Hot Products for 2023 - Part II
Continuing from Hot Products, Part 1, here’s a preview of some top new reels, foul weather gear and lure choices for Long Island’s 2023 saltwater season.
REELS:
Shimano Saragosa SWA Spinning Reels:
Inshore spinning reels simply don’t come any tougher than Shamino’s Saragosa SW. Designed specifically of saltwater applications, this series features Shimano’s Infinity Drive Technology to increase the reels winding torque under load compared to its forerunners making it especially suitable for tough-fighing species like stripers, blues, false albacore and maybe even that cobia you’ve been hoping to encounter. Super sturdy thanks to its battle-tested HAGANE body that doesn’t flex under pressure, and sporting a waterproof Cross Carbon drag with X-Protect to withstand saltwater dunkings, you can use this reel to jig or cast just about anywhere from the back bays to near-shore ocean waters. Fully waterproof, the Saragosa SW comes in sizes 5000 to 25000 and is worth every penny. Price: From $269.99.
Daiwa Reels: Good, Better, Best:
Exceptionally versatile, Daiwa’s line-up of heavy-grade saltwater spinning reels offers high-quality optios at ever price break. Consider the BG MQ, for example. With a lightweight yet incredibly strong aluminum body and Daiwa’s famous ATD Drag that reduces initial drag start-up inertia to ensure a smoother drag from the second you set the hook, this is an affordable workhorse with modles to match everything from back bay weakfish to offshore tuna. Price: From $199.
Stepping up to the Certate LT series, you’ll find a reel that sets the standard for corrision resistance thanks to it’s Magsealed main shaft, roller and 10 corrision resistant ball bearrings (CRBB). Smooth as silk even in the nastiest of conditions, it’s monocoque (MQ) one-piece body and tough Digigear™ digital gear digital delivers impressive strength and power in a light-weight format. This reel is available in sizes from 2500 to 5000. Price: From $499.99.
Then there’s the new Saltiga. This reel is made to tackle hard-fighting species across the globe, comes with a 5-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects – and includes a FREE 5-year clean and service from the manufacture! That’s right, just pack it up and send it in once a year to keep it in forever shape. Featuring all of Daiwa’s latest innovations, including a MQ body for improved reel strength and water resistance, plus a strong and ridged aluminum air rotor, this reel is super smooth, super powerful and virtually indestructible. Yes, it’s at the high end of price spectrum but if you’re looking to treat yourself this reel certainly is top of the line.
Van Staal VSBX2 Bailed Spinning Reel:
Not all surf fishing takes place in ruff and tumble inlet or open beach waters. If you’re a back-bay angler looking for a super solid, exceptionally smooth and powerful reel to match up with that 8’ stick you love throwing behind the scenes, this is the reel for you – and it will also do just fine above deck for blackfish jigging, false albacore, and stripers
The Van Staal® VS Series reels have been the benchmark for durability and reliability for 30 years and the new VSBX2 Bailed Spinning Reels prove they keep getting better and better. The smallest built on the VS foundation of simplicity and functionality, they are made from the finest materials available and retain all the features the VS Series reels have become know for while adding key improvements from top to bottom. Their fully machined one-piece body and stem, tatianium main shaft, stainless steel spiral-bevel gear system, powergrip handle and drag knob combine to provide the strength you need whether hauling plump schoolies all season long, challenging Fat Alberts or selectively targeting big fish in tight places. Lightweight and durable, they are available in black or silver with sizes ranging from 50 through 200.
Price: From $889.95.
FOUL WEATHER GEAR:
Pursuit driven and angler designed, Simms® new CX Fishing Jacket (and bibs) are designed with saltwater anglers specifically in mind. A 3-Layer waterproof workhorse that can handle any conditions Mother Nature presents, its waterproof, breathable, dialed and engineered to outlast the competition. Its 3-point adjustable hood and hight front closure are standout features but you’ll also appreciate the central zipper backed with waterproof storm flap.
A pair of horizontal chest pockets constructed with TRU® Zip waterproof self-healing zipper for 100% submersible pocket protection is a great touch with this all-weather top, as are the vertical zippered handwarmer pockets and articulated sleeves with safety reflective hits and hook and loop adjustable cuff.
Available in sizes S to 3XL in Black/orange, Blackout and Woodland Camo.
Price: $449.95.
LURES:
Slender, fast sinking and easy to work, Shimano’s Shinnerfall Jigs slice through the water to get down fast. That makes them ideal for fishing in deep water or strong currents as you can use lighter jigs yet still drop deep in a hurry. A great choice for large seabass, cod and pollack on the offshore grounds, heavy-shouldered stripers feeding in the rips, and free-swimming pelagics on a tear, their tough, through-wire construction ensures you can set the hook with full confidence while their smartly tapered edges bring the lure to life with every turn of the handle or rod tip twitch. Price: From $11.99.
While it’s always fun to add a few new pieces to you lure arsenal, don’t forget to restock some of those old favorites before we get too deep into the season. For striper fans, Daiwa Salt Pro SP Minnows, Al Gags Rigged Whip-It Fish and Doc Spook Lures are all great bets whether you fish from surf or boat. With weakfish numbers continuing their impressive rebound over the past few years, you might also want to consider picking up a couple packs of 5” Bass Assassin Saltwater Shad Assassins in Pink Ghost, Silver Mullet or Limeturese.
Fluke fans looking to close ranks on a couple of doormats this year should consider refreshing with a pack or two each of Berkley Gulp! 6.5” Saltwater Nemesis soft plasitcs in Pink Shine, Pearl White and Chartreuse. Use the white on bright days, the shine under cloud cover and the chartreuse whenever the water looks a little discolored. For fast action with the summer flatties on bay or shallow water, Berkley Gulp! Saltwater Jigging Grubs and Saltwater Swimming Mullets are essentials.
With the 2023 spring season already well underway, don’t delay getting out on the water. The action in May and June can be truly impressive, but you’ve got to be in it to win it. Should you need any help adding new advantages to your fishing arsenal, or simply restocking a few time-tested reliables, be sure to stop in the shop and check with our staff for last-minute size, shape and color suggestions. We’ll be happy to help you cover all the bases - and we’ll send you home with the latest and greatest fishing reports.
- Bryce Poyer
