Leading Shimano’s lineup at ICAST 2024 are feature-rich and value-priced Vanford spinning and SLX casting reels. Also of note is the Poison Adrena, a highly engineered Japanese-inspired rod redesigned for American anglers, plus we take a look at Shimano’s high-tech Zumverno jerkbait.
The Best New Shimano Gear for 2025
Vanford Spinning Reels
To complement their most popular Stradic spinning reels, Shimano introduced the Vanford line as a lighter and less expensive sister reel. With the same features and identical mechanical workings, the Vanford uses a carbon fiber body to cut weight.
The newest version of the Vanford includes many of the same features with a newly designed rotor to reduce rotating weight and improve balance. To improve balance, the asymmetrical bail arm shifts the weight for smoother rotation. Weight reduction comes from a titanium bail wire, lightweight line roller and shaved rotor further reducing rotating weight.
One of the coolest new features found on Shimano’s premium reels is a small fin beneath the line roller that keeps slack line from popping out of the line roller and then creating a wind knot that eventually leads to a tangled mess. The lighter and more balanced reel is perfect for finesse techniques where the gears and shafts provide instant reaction to the lightest bite.
Vanford Spinning Reel
SLX XT A Casting Reels
Shimano’s SLX casting reels are one of my favorite workhorse reels and sit on several of my go-to fishing rods. Adding to the versatile line, the new SLX XT A includes improved performance without adding to the price.
My favorite feature is the brake controls that combine internally adjustable brakes with an external dial to make slight adjustments on the water. I can adjust the internal brakes and then add or reduce pressure depending on the wind conditions and lure weight. The new reel also uses a tuned spool with internal bushings that make the reel almost silent when I’m casting or reeling.
The tough reel is constructed out of Shimano’s Hagnes aluminum alloy for corrosion resistance for salt water and the rigidity I need when I’m battling a big fish.
SLX XT A Baitcast Reel
Poison Adrena A Rod
Serious anglers know the best fishing rods come from Japan’s ultra-competitive and super-challenging largemouth bass fishery. To bring find-tuned Japanese engineering to American anglers, Shimano redesigned the Poison Adrena A.
Just holding the Poison Adrena A is a pleasure. The lightweight, solid feel and smooth finish make the line of rods a work of art. Looking closer, I notice the seamless rod butt and reel seat are hollowed out for ultimate weight savings and sensitivity. Shimano used premium line guides to efficiently gather line and reduce loops for longer casts. On two of the spinning models, the hollow carbon fiber cross-wrapped blank has a solid tip section that controls the rod action for accurate lure response when finesse fishing or working a strolling-style lure.
For years, discerning anglers have gone the distance to obtain Japanese market rods for the ultimate performance. The Poison Adrena offers the same designs and engineering closer to home.
Poison Adrena
Zumverno 115 SP MR Jerkbait
The new Zumverno 115 SP MR is packed with Shimano’s best lure technology in a high-performance jerkbait. Jerkbaits are effective year-round in a variety of fishing conditions. To entice finicky fish, I work a jerkbait super slow. For aggressive fish, speed up the retrieve and hold on for a big bite.
The Zumverno is fine-tuned for optimum performance under any conditions. The magic happens inside the Zumverno. A sliding weight moves forward when I cast the lure to improve distance. When the lure hits the water, the weight moves forward to bring the nose down and expose the hooks to a careless fish. The nose down position also shows up better on forward-facing sonar, so anglers can track the lure and monitor its action.
One of my favorite Shimano features is the Flashboost with vibrating flashy material sparkling in the center of the clear lure. On the outside, sparkles and minute details appear like a real fish. The Zumverno’s lip is designed to maintain a consistent depth and bounce off of structure without getting snagged.
Zumverno 115SP MR Jerkbait
Feature photo: Kayak Angler Staff
