CABELA’S (Cabelas.com)
Cabela’s has added five new technique-specific models to its performance-driven XML Ti series of fishing rods. Anglers can now find their niche with rods for Vertical Jigging, Pitchin’ Jig, Dropshot and two different Rig n’ Jig styles. Like the original XML Ti series, these rods are light, super-sensitive and extremely durable. Each has special Recoil guides constructed from super-tough nickel-titanium alloy. These guides have unsurpassed “shape-memory,” returning to their original shape even after repeated deformations. They can be pushed flat against the blank with no adverse effects, springing back into action instantly. Recoil guides also flex with the rod, eliminating flat spots and creating a true arc under heavy strain. Plus, Recoil guides will not corrode under any conditions, making XML Ti rods suitable for freshwater and saltwater anglers alike. Crafted using XML 64-million-modulus blanks with a strength-enhancing Spiral-Core Technology and Gen-III bonding resin, these rods are 25 percent stronger and 10 percent lighter than the original XML series.

BASS PRO SHOPS (BassPro.com)
The Johnny Morris Elite Series casting rods are the latest from Bass Pro. Made from high-quality graphite blanks with slit carbon powerwall construction, each features a full-contact reel seat, Rec recoil guides, carbide tip and premium cork grip. Models are on line for a wide variety of applications.

DAIWA (Daiwa.com)
New from Daiwa are several models of technique-specific spinning and bait-casting rods under the Steez logo, each with design features that reduce weight while maintaining a stylish look. Each Steez rod is constructed using Daiwa’s exclusive lightweight SVF graphite or SVF Compile-X graphite blank. Air-Beam reel seats reduce weight further by eliminating excess material in the core, and a machined aluminum forenut eliminates the traditional, seldom-used foregrip to lock the reel securely and make the rod even lighter. The grip material is Air-Foam, which is lighter than cork or ordinary EVA foam. The result is a series of good-looking, extremely lightweight rods that are much more sensitive and produce less fatigue for the angler.

G. LOOMIS (GLoomis.com)
G. Loomis just released its new 19-model MossyBack series featuring mid-range graphite blanks and actions designed to fish jigs, plastic worms, lizards and grubs in waters ranging from clear, open lakes in the North to brushy, tight cover in the Midwest and South. Each rod features a fast recovery rate that reduces line drag through the guides for more casting distance and exceptional casting accuracy. The 15 casting rods include eight models specifically for jig-and-worms, two Carolina-rig rods, two Senko rods and three flipping rods. The four spinning rods are designed for jig-and-worm fishing, and there’s also one Senko model. All the rods have fast or extra-fast tapers, creating a lower trajectory on the cast to combat wind for longer casts and to provide improved accuracy. The low-friction Fuji Alconite guides also contribute to longer casts. Other features include composite cork butt caps, cork handles and blank-through-handle construction on the casting rods so you have direct contact with the blank to feel every bump.