by Gord Pyzer photos by Simon Cheung Top Tackle 2005 From baitcasters to bow-mounts, the best new angling gear for the year ahead THE CRITERIA To be included in this list, the product had to be useful, innovative, functional and designed for angling in Canada. Again this year, we’ve also bestowed several of the new products with our very own “Special Honour” awards, celebrating their unique contributions to sportfishing. You can never own too much fishing tackle, and I should know. I have four rooms in my basement—not to mention the garage and two boats—that are packed with as big a selection of different rods, reels, line, lures and gadgets as a Bass Pro Shop. (Hey, you just never know what the fish might want.) And every year after attending the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades show, better known simply as ICAST, I have to find even more room. As the world’s largest sportfishing exposition, ICAST is the place to check out all the new fishing products headed to store shelves for the coming season. And the latest show, held this past July in Las Vegas, didn’t disappoint. Here are my favourites. BEST NEW PRODUCT CHRONARCH B SERIES REEL & CRUCIAL ROD You’re doing something right when you win ICAST’s Overall Best of Show Award and—for the third year in a row—Best of Show in the reel category. Shimano took both prizes this year for its exquisite new baitcaster, the Chronarch B Series reel. But, in my opinion, the Chronarch is only half of Shimano’s success story for 2005; couple it with the company’s new line of Crucial casting rods and you have one truly extraordinary combination. Constructed of IM-9 graphite, the new rods are as light as a feather yet as strong as an ox. There are various models for monofilament and braided line—an industry first—and the flipping and drop-shot rods feature exposed rear grips, so you can feel the subtlest of bites. Light-line anglers, meanwhile, will love the 18 different Crucial spinning rods. Shimano Canada, 1-800-361-6215; www.shimano.ca BEST CANADIAN PRODUCT FIREFISH The Firefish may be the most beautiful fishing lure to come along in ages. This large, heavy, solid-glass spoon comprises five layers of kiln-fired glass fused around a 100-pound-test wire. Since glass isn’t affected by saltwater or ultraviolet light, the Firefish will never tarnish or discolour. And because crushed crystal is added during the fusing process, its reflective qualities are superb. Campbell River, B.C., artisan Bob Hunt designed the Firefish to catch chinook, coho, chum and pike salmon, but lake trout, pike and muskies are also sure to devour this unique trolling lure. Firefish Ventures, (250) 923-0878; stainedglass9@yahoo.ca FISH HEDZ Laugh as rain, snow or sleet pelts your face when you cruise full speed across the lake. Smile as bugs bounce off your nose and forehead. And say goodbye forever to the wind ringing in your ears. The new Fish Hedz facemask is bound to be a hit with anglers, especially tournament pros who are often forced to compete under the worst of weather conditions. Extremely light, dry and comfortable, the affordable Fish Hedz fits perfectly over glasses. Fish Hedz, 1-866-783-3223; www.fishhedz.net Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 also read Top Fly-Fishing Tackle 2005