Shimano Raider Dam Raider Wins ‘Rod Of The Year’ Enquiries: Dunphy Sports: (02) 9526 2144. www.shimano?sh.com.au

This year Shimano expanded their top-selling Raider rod series with the inclusion of the Dam Raider baitcaster. Like all the rods in the ground-breaking Raider range, the Dam Raider is designed by leading Australian rod builder, Ian Miller.

At the recent AFTA Show, the Dam Raider was judged by the industry as ‘Rod of the Year’ — in recognition of the versatility and fine craftsmanship of this well-designed stick.

The 7’ 2 piece Dam Raider is rated for use with 3-8 kg line, and 10-20 g lures. Fuji’s New Concept Alconite guides and tip are used throughout, and these are light and functional.

Greater feel for tentative hits and just what that lure is doing down there is enhanced by the use of cork grips and a Fuji exposed blank trigger grip reel seat. It also features a plastic collar to prevent the locking foregrip from being over-tightened and splitting the cork.While principally designed for dam fishing with soft plastics like Squidgies, spinnerbaits and hard-bodied minnows, this rod is versatile enough to be used in the estuaries and some light bluewater applications as well.

NEW PLANO FLIPSIDER 3378 WINS TOP AWARD
Enquiries: JM Gillies (03) 9646 4745

The new Plano Flipsider 3378 won its category at the recent AFTA show. It can carry a lot of tackle in the most space efficient manner possible.

This is a hybrid bag/box system that is incredibly space-efficient and super-tough for the traveling angler.

Carry a full selection of lures, hooks, line, pliers, camera and anything else you might need, all easily accessible and neatly stored away.

Its base is made from hard rubber and it features innovative side-storage compartments and tough external fabric pockets.

Poltergeist Crazy Deep & Whiptail Jig
Enquiries: Halco (08) 9430 5080. www.halcotackle.com

Poltergeist Crazy Deep

The Crazy Deep Scorpion 125, 150 and Laser Pro 190 have also been joined by the Poltergeist 50 Crazy Deep.

Again, it’s the scalloped upper surface of the Crazy Deep bib that gives the Poltergeist 50 Crazy Deep its amazing depth capabilities. More dive trials using 8kg Platypus Pre Test saw it getting down to an astounding 8 m.

What makes this depth so amazing is the size of the lure. It’s only 50 mm long, weighs 7 g, and will re-define the depths at which small lures dive to, without any detriment to their action or profile.

The Poltergeist Crazy Deep also features the patented bulletproof bib securing system that makes these tough lures even tougher.

Whiptail Jig

In another exciting move, Halco Tackle has announced the release of its new range of feather jigs with the 10 g Whiptail. Inspired by a trip to the Amazon by Halco Chairman, Neil Patrick, Halco has developed an exciting and remarkably effective jig design.

The Whiptail has been tested extensively from the barramundi rivers of the Northern Territory , to the crystal clear waters of the Abrolhos Islands . It has a number of features that sets it apart from the rest, including a clearly audible underwater rattle enclosed in the skirt of the lure, a separate tail that appears to pulsate through the water, and a chemically-sharpened Mustad 3/0 jig hook.

The 175 mm jig weighs 10 g, is available in 6 fish catching colours and has wide appeal to species including flathead, trevally and salmon in the south, to barramundi, mangrove jack and threadfin salmon in the north. It can be cast and bounced along the bottom, jigged vertically, even trolled for fast moving pelagics.