Shimano, G. Loomis and Jackall have announced their new products for spring of 2024.
NEW FROM SHIMANO
First, Shimano will be offering the Shimano Caius Baitcaster. Inside the lightweight, compact body of the CAIUS, anglers will discover a host of proven technologies designed to elevate the fishing experience. The Variable Brake System (VBS) is a standout feature, employing centrifugal force and weights instead of magnets to temper initial spool acceleration. This Innovative design allows the spool to spin freely until the end of the cast, significantly reducing backlash. Paired with CAIUS’ Super Free Spool technology, friction is eliminated, offering a baitcasting experience that redefines overall casting performance. MSRP: $79.99
This new reel includes the S3D Spool technology in the CAIUS—reducing spool vibration. Crafted from balanced and uniform thin-wall aluminum, the S3D Spool ensures an incredibly smooth casting and retrieving experience, setting new standards for baitcasting enthusiasts.
Crafted with precision, BT BAIT features three hard body sections and a durable elastomer tail, ensuring a natural swimming action at any retrieval speed. SCALE BOOST technology sets this finesse lure apart from its competition with a composite-pitch hologram that mimics the realistic patterns of bait fish scales — enticing even the weariest of fish.
The versatile BT BAIT is 99-mm in length making it an ideal choice for various conditions and applications. Available in six distinct colors allows anglers to ‘match the hatch’ and adapt to varying water and light conditions. MSRP: $18.99
NEW FROM G.LOOMIS
G. Loomis has unveiled the revamped GLX BASS series. This comprehensive lineup of 36 purpose-built models represents proof of the brand’s continuous drive for excellence.
With structural upgrades achieved through a proprietary blend of high-modulus graphite and advanced resin technologies, the GLX BASS series is handcrafted in Woodland, Washington, and features rod blanks with boosted strength-to-weight ratios, heightened balance, and pumped sensitivity. To isolate and reinforce areas likely to fail under load and to provide maximum durability, G. Loomis engineers roll each rod on stepped mandrels machined with micro-tapers within the overall taper.
All GLX BASS models come equipped with a full tangle-free Fuji K SiC guide train to improve line management and reduce overall weight. Premium cork handles complement custom CI4+ reel seats designed to amplify an angler’s connection to the blank for enhanced bite transmission and all-day comfort. In a nod to the early days of G. Loomis, the GLX BASS series boasts a “modern throwback” aesthetic, exemplifying elegance in simplicity. MSRP: $525.00-$575.00
NEW FROM JACKALL
Jackall has announced the North American debut of the game-changing Driftfry lure, meticulously designed for mid-strolling and hover-strolling forward-facing sonar techniques. With a reputation solidified in the Japanese tournament angling scene, the highly demanded Driftfry is set to revolutionize bass fishing across North America.
Crafted with precision and innovation, the Driftfry features an integrated lip design that leverages water resistance and subtle twitches from the angler’s rod tip to create a mesmerizing “twist-roll” flashing action, irresistible to even the most reluctant bass. Two strategically placed guide holes ensure perfect jig head alignment, while another on the lip indicates the optimal spot for nail weight insertion during hover-strolling. MSRP: $12.99
We’ve been fishing the Driftfry since early 2023, and talked about it in our jig minnow migration piece last year.
