Savage Gear Shine Glide Pro

WHAT SETS IT APART?

A good bet for blind casting or teasing fish on forward-facing sonar, the Savage Gear Shine Glide Pro includes a split ring attached at the nose for maximum movement. On a straight retrieve, this bait produces a wide side-to-side gliding motion. Give it a sharp twitch on slack line and you get that erratic darting that mimics a nervous baitfish. With its slow-sinking design, the Shine Glide Pro allows you to present a darting action like a jerkbait at greater depths than most jerkbaits can reach. Complementing this enticing action, Savage Gear’s new bait comes in 14 realistic photo-printed color profiles achieved through 3D baitfish scans.

HOW DO I USE IT?

Whether you’re seeking that day-making kicker, looking for a personal best or simply hog hunting on a fun fishing trip, a glidebait is one of those tools that can tilt the odds in your favor. To this end, Savage Gear recently released the updated Shine Glide Pro, which features a cross-tail design that bolsters castability and bait stability. Built tough to withstand close contact with hostile types, this bait includes heavy-duty hooks mounted on rotating hangers that reduce a fish’s bait-tossing leverage.

HOW MUCH IS IT?

$34.99-$44.99

MORE INFORMATION:

SavageGear.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT: 

The Savage Gear Shine Glide is offered in 5.25-, 6.25-, 7.25- and 9-inch sizes. With such a wide range of options, this new glidebait proves itself relevant for a wide range of fisheries. Whether you’re fishing for chunky smallmouth, or straight-up bucket mouth trophy Florida bass, there’s a size appropriate to your pursuit. And for the kayak angler who finds rod work limited when fishing from a seated position, the Shine Glide Pro’s inherent action makes it easy to generate those big-bite presentations.

Simms Stone Cold LS Shirt

WHAT SETS IT APART?

The brrr° Triple Chill Effect cooling technology works to immediately and continuously reduce skin temperature. Beside those cooling materials, active wicking moves moisture away for nonstop comfort, while rapid drying delivers a fresh and crisp experience. The cooling materials are permanently embedded into the yarn to make them last for the life of the garment. Sizes: S-3XL. Colors: Albacore Stone Cold Check, Antigua Stone Cold Check, Bimini Stone Cold Check. 

HOW DO I USE IT?

Two large zippered vertical chest pockets provide roomy storage, and there’s a built-in sunglass chamois in the hem. Add UPF 50+ sun protection and you’ve got a shirt that keeps you cool and focused on the fishing during the hottest weather. 

HOW MUCH?

$119.95

MORE INFORMATION:

SimmsFishing.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT: 

How lucky we are these days to fend off the miserable heat on the hottest days of the fishing season. The Simms Stone Cold Shirt means what it says; the brrr° Triple Chill Effect goes above and beyond to keep you cool, focused on the fishing and out on the water longer. As an added bonus, it’s stylish enough to wear on a date night, at the office or around the town. 

Pistol Pete by G-Ratt Baits

WHAT SETS IT APART?

What makes the Pistol Pete shine is its versatility. Whether you’re creeping it along for a smooth glide, burning it to mimic a fleeing baitfish or pausing to let it sink like an injured shad, this bait does it all. The steel bearings inside add a faint rattle that’s just enough to get a predator’s attention without spooking them.

The real standout for me, though, is the rotating hook hangers. They make a huge difference when you’re fighting a fish that’s determined to throw the bait. Combined with the solid 3X-strength hooks, this setup gives you a better shot at landing your fish.

HOW DO I USE IT?

Here’s how I’ve had the most success with the Pistol Pete:

• Slow glide: I like to use this when the fish are holding deep or moving slowly. It’s effortless to retrieve, and the glide action looks just like a baitfish cruising along.
• Fleeing baitfish: When I see bass actively chasing bait, I’ll speed up my retrieve to mimic a frantic baitfish. This has been especially effective in clearer water.
• Pause and sink: My favorite way to use it is with a start-and-stop retrieve. After a few cranks, I’ll pause and let the bait sink. It doesn’t just drop — it levels out like a dying fish. This has sealed the deal on so many fish for me, especially when they’re following but not fully committing.

HOW MUCH?

$21.99

MORE INFORMATION:

G-RattBaits.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT

The first time I tied on the Pistol Pete, I was fishing around docks in the middle of the day. I wasn’t expecting much — just trying to see how it moved. I worked it slow at first, letting it glide, and as soon as I paused it, a bass darted out from under the dock and absolutely crushed it. That moment sold me on this bait.

One thing I really appreciate about the Pistol Pete is how forgiving it is. You don’t need to be an expert with glidebaits to make it work — it’s smooth and easy to control. That said, the more you experiment with retrieve speeds and pauses, the more you’ll realize just how versatile it can be.

Another day, I was fishing deeper water and decided to burn it back to the boat. A bass came up like a missile and nailed it mid-retrieve. The rotating hook hangers kept that fish locked on even when it went airborne, which gave me a lot of confidence to keep fishing it around cover.

If you’re looking for a bait that can adapt to different situations, the Pistol Pete delivers. It’s one of those lures that stays tied on because I know I’ll find a way to make it work no matter where I’m fishing. Honestly, it’s worth every penny.

Z-Man 3.25 TRD FattyZ

WHAT SETS IT APART?

Designed for simplicity, but abounding with versatility, the Z-Man TRD FattyZ works well in Ned, Neko, drop-shot, wacky or finesse Carolina rig presentations. The meatier head and torso section accommodates a traditional Z-Man Finesse ShroomZ head, a slightly larger NedlockZ EWG or a 2/0 Pro ShroomZ jighead. For amplified appeal, the Z-Man Rattle-Snaker easily injects rattle chambers into the TRD FattyZ’s plump tail section. Available in 10 finesse patterns, including laminate colors like PB&J and Goby Bryant.

HOW DO I USE IT?

Created from Z-Man’s resilient and naturally buoyant material, the new 3.25-inch TRD FattyZ presents a truly lifelike appearance by rising from the bottom to mimic the forage bass seek. When current washes the bait, its tail rises and ripples to present an active profile that entices those tougher bites. Meanwhile, a smooth, flat underside makes the bait spiral and glide on the fall, while a slender midsection creates a hinge that allows the bulbous tail to maintain constant motion.

How much? 

$4.99 (8-pack)

MORE INFORMATION:

ZManFishing.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT:

Z-Man put a lot of thought into the TRD FattyZ, so no surprise this bait offers a multifaceted potential. Along with the shape and dimensions, the bait’s material composition also factors into the game plan. Each bait includes a 25% salt solution that enhances taste and scent, optimizes casting weight and offsets buoyancy. Here’s the trick: Stretch the back half of the bait until salt grains emerge and you’ll increases tail buoyancy. The same process of salt removal can change front-end action. Essentially, with a few tugs, you can create a tail up or tail down appearance.

Huk Women’s Cruiser Pant

WHAT SETS IT APART?

The Huk Women’s Cruiser Pant is built for life that moves between the water, the road and everywhere in between. Made from lightweight stretch cotton ripstop fabric, these pants offer a durable yet soft feel that improves with every wear. Designed with a straight fit that can be worn down or cuffed, a comfortable drawstring waistband and deep, functional pockets, the Cruiser Pant delivers all-day versatility. Available in Volcanic Ash and KC Volcanic Ash Camo, it balances performance with an effortless, laid-back look.

HOW DO I USE IT?

Perfect for travel days, dock work or cool evenings at camp, the Cruiser Pant transitions easily from outdoor utility to casual comfort. The stretch ripstop material gives freedom of movement whether you’re bending, packing or casting, while the breathable cotton keeps you cool during warm afternoons. Pair it with a performance top for fishing or a fleece pullover for fall outings — this pant adapts to every setting without sacrificing style.

HOW MUCH?

$95

MORE INFORMATION:

HukGear.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT: 

It’s rare to find fishing pants that feel this comfortable yet look this good. The Cruiser Pant is super trendy for sure because it has this super high in-demand OG camo look to it giving it a vintage aesthetic. I have this pair in a size Large because I have always lived somewhere between a Medium and a Large in clothing and I really enjoy that these pants are loose, non restraining and comfortable to wear. These could easily be used for both a cute night out outfit and an on the water trip. Also I will say that these pants would be so perfect for Anastasia Patterson. (Ha ha!)

St. Croix PREMIER Series

WHAT SETS IT APART?

The St. Croix PREMIER lineup comprises 45 multispecies freshwater rods (37 spinning, eight casting) with task-specific lengths, powers and actions, including two-piece models. Blanks are made of SCII carbon fiber and fitted with nylon reel seats, handles combining premium-grade cork and cork composite material, and quality guides consisting of aluminum-oxide frames and stainless-steel rings. Casting rods range from 6-foot-6 medium to 7-foot medium-heavy, while the spinning rod options start with panfish-friendly 4-foot-6 ultralights and progress to 7-6 medium.

HOW DO I USE IT?

From fast food to luxury cruises, it seems we’re getting less for our money. St. Croix follows this trend with the newly improved PREMIER line, but in a more favorable tone, the family-owned business based in Park Falls, Wisc., offers less weight. Through the renowned rod maker’s Taper Enhancement Technology (TET), the PREMIER rods feature precision cut, curved blanks that yield enhanced action and sensitivity, while coming in as much as 10% lighter than previous versions.

HOW MUCH?

$145-$205

MORE INFORMATION:

StCroixRods.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT:

Consistent with the St. Croix reputation, each PREMIER rod is made with attention to craftsmanship and consistency. One of the key technologies that help deliver performance, Fortified Resin System, prevents micro-buckling — a collapse of the blank’s fibers during the compression created under the stress of long casts or intense fights. An advanced super-resin and blank curing system, FRS keeps fibers in proper alignment for a 33% increase in strength vs. standard resins.

Frog Factory Mongrel

WHAT SETS IT APART?

Measuring 4 3/8 inches and weighing 3/4 ounce, the Mongrel presents an unmistakable prominent presentation that gets noticed. With a single set of leg strands, rather than the twin legs common to most hollow-body frogs, the Mongrel’s likely to focus the bites much better. Another thought here: trimming the leg strands tight to the bait’s back end might offer an appeal similar to that of a feather treble on a traditional topwater walking bait.

HOW DO I USE IT?

Pardon the cliche, but this hybrid bait merits the best-of-both-worlds description. Long and slender like a topwater walking bait, yet soft and weedless like a hollow body frog, Frog Factory’s innovative creation traverses heavier cover than traditional walking baits dare go. Fitted with the sharp, beefy double hook you’d expect from a slop-hopping frog, the Mongrel sticks and holds whatever bites. Six convincing colors, a finely detailed body, glaring eyes and an internal rattle boost the appeal.

HOW MUCH?

$12.99

MORE INFORMATION:

Baits.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT: 

This lengthy take on a well-proven bait category boasts multiple benefits. For one thing, more surface area should help the skipping efforts intended for reaching fish tucked under docks and overhangs. Also, the Frog Factory Mongrel’s more imposing presence is sure to red line a fry guarder’s aggression. Backing up a few steps, this looks like an effective option for searching out spawners hidden amid shallow vegetation. Even if they don’t eat it, the Mongrel’s big enough to warrant a defensive boil.

Z-Man ChatterBait MicroMax

WHAT SETS IT APART?

The same sound, the same vibration, the same lateral line-tingling appeal; only in a smaller package. Four years after Z-Man introduced the ChatterBait MiniMax at ICAST 2021, the South Carolina-based lure maker debuted its most diminutive member of the bladed jig family — the ChatterBait MicroMax. Designed for the Bait Finesse System (light baitcasting gear), this bait sports the same blade to head connection as other ChatterBait designs, along with a hand-tied skirt.

HOW DO I USE IT?

Offered in 3/16- and 1/4-ounce sizes, the ChatterBait MiniMax is a good bet for fisheries like the Sabine River where the average fish size is small. Also, when bass are fixated on tiny baitfish, this one could be a real charmer. But don’t think this little lure is only for the limit fish. Z-Man built the ChatterBait MiniMax with a stout heavy-duty hook that’ll stand up to big fish. Available in eight colors.

HOW MUCH?

$7.99

MORE INFORMATION:

ZManFishing.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT: 

Numerous are the reasons why the fish refuse to commit to your full-sized bladed jig. Could be a weather thing, maybe it’s extreme fishing pressure or it might just be too much repetition, meaning they’ve seen that profile too many times. In such scenarios, by dialing down the bait size and line size, you can show the fish a morsel rather than a meal. Often, the interest remains, albeit to a lesser degree. That’s where the Z-Man MicroMax shines.

SEVIIN GX casting reels

WHAT SETS IT APART:

Offered in right and lefthand options, SEVIIN GX casting reels come in 6.6:1, 7.3:1 and 8.1:1 gear ratios. Each features a 34-mm lightweight forged-aluminum spool size optimized for maximum performance with the intended technique. The GX casting reel design includes a 9 + 1 stainless-steel bearing system with Japanese spool bearings, a strong multi-stack carbon fiber/stainless-steel drag system and adjustable dual magnetic/centrifugal braking system.

HOW DO I USE IT?

Following the success of SEVIIN’S GX Spinning Reels, introduced in 2023, the company broadens its performance-focused GX Series with six new GX casting models. Built with a rigid, lightweight single-piece 150-size aluminum frame, each reel includes an aluminum gear-side cover and a composite palm-side cover and front facia. Reeling is comfortable and efficient, thanks to a custom-designed 95-mm carbon fiber handle that includes integrated hook keepers and soft-touch paddle grips.

HOW MUCH?

$220

MORE INFORMATION:

SEVIINReels.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT:

Complementing reliable performance, SEVIIN GX casting reels are built to withstand punishing use. That one-piece aluminum frame, combined with the aluminum gear-side cover, isolates the gears to prevent the flexing that prematurely wears on a reel. Moreover, SEVIIN’s computer numerical control (CNC) provides precision machined aluminum drive gears and hard-brass pinion gears for maximum longevity. Add to this the strength and cranking rigidity of that one-piece carbon fiber handle with its paddle grips closer to the reel’s center line and the GX casting reels exude solidity.

Lew’s Speed Spool RX

WHAT SETS IT APART?

Lew’s signature P2 Super Pinion is a double-bearing gear designed to improve gear longevity and ensure consistently smooth performance with every cast. Additionally, the Speed Spool RX features an eight-bearing system, with double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings for consistently durable and reliable performance. Bolstering its longevity, Lew’s assembles this new reel with a one-piece aluminum frame and lightweight graphite side plates. The result — confidence-boosting strength, reduced weight and the absence of frame flex.

HOW DO I USE IT?

Lew’s invested significant effort into blending advanced engineering and precision construction with the goal of maximizing power, control and smooth operation. Central to this Speed Spool RX appeal is the innovative ParaMag RX magnetic braking system; a game-changing technology that applies even force across the brake surface to create perfect spool balance. Created to minimize backlashes and eliminate friction noises, the ParaMag system is free of electronics, requiring no batteries or charging.

HOW MUCH?

$179.99

MORE INFORMATION:

Lews.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT:

Among the impressive Speed Spool RX features is the hard-anodized aluminum Speed Gears, which are cut on high-end Hamai CNC (computer numerical control) machines. This process ensures smooth cranking power with reduced wear while minimizing unnecessary weight. Another one: The carbon fiber drag system that delivers up to 20 pounds of max drag means you’ll put the brakes on whatever you hook. Lastly, the spool’s Knot Slot feature, which simplifies line attachment is a nice touch.