, Aero Wrap II oscillation system, and an S-Arm cam that keeps the line in contact with the bail during slack-line presentations like jigging and dropshotting.



    Clockwise from top left: Shimano Core, Shimano Saros, Spro K-Finesse jig, Spiderwire Ultracast Invisi-Braid, Storm WiggleWart Madflash, Spro Little John, The Longshank.

  • The above-noted enhancements are found on the Sustain, Stella, Stradic, Stradic MG, and new Saros spinning reels.

  • The Core is a new baitcast series designed specifically for fishing jigs, worms and other slack-line techniques. The frame and sideplate incorporate magnesium, which means the reels are feather-light. The Core 100MG (6.2:1) weighs in at 6.1 ounces, and the Core 100 MGFV (a flipping version geared at 7.0:1) settles in at 6.7 ounces. Shimano made the thumb-rest as small as possible – both to lighten the weight and allow more thumb access to the spool. The MGFV also includes an Instagage flipping bar.

  • The new Cumara bass rods are designed primarily for bottom-bouncing techniques. They're built with IM-10 blanks, and the perfect pairing is the new Core reel noted above. The line includes four 6'8" and four 7'2" casting models, plus three 6'8" and three 7'2" spinning models. (Shimano.com)

    Snag Proof

  • Surprisingly, Snag Proof didn't unleash a new frog this year. Instead, it unveiled its new Bass Grabber jig built with a Gamakatsu Extra Wide Gap Double hook (i.e. frog hook). Features a split weedguard to protect both hook points, and a wire trailer-keeper. Comes in 3/8- and 1/2-ounce sizes and six colors.

  • Also new from Snag Proof are Frog rods. The sticks are the combined effort of Snag Proof, Mark Rizk, and BassMedics (2iG UltraStrike). (SnagProof.com)

    Southern Outdoors

  • The flagship product of this brand new company is the Longshank spinnerbait and buzzbait. The crux of the idea is the baits are built with an extended (longshank) hook that reaches back to the end of the skirt. The company said this eliminates the need for a trailer hook. It's a cool concept and several different colors and blade combos are available. ($6.99, TheLongshank.com)

    Spro

    Spro unveiled a locker's worth of highly anticipated baits.

  • The Little John flat crank was developed by pro John Crews, who said he had a free hand to put everything into the crank that he wanted. It has a circuit-board lip – a feature usually found on $20.00 custom-made baits. That makes the lip virtually indestructible, and Spro said it dives more quickly too. The rear hook-eye is horizontal, rather than vertical, so the hooks tangle less on the cast. And it uses a soft-tungsten, internal weight-transfer system. That means two things. One, it casts like a rocket. Two, the soft tungsten creates a more subdued sound, compared to traditional rattles.

  • The K-Finesse jig is the long-awaited jig from Gary Klein. The premise here is that, because of the relationship between Spro and Gamakatsu, Klein was able to design the jig in reverse. He developed a new hook, which he thinks is perfect, then built the jig around it. Traditionally, the method has been to develop a jig, then find an existing hook to match it. The K-Finesse is available in a dressed version, or plain (the K-Head).

  • Swimbait Techniques is the video teaching tool created by big-bait guru Bill Siemantel and Hollywood producers Last Cast Media. It packs 20 years of swimbait knowledge onto a single DVD, with interactive menus and more. ($29.95)

  • Other new Spro products include the: Hydro-Pop60 topwater designed by Dean Rojas, Super Star Spinnerbait designed by O.T. Fears, and Power Ball Bearing Swivels with two welded rings.

  • Also notable are two new bait sizes: the BronzEye Frog Jr. and ArukuShad 85. (Spro.com)

    Southern Lure Co.

  • To follow up on last year's new Bigfoot frog, Southern Lure Co. will release a downsized version called the Little Bigfoot. It's available in eight colors and comes with a 4/0 double Owner hook. (ScumFrog.com)

    Spiderwire

  • Sister company Berkley gave FireLine the low-vis treatment last year. This year, it's Spiderwire's Ultracast Invisi-Braid that pulls the disappearing act. It's spun with the same Dyneema GPS fiber braid as regular Ultracast, but with all the benefits of low-vis. Killer potential for topwater. ($19.99–$24.99, Spiderwire.com)

    StandOut

  • The black-nickel bass StandOut has two new sizes – 1 and 1/0 ($3.75, StandOutHooks.com)

    Clockwise from top left: Stren Microfuse, Sworming Hornet Slingblade Flutter, Tru-Tungsten Impregnated Plastics, Strike King Coffee Tubes, Strike King Rage Craw, Tru-Tungsten Tru-Life swimbait.

    St. Croix

  • St. Croix didn't introduce any brand new bass products, but two rod series did get a makeover. The Legend Tournament Bass rods now feature a split grip, and the Avid rods were tweaked to "deliver more consistent one- and two-piece actions and power ratings across the entire line." Avids now feature Fuji Alconite guides with black frames, Fuji ECS, TCS or SKM reel seats, carbon-pearl blank color, and select-grade cork. (StCroixRods.com)

    Storm

  • Blade/hardbait hybrids are one of the fastest-growing lure categories right now, and Storm's offering there is the Spin Tail Shad. Two new sizes will be available this year – the 06 and 09. ($9.99)

  • The ThunderCore Raz'r Back 06 has the same look and feel as the existing Raz'r Back, but with an internal skeleton. This swimbait-style lure comes with an internal rattle chamber and long-cast weight-transfer system. ($4.99)

  • Storm's new WildEye Seeker Shad 08 is a big-boy swimbait that packs a curlytail and internal rattle chamber. ($3.99)

  • Storm said its new WiggleWart Madflash crank "sports the infamous side-to-side action and 'Wart' rattle," but features "flashy new" colors, including three glow-in-the-dark patterns. Comes with red VMC Barbarian hooks. ($4.99)

  • The new Big Bass 04 and 06 cranks run at 4 and 6 feet respectively, with a subtle wobble and loud rattle. They come with a red VMC Barbarian in front, and a VMC SureSet on the rear. ($5.49, StormLures.com)

    Stren

  • Stren' s fluorocarbon offering is the new 100% fluorocarbon with the classic Stren blue tint.

  • According to Stren, Microfuse (made with braided Dyneema P.E. microfibers) is the first superline with a fluorescent glow above the water, and low visibility underwater. The blue color is UV-activated to fluoresce on sunny and cloudy days, and is also great for night-fishing. ($18.99)

  • A red color is now available as Blood Red mono. ($6.99, Stren.com)

    Strike King

  • A big focal point for Strike King's new-product effort is the new Rage Tail series. This unique and exclusive tail design creates pretty awesome noise and splash. The Rage Shad and Rage Toad rip apart the water surface, even on a slow retrieve. The Rage Chunk and Rage Craw achieve the same effect on the drop. Pretty cool.

  • A definite head-turner was Strike King's new Coffee Tubes. An angler found out that coffee attracts fish like crazy and encourages them to hold the bait longer. He then brought the thought to Strike King. The company said the coffee scent also masks human scent, which is another plus. Coffee Tubes come in 3 1/2" and 4 1/2" sizes and 12 colors.

  • Strike King's performance brand, Tour Grade, gets three new products this year – the Tour Grade Shaky Head (1/16- to 1/8-ounce) and Tour Grade Football Shaky Head (1/8- to 3/8-ounce). They're built with a 60-degree flat-eye Gamakatsu hook and a special barb to help the plastics stand up. Also new is the Tour Grade Football Jig, built for deep-water fishing. Includes a flat-eye line-tie and Gamakatsu 60-degree Round Bend hook. Also of note is the powder-coated head, color-matched weedguard, and premium skirt. (StrikeKing.com)

    Sufix

  • Sufix introduced its Performance braid 18 months ago. New this year is the Fluorescent Neon Fire Performance braid, geared toward night-fishing with a black light.

  • Sufix Elite and Siege also get a new color in Camo. (SufixFishing.com)

    Sworming Hornet

  • BassFans are already acquainted with the Fish Head Spin, and they'd seen a prototype photo of the Drop Shot Fish Head ($5.70), but the Drop Shot was on display at ICAST, as were the new Fish Head Shaker (with a crankbait-style lip jutting out above the head), and Slingblade Flutter (with a bare weight at the head along with a plastic keeper). ($4.90, SwormingHornetLures.com)

    Tifosi

  • This company seems to be a new player in the fishing market. Its polarized Fototec lenses change tint based on the strength of UV rays in about 12 seconds. Two models – the Strada and Ventoux – are being marketed toward fishermen. (TifosiOptics.com)

    Triple Fish

  • The only new bass-applicable product from Triple Fish is the new Red Line co-polymer. The company said the new line is soft, subtle, and ultra-castable. (TripleFIsh.net)

    Tru-Tungsten

  • Tru-Tungsten unveiled its long-anticipated Tru-Life swimbaits, developed by Ish Monroe and Matt Newman. These babies come in two sizes – 7" and 8.5" – and four colors. Two features are key. One is the unique joint system that gives it a killer action. Two is the quick weight adjustment, where metal balls can be inserted or removed to adjust running depth.

  • Also new from Tru-Tungsten are Impregnated Plastics. These hand-poured plastics house tungsten powder that's poured right into the plastic. The location of the powder affects how a bait behaves. For example, the Stinger worm is front-weighted, so the tail always sticks up. The Reverse Stinger is rear-weighted and achieves the opposite effect. Same goes for the Dart and Reverse Dart finesse worms. Each bait is available in 1/32-, 1/16- and 1/8-ounce versions. (Tru-Tungsten.com)

    U.S. Reel

  • The newest offering from U.S. Reel is the SuperCaster180. It's built with many of the defining SuperCaster features and the company described it as a 4000 size spinning reel with 50% less weight. Its 1.8" wide spool can handle a wide range of line sizes, including braid and other superlines. (USReel.com)

    From top: XCalibur Xrk75 One Knocker, Z-Man Chatterfrog, Yum Big Show craw, Deluxe XTools kit.

    Vertical Lures

  • The new JigX from vertical brags of "100% knot protection." The line is tied behind the head of the jig, and the knot slips up into the head. It's a little tough to tie at first, but gets much easier. Available in flipping and football styles. ($3.99)

  • The ChunkX is a trailer with a "unique head design" that allows a weedguard to collapse without obstruction. ($3.49)

  • The ChunkX Sling is a slip-on rattling rubber trailer-keeper that keeps the trailer in position, and slides back into place after being pulled. ($1.49)

  • The TubeX is a hybrid tube/creature. The company said the bait's "90-degree Quad Legs have more surface area than any other jig trailer on the market." ($4.19, VerticalLures.com)

    Vicious Fishing

  • Vicious announced two new licensees just prior to the show. The first is Ultimate Bait, which will market existing and new products under the Vicious label. Per the agreement, Ultimate will launch as Vicious-exclusives new lures designed by Russ Lane, like the Big Daddy craw. In addition to Lane's craw, other baits in the pipeline include the Pollywogg toad, the Limit-Ator ringworm, the Sheister curlytail worm, the Shakin PT shakey worm, the Trickster swimbait, and the Slammin Liz lizard.

  • Alabama-based AES Optics has also joined the Vicious umbrella. Said Vicious Fishing owner Jeff Martin: "When entering the eyeglass market, we had to be sure that we partnered with a reputable company that worried about quality and price equally, and no doubt AES is that company. With over 20 years in the sunglass and accessory market, AES gets it." Vicious-branded AES Optics for anglers will be available soon at retailers nationwide. (Vicious-Fishing.com, AESOutdoors.com)

    Wave Worms

  • The Tiki Shadick is now available in a jumbo 9" version.

  • Those who fish the Tiki Monkey should note a new upsized version – the 5" Tiki Gorilla. Like the Monkey, it's got six legs.

  • Two other upsizes were unveiled as well. The Tiki Lobster is a bigger Crawdude, and the Anaconda is a 7" version of the Snake. (WaveFishing.com)

    XCalibur

  • One of the more sought-after baits by pros is the old Cotton Cordell Spot with just a single ball inside it. It's called the One-Knocker Spot, and this year, XCalibur will release its new XCalibur Xrk75 One Knocker. The single-forged tungsten/lead ball is a little louder, and less subject to wear than the ball in the classic One-Knocker. The bait's exterior is the same as the Xr50 rattlebait, except larger – it weighs 3/4-ounce. It's identifiable by the shad dot on the tail. ($9.99).

  • The Xr75 is similar to the One Knocker, but with more rattles. Again, it's a larger version of the Xr50.

    XTools

  • XTools has upgraded several of its tools to create a new flagship line called the Pro X Series. New Pro-X tools include the Floating Metal Pliers, Hybrid X Floating Needlenose Pliers, Hybrid X Floating Pliers, , and X Cutter with tungsten-carbide cutters.

  • Rod Xracks are vinyl-coated racks that hold 11 rods and reels.

  • Bait Xnets are floating, corrosion resistant nets for baitwells.

  • XTools also unveiled a new line of floating mechanic's tools called Deluxe XTools. Available singly or in kits, items include nutdrivers, screwdrivers, prop-wrenches, and crescent wrenches. (XTools.us)

    Yum

  • There was a substantial buzz surrounding Yum at the show – in particular, its new Big Show line of plastics designed by namesake Terry "Big Show" Scroggins. Yum's signing of Scroggins after last season was one of the bigger off-season sponsor moves, and these baits are the initial payoff. The new line includes the following shapes: Big Show craw ($4.49) and Big Show PaddleWorm ($5.49). More are on the way.

  • The Doozee is the body of a tubebait in the length of a worm (6" and 8"). It's touted as a killer tool for Great Lakes smallmouths, and for flipping grass. ($4.49)

  • Several new colors are available for the Craw Papi, Wooly Bug, and Boogie Tail. (Lurenet.com)

    Zebco

  • Zebco and sister company Quantum combined to create the new AVS v1.0 and v2.0 Advanced Youth System. These products service two age ranges (6–10 and 9–14) with "a solid choice of high-quality, high-performance tackle." The rods, which are IM7 graphite with lighweight Thin-D guides, are sized specifically for age. Each rod is paired with an appropriate reel. Quantum also noted: "Both version of the new AVS gear look as great as they perform, giving young anglers pride in ownership and a lesson is responsible tackle care." ($29.99–$59.99)

  • Zebco's other new offering is the Hawg Seeker with electronic bite alert, which senses a bite and notifies you with an alarm and flashing light. Both a spincaster ($29.99) and spinning reel ($39.99) are available. Might be a good option for those who like to set rods at night. (Zebco.com)

    Z-Man

  • This is the company that now oversees RAD Lures – inventor of the Chatterbait – as well as ElazTech and EZSkirt. This year, the original Chatterbait line expands with new offerings. Keep an eye on the 1/4-ounce Chatterbait Mini, 1/8-ounce Chatterbait Micro, 3/8-ounce Chatterbait SilaFlash (with a new patent-pending SilaFlash skirt), and 3/8-ounce Chatterfrog. Note that the Chatterfrog is lead-free and a package includes both an ElazTech webfoot and paddlefoot trailer. Also new is the 3/16-ounce Chatterfrog Micro. (ZManFishing.com)

    Much of the tackle referenced above will soon be available at the BassFan Store. To browse the selection, click here.