Whether you're getting ready for redfish or prepping for white perch, it's time to check out the latest and coolest angling goodies. Here's are a few top picks we're eyeballing for the spring of 2025.
You want an uber-light, uber-smooth low-profile baitcaster that’s built to last? The new Okuma X-Series fits the bill. With a diecast aluminum frame, ported machined aluminum spool, carbon fiber handle, and C-40X carbon injected sideplates, these palm-sized powerhouses weigh a mere 5.6 ounces. Longevity is further assured with a carbonite drag system that cranks out up to 24 pounds of max drag plus machined aluminum main and brass pinion gears. The X-series also features 10 stainless-steel ball bearings plus a roller bearing and a precise micro-click drag star. Available in both rightie and leftie models, in 7.3:1 or 8.1:1 gear ratios, line capacity is 140 yards of 30-pound braid/110 yards of 12-pound mono. If this sounds like a top-shelf reel, well, it is—but it’s the warranty that’s a shocker. Most reels, even very expensive models made by top manufacturers, come with a one-year limited warranty at best. But Okuma is so confident in this reel’s tenacity that they’re backing it up with three years of coverage. Price: $269.99.
A headlamp is what you need for tying knots and baiting up in the dark, but having an area light allows you to illuminate a broader area and see what you’re doing at all times. If night fishing is in your plans you’ll want to take a look at the Dometic GO Area Camplight. At 5” x 5” x 3.5” it’s compact, but makes a great hue of light with 400 lumens of all-around illumination. What’s better is that it has an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery that will keep that glow going for up to eight hours, and a USC-A port you can use to charge up your devices. It’s also water-resistant and weighs barely over a pound. Plus, while not exactly an angling attribute, the light is Bluetooth-enabled and you can use your phone to adjust both brightness and color; it can illuminate with eight different colorful hues like blue or pink in addition to plain old white. Price: $99.99.
Live imaging fans who are dying to scope bull redfish at the islands will be psyched to learn that Humminbird has upped the game with MEGA Live 2. Boosted clarity and a more stable view are the highlights, with better bait tracking, target separation, and improved detail via the 20- x 120-degree sonar beam. Color pallets have optimized to include 15 different options to match different water and lighting conditions. You can also mark (and view) waypoints on the live imaging sonar screen when paired with a GPS and heading sensor. MEGA Live 2 is compatible with Apex and Solix G3 models, and was released to also go with Humminbird’s new Xplore lineup of MFDs. Price: $1499.