by Gord Pyzer photos: Roger Yip What An Angler Wants Rapala Long Cast Minnow   The new Rapala Long Cast Minnow is going to change the way anglers think about casting light balsa baits into the wind. Thanks to a revolutionary weight-transfer technique, you can toss this lure 100 feet or more. When cast, internal weights shift and lock to maintain proper balance and action, giving you the long-distance casting action of a plastic lure combined with the flotation and action of a balsa bait. Only 300,000 Long Cast Minnows will be available in North America, so you might want to find one early. Normark, (905) 571-3001; www.rapala.com Abu Garcia Abumatic 275 and 275U   The new Abumatic 275 and Abumatic 275U are scaled-down spincast reels made specifically for small hands. But just because the reels are smaller, doesn’t mean they’re kids’ stuff. These are serious reels for serious fishing conditions. The Abumatic 275 is a regular, closed-face spincast reel, while the Abumatic 275U is the same reel but with a trigger-line-release system that lets you mount it under the reel seat like a spinning reel. Both feature 4.1:1 gear ratios, instant anti-reverse systems and dual swing-arm, stainless-steel pins instead of the conventional single plastic pin. Pure Fishing Canada, 1-877-857-3467; www.abu-garcia.com Rapala Fishing Rod   Rapala is entering the rod market in a big way this year with five series—Sportsman’s, Sportsman’s Classic, Long Cast, Tournament Class and Signature—and more than 120 different rod options. Each rod is handmade and features a lightweight, high-modulus graphite blank and full cork handle. Even the affordable, entry-level Sportsman’s Series is made of IM-6 graphite blanks that extend through the handle. Serious anglers will appreciate the Signature Series, which features featherweight, offset reel seats that put your finger in contact with the HM-55 graphite blank for maximum sensitivity. As well, the Signature rods are perfectly balanced and designed to distribute pressure while you fight a fish. Normark, (905) 571-3001; www.rapala.com Plano Guide Series Tackle Bag   Plano has solved the old problem of soft tackle bags that collapse when you pull out a tray of lures. Equipped with hard, moulded, rubber bottoms, Plano’s two new Guide Series bags remain rigid so you can easily slide tackle trays in and out. With both the Model 3388 and the larger 3389, the hard bottom also helps keep tackle dry. Other key features include heavy-duty nylon sides, three zippered pockets and an adjustable shoulder strap. Each model also comes with four clear-plastic stowaway trays. Plano Molding Company, 1-800-226-9868; www.planomolding.com Maxima Knotless Tapered Leaders   Fly fishers will love Maxima’s new Knotless Tapered Leaders, due on the market this year. The butt section features Chameleon monofilament to allow the leader to turn over freely and lie out smoothly, while the tippet section is made of the more subtle Ultragreen, making the fly appear lifelike on the water’s surface. Maxima engineers fused the two lines with their different qualities and properties into one knotless leader, and fly fishers will be glad they did. Brecks, (819) 563-2115; www.maxima-lines.com Read more on the top tackle of 2002: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4