Favorite New Fishing Products
At the recent ICAST (International Congress of Allied Sportfishing Trades) Show in Orlando, winners in various outdoor product categories were announced to the media and discussed in three summer issues of the MWO Insider. This time, we’ll conclude our coverage with a few personal favorites that, while they may not have won their individual categories, nevertheless deserve at least an honorable mention, attaboy, or enthusiastic recommendation as something new that’s worth investigating. Basically, they’re all winners of another kind.
Rapala X-Light Series
The new X-Light Series features five, ultra-compact hard baits designed to deliver premium finishes, improved casting performance, and proven fish-catching actions for trout, panfish, and bass. The X-Light Pop 04, Pencil 05, Shad 04, Crank Shallow 03 and Minnow 05, the lineup gives anglers a complete finesse system for everything from Bait Finesse System (BFS) fishing and stream trout to dock crappies and pressured bass. When fish are feeding on small forage or simply demand a subtler presentation, the X-Light Series gets more bites.
MSRP: $8.99
Mustad Live Target Goby 2.0
Ultra-realistic goby profile, excellent for Great Lakes smallmouth bass. The inner core carries detailed patterns and lifelike colors encapsulated within a durable, transparent exoskeleton. Custom-painted eyes, dual split dorsal fins, and a dynamic paddle tail.
MSRP: $10.49
CrushCity Governor
The Governor includes a 1/8-ounce lead weight that installs into the bait’s belly for fine-tuning presentations based on water depth, retrieve speed and fish positioning. Additional Screw Diver weights can be added to further expand the bait’s range. A subtle body roll and medium tail thump create a natural swimming action, while a magnetic hook hanger keeps the hook tight to the body.
MSRP: $19.99
Strike King Two-Time Spinnerbait
The free-swinging, twin-arm design acts as a built-in weedguard for fishing through grass and cover. The arms collapse on the bite for a higher hookup ratio. Long shank 5/0 hook eliminates the need for a trailer hook, while the sleek, bullet-shaped head and banded silicone skirt.
MSRP: $10.99.
VMC Breacher Jig
Designed for punching milfoil, hydrilla and other dense cover. streamlined head profile slips through vegetation and reaches fish beneath the canopy. premium nylon fiber brush guard protects the hook point. The hand-tied, custom-blend silicone skirt provides lifelike movement. VMC’s Quad-Keeper trailer retention system securely holds soft-plastic trailers in place.
MSRP: $4.99
Z-Man TRD Finesse Jig
For pairing Ned‑style finesse plastics with compact, skirted jigs. The kettlebell‑shaped head resists snagging on rocky bottoms, while rounded upper surface allows buoyant ElaZtech trailers to subtly sway and rock A light fiber weedguard provides the ideal balance between snag resistance and easy hooksets with finesse tackle. Split‑grip and wire keeper locks trailers firmly in place, while premium a BKK black nickel needlepoint hook deliver easy penetrations. Sizes: 1/4‑, 3/8‑, and 1/2‑ounce sizes, in nine colors.
MSRP: $5.99
Rapala Claptail 75 and 90
The new, smaller versions of last year’s breakout Claptail 110 feature a spinning dorsal blade and a rotating tail for extreme surface turbulence. Rapala’s swiveling front hook hanger system helps reduce leverage during the fight and increases landing percentages on fish that jump or surge at boatside. Premium VMC Black Nickel 1X Strong Hybrid Hooks provide exceptional penetration and holding power.
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MSRP: $19.99
Z-Man Kingpin
A versatile stickworm profile made from sinking ElaZtech that descends naturally through the water with an exaggerated wobble. Ultra-durable construction allows wacky rigging without O‑rings or tools. Available in 12 colors.
MSRP: $6.99
VMC Weedless Minnow Shaker Jig
Allows the popular Minnow Shaker Jig fish jig-and-minnow presentations around cover. Designed for brush piles, standing timber, grass and other snag-prone environments, the jig features a custom woven-wire weedguard that deflects cover while maintaining hook-up performance.
MSRP: $8.99
Humminbird XPLORE
Built-in LakeMaster and CoastMaster charts, compatible with premium technologies like MEGA Live 2 for unmatched underwater detail. Through the One-Boat Network, XPLORE seamlessly connects with Minn Kota products for advanced boat control and navigation. Recent software updates make XPLORE even better, adding wireless file transfers, faster Wi-Fi updates, screenshot capture, and on-unit video recording.
MSRP: $1499
Humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com
Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 XL
ActiveTarget 2 XL’s surface-to-surface, 180-degree live views leave nothing unseen, while best-in-class resolution shows fish, structure, and your lure in detail. Able to switch instantly between Forward and Down views on the display. Double-up with two XL systems for an industry-first Scout Live 360° view all around your boat. (Dual sonar and transducers required.) HDS PRO only.
MSRP: $1,799
Minn Kota Riptide Kayak Terrova
Built for saltwater conditions, this Riptide features a 36-inch composite shaft, weedless prop, and advanced corrosion protection. Control the motor from the Micro Remote, a connected Humminbird fish finder, or the One-Boat Network App. The advanced GPS trolling system includes Spot-Lock, Autopilot, Drift Mode, and Follow Mode, allowing kayakers to hold position. Seamless integration with Humminbird.
MSRP: $1899.99
Daiwa Mr. Fortune
The bream-shaped body creates a V-shaped wake along with a heavy, side-to side hunting action. Its acoustic blade spins freely, beating against the durable ABS plastic hull to generate a heavy, knocking sound. The triangular lip maximizes surface displacement and deflects off shallow wood, docks, and rocks, allowing the lure to swim through dense cover without snagging.
MSRP: $15.99
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