ICAST takes place in Las Vegas this week and soon all the gear talk will be about stuff that's unveiled there. Before that occurs, I want to give props to some products I've used over the past year or so and found to my liking.
Some of these products were sent to me as review samples, some I purchased myself and some were owned by people I've fished with. Some are produced by sponsors of this site and others are made by companies that have no affiliation with BassFan.
I'll make this real simple – I'll just briefly point what I like about each product and then move on to the next one. Here goes.
The Bac Rac keeps a co-anglers rods away from the center of the boat and in a place where he or she can easily access them.
Bac Rac Co-Angler Rod Storage System
Not many products are designed for specifically for back-seaters. This one is, and it's a gem.
It works on most boats – the exception being those with a rear hatch that extends all the way across the back deck. It installs in seconds and not only organizes the co-anglers' sticks into an easy-to-access alignment, but also keeps them completely away from the center of the boat, which is often the hub of activity during a day on the water – whether it's competitive or recreational.
There are four rod slots, but you can get them to hold eight rods with a little bit of resourceful arrangement.
White Night Rear Lighting System
I get a little nervous whenever I throw the transmission on my truck into "R," whether or not it's nighttime and whether or not I'm towing a trailer. This thing provides great peace of mind for towing and launching a boat in the pre- or post-daylight hours.
It puts off a whopping 130,000 candle power of light, which dramatically changes the view out the rear window as you're backing down the ramp. Best of all, it's a great value for the service it provides and is easy to install.
Dobyns Champion Series Swimbait Rod
A really big, one-piece stick at 7'9", but incredibly light and easy to handle. It's no problem to make cast after cast with this thing, and it also doubles as a good large-topwater rod.
Plano CDS Extra Pro Latch Box
Love those angled dividers that allow you to create a compartment of just about any size, and the four-latch system shuts the lid down like a vault at Fort Knox.
Mustad Activate Bass Scent Spray
I wouldn't absolutely swear that this stuff results in more bites, but I believe it does, and thus I fish with more confidence. At the very least, it covers up my own odors, and that has to be a good thing.
Bass Lasso
This net retracts in and out of its handle quite easily – every time – and it's mighty convenient not to have that big hoop on the deck. If the mesh part can hold up to the wear and tear of a few years' worth of use, this thing's a winner.
It'd take some serious force for the lid on a Plano CDS Extra Pro Latch box to pop open accidentally.
Jewel Squirrel Head
The way this thing stands up at a 60-degree angle from the bottom just has to be enticing to a bass. Also, that sturdy piece of stainless cable is the epitome of a bait-keeper. Designed especially for use with the Big Bite Baits Squirrel Tail Worm – both are Jeff Kriet inventions.
Sunline Super FC Sniper Fluorocarbon
This stuff isn't cheap, but it's really strong and extremely sensitive. And it's not difficult to manage as long as you don't overload your spool.
Sebile Magic Swimmer Soft Pro
Lots of great soft swimbaits in the 5- to 6-inch range have popped up in recent years and this is one of them. With the new Soft Weight System, it's simple to change the action for different applications.
U.S. Reel SuperCaster 1000
There's no eyelet (it's replaced by an angled bar) on this reel, and thus no eyelet-induced friction on the line when casting. It throws things a long ways and backlashes are extremely rare. A bit higher profile than some might prefer, but that's a personal thing.
Duckett MicroMagic Rod
The ultra-small guides looked odd at first, but I quickly became a believer in their effectiveness. The rods cast like a dream and the sensitivity is superb.
The finish on the Mike McClelland-designed Spro McStick is remarkably lifelike.
Spro McStick
I was never a big fan of throwing jerkbaits until I caught a few spots on one of these. Then when you look at one up close, the finish is remarkable with its etched scales and gillplates. I now consider myself somewhat of a jerkbait enthusiast.
Damiki Neko Sinker
Just darned easy to use when you want to enhance the action on a wacky-rigged worm – just push it into the head, and then pull it back out and do it again when it's time for a new worm. Three sizes to choose from.
Berkley Flicker Shad
This little crank is used a lot by walleye trollers, but it'll entice tough-to-catch bass from extremely clear water. Try the black/silver color.
Gamakatsu Superline Weighted Spring-Lock Hook
Great when you want to add a little weight to a soft stickbait, but still want it to flutter on its way to the bottom. Small-diamater spring doesn't tear baits up badly.
Laser Lure Mid Diver
Regardless of whether you're a believer in the laser effect or not, these are well-made baits that draw strikes. I've had some luck with the irridescent clear color.
