The 2006 lineup of new fishing rods continues a trend seen for the past several years: Rods are getting lighter, stronger and more responsive, with better guides, reel seats and other components. In addition, more and more technique- and species-specific models are available to anglers. If casting crankbaits for largemouths is your favorite fishing method, you can buy a rod made especially for that purpose. There are new rods made particularly for catching crappie, smallmouths, muskies and other species. And you won't have to mortgage your house to buy one. Many of the new rods are inexpensive but extremely well made.

ALL STAR RODS
All Star's new Platinum Series rods feature an ultra-thin blank with a super-fast taper that delivers superb power and cast control. Each rod is constructed with All Star's high-modulus graphite. Features include lightweight, corrosion-resistant Fuji Alconite guides with black frames; lightweight graphite reel seats with cushioned stainless-steel hoods; premium cork handles; and a stainless-steel hook keeper.

All Star Platinum Series

Casting models feature SensaTouch (blank-through) reel seats for increased sensitivity. Platinum rods are available in nine casting, seven spinning and five inshore actions, all technique-specific. For example, the spinning rods come in styles ranging from Drop Shot and Wacky Worm to Topwater and Carolina Rig.

Also just out from All Star are the new Instinct Series rods, featuring multi-modulus graphite blanks in 10 casting and 10 spinning models, and the Team All Star Salmon/Steelhead Series, available in 12 styles (eight casting, four spinning). (www.allstarrods.com)

BERKLEY
Berkley has redesigned its popular Series One rods. Made of lightweight, ultra-sensitive IM7 graphite, these rods feature a black Multi-Bias Laminate Lay-Up construction. The design incorporates individually rolled multiple graphite patterns to maximize fiber alignment and reduce pattern overlap. This reduces the amount of graphite needed in each rod while improving strength characteristics, reducing rod weight and enhancing sensitivity.

Berkley Series One Spinning Rod

Rod guides are made of Hard Chromium SS304, which is as hard as aluminum oxide but 20 times tougher and up to 55 percent lighter. Series One rods also have a precision lock-down calibrated reel seat that securely controls tension. The reel seat is also soft-touch-coated to provide a softer, more tactile surface. (www.berkley-fishing.com)

DAIWA
Back when they were still in production (almost nine years ago), Daiwa's classic Team Daiwa-S Bass Rods were easily identified by their distinctive grip's shape and greenish cast. The legendary "green handle" is back for 2006, with 10 casting rods in the series. These range from a 6-foot medium-heavy model to a 7-foot, 6-inch heavy-action rod. Buyers can choose blank materials that they like best, from high-modulus HSD graphite, the ultimate for sensitivity and hook-driving power, to the soft, highly elastic action of fiberglass, perfect for fishing reaction baits.

Daiwa-S Bass Rods

Features include Fuji aluminum oxide guides, a contoured Softouch reel seat, a cork grip that fits the natural curve of your hand for greater comfort, and an exposed-blank handle for maximum sensitivity. (www.daiwa.com)

Fenwick Techna AV Series

FENWICK
Fenwick has redesigned its popular Flippin' Stik, part of the Techna AV Series. The rod now features traditional high-performance Fuji guides and reel seats. The Techna AV features state-of-the-art Aramid Veil blank technology that is extremely lightweight and sensitive. Also featured are Fuji Alconite ring guides with S-4 stainless-steel frames that are 35 percent lighter and up to 50 percent stronger than ordinary guides.

Based on a custom design by pro bass angler Larry Nixon, the Flippin' Stik features a shorter handle on a 7-foot, 9-inch one-piece telescopic rod, perfect for flipping into those hard-to-reach areas where big bass lurk. (www.fenwickfishing.com)