IKE Signature Series Rods and Reels Get an Upgrade

IKE Signature Series Rods and Reels Get an Upgrade

Precision, power, and performance redefined in the latest series

 IKE’s Signature Series rods feature a 30-ton graphite blank with Powerlux 200 resin for increased sensitivity and a balanced design, a custom Abu designed reel seat, and stainless-steel guides that provide a comfortable and durable option for anglers of all skill levels. The casting models are broken into two series: the Delay Series and the Power Series. The Delay Series features five models designed specifically for crankbait fishing. These rods have a parabolic action, ideal for long casts with lightweight lures, and easi
ly absorb the shock of a hard-fighting fish. The Power Series includes six of IKE’s favorite casting rod actions: a spinnerbait/vibrating jig rod, all-purpose, Texas rig/jig, frog/toad, Carolina rig/pitch flip, and a dedicated big bait/mat punch rod.

In addition to the two casting models, the new IKE Signature series includes five spinning rod options in the Finesse Series: a jig head/skipping rod, drop shot/wacky, all-purpose finesse, long drop shot, and a long cast special. These spinning rods were crafted with finesse techniques in mind, providing ultimate sensitivity and feel with bottom-contact baits. As the world of finesse fishing continues to grow, the IKE series of rods offers anglers unique, technique-specific spinning rods for a variety of applications.

Key Features – IKE Signature Series Rods 
• 30-ton graphite with Powerlux 200 resin for a lightweight, balanced design and increased sensitivity
• HSG construction with Powerlux 200 creates a parabolic action that is ideal for crankbait fishing (Delay Series)
• ROCS (Robotically Optimized Casting System) guide train for maximized casting distance with lighter lures
• Custom Abu Garcia designed reel seat for greater comfort
• Stainless-steel guides with zirconium inserts
• Mike Iaconelli designed actions
• Limited 3-year warranty

MSRP: $149.95

Stren's Power Knot: Great Line for the Price!

Stren’s Power Knot 

By Luigi De Rose

Line is only as good as its knot and that’s the focus of Stren’s Power Knot. Power Knot is self-lubricating, giving knots extra security when cinched. Expect easy handling from this low memory line which will be offered in green and clear from 6lb to 20lb test 220yard spools. MSRP $5.99 -$6.99.

Mercury Unveils Four New Engines at the Miami Boat Show

Mercury Marine introduced four new engines Thursday at the Miami International Boat Show – the Verado® 350hp outboard, Mercury Racing Verado 400R outboard, Mercury Racing QC4v 1550 sterndrive and Mercury 4.5-liter 200hp sterndrive.

Power Pole Drift Paddle with Dave Chong and IBASSIN

Bass pro Dave Chong explains the new Paddle from Power Pole. This attachment will convert your shallow water anchor into an amazing drifting devise. Learn why the Paddle is a must for you.

Fall Fishing: Ever try an Underspin?

By Luigi De Rose

Underspins: the best unknown bait for Autumn.

A great yet very under used bait is the underspin. Underspins are really a juiced up leadhead jig.
Crappie fisherman have been familiar with these jigs for decades. Recently, bass versions have been quietly beenhitting tackle stores. Even though Scott Martin used one to win the FLW CUP these baits are still underused. 

(Top: Sworming Hornet Fishhead; Buckeye Su-Spin; Blakemore Marten's Rolling Runner; Sworming Hornet 1oz.)

Ranging in sizes from 1/16oz up to a full ounce, each has a dangling blade to provide flash and vibration.  Teamed with a minnow or shad bait the whole presentation mimics a minnow excellently.

Where to fish these baits? Anglers can fish these things almost anywhere. An underspin can be a great alternative to spinnerbaits, crankbaits, tubes or regular jigs. The trick is to find bass feeding on bait. Smelt, shad, even perch school in the fall and bass are right behind them. Fire one through schools of bait and then see what happens. You'll be surprised about how well they work. 

Giant Pre-Spawn Smallmouth

By Luigi De Rose

May and June can be the best time to catch your personal best smallmouth. If you live in the north or willing to travel, now is the time to hunt big smallmouth bass. Several northern states and provinces have an early season. So, it is time to pack up the boat and fish. Here are two brutes that are prime examples of what to expect this time of year.

Eighteen year old Patrick Zajdel, from Burlington, Ontario, recently made the trek to New York State to take advantage of their early bass season. It was well worth the drive considering he boated his largest smallie ever!



At 6 pounds 9 ounces, this will be a difficult record
for Patrick to beat anytime soon.  

Here are the stats:

Lure: Jackall Squad Minnow 95 Jerkbait

Colour: Chartreuse Shad

Depth: 3 feet

Contour: Sand Flat

Rod: Shimano Crucial 6'10M Spinning Jerkbait Rod

Reel: Shimano Saros 2500

Line: Power Pro 15lb Super 8 Slick

Patrick is a young kid who knows his fishing. Learn more about him at:
http://patrickzajdelfishing.com/

Brute smallmouth # 2 will be revealed tomorrow! See you then.

IBASSIN Exclusive: Fastach Creates it Own Jika Rig

Sizes range from 1/0 to 5/0
(Top to Bottom)

Fastach's new X Rig is the answer for all who were looking for a Jika Rig. This version uses the unique Fastach system which allows anglers to quickly slip on or off any size of weight. This rig substituted the welded O-ring with a small yet ultra strong swivel to provide a solid line tie and prevent line twist. Using custom VMC worm hooks, this X Rig is ideal for finesse all the way to heavy cover presentations.  Expect them in stores in 2012 at a very reasonable price.

FLW Tour on Lake Hartwell: Day 4 Predictions

For All the Chips
By Luigi De Rose

FLW Tour stop on Lake Hartwell has been a typical spring tournament. A battle of spawning fish. A battle of dirty vs. clear water. A battle of East vs. West anglers.  Day 4 is when it all counts. This is the last day to make it happen. Unfortunately, it might be out of everyone's hands. 

What's working
With so much rain on Day 3 it should have effected the fishing but good catches came from both stained and clearer areas. Sight fishing was a wash. Ish Monroe complained that the overcast conditions impaired his view along with the pollen floating on the water. His catch dropped and he didn't advance. Surprisingly, finesse worked well for West Coast super star Brent Ehrler as it did for Stacy King in his muddy, up- river coves. Power fisherman like tournament leader Jason Christie, Bryan Thirft in fifth and Joe Thomas in tenth, all did well cranking a range of baits. Others said the swimbait bite should have been better but the rain was a cold rain which hampered the fish's mood.

Problem
It rained like hell all of Day 3. Anglers were soaked. With more rain expected last night, the lake will continue to rise. This is concerning for all. The anglers in the upper reaches of the lake, especially the ones fishing coves with creeks in the back might be met with a wall of cold, muddy water. Even in the lower sections of the lake this is not a blessing. Tom Monsoor explained that the grass his fish are relating to is now underwater. During practice he could see the grass and cast to it. Now he is fishing from memory. Joe Thomas, while being interviewed by FLW outdoors stated that his dad told him two thing, "muddy water is OK and cold water is OK but cold muddy water is no good." If his dad's theory is correct many in the Top 10 are in for a world of trouble.