Gear Roundup: New & Noteworthy Fishing Gear

Possum tails, drybags, cranks, reels, coolers, and more!

October 02, 2024 By In-Fisherman Staff

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Polar Pak’in

Studio photo of gray NEBO cooler — $129.99 | nebo.acgbrands.com

Keep drinks and food cool on warm days and warm on colder days with the NEBO PolarPak Hybrid Cooler & Warmer Bag. This battery-powered cooler uses hybrid Thermo-Cool Technology to cool as low as 27°F and warm up to 140°F. It has a 16-quart capacity, holding up to 24 12-ounce cans. It’s insulated, easy to clean, and easy to tote.

$129.99 | nebo.acgbrands.com

Toad Thumper Frog Clan

Studio photo of an orange and black frog lure. — $9.99 | toadthumper.co

From Toad Thumper, the Swamper Walkin’ Frog and Thumper Poppin’ Frog are a dynamic surface-bait duo constructed with a specially formulated super-soft material and zero-line contour body for superior collapsibility and hookup ratio.The specially angled nose and flat belly on the Swamper allow it to climb over cover without the body roll that’s prominent on keeled belly frogs. The Thumper Poppin’ Frog has a large mouth set at a specific angle to chug and spit water.

$9.99 | toadthumper.co

The HyperMag

Studio photo of a baitcasting reel — $349.99 | budsgunshop.com

A beauty to behold, and ergonomically constructed for comfort in hand, Lew’s HyperMag baitcaster offers enhanced performance, including a double-bearing-supported pinion gear for smoothness and extended gear life. With a one-piece magnesium frame and C40 carbon side plates, the low-profile reel weighs just 5.2 ounces. An 11-bearing system delivers smooth casts and retrieves, while a carbon-fiber drag offers 20 pounds of drag. Gearing options: 7.3:1 and 8.3:1.

$349.99 | budsgunshop.com

PXR Mavrik

Studio photo of a slender blue and silver crankbait — $14.99 | scheels.com

Precision Xtreme Redline, or PXR, is a new Rapala lure lineup with the first introduction the PXR Mavrik 110, at 43⁄8 inches and 1/2 ounce, billed as their finest professional-grade suspending jerkbait. A “long-cast system” delivers just that. Head-down, suspending pauses mimic an injured baitfish. VMC RedLine hooks are sticky sharp. Choose from 18 colors.

$14.99 | scheels.com

Drainable Shoe

Studio photo of a gray and orange shoe. — $99 | rockyboots.com

The Rocky NOWAKE fully drainable shoe is ideal for wading, or in the kayak and on the boat. Built with a recycled fishing net upper and a perforated drainable footbed, water is able to flow through without pooling, allowing for quicker dry times. Features non-marking, slip-resisting outsole with drainable EVA midsole that pushes water out with every step. Locking bungee cord laces with toggle closure provide comfort and secure support.

$99 | rockyboots.com

Bait Finesse Reel

The introduction of low-profile Abu Garcia Zenon LTX BFS (Bait Finesse System) casting reels allows casting ultra-finesse-style baits like small jigs and spybaits. The reels have 9 + 1 bearings, with ultra-shallow, extremely lightweight spools, in two gear ratios: 8.3:1 for small jigs, plastics, and hair jigs; 6.8:1 for spybaits and small crankbaits. The reels are designed to be coupled with matching Bait Finesse System rods, detailed on their website.

Proven productive after a season in the field, Berkley Dime crankbaits in #4 and #6 sizes, with a unique weight-transfer system and Flash Disc Stabilizing Technology, cast far and get to depth fast with a fish-triggering action. Constructed of durable plastic, the #4, which searches in the 4- to 6-foot range, measures 2 inches and weighs 2/5 ounce, while the #6 works 6 to 8 feet, measures 2.25 inches, and weighs 1/2 ounce. Twenty-one color options. Deeper running #10 and #15 options are available, too.

$10.99 | scheels.com

The TRD FattyZ

Studio photo of a brown and white plastic worm. — $4.49 | fishusa.com

Z-Man TRD FattyZ, measuring 3.25 inches, has a thinner midsection and meatier posterior tapering to a minimalist tail. Designed with a flat underside for subtle gliding action, it pairs with any Ned-style head. Z-Man products are made of durable ElaZtech that floats and therefore self-activates on the pause. Check 12 colors and pricing exclusive to tacklewarehouse.com.

$4.49 | fishusa.com

Waterproof Bags

Studio photo of a waterproof duffel bag. — Check options and pricing at drybags.com.

Watershed makes 100 percent waterproof drybags with ZipDry closure, tested to over 300 feet of submersion without leakage; stitch-free, fused seams; and polyurethane-coated 840-denier nylon base with strong and grippy Kryptothane Plus coating. Pictured here is the Chattooga, a versatile 22-liter bag for kayak, bank, or boat. Other options include backpack and tote designs—Chattooga, $189 for base model, add-on extras available. Check options and pricing at drybags.com.

Possum Tail Worm

Studio photo of a green and black plastic worm. — $5.96 for five | opticsplanet.com

Curled for action, the Chompers Possum Tail Worm reacts in bungee fashion to every rod tip move, coiling and uncoiling in an enticing curling action. The design is a plastic blend with no salt, making the bait exceptionally durable and neutrally buoyant. Texas rig it or use it jigworm style on a jighead.

$5.96 for five | opticsplanet.com

Finesse Tips for Great Lakes Smallmouth Bass with Capt. Ross Robertson

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Finesse Tips for Great Lakes Smallmouth Bass with Capt. Ross Robertson

Renowned Great Lakes walleye guide and owner/operator of Bigwater Guide Service, Capt. Ross Robertson shares some smallmouth bass fishing tips, especially regarding finesse applications. Robertson knows how important the right hook is for anything that swims and he has reliable solutions for your next smallmouth adventure. Good stuff here, check it out!

Coors x Ross Reels Collab

Mayfly Outdoors and Ross Reels are launching a new Coors Banquet Cimarron reel in a 4/5 size, with additional sizes and a limited-edition drop to follow. The goal is to raise up to $100,000 for river conservation efforts through their partnership with Trout Unlimited.

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Doug Stange: Early In-Fisherman Magazine Development

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Doug Stange: Early In-Fisherman Magazine Development

In-Fisherman Editor in Chief Doug Stange sits down with host Thomas Allen for his second interview reminiscing about the early days of In-Fisherman magazine.

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In-Fisherman Classics: Lift-and-Drop Baits For Walleyes

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In-Fisherman Classics: Lift-and-Drop Baits For Walleyes

Walleyes are known to be finicky critters, but applying the right jig and bait combination is key to increased success. Color, weight and trailer are all important parts, but the action you impart on the presentation might be the most important part. Bothers Ron and Al Lindner break down the famous lift-and-drop presentation for big walleyes.

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In-Fisherman Classics: Big Jigs for Big Walleyes

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In-Fisherman Classics: Big Jigs for Big Walleyes

Dave Csanda and Northland Tackle's John Petersen target big walleyes with big jigs and discuss the power of meaty presentations. The combination of rocks and walleyes on the Canadian Shield should make catching fish easy, you usually don't find one without the other. Hop in the boat with two walleye legends and learn how walleyes often prefer a bigger meal.

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In-Fisherman Classics: Snap Jigs for Big Walleyes

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In-Fisherman Classics: Snap Jigs for Big Walleyes

Snap jigging has been around for a long time, and it continues to be a solid presentation for walleyes--even through the ice. In this throw-back video, the crew works on making big walleyes attack a snap jig--they talk about presentation selections, colors, weights and action. Al Lindner shares the secrets about effective snap jigging. Does the technique discussed in this video still hold up to what we know today?

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In-Fisherman Classics: Big Walleyes Love Jigs Tipped with Soft Plastics

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In-Fisherman Classics: Big Walleyes Love Jigs Tipped with Soft Plastics

In this throw-back In-Fisherman video, Al Lindner talks about livebait alternatives that work wonders in locations, rivers especially, when livebait may not be allowed. Check out this video and let us know how much has changed over the years.

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In-Fisherman Classics: Specialty Walleye Rigs in Rivers

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In-Fisherman Classics: Specialty Walleye Rigs in Rivers

River-run walleyes act like walleyes should. If you ask Al Lindner, he'll tell you his favorite places to fish for walleyes during spring and fall are known river walleye destinations. What are the top presentations you need to keep handy to make the most out of a trip on the river? Listen in and begin writing your list--and how much has changed over the years?

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In-Fisherman Classics: Late Ice with Legendary Ice Angler Dave Genz

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In-Fisherman Classics: Late Ice with Legendary Ice Angler Dave Genz

In-Fisherman contributor Matt Straw joins Dave Genz to ply frozen waters looking for big panfish late in the ice season. The duo offers some tips and tactics based on seasonal movements and an deep understanding of where the fish prefer to be just prior to ice out. This is relevant information today, just as it was back then. Good stuff.

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In-Fisherman Classics: Proven spring crappie tactics

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In-Fisherman Classics: Proven spring crappie tactics

In this throwback In-Fisherman video, the team talks about proven spring crappie tactics as the fish work their way through the spring months into prespawn and spawning phases of the year. Big crappies are among the most popular species to pursue before summer sets in, and the staff help illustrate a few reliable methods to find and catch big springtime crappies. How does this information hold up to today's crappie standards and techniques?

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In-Fisherman Classics: Understanding the Seasonal Movements of Yellow Perch

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In-Fisherman Classics: Understanding the Seasonal Movements of Yellow Perch

Renowned perch jerkers Jimmy Lindner and Matt Straw work to find and catch quality yellow perch throughout the seasonal periods. They are considered a panfish and make some of the finest table fare, but they are easy to find if you understand where they like to feed and breed. The key is understanding their seasonal movements--listen to what the guys have to say to solve the perch puzzle.

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In-Fisherman Classics: Giant Brook Trout Canadian Adventure

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In-Fisherman Classics: Giant Brook Trout Canadian Adventure

Brook trout are among the most beautiful fish that swim, and they are a blast to catch. Matt Straw shares a cool experience in breathtaking Canadian waters, along with some tips and techniques to catch more fish. The adventures of Canadian fishing are truly world class--this video is no exception.