SHAKESPEARE
As usual, Shakespeare has come out with a variety of rods for the new year. Top on the list is the Agility Rod Series, with a whopping 38 spinning and casting models ranging from a 4 feet, 6 inches to 10 feet, 6 inches. Designed for both freshwater and saltwater angling, the rods in this series will handle virtually any species, technique or fishery across the country. All have lightweight, sensitive 96 percent IM-8 graphite blanks and stainless-steel guides with titanium inserts. The downrigger model features a graphite reel seat with cushioned, stainless-steel hood and EVA grips. Inshore and muskie-specific actions are available, too.

Shakespeare Agility Rod Series

Also new for 2006 is Shakespeare's Powerod Series of saltwater rods, which includes 16 models of re-inforced tubular glass rods (10 spinning, four casting and two downrigger actions) to handle a huge assortment of applications. Powerods come in a range of sizes and actions from a 6-foot, 6-inch to 14-foot.

Finally, Shakespeare's tough-as-nails Ugly Stik Tiger Rod series gets some additions -- six Tiger Lite rods (three conventional and three spinning) designed for jetty- and plug-fishing. All have Howald Process Triple-built blanks with added graphite for lighter weight. (www.shakespeare-fishing.com)

SHIMANO
Shimano's Compre Rods have been totally redesigned for 2006. The series now offers 43 spinning and 12 casting rods with IM-8 graphite blanks, plus four crankbait and six walleye trolling rods with TC4 Construction. Compre rods feature New Concept Fuji Hardloy guides. Some baitcasting and spinning models have a Fuji Exposed Blank reel seat for direct finger touch on the rod blank. Three new models have also been added to the existing series of Compre muskie rods, including the two-piece 7-foot CPC-M70H2; the 7-foot, 6-inch M76XH; and the 8-foot M80XH.

Shimano Compre Rod

Shimano has expanded its saltwater rod line as well. The new Calcutta inshore series -- in lengths, power ratings and actions for specific coastal fishing situations -- offers 18 casting, eight spinning and five jig/bait models. Each features Shimano's new TC4 K Construction to provide lightweight and sensitive yet high-strength blanks. (www.shimano.com)

SNAG PROOF
For more than 40 years, Snag Proof has been in the business of making fishing lures. The company is well-known for its line of soft-plastic topwater frog baits. Now Snag Proof has entered the rod market as well, with a new pair of -- what else? -- Frog Rods. The two rods, made of durable, sensitive, high-modulus, high-strain graphite, were designed in cooperation with BASS Pro Mark Rizk and are made by UltraStrike 2IG, a division of Bass Medic. Each has high-quality components such as titanium carbide guides, premium Portuguese cork handles, and a no-mark protective finish.

The 7-foot, 2-inch Frog Stick offers power for hauling big bass out of grass, yet it's light enough to fish with all day. The 6-foot, 10-inch Swimming Rod offers a great mix of power and fishability for walking a frog in sparse cover. (www.snagproof.com)