by Gord Pyzer photos by Robert Biron and courtesy of manufacturers Top Tackle 2004 (part 2) Minn Kota On-Board Battery Chargers (BEST AFTERMARKET PRODUCT) Minn Kota’s new on-board chargers are so efficient, they can recharge batteries 50 per cent faster than standard chargers. They feature a three-stage (bulk, absorption and maintenance) charging sequence, while the current and voltage are automatically controlled during each phase of the charging cycle. And the automatic temperature compensation feature adjusts the output voltage so your battery won’t boil over. The new chargers have proven so superior to other makes that several top boat builders are now looking into using them to replace their factory-installed units. Johnson Outdoors, 1-800-263-6390; www.minnkotamotors.com Nemire Spoon Buzzers Last year, anglers using prototypes of the Nemire Spoon Buzzer won six of eight tournaments in the U.S. The exquisite-looking Spoon Buzzer is a hybrid lure that incorporates the best qualities of weedless spoons and buzzbaits—the mainstay lures of bass, pike and muskie anglers. Because of its spoon-shaped body, the lure can be retrieved extremely slowly across the surface of the water yet still create the same commotion as a buzzbait. Available in black, silver and 24-carat gold, the Spoon Buzzer also boasts an adjustable weedguard and a rattle. Nemire Lures, (480) 860-8551; www.nemirelures.com Minn Kota Vector Transom-Mount Trolling Motors Minn Kota’s Vector series may be the most practical, functional and economical transom-mount trolling motors ever designed. They feature “3X steering,” which allows the lower unit to rotate 180 degrees by turning the tiller just 60 degrees. That means you’ll never again bang the tiller into the side of the outboard engine or be forced to hang over the transom to make a sharp turn. Vector motors also feature “Maximizer” technology, which extends the run time of the motor by up to five times. Plus, you can now adjust the angle and height of the steering handle to just the way you want it. Johnson Outdoors,1-800-263-6390; www.minnkotamotors.com Rapala Fishing Reels Rapala has rounded out its selection of rods, fishing line, terminal tackle and lures with the launch of its first-ever line of spinning reels. Five years in development, the four models (each available in three sizes) feature die-cast aluminum frames, stainless-steel bearings, instant hookset anti-reverse, fine drag adjustments, dynamic rotor balancing and worm gear oscillation. While you’ll find many of these features on other spinning reels, few are available on top-of-the-line spinning reels at such reasonable prices ($55 to $115). Rapala, (905) 571-3001; www.rapala.com Mann’s Dragin’ Classic Swim Worm (SUREFIRE HIT BAIT) My bet is the new Mann’s Dragin’ Classic Swim Worm is going to be an easy sell this year, especially considering pro angler Mike Iaconelli used a prototype to win the 2003 CITGO Bassmaster Classic. The Dragin’ Classic is essentially a Mann’s Super Finesse Worm with a wide paddletail. It can kick up a storm as a soft-plastic buzzbait, but it can also be Texas- or Carolina-rigged, or fished on a jig. As such, the worm fits nearly every bass-fishing situation. The five-inch Dragin’ Classic is available in 10 colours, but I’m guessing Iaconelli’s Delta Special will be a favourite. Mann’s Bait Company, (334) 687-5716; www.mannsbait.com Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5