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Yo! I’m comin’ at you with some new fishing schtuff that caught my eye while at ICAST (the fishing biz trade show) in Orlando, FL. Some of it’s available right now, others will be released in the coming months.
Of course I can’t fit every cool new thing in a single email, so I'll be sprinkling in more of the fishy goodness in upcoming Target Walleyes. 👊 Hope you enjoy, fish-heads!
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New baits make the fishin’ world go round! 🔥
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In no particular order...
1. Berkley Ripfish
> The Ripfish fuses fast-dropping lipless crank traits with the wide, erratic action of a walleye glide bait. Its flat-bottom design and FFS-optimized build allow for precision casting, rapid fall rates, and extended time in the strike zone. Whether you’re yo-yoing, gliding, or using a controlled retrieve, the Ripfish delivers crisp vibrations and a high-pitched rattle that stands out in pressured water.
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Quick 2¢ from walleye hammer Korey Sprengel here:
> “This will be by far one of my go to baits moving forward! The new Ripfish has been super universal for adapting to the mood of a fish on a single cast. It's basically a lipless/glide bait hybrid. It has a super tight vibration on a straight pull but also darts on a snap like a Finisher. Most of all it has a lot of side flash through all the motions.”
I had the chance to hop in the boat with Korey to learn more about the new Ripfish, and he was putting it to work on plus-sized fish!
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Will have more details and a complete breakdown from him here soon.
2. #11 Rapala Jigging Rap
The Jigging Rap needs no introduction 🙌 it’s one of THE most effective multi-species baits in fishing today. For yeeeears folks have been campaigning to bring back the proven, even more bigger-er size...Josh Johnson might've been the one to really vocalize that petition lol:
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...and so Rapala’s coming in hot with a new #11 size that’s 4-3/8" long and weighs 1 oz! Go big or go home, and Rapala’s not going home:
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> ...a fresh new concept to finesse spoon fishing. The Worm Walker Spoon gives anglers extra presentation options for stubborn or pressured fish. Spoon fishing has been a staple for decades. The Worm Walker is the next generation, its unique tail wagging and hovering behavior triggers curious fish into biting. Rigged with a nightcrawler or plastic the Worm Walker’s slow tantalizing action walks back-and-forth on a slow retrieve that fish can't help but eat.
I was already 100% sold on this little number before I found out that it’s been Tom Boley's secret little creation he’s been hiding for nearly 2 yrs.
4. Berkley Rawler Jig
> ...answers the call for ultimate control and precision casting with slow-turn, and high-flash crawler actions. The hydrodynamic lead-alloy head design casts like a bullet, drops in fast and maintains elevation on the retrieve for the ultimate crawler presentation on every cast, with an all new Fusion19 Helical hook design that’s easy to rig and delivers a free turning action as soon as it hits the water.
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I got my hands on one early and the first thing I noticed was how streamlined and sleek it was – never had it foul up on the cast which is seriously impressive with this style of baits. 💯 And you can get that ‘crawler to twirl even at suuuuper slow speeds.
There’s a Bladed Rawler Jig coming too if you want a little flash or are throwing it in dirtier water:
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Some new “power corking” gear coming 🎯
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Believe it or not...even with forward-facing sonar (LiveScope, MEGA Live, ActiveTarget) it can still be a bugger to get fussy, clear-water walleyes to bite. MANY walleye derbies have been won the last few seasons by folks “power corking” or “bobberscoping” 👀 which is essentially hunting ‘em down with FFS + slip-bobbers and presenting live meat right above their heads.
I saw a handful of new products down at the show that were all geared towards this specific technique. Of course you don’t need to have (or even want to have) FFS to catch walleyes on slip-bobbers, and you also don’t need FFS to benefit from some of these features....
Again, in no particular order...
1. VMC Sniper Swivel
> Featuring a premium weight and swivel combination...perfect for power corking for suspended fish.... Built to effectively reduce line twist, the VMC Sniper Swivel helps anglers control their presentation with accurate casts or vertical fishing applications. Constructed with a durable and stealthy black oxide finish that reflects less light, the VMC Sniper Swivel utilizes lead-free brass weights that are laser etched on the side for easy size identification.
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I’ve used this bad mamma jama all summer long and it’s legit. Much faster to rig up and tangle free – they nailed it!
2. Northland Scope-Float
Obviously golf balls are specifically (and scientifically) designed to fly as straight and far as possible, so... 👨🔬🤯 #whammy
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> Whether you need accurate cast for forward-facing sonar or long cast for fishing from the bank, the Scope-Float has you covered. Featuring a dimpled surface like a golf ball the scope float has reduced drag and improved aerodynamics for accurate and long casts.
> Additionally, the Scope-Float features a wide mouth full length grommet. This helps reduce friction on the line helping your jig get to the strike zone fast along with helping your line slide through easily when rigging your setup.
> Each Scope-Float size shows a suggested minimum and maximum weight, so you know exactly how much weight to use.
Here’s those sizes:
#4: 1/8 - 1/4 oz
#5: 1/4 - 3/8 oz
#6: 3/8 - 1/2 oz
#7: 1/2 - 3/4 oz
3. 13 Fishing Myth Series ‘Power Cork’ rod
> A technique-specific rod designed in partnership with legendary angler and guide Tony Roach exactly and only for power corking.
> This rod comes in a length of 7’ 9”, has medium-magnum power, and imparts moderate-fast action. It has a line rating of 6 to 14 lbs and a lure rating of 1/8 to 7/8 oz.
> With the increase in popularity of forward-facing sonar (FFS), the highly effective power corking technique has taken the angling world by storm. The power corking setup consists of a slip bobber, light but intentional tackle, and meticulous depth control. Once several pods of fish have been identified at a specific depth using FFS, drop or pitch the bait into the strike zone 2’ above the fish. Then get the net.
> This aggressive technique is especially effective on calm, bluebird days when the bite typically shuts down. This isn't your grandfather's bobber fishing.
> Tony Roach: “There was such a need for a premium rod for this technique, and 13 Fishing has created the ultimate power corking rod. Hook-up percentages are just fantastic with this rod. I absolutely fell in love with it. It’s going to be your favorite as well.”
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4. Northland Tackle Tungsten Bobber Jig
It’s made of 95% pure tungsten and has flat, faceted sides so it shows up better on live sonar. Has a wider gap for tipping with a variety of live bait options, including larger minnows:
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I know you ice-heads are eyeing this up for setlines (deadsticks, tip-ups, rattle reels, etc) too....
5. Thill Sharp Shooter Float
Flies like a dart – literally:
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Btw these are available right now at Scheels. I’ve been using the Medium, 1/4-oz size most of the season (paired with a 1/16-oz jig and 3/16-oz weight). It is the furthest- and most accurate-casting bobber I have used, and the visibility is outstanding.
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Na-na, na, na, na-na-na.... Na-na, na, na, na-na:
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On your mark, ready, set, let’s go!
1. VMC Snitch Jig
> The new VMC Snitch Jig is a noisy, flashy, and versatile addition to the walleye angler’s arsenal. It features a unique sculpted blade that rotates effortlessly against the bead stopper, even at super slow speeds, making it ideal for pitching, drifting, or jigging.
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> The Snitch Jig features a weight-forward teardrop shaped head to maximize water flow to the blade which makes the blades turn at the slowest of speeds. As the blades spin, they effortlessly emit wicked vibration and flash, like a dinner bell for a walleye.
> The Snitch jig was made for use with live crawlers, but is also extremely effective with finesse plastics (both TPE and PVC) such as CrushCity Mooch Minnow or Mayor. A mono keeper keeps baits pinned to the shaft.
2. Northland Tungsten Smeltinator
I'm already a big fan of the original Smeltinator for plastics (killer design, colors, and love that stout Gamakatsu hook) so pumped to hear they’re coming out of a tungsten version.
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3. VMC Minnow Shaker Jig
Won best of category for ‘Terminal Tackle’ at ICAST and the folks I’ve talked to that have already fished it were raving about it.
> Purpose-built for soft plastic minnow baits like the CrushCityFreeloader and Mooch Minnow, the new VMC Minnow Shaker, features a unique 45-degree line tie – the only jig in the market with this angle – which maximizes the rolling action of the minnow.
> The Minnow Shaker Jig has been thoughtfully designed to solve a problem that has long plagued anglers fishing soft plastics: getting the bait to truly stay on the jig. Dual mono keepers lock the bait in place and keep it there, fish after fish after fish.
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> Jacob Wheeler: “It’s proven. We did our homework. You can catch 15 to 20 fish on this and never touch your bait.”
I should also mention that there's TONS of new color and size expansions coming to the CrushCity lineup 👀 but more on that later....
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Again, in no particular order...
1. Whisker Seeker Solar-Powered Bait Cooler
A solar-powered bait cooler?! 🤯 LOVE the idea! And others did too ‘cuz it won best of category for 'Fishing Accessory' at ICAST. Can run up to 10 days on a single charge when there’s no sun [!] and “under sufficient sunlight, air pumps can run continuously."
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That's the definition of a BeatDown! 😤
3. StrikeMaster Maven 40V ice auger
I believe this is now the lightest, fastest, and most powerful 40V ice auger in its class. Won best of category for 'Ice Fishing’ at ICAST. The 8" unit smoothly cuts at 3.6" of ice per second and can drill thru 2,000" of ice on a single charge.
Weighs just 14.5 lbs, has a brushless motor, variable speed 'throttle', reverse, built-in LED light and bubble level, is more compact for getting those corner holes in the wheelhouse, the list goes on. Heard they’ll be coming with TWO 5-Ah lithium-ion batteries.
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There will also be a 10” version that weighs just 15.5 lbs, cuts at 2.5" of ice per second and can drill thru 1,440" of ice on a single charge.
I can’t wait to take one out for a rip! 😮💨
4. Clam Watchtower Tip-Up
> This tip-up has a fully-insulated base with a 360-degree LED light that activates when the flag is tripped. The flashing LED light can be set to blue, red, or green and is visible from over 100 yards!
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Coming this fall.
5. Amped Outdoors Lithium Trolling Motor Batteries
I upgraded my boat batteries to lithium two seasons ago and could NOT be more happy! By far the best upgrade I have ever done to any boat. 💯
I went with Amped Outdoors' 36V 100Ah trolling motor lithium battery system (which is two 36V 50Ah LiFePO4 batteries in parallel). I was able to shave off roughly 140 pounds 😳 by running those 2 lithiums vs 3 lead or AGM batteries, and of course get some INSANE run times.
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This newest version has Advanced Bluetooth Technology so you can monitor your batteries thru their phone app and heated charging for charging below freezing:
> Our active heating function will allow your compatible charger to heat the battery when it's below freezing and begin charging once it reaches 32°F. The heated function will continue to heat the battery until it is up to approximately 50°F and then it will accept full charge rate.
Yeah, they’re spendy...but the prices have come down + the features and technology have gone way up. It’s now $1,999.99 for the set and that includes the Amped Outdoors 36v 10A on board waterproof charger. And a 10-yr warranty!
I've only ever gotten my Amped trolling motor batteries down below 50% twice and those were on days where I basically fished from sunup to sundown and the wind was RIPPING.
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6. Humminbird XPLORE Fish Finder Series
Humminbird’s new XPLORE fish finder series won best of category for ‘Electronics’ at ICAST. The amount of features + processing power + ease of use + at the pricepoint = wild! Swear this graph would’ve cost about $20K say 5 years ago lol.
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1. Whitewater Lightweight Tech Hoodie
First off: As someone who is definitely NOT in shape 🙋♂️🍔 I have absolutely despised the majority of those fishing “sun shirts” out there. I have no business wearing something that shows every curve on my body. But man, the way they keep you cool on scorching hot days – while also protecting ya from the sun – made me incredibly envious of folks who could pull ‘em off...while I’m wearing an all-black, cotton T-shirt fighting for my life LOL.
Then I tried on a Whitewater Lightweight Tech Hoodie and fell in love. Finally, a “sun shirt” that wasn’t ultra-clingy or fit me like a dang wetsuit! Was a little nervous ‘cuz the color I picked up was "Glacier Grey" 👀 and if you’re a portly 3XL feller like me you know that light colors are typically just not at all flattering (especially if there’s no pattern to break things up). But the Whitewater Lightweight Tech Hoodie works great for me – finally! I only have the one right now but will definitely be ordering more.
And now that they just came out with a new “Vintage Duck Camo” pattern, I’m going to be living in it! Well, as soon as I can get my hands on one or three hahaha!
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2. Whitewater Spindrift Merino Fishing Hoodie
We all know the benefits of Merino wool when it comes to cold-weather gear (naturally regulates temperature, prevents odor, wicks moisture, drys quickly, works whether it’s wet or dry, the list goes on) but now Whitewater is bringing it over to the WARM WEATHER lineup?!
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> Experience the unparalleled comfort and moisture-wicking prowess of Merino wool fused with the familiar lightweight design found in typical polyester sun hoodies on the market....
> This lightweight merino hoodie has effortless stretch, 50+ UPF protection, and is fully equipped with an oversized sun hoodie. Designed to be your ultimate fishing companion, regardless of the weather or time of year, the merino sun hoodie serves as a versatile layering piece underneath jackets or as a standalone sunshirt.
> Crafted from the finest Merino fibers, measuring just 17.5 microns, blended with the optimal amount of nylon for maximum functionality and durability. Enjoy all the advantages of Merino wool with a luxuriously soft touch, exceptional temperature regulation, and long-lasting odor control in a hoodie you can comfortably wear throughout the year.
This is the same company (Whitewater) that makes the Lightweight Tech Hoodie I was raving about above. Big props to them for constantly pushing the fishing-apparel envelope! This Spindrift Merino Fishing Hoodie is brand-spankin’ new so I haven’t personally been able to try it on to see if it’s chunky-boy approved yet, but I will for sure give one a shot and let you know.
3. Apparel company stocks fish w/ every purchase
The brand is called "STOCK" and for every item purchased, they “fund the stocking of 3 walleye or trout into your local waters. It’s [their] way of giving back to the sport that has given us so much joy.”
How cool is that?! Love the idea. Here's a few of their awesome designs:
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Had the chance to meet them and chat a bit while down at the show – great guys! Keep doing your thing fellas 🙌 and thank YOU for making the future of our fisheries part of the game plan.
4. Grundén's Cross Current Boat Shows
Overall these are the best pair of boat shoes I’ve owned. Snagged a pair earlier this summer and have been absolutely loving ‘em. So dang cushy/comfortable, grippy, and they actually look cool. Also the breathability is wild – only boat shoes I’ve ever owned that I don’t mind wearing without socks.
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They also have another new pair called the Keeper Sneaker that I’ve heard great things about – haven’t personally tried ‘em yet, but I will.
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This is just barely scratching the surface...will have way more new walleye and ice-fishing stuff coming your way soon-ish. Thanks SO much for reading!
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Sign up another fish-head!
If you're forwarding Target Walleye to a friend who loves to walleye fish or want your fishing buddies to get these emails, just send us their email addresses and we'll take care of it! (We won't sell the addresses, use them for spam, etc.)
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FRIENDS OF TARGET WALLEYE
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Target Walleye – walleye during open water and all species during hardwater – is brought to you by Al Lindner, Jay Kumar, Chris Philen, Brett McComas and other diehard fish-heads like you!
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Brett McComas is the main man for Target Walleye He was discovered in Brainerd, MN after years of wondering how in the heck people break into the fishing biz. He's in it now, but still can't answer that question.... Brett is one of those guys who majored in marketing, only because there was no such thing as a "fishing degree" at the time.... Get him at brett@targetwalleye.com
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