Welcome to the new year, people, 2026 is upon us and it's time to do some winter fishing - or at the very least, daydream about warmer weather and the fishing to come. Whether you head out tomorrow or wait for spring to arrive, here are three cool new goodies we anglers will want to be on the lookout for.
Si-Tex Sirius 12 Image Stabilized Binoculars
Gyro-binocs are uber-awesome but also uber-expensive. So we were psyched when Si-Tex announced that they had a new model of stabilized binoculars called the Sirius 12, which cost significantly less than the competition. Then we tested them while hunting for working birds all fall, and now our eyes are not only stabilized, they’ve also been opened—in a big way. The Sirius 12 delivers 12x magnification, is stabilized via a six-axis electronic gyro sensor, carries an IPX7 waterproof rating, and operates for 12 hours on a single AA battery. It’s operated with a single, simple, on/off stabilization switch. The objective lens diameter is 21 mm and apparent field of view is 57.6 degrees. What’s really shocking, however, is just how light and compact these are, weighing in at a hair under one pound. One of the issues with using most gyro-binocs is that they weigh so much, scanning the horizon over and over they’ll eventually wear your arms out. That’s not an issue with the Sirius 12. We used these all fall and found it much easier to hold them up for hour upon hour of chasing birds, and found that they’re small enough (4.6” x 5.1” x 2”) to easily fit into a glove box or a large jacket pocket. We had zero problems with the unit, and immediately fell in love with it. On one afternoon while bobbing around off Black Wallnut Point we spotted birds working east of Hill Point, a distance of over five miles.
When you compare the price tag to the closest 12x gyroscopic competitors you’ll discover the Sirius 12 MSRPs for about 15 to 25 percent less. We also used them side-by-side with a 14x model and yes, using the 14x binos we could see the birds from farther away, maybe an additional half mile to a mile or so—but the 14x model costs literally twice as much to deliver 15 percent more magnification, and certainly wore our arms out a lot faster due to its weight. All things considered, we think the Sirius 12 is going to be an excellent option for anglers who are pining for a good pair of gyro binocs that doesn’t break the bank or those who want a backup pair small enough to slide into the tacklebox when going out on someone else’s boat. MSRP: $699. Check out the Sirius 12 when you’re ready to get Sirius about finding those bird shows.
Berkley Gulp! Nemesis Prawn Curl Tail
There’s a new Gulp! in town, the Nemesis Prawn Curl Tail. This tasty treat adds shrimp-like spiky appendages to the existing Nemesis twister tail soft plastic, along with a faceted body designed to maximize turbulence and scent dispersion as the bait moves through the water. It’s available in eight different color patterns (including a twist on Electric Chicken called Nuclear Chicken, which we can’t wait to try out), in four- and five-inch lengths. Price: $8.99/four-pack. Swallow hard and visit Berkley to learn more.
Helly Hansen Woman's Pier 4.0 Bib
You may be thinking, what’s a sailing brand doing in a fishing magazine? Hear me out, because as a female angler it can be hard to find foul weather gear that fits well. I have a pair of “traditional” fishing bibs and while they’re great at keeping the water out, they also kind of feel as if I’m wearing a potato sack. So, I was pretty interested in testing out the Helly Hansen Women’s Pier 4.0 Bib with the idea that sailors have to be pretty agile on a boat, and thus, the bibs might both fit better and allow me more mobility. True to form, they did just that!
This bib is designed for both inshore and coastal sailors and was created with insights from professional sailors and coastal workers. It features Helly Hansen’s waterproof/breathable Helly Tech Performance technology, and this model has improved the adjustable elastic suspenders so you can modify the fit. The bibs also have articulated knees for comfort and reinforced fabric on the seat and knees for durability. They are highly windproof and have a Helly waterproof rating of 5 out of 6. While testing them out this summer and fall I found that they were roomy enough to provide flexibility and comfort, while still having a tapered fit. They are not overly bulky, which I love because it makes maneuvering around the boat a breeze despite the many layers of clothing. And while they do not provide much insulation, they allow plenty of space for layers so I was never cold. One of my biggest test days this year was the annual Fish For a Cure tournament in November where I endured icy temperatures, biting wind, and constant spray, yet I was as comfortable as I could be given the conditions. A few other key features include a zippered front opening with fan construction, adjustable bottom legs, a thigh pocket with Velcro closure, a front pocket with Velcro, and drainage holes in the pockets to allow water to escape and prevent pooling. Price: $200; visit Helly Hansen and find the perfect fit.
-by Kaylie Jasinski