Rods & Reels

Wright & McGill - Flats Blue/ Sábalos Combo

2012-01-03T16:43:00Z

When I saw these rods at the ICAST show in Vegas, they stood out immediately because of their unique look. So, upon arriving home I emailed the good folks at Wright & McGill and asked if I could try one out. They courteously obliged my request and sent one over. The first time we put it to use our Editor-in-Chief, Matt Draper and this issue’s cover girl, Lauren, both put the rod through its paces and loved it.

This “Flats Blue” rod is part of the Blair Wiggins signature series and comes in lengths from 6’ 9” to 8’ and in spinning or casting configurations. “I really didn’t think we could make ‘em better, but we did. You’ll love the totally new look, feel, power and best of all, a great new price—around $80!”- Capt. Blair Wiggins

The second part of this combo was as impressive as the first. The Sábalos reels offer everything a saltwater angler could ask for. All models come equipped with the 9+1 ball bearing system with infinite anti-reverse, an amazingly smooth front drag and a lightweight aluminum body and spool. The reel can be purchased in 4 different sizes: 2500, 3000, 3500 and 4000, and for only $99.99 it can’t be beat!

This Wright & McGill combo is a very attractive and versatile outfit, which manages to balance the toughness and sensitivity serious anglers appreciate. But best of all, for under $200 it’s a steal! Go to the Wright & McGill website for more info on both of these great products. http://www.wright-mcgill.com/

CharkBait Travel Rods

2012-01-03T15:04:00Z

CharkBait, now offers 13 different saltwater travel rods, the widest selection of saltwater travel rods on the market! They’ve introduced two new series of lighter inshore and surf rods. This in addition to their heavier duty rods that have been available previously.

The new Inshore Explorer rods are available in both spinning and conventional form, in 12, 15 and 20-pound class. These exceptionally light cork-handled rods offer excellent action and break down into 3 pieces for ease in transport. They are all 7 ½ feet in length and come in a durable storage tube.

For only $129.99 these rods make for a great gift idea for your traveling angler! Please visit http://www.charkbait.com for further information.

Sewell Custom Rods

2011-12-30T21:01:00Z

We’ve all heard the saying, “looks aren’t everything.” I decided to ask around, and sure enough, who ever first stated that is correct! You need character, backbone, a strong foundation, and when you look at the eyes you will know for sure. I’m talking about a fishing rod, obviously.

I’m not going to lie, what first drew me to Sewell Rods was the epic visual presentation of these hand-crafted rods. The abalone shell inlays, different custom grips, and sleek design all made for an easy passing grade on the old eye test. But as I said before, looks aren’t everything (they sure are a good start though). I decided to advance my relationship with these beauties, so I contacted the owner and master craftsmen himself, Matt Sewell.

After talking to Matt for a while, I found these rods did in fact have more than just surface beauty. The rods feature MHX blanks, which are extremely trust-worthy and pack a lot of backbone - something I always look for in a rod.

After further talks, Matt invited GAFF to join him in southwest Florida for a fishing trip, where I could test these bad boys out. As exciting as his invite was, it was not nearly as awesome as when he told me he was sending me a rod to keep! He asked me what I wanted in a rod and my mind started churning. I came up with a 7’6” med/light action rod, with a carbon fiber handle. Man, she’s as pretty and strong as they come!

We went down to Ft. Myers and got out with Matt and his good buddy Capt. Craig Whitaker of Backwater Fishing Charters www.backwaterfishingcharters.com. We tested rod after rod, and each was more impressive than the one before it. Capt. Craig really put us on the tarpon that day, and the rods made sure we brought ‘em in!

Moral of the story is, if you’re in the market for a new rod, or set of rods, you need to check out Sewell Rods on their FB page www.facebook.com/SewellRods and tell ‘em GAFF sent ya! He can make anything and will do it right to order - down to the eyes I mentioned earlier.

-James Goding

Canyon Reels HS18

2011-12-30T20:46:00Z

Canyon Reels HS18 was just released to the angling public this summer after a year of serious testing. The HS18 was made specifically for jigging, trolling and bottom fishing. This high-powered, fast-retrieve reel packs 44 pounds of drag, without loosing freespool and boast a 6:1.1 gear ratio. The HS18 is equipped to handle an array of species from inshore grouper, striper, tarpon and amberjack, to offshore bluefin, yellowfin, sailfish and white marlin with its large line capacity of 600 yards of 60-pound braid. The HS18 was made to last with its one-way bearing and two-pawl backup for reliability. It is quickly becoming a leader in the industry for the most versatile reel on the market today. Backed by its 2-year warranty, the HS18 is made to endure the test of the ocean and bring ‘em in the boat. Come and see what anglers are saying at www.canyonreels.com or call them at 732-232-0081 to become a one of the many satisfied Canyon HS18 users.

Red Pig Reels

2011-12-30T16:40:39Z

There is a new product out this summer I have been torture testing for the past six weeks; Red Pig Two-Speed Big Game Reels.

The 80 wide will hold 1,000 yards of 80lb test monofilament, which is more than both my Shimano Tiagra TI80WA's and Penn 80VSW's.

With 8 ball bearings, all stainless steel parts, and a drag system that will put the brakes to just about anything swimming, this is a good reel!

I have used the 80 on both a chair outfit and stand up rods and am very pleased with the weight and balance of the Pig. Most important is the price; an extremely good value in today's inflated marketplace. For more information on Red Pig reels visit www.redpigreels.com

Corky Decker IGFA Certified Capt.

Castalia Outdoors Sharkfin Spinning Reel

2011-12-30T16:12:00Z

Castalia Outdoors Sharkfin Spinning Reel

Casts Farther and Eliminates Tangles

Spend less time dealing with tangled line and more time catching fish. The Sharkfin spinning reel by Castalia Outdoors allows you to do just that. It is uniquely designed to cast farther and eliminate tangles often encountered with spinning reels. The German-engineered "fin-shaped" spool design reduces friction on the line during the cast, allowing the angler to cast farther and with greater accuracy, and eliminating tangles and "birdnests." The Sharkfin needs no special instruction, operates like any standard spool, is braid-friendly, and works with all reel-recommended line diameters. Two models are available: The 2000 for freshwater and inshore saltwater, and the 4000 for inshore and light offshore. Includes a two-year warranty. MSRP $119.99 and $149.99, respectively. www.castaliaoutdoors.com 1-800-558-5541