Tools of The Trade – Bassmaster.com
Bernie Shultz
It’s no secret that the fishing industry relies on professional anglers for input on product development. Manufacturers have been tapping the tour, so to speak, for decades.
Whether it’s fishing lures, foul weather gear or outboard motors, these companies know pro anglers are the best test for the products they’re trying to bring to market.
From an angler’s perspective, the opportunity to test new product is always a plus. Having something new and different can often lead to a competitive edge, like when a new lure is introduced — something neither the fish nor the competition has seen. Who wouldn’t want that advantage?
The same goes for the equipment we rely on. Whether you’re a touring pro or a weekend warrior, having the right tool for the job is important. And with that in mind, here’s a quick list of what’s hot on the water.
POLES THAT PUSH
Anytime bass are super shallow, stealthy boat control is important. Never was this point made more clearly than during the Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments held in Florida this past season. The pros learned they could catch far more fish by push-poling through the spawning flats, rather than plowing them over with a trolling motor.
There are many push poles on the market, and most do a good job, but for many pros, the ones that can be stored in a rod locker are favored. Among them is the SuperStick — a 2-piece telescopic pole designed to gain traction on different bottom compositions. One end features a duck foot for soft bottoms, the other has a spiked tip for hard bottoms.
The company also offers multiple attachments to make the SuperStick a more versatile tool. Press the quick-release button and you can swap attachments, converting the pole into a paddle, landing net, lure retriever, deck mop, or other useful tool.
The SuperStick sells for under $200 and comes in two expandable lengths — 6 to 12 feet and 9 to 17 feet.
~Bernie Shultz