Team Kayak Angler reached the summit of new gear and tackle at the final day of the world’s largest trade show. After a week of searching and discovering, we finished strong with coverage of rods and reels, tackle and rigs, clothes and shoes and more great stuff to make fishing easier and more fun.
How’d They Do It? Sea Eagle’s Redesigned Inflatable With a Keel
Sea Eagle does one thing, they make inflatable boats and paddleboards, and they do it better than any other company. Always pushing the edge of design to improve performance and durability, Sea Eagle is redesigning several of their popular models including the Fast Track Angler 385. To make the boat more fishy, they’ve added rod holders to the bow and stern and a base for a standing bar ahead of the seat. The new Fast Track 385 hull design combines the stiffness of dropstitch chamber with the improved performance of a V-hull. Dropstitch chambers are usually flat, but Sea Eagle has managed to put a slight ridge down the center of the hull to improve tracking and speed. Look for more upgrades and updates across the Sea Eagle line of inflatables.
Native Watercraft Goes Big With the New Hammer Tournament Sled
In the race to build bigger and better fishing kayaks, Native Watercraft brings another option to complement their trend-leading TitanX and Slayer Propel. The new Hammer incorporates modern tournament-ready rigging with a new Propel Drive. The Hammer has all the features to add multiple fish finder displays, forward-facing sonar and acres of tackle and gear storage along with a swivel seat. To motorize the Hammer, the boat has motor mounts in the bow and stern. The motor is only as good as the battery, so the Hammer has a huge bow hatch to accommodate a trolling motor battery and a unique under-seat storage space that places the stern battery low in the boat for stability and balance. Each year a new motor-ready tournament kayak hits the water with new and improved design, and the Hammer will set the bar for future full-feature boats.
Lowrance and Yak Power Team Up for Wireless Electronics Control
Lowrance and Yak Power have teamed up to create an integrated power-control system. Using Yak Power’s Portable Power Station, Bluetooth connected to a Lowrance fish finder, anglers can control power to lights, fish finders, motors and chargers right from the display screen. The feature eliminates the need to install a traditional switch system saving cockpit space. The new system is compatible with all existing Yak Power Bluetooth switches. In addition to the Lowrance collaboration, Yak Power is introducing a long list of new products to allow kayak anglers to quickly and easily connect and control their electronics. I’m excited to test the wireless switch systems and plug and play Quick Disconnect Kit that allow me to build an electronics tote to turn my gear crate into a mobile power unit I can easily remove for charging and storage.
St. Croix Brings Premium Rod Features to Everyone
St. Croix is known for premium fishing tackle for discerning anglers and they bring their best technology and design to rods and reels for everyone. After the popularity of their GXR Bass rod and reel combos, St. Croix added GXR Walleye and Lite combos matched with Seviin reels with species and tactic specific designs. The new combos incorporate some of St. Croix’s best features with touches that are target species specific. For example, the Lite combos use high-frame line guides to reduce friction that limits casting distance and accuracy. The GXR Walleye rods have a shorter butt section to promote vertical jigging and snap jigging.
On the saltwater side, St. Croix has added a line of offshore rods to complement their popular inshore models. The new Rogue V rods are available in Boat, Jigging and Slow Pitch designs using a new high-performance fiberglass and carbon fiber matrix composite for increased power and sensitivity without sacrificing weight. The stainless steel line guides with alconite inserts are durable and corrosion resistant. St. Croix fans will be excited to hear that they have updated their Legend X2 rods with lighter and stronger SC7 carbon fiber. And, St. Croix redesigned their classic Premier line with modern three-side grips and upgraded Fuji guides.
Okuma Combos Perfectly Match Rods and Reels for Tactics and Species
Releasing a long list of innovative new products, Okuma added a half-dozen rod and reel combos to their product list. One of our favorites is the new Tavarus combo in spinning and baitcasting models. Featuring sealed reels and carbon fiber rods, the Tavarus is a premium rod and reel pairing for about $160. Catfish anglers will appreciate Okuma’s new Cat Slayer combos with beefy reel drag and rod action with UV activated finish that glows in the dark. The Cat Slayer reel is available in regular and baitfeeder features to pay out line when a big catfish picks up the bait. Other new offerings include the Safyre reel with a sealed body and corrosion resistant components to improve durability. The carbon drag produces more power with less heat and stabilized gears produce smooth cranking performance.
Stay Cool and Look Cool With HUK’s Revolutionary New Performance Wear
Huk is bringing new technology and design to keep anglers comfortable and looking good. This year’s news comes from the new Andros line of warm-weather wear with ultralight, breathable fabrics that feel great against the skin. I like the camo-colors that hide anglers from wary fish. Huk put every effort into making the Andros line the coolest, best-performing clothes for the hottest weather. Another warm-weather option is the Watershed line with performance fabric that feels cool against the skin. One of our favorites is the Icon pants with a cinching pant leg that keeps my ankles protected from the sun. Speaking of feet, one of the coolest additions to the brand’s line is the Rogue Wave Shoe. Taking the versatile comfort and performance of a six-inch boot, the Rogue Wave Shoe is a lower-cut waterproof shoe with a neoprene heel that allows it to be worn as a shoe or a slip-on. The shoe version of the Rogue Wave is more comfortable and cool and just as protective and waterproof.
Yeti Cayo All-Weather, All-Purpose Backpack Goes from Water to Woods to Street
I’m a sucker for anything that says Yeti on the label. The original super-cooler has spawned a long list of smart and durable gear and accessories to support my outdoor lifestyle. The new Cayo All-Weather Backpack will accompany me on day hikes, walk-in-fishing trips and a versatile carry on bag for air travel. In the outdoors, the weather resistant exterior protects a large interior pocket with internal gear storage including a space for a hydration bladder. Outside, a smaller front pocket is easy to access for gear I use most. Molle-loops on the front of the backpack attach accessories like a small gear pack or a water-bottle sling. In the back of the pack, a padded, mesh panel makes the Cayo comfortable for long hikes in any terrain. The Cayo comes in 15, 25 and 35 liter sizes; I’m excited about the 15 liter pack for grab-and-go adventures and off-grid fishing trips.
Feature image: Kayak Angler Staff
