The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry’s trade association, committed to looking out for the interests of the sportfishing industry, the broader sportfishing community and our nation’s 60 million anglers. From exhibitors to buyers to outdoor media, 10,000 representatives from the global sportfishing community converged at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev. on July 9-12, 2013.While Fishing-Headquarters did not attend this year’s show (never have, but we someday hope to), we’ve elected to follow behind the scenes of our partners and their new 2014 product releases, and use the information they’ve provided us in order to showcase them to our readers through our media outlets.
Of our advertising partners, Quantum Fishing, Cortland Line Company, Lazer Trokar Hooks, and Freedom Tackle Corp. were 2013 exhibitors and have many new items in store for their anglers in the upcoming year.
Quantum PT
Image courtesy Quantum Fishing
In the arms race competition of reels with other industry leading brands, Quantum takes the task of tweaking and refining its products seriously. At last year’s show, Quantum PT excited its bass anglers with the redesign of its baitcasting line of reels, and introduction of additional EXO reels. In 2013, they’ve redesigned their entire line of spinning reels with the Energy PT, available at $139, headlining the bunch.
Every major reel manufacturer presently includes a magnesium-based reel in its lineup. Until recently, Quantum never offered a reel of this type. This week Quantum unveiled its new 5.4 ounce Tour Mg PT.
Quantum takes the definition of Performance Tuned to a whole new level with its first-ever Magnesium baitcast reel. Don’t let its scant 5.4 ounces fool you…it’s packed with the latest PT features from an internal ACS cast control to an exclusive ceramic drag system. If you are looking for the lightest, most feature-packed reel you can find, the Tour MG will not disappoint.
The Tour Mg PT features a refined, machined aluminum handle, a skeletal spool, an internally adjustable centrifugal braking system, hard alloy drive gear, a ceramic drag, and Quantum’s very own hybrid PT bearings. This feature packed reel will be available on two retrieve ratios, both in right and left hand retrieve, and all for the price of $279.
Additionally to these new reel introductions for 2014, Quantum has reintroduced the Iron PTs (circa 1990’s) which is a new low profile saltwater reel available for $199. In addition, the Tour KVD baitcasting reel has been redesigned with more aluminum, and upgrades to the line of EXO, Tour KVD, and Accurist PT rods have been implemented.
Lazer Trokar Hooks
Lazer Trokar has added new hooks to its already popular TK series with the introduction of a wide gap circle hook. In addition, they’re offering new XL packs of 15 hooks for $15.99 a pack. A great way to keep stocked on your favorite Trokar hooks at a great $1/per hook value!
Also of interest is the new TKELITE-100. This is a package of 50 EWG hooks, and is frequently used and showcased by Lazer Trokar pro staff. It will retail for $79.99. Following on the heels of its wildly successful TKELITE hook assortment, the TKELITE-110 is a fully rounded kit of numerous sized TK110 Extra Wide Gap hooks. Heavily favored by the likes of Toyota Tundra Angler of The Year Brent Chapman, the TK110 is an awe inspiring display of American manufacturing that can be utilized in almost any fishing conditions.
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- LazerTrokar TK6 Kahle Circle Hook
Cortland Line Company
Information being compiled…. standby.
Freedom Tackle Corp.
Following up as the 2012 runner-ups for best-in-show for the lure category, Freedom Tackle has out-done themselves with the 2013 introduction of the Ultra Lite series of jigs and all new spinnerbait.
The ultra lite series of jigs are downsized, eco-friendly versions of their first generation originals that encompass greater weights. The Zodiac is now available in 1/16 oz, and Hydra in 1/8 oz and 1/4 oz versions. Freedom Tackle has anglers finally covered with a greater selection of sizes for any depth and style of fishing.
In addition to more jig sizes, Freedom Tackle has taken their universal interchangeable hook system to new levels by offering the same concept in a spinnerbait package. Available in 7/16 oz, and utilizing their Stealth jig head, the spinner bait arm of the Freedom spinnerbait passes through the head of the jig and into its interchangeable free motion hook design. The black nickel hook with trailer keeper allows for a weedless presentation.
Look for these products to be at retailers in the upcoming months.
