Jackall GoVacho Frog with FLW Pro Cory Johnston

Cory Johnston is the real deal. He's been doing great on the FLW Tour level and frog fishing is key to his success. Check out the new 3 tailed GoVacho frog by Jackall. It not just a simple hollow body frog.

ICAST 2016: Kevin Van Dam explains the new Strike King Deep Diving Jerkbait

Kevin Van Dam is one of the greatest anglers on the planet. When he approves a bait you know it is something special. Listen as he tells IBASSIN.com viewers what makes the new Strike King Deep Diving jerkbait so effective.

ICAST 2016 COVERAGE

Dear Readers,

Well, ICAST 2016 is finally here and IBASSIN.com has you covered. So, how do you see all the latest and greatest videos, press releases and photos? This year we have a three prong approach to covering ICAST.

PRESS RELEASES
All the news will be put here daily. Often the official press releases trickle out and are only available after the show. Don't worry, we'll get them to you. This is especially helpful with rod and reels to find out the specs of the product you're after.

PHOTOS
Best to like us on FACEBOOK. Photos will be uploaded on the fly. Out first round of photos starts today at the LIVETARGET special press release at 4pm.
Click here or link directly
or   https://www.facebook.com/ibassincom-265989363495983/?fref=ts

VIDEOS
Videos will be staggered throughout the week and into next week. Find them here or on our YOUTUBE page.

 or find the link on the right.

Well try to give you the best coverage possible but its hard to stay focused as we drool over the newest tackle and gear.

Enjoy!

IBASSIN.com

ICAST conqueror has Bassmaster Classic wish

Canadian Company an ICAST KING!

Originally posted Angling International

Five industry awards in six years makes LIVETARGET the most decorated lure manufacturer in the history of ICAST.

And the Canadian company says that success in the Bassmaster Classic would be the icing on the cake. “If we had one hope from the event it would be that David Walker wins the event using one of our LIVETARGET lures,” says Marketing Manager Gary Abernethy.

“The bass market represents a huge part of the LIVETARGET portfolio as the company makes hundreds of lures that match the different forage types and techniques for the sector. The Classic Expo offers a great chance to showcase these to customers who do not normally get to see such an array of lures in one location.

“As well as being able to see our products, there will also be videos on show at the booth alongside our pro staffers who will be there to meet visitors and sign autographs. There is no other event that draws the attention of the consumer and media like the Classic.

“It has a great balance of promotional atmosphere along with a serious fishing competition. Most people do not realise how huge the Classic is to the fishermen themselves. Making the Classic roster becomes the whole focal point of their fishing season.

“It acts as a jump start to a new season so it is important to vendors, retailers and tournament anglers.”

Top Gear Picks of 2015

The fine people at Southwick Associates have taken a survey on our most favourite fishing products. See if you're picks are among the most popular. 

In 2015, sportfishing's most frequently purchased brands included:

• Top rod brand: Shakespeare (Ugly Stik, Sturdy Stik, etc.)
• Top reel brand: Shimano
• Top combo brand: Shakespeare
• Top fishing line brand:  PowerPro
• Top hard bait brand: Rapala
• Top spinner bait brand: Strike King
• Top jig brand: Strike King
• Top sinker brand:  Lindys
• Top swivel brand:  Eagle Claw
• Top leader brand: Sufix
• Top fly line brand: Rio
• Top fly leader brand: Rio
• Top tippets brand:  Rio
• Top wader brand:  Simms 
• Top clothing brand:  Columbia
• Top raingear brand:  Frogg Toggs 
• Top landing net brand: Frabill
• Top bait bucket/aerator brand:  Frabill 
• Top fishing knife brand: Rapala
• Top fish scale brand:  Berkley 
• Top trolling motor brand:  Minn Kota 

Molix Signs Australian BASS Elite Angler Carl Jocumsen.

Molix a leading manufacture of innovative fishing tackles, is happy to announce the agreement with Carl Jocumsen a 31 y.o. rising professional angler and first Australian native to fish the B.A.S.S. Elite Tournament Trail in the U.S.

Carl is really appreciated for his technical skill, empathy and determination all features that are part of the Molix lifestyle.

This new agreement concerns the soft and hard baits (spinnerbait excluded) which will be used in all competitions and events. Carl will be an exclusive testimonial and he will will also actively work in the development of new products.

2016 is going to be my best year yet, signing with Molix has given myself a great boost going into my second year on the Bassmaster Elites. There innovative style and thinking suits my style perfectly “Jocumsen Said”

Norman Lures Sold to PRADCO

Text and Photo Originally Posted in Fishing Tackle Retail 

FORT SMITH, Ark. – PRADCO Outdoor Brands, a leading manufacturer and marketer of fishing and hunting brands and products, has acquired legendary fishing lure brand Norman Lures, formerly of Greenwood, Arkansas.

Dick and Holly Nethers of Fort Smith have owned Norman for the past 18 years and will remain involved in a consulting capacity. Under the Nethers’ leadership, Norman has continued a legacy of innovation and development with fishing lures and colors.

Norman Lures was founded by Bill Norman in the early 1960s. Some of Norman’s early creations are still being marketed and used to catch fish today. These include the DD22 and Deep Little N, which continue to be standards in deep-diving crank baits.

ICAST 2015: Bandit Makes No Mistake with "Mistake" Colours!

BANDIT LURES TO MAKE MORE MISTAKES IN 2016

3 New Dual-Look Cranks Now Available In 100, 200 and 300 Series

Bandit Lures made a huge impact on bass fishing with its “Mistake” color pattern that features a black back and vertical bars over a red base on one side and a chartreuse base on the other, and for 2016 anglers get three new “mistakes” from which to choose. New are the Crossbreed pattern, which pairs up the realistic Baby bass pattern on one side and the equally natural-looking River Bream on the other, Malfunction, which blends two productive crawfish patterns into one bait with Brown Craw Orange Belly on one side and Spring Craw on the other, and Mistaken Identity, which is possibly the craziest mash-up ever. This Bandit takes the vibrant Fire Tiger pattern and pairs it with the muted Root Beer pattern to create a head-turning combination for bass and other gamefish.

The original Mistake pattern wasn’t really a mistake and neither are these. The Mistake pattern was conceived and ordered by a tackle shop, and it was such a success that the company put it in its catalog lineup where it became one of Bandit’s best selling/most productive lures ever. The color pattern was designed to let anglers show bass two different looks without changing baits – a fish under a laydown sees the chartreuse side when the angler casts on the right side of the brush, and the red side when cast to the left side. The same logic applies to Bandit’s new dual-pattern baits.

The new Crossbreed, Malfunction and Mistaken Identity color patterns are available in Bandit 100, 200 and 300 series crankbaits. For more information go to www.banditlures.com.

ICAST 2015: LIVETARGET Hollow Body Sunfish

Replicates a juvenile Sunfish, pushed to the surface by predatory fish. Weedless design makes it ideal for the thick slop. Easy to walk with a 180 degree swing, or walk it fast in open runs to create a bubble trail. High hook-up ratios. Custom Trokar double hook.

ICAST 2015 Pre-view: Matzuo America Offers a 1, 2, 3 Punch.

Matzuo America will introduce a trio of new baits to its existing line of innovative and cost effective tackle.

The Surassha, which is Japanese for Slasher, is the latest in a line of hot-selling hard baits featuring Matzuo America's signature "bloody red" flared gills. This new top water bait includes professionally engineered chambers that create a unique knock and ping sound that the fish have never heard before.

The flared-gill design makes the Surassha spit and splash like no other bait on the market. Weighing in at a half ounce and featuring a weight transfer system, there's no doubt that anglers will be able to cast this bait a country mile! With seven custom color choices available, the Surassha offers options for any fishing condition.

In addition to the Surassha topwater, Matzuo America will unveil two new spinner baits, the Double Shockwave Spinner and the Monsuta Spinner. The Double Shockwave Spinner adds an additional polished brass blade to the existing (and extremely successful) Shockwave Spinner for twice the flash, twice the vibration, and overall more fish.

The Monsuta Spinner is a new double-bladed spinner for muskie and pike. It combines dual magnum Indiana brass blades, with a "triple threat teaser" tail comprised of natural bucktail, flashabou and marabou for a unique and irresistibly pulsating tail action.

Daiwa Corporation takes on Ever Green in US, Canada

Originally posted in Angling International

The Daiwa Corporation has taken on the exclusive distribution of Ever Green lures in the US and Canada.

The agreement was announced at the national sales meeting of the Japanese tackle giant in California earlier this month.

Ever Green has enhanced its credentials as one of Japan’s top lure brands with wins in US bass tournaments by top sponsored anglers such as Brett Hite and Morizo Shimizu, both of whom have participated in B.A.S.S. Bassmaster Elite tournaments, for many years.

With the nationwide distribution channel of Daiwa Corporation, it aims to offer more stable delivery to retailers throughout the USA and Canada.

At the ICAST show in July, the Ever Green stand will be located next to Daiwa’s. Visitors to the booth will be able to see their product line-up for the USA and talk business with the representatives.

Ever Green plans to launch a new website for the US market in July.

The Daiwa Corporation has taken on the exclusive distribution of Ever Green lures in the US and Canada.
The agreement was announced at the national sales meeting of the Japanese tackle giant in California earlier this month.
Ever Green has enhanced its credentials as one of Japan’s top lure brands with wins in US bass tournaments by top sponsored anglers such as Brett Hite and Morizo Shimizu, both of whom have participated in B.A.S.S. Bassmaster Elite tournaments, for many years.
With the nationwide distribution channel of Daiwa Corporation, it aims to offer more stable delivery to retailers throughout the USA and Canada.
At the ICAST show in July, the Ever Green stand will be located next to Daiwa’s. Visitors to the booth will be able to see their product line-up for the USA and talk business with the representatives.
Ever Green plans to launch a new website for the US market in July.
- See more at: http://www.angling-international.com/daiwa-corporation-takes-on-ever-green-in-us-and-canada/#sthash.kBAcyMRI.dpuf

The Daiwa Corporation has taken on the exclusive distribution of Ever Green lures in the US and Canada.
The agreement was announced at the national sales meeting of the Japanese tackle giant in California earlier this month.
Ever Green has enhanced its credentials as one of Japan’s top lure brands with wins in US bass tournaments by top sponsored anglers such as Brett Hite and Morizo Shimizu, both of whom have participated in B.A.S.S. Bassmaster Elite tournaments, for many years.
With the nationwide distribution channel of Daiwa Corporation, it aims to offer more stable delivery to retailers throughout the USA and Canada.
At the ICAST show in July, the Ever Green stand will be located next to Daiwa’s. Visitors to the booth will be able to see their product line-up for the USA and talk business with the representatives.
Ever Green plans to launch a new website for the US market in July.
- See more at: http://www.angling-international.com/daiwa-corporation-takes-on-ever-green-in-us-and-canada/#sthash.kBAcyMRI.dpuf

Looking of an Edge with Internet Shopping?

Search Saltwater Sections of Superior Selections

Bu Luigi De Rose

Japanese baits have been prized possessions for decades. Finding an edge by purchasing unique or new baits is always wise. I recall how amazing effective the Lucky Craft 100 baits were when they first arrived; then came the Megabass Ito 110s. Scores of anglers shelled out big bucks to gain the edge. With the web and greater access to Japanese lures, the opportunities to find that magic bait or unseen colour pattern has become strained.

One easy fix is to focus on saltwater baits. Japanese anglers have more access to the salt then to fresh water, so a huge percentage of their tackle stores cater to these anglers. You'll be amazed by the selection and variety available.

One neat thing is the assortment of jerkbaits, vibration and wake baits that are bass size in length but very hefty. Aimed for launching off sea walls, they become a smallmouth bass angler's dream on the Great Lakes were wind is always a problem. An added bonus is that these saltwater approved lures tend to be built more rugged yet they still maintain the superb finishes you would expect from Japan. Usually, the range of patterns and finishes are more flamboyant than for bass, so you'll find some truly cool baits.  

Check out this Megabass ONETEN JR SW. The SW means saltwater.

 Jig heads are also cheaper and superior. I stocked up when the Alabama rig craze hit and paid half of what I would have for specialty A-rig gear. Another benefit is that with metric sizing, anglers can really fine-tune jigs and hooks to create that something different local bass haven't seen. 

So, the next time you'll need to threat yourself to some shopping expand your search. 

New for 2015 OSP VERUNA JERKBAIT.

OSP is a famed Japanese lure company that harnesses the inspiration of former FLW Tour winner Toshinari Namiki. They offer a large selection of baits but are best known for premium hard baits. With the flood of top-dollar lures coming from overseas, OSP has never gained much traction in the North American market. Too bad because they offer a lot of great choices.

Here is one of their newest baits for 2015. It was released at the Osaka Fishing Show earlier this year.

The VARUNA Jerkbait

 

A suspending bait with a length of 113mm (4.5") and weights 16g (1/2oz). 

It is a slender bait with flat sides and jewelry quality finish.  With three trebles, they'll

 stick to anything that tries to eat it. 

A rounded short lip provides great rolling action and transmits flash well. The cupped lip digs easily

yet won't become overtiring when fished all day. Expect to find the colours you love as OSP offers a wide range of poplar patterns.

Link here to OSP FISHING

Jackall's Gantarel Slow-Sinking Swimbaits

      With a 6-inch double-jointed body mimicking a nice size lunch for big bass, Jackall Lures brings the Gantarel slow-floating hard swimbait to North American anglers. The Gantarel’s jointed body creates an ‘S’ swimming pattern while being retrieved, and makes 180-degree turns when twitched which further entices big bass when they are following the bait. To add even more realism to the Gantarel swimbaits, they are equipped with feathered treble hooks. 

     

Offered in eight extremely life-like colors, the Gantarel is designed with pectoral fin part that allows it to dive down to 3-feet. “When you can bring a bluegill color pattern – or a golden shiner or gizzard shad color bait down into the water column, a hungry bass just can’t resist. With these new Gantarel swimbaits, we’ll just warn you to hold on,” said Dan Thorburn, product manager for Shimano’s Jackall efforts in the U.S. and Canada. “The bait has already proven itself – oh yes, it works – with bass anglers in Japan, and now we can see it hooking into big kicker bass at lakes like Guntersville, Falcon and Kentucky.”

Rage Fish Attractants Lures Chong as Pro-Staff

Canadian pro-angler David Chong, signs on with Rage Fish Attractants Inc! David is one of the top multi-species anglers and one of the most knowledgeable and well respected professionals in the country. For more info on Dave and his fishing action catch him on Twitter. twitter.com/FishHardDave

Rapala Lure Selector App

Rapala – The worldwide leader in fishing lures is proud to unveil the world’s first mobile app for fishing lure selection…The RAPALA Lure SelectorTM

Designed under the strict guidance of Canadian pro-fisherman like Italo Labignan, the app sets out to unlock the mystery of lure selection for a variety of fishing conditions.  With over 2000 unique Rapala models available in Canada it can be a daunting task to determine which body shape, size or color will give you the best results on any given day.  At Rapala we understand this… and so does our app!

Ever wondered why the fish aren’t biting?...Could be your lure choice…as fishermen, we always tend to second guess, but now you can fish with confidence knowing the Rapala Lure SelectorTM has optimized the results based on species, weather patterns and other variables!

JACKALL LURES HOOKS NOTED ANGLER DAVE MERCER

When it comes to fishing, especially bass fishing, there are not many anglers that bring both expertise and fun to it like Dave Mercer. Along with filming his ‘Fact of Fishing’ show and emceeing the weigh-ins at B.A.S.S. tournaments, Mercer will now be on the water using the latest in Jackall Lures soft baits.

Dave's hooked on Jackall!

“Dave’s dynamic personality and how he can relate to bass anglers of all skill levels is an ideal combination to introduce even more anglers in North America to Jackall soft baits," said Bob Mahoney, who helps oversee the Jackall marketing efforts done by Shimano. "We’ll look forward to bringing his fishing knowledge and input - as he does for Shimano - to our associates at Jackall in developing new baits, new colors and new fishing technique ideas.”

Mercer has already been using an assortment of Jackall softs baits, from FlickShake worms and Cover Craw creature baits, to just introduced baits like the Sasuteki Craw and Scissor Comb. He’ll offer his expertise on fishing soft plastics at seminars this coming winter throughout North America, and also on his TV shows airing on the Outdoor Channel, World Fishing Network, SportsNet 360 and ESPN International.

2014 ICAST Jackall Lures Cover Craw with Dave Mercer and IBASSIN

2014 ICAST we find Dave Mercer BASS Elite Emcee and Facts of Fishing Star in the Jackall Lures booth chatting about the Jackall Cover Craw. Join IBASSIN.com as we learn all about it.



Size: 3" or 4" sizes

Rigging: Use with a nose twistlock screw hook rig / no weight needed for special action

Can also be used with texas rig and carolina rigs as well

2014 ICAST: CORE Strength Soft Plastics from Lunkerhunt

Lunkerhunt Core Strength^™ raises the bar on soft plastic technology.  Core Strength allows for reinforcement around key joints and pivot points, providing lures with the freedom to maximize and enhance their action when fished through the water. Much like how rebar works in concrete, Core Strength Technology provides the strength to help your bait hold together and take hit after hit.

Lunkerhunt Core Strength^™ reinforcement technology is found throughout the Lunker Craw^™  and the Lunker Bug^™. There is a mylar skeleton within the lures that has special venting and engineering. Essentially it enables more action and creates a longer lifespan.

Core Strength Technology - works like rebar in concrete. The difference is that it has a wide range of motion.

ICAST VIDEOS

The odd thing about ICAST is that it happens so long ago but only now do we get a chance to try them out.  This weekend I got to play with the 2013 ICAST Winning Frog from Lunkerhunt.  I got one of the very first baits ever but never had a catch to get it wet. It works great and 4 bass munched on it this Sunday.  Have a look at last year's video playlist just in case you forgot what is out there right now.