Accumulation of the best and hottest saltwater fishing gear.
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Minneapolis, MN (December 7, 2022) – Saltwater fishing never ends. There are closed seasons for certain species and some fish go lockjaw or move to faraway wintering grounds, but there is always something to pursue. That, and vacation season nears, when northerners flock to the coasts taking stabs at alternatives to their neighborhood bass, panfish and walleyes.
So, we assembled a collection of the best and hottest fishing gear to consider for this winter’s saltwater adventures.
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Northland Elite Series MVP Jig
Might as well start with a curveball. Yes, the MVP Jig was developed for the freshwater market, but saltwater testing verifies its efficacy on coastal waters. Far too many saltwater-specific jigs are clunky and decidedly crude. Oftentimes, it’s a svelte and sweetly detailed jig that properly pieces seatrout, flounder, and other sometimes discriminating quarry. Features a realistic head with molded gills and mouth, primo bait holder, and 3D eyes. A Gamakatsu Big River hook yields sharpness, strength, and a noticeably wide gap. Available in four sizes and 12 patterns. Three jigs per pack.
MSRP $6.49
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Northland Deep-Vee Bucktail Jig
One more out-of-the-box Yankee bait… No, we’re not talking submarine sized redfish or 50-inch plus stripers, but for the other 90% of inshore strikers, its beef enough. It’s Northland’s obsession with detail that really makes the Deep-Vee Bucktail Jig. Actual bucktail with tastes of tinsel do the job of plastics with the panache only nature can provide. Rip it. Glide it. The flow is fabulous. The oversized orbs speak for themselves. A keel-shaped head cuts current and tracks straight. Four sizes and 12 patterns available. White, Black and Watermelon are snatching seatrout on the Gulf right now.
MSRP $3.99
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Z-Man DieZel Eye Jigheads
Big bait hurlers will appreciate Z-Man’s new DieZel Eye Jigheads, designed for upsized five- and seven-inch soft plastics. It wields an impressive black nickel Tri-Forge Power Hook with precision-cut angles—a strength-enforcing, three-sided configuration yielding muscle mass and a definitive cutting-edge tapering toward the hookpoint. Giant baitfish eyeballs give it that signature, and effective Z-Man look. Two jigs per pack.
Prices start at $5.99
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PURE FLATS Slick Jr.
A regional sensation along the Gulf coasts of Alabama and Mississippi, its legend grows, popping up in shops to the east and west. The Slick Jr.’s elder brother the Slick is a dynamite winter seatrout and redfish bait, rigged with a weighted (or unweighted) wide-gap swimbait hook. The newer Slick Jr. is stellar on a jighead. The bait’s magic originates from its broad body that tapers into a bulbed tail, which wafts on command, as well as its precision drop rate. Casting distance is incredible, too.
MSRP $6.00 (6 per pack)
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Strike King 3.5” Coffee Tube
Quit shaking your head… If you haven’t thrown a soft-plastic tube jig for cold weather inshore species, you’re not hip. Redfish in particular respond well to a Strike King Coffee Tube dragged slowly on or near the bottom. No big hops, more of a drag. The blend of real coffee granules and salt impregnation works wonders. Match with the appropriately weighted Strike King Tour Grade Tube Jig Head for the depth range you’re fishing.
MSRP $5.99-$6.99 (8 bodies per pack)
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Z-Man Salty Ned ShrimpZ
Industry-first saltwater specific profile for the increasingly popular Ned Rig finesse technique, the 2.5-inch Salty Ned ShrimpZ proves its mettle with selective fish in clear water conditions. Lifelike shrimp profile features thin “feeler” legs and antennae that quiver with the slightest movement. Soft, durable 10X Tough ElaZtech maximizes tail and bait movement while resisting tearing and toothy attacks. Material is also naturally buoyant for a slow sink rate and tail-rise off bottom on the pause.
MSRP $4.99 (6-pack)
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PRO-CURE Super Gel
Imagine a fishing insurance policy for under $10… Well, it’s a thing. Put up against the inflationary expenses of tackle, fuel, ice, snacks, beer and whatnot, if a squeeze of scent even potentially makes the difference between success and failure…buy it. PRO-CURE Super Gel is a super sticky attractant made from what it says on the bottle – SHRIMP, MULLET, etc. Spread it on like peanut putter. Insert it into sliced plastics. Even marinade bagged plastics – your tip of the day.
Under $10 (2 oz. bottle)
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Daiwa Zakana Jig
Offshore, near-shore and pier casters alike can fish Daiwa’s Zakana Casting Jig with equal success. Offshore, the wide array of sizes and colors can be long-cast to busting tuna, bonito, yellowtail and every member of the jack family. As well, sinister predators like king mackerel, cobia, mahi-mahi, roosterfish and wahoo will fall as easily to the Zakana Casting Jig. When fish are marked on your electronics, the Zakana Casting Jig instantly transforms into a vertical presentation. Drop it down. Rip it. And let the battle ensue. Available in five weights and 14 colors.
MSRP $7.99
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Daiwa TD Minnow
Saltwater and big lures aren’t always synonymous. Astute anglers pay attention to the resident forage, and, oftentimes, fish are blasting on pods of smallish baitfish. Enter Daiwa’s TD Minnow. At under 4-inches, the sophisticated stickbait has an erratic darting action that bursts with flash. An internal weight-transfer system chucks for distance despite the small profile. Details are amazing and the 10 color choices address every coast and water clarity.
MSRP $16.99
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Daiwa J-Fluoro Leader
Superlines (braid) – like J-Braid x8 – are now standard for many inshore and nearshore casters. Properties like small diameter, castability, and durability have prompted the shift from monofilament. Still, you need a buffer between the bait and braid. Daiwa’s J-Fluoro bridges that divide. The 100% fluorocarbon leader yields shock absorption necessary for effective hooksets with rigid superlines, while lending near invisibility, which is crucial in clear water. Fluorocarbon also ties better knots. Speaking of knots, learning to tie braid to fluorocarbon isn’t Elon Musk level rocket science. YouTube is covered up with how-to videos. J-Fluoro is available in 17-weights and various spool sizes.
Prices open around $16
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Daiwa BG
Owning a quality saltwater reel doesn’t require a cosigner, at least in the minds of Daiwa. The expansive BG spinning series ranges from ultralight actions to heavy big game saltwater models. With a strong black Anodized Machined Aluminum Housing and a solid screw in handle, this reel is extremely rigid. Features an all-aluminum frame and smooth-operating Digigear technology. The gears also sport a larger tooth pattern, giving the gears a much longer gear life and durability. And at this price, you’re sticking it to the man.
Starting at $119.99
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Daiwa ISLA Inshore Rods
Best saltwater rod available in the $150 range…no ifs, ands, or buts. And it’s a sleeper, too, originally crafted for Texas Gulf Coast anglers. Daiwa marketing management and rod crafters traveled to Texas and collaborated on the development with Rocky Guerra, co-owner of Roy’s Bait & Tackle, a coastal fishing mecca. The result was the ISLA Inshore Rod series, which includes five casting and four spinning models. The lightweight rods feature perfectly balanced construction, premium cork handles and Fuji guides. Their performance will blow your mind for the price.
MSRP $149.99
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Daiwa Saltiga Saltwater Travel Series
Airborne anglers will appreciate the ingenuity Daiwa instilled in the Saltiga Saltwater Travel Series. Beyond its supreme packability for flights and overpacked vehicles, the three-piece rods feature a slim profile and strong backbone for taming overzealous saltwater species. Innovative V-Joints connect the rod pieces with a flexing joint that thwarts flat spots in the bend. Fuji® Tangle Free K Guides with FazLite Rings yield smooth casts and durability. A Limited Lifetime Warranty stands behind the quality of materials and construction. Three spinning and three casting models available. Includes a slick travel case.
From $219.99
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Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G3 PT
Looking for a portable sonar/GPS unit for your kayak, skiff, inflatable, or other watercraft with a sweet feature set and a reasonable price tag? Then check out Humminbird’s Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G3 PT, which features Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar that reads to 1200 feet, ultra-precise internal GPS with Humminbird Basemap and AutoChart built-in for mapping uncharted areas. Combine the unit with a Humminbird CoastMaster U.S. Coastal V1 card and you’re talking even more clarity when it comes to discerning fish-holding depth ranges, determining safe navigational routes, and reading tidal information. Comes with a portable shuttle, battery, charger, and suction-cup transducer for easy installation and removal when the fishing day is done!
MSRP $469.99
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Minn Kota Riptide Transom
Built-like-a-tank in the U.S., the intuitive, easy-to-use Minn Kota Riptide Transom model delivers 112 pounds of power and precision maneuverability. With the battery-extending power of Digital Maximizer and unmatched corrosion protection, the Minn Kota Riptide Transom will take you to wherever the fish are…
MSRP $1099.99
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Cannon Magnum 5
New to electric downrigging? Don’t fret, it’s much simpler than you think—especially when you’re using a Cannon product like the Magnum 5. The Magnum 5 provides instant up/down control of weights with the flip of an up/down switch; it’s literally that easy! Stop cranking your weights up manually and start getting automatic retrieval of your trolling weights to increase efficiency on the water—by getting your baits precisely into “the zone” and then retrieving your baits faster to re-rig and catch more fish!
MSRP $499.99
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Daiwa Wharf Rat
Saltwater anglers constantly find themselves reaching in the baitwell, chasing deep into the corners for the biggest, liveliest bait. The result being water working up to your armpits. But not with the Wharf Rat. The specialty sweatshirt is constructed of premium polyester with durable stitching and features sleeves that drop only 3-inches below the elbow. A full hood is supplemented with draws to snug when the wind howls. You can also warm those chilled fingers in the front pouch. Available in Black and Grey and sizes S through XXL.
MSRP $59.99
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Whitewater Packable Rain Jacket & Pant
The performance of the staggeringly affordable Whitewater Packable Rain Jacket and Pant begins with 100% polyester interlock fabric with a laminated interior lining and DWR treatment for an optimal balance of 10K water resistance and 10K breathability. Fully taped seams, waterproof zippers, and adjustable Velcro cuff closures at the wrists and ankles further defy the elements. The Packable Rain Jacket features a zip-away adjustable hood and high storm collar that offer protection by design. Two zippered side pockets deliver hand warming and secure gear storage, while a sculpted, tailored fit looks great, but feels and moves even better. The Whitewater Packable Rain Pant features an elastic waistband with adjustable drawcord. Both highly packable garments stow conveniently inside included, labeled stuff bags for easy storage, identification, and access.
Jacket $79.99/Pant $69.99
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Crocs Swiftwater Mesh Deck Sandal
Deck, cocktail bar, or wader shoe? All the above. The recently restyled Swiftwater Deck Sandals are incredibly flexible, supportive, and water-friendly. Stretch-mesh uppers with a hook-and-loop closure strap allow you to adjust the fit. Plus, wider ports all around shed water and other elements quickly. Crocs signature comfort and arch support are standard equipment. And, as noted, they’re excellent for warm-water wade-fishing on firmer bottoms.
MSRP $54.99
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DEXTER OUTDOORS SG138 8-inch SOFGRIP® Wide Fillet Knife
Peek inside a charter boat or watch the action in a fish cleaning shack. Notice a uniformity? Yep, it’s the blade wielding of Dexter Outdoors fillet knives. Synonymous with fresh fillets, Dexter has been forging blades in the good ‘ol USA since 1818. Although Dexter’s website does a fantastic job “honing” your selection, a great do-almost-everything fillet knife is the 8-inch SG138. Sports a sharp blade and soft handle. Its stiff and wide blade glides over bones. Rinses up quickly.
Around $40
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EGO Kryptek 4.5″ Aluminum Pliers
Without a sidearm pliers, stay home and watch Dexter, the TV series. Fishing the salt, pliers are your 11th finger. Beyond the cool looks, EGO’s Kryptek Aluminum 4.5” Pliers are made from durable aircraft-grade aluminum for lightness and resistance to corrosion. Stainless-steel jaw plates clutch with authority. Also equipped with stainless-steel cutters and come with sheath and lanyard. The 4.5-inch size is handy for myriad tasks. Go up to the 8-inch for bigger jobs.
$36.99 (4.5-inch) – $42.99 (8-inch)
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EGO Wade-Medium PVC Coated Net
Wade fishing without a net is like…well, stupid. Handling a flapping flounder or lipping about anything is ill-advised. EGO’s Wade-Medium PVC Coated Net manages most fish and features a lightweight and durable hexagonal extruded aluminum handle, innovative grip design and an 11-inch elastic adjustable/removable tether. The mesh’s flat bottom better subdues fish, and the PVC coating is easier on their scales and protective slim. And drumroll please…it floats!
MSRP $69.99
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Daiwa Prymal Jig Binder
Its attaché case, folder design with easy-to-carry handle and narrow profile slip anywhere on the boat. The fold-over design with clip keeps big jigs and rigs secured in place. Features 10 Isinglass compartments that makes sliding in and retrieving treble-hooked jigs a breeze—and on the opposite side, 10 compartments for slow-pitch jigs and knife jigs. The back features two rigging compartments where you can keep leader material, tools, and other fishing essentials.
MSRP $59.99
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