ICAST 2013: Media Night Sneak Peak

New Minn Kota Talon (12 foot  3 section version).
They also dropped the main motor housing half way down the Talon.
Should be a show winner. 

Mustad's New KVD X-rig.
Mustad took Bernard Yong-Set's idea and many others.
Nice to know I helped in the original design. This is a spin-off
of the original Jika Rig I wrote about years ago in
Ontario OUT OF DOORS magazine. 

PowerPro's New Microfilament Braid.

Quantum's New Energy Spinning. (might have got this name wrong
because the security guard yelled to not touch anything when another
press guy picked a reel up. Was funny at the time but everyone jumped.

CHECK OUT MORE AT IBASSIN.COM's Facebook page

Shimano's new Chronarch Ci4+.
A lot of writer loved this reel but we couldn't pick them up with
cops looking over us.

Camrea at the Ready!

By Luigi De Rose

With every advancing season, anglers ready their tackle. At IBASSIN.com we are no different but we are getting more than our lures in order. This summer, IBASSIN will be hitting the water better equipped than ever before. Expect great quality videos with more inventive camera angles and sharper quality courtesy of my new camera arm.  Originally developed for Kayak anglers by RAM mounts, this set up should be a winner at retrieving the action as it happens, especially when teamed with my GoPro.

Good luck this weekend and expect some cool news to start leaking out from ICAST. I'm already got some juice from Live Target, Mustad hooks and Yum. Make sure to check in everyday!

Beating the Winter Blues Part 4: Toronto Sportsmen's Show

The Toronto Sportsmen Show is one of the longest running and largest outdoor show in North America. It is certainly Canada's best show. A lot companies were there that I missed or I caught them at a very busy time. If I missed you, I am sorry. Some companies had booths. Others were found in the many stores at the show.

The Toronto Sportsmen Show is always great fun.  I got the chance to have dinner with Ontario OUT OF DOORS magazine's Senior Editor, Gord Ellis from Thunder Bay, Ontario. He is always interesting to talk with. He told me of a place he did a tournament in North West Ontario that is teaming with big smallmouth in standing timber. Sounds like a future road trip for ibassin.com. The show is always a great time to see old friends. Here are a few companies that had new and cool products for 2011 at the show.

SHIMANO

Shimano Canada has some tough guys promoting their great rods and reels. Steve has the new Shimano Curado and Caenan reels and a look that telling you need one too. Steve's a great guy so mind the serious look. (Sorry Steve, the photo just was too funny to leave out.)  Really, Shimano has been king in Canada for decades and their line of reels: casting, trolling and spinning are top notch.

The creator of the Punisher Mini Jig, Jarrod Dean, knows a good rod when he sees one and this year Shimano has a 7' 7" Cumara Punching rod. Whacking the heavy weed mats is a red hot technique and this new Cumara might be the answer this season.  Not too sure if we love the winter look on Jarrod though. 

RAPALA

Rapala's Clackin' Rap Crankbaits (top) are the bait of choice if you spend anytime listening to their pros. Last year they helped a few pro-staff guys put some big money into their pockets. This year, you'll have a chance to cast one. The Clacking Minnow Jerkbait (bottom) has been equally hot. It casts very well, stays deep and has a super loud knocker. Great colour patterns and good hooks will keep any wild smallmouth pinned.

Grant Mills (top)shows off Rapala's new Shift rods. Only available in Canada, Rapala has developed a great selection of Shift rods and reels. New Shift and R-Type rods and reels are hitting the stores now. Check them out. The price is a huge selling point but the quality is very good too. Their new R-type flipping rod (middle) is a sweet rod. American can jump the boarder to snag one for themselves.  Shift Hero reel (bottom) looks like it should cost double than it does.