Abu Garcia Virtual Integrates Bluetooth in New Rod

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