2010 Buyer’s Guide: Walleye Edition
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Editor’s note: This is just one article from a recent issue of FLW Outdoors Magazine, which publishes both a Bass Edition and a Walleye Edition. To learn more about the magazine and how to subscribe, click here.
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Testing new tackle is a major task for FLW Outdoors Magazine each year. Relying on tournament pros, field editors and in-house staff, dozens of products hit the water each year, and it all starts following ICAST in summer.
As usual, manufacturers didn’t disappoint in producing great new gear for the 2010 season. And as the New Year approaches, plans are already underway to test that new gear and report back on how it can help you catch more fish. For now, you’ll have to settle for a hand-picked preview, chosen and reviewed by the FLW Outdoors Magazine staff. Check out what’s cool about each product and why we think you should buy it – yeah, we already provided you with an argument when begging for new gear this holiday season. Then check back throughout the year for more insight on the rest of the great 
gear for 2010.
Pflueger Arbor
Features
The Arbor is a wide-spooled, aluminum spinning reel. It has instant anti-reverse, eight bearings, a sealed carbon-fiber drag and rubber grippers on the spool for holding braided line. The 7430 weighs 8.5 ounces and holds 160 yards of 8-pound-test. The 7440 weighs 11.2 ounces and holds 150 yards of 10-pound-test. Both have rubber T-handles. Retail price is $79.95. (pfluegerfishing.com)
Why you should buy it
The large-arbor design is great for reducing line memory by wrapping line on a large radius, which also enhances casting smoothness because the line does not need to uncoil as far as with traditional reels. With a wider spool comes a shorter spool, which cuts down on back-and-forth spool movement and wraps line cleanly on the reel. Rubber grips on the spool are a nice touch for eliminating line slip with braided line. At $79.95, this is an affordable reel with high performance standards and an increasingly popular design.
Berkley Bio-Dip
Features
Bio-Dip is a water-based coloring solution that permanently changes the color of any Gulp, Gulp Alive or live bait. The dip comes in 4-ounce bottles and four colors. The suggested retail price is $6.99. (berkley-fishing.com)
Why you should buy it
Unlike other coloring solutions, once Bio-Dip is applied the color is on for good – no more reapplying every few casts. This saves time and gives anglers complete versatility with their colors, not to mention the ability to add attraction to their soft and live baits. The solution also dries quickly, so there is less worry about staining hands, clothes or boat carpets.
Berkley PowerBait Ribbontail Grub
Features
Featuring a narrower body and tail section than other grubs, the Ribbontail Grub comes in 2- and 3-inch sizes and nine colors. A package of 20 pieces retails for $3.99.
(berkley-fishing.com)
Why you should buy it
The slim tail has a wild swimming motion that is perfect for when walleyes want a more animated action than a live minnow can produce. That tail moves with the slightest twitch from a rod or even a wave, which makes it a great choice rigged on a hook below a slip-bobber. The slim body also works great with today’s light-wire hooks to expose more of the barb.
Rapala Charge ‘n Glow
Features
Roughly the size of a sunglasses case, the Charge ‘n Glow uses eight LED bulbs to “charge” glow-in-
the-dark hard and soft lures. The case is spring-loaded and locks. It is powered by three AAA batteries and is turned on with the push of a button. The Charge ‘n Glow retails for $14.99. (rapala.com)
Why you should buy it
Toss in a minnow-imitator or a soft-plastic lure, close the lid, turn it on and in seconds the lure will glow like it has been sitting in the sun for days. The best part is there is no more messing with blinding flashlights after dark, which don’t work as well anyway. The size also allows it to fit in almost any storage compartment.
G.Loomis walleye rods
Features
All 16 rods in the lineup are new or recently redesigned for better performance with specific techniques. Techniques included are rigging, jigging (vertical or dragging), jig pitching and bottom bouncing (casting rods). Each action is available in GLX graphite or a more affordable blend of fibers. Prices vary from $235 to $400. (gloomis.com)
Why you should buy it
Every rod is individually designed for a different technique, with length and action options for each technique to cover a variety of places and scenarios. Even line guides were carefully matched to the techniques. If you can’t afford the premier GLX models, don’t worry. The blended-fiber models are still better than most. They are carefully pieced together to put the right flex and action in the right parts of the rod. Also, G.Loomis offers the Xpeditor Service, which guarantees any broken rod will be replaced with no hassle wherever you are fishing.
Northland Mr. Walleye Crawler Hauler and Float’n Crawler Hauler
Features
Both are made with 60 inches of 17-pound fluorocarbon leader material. The standard Crawler Hauler comes with a No. 4 or No. 6 Colorado blade in 12 colors with No. 6 faceted beads. The Float’n model has a No. 6 Indiana blade in 12 colors and a cylinder float. Retail prices range from $2.79 to $2.99.
(northlandtackle.com)
Why you should buy it
If you chase trophy walleyes, the Crawler Hauler and Float’n Crawler Hauler fill a niche for factory-tied, big-blade spinner rigs. They thump when slowly drifting or trolling but are built stout enough to hold up to heavy fish. The Float’n model is made to help avoid hang-ups on zebra mussels and other bottom junk.
Berkley Gulp! Alive! Minnow Head
Features
The bait is shaped exactly like its name says, entrails included. Made from biodegradable Gulp! soft-bait 
material, the Minnow Head comes in five colors and retails for $5.99 for a jar. (berkley-fishing.com)
Why you should buy it
Tipping an ice fishing lure with a real minnow head adds extra attraction and scent to a lure. The Gulp! Minnow Head’s shape, gills and wiggling entrails accomplish the same thing, but without the need to pop the head off a costly minnow. The bait is also far more durable than live bait, and it can be recharged with scent, unlike the real thing. While there are natural colors, the bold, unnatural colors like chartreuse pepper and glow red can spice up an offering.
Rapala Trolls-To-Shad and Trolls-To-Minnow
Features
The Trolls-To-Shad and Trolls-To-Minnow are the first lures designed to dive and run at a specific depth 
based on the amount of line let out while trolling. Depending on the model, the lures will run at either 15 or 20 feet deep if an angler lets out 100 feet of 10-pound monofilament line. Flat sides, VMC Black Nickel hooks and internal rattles come standard. Both lures are available in 12 colors and retail for $8.99. (rapala.com)
Why you should buy it
This ends the guessing game when it comes to running depth. Anglers can let the lures run 100 feet back on mono line and know they are running at exactly the predetermined depth. Plus, switching to superline will increase the diving depth by 25 percent. As for action, the flat sides make for a tight and fast wiggle.
Minn Kota i-Pilot
Features
The i-Pilot is a GPS-equipped add-on trolling-motor head for the Terrova and PowerDrive V2 trolling motors. It combines GPS tracking technology with trolling-motor control, offering an assortment of options for automatic boat control in relation to fixed waypoints. Retail price is $399.99. (minnkotamotors.com)
Why you should buy it
This unit is simple to install and very simple to use. For big-water anglers or anyone who fishes primarily offshore, the Spot-Lock feature acts as an “electronic anchor” to hold the boat close to a waypoint. It makes it easy to concentrate on fishing, not fighting waves and wind with the trolling motor. Set it to hold tight to a waypoint and easily fish a precise honeyhole.
Berkley Trilene TransOptic
Features
TransOptic is a color-changing, nylon co-polymer monofilament. It appears gold above water and clear below. It is available in nine pound-test ratings from 4 to 25 pounds. The price range for 220-yard filler spools is $8.95 to $10.95, and 2,000-yard bulk spools are available in all but 4- and 6-pound test. (berkley-fishing.com)
Why you should buy it
The material construction makes it tougher than traditional monofilament, but it is still manageable. The toughness makes it suitable for jigging, worming and other slow presentations where line watching is used, which is coincidentally where TransOptic excels. Once it gets wet, it glows like a Christmas light, making it very easy to see.
Trigger X walleye
Features
Like the original biodegradable Trigger X products, the new walleye series releases pheromones to attract fish to bite. However, the new formula can be packaged in re-sealable bags, rather than clam packs with liquid. All five shapes are specific to walleye fishing, with the Paddle Tail Minnow and Minnow new to the brand. Color choices vary by shape. Packages contain up to 12 pieces, depending on size. Retail price is $5.99. (triggerx.com)
Why you should buy it
The walleye formula biodegradable baits are environmentally friendly and have the same unique pheromone technology as the originals. However, the new formula and package make them much easier to handle and use, plus they take up less space than the old clam packs. Individual baits are 
longer-lasting with the new formula, for less fuss and more fishing. All five shapes and their corresponding colors are designed specifically for walleyes and walleye-fishing applications. Basically, Trigger X took a good thing for walleyes and made it a great thing for walleye anglers.
VMC Spark Point treble hooks
Features
Available in three sizes, the Spark Point treble hook features lateral cutting wings and forged “spines” on each hook point for increased penetration. The hook is made from vanadium steel, has a black-nickel finish and is chemically sharpened. A four-pack retails for $2.99, and a pack of 25 retails for $14.99. (vmchooks.com)
Why you should buy it
The term “sticky sharp” aptly applies to this hook. It snares anything that touches it almost instantly, something rarely found in a treble hook. Plus, while most sharp treble hooks are light-wire, this hook is stout and strong. There is no worry about a fish opening up the hook when fishing around cover.
Costa Del Mar Zane
Features
The frames are lightweight nylon and come in three finishes. Rubber molding at the nose and ear pieces prevent slipping. Vent holes help alleviate fogging. The Zane comes in 15 lens styles, including several colored and mirror finishes and materials. Prescription lenses are available. Retail price varies from $139 to $239, depending on lenses. (costadelmar.com)
Why you should buy it
If you want a balanced lens size big enough to keep out wind and sunlight, but smaller than the movie stars wear, the Zane is perfect. A large frame fits full faces comfortably, and the ear pieces are thin, so a hat or visor won’t cram them into the tops of your ears. Go for the 580 lenses. There are none better.
Shimano Stradic CI4 spinning reel
Features
This lightweight reel features carbon-fiber construction, seven bearings and a 6:1 gear ratio. The 1000F model weighs 6.2 ounces and holds 110 yards of 6-pound line, while the 2500F model holds 120 yards of 10-pound line. The Stradic CI4 retails for $199. (fish.shimano.com)
Why you should buy it
Shimano obviously sought to make a light spinning reel, and they succeeded. This reel is more durable and more sensitive than magnesium-framed reels and is for the most avid of finesse anglers. Shaky heads, drop-shots and light Texas rigs handled unbelievably well. The lightweight construction borrowed from Shimano’s cycling divisions made the reel more sensitive with light lures. This is an investment in sensitivity.
Plano Liqua-Bait Locker System
Features
Manufactured out of clear Duraview plastic, the Liqua-Bait Locker (LBL) System uses leakproof Dri-Loc O-ring seals to hold soft baits that must be stored in liquid. The series consists of the LBL Bottle for $7.99, the LBL Wallet for $9.99, the Deep LBL for $14.99 and the Extra Deep LBL for $24.99. The Deep LBL includes a Bottle and bait grabber. The Extra Deep includes a Bottle, Wallet and bait grabber. Each can hold additional containers. (planomolding.com)
Why you should buy it
Finally, a good way to transport and store biodegradable soft baits. The baits can stay moist in their juices, but the rubber seal is airtight so anglers don’t have to smell them when not using the baits. Duraview plastic is extremely durable and makes it easy to identify different soft baits. The larger containers have also been designed around the Plano 3700 StowAway Utility box scale to easily fit in bags and boat compartments.
Lowrance LSS-1 StructureScan
Features
Available for Lowrance HDS displays, the SideScan shows near-3-D views taken simultaneously from both sides of the boat to cover up to 480 feet of bottom content. DownScan Imaging uses a similar display to show what is directly beneath the boat. The module connects to one to three HDS displays with Ethernet cables. The included low-profile transducer can operate in 455- or 800-kilohertz modes. Retail price is $699. (lowrance.com)
Why you should buy it
First off, the SideScan is a superb side-looking sonar, with the option to change frequencies to best meet your needs. DownScan Imaging, however, is one of the coolest tools ever created for anglers. What was once a blob in 2-D sonar can now be identified clearly for what it is – bait ball, brush pile, fish school. Split-screen views allow for real-time comparison of standard sonar and DownScan Imaging, while still showing the SideScan. Plus, the TrackBack feature lets anglers scroll back through imagery to get information or add waypoints for things they already passed.