Casting

UNDER $100 13 FISHING FATE GREEN

Clearwater, Florida- based 13 Fishing offers its Fate Green casting rod for 2019 that’s available in six models and is based on a Japanese 30-ton HTC3 blank, which offers an ideal balance of lightweight and strength. Some other highlights include 3A Portuguese cork handles that are coupled with Evolve Engage cushioned reel seats to ensure solid casting and reliability plus tangle-free guides with zirconium inserts for smooth casts. Six models are available that can handle 6-12 to 10-20 lb test, range in length from 7’1” to 7’6” and come in fast action and medium, medium- light, and medium-heavy power. MSRP: $79.99 USD www.13fishing.com

DAIWA AIRD COASTAL INSHORE

B While designed for smaller game and lighter tackle, the Aird Coastal Inshore Casting Rods still bear the strength and reliability for hefty fights when the moment strikes. Some tough, reliable appointments include the company’s Braiding-x Technology, which is used to provide a more sensitive bend (with the strength of a heavier rod), lightweight aluminum oxide guides, and cork handles to offer a firm grip. Great for finesse applications, the rods are available in a variety sizes and can accommodate an array of line weights. Ten extra fast models are available that can handle line weights from 6-12 to 10-20 lb test and come in rod lengths from 6’ to 7’6.”

BERKLEY LIGHTNING ROD SHOCK

C Designed to be used with various types of line – including braided – Berkley’s new Lightning Rod Shock is based on a 24-ton multi-modulus carbon composite blank and comes with a new integrated reel seat with an ergonomic handle design, a textured rubber grip plus a shock-absorbing tip (to better accommodate braided lines). Additionally, stainless steel guides have been added with titanium oxide inserts, which are known to resist line grooving or cracking. It also looks good with bright colour schemes and graphics. Nine fast-action casting rods are available in lengths from 6’ to 7’6” in medium, medium- heavy and heavy power and can accommodate lines ranging from 8 -17 to 12 – 25 lb test.

UNDER $200 ABU GARCIA IKE SIGNATURE CASTING ROD

After extensive research and development with input from pro angler Mike Iconelli, Abu Garcia offers its Ike Signature Series of casting rods that are built using 36-ton graphite for a balanced design and increased sensitivity as well as what Abu Garcia calls High Strain Glass (HSG) construction, which creates a parabolic action ideal for crankbait fishing. Some key appointments include stainless steel guides with Zirconium inserts, a Fuji reel seat and lightweight, split grip EVA handles. A choice of ten, one-piece, casting rods are available from 6’4” to 7’10” in moderate, moderate fast and fast action models while line ratings range from 6 – 14 to 15 – 25 lb test. Price: $90.00 – $129.00 USD www.abugarcia.com ARK FISHING INTERNATIONAL THARP SERIES Working with the expertise of pro angler Randall Tharp, the 2019 Tharp Series has a great freshwater selection that consists of 10 rods and are definitely worth checking out – especially if you like to add some finesse to your game or use a vast choice of crank baits, spinnerbaits or jerk baits. Regardless, these rods were built with Japanese Toray 40T High Modulus Carbon-fiber with the company’s Unique MDML Technology to offer light weight, strength and sensitivity. The casting series also hosts Fuji K-concept Guides with new F Ring inserts, a graphite reel seat for added sensitivity, and Ark’s High Density EVA Grips. Rod lengths range from 6’9” to 7’11” in medium- to extra- fast action and medium-light to extra-heavy power. Price: $129.95 USD www.arkrods.com

DAIWA TATULA BASS

Daiwa’s also offers a series of Tatula casting rods for 2019 that includes the company’s X45 Bias construction to prevent twisting, and provide strength, sensitivity and solid hook sets. The one-piece rods are also assembled with Fuji Fazlite Tangle Free K-guides, Split Grip design with EVA foam handles plus a Daiwa Custom Reel Seat. The Tatula rods are offered in lengths from 6’9” to 7’6,” have maximum line weights from 6 – 16 lbs. to 12 -25 lbs., and are ideal for lures in weight from 1/4 - 5/8 oz. to 3/8 – 1 ½ oz. Price: $149.99 CDN www.daiwa.com

DENALI KOVERT LITE SERIES

This is just one of the popular casting rods from Denali and for 2019, the company has made it even more functional, tough and easy to handle. To start with, the Kovert Lite features Denali’s Interloc Blank Technology – that makes it light weight and sensitive – as well as IM8 Graphite construction to further reduce weight and increase sensitivity. When it comes to function, new polymer grips from Winn consist of patented multiple polymer compounds that make them shock absorbent and comfortable, while stabilized hardwood foregrips, semi-micro guides, and a Skeleton reel seats are other great features. Four casting rods from 6’9” to 7’8” are available with 13.75” to 15.5” handle lengths, and line weights from 12 - 17 lbs. to 15 – 30 lb test. Price: $149.99 USD www.denalirods.com

UNDER $200 LEW’S BLAIR WIGGINS M2 INSHORE SPEED STICKS

Designed for inshore anglers with the assistance of saltwater fishing guru and guide Capt. Blair Wiggins, the M2 Inshore Speed Stick is all-new for 2019 and is based on a HVC-40 High Velocity Carbon blank that features saltwater stainless steel guide frames with aluminum oxide inserts that not only provide strength, but resistance to saltwater corrosion as well. The rods also have microwave guides that are known to reduce wind knots and increase casting distance, while graphite skeletal reel seats and Winn Dri-tac split grip handles offer better control and stability. Two casting models are available in lengths including 7’2” and 7’9.” While the 7’2” model has a medium- light power and moderate-fast action, the 7’9” rods offer medium-heavy power and moderate action. MSRP: See local retailer for exact pricing www.lews.com

ST. CROIX MOJO YAK

While there are six spinning models found in this new series, St. Croix also extends the line to include a pair of casting rods, which are a great choice to consider if you require exceptional sensitivity and optimum handling. Winner of the Best of Category – Saltwater Rod at 2018 ICAST, the Mojo Yak consists of a high- modulus SC III graphite blank that incorporates the company’s Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) mandrel technology, which means you’ll benefit from smoother actions, increased strength and greater sensitivity, making it ideal for the many techniques that’s practised by (although not limited to) kayak enthusiasts. Some components include custom Winn split grip handles to ensure secure gripping, Fuji ECS reel seats and Kigan hook keepers. Two fast-action rods are available in medium and medium-heavy power with handle lengths measuring 14” and 15.5” and maximum line weights from 10-17 to 12-25 lb test. Price: $150.00-$160.00 USD www.st.croixrods

UNDER $300 DAIWA PROTEUS WN

The Proteus WN Rods are tough, sensitive, and lightweight thanks to a few of the company’s proven technologies. They incorporate what Daiwa calls its X45 Bias Graphite Fiber process that ensures strength and prevents rod twisting under heavy loads. It’s also designed to offer more accurate (and longer) casts and lure placements. Ideal for the saltwater environment, the Proteus WN Rods can be used easily with monofilament or braided lines and your hands will always be comfortable thanks to the D-VEC Winn grip tape. Fuji Reel Seats and Fuji Fazlite Ring Guides are added features. This series offers seven one-piece, fast action casting rods in lengths from 7’6” to 8’10” and in medium- heavy to extra-heavy power. Maximum line weight ranges from 15-30 Mono/40-80 braid and 30-60 Mono/70-120 braid. MSRP: $229.00 – $279.00 USD www.daiwa.com

UNDER $300 DENALI N3 SERIES

For 2019, Denali offer its N3 series, featuring fresh looks with striking graphics and a series of highlights. Replacing the well-known N2 series, these rods are light weight, sensitive, and have the ability to handle the action thanks to the IM10 graphite construction (in new black matte) that’s assembled with 304 stainless steel semi-micro Duraloc Guides to offer high sensitivity and longer casts. The series also includes custom, coloured polymer grips and Skeleton reel seats. The rods come with a limited lifetime warranty. Eight medium- to extra-heavy weight rods are available in lengths ranging from 7’ - 7’8” with line weights from 8-14 lb to 15-30 lb test. Price: Approximately $249.99 USD www.denalirods.com LEW’S CUSTOM PLUS SPEEDSTICK SUPER GRIP The rods in the Custom Plus Speedstick Super Grip series are designed to provide extreme sensitivity as they feature the company’s exclusive Vibration Transfer Ring (VTR) system, which is located just ahead of the grip and provides direct contact with the blank to effectively transfer the vibration of bites to your hands. The rods are backed by lightweight, multi- layered, multi-directional HM60 graphite construction plus the Lew’s Power Core construction that makes the rods strong and light weight. Stainless steel guide frames with titanium oxide inserts and Winn Dri-tac Super Grips are other key highlights. Six models are available from 7’0” to 7’6” in medium, medium-heavy and heavy power and offer line line weights from 10-20 to 14 - 65 lb. test. Lure weights range from 3/16 – 1 oz. to 3/8 – 1 ½ oz. MSRP: $179.99 USD www.lews.com

UNDER $500 13 FISHING ENVY BLACK

With a 46 ton poly-vector graphite blank, the Envy Black is light weight, very sensitive , and has a series of appointments to make it very functional, especially for those who like to add some finesse to their presentation. There’s little doubt you’ll appreciate the Evolve Carbon Divide reel seat that transfers more feel to the palm of your hand from the blank, the excellent grip with its high-density Japanese EVA for comfort, plus the Fuji stainless K guides with SIC inserts. It also has a Snaggle Tooth hook keeper to prevent snagged lines. Up to 14 casting rods are offered in lengths from 6’10” to 8’0” from moderate-fast to extra-fast action and from medium-heavy to extra-heavy power. Line ratings are also impressive as they range from 10-17 lbs to 14 – 25 lbs test and lure ratings are from ¼ oz. – 5/8 oz. to ½ to 2 oz. Price: $300.00-$350.00 USD www.13fishing.com

UNDER $700 ST. CROIX LEGEND ELITE CASTING RODS

When you learn that St. Croix’s Legend Glass, Mojo Trout, and Mojo Yak won the Best of Categories at 2018 ICAST you just know the company is doing something right. Its expertise is also borne out well in its Legend Elite series. According to St. Croix, each model offers consistent strength, durability and sensitivity throughout the blank thanks to the high-modulus/ high-strain SCV graphite with FRS carbon-matte scrim plus the super high- modulus SCVI graphite with FRS in the lower section. The rods also sport new corrosion-resistant Fuji Torzite guides (with solid-titanium frames), Fuji PTS blank-touch reel seats with built-in hoods, a super-grade cork handle, plus two coats of Flex-coat slow cure finish for added protection. The series has 10 models that range from 6’8” to 7’11,” can accommodate line weights from 10-17 to 14-30 lb test and have a weight from 3.9 to 5.8 oz. They are also offered in medium, medium-heavy and heavy power and moderate-fast to extra-fast. MSRP: $380.00 - $420.00 USD https://stcroixrods.com