I predict 2026 will be remembered as the year glidebaits hit saltwater. This year, backwater anglers will learn what sweetwater anglers already know: big-body lures attract a larger class of fish. My favorite trend for ‘26 flattens the learning curve for complicated electronics. Touchscreen displays and idiot-proof controls make it easy to operate advanced sonar and navigation. To meet the needs of modern inshore anglers, a re-released classic kayak provides the platform to carry electronics, gear and tackle from skinny water to the deep. As saltwater anglers add more tactics to their arsenal, rods and reels are getting tougher and more sensitive for everything from finesse fishing to jigging and popping. More anglers are entering the inshore fishing scene and the latest tackle and gear are ready for battle.
Gear Of The Year 2026: Inshore
Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 Pro
MSRP: $3,599.99
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Inshore anglers are looking for stability, speed and seaworthiness, and the updated Old Town Sportsman 120 Pro checks all the boxes. The 12-foot-long, 36-inch-wide pedal kayak boasts smart design and versatile performance, making it perfect for long days and long miles in skinny water and swift current. To revamp the popular Sportsman, engineers worked with the fishing team to add modern features like 150 inches of gear tracks, a giant bow hatch, below-deck access for rigging and tons of storage. The star of the show is Old Town’s tried-and-true PDL drive. The propeller and bicycle pedals offer the advantage of instant reverse. Reverse is not only handy for maneuvering the boat, but it also allows me to throw on the brakes when I see a fish. The sealed housing makes the drive saltwater ready. Granted, the PDL is larger and heavier than a fin-drive pedal system, but the PDL is more robust and comes with a five-year warranty. The Sportsman platform is quick to zip through the breakers and comfortable for big water fishing. Most importantly, the Sportsman Pro is built tough to survive the rigors of fishing in saltwater.
G. Loomis IMX Pro Green Salt
MSRP: $400–430
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BASS PRO SHOPS AMAZON G. LOOMIS
For inshore anglers, G. Loomis has introduced the new IMX Pro Green fishing rods for high performance and durability. My favorite feature is the tapered blank that distributes material along the length of the blank to improve casting performance and reduce weight. The rod is available in nine sizes; I am most excited about the light-action spinning models for casting small finesse baits for finicky fish. The sensitive blank combined with a carbon fiber reel seat transmit lure feel directly to my hand. With little effort, I cast a 1/16-ounce shrimp imitation halfway across the salt pond. On the retrieve, I detect when the small lure is on the bottom and feel the lightest bite. The cork grips are comfortable in my hand and look great against the green rod blank.
Humminbird XPLORE
MSRP: $1,299–2,699
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Modern fish finders and navigation systems have become so advanced they are difficult to operate. Humminbird started from scratch to develop the new XPLORE line for easy operation of advanced features. Simplifying their line with seven-, nine- and 10-inch screens and options for transducer or no-transducer packages, the XPLORE makes it easy to choose the right fish finder and navigation package. The XPLORE has both touchscreen and push buttons to make access simple regardless of the fishing conditions. The new processor is the fastest in the industry for quick and accurate returns and data display. The software developers prioritized simple operation by reducing the levels of menus required to access the fish finder features. And, there’s no need to install charts, the XPLORE comes standard with detailed coastal and inland maps. With the new XPLORE, anglers can get the most out of their electronics without wasting time studying instruction manuals and pushing buttons.
Daiwa Coastal TW 200H
MSRP: $329.99
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To beef up the Coastal TW 200H, Daiwa focused on three classic weak points: the body, gears and clutch. The new Coastal uses larger, stronger gears to provide reliable cranking power. The magnesium sideplates and aluminum frame are corrosion resistant and prevent the reel from twisting under pressure. The reel’s clutch is designed to prevent corrosion and breakdown. I like the T-Wing line guide, which opens when the reel is in freespool to reduce friction on the fishing line for longer, more accurate casts and fewer backlashes. To keep the reel running smoothly, Daiwa used ball bearings in easy-to-access points and corrosion-proof carbon bushings for internal parts.
FishLab BBZ Hard Swimbait
MSRP: $19.99–21.99
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The most exciting new lure this year has been the FishLab BBZ Hard Swimbait. After winning Best New Saltwater Hard Lure at ICAST, the swimbait won hearts by fooling inshore favorites like speckled trout, striped bass, snook and more. Designed by legendary lure smith Bill Siemantel, the Hard Swimbait is available in 4.5- and six-inch models. The lifelike shape and color patterns support the lure’s slow sinking and smooth swimming action. The saltwater models include corrosion resistant hooks and swivels. On my first day fishing with the BBZ, I caught a nice-sized speckled trout and now I’m hooked on the hard body swimbait.
12WT Back Channel
MSRP: $109
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I spent three decades testing the best fishing shirts in the worst conditions and picked the Twelve Weight Back Channel button-up as my personal favorite. First, I like the versatility of a button-up shirt. When the temperature rises, I roll up the sleeves or open the buttons on the front. To block the sun, I flip up the collar to cover my neck. The Back Channel has raglan sleeves, unique for a button-up shirt, with seams running from the neck to the underarm providing a greater range of movement. The shirt back has a large mesh-lined vent corresponding with two smaller vents just below the collar to increase air circulation. The coolest feature is mesh side panels providing stretch and ventilation with a small sidepocket to hold my phone. Smart design and comfortable fabrics make the Back Channel one of the most technical shirts I’ve tested. After several years wearing the Back Channel on the hottest, most humid days, I am confident the shirt keeps me cool in the worst summer weather.
Humminbird Xplore fish finder flattens the learning curve. | Feature photo: Johnson Outdoors
