Hooks, line & lures: This year's best new fishing gear

The term "game changer" generates simultaneous interest and revulsion among many outdoors new-product junkies.

True game changers, such as the i-Pilot feature of some Minn Kota trolling motors a few years ago, are rare.

More common is fine-tweaking of product lines with incremental improvement. It's an ongoing race to create lighter, faster and sometimes stronger gear — without dramatically increasing consumer prices.

We've scoured the sportfishing world to bring you a heads-up on what's likely to be the next hot thing. There may not be many, if any, game changers, but anglers have reason for excitement.

Note: An asterisk (*) denotes a product accorded Best in Show honors in its category at the recent International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades show in Orlando, Florida. Prices listed usually reflect MSRP.

RODS, REELS AND COMBOS

The Lew's Mach 1 Baitcast Combo is designed to be affordable for younger anglers. $149.99

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

*Lew's Mach 1 Combo

Designed to be affordable for younger anglers, this baitcast combo seats a 10-bearing Speed Spool with Lew's dual cast control braking system in a 6-foot, 10-inch medium-heavy action rod. The rod is built on an IM8 blank that incorporates "Nano" technology and components such as Lew's "Soft Touch" graphite skeletal reel seat and high-density EVA split grips. Nano technology is often used to help strengthen graphite fibers, enabling creation of rods that are lighter, stronger and more sensitive. $149.99

The Shimano Stradic FK C3000HG FK Spinning Reel comes in five sizes, for everything from bass, walleye, trout and steelhead to redfish, bonefish and sea trout cruising inshore saltwater. $199.99-$229.99

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

*Shimano Stradic FK C3000HG FK Spinning Reel

This newly available reel has what Shimano is dubbing its "Hagane" design concept. Hagane was said to be a type of steel used to make Japanese swords. The Hagane Gear is a cold-forged drive gear housed in a similarly rugged, impact-resistant body. The Stradic FK reels come in five sizes, for everything from bass, walleye, trout and steelhead to redfish, bonefish and sea trout cruising inshore saltwater. Gear ratios vary from 6.0:1 to 6.2:1. Each reel has six shielded AR-B bearings plus a one-way bearing Power Roller. $199.99 to $229.99

This lightweight spinning reel is designed for shallow saltwater fishing with artificial lures or live bait. Seven Clash models are available. Prices start at $179.95.

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

*Penn Clash Saltwater Spinning Reel

This lightweight spinning reel is designed for shallow saltwater fishing with artificial lures or live bait. The precision aluminum/brass main gear and brass pinion are CNC machined for exact tolerances and smooth operation. The main body and sideplate are aluminum. The reels have an eight-plus-one sealed ball bearing setup. Negative effects of line oscillation during casting are mitigated, according to Penn, by a "Leveline" slow oscillation system. Seven Clash models are available. Prices start at $179.95.

The new Daiwa Fuego 100XS is smooth and fast, sporting 12 bearings within its compact, machined aluminum frame. $129.95

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

Daiwa Fuego 100 Series Baitcasting Reel

Bass anglers are the biggest baitcaster fans, and a blend of power and speed gets bucketmouth fans psyched. The new Fuego is smooth and fast, sporting 12 bearings within its compact, machined aluminum frame and available in retrieve ratios of 6.3:1, 7.3:1, and 8.1:1. Available in both left- and right-hand retrieves and features Daiwa's popular Magforce Z cast control system. $129.95

The Daiwa Coastal saltwater reel can be set to a maximum drag of 15.4 pounds to help wear down tough fish. $229.95

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

Daiwa Coastal TWS 200 Inshore Baitcaster

This saltwater reel has eight corrosion-resistant ball bearings, a high-capacity, aircraft-grade aluminum spool, and a 100mm swept handle design with custom EVA handle knobs for cranking power. The drag can be set to a maximum of 15.4 pounds to help wear down tough fish. $229.95

Abu Garcia adds new features designed to make the Revo MGX Spinning Reel stand out even more. $129.95.

Photo Credit: Manufacturer photo

Abu Garcia Revo MGX Spinning Reel

The Revo line has been hugely popular, and Abu Garcia adds new features designed to make this product stand out even more. "Precision engineering" basically means everything gets built a little tighter and smoother, to include finely tuned, machined gears that reside in strong but lighter gear housing. The full lineup includes the MGX, Premier, STX, SX, S and Inshore reels. Prices start at $129.95.

The frame and quick release spool in the Pflueger Medalist Fly Reel are made of aluminum and benefit from improved modern machining techniques and capabilities. Prices start at $119.95.

Photo Credit: Manufacturer photo

*Pflueger Medalist Fly Reel

This is a classic design fly reel built for freshwater fishing. The frame and quick release spool are made of aluminum and benefit from improved modern machining techniques and capabilities. The reel is compact but designed to enable packing enough backing in there to manage the give-and-take of prolonged fights with determined fish. A click-and-pawl, precision-check-mechanism drag system provides the distinctive, traditional fly-reel sound. The handle is made from an amber-colored polymer. It's convertible for left- or right-handed retrieve and comes with a protective reel pouch. Available in three sizes. Prices start at $119.95. You can also buy it as a combo, paired with a Fenwick Eagle fly rod, for $199.95 to $219.95.

Th top-selling Mojo Bass Fly Rod series gets upgraded for 2016 and will feature St. Croix's premium, high-modulus SCIII graphite, making the rods up to 15 percent lighter and improving balance. $120 to $140

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

*St. Croix Mojo Bass Fly Rod

This top-selling series gets upgraded for 2016 and will feature St. Croix's premium, high-modulus SCIII graphite, making the rods up to 15 percent lighter and improving balance over the previous design. The new technique-specific bass series features Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with slim, strong aluminum-oxide rings with black frames, plus Fuji ECS reel seat with black hood on casting models, and Fuji DPS reel seat with black hoods on spinning models. Each Mojo Bass rod has a split-grip/premium-grade cork handle and Kigan hook-keeper. $120 to $140

This huge new series of G. Loomis EX6 bass rods (30 different spinning, casting, Classic and two-piece models) focuses on weight, balance, sensitivity and action. $179.99 to $199.99

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

*G. Loomis E6X Bass Rods

This huge new series of rods (30 different spinning, casting, "Classic" and two-piece models) focuses on weight, balance, sensitivity and action. Twelve E6X "technique" specific casting rods are designed for jig and worm use, flipping and punching, crankbait and spinnerbait. Four technique-specific spinning models are offered for small jigs, tubes and worms, plus two dropshot spinning rods. Both the casting and spinning jig-and-worm rods have extra-fast tips. The crankbait rods have slower, softer actions. Stiffer actions are found on the flip/punch rods. The rods feature split grip handles with cork grips, along with Fuji reels seats and guides. The 12 Classic multi-purpose E6X models include six "Mag Bass" and flipping action casting rods, and six spinning rods. They all feature fast tapers, full cork grips, Fuji guides and Fuji exposed blank trigger reels seats. $179.99 to $199.99

LINE

PowerPro touts the Maxacuatro Braided Fishing Line as being up to eight times more sensitive than nylon and fluorocarbon fishing lines. $28.99 for 50-pound test, 150-yard spools

Photo Credit: Manufacturer photo

*PowerPro Maxacuatro Braided Fishing Line

This new line is made with Spectra HT (high-tenacity) fiber from Honeywell that's 25 percent thinner than equivalent test pound braid. It's designed to improve casting distance performance when used on baitcasting reels, as well as to enable downsized saltwater tackle without running out of line capacity. It comes in two colors: Moss Green for freshwater and High-Vis Yellow for both freshwater and saltwater. Both colors are available in 50-, 65-, 80- and 100-pound test, on 150, 500, 1,500 and 3,000-yard spools. PowerPro touts the line as being up to eight times more sensitive than nylon and fluorocarbon fishing lines. $28.99 for 50-pound test, 150-yard spools; $699.99 for 100-pound test, 3,000-yard bulk filler spools

The SpiderWire Stealth Blue Camo Braid uses Dyneema fibers to construct the line. Prices start at $14.99.

Photo Credit: Pure Fishing;Inc.

SpiderWire Stealth Blue Camo Braid

This new line's camo pattern alternates between deep blue, turquoise and white line segments and blends into blue-water surroundings. SpiderWire uses Dyneema fibers to construct the line. The braided line is available in 10- to 100-pound test line and comes in 125-, 200-, 300-, 1,500- and 3,000-yard spools. Prices start at $14.99.

LURES

Booyah Bait Co.'s new Boss Pop topwater chugger/popper comes in eight color patterns and features a feathered and flashed back treble hook. $6.99

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

Booyah Boss Pop

There's nothing like enticing a surface strike. Booyah Bait Co.'s new Boss Pop topwater chugger/popper comes in eight color patterns and features a feathered and flashed back treble hook. You can fish it several ways, including the traditional popping it in to chug across the water, "walking the dog," or skittering it over the surface. The concave face is designed to maximize water "spit" with every twitch, but the depth of the cup is relatively shallow, allowing the easier fishing of other techniques. It comes in two sizes (2 5/16 inches, 1/4 ounce; and 2 3/4 inches, 3/8 ounce). $6.99

Lunkerhunt creates a hollow body product with a concave face that catches water and creates popping and spitting noises to attract fish. It comes in 10 different patterns available in two sizes: 1/2-ounce and 1/4-ounce. $7.99 and $6.99

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

Lunkerhunt Popping Frog

Lunkerhunt creates a hollow body product with a concave face that catches water and creates popping and spitting noises to attract fish. The lure's legs move in a realistic fashion, mimicking a swimming frog. It's designed to travel unencumbered through the weeds. At the bite, the lure's sharp upturned hooks are ready for the set. It comes in 10 different patterns available in two sizes: 1/2-ounce and 1/4-ounce. $7.99 and $6.99

The Berkley Warpig Hardbait is available in 11 shapes and sizes, each is equipped with Berkley Fusion19 treble hooks. $6.95 to $7.95

Photo Credit: Pure Fishing;Inc.

Berkley Hardbaits

These crankbaits and jerkbaits were born of a concept Berkley hatched four years ago. Known more for soft baits and natural-ingredient-based baits such as Gulp, the company wanted to test the hard baits market and partnered with bait designer and bass fishing pro David Fritts, who calls them $6.95 baits with $20 paint jobs. Available in 11 shapes and sizes, each is equipped with Berkley Fusion19 treble hooks. They're good-looking baits for the price. I liked the suspended jerkbaits called Cutter and the chunky, blunt-nosed Warpigs. $6.95 to $7.95

This Rapala Shadow Rap lure mimics a minnow in its waning moments of life. Models come armed with three No. 6 VMC Black Nickel Round Bend Hooks and are available in 14 color patterns. $9.99

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

Rapala Shadow Rap

This lure mimics a minnow in its waning moments of life, shimmying even as it sits suspended. Twitching the bait forward, then letting it fall, triggers strikes. Rapala designed the basic lure for fish in two to four feet of water. The Shadow Rap Deep version targets fish in four to eight feet. Both models come armed with three No. 6 VMC Black Nickel Round Bend Hooks and are available in 14 color patterns. Each lure measures 4 3/8 inches and weighs 7/16 of an ounce. $9.99

A candidate for oddball lure of the year, this one is designed for anglers looking for wakebait style of crankbait, according to Salmo, a Poland-based luremaker. Available in February 2016. $9.95

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

Salmo Bass Bug (available in February 2016)

A candidate for oddball lure of the year, this one is designed for anglers looking for "wakebait" style of crankbait, according to Salmo, a Poland-based luremaker. To me, it looks a bit like a giant June bug or other insect that might be seen scooting across the top of the water. Salmo's designers say the lure casts farther than similar hard plastic lures and enables you to fish water too skinny for the boat. It has two rattle chambers and a large KVD Triple Grip hook. Available in February. $9.95

The LiveTarget Hollow Body Sunfish comes in two sizes and 12 different color patterns designed to replicate any species of sunfish, such as pumpkinseed or bluegill. $13.49

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

*LiveTarget Hollow Body Sunfish

The soft-body lure is designed to resemble a small sunfish that is frightened or injured and pushed to the surface. It's built around a custom-made Trokar double hook and runs weedless through or atop thick cover. It comes in two sizes and 12 different color patterns designed to replicate any species of sunfish, such as pumpkinseed or bluegill. $13.49

The Savage Gear Hard Shrimp lure moves slowly and creates erratic, underwater action. $10.99

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

*Savage Gear Hard Body Shrimp

This lure is designed for shallow-water fishing. It moves slowly and creates erratic, underwater action. It can also be quickly fished near the surface in "walking the dog" style. A magnetic hook holder keeps the hook close to the lure body. $10.99

ACCESSORIES

Buff's UVX Balaclava covers your head, including nose and ears, blocking 95 percent of UV rays. $35 to $39

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

Buff UVX Balaclava and Pro Series Angler 3 Gloves

Sun, water and UV rays combine to cook you when you're fishing. Buff's balaclava covers your head, including nose and ears, blocking 95 percent of UV rays. I tried it when the temperature topped 90 degrees, and the odor-controlling fabric wicked away sweat and never left my face or neck feeling too warm. The balaclava had small laser-cut holes over the mouth and nose section for breathing. A new balaclava comes in camo and has Insect Shield protection. $35 to $39.

Buff's Angler 3 Gloves are made from synthetic suede with reinforced welded seams. $40

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

The Angler 3 Gloves have fingertips cut for dexterity to work reels, line and fish, a rugged palm, and 95 percent UV protection. The gloves are made from synthetic suede with reinforced welded seams. I used both items during two days of mid-summer Gulf of Mexico fishing and loved them. $40

The Helix 7 SI GPS accommodates Humminbird LakeMaster, AutoChart and AutoChart Pro, as well as Navionics Gold/HotMaps. The top-end unit has a pre-order price of $699. The four other units start about $350.

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

*Humminbird Helix 7 Series

This new stable of midsize electronics offers capability that would have cost two or three times more just a few years ago. At the high end of the 5 model series is the Helix 7 SI GPS. This unit offers technologies such as Side Imaging, Down Imaging and SwitchFire Sonar. The single micro SD card slot accommodates Humminbird LakeMaster, AutoChart and AutoChart Pro, as well as Navionics Gold/HotMaps. The units have 256-color TFT display and 480x800 HD resolution with a 16:9 ratio, seven-inch screen to enable clear splitscreen views. The internal GPS can store 2,500 waypoints and 50 routes. You can use gimbal mounting atop a console or in-dash mounting with an optional kit. Optional 50 kHz transducers are available for extreme deep-water use. The top-end unit has a pre-order price of $699. The four other units offer correspondingly decreased features, eventually lowering the price to about $350.

You'll never bemoan forgetting your knife sharpener as long as you carry the Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp saltwater fillet knife with a built-in sharpener. Available in six- and eight-inch blades. $22.99 and $24.99

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

*Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp Custom Saltwater Fillet Knife

You'll never bemoan forgetting your knife sharpener as long as you carry this saltwater fillet knife. Its special magnetic sheath has a built-in sharpener with both coarse and fine sharpening options. The sheath clips to your belt, or a magnet lets you secure the knife on any of your boat or dock's steel parts. The knife has a stainless steel blade and a rubber slip-resistant grip. Available in six- and eight-inch blades. $22.99 and $24.99

Mustang's testing showed the Survival Traction Glove provides a 30 percent to 50 percent grip improvement over bare hands.

Photo Credit: Manufacturer photo

Mustang Survival Traction Glove

This new venture for Mustang Survival, best known for inflatable life vests and survival suits for cold-weather fishing, offered incredible dexterity and tactile feel during testing. Beyond fishing, they seem like they'd make excellent shooting gloves. Mustang's testing showed the gloves provide a 30 percent to 50 percent grip improvement over bare hands. They come in both fingerless and full-hand models. The gloves start shipping in December/January. $39.95 (fingerless) and $44.95

Simms' new Currents shoe (available next spring) is based on its "Right Angle Footbed" technology. A pair of size 11s weighs 20.8 ounces. $99

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

*Simms Currents Fishing Shoe

For many, quality arch support in a shoe is a must. Without it, standing all day in a boat pitching about on the water takes a toll on leg and back muscles. Simms' new shoe (available next spring) is based on its "Right Angle Footbed" technology. The shoe has a seamless TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) welded and quick-dry mesh upper with tuck-away, bungie lacing closures, while thin-slit, non-marking outsoles aid traction. A pair of size 11s weighs 20.8 ounces. $99

Up to $100,000 from sales of these Simms Limited Edition G3 Guide Waders beginning this November will support the Warriors & Quiet Waters Foundation. $549.95

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

*Simms Limited Edition G3 Guide Waders (available in November)

Up to $100,000 from sales of these waders beginning this November will support the Warriors & Quiet Waters Foundation, which offers injured veterans guided and supporting fishing experiences. The waders are micro-fleece lined with a reach-through hand-warmer pocket and sport a Multicam camo pocket, belt loops and top hem trims; a zippered chest pocket and integrated utility tabs; a removable flip-out Tippet Tender pocket with dual-entry zippers and retractor docking station; and a lightweight, three-layer Gore-Tex shell in the upper section with a five-layer shell in the legs. $549.95

The RinseKit Portable Shower delivers pressurized spray over seven different settings. $89

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

*RinseKit Pressurized Portable Shower

This portable, pressurized unit fills two gallons of hot or cold water within 20 seconds and delivers pressurized spray over seven different settings, ranging from jet stream to soaking shower, for up to three minutes. The hose is six feet long. $89

The hybrid soft/hard Plano A-Series Quick Top Tackle Bag's see-through plastic lid can hold mobile devices and favored lures for rapid access. Below is a soft tackle bag with reinforced handles and padded shoulder strap. $69.99 and $79.99

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

Plano A-Series QuickTop Tackle Bag

This hybrid soft/hard design is available in two sizes. The molded, see-through plastic lid can hold mobile communication devices and favored lures for rapid access. Below is a soft tackle bag with reinforced handles and padded shoulder strap. MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) webbing borrowed from the tactical industry provides additional functionality. The bag carries four (included) Plano StowAway utility boxes. Extra storage is available in zippered external pockets and Velcro-enclosed mesh back. Velcro-supported sheaths are suitable for pliers or multi-tools. $69.99 and $79.99

The double-walled, vacuum-insulated Yeti Colster is "sweat-proof" and keeps drinks chilly for hours, according to Yeti. $29.95

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

Yeti Rambler Colster

What would you pay to keep your "cold one" truly cold out on a hot fishing boat or other sultry setting? Yeti, known for high-end coolers, sizes things down with the Colster. This double-walled, vacuum-insulated drink holder handles most 12-ounce cans and bottles. The heavy-duty, stainless-steel walls are "sweat-proof." A Thermo-Lock gasket seals in the cold, keeping drinks chilly for hours, according to Yeti. Alas, it will sink, so don't lose it overboard. $29.95

The comfortable, lightweight Costa Rooster glasses have side-cupped frames to help fight glare. $169 to $249, with military exchanges are authorized to sell the glasses at 30 percent off suggested retail.

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

*Costa Rooster Sunglasses

These comfortable, lightweight glasses have side-cupped frames to help fight glare. They sport an integral hinge and a heavy-duty nylon frame. The hypoallergenic rubberized interior lining and nose pads keep the sunglasses comfortably in place all day, no matter how harsh the conditions. Both glass and plastic lens versions block 100 percent of UV light and are 100 percent polarized. While glass lenses have the best clarity, Costa's 580P plastic lenses have better impact resistance, which may be important to some anglers. These glasses also can be made with prescription lenses. Comes in multiple frame and lens colors and has a lifetime warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. $169 to $249, depending materials and finish, but Costa representatives say military exchanges are authorized to sell the glasses at 30 percent off MSRP.

The DiCAPac Smartphone Waterproof Case uses the familiar roll-and-seal enclosure common to many dry bags. $24.95

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

DiCAPac Smartphone Waterproof Case

This case is well designed and uses the familiar roll-and-seal enclosure common to many dry bags. Two more Velcro enclosures further snug up your stuff. The case allows phone operation and photo taking. Plus, it floats, and is waterproof to 10 meters deep. The company also makes a floating selfie-stick that attaches to the case. $24.95

The DryCase Waterproof Backpack has a unique feature in the purge valve that can be used to inflate or compress the backpack. $99.99

Photo Credit: Manufacturer

DryCase Waterproof Backpack

I tested this product over a couple days of Southwest Florida fishing. This backpack rolls to a closed position. It also has a unique feature in the purge valve that can be used to inflate or compress the backpack. You can even use it as a draining tool if the backpack sees duty as a makeshift shower or cooler. The main compartment holds 30 liters and has a small, internal, zippered, waterproof pocket. A front mesh pocket holds items that can get wet. There's also a side water bottle holder and bungee cords. Shoulder straps are padded and connect at the waist and chest. $99.99

In Other News

Pair who tried breaching Virginia Marine base are Jordanian nationals

They drove up to a base gate in a truck and claimed to be Amazon subcontractors making a delivery, a Marine spokesman said.

Air Force special operations boss tapped to run service academy

Bauernfeind’s nomination to run the U.S. Air Force Academy comes fewer than 18 months after he took over as Air Force Special Operations Command boss.

Hundreds pack funeral for slain airman Roger Fortson

“As you can see from the sea of Air Force blue, I am not alone in my admiration of Senior Airman Fortson,” Col. Patrick Dierig told mourners Friday.

Children’s hospitals take fight over military payments to Congress

A change in how the military pays for care at civilian children's hospitals may cause significant health care access problems, advocates warn.

Power outage downed US F-16 jet in 2023 crash in South Korea

A U.S. Air Force F-16C fighter crashed in a field in northwestern South Korea last year after the jet partially lost power, an investigation found.

Load More