Whether you love jigging for rockfish or trolling for yellowfin, we know one thing for sure: you love cool new fishing gear! Here's the latest and greatest goodies that have come down the pike recently.
Raymarine Axiom Gets Even Better
One of the great things about today’s MFDs is that you don’t have to buy a new one to get in on some of the latest and greatest new features—all it takes is a software update. Case in point is the new Raymarine LightHouse 4.7 software update for Axiom users. New features for finding fish include a bottom-tracking zoom mode with a streamlined magnification window that’s easier to view and move, and the ability to enter a “GoTo” destination waypoint directly from the fishfinder screen via a long press on the target. Anglers will also appreciate the new Smart Drift feature, which takes the guesswork out of drift fishing. Select a spot via the chartplotter or sonar history, and Smart Drift will create a vector line and starting location after taking precise measurements of the wind and current’s effects on the boat. Power-Pole users get a bonus with Lighthouse 4.7, too, as the Axiom can now be used to control both pole anchors and Power-Pole Move electric trolling motors via a slide-out sidebar on the screen. Price: free (FREE! FREE!) for Raymarine Axiom users.
Pride for the Expride
On a recent trip casting into the shallows for rockfish and reds we had the chance to handle a Shimano Expride B EXS68MB. This is a 6’8” rod with an extra-fast-action tip and a carbon monocoque handle, which increases vibration transfer through the rod and into your hands to the tune of 30 percent more sensitivity. The reel seat is a CI4+, guides are Fuji SiC, and the backbone is made with Shimano’s Hi-Power X construction. So, what did we think? It’s rare to toss a quarter-ounce jighead on a medium-power rod and still be able to feel the jig ticking bottom even at maximum casting distance, but this one made it happen—in a cross-breeze. If you want insane sensitivity paired with the power to handle over-slot stripers the Expride B does the trick. Price: $279.
Lacrosse Alpha Deck Boots
Looking for that four season non-slip deck boot? Then the Lacrosse Alpha Deck Boot is a top pick. Its Air-Circ liner system, which regulates temperature, makes this the perfect all around, all season, wear anywhere boot. Quick-drying mesh circulates air inside the boot when you walk, keeping your feet cooler, drier, and ultimately more comfortable. These boots are made with hand-laid premium natural rubber over insulating neoprene for durability, flexibility, and complete waterproof protection. The slip-resistant outsole is designed to provide traction in the wettest environments and the kick-off heel plate allows for easy hands-free removal. You can dial in your perfect fit with half-size, regular, and wide-width options. Do they live up to their standards? You bet they do! Price: $120.
-By Eric Packard
Fenwick Elite
As one of my dad’s favorite brands of the 1980s, I spent many days of my youth casting for perch with his Fenwick Eagle rods. It has been some time since I fished with a Fenwick until recently the new Elite seven-foot medium-fast spinning rod landed in my hands. I paired it with my favorite 3000 size reel spooled up with 20-pound braid and hit the water. The intelligently designed reel seat and multi-material grip is extremely comfortable to hold, and the soft rod butt is forgiving when fighting a fish. This inshore rod has titanium guide frames and shows no signs of corrosion after months of use in salty conditions. The fast action and high sensitivity of the blended graphite blank has proved effective in making strong hook-sets while casting for reds and specks, as well as jigging up rockfish. While fishing on the Patuxent FishTalk intern Adam Greenberg doubled this rod over to wrangle in a 40-pound blue catfish, so it has the backbone to handle some serious fish. So, I ask myself, why have a waited so long to pick up a Fenwick again? I surely plan to add a few more Elites to my arsenal. Price: $269.95.
-By Zach Ditmars