HERVEY Bay is one of the fishiest places along Australia’s East Coast and the perfect location for testing a boat-load of new gear ahead of this year’s AFTA tackle show.
That’s exactly what happened when tackle companies Penn, Abu Garcia and Berkley showed off their latest gear to Tackle World retailers from across Australia.
I was also lucky to snag an invite and received a firsthand experience testing this gear on some of Hervey Bay’s powerful sport fish.
Thanks to the expert guidance of Hervey Bay FLy and Sport Fishing and Freedom 111, there were no shortage of fish with an abundance of longtail tuna, trevally, coral trout, snapper, mac tuna and more.
Stay tuned to the upcoming September edition of Fishing World for the full article. Meanwhile, check out the photos and product descriptions below showing the latest tackle in action.
Penn Spinfisher VI reels
The new PENN Spinfisher VI features IPX5 sealing so whether it gets hit with a wave, or you let it ride in the spray all the way home, you don’t have to worry about saltwater getting into the gearbox or drag system.
Penn’s HT-100 drag washers are housed in a fully sealed spool to give the stopping power needed for big saltwater fish.
A Full Metal Body and sideplate keep the CNC Gear System in precise alignment under heavy loads. Durability, Smoothness, and Precision is what CNCGear Technology delivers. By using state of the art software and CNC machinery brass drive, pinion and oscillation gears are cut to exact tolerances.
The new Spinfisher VI live liner system has four ON positions which progressively increase the rear drag when needed. Factory matched settings have been applied for each size reel and can be user adjusted to the angler’s preference with the included tool. With the turn of the handle, the live liner is automatically disengaged and back in fighting mode.
Available in standard, Live Liner and Long Cast models.
RRP from $199.99
More info at Pennfishing.com.au.
Abu Garcia Roxani
FOLLOWING its recent release in the Japanese domestic market the Roxani series of spinning reels offers sleek reel design and performance in a compact package.
Based on high quality components and a light weight design the Roxani incorporates new technology including a one-piece Durametal body that houses an AMGearing system with Computer Optimised (COG) gear design and Salt Shield bearing technology for smoothness and durability on the water.
SSC (Salt Shield Concept) bearing employs newly developed ball bearings that are coated with a water-repelling shield which greatly reduces rotation noise caused by salt adhesion improving operation and durability.
The AMGearing System combines a precision machined aluminium gear with our COG (Computer Optimised Gear) gear design, resulting in a gear system that has been optimised to give the ultimate in smoothness and durability.
The Roxani is equipped with the Rocket Line Management System, which is a combination of bail angle, spool lip design and slow oscillation that gives anglers the ability to cast further and manage line more effectively.
Dedicated to light to medium lure fishing the Roxani is available in 2000, 2500, 3000 and 4000 sizes.
RRP $249.00
More info at Abugarcia-fishing.com.au.
Berkley X9 braid
USING the latest 9-carrier technology, the Berkley X9 Braided Line Crystal offers a smooth and strong line designed for optimal strength and casting distance. Featuring a 9-carrier construction with a PE core, the Berkley X9 Braided Line is round and smoothly flows through guides for increased casting distance. Its high strand construction also enhances wear resistance for fishing over rugged structure and provides higher knot strength. Finished in Berkley’s highly visibly crystal and flame green colours for easy strike detection. Berkley has also released a X5 braid to comeplement the X9.
Available in 150m, 300m, 2000m spools in Crystal and Flame Green.
RRP From $34.99
More info at berkley-fishing.com.au.
