July 08, 2019
By G&F Online Staff
When is a fishing rod not just a fishing rod?
Well, Abu Garcia might have an answer with its new Virtual series of rods, which it says is “forging a new path” in rod technology.
An ICAST 2019 new release, the Abu Garcia Virtual integrates Bluetooth technology, with the free ANGLR smartphone app, that allows you to record catches and mark waypoints with a press of a button in the butt of the rod.
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The new series of rods is the first to integrate this type of technology and has been created in concert with ANGLR, a fast-growing company that offers a free fishing intelligence app helping anglers plan, record and improve their fishing. The Virtual rods allow the angler to simply press a button to record catches, double-click to drop editable waypoints at their exact location and press and hold the button to indicate a change in tackle. The action to record a catch also compiles location, weather and water data with the stored catch information. This information, coupled with the durability and performance of Abu Garcia rod technology will provide anglers a complete package as they look to maximize their time on the water.
The rods retail for $129.95 and are expected to be available in Spring 2020. For more information visit www.AbuGarcia.com.
Hundreds of new rods will be on display at ICAST 2019, including these species-specific items featured in the July-August Game & Fish Magazine gear issue. Pick up a copy at a newsstand near you to read about more great rods.
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BASS
ST. CROIX ROD | Mojo Bass Glass
Fiberglass is perfect for fishing crankbaits. Mojo Bass Glass rods bring the advantages of moderate fiberglass construction and precision tapers to a budget-friendly level. Available in five different lengths and powers. $175–$200
G. LOOMIS | E6X
Redesigned to reduce weight while increasing durability and balance, G. Loomis E6X graphite rods include a comprehensive variety of 33 spinning and casting models, suitable for everything from drop-shots to swimbaits and everything in between. $190–$200
WITCH DOCTOR TACKLE | Surman 50G Casting Rod
When you combine fast-moving baits and smallmouths, you need a rod that has the backbone, yet a parabolic bend to it, so treble hooks don’t tear the fishes’ mouths when they make that late run away from the boat. The Surman 50G’s half-fiberglass, half-graphite construction is ideal for fishing jerkbaits and lipless crankbaits. $190
TROUT SPIN
LAMIGLAS | X-11 Ultralight
Agile and casts small gear. The 7-foot, 2-piece is rated for 2- to 6-pound line, 1/16- to 1/8-ounce lure weight and has a moderate to fast action. $102
TROUT FLY
SAGE | Dart
Another entry in the super light category, the graphite Dart fly rods feature weights of 0 to 4 at lengths of 7 foot, 6 inches. Also included is a 6-foot, 6-inch version of the 3 weight. $700
CATFISH
B’N’M POLES | Silver Cat Elite
Designed for suspended drifting and anchoring, this 7 1/2-foot rod has a stiff backbone but faster tip to see bites more clearly. E-glass composite for extreme strength, a hi-vis tip, double-nut locking reel seat and X-Grip handle. $75
CRAPPIE
LEW’S | Wally Marshall Signature Crappie Series
These rods have perfect actions for vertical jigging, tight-line trolling and pulling cranks. Features include stainless guides with aluminum oxide inserts and lightweight graphite reel seats with metal hoods. $50
WALLEYE
DAIWA | Tatula
Although found in the Bass Rod category, this 7-foot, 6-inch rod is a slim, powerful finesse rod that’s capable of pitching 1/16-ounce jigs tipped with plastic or bait way out there, then bringing in big fish on 5-pound fluorocarbon. $170
