As much fun as it’s been to be here at ICAST, at least 80% of the gear here is aimed at freshwater, and probably 80% of that chunk at freshwater bass fishermen.  So even though our SoCal saltwater bass are similar in nature and fight (calico bass, sand bass, spotted bay bass), our environment dictates differences in the tackle.  As I’ve been poking around, I’ve been trying to find products that we can use, or at least companies willing to expand their lines to accommodate our style of fishing.  Here are just a few finds that I’m looking forward to fishing more and seeing if they pass muster in the salt.

Ardent EDGE – Inshore Pro

Amidst a dizzying array of new reels, Ardent has one for the salties, the EDGE Inshore Pro.  The Inshore Pro boasts some thoughtful features for us like a cast aluminum frame and aluminum drive gear system.  They also have gaskets sealing a lot of the key areas inside to help prevent the guts from getting salty.  It boasts up to a 28″ line retrieve and comes in right and LEFT handed retrieve (Jake likes to reel lefty).  Ardent has also come up with heavier duty lube and grease reel maintenance products specifically for the saltwater angler.  Thanks Ardent!

River2Sea Turkey Sliders

I was checking out this wall when River2Sea Sales Manager John Linckens came up and asked me if I’d ever used their product.  I told him yes, but that quite honestly I hadn’t been that impressed.  He told me that he was giving their product team a lot of input on how to make their line more relevant for us SoCal salties and the Turkey Sliders are some of the first results of that input.   They come in a variety of colors and sizes and are intended to be fished yoyo style like you would a Salas or Tady.  He’s going to send me some to try, so I’ll let you know if they are on the right track, but it sounds very encouraging.

Mega Strike Shak-E2 Lead Heads

The unique shape of the Mega Strike lead heads allows them to present the bait (artificial or I could see putting a squid strip on there) in an upright fashion.  The hook placement helps prevent snags.  I could see using these on sand bass when you are working an area trying to put it in front of their lazy face along the bottom.  They said they were at Fred Hall, so they have been paying attention and listening to us.  I’m eager to give these a try.  The larger saltwater sizes aren’t yet available at their website, but take a look to see what I’m talking about.  Thanks Mega Strike.

That’s all for now.  I’m getting ready to head back home and get in some time on the water, try out some new stuff, and let you all know how it works.  Tight lines!