May 16, 2013
By In-Fisherman
The editors at In-Fisherman make it easy to shop for the fishing dad in your life with our 2013 Father's Day gift guide. Here are some great rods, reels, and combos that would make great gifts for dad.
Also, tell us why your dad is the ultimate sportsman for a chance to win a $2,500 Cabela's Gift Card entering !
Abu Garcia Revo Premier Abu Garcia's redesigned Revo Premier casting reel ($299.95
abugarcia.com ) is even lighter (under 6 ounces) and more compact than previous Revos. Premier has 10 stainless-steel HPCR bearings within an X2-Craftic alloy frame and C6 carbon sideplates.
Cabela's Depthmaster Metal Linecounter Trolling Reel Built of machined aluminum with reinforcing stainless steel sideplate rings, the Depthmaster lineounter trolling reel also features a spool made of anodized aluminum that is fed by a heavy-duty stainless steel wide-mouth levelwind coated with titanium to withstand abusive braided and wire lines. The enlarged levelwind allows snag-free use of double lines and knots. The trusty mechanical linecounter measures line out in feet. Cranking power comes from the hardened-brass XL gearing with an enlarged gearing and drag systems. Three sizes available ($129.99
cabelas.com ).
Cabela's Fish Eagle 50 Rods The next generation of Cabela's popular Fish Eagle II series rods, these blanks are constructed with a high-quality HM50 graphite material that makes them lighter, stronger and more sensitive than their predecessors. Guides are made of black stainless steel with ceramic inserts for use with any line. The spinning rod handles have comfortable composite cork in the grip area. Casting models have Magtouch reel seat design, which puts the reel seat in direct contact with the rod blank for added sensitivity ($89.99
cabelas.com ).
Cabela's Pro Guide Spinning Built with a 10-bearing system and lightweight graphite body and rotor, the Pro Guide Spinning Reel is ultra-smooth. A double-anodized, ported-aluminum spool; oversized hollow stainless steel bail wire with a titanium-coated line roller; and stainless steel, carbon-fiber drag washers provide increased strength and control. The double-anodized, machined-aluminum handle and soft touch handle knob combine for great feel and comfort ($49.99
cabelas.com ).
Shimano Calcutta D We're also impressed with the new Calcutta D series, the real deal for round reel freaks (
shimano.com )
Penn Battle Combo The Penn Battle Combo features the highly regarded Battle spinning reel with a one-piece composite Battle rod with stainless-steel guides with aluminum-oxide inserts. The reel has a full metal body and sideplates, machined and anodized aluminum superline-ready spool, 7 stainless-steel bearings, oversized EVA soft-touch knobs on the handle, in retrieve ratios of 6.2:1 and 5.6:1. Five sizes are available, from 2000 to 6000 ($119.99 to $129.99
pennreels.com ).
Pinnacle Optimus Pinnacle's hand-tuning process has been applied to their Optimus spinning line, with all parts crafted of RCF2 Reinforced Carbon Fiber, a material that's said to be stronger and more rigid than aircraft aluminum. (
pinnaclefishing.com ).
Megabass Retgraph FIII Megabass Retgraph FIII digital line counter reel uses a microprocessor to reports retrieve speed as well as distance of cast and water depth where the lure lands. A 4-channel controlled centripetal brake controls spool rotation speed for easy casting (
megabassusa.com ).
Legend Xtreme The Legend Xtreme ($340 to $420
stcroixrods.com ) is perhaps the most advanced rod series yet. They talk about Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) and Advanced Reinforcing (ART) technologies. But I'd say the Xtreme fishes instinctively, the highest praise you can give a rod. The custom-tooled, semi-soft Xtreme Skin handle connects you comfortably to the rod blank.
Shimano's TranX For torquing on muskies and other aquatic bullies, Shimano's TranX ($499
shimano.com ) might be the last reel you ever buy. Amazingly smooth and light, TranX TX500HG has 6.6:1 gear ratio to wind 43 inches of line per crank.
13 Fishing With the motto, 'Make your own luck, ' 13 Fishing brought an array of rods, including ice models, with top components and modern styling ($30 to $240
13fishing.com ).
Tony Roach's Micro Honeycomb S-Curve Walleye Rods Tony Roach's Micro Honeycomb S-Curve Walleye Rods ($99
wright-mcgill.com ) join Wright & McGill's signature rod series. Roach brings a line of technique-specific walleye wands. Micro Honeycomb blanks provide sensitivity, while S-Curve Technology endows blanks with high modulus and extra lifting power. Eight models include a customized 7-foot 7-inch Power Bobber rod and 9-foot 4-inch telescopic Lead Core Trolling rod with a textured, rubberized fighting handle.
G. Loomis In their recent trend of revising old standards, G. Loomis brings new life to the classic GLX series first released in 1993. The lineup includes 12 crankbait rods (CBR), from 6-foot 6-inches to 7-foot 11-inches and 6 flipping sticks (FPR) from 7-foot 5-inches to 7-foot 11-inches. The new GLX material is from 23 to 35 percent stronger than previous models, while maintaining its legendary sensitivity. Their blank-through-handle construction and Fuji Titanium SIC guides achieve great balance as well ($395 to $465
gloomis.com ).
