ICAST 2018: Shimano's SLX Baitcasting Reels

ANGLERS AT ALL LEVELS - SHIMANO’S SLX BAITCASTING REELS

ARE THE ‘CAN’T STOP FISHING’ CHOICE

All reels $99.99 USD!

   Anglers looking for a versatile, easy-to-use, lightweight and durable baitcasting reel, Shimano new SLX reels are the one more fish, one more cast, ‘Can’t Stop Fishing’ option. The series is offered in six models in three different gear ratios, including the 6.3:1 SLX150 and left-hand retrieve SLX151, the high-speed SLX150HG and 151HG with 7.2:1 gears, and the SLX150XG and 151XG with extra high speed 8.2:1.

   Designed around Shimano’s HAGANE body concept - meaning a solid and precise aluminum frame, the SLX compact body still allows for plenty of line capacity - up to 105 yards of 40-pound test PowerPro braid. Shimano’ proven six-spin style Variable Brake System provides spool and casting control, while the sideplate is attached to prevent it from falling off when adjustments are needed with lures and wind condition changes. Each comes with a ‘Curado K type’ long handle with power handle knobs. Even with the aluminum frame and durable brass gears, each reel weighs in at a light 6.9-ounces.

ICAST 2018: Curado Reels Sees Improvements by Shimano

SHIMANO BRINGS DIGITAL CONTROL TECHNOLOGY TO CURADO REELS -

TROUBLE FREE CASTING FOR ALL ANGLERS

All retail for $249.99 (USD)

Utilizing a microcomputer to control brake force at every moment of the cast, Shimano brings its digital control technology (I-DC4) to a new series of Curado baitcasting reels. Built upon a reel already known for its durability, dependability, and versatility, the new Shimano Curado DC reels will quickly allow all anglers - from the most to avid tournament angler to those who are intimidated by baitcasting reels and the backlashes that can happen - to cast smarter by allowing the DC’s microcomputer to monitor spool speed 1,000 times every second and apply the perfect amount of brake to prevent backlashes and maximize distance. Being introduced at ICAST 2018 and available in August, the DC series includes the Curado DC150 and left-hand retrieve DC151 with 6.2:1 gear ratios, the Curado DC150HG and DC151HG with 7.4:1 gear ratios, and the even higher speed Curado DC150XG and DC151XG with 8.5:1 gear ratios.

     With the I-DC4 braking technology, anglers can fish a variety of lures and in any weather conditions, with limited-to-no adjustments to the reel. There are four external adjustable brake settings depending on fishing situations. The settings are a ‘max distance mode’ for ultra-long casts in calmer conditions; a ‘braid/mono mode’ for general all-around use of those types of lines; a ‘fluorocarbon mode’ that is best when using these stiffer lines; and a ‘skipping mode’ for challenging casts (under docks and piers) or extreme conditions.

ICAST 2018: New Shimano SLX for Under $100

Your game is strong. First on, last off. Every day, rain or shine…or wind or snow. The all-new Shimano SLX is built by, and for, anglers who demand bullet-proof, unrelenting durability from their equipment.
MSRP: $99.99

ICAST 2018: Minn Kota Launches New Built in MEGA Down Imaging in Motors

Minn Kota® Launches New Trolling Motors with
Built-In MEGA Down Imaging™

Minn Kota the leader in trolling motor innovation, will debut Built-In MEGA Down Imaging™ in its trolling motors at the American Sportfishing Association’s International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST).

For the first time, anglers will have the option to select a Minn Kota Ulterra™, Terrova^®, Ultrex™ or Fortrex^® trolling motor with Built-In MEGA Down Imaging sonar. The Humminbird^® MEGA Down Imaging transducer will now be integrated into the trolling motor to provide a clean set up at the bow for anglers. Humminbird’s ultra-clear MEGA Imaging™ is the first Down Imaging technology to enter the megahertz range with performance that’s nearly three times greater than traditional 455 kHz frequencies. It results in the clearest, sharpest on-screen images ever seen.

With Built-In MEGA Down Imaging, the transducer is housed in the indestructible lower motor unit and the wiring runs through the composite shaft providing clean rigging that is protected from wear and tear. In addition, having the transducer integrated into the trolling motors allows anglers to see what is directly below the bow of the boat, allowing anglers to make better decisions on where, and how, to fish.

“The integration of Minn Kota and Humminbird products is part of our commitment to providing innovative solutions for anglers as they seek to find and catch more fish,” said Minn Kota Brand Manager Brad Henry.
 

Shimano SLX Baitcasting Reels with Keith Combs and IBASSIN

Anglers looking for a versatile, easy-to-use, lightweight and durable baitcasting reel, Shimano new SLX reels are the one more fish, one more cast, ‘Can’t Stop Fishing’ option. The series is offered in six models in three different gear ratios, including the 6.3:1 SLX150 and left-hand retrieve SLX151, the high-speed SLX150HG and 151HG with 7.2:1 gears, and the SLX150XG and 151XG with extra high speed 8.2:1. Designed around Shimano’s HAGANE body concept - meaning a solid and precise aluminum frame, the SLX compact body still allows for plenty of line capacity - up to 105 yards of 40-pound test PowerPro braid. Shimano’ proven six-spin style Variable Brake System provides spool and casting control, while the sideplate is attached to prevent it from falling off when adjustments are needed with lures and wind condition changes. Each comes with a ‘Curado K type’ long handle with power handle knobs. Even with the aluminum frame and durable brass gears, each reel weighs in at a light 6.9-ounces.

ICAST 2018 Coverage!

ICAST starts this Wednesday. IBASSIN.com will be giving you the best coverage via the blog and our Facebook page. The blog will post press releases, product launches and videos. Our Facebook page will have more photos and unique elements along with some instant video right from the floor of ICAST 2018 in Orlando, Florida!

The action will start Tuesday, July 10 at 5:20ish in the evening with the annual new product launch for media members only.

CLICK HERE to Like us on Facebook to get the best ICAST 2018 coverage!

Chris Johnston Wins 2018 Canadian Open Pro/Am with 50-96lbs!

Johnston Bros. 1st and 3rd. 
By Luigi De Rose 

Chris Johnston again proves he is a smallmouth master.
(Photo: John Whyte)

Under a historic cold front where the air temp dropped almost 20C and the wind kicked up after a week of hot, humid weather Lake Simcoe/ Lake Couchiching still illustrates why it is one of the best smallmouth lake on the planet.  Prefishing saw giant smallmouth cruising shallow shoals, glued to boulders and feeding on deep flats. Fresh off a stellar FLW Tour season, Chris Johnston put together two stellar 5-bass limits, 26-35lbs and 24-06lbs, to capture the Canadian Open Pro/Am. Second place went to Brian Huges who landed 50lbs. Newly minted dad, Cory Johnston grabbed third with 48-04lbs. Forth went to Simcoe ace John Whyte with 48-04lbs and Seb Roy finished 5th with 46-03lbs anchored by a 6-05lbs bass, the tournament's largest bass.

2018 Forrest Wood Cup: Full Field Announced

FLW PRESS RELEASE

With the conclusion of the 2018 FLW Tour season at Lake St. Clair today, the field of 56 for the Forrest Wood Cup is now final.

Qualifiers will compete for the $300,000 first-place prize Aug. 10-12 on Lake Ouachita in Hot Springs, Ark.

The field includes the 2017 FLW Tour Angler of the Year, the 2017 Forrest Wood Cup champion, the top 40 anglers in the 2018 FLW Tour AOY standings (invitations were extended down to 44th place due to double-qualifications by other means), the 2018 T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League All-American champion, the 2018 YETI FLW College Fishing National Championship winner, the 2018 The Bass Federation National Championship winner and qualifiers from the 2017 Costa FLW Series Championship, including the FLW Series International Division’s top finisher at the championship.

Full field below

Happy 4th of July