New gear reviews

Abu Garcia Revo Inshore reel

The Revo Inshore has been continuously refined since its introduction several years ago, and it’s better than ever. Packing a whopping 24 pounds of Carbon Matrix drag, it will beat whatever swims in the coastal salt. The low profile frame fits easily in your hand and makes long days of casting effortless. It has superior corrosion resistance inside and out, including the seven bearings. The Revo Inshore is ready for all the harsh conditions kayak fishing throw at it. An extended, bent handle with EVA knobs provide a comfortable, sure grip. The aluminum spool packs on 235 yards of 20 pound braid or 180 yards of 12 pound mono. Weighing in under 8 ounces with a fast 7.3:1 gear ratio, the Inshore is perfect for working a variety of lures or live bait. A gull wing sideplate provides easy access to the braking system and spool. Pair the Revo Inshore with your favorite casting rod and be equipped to tame the largest of inshore beasts. Available in right- and left-handed models. MSRP: $249.95

— More info: www.abugarcia.com

Hobie Compass

This nimble hybrid was born of Hobie’s premium line of pedal kayaks. Taking the best features and design of the popular Outback, Revolution and Pro Angler models, the lightweight Compass is an entry level kayak with all the fishability of those higher end models. As the country song says, “It’s got everything you need and nothing that you don’t.” Powered by the proven and powerful Mirage Drive GT, the Compass is easy to pedal, and the integrated forward-set rudder turns the kayak on a dime. The elevated mesh seat provides dry, all-day comfort, and the Compass also includes a built-in transducer plate to seamlessly add a Lowrance or other fish finder. Two molded in rod holders, an 8-inch round storage hatch and a mesh covered gear well up front provide ample storage. Recessed H-Track mounts on both sides provide lots of gear-rigging options. This Compass comes in at 68 pounds hull weight, is 34 inches wide, 12 feet long and has a total weight capacity of 400 pounds. It’s a light, stable, speedster that comes in two new colors- slate blue or sea grass green — with an MSRP of $1949.00.

— More info: www.hobiecat.com

13 Fishing Fate Black rod

Coming this winter, 13 Fishing introduced the second generation Fate Black rods that deliver high-end design, without the crazy price tag. Don’t let the name fool you. These rods are a stunning “radioactive” green color from tip to butt, and are outfitted with Portugese cork blank-through handles and tangle-free guides with Zirconium inserts. Built on premium Japanese 30-ton HTC3 low-resin blanks, these rods look and fish like custom rods with an off-the-shelf price tag. They come in a variety of casting and spinning actions tough enough to tackle all inshore fresh and saltwater gamefish. They’re powerful, yet sensitive — and they won’t break the bank. MSRP: $99.99

— More info: www.13fishing.com

About Chris Holmes 253 Articles
Chris Holmes has kayak fished in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and many places in between.