The Performa XT was a pleasant surprise: solid quality and unique features at a good price. A button in the handle makes it easy to fold, which may not sound like a big deal, but it simplifies storage and travel. Also nice is the wide spool, which will have you casting a little farther, with less line twist and fewer tangles. The reel body is aluminum alloy (not plastic), the multidisc drag is waterproof, and eight shielded bearings provide smooth operation.
There are two models. The PEF30 weighs 9.9 ounces and carries 100 yards of 8-pound mono. The larger PEF40 is 10.4 ounces and takes 200 yards of 8-pound, which makes it perfect for long-running species such as steelhead or bonefish. —John Merwin
Manufacturer:Pinnacle,Price:$100.00
Best New Spinning Rods: St. Croix Eyecon Spinning SeriesWe were left with one question after testing St. Croix’s new walleye rods: How can something so inexpensive be so good?
Although this 11-model series is intended for walleye fishing, the graphite rods would serve well for bass and trout. They range from a 6-foot 3-inch version taking lures as light as 1⁄16 ounce up to an 8-foot, fast-action rod designed for drifting walleye baits. Four models are two pieces; the rest are one.Most of these rods have flexible, sensitive tips that blend into stronger mid- and butt sections. Such a smooth transition from sensitivity to power is unusual in rods at this price. The Eyecons are ideal for many finesse techniques. But however you fish them, the bottom line is the best line: These are exceptional rods at exceptional prices. --John Merwin
Manufacturer: St. CroixPrice: $100.00 - $120.00
Related Tags: Fishing,Fishing Gear,Gear
Best New Marine GPS: Garmin 78SC
While you should carry a compass for emergencies, the 78sc makes things more certain. It’s easy to use, it runs on AA batteries, it’s waterproof, and it floats. It also has a compass function that does not require you to be in motion to get a reading (as most similar devices do). An SD card slot lets you load additional maps.
I mount the unit on my kayak with a RAM-type ball-and-clip -arrangement that allows for easy viewing. The 78sc doesn’t make coffee, but it does plenty. —John Merwin
Manufacturer: Garmin Price: $550.00
Related Tags: Fishing,Fishing Gear,Gear
Best New Baitcasting Rods: Loomis NRX Bass Rods
Outrageously expensive, the latest in high-tech baitcast rods from G. Loomis are must-haves for those bass anglers with deep pockets who don’t much care what a rod costs so long as it performs. The NRX series includes eight baitcasting rods (as well as five spinning versions). Exceptional light weight and extreme strength are gained partly because of a new resin system reinforced with silica particles that act like steel reinforcing rods in concrete. Not only is the material stronger, but you can use less of it and still have a durable and powerful rod.
That technology is married to G. Loomis’s high-tech graphite fiber with outstanding results. Our model 852C sample (7-foot 1-inch, medium power) felt light in the hand and had enough tip flex to cast a 1⁄4-ounce weight smoothly, while keeping plenty of power in the butt and midsection for solid hooksets and controlling large fish. The rod’s light weight, meanwhile, means that sensitivity is exceptional.
The NRX baitcasters range from a 6-foot 8-inch version for lighter lures to a 7-foot 5-inch version designed for heavily weighted Carolina rigs. All are one piece. —John Merwin
Manufacturer: LoomisPrice: $450.00 - $500.00
Related Tags: Bass Fishing,What to Use to Catch Bass,Fishing,Fishing Gear.Gear
Best New Baitcasting Reel: Shimano Caenan CAE100 Reel
Six ball bearings -promote smooth op-era-tion, while a fast 6.5:1 gear ratio brings in 27 inches of line with each handle turn. These reels are also light, at 7.2 ounces in both right- and left-hand (CAE101) versions. Line capacity is 110 yards of 14-pound mono. The combination of all these features at such a low cost produces our final verdict: Home run, Shimano. —John MerwinManufacturer: Shimano Price: $90.00
Related Tags: Fishing.Fishing Gear,Gear
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