New Products for the 2009 Season
By Jason Waldschmidt

It is about that time, the ice has left most of the lakes and ponds here in central Illinois. We have no doubt had a long winter, but with a few nice days we will all be back on the water. Everyone knows the economy is at a snails pace, however that did not stop some of the best fishing companies around from adding to their product lines to bring some awesome new baits, tackle, & boats for us to use to catch fish.

One of the first new items I was able to feast my eyes on this winter was the awesome new Triton X3. This boat brings the best of both worlds at Triton. The hull is still based on Tritons X2 hull, which came out in 2007. This boat rides awesome, is a pleasure to drive and the fish ability is second to none. An angler has all they will need basically within reach in these boats. Never skimping, Tritons all have the award winning RES Q ladder safety feature. The New X3 also went back and took the great looks of the popular X-Series. The new X3 features the same layout and hull with only a couple small modifications of the X2, but matches that hull with the cap style of the Triton X-Series making for a more sleek looking rig. This is a coupled with a new stripe that defiantly will make heads turn! I am really wondering what Triton can do next; I think the new X3 is just about perfect. Check one out at Riverview Marine in Spring Valley Illinois.

As I had my winter meetings and show weekends I was able to see lots of new products. I was particularly interested in a few new baits and lures. Yo-zuri has launched a new line of baits that are called "Sashmi". They have six different models in this group. These baits are truly awesome and have a changing color paint scheme that gives off different hues at different angles. These baits look so real in the water it is ridiculous. These baits are top notch and come with quality hooks and equipment. I am particularly interested in the new jointed swim bait style. It is the perfect size to catch those big bass I like to chase so much. Also on my watch list is the new walk the dog bait "the pencil". This bait is as good as it gets when it comes to top water lures. Next time you are at the tackle shop make sure they have Yo-Zuri Sashimi I promise you will not regret it.

Plastics made a huge comeback in 2008 with many elite series anglers scored wins with the old standby lures. I fished the elite as a non-boater on Old Hickory Tennessee where event winner Kevin Wirth pitched plastics around cover in shallow water. I was able to catch some fish out of some skinny water using my standby jig with the best chunk around the "paca". 2009 is going to be super for the Netbait the company that makes the paca craw and chunks. They have added several new baits to their lineup. I am really excited about one called the "Mad Paca". This bait is a creature style bait that incorporates a body with two legs and two paca craw arms. It is very unique and comes in two sizes. I think the 4" version will be my bread and butter. For you lizard lovers Netbait is now making its version and with their awesome plastic will be a great bait also. Netbait is very innovative when it comes to baits as was evident with the Paca. I know these new baits will be a huge success.

There have been many new pieces of tackle to come out over the winter also. I have found a few that might make your next fishing trip a huge success. For years American Rodsmiths have been at the top of the game turning out new styles of rods. This year is no exception with the addition of the MagStrike Predator. These rods are so awesome they actually have a butt section that the angler can move to make the rod longer or shorter. It makes this rod one of the most comfortable I have seen in a long time. Another plus is that in incorporates a locking style handle that locks down the reel seat so there is no way of getting a slop in the rod and real. It also contains titanium-coated eyes that make for awesome sensitivity and longer cast. These rods are simply unbeilievable and put them with a Pflueger Summit reel and you can have no better set up. If you are looking for more in rods, American Rodsmiths has you covered. The new H3 Titanium Ultra Max is the sports car of fishing rods. This rod is the MagStrike on Steroids!!! This rod is also adjustable from 6'6" to 7'2" and can be 5 different rods in one depending on where the butt section is placed. It is truly amazing the features of these new rods. American Rodsmiths defiantly get my award for best rods of 2009.

As you can see I have had a very busy winter and still have some shows to work and places to visit. I am truly amazed at the quality of equipment that keeps coming out every year. I invite you to check out any of the companies I have mentioned, as I believe these new products are going to make a huge difference in my fishing in 2009.

Jason Waldschmidt - Outdoor Writer/Seminar Speaker/Tournament Fisherman
Proudly Sponsored by Triton Boats, Kwik PFYT, Kick N Bass Scents, Netbait, Oakley Sunglasses, Pflueger Reels, Yo-zuri, American Rodsmiths & Riverview Marine in Spring Valley IL.
Contact Jason: wally75@maxwire.net