Product Buzz, by Scott Mackenthun
Trika Rods 6X: Medium Light, Extra Fast
An independent company with engineering expertise in hunting has made the crossover to fishing. Trika builds high performance specialty rods with incredible sensitivity on light, carbon fiber frames with Fuji guides. These lightweight rods are designed to transmit everything to the angler’s hands. If you’re casting to crappie, these rods will really stretch out your casts and let you know when you’re getting bit or bumping structure. A one-year manufacturer’s warranty provides peace of mind and the rods are incredibly tough. You won’t find them in stores; these rods are direct to consumer. 6X Rods MSRP $299.
Here is the American Dream, alive and well in fishing. Carl’s Custom Baits was named in memoriam for Carl “Butch” Rydeen and brother Tom runs the company giving customers a wide range of choices in plastic baits. Select your favorite color, glitter, scent, and taste, in a variety of plastic options. Can’t make up your mind? Choose a panfish or crappie sampler in a single color and get lots of options. The action of these hand-poured plastics underwater is super. Try a package of 2.5-inch crappie flukes; 8 count MSRP $3 plus shipping.
It seems everyone in fishing apparel is making an ankle boot now with variable reviews. A good ankle boot is nice for keeping your feet dry when water sloshing about would swamp sandals or shoes but calf high boots would be too much and cook your feet. The Simms Challenger Deck Boot is a good in-between. There is a loop on the heel for easy pulling on and off, the interior is lined with neoprene, and the outside is good rubber that doesn’t separate or peel and a sole that won’t slip. My pair has done both winter duty on the ice and summer duty on docks and boats. MSRP $130
Rapala 20lb Hi Viz Digital Scale
New for 2024, the Rapala 20lb Hi Viz Digital Scale is easy to see anytime – from the back of the boat, front of the boat, with or without sunglasses. You can set it up for five fish, eight fish, or an unlimited entry tournament. It also features a “versus mode” where you can fish a live weigh-in tournament with your buddies, with the heaviest bag weight sliding to the top. This scale shows minimum and maximum weights, so you will know what you can cull. It also date and time stamps for tournament records. If you fish in crappie tournaments, this device will let you know exactly how you’ll weigh! This is the unimpeachable proof needed for your crappie fishing stories. MSRP $195
CrappieNOW writer Scott Mackenthun has been writing about fishing since 2005. He is a fisheries professional, father, and avid angler when he’s not writing about his time on the water. He can be reached at scott.mackenthun@gmail.com
