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GOOD GEAR

Shimano Vanford FA Spinning reel

Shimano Australia proudly announces the launch of the 2024 Vanford FA series, a revolutionary advancement in finesse fishing. Featuring six models, including the ultra-light 500 size, this series incorporates cutting-edge technology and robust Ci4+ material, offering unmatched strength and lightness. Key innovations include the Duracross drag washer, Anti Twist Fin, Infinityxross, and Infinitydrive, enhancing performance and durability. The MGL rotor and Long Stroke Spool design promise smooth operation and superior casting. Tailored for both novices and seasoned anglers, the Vanford FA series sets new standards in the mid-range fishing reel market, ensuring every outing is both productive and enjoyable. The all-new Shimano Vanford FA recently won Best of Category for Freshwater Reel at America’s annual fishing tackle show ICAST.


 Shimano Artiesta Rods  

Artiesta is a series of high-performance fishing rods tailored for light-tackle anglers. Crafted with 45-ton Japanese pre peg Toray blanks and Fuji K-Frame guides, Artiesta offers precision, strength and versatility. The rods feature ergonomic handles, custom carbon hoods, and sleek aesthetics with dark maroon accents and chrome foil logos. From ultralight finesse to open flats fishing, Artiesta's seven models cater to diverse fishing styles. The portable 2-piece design enhances convenience without compromising performance. With Shimano's legacy of durability, Artiesta promises years of successful fishing experiences for anglers targeting various species.


Shimano Stradic SW Spinning Reel  

The Shimano Stradic SW series is engineered for the hardcore offshore angler. This advanced line of fishing reels is designed to conquer big game in the brutal saltwater environment. Featuring the robust X-Tough Drag system, innovative Infinity Drive, and X-Ship technology, the Stradic SW series offers up to 16kg of drag force and smooth, powerful winding. Built to last with superior waterproofing and high-quality materials, the Stradic SW series sets a new benchmark for performance and durability in offshore fishing.





Shimano T-Curve Rods

Shimano has relaunched its iconic T-Curve rods, featuring a

comprehensive upgrade for 2024. These new rods incorporate the advanced Armour 40-5

blank technology, offering enhanced strength and reduced weight. The range includes 13

rods with brand new KR Alconite ring guides, improved Fuji reel seats, and comfortable EVA

and cork grips. The sleek design, with a black finish and gradient dark blue paint fade, makes

these rods both visually appealing and high-performing. Priced at $399, the 2024 T-Curve

rods are a quantum leap forward in technology for one of the most classic rod series on the

Australian fishing scene.


Shimano Ascenza Series Rods

Shimano unveils its latest offering for light-tackle fishing: the Ascenza Series of rods. Designed for light-tackle enthusiasts, these rods blend high-end craftsmanship with affordability. Utilising advanced 30 + 40 Ton blanks for unmatched sensitivity and strength, and featuring Fuji components for enhanced performance, Ascenza rods are perfect for a variety of fishing conditions. With a stylish design and ergonomic features, they cater to both seasoned and novice anglers. The Ascenza series promises top-notch performance without breaking the bank, making premium light-tackle fishing rods accessible to all.


Upgraded Shimano Talica Overhead Reel

The Talica is a castable, two-speed lever-drag overhead reel that has become a favourite of sportfishers due to its compact size and high line capacity. A one-piece cold-forged and machined aluminium frame has cutting-edge corrosion protection. Shimano then added a light-weight, cold-forged aluminium spool, a waterproof Cross Carbon drag system and six S A-RB bearings for super slick operation. The use of high-efficiency gearing in both high and low speeds sets Talica apart from any other reel, providing incredible cranking power.



Flambeau Tackle Boxes Transformed – NextGen

Flambeau Outdoors has reengineered the DNA of the over 60-year-old trunk-style cantilever tackle box.  The upgraded iconic product line features:

  • A top entrance bulk storage compartment for full access without compromising tools and gear.

  • Crisp pivoting swing trays, instead of stacked cantilever trays, which open with single finger operation and eliminate the need to double the footprint and expand out linked trays to access one piece of tackle.

  • A new fast dial latch for secure closure.

  • Integrated storage space for stowing a 4000 Series Tuff Tainer adds 16-24 compartments (not included).

 



Bomber 15A HD New Colours

The Bomber Long A 15 needs no introduction, having been one of the most popular barra (and other species) lures for many years. When people talk about the mighty “Gold Bomber”, this is the size that they are referring to. The 119mm 15A HD Bomber has been designed super tough to Aussie conditions and to withstand the rigours of larger predator species. The HD lures are fitted with heavy-duty hooks and fittings, and are available in all the top-selling colours.

Bomber’s original Long A design is one of the most effective jerk baits on the market, and is arguably Australia’s most popular barra lure of all-time. The 15A HD is a shallow-running hardbody lure, 119mm long and weighing 13 grams. Four new colours have recently been added to the range to further enhance the Bomber’s extensive colour range.



Sage R8 Core Fly Rod

Sage R8 Core is focused on maximum versatility and applies new revolutionary R8 material technology through our forward-thinking lens of what we’re seeing out on the water – where one rod needs to show even greater range. At its core, R8 Core traces a direct lineage to Sage’s multi-application/fast-action vision, one shaped by the fishing evolutions happening all around us… from habitats we stalk and waters we frequent, to the flies we fish and the diversity of species we now target.

Sage R8 Core is available in 3wt to 9wt, with a variety of lengths from 8’6″ to 10’0″.


 

Redington Path 2 Combo

The Path rod is a smooth-casting, medium-fast action graphite fly rod, and is suited to all levels of anglers. Rods 6 wt and below have a half-wells handle with a wood reel seat for a classic look and feel, and 7 wt and above feature a full wells grip with anodised aluminium reel seat that is ready for salt of fresh water conditions.



  • All water, medium-fast-action rod.

  • Alignment dots for easy rod setup.

  • Laser-etched wooden reel seats on rods 6 wt and below.

  • Lifetime Warranty for Path fly rod.

  • Cordura rod tube.

  • Combo includes: Path rod, Crosswater reel pre-spooled with Rio Mainstream weight forward fly line.




Crosswater Pre-loaded Fly Fishing Reel

How good is it to be able to buy a pre-loaded fly reel? The Crosswater fly  reel comes pre-spooled with a RIO Mainstream fly line with front loop and a 9ft tapered RIO leader. It is available in 4-9 weight.

Crosswater reels have a unique design and are constructed from durable polymer light-weight material that makes them suitable for a range of fly fishing target species: from trout to barramundi. They’re not a wonder of engineering, but they’re definitely a solid choice for the angler looking to get started in the world of fly fishing without spending hundreds of dollars.

The reels feature a reliable disc-drag system that offers fish-stopping performance with head-turning looks.

Features:

  • Durable composite design with easy-to-change spool.

  • Large arbor design for easier and quicker retrieve.

  • Strong disc-drag system for stopping power.

  • Easily converts between left-hand and right-hand retrieve.

  • Available in clam package pre-spooled with RIO Mainstream floating line.

  • Cloth reel bag included.

  • 1-year warranty.

 

  

Lowrance Eagle Eye All-In-One Live Sonar Solution

Lowrance has unveiled Eagle Eye, the world’s most accessible all-in-one live sonar solution, combining CHIRP and DownScan in one transducer, along with detailed C-MAP charting on a crystal clear IPS display.

 

Anglers of all skill levels can now benefit from a comprehensive live sonar solution, enhancing their fishing technique by observing fish reactions in real-time. With four sonar views and detailed C-MAP charts, this all-in-one package ensures a successful day on the water. Eagle Eye introduces an industry-first live sonar solution at an affordable price point. Derived from Lowrance’s top-tier live sonar technology, Eagle Eye delivers superior resolution comparable to ActiveTarget 2, focusing on down and forward views. Embedded C-MAP charts for New Zealand and Australia further streamline fishing expeditions, minimizing search time and maximizing fishing time

 

Key Features

  • Four sonar views from a single transducer with no module needed.

  • Autotuning live sonar with focused down and forward views.

  • Detailed C-MAP charts featuring Genesis Live.

  • Enhanced IPS screen visible from all angles, even while wearing polarised sunglasses.

  • New reliable twist-lock connector system for easy installation in any boat or kayak.

  • SD® card slot for software updates, Genesis Live recording, and charting add-ons.

  • Fish Reveal mode to help separate fish from structure.

  • Increased contrast and visibility with all-new imaging colour palettes.

 Eagle Eye starts at $1,362 AUD and is available in a 9-inch display size.


Active Target 2: The highest resolution sonar

ActiveTarget® 2 revolutionises your fishing experience with unparalleled clarity in live views of fish and underwater structures. Its highest-resolution visuals let you watch how fish react to your lure in real time, allowing quick adjustments for optimal success.

 

Track fish movements and refine lure presentations with ActiveTarget® 2 as you observe underwater action with crystal-clear imagery and real-time feedback. Monitor fish and lure presentation in front, below and around your boat, or use Scout mode for an ultra-wide overhead view of structures and fish activity.

 

In addition, to the Forward View, Down View and Scout Views, target fish better than ever, by watching multiple ActiveTarget® 2 views at the same time on the HDS® PRO, with a second optional ActiveTarget® 2 system.


  

Navico Group Partners with Whittley Marine Group

Navico Group has partnered with Whittley Marine Group, Australia’s top fiberglass boat maker. Whittley Marine will integrate Simrad multifunction displays and Fathom e-power systems as the electronic and power solution options across its vessels.  

New Whittley boats will include Simrad® multifunction displays like NSOevo3S, NSSevo3S, and NSX models, fully integrated with Mercury engines. They will also feature the Fathom e-power system with RELiON batteries, CZone Digital Switching, and Mastervolt charging solutions for reliable power management and control. Fathom integrates energy storage, power conversion, and digital monitoring, enhancing battery capacity and optimising electrical systems for extended off-grid operation.



 

New Simrad HALO 2000 and HALO 3000 Radars

Simrad Yachting’s new high-performance radar products, the Simrad® HALO® 2000 and HALO 3000 are now available. The HALO 2000 and HALO 3000 both feature higher power pulse compression and improved detection ranges to offer the most powerful Simrad HALO radars on the market. Other key integrations like Bird+ Mode, ZoneTrack and support for Dangerous Target Alerts provide users even more technical and safety benefits.

HALO 2000 comes with 50 watts of power, ensuring visibility out to 72 nautical miles, while HALO 3000, Simrad Yachting’s most powerful open array radar with 130 watts of power, provides visibility out to 96 nautical miles. That power is combined with world class beam sharpening for enhanced target separation that is unmatched in the marketplace.  

Other technical upgrades include award-winning modes, situational awareness enhancements and ZoneTrack merged into the Simrad brand’s decades of expertise and experience in radar. On the HALO 3000, the new Bird+ Mode activates the radar to solely focus on maximising 130 watts of power on targeting and identifying flocks of birds at ranges of up to eight nautical miles. 

Day or night, rain or fog, the HALO 2000 and 3000 offer a powerful extra set of eyes to help boaters stay aware of approaching vessels, weather and obstacles.

 

Akame Guppy from Reidy’s

Reidy’s lures have introduced a new colour “Glassy” into the Akame Guppy lure range. The Guppy is made with a tough, durable stretch material and comes pre-rigged with a heavy-duty, weighted, chemically-sharpened weedless hook. If you prefer, the Guppy can be retro fitted with a conventional weighted jig hook once the weedless hook is removed. The Akame Guppy has a Kevlar reinforced segmented tail for maximum flexibility and exhibits a strong swimming action when retrieved.

The Akame Guppy is available in 150, 120 and 85mm sizes.

 

Akame Terminal Tackle  

A range of chemically-sharpened hooks, swivels and sinkers. Check them out at your local tackle store.


 

Schneider Super Smooth Braid – Green

Schneider Super Smooth Braid is now available in a bright green colour. Schneider braid is ideal for all fishing applications, exhibiting high visibility above water and low visibility below the water. Schneider Super Smooth Braid really is super smooth for ease in handling, and with no stretch. It features increased abrasion resistance, longer casting and durablability while maintaining a round profile over time. Schneider Super Smooth Braid matches perfectly with Super Schneider 100% Fluorocarbon Leader.

Available in 20, 30, 40, 50 and 80 pound test lines on 150 and 300 yard spools.

 

Schneider Crystal Clear Fluorocarbon Leader

Schneider 100% Fluorocarbon Leader is made from the highest grade of pure PVDF Fluoro-Polymer, which delivers near-zero visibility below the surface of water. Schneider 100% Fluorocarbon Leader has ultra-abrasion resistance, excellent knot strength with minimal stretch and UV resistance for maximum durability. It’s fast-sinking, smooth-handling characteristics makes it incredibly sensitive when detecting bites.

 


 

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