The Asian Angler - January 2015 Digital Issue - Malaysia - English

The Asian Angler Asias AnglingLifestyle MagazineJanuary 2015 Issue

The Gladiator Warrior Of The Ancient World

The Mighty MustadAll Hooks Are Not Creater Equal

Abu Garcia SilvermaxDecent Performer Without Hurting Ones Pocket

Playing With Balls Hybrid Bearings Vs. Original BearingsWhats Launching?New Fishing Tackle Hitting Our Shores 1

BEAST

BEAST

BEASTBEAST

BEAST

BEAST

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAmuPPposdw

BEAST

BEAST

BEAST

3

Boss Extremehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agSYsSpLn-0&list=UUug4TFdixLg0sdeo3Ykf6NA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjgKhXxIBc8&feature=youtu.be

OAG Worldwide Sdn. Bhd. (1070480 M)No. 5-1, Jalan Setia Dagang U13/Aj, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan.Email: [email protected]

All New

Boss Extreme

OAG Worldwide Sdn. Bhd. (1070480 M)No. 5-1, Jalan Setia Dagang U13/Aj, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan.Email: [email protected]

9

Wishing You A Happy, Successful, & Healhy

2015

The Asian Angler Team

Wishing You A Happy, Successful, & Healhy

2015

The Asian Angler Team11

RP CustomABEC 7 HybridBearings

18

Mustad Hooks10121NPDT 44

Viper Sting Rod 82

Test Drive

Ofmer Simone65F Lures

176

Ofmer Tomkill Lures

158

Viper Spike (Metal Jigs)

136

ZMANMinnowZ

186

Contents Menu

Back To Content

Abu GarciaSilvermaxReel

62

Abu GarciaPromaxSpinning Reel 92

Rod FordSilo RFTB3007Lure Tackle Box

108

Viper Stiletto (Metal Jigs)

150

ZMAN Scented PaddlerZ

182ZMAN StreakZ Curly TailZ

198

ZMAN StreakZ

204

ZMAN Pop FrogZ

210ZMAN Chatterbait Flashback Mini

220

Ofmer Spin Bros

226

OfmerKatana Spin

232

ZMAN JigheadZ

240

ZMAN Shaky HeadZ

242

Rod FordPhantom FCLeader

244

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New Launches

Ofmer Tomkill Lures

158

Rod Ford Camo Dry Bag& Waist Pouch

126

ZMANMinnowZ

186

Highlighting

Contents Menu

Rod FordSilo RFTB3007Lure Tackle Box

108

ZMANGrubZ

192

OfmerDeep Trail 90F Lures

170

Skill eNHANCErs

Fishing With Spoons, The BasicsPart 1266

knowledge wise

Fish Attractant (Scent) Part 3

288Gladiator Mini IIItalian Classic

300

Vintage

Stuffs & Goodies

Casio G-ShockGulf Master,GO PRO Hero 4, Maplin Waterproof 312

Junior Anglers

Last Minute Fun

318

NewsWorthy

Coarse Fishing CompetitionReport: IrelandPart 4344

For Life

www.purefishingmalaysia.com

ABU GARCIA REVO BEASTRaising the Bar on High-Performance Durability

The Beast was born for throwing big baits. Whether its a heavy schooling rig, large swimbait or other big lure, the Abu Garcia Revo Beast excels. Wrestling big fish from heavy cover is in its DNA. Armed with a 22-pound

Revo Beast will change the way angler fish.max drag and deeper spool for extra line capacity, the all-new Abu Garcia

The reel is equipped with oversized, ergonomic handles and EVA power knobs to

An X-Crftic alloy body gives the Beast a durable corrosion-resistant framework to complement the lightweight, well-balanced platform. The Beast is equipped with theCarbon Matrix dragsystem for smooth, consistent drag pressure at any drag setting.

performance when it matters most. Even the line guide is Titanium, coated to reduce friction. The Infini II Spool design is among the smoothest in the industry.

The Duragear brass main gear and D2 Gear Designextends gear life, and maximizes

from cast to crank with seven stainless-steel High Performance Corrosion Resistant (HPCR) bearings plus one Whether cranking the depths on Kenyir Lake or casting in the mangroves areaS, the Beast remains smooth

Tipping the scales at just 9.35 ounces (265grams), the Beast is worth every penny and it will be unleashed early 2015.

roller bearing and 7.1-to-1 gear ratio, while the Infini brake adjusts for a variety of baits or wind conditions.

TI COATED ALUMINIUM SIDEPLATES

OVERSIZE EXTENDED HANDLE

OVERSIZE EVA GRIPS

Provide an increase in both corrosion and scratch protection

Gives increased torque, which allows easier cranking under heavy loads

Gives a more secure grip, especially under increased loads

DURAGEAR BRASS GEAR SYSTEMBrass gear system provides the durability needed when shing in the toughest conditions

FULL ALUMINIUM CONSTRUCTIONThe most rigid and durable construction for all extreme duty applications

harness the muscle of this powerful reel. Even the Beasts exterior is tough with its Titanium-coated sideplates that provide increased scratch resistance and sleek finish.

2015

MONO BRAID MAX GEAR INCHES HANDMODEL # SAP # CAPACITY CAPACITY DRAG RATIO PER TURN WEIGHT BEARINGS RETRIEVERVO3 BEAST 1324529 Box 12 lb/180 yd 30 lb/180yd 22 lb 7.1:1 29 9.35 oz 8 RightRVO3 BEAST-L 1339959 Box 12 lb/180 yd 30 lb/180yd 22 lb 7.1:1 29 9.35 oz 8 Left

Full aluminum construction

Duragear brass gear system

Titanium coated aluminum sideplates

Oversize extended handle

Oversize EVA grips

Abu GarciaREVO Beast

362

Funterta-inMent

Featuring

FishermanCasey AshleyBassmaster ElitePro Angler358

ZMAN Pop FrogZ

210

ZMAN DieZel Spin

216

OfmerKatana Spin

232

ZMAN Chatterbait Mini

238

Rod FordPhantom FCLeader

244

Kewl Pesca GrandeRod

246

MGFA SectionRod Ford SinisterEbek Special Rod, RF Halfmoon Rod370

Pure FishingSectionAbu Garcia ReelsRevo, Soron, etc364

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13

My fellow anglers and friends,

Happy New Year 2015! I wish all of you a fabulous 2015 with more success, loads of happiness, plenty of time to go fishing, lots of luck with landing your dream catch, and may your fishing tackle meet lots of fish.

In 2015 there are more fishing products being launched and being the first month of the year we are seeing some interesting launches with new products coming onto our shores such as new soft baits from ZMAN, new spoons, new spinners, new tackle box by MGFA (Rod Ford), new rods, new reels, and lots more to play with.

Another interesting brand of reels that I cannot wait to go out and play with is the Accurate Boss Extreme. New fishing tackle distributor, OAG World-wide Sdn. Bhd. has recently launched the Accurate reels and they look sweet.

In this issue we ran a test on hybrid bearings to see if they are really so much better than the original bearings that come with most mid to high-end reels. I find this test quite interesting since these bearings cost considerably more than the originals.

Well, There are lots of new launches for you to checkout inside.

Thank you for your support and happy reading.

Cheers,PhilEditor In Chief

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17

Test Drives

Reel Performance Custom ABEC 7 Hybrid Bearings

Over the years there have been modifications done on reels by various fishing groups to increase the performance of their reels and recently a friend and fellow angling writer suggested that I did a test on ceramic bearings. I for one have not got into the craze of reel modification (yet) although I have meddled and played with reels that have been modified. Heres a step in.

Bearings of such are known to give better casting distances as well as a smoother feel. While I have cast a few modified reels these reels have had more than their bearings changed. Theyve had their shafts polished, spool changed to lighter ones, lube with high performance oil, etc. On its own, how much difference would the bearings make, is what I want to find out.

Reel Performance Custom ABEC 7 Hybrid BearingsBy Philemon Foo

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Will It Be Better?To do this I recently bought a set of RP Custom ABEC 7 Hybrid Bearings. Ok, these are not fully 100% ceramic bearings but for what its worth, the comparison will be to see how much better its performance will be as com-pared to the original bearings that came with one of my favourite reels, the Abu Garcia REVO MGX.

21

High Performance BearingsI am only going to change the bear-ings that has an effect on the spool of which are basically the bearing that is at the shaft of the spool and the one that is fixed at the side plate. With these changes lets see if it impresses.

23

Bearing InformationIt is said that the ceramic or hybrid bearings give better casting distances because they are lighter than stain-less steel bearings and they are better at dissipating heat. They are known to have lesser electromagnetic interfer-ences as compared to stainless steel. Makes sense.

The original bearing that came with the REVO MGX (ABEC 5) weighing in at 1 gram.

The RP Custom Hybrid bear-ing rated ABEC 7. Certainly is lighter than the original. I need a new weighing scale.

25

The SetupTo do this test I used two identical Abu Garcia Revo MGX baitcasting reels (one borrowed from a friend). One of them is new (the borrowed one) while the other has been catch-ing fish (mine). What I did was to use my reel as the main test subject while we used only the side place and spool of the new reel.

I had one Hybrid Ceramic bearing in-stalled onto my spare spool and the other into the side plate of my reel while the other reel use its original bearings. What I am going to do is to change the spools and the side plates to test these bearings.

27

2 Reels 2 bearingsAll 4 bearings were cleaned with WD40, allowed to dry off overnight in a covered container. The next day they were all given a drop of Teflon oil. All these are done to ensure as close as possible a setup.

29

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaT80PEpPRE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr5Wo5XJR8k

RP Custom Hybrid Bearings

REVO MGX Original HPCR Bearings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaT80PEpPRE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr5Wo5XJR8k

RP Custom Hybrid Bearings

REVO MGX Original HPCR Bearings

Free Spool TestThis may not be the best test but what the heck, I did a free spool test to see how what the time differences would be spinning the spool without any lines on, zero spool settings, with zero (very low) resistance.

The one with the original bearings spun freely to a stop at the longest time of 5.9 seconds (a few tries). The one with the RP Custom ABEC 7 bearings spun free with the longest time of 6.5 seconds of which is less than a sec-ond more than the original bearings. Doesnt seem like much.

31

Field Casting Test

Free spinning the spool is not the best way to test the performance of the bearings thus I took the reels out on to a field with poles placed about 18 feet apart. This allows me to judge the dis-tance more accurately. I did 10 casts per bearing type.

33

Original Stainless Steel BearingsThe original bearings that came with the REVO MGX achieved an aver-age of 5 poles of which is a distance of about 90 feet. Not too shabby for the original bearings of which if I am not wrong are ABEC 5 stainless steel bear-ings.

35

RP Custom ABEC 7 Hybrid BearingsThe RP Custom ABEC 7 bearings achieved an average of 6 poles of which is about 108 feet a 17% increase in distance or an additional 19 feet (average). Not too shabby but lets not forget that the original is rated ABEC 5.

37

ConclusionAs far as this test goes I am happy to have upgraded my bearings to the RP Custom ABEC 7 Hybrid bearings since I now get better distances. How-ever, should the test be done apple to apple or ABEC 7 to ABEC 7, I cannot yet confirm that the hybrids will be better. I shall plan for another test.

Note: I did not put in the seals for the RP Custom ABEC 7 Hybrid bearings and that too could have helped with performance although a little.

Items Used During TestRod: Berkley AMP AC562MA

Reel: Abu Garcia REVO MGX

Line: Berkley Fireline Braid 10lb

Casting Plug: 7g

Oil: Deuthlon Teflon oil39

Back To Content 43

Test Drives

By Tan S. G.

Mustad Hooks 10121NPDT

Mustad a major hook manufac-turer from Norway has come out with a new single hook design. This new single hook is the 10121NPDT Mus-tad In-Line Single hook. Its design is eminently suitable for our local hard hitting and fighting tropical species.

The new 10121NPDT Mustad In-Line Sin-gle hook from size 5/0 to 8.

45

This new hook is has a very short shank and a rolled in point.

Some of the single hooks that are sold in Malaysia were designed for temperate fish, thus I find their wire gauge/strength to be lacking. When I first examined these new single hooks from Mustad, I imme-diately noted that the hooks were thick gauge. To test the mettle of the metal used in the wire, I used pliers to try and flex the hook open and found it resisted the strain placed on it satisfactorily.

47

Big Eye

The size of the hook eye is big, well suited to any split-rings used on the lures. The hook length is short. This allows prevents the hooks from tangling with each other on short bodied lures or lures that have the hook hangars too close together. The short shank also means the hook will be less likely to get caught on the bib or swing over the lures body.

The large eye easily accommodates the split-rings. Notice how thick the wire gauge is.

49

Rolled-In Hook Point

This is probably the shortest shank single hook for lures I have seen on the market. A short hook shank also makes the hook stronger against be-ing bent open. However a short shank makes setting the hook more difficult, this hook design compensates for the short hook shank by having a rolled-in hook point.

The point is a needle point design.

51

Direct Angle Of Penetration

The tip of the hook point is turned slightly inwards towards the eye (ring) of the hook to allow a more direct angle for hook penetration as the ap-plied force on the hook comes from the hook eye. This allows the hook point to penetrate deeply. The curved in hook points also reduce the chances of the hook dislodging when the fish is jumping or thrashing about during the fight, trying to escape.

The hook bend is forged for additional strength.

53

Sharp

The hook points are sharp and can be used fresh out of the packaging with-out any touch up. The barb is quite fine and would not interfere too much with the full penetration of the point, but my personal preference is to press down the barbs for the easy and com-plete penetration of the point which will allow the best possible hook hold-ing angle. Pressing down the barb also makes it easier to unhook the fish and therefore provides safer to handling.

This new single hook works well with small lures for small fish.

55

Sharp

The hook is forged on the bend, as it can be seen that the wire has been stamped flat there. This increases the strength along the plane of the bend.

The duratin coating on the hook, is effective in reducing corrosion when used in saltwater, making this a hook suitable for both fresh and saltwater. As I often fish with small lures in salt-water, I prefer hooks that can be used in the saltwater environment for all my lures.

It also has proven it self for the wild indig-enous Malaysia fish.

57

ConclusionIn all this is overall an excellent single hook and the only set back of this hook is the thick gauge which can make it difficult to get standard split-rings into the eye. However this is a small price to pay for the those who need the strength the thicker gauge pro-vides! The standard split-rings often get damaged when trying to attach them to these strong/thicker hooks. If the need be, the split-rings should be changed to heavier gauge ones to match the strength of this strong hook. It will be pointless to upgrade the lure to stronger hooks and have the split-rings fail.

This is possibly the strongest short-shank single hook for lures in our market. It is well designed and suited for our hard fighting indigenous fish species.

This toman was hooked with the 10121NPDT Mustad In-Line Single Hook attached to the Halco Hamma lure.

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Back To Content 61

Test Drives

Model TestedSeries: Slvernax

Model: SM3000H

If youre in the market for a new spinning reel and you are not willing to spend a bomb, yet you want something that looks like you did pay a small bomb of a price, the Abu Garcia Sil-vermax spinning reel falls within target.

Abu Garcia Silvermax

by Philemon Foo

Abu Garcia Silvermax

by Philemon Foo

63

Looks Serious

The Silvermax looks like a reel made up of solid metal as if it just got out of a found-ry. It comes with a silver body, alumini-um handle, and gun metal grey chromed spool with gold linings. However, it is not fully metal. It comes with a carbon graph-ite body that helps reduce weight

65

Robot Bodyguard Image

The Silvermax comes with a smart looking spool with gun metal grey chromed with gold linings. The Silvermax does off some muscle with its thick bail-wire and muscular looking alu-minium handle (looks like a flex-ing arm with bulging forearms) somewhat like a robot body-guard.

67

Smooth Performer

When it comes to smoothness the Silvermax is performance quite decently. It is no compari-son to high-end expensive reels but it will not disappoint either. Drag wise it has got a smooth drag with decent strength, and is certainly well balanced.

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Lab Test

Before going for a field test we tested the Silvermax at our lab. We know that it is a smooth decent per-former but we want to know how much it can take and if it meets it specs. The main number being the max drag of 14lb on this SM3000H model. It easily touched 14lb with the drag remaining smooth until 17.5lb then it deteriorated.

71

The Explosion

We noticed that weve not maxed out the drag yet and more could be had. We pushed it further 18lb, 19lb, and at 20.5lb and the inevitable hap-pened. An explosion. The bail-arm area at the rotor exploded from the abuse that it received and weve not maxed the drag out yet (two more turns available).

Note: Field tests could not be done due to the broken rotor.

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Some Concerns

There are graphite reels that flex at certain areas such as the reel stem and bail-arm. The Silvermax is one of them. If you are onto a monster the Silvermax will feel wobbly and cranking will become difficult. This shouldnt be an issue for most fresh-water fishing as long as its within the reel limits (this model = 14lb).

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Verdict

The Abu Garcia Silvermax spinning reels are decent performers with smooth drag and smooth cranking. Although we busted the rotor it is of no fault of the reel as we abused it pushing it way pass its limits. They are decent reels as long as monsters stay out of the equation.

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Rod: Abu Garcia Vendetta VNTS662 MH

Line: Spiderwire Ultracast Invisi-braid (15lb)

Rating: 6

Built qualityErgonomics (Feel)WeightSmoothness RotationDrag SmoothnessDrag StrengthBail-arm ToughnessLine ManagementSpeed (Retrieve)BalancePower

Tackles Used During Tests

Built With Toray CrossForce X Taper

Spinning ModelsName: The DUMPSTER The RIPPER The PERFORMER

Model: RSC 58X RSC 60X RSC 67XX

Length: 58 6 67

Lure Wt.: 1/8 - 1/2oz. 3/16 5/8oz. 1/4 2oz.

Line Wt.: 6-12lb 8-16lb 16-25lb

Casting ModelsName: The FISHCUIT The BISCUIT The WATERHOG

Model: HSC 65X RSC 69XX RSC 73XXX

Length: 65 69 73

Lure Wt.: 3/16 5/8oz. 3/8 1oz. 1/4 2 1/2oz.

Line Wt.: 8-16lb 10-20lb 16-30lb

ALCONITE GUIDE

The coming together of sportsmanship, superb design, and great amounts of power offering you a Monster Hunting rod to take on any

battle from the world of monster fishes.

Jigging ModelsName: The TANGENT The FLYER The DAGGER

Model: MJS 61L MJS-62M MJS-73XH

Length: 61 62 73Lure Wt.: 8-20g 8-40g 20-100gLine Wt.: PE 0.5-1.2 PE 0.8-1.5 PE 1.0-1.8

Back To Content 81

New Launches

VIPER STING (HIGHEST STATE OF CON-SCIOUSNESS)

Note: Products in this section have not been tested by The Asian Angler magazine

By Philemon Foo

VIPER STING (HIGHEST STATE OF CON-SCIOUSNESS)

By The Asian AnglerNote: Products in this section have not been tested by The Asian Angler magazine

83

Lightweight, tough, and capable; the Viper Sting is a rod that will give you lots of fishing fun while allowing you to handle strong fishes.

85

Viper Sting rods are carbon rods that are well designed and sporty being adorned with carbon fiber wrap, qual-ity Fuji components, high quality EVA handles, and quality graphite blank.

89

Models

Baitcasting

VS562MLB 6-12LB 6-17G

VS561MLB 6-12LB 6-17G

VS602MLB 6-15LB 6-20G

VS602MB 8-17LB 7-21G

VS601MLB 6-15LB 6-20G

Spinning

VS602MS 8-17LB 7-21G

VS662MHS 8-20LB 7-25G

VS702MHS 10-20LB 10-30G

Back To Content 91

New Launches

Abu Garcia PROMAX Spinning ReelNote: Products in this section have not been tested by The Asian Angler magazine

By Philemon Foo

Abu Garcia PROMAX Spinning ReelBy The Asian Angler

The Abu Garcia Promax spinning reel follows in the legacy of Abu Gar-cias prowess in reel engineering and technology. Coming in gun metal silver body and chromed spool, the ProMax is one good looking reel.


93

Tough Looking

The ProMax spinning reel comes with a carbon body that is light-weight and well designed looking like reels many more its price. It also comes with a tough gearbox with hard alloy gears that are solid and robust. The machined aluminium bent handle arm is tough and will withstand high pressures.

The ProMax comes with thick and strong bail-wire that can take a beating and will not easily bend. With it comes a well balanced rotor that rotates smoothly.

95

Strong And Smooth Drag

The ProMax spinning reel comes with a very smooth drag and good amounts of stopping power to tire fish out faster. Smaller models come with 6.5lb of drag while the largest size 5000 comes with 20lb of drag which is plenty enough for most types of fishing.

103

Features

5 stainless steel bearings + 1 roller bearing pro-vides increased corrosion protection

High quality infinite anti-reverse bearings

Robust gear box design and hard-alloy gear ma-terial

Seamless aluminum wire bail arm

Machined aluminum bent shaped handle arm

Carbon body provides significant weight reduc-tion without sacrificing strength and durability

Machined aluminum braid ready spool allows braid to be tied directly to the spool without any slip

Polyurethane (PU) T-Knob provide greater comfort and durability

Stainless steel handle knob rivet

Slow Oscillation provides even line lay with all types of line

Oversized bail wire construction

Machined aluminum die-cast handle

Back To Content 107

New Launches

ROD FORD SILO-1 RFTB3007 (LURE TACKLEBOX)


By Philemon Foo

ROD FORD SILO-1 RFTB3007 (LURE TACKLEBOX)

Tough strong and with lots of com-partments the Rod Ford Silo-1 RFTB3007 lure tackle box is the perfect tackle box for you. It comes with interchangeable compartments, strong and robust shell and cover, and quality latches.


109

Specs

Dimension: 424mm x 273mm x 127mm

100% worm proof

Up to 50 adjustable compartments

Color: White/Black Combi.

Made of shock resistant polymer

Back To Content 125

New Launches

ROD FORD CAMO DRY BAG AND WAIST POUCH


By Philemon Foo

ROD FORD CAMO DRY BAG AND WAIST POUCH

Rod Ford Aquaphobic Carry Gear brings you round dry bags and waist pouch with real tree camouflage designs. These dry bags are suitable forall out-door activities such as jungle trekking, fishing, hunting, kayaking or any other water sports.


127

Protecting your belongings from getting wet and able to float if drop in water, Rod Ford Aquaphobic Carry Gear are made out heavy duty and very durable material for tough and rough usage and supplied with ad-justable shoulder strap and D-ring for easy attachment. 100% water-proof, durable, wipe clean and easy to store away.

129

Round Dry Bags are available in size 10L, 15L, 20L & 30L while Dry Waist Pouch is available in one size only.

Back To Content 135

The Viper Spike metal jigs cannot get better than this with its new and better color designs. The Viper Spike Zebra series is a new line of color de-signs featuring vertically stripe ho-lographic laser stickers on the metal bodies. Giving its fluttering action during the fall, the striped patterns create plenty of flash underwater; a sure attractant for predators. The Vi-per Spike Zebra series comes in 28g and 40g.

New Launches

VIPER SPIKE (METAL JIGS)Note: Products in this section have not been tested by The Asian Angler magazine

By Philemon Foo

VIPER SPIKE (METAL JIGS)By The Asian Angler


137

The original Viper Spike color line-up remains with 3 new additional colors (#08, #09, #10)

147

Models & Sizes

Viper Spike size: 28G, 40G

Color code: #02, #03, #04, #05, #08, #09, #10

Viper Spike Zebra size: 28G, 40G

Color code: #02, #03,#04,#06,#07.

Back To Content 149

A new 30g size along with 3 new killer colors join the comeback of Vi-per Stiletto jigs, the round minnow shaped metal bait that has been prov-en deadly in both the Peninsula and Borneo blue waters.

New Launches

VIPER STILETTO (METAL JIGS)Note: Products in this section have not been tested by The Asian Angler magazine

By Philemon Foo

VIPER STILETTO (METAL JIGS)By The Asian Angler


151

Cast and retrieve or drop fall and jig, the Sti-letto is versatile for many styles in different columns of water targeting different game fishes.

The new addition of colors and size are voted in by our very own local anglers.

Size: 20G, 30G, 40G

Color code: #03, #04, #07, #08, #09

Back To Content 157

Looking better and feeling better the new Ofmer Tomkill lures will be launched this month. The Tomkill are plastic lures that uses a ball bear-ing balancing system. This helps with casting where the tail shoots out first of which also gives it the most aerody-namics and thus better distance and less midair line tangles.

New Launches

Ofmer Tomkill LuresNote: Products in this section have not been tested by The Asian Angler magazine

By Philemon Foo

Ofmer Tomkill LuresBy The Asian Angler


159

Weight Transfer System

The ball bearing balancing system also helps it stay balanced underwater making it an easier tar-get inside the strike zone. This allows the Tom-kill to act just like a fish stopping in mid-water as what most fishes do. This action encourages predators nearby hunting for a meal to attack.

161

Various Play Techniques

The Tomkill lures can be manipulated using a few techniques such as the straight retrieve, the stop and go retrieve, and the twitching retrieve depending on your target fish species and your fishing preferences.

It Shines

The Tomkill has a body that reflects light giving out flashes as it is being retrieved. Keep in mind too that it is not only the lure action that helps catch fish. The flashes too play a part in helping you to catch fish.

Old Vs. New

The old Tomkill comes with red round 3D eyes that gives it a live like look whereas the new Tomkill comes with 3D squinting more men-acing eyes (red coloured) that gives it a pissed off look.

Models: 60SP, 75SP, 90SP

Sizes: 60mm, 75mm, 90mm

Weight: 60SP (6.7g), 75SP (10.5g), 90SP (12.9g)

Type: Suspending

Colours: 13 varieties

Back To Content 169

New Launches

Ofmer Deep Trail 90F LuresNote: Products in this section have not been tested by The Asian Angler magazine

By Philemon Foo

Ofmer Deep Trail 90F Lures

Ofmer has recently launched the Ofmer Deep Trail lures. The Deep Trail as the name suggest is a diving lure that dives down to 2.5 metres. The Deep Trail is made of plastic and it comes with 3D frog type eyes.


171

Weight Transfer SystemThe Deep Trail comes with a ball bearing balancing system that transfers weight and balances the lure. This helps with casting allowing the lure to fly out tail first with-out lines tangling in-flight. It also balances the lure during retrieves allowing good ac-tion and maintaining a depth of 2.5 metres even in strong currents.

Floats Like A Dying FishWhen the Deep Trail is left motionless it will float back up to the surface and sit with its tail underwater of which becomes a target for opportunistic predators as this mimics the action of a dying fish.

173

Different Methods Of Use

The Deep Trail can be trolled and is an ef-ficient trolling lure that will swim tight at its set depth. It is also a good lure to twitch with.

Models: 90F

Sizes: 90mm

Weight: 12g

Type: Floating / Diving


Back To Content 175

The Ofmer Simone 65F lures are shad designed lures with 3D realistic eyes. They are made of quality plastic and they come in brilliant holograph-ic laser tape reflective surface and in exciting colours that will excite both fish and angler.

New Launches

Ofmer Simone 65F LuresNote: Products in this section have not been tested by The Asian Angler magazine

By Philemon Foo

Ofmer Simone 65F LuresBy The Asian Angler


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Reflection Of LightThe holographic laser tape reflective surface give the Simone 65F lures their light reflection capabilities underwa-ter. They even reflect light in murky waters attracting predators nearby to attack.

Retrieving TechniquesThe Simone 65F has a very good wig-gling action on a straight retrieve giving it that realistic fish swimming look. It also can be twitched to give it a darting motion the likes of a panick-ing fish. Or they can be twitched and stopped allowing it to float to the sur-face mimicking a dying fish.

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Models: 65F

Sizes: 65mm

Weight: 6.5g

Type: Floating


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New Launches

ZMAN Scented PaddlerZNote: Products in this section have not been tested by The Asian Angler magazine

By Philemon Foo

ZMAN Scented PaddlerZ

A segmented body and thin paddle tail allow the PaddlerZ to be fished as twitch-, wake-, or swimbaits, on both fast and slow retrieve speeds. Perfect whether paired with a JigheadZ or a weighted swimbait hook, the PaddlerZ are ideal for inshore saltwater applications on either coast due to their subtle tail movement and wobble and scent impregnation. For freshwater anglers, the PaddlerZ are great for topwa-ter applications like buzzing through the grass and are perfect swim jig or umbrella rig trailers.


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FEATURES10X Tough ElaZtech construction for extreme durability, even in the harshest saltwater environments

Impregnated with 100% natural Pro-Cure Mullet Super Gel

Segmented body and thin paddle tail give PaddlerZ a subtle wobble on both fast and slow retrieves

Rig 5-inch version on 4/0 JigheadZ and 4-inch version on 3/0 Jig-headZ or ShroomZ JigheadZ

Made in the USA

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New Launches

ZMAN MinnowZNote: Products in this section have not been tested by The Asian Angler magazine

By Philemon Foo

ZMAN MinnowZ

Our top-selling bait worldwide, Min-nowZ replicate the look, action and strike-evoking attraction of a live minnow better than any soft bait on the market. Whether chasing bass, flounder, sea trout, snook, or reds, this bite-sized paddle tail swimbait will quickly become one of the most pro-ductive and versatile baits in your arsenal.


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FEATURESCrazy soft, 10X Tough ElaZtech con-struction for lifelike swimming action and extreme durability

Rig on 3/0 JigheadZ

Split dorsal protects hook point for com-pletely weedless rigging

3 inch length

Made in the USA

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New Launches

ZMAN GrubZNote: Products in this section have not been tested by The Asian Angler magazine

By Philemon Foo

ZMAN GrubZ

Incredibly lifelike and durable, GrubZ are great fished on their own or make for the perfect jig or spinnerbait trailer. GrubZ are now available in 5 sizes to cover virtu-ally all fishing scenarios. Regularly out-swimming and outlasting any other grub on the market, its super thin tail produces an incredible action, even when presented on ultra-light jigheads.


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FEATURESMade of super-tough ElaZtech plastic for the high-est fish-per-bait rating of any grub on the market

New 3.5 model is the ideal bass grub!

2 model comes 8 GrubZ per pack

2.5 model comes 8 GrubZ per pack

3.5 mocel comes 6 GrubZ per pack



Made in the USA

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New Launches

ZMAN StreakZ Curly TailZNote: Products in this section have not been tested by The Asian Angler magazine

By Philemon Foo

ZMAN StreakZ Curly TailZBy The Asian Angler


A fat minnow body and tapering, curly tail enable the StreakZ Curly TailZ to pro-duce a unique and lifelike swimming ac-tion. Extremely versatile, these baits can be rigged in a variety of manners and fished with a straight, slow retrieve, erratic jerk-ing action, or anything in between.

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FEATURES10X Tough ElaZtech construction holds up to even toothy gamefish

Actual size 4 (tail extended)

Fat-minnow body tapers to a curly tail for a unique action with plenty of tail move-ment

Try rigging on a JigheadZ or ShroomZ JigheadZ and bouncing on the bottom for seatrout, redfish, and flounder

Belly hook slot and groove in back allows for weedless rigging unlike most curly tail grubs

Great jig trailer and also works great fished on a ball jig for smallmouth and walleye

5 baits per pack

Made in the USA

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New Launches

ZMAN StreakZNote: Products in this section have not been tested by The Asian Angler magazine

By Philemon Foo

ZMAN StreakZBy The Asian Angler


Mimicking a darting baitfish with un-canny realism, the soft, potbelly minnow design and thin pin tail of the StreakZ will entice strikes from virtually every fresh- and saltwater species that swims. Super-durable ElaZtech construction helps them withstand repeated strikes without tearing or having to be replaced, and their buoyancy allows them to be fished at all levels of the water column.

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FEATURES10X Tough ElaZtech construction, so it wont tear up easily

Extremely buoyant material, so stays right on the surface for topwater applications when rigged weightless

For subsurface applications, try rigging on a weighted swimbait hook like the Ga-makatsu Weighted Superline EWG

Single rat tail quivers at even the slightest movement and looks alive

5 long

Made in the USA

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New Launches

ZMAN Pop FrogZ

Popping, gurgling, and pushing wa-ter with each rod twitch, Pop FrogZ float and maintain a horizontal profile--even when motionless on the water. Available in four- and six-inch sizes, their incred-ible swimming leg action when retrieved is absolutely deadly on surface feeders. Take your topwater fishing to a whole new level!


By Philemon Foo

ZMAN Pop FrogZBy The Asian Angler


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FEATURES

10X Tough ElaZtech construction creates the most durable frog on the market

Stop and pop it on the surface thanks to unparalleled buoyancy

Unique chugging action on a steady re-trieve thanks to cupped face and curled legs with paddle feet

Made in the USA

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New Launches

ZMAN DieZel SpinNote: Products in this section have not been tested by The Asian Angler magazine

By Philemon Foo

ZMAN DieZel Spin

Featuring an oversized Colorado blade for maximum flash and vibration, the DieZel Spin has redfish written all over it! Its heavy-duty spinner wire and se-cure hook-to-eye connection is what sets it apart from other safety pin style redfish spinners that simply dont hold up in salt-water environs. Add the aggressive swim-ming action of the 10X Tough DieZel MinnowZ trailer and a molded in stainless keeper that keeps it pinned in place, and youve got a spinnerbait thats more bul-letproof than anything else on the market.


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FEATURES

Made in the USA with quality compo-nents

Heavy-duty spinner wire is connected se-curely to the hook and wont break free like safety pin style spinners

Jig features 3D eyes, a 4/0 black nickel Mus-tad jig hook, and a molded-in stamped stainless double-barb keeper

Each DieZel Spin includes a 10X Tough ElaZtech 4 DieZel MinnowZ swimbait trailer

Designed for redfish, but works great on a variety of saltwater gamefish and in fresh-water for bass as well!

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ZMAN ChatterBait FlashBack MiniNote: Products in this section have not been tested by The Asian Angler magazine New Launches

By The Asian Angler

A killer combination! Legendary ChatterBait vibe action with an ultra reflective FlashBack body.

Gamefish are primarily sight predators - they see it, then they eat it. Well, be-ing seen is what the Z-Man ChatterBait FlashBack Series is all about. With ho-lographic foil embedded in the trans-lucent lure body, these highly reflective baits have the Flash that attracts!

.

ZMAN ChatterBait FlashBack MiniNote: Products in this section have not been tested by The Asian Angler magazine

By The Asian Angler

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But the tell-tale flash isnt the only feature that distin-guishes FlashBack lures. The action is remarkable thanks to its patented design and the unique hex-shaped Chatter-Blade. On the retrieve, these baits feature an exaggerated side-to-side motion and distinctive vibration that gamefish just cant resist. And when you combine that action with a multi-hue holographic flash, youve got a fish-catching combination that knows no equal!

FEATURESEach package contains one rigged fan-tail minnow and one spare curly-tail.

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New Launches Note: Products in this section have not been tested by The Asian Angler magazine

By Philemon Foo

Spinnerbaits have been a favourite lure in many parts of the world for a long time now and recently Ofmer launched the Spin Bros spinnerbait series. Spinnerbaits are great for fishing a variety of fishes such as snakeheads, bass, etc.

Ofmer Spin Bros


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Smooth Spinners

The Spin Bros comes with 2 two leaves that spins with the help of ball bearing swivels that gives them a smooth spin under-water. These leaves in turn creates flashes of lights as the leaves spins and that attracts predators to attack. Vibrations created by the Spin Bros helps too in attracting the predators to react and attack it.

Weight: 3/8 .oz


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New Launches

The Ofmer Katana Spin spinnerbait series was recently launched. This high quality spinnerbait is tough and durable and is poised to become a serious con-tender in the spinnerbait market.

Ofmer Katana SpinNote: Products in this section have not been tested by The Asian Angler magazine

By Philemon Foo

Ofmer Katana SpinBy The Asian Angler


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Fish Designed Blades

The Katana Spin comes with two fish design spinner blades that are adorned with fish scale designs and a 3D eye to give it a more realistic look. The blades themselves creates vibrations and re-flects light to attract predators.

Night Fishing

The Katana Spin can be fished at night as it comes with a luminous body that is designed like a fish with 3D realis-tic eyes. All that needs to be done is to charge it with a light source and you are ready for a few casts during the night.

Weight: 1/4 .oz & 1/2 .oz

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By Philemon Foo

These downsized ChatterBait finesse models pack the same action and vibra-tion as their bigger siblings and are excel-lent for light-tackle, clear-water situations when the fish are finicky. Each includes one super-tough ElaZtech mini Split-Tail TrailerZ.

FEATURESPatented bladed swim jig design and hex-shaped ChatterBlade

Perfect for pond fishing, smallmouth, and white bass

Available in seven popular ChatterBait colors

3 inches long, 1/8 oz weight

ZMAN ChatterBait Mini


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By Philemon Foo

Experty balanced and feautring strong Mustad Ultra Point hooks, JigheadZs unique barbed-keeper design prevents baits from sliding down after a missed strike or hard cast.

FEATURESUnique barbed keeper design is easy to rig and holds ElaZ-tech baits securely

Also work great with traditional soft plastic baits

Mustad Ultra-Point hooks for quick penetration and ex-ceptional strength

Available in 1/8 oz., 1/4 oz., and 3/8 oz. weights in 3/0 and 4/0 hook sizes in four popular colors

For MinnowZ, 4 PaddlerZ, and 3 ShrimpZ, use 3/0 hook size

For DieZel MinnowZ and 5 PaddlerZ, use 4/0 hook size

3 hooks included per pack

Made in the USA

ZMAN JigheadZBy The Asian Angler


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By Philemon Foo

Ideal for use with Finesse WormZ, FattyZ, and CrawZ, Shaky HeadZs Mustad UltraPoint flat-eye hook design and unique keeper system hold both traditional plastics and ElaZtech baits securely on the hook shank, even when skipping docks and other cover!

FEATURESBuilt with Mustad UltraPoint 4/0 flat-eye hook

Split-lead keeper design makes it easy to rig ElaZtech baits and prevents baits from slipping

1/8, 3/16, and 1/4 weights available

Chip-resistant green pumpkin or black finish

3 hooks included per pack

Made in the USA

ZMAN Shaky HeadZ


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Rod Ford Phantom 100% Fluoro-carbon Leader is best for both fresh and salt water applications. Boasting high abrasion resistance, high knot strength and being virtually invisible under water, this is the only one lead-er you need for all species of fish.

New Launches

ROD FORD PHANTOM FC LEADER

Features: 1. Non water absorbent

2. Sinks faster than monofilament

3. Higher specific gravity of 1.78

4. Refractive index of 1.42, close to that of water

Packing size of 25yards per spool

LB/DIA : 15lb-0.30mm, 20lb-0.38mm, 25lb-0.40mm, 30lb-0.50mm, 40lb-0.55mm, 50lb-0.60mm


By Philemon Foo

ROD FORD PHANTOM FC LEADER

Features: 1. Non water absorbent

2. Sinks faster than monofilament

3. Higher specific gravity of 1.78

4. Refractive index of 1.42, close to that of water

Packing size of 25yards per spool

LB/DIA : 15lb-0.30mm, 20lb-0.38mm, 25lb-0.40mm, 30lb-0.50mm, 40lb-0.55mm, 50lb-0.60mm


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Pesca Grande By KewlGiants BewareBy Philemon Foo

Repeat Article

Pesca Grande By KewlGiants BewareBy Philemon Foo

I have been hearing talks about the Pesca Grande for a few months but never got to see it. I have been told to wait every time I asked to see it. The Pesca Grande seems like a secret military weapon that people outside the circle must not know anything about.

Recently, after much pestering I was given the opportunity to play with what has been eluding me for a few months. Imagine being a kid running into a huge candy store; that is what I felt like (the kid and not the candy store).

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I am not sure what runs through your mind when you hear the words Pesca Grande. Well, in Por-tuguese Pesca means Fish and Grande means Big. Pesca Grande would then mean Big Fish. Read-ing the tagline further confirms this.

*Tagline: Ultimate Monster Hunting Rod

The Meaning

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The Kewl Pesca Grande looks very much like an American fishing rod. It has a muscular butt section that is adorned with carbon fibre (Amer-ican Japanese hybrid?) of which tappers down all the way to the tip. Such a look does fit well with the concept of which is a rod made to fish monster fishes.

American Design

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The tip section of the blank has been enhanced to give the rod more lifting power and better brute management. As this is a rod made to fish monster fishes such an en-hancement is needed. Imagine an enhanced backbone; that is what the guys at Kewl are talking about.

Enhanced Blank

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The Handles feel very much like Hypalon (nothing to do with beings from another galaxy) of which feels more compact as compared to nor-mal EVA. Hypalon handles actually feels tighter or rather more solid and they do not twist much under load.

Hypalon Feel

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The Pesca Grande comes with the Fuji SiC K-Guide System of which is lighter, stronger, dissipates heat faster, and reduces line tangles and twists when cast. I hear that there will be a series (limited edi-tion) that comes with Fujis new Torzite Guide System of which is better, stronger, and lighter than the Fuji SiC guides.

FujiK-Guide

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Here is another exciting thing about the Pesca Grande. Fuji Recently launched its new reel seat of which has more holes and looks really good considering that the older Fuji reel seat designs especially the spinning ones look somewhat boring and dated. This new series bring life to Fuji Reel seats and it is available on the Pesca Grande.

New Fuji

Reel Seat

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When it comes to balance, Kewl has done a great job. Hold the rod parallel to the ground and it feels really light. It is that magical spot that many rod makers want to achieve. The Pesca Grande cer-tainly is well balanced.

Balancing Act

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Back at our lab we put these rods to fight against the Linetestme-terinator or line test meter. Have I been watching too much Phineas And Ferb? Anyway, this is to learn how much pressure these rods can handle or if they meet the manufac-turers claims.

The light jigging managed to reach almost 13lb (not told what the max is) before we heard some crackling sounds. The casting rod managed to reach 16.5lb before we stopped the pressure doing slightly more than the specified 16lb.

Pressure Test

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The Kewl Pesca Grande has a slightly longer than usual rear grip of which is something that I have mixed feeling for but for such a rod it makes sense. Speaking to the rod designer he said the reason for having such a rear handle length is because the Pesca Grandes are made to manage big fishes.

The Pesca Grande rods are made to handle brutes and has been en-hanced in sections of the blank of which all adds up to better power. It looks sporty and I love carbon fi-bre. Overall the rod performed well. It is like an American rod but with a Japanese feel of which is great.

Personally I find it to be a nice rod, a good performer, but look wise although I like it; you will have to be the judge.

Verdict

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Skill Enhancers

Fishing With Spoons, The Basics: Part 1

Fishing With Spoons, The Basics: Part 1

Here is a question. Should you be left on an isolated island alone with only your fishing rod, reel, and line, and you are only allowed to have one lure with you; what lure would you choose? I will let you think about this for a while.

No, I am not talking about the spoons that you eat ice-cream and drink soup with although you could if the need arises. Spoons are lures usually made of metal although there are some made of shell, certain types of wood, and also some more recently, made of plastic. They come in various shapes and sizes with the more popular being the tear-drop shaped and concaved like a spoon you would eat with.

By Philemon Foo

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S u r v i v o r Of Times

Spoons have been around for a very long time perhaps in the early to the mid 1800s. Although most of them look nothing like fishes they have been suc-cessfully catching fishes for a very long time. In fact they have been catching a large variety of fishes for a very long time.

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Ve r s a t i l e Lures

Spoons are one of the most versatile lures available to us anglers. You can fish them in many places, for many types of fishes, and in different ways. You can fish in both salt-waters and freshwaters. You can fish them deep or you can fish them shallow. You can fish them fast and you can fish them slow. They are indeed versatile.

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Timeless

Being made of metal some old (really old) spoons can still catch fish today. I have spoons going back to the 1960s and 70s that are still in their original shape although a bit faded. With a bit of pol-ishing these spoons will be catching fish again (but itll break my heart should I lose any of them).

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Tough And Takes A Beating

Spoons can be cast to rocks and they do not break. They may get a dent or a chip here and there but theyll still catch fish. They may get chewed on by fishes with teeth deadlier than those found inside the mouth of a tiger and they will still work. They will most certainly outlast most other lures and will still catch fish.

The Abu Island II Spoon that I tortured dur-ing the development stage. Still catches fish.

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How Do They Work?Although most spoons do not resemble anything a fish would eat with the ex-ception of those that resembles some sort of a fish or an insect (such as the cicada spoons), fish still hit them. Why on earth does this happen?

To understand this we need to under-stand how a fish reacts to its environ-ment of which will be an entire different topic all together. There are things that catch a fishs attention such as some-thing swimming by, reflection of lights, etc. Fishes need to react fast too be it to catch or ambush something to eat or to attack something that swims a little too close for comfort.

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Spoons can be used to create such excite-ment stirring up the adrenaline within the fish prompting an attack. It is like cranking spoons at high speeds when casting for sebaraus (Hampala macro-lepidota or Hampala barb). Slow mov-ing spoons usually do not register hits but fast swimming spoons get the seb-araus into attack mode.

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Different ActionsJust like plastic lures spoons do have dif-ferent actions. There is the drop or fall action or the movement of a spoon as it falls to the bottom. There are the differ-ent swimming actions during retrieves with various styles of retrieves.

Spoons can be made to resemble dying fishes especially on the drop or fall by the way it flutters as it drops to the bot-tom. Spoons can also be made to mim-ic fish easing itself at the bottom where fishes rub the sides of their bodies on the sand creating a sudden flash of light from its scales reflecting the light of the sun. There are also various wobbling ac-tions during the retrieve.

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Weedless spoon with sire to push away

weeds that are about to get hooked.

Using Spoons

Most spoons available in the market are made for casting. They are made for casting toward structures or areas where fishes hideout and ambush prey. There are weedless spoons that can be used to swim through light weedy areas.

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There are spoons made for trolling of which are slimmer as compared to nor-mal spoons or are much larger especial-ly those used for big game fishing. There are also spoons that are made for jigging and jigging is not just limited to saltwa-ter fishing as what some anglers think.

Soft baits, strands of flashy strips, plastic tails, etc. can be connected to spoons by attaching them to the hook or the split ring. These additions can help increase the effectiveness of a spoon especially when the action stops.

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Back To The Question

Back to the question... Which lure would I rather have with me should I be left stranded on an isolated island and only allowed one lure choice? Although I am an avid softbait angler, should I be stuck in such a situation my choice will be the humble spoon. Well discuss more in the next issue.

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Fish Attractant (Scent): Part 3

Knowledge Wise

Fish Attractant (Scent): Part 3 By Philemon Foo

Soft plastics are most certainly not equal. Some come scented and some dont. Why do manufactur-ers of soft plastics the likes of Berk-ley add scent to their baits? Well, it makes marketing easier but more importantly, scent helps catch fish. So how do you add scent to your soft plastic baits?

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Let It Soak

Soft baits are made using specially for-mulated plastics (and some use rubber) thus again, not all soft baits are made equal. Anyhow, leaving them in a bottle of fish attractant for a certain amount of time will allow them to soak up some of the liquid. Some materials are better than others at soaking up.

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Poke HolesAnother method is to poke holes in them with a needle and dunk them in a bottle of fish attrac-tant. This will allow the soft baits to soak up the fish attractant and hold on to it longer, slowly seeping out while the soft bait swims underwa-ter.

Note that Berkley Powerbaits come with scent built into the body. In the water these baits re-lease very little scent until a fish decides to bite into them of which punctures the bait releasing more scent into the fishes mouth making it hold on longer giving the angler enough time to set the hook.

Knowing this allows you to manipulate your Powerbaits. You have the option of puncturing them making small holes with a needle before you fish them. This allows the scent inside of the Powerbaits body to be release the moment it touches water.

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Spend Time In The Zone

There is no point in using scent if your baits are not within the scent trail, meaning that fish may pick up on your scent, follow the trail, but it ends with-out being anywhere near your baits. Thus it is important to play your soft baits slow keeping them in the zone as long as possible. Zone here means the area within your scent trail.

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Fish Bite And Hold On Longer

As with the Berkley Powerbaits, when you apply scent to your softbaits, chances of losing the fish after it has taken the bait reduces. Imagine having two soft baits swimming in the water. One scented and the other not scented. Let us just say that both baits get taken by a fish. Which would the fish spit out first? The one that taste like rubber will be my answer.

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Pics courtesy of Pure Fishing

Taste Horrible (To Humans) But Fish Like Them

Pics courtesy of Pure Fishing Back To Content

I have personally chewed on softbaits (Berkley Gulp!, and as if that was not enough; Powerbait). Powerbaits tasted half as bad as Gulp!. A series of Pow-erbaits have something extremely salty within it and that too does not taste half as bad as Gulp! Gulp tastes like a mix-ture of rotting meat juices and weird oil. It doesnt wash out easy. Takes a lot of gargling to reduce the after taste.

That said and done I am no fish. Just a curios angler that wanted to know what the heck these baits taste like. Oh, in case you wanted to know Havoc taste like Powerbait... I certainly do not like the taste but fish seems to like them. So, use them to your advantage.

Taste Horrible (To Humans) But Fish Like Them

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Vintage

Gladiator Mini I

I

By Philemon Foo

Gladiator Mini I

I

This here is a reel that is not well known to anglers in this part of the world but it has an intriguing history. The Gladiator reel started with Sergio Ricco from Modena a passionate angler who love deep sea fishing. He decided to design and develop the Gladiator reel because there was a lack of big game fishing products available in the market at the time (late 60s).

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An Italian Classic

An Italian Classic

The Gladiator reels are made in Italy by J.C. Rossetti Co. who was in business from 1967 - 1970. I am sure that you are familiar with the brand OFMER. Mr Rossetti was the founder of OFMER of which stands for Officina Meccanica Rossetti. OFMER was then sold to a French company called Gladia-tor.

The Gladiator reels continued to be made in Rossettis factory in Italy and it is around this time that the Gladiator Mini 2was made. Later production moved to Korea. Ital-canna (Italian fishing tackle com-pany) then bought over the mark Gladiator when they went out of business.

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Built Like A Tank

Built Like A Tank

The Gladiator Mini 2 that I had the good fortune to play with has never been used before and was kept safely in a cupboard for many, many, many years sitting in a leather case. It is one very solid gold anodized reel that feels really tough and it works just like new.

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Signs & Markings

Signs & Markings

The Gladiator Mini 2 has a blue meal label with the Gladiator brand and what I think is a sail-fish logo on it and at the other side plate the words Made in Italy and the initials J.C.R of which is be-lieved to be of JC Rossetti.

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Level Drag

Level Drag

The Gladiator Mini 2 comes with a smooth old school level drag sys-tem. I do not know what its max drag is but it is, I believe, capable of pulling out the tooth of perhaps a shark (who knows right?).

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Common No More

Common No More

This reel comes with a bite alarm that is loud enough wake you up from deep slumber can be turned on or off. The bite alarm sounds somewhat like that of a high qual-ity bell made using solid materials.

Once upon a time the Gladiator Mini 2 was quite a popular reel but these days they are not common. Every once in a while one would pop up, make itself seen, and then go back into hiding.

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Stuffs And Goodies

Casio G-SHOCK GULFMASTER

Casio G-SHOCK GULFMASTER

By The Asian Angler

Introducing GULFMASTER, the new G-SHOCK Series thats designed and engineered with the maritime adventurer in mind.

GULFMASTER includes the first G-SHOCK models to incorporate both Triple Sensor Version 3 and Smart Access in the same watch. In addition to barometric pressure, altitude, bearing, and temperature readings, these new models also feature Tide Graph and Moon Age capabilities to help keep you in close touch with your natural environment. Sudden extreme changes in barometric pressure are alerted using a dial hand, LCD dis-play, and alarm. Double LED lighting illuminates the LCD, and also adds a face light at 6 oclock to keep information bright and easy to read even in total darkness.

Webste: http://www.casio-intl.com/asia-mea/en/wat/g_shock/gulfmaster/

Note: May not be available in all markets

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Stuffs And Goodies

HERO4 - The most advanced GoPro

With stunning image quality and powerful new features, HERO4 cameras take Emmy Award-winning GoPro performance to a whole new level. Choose from HERO4 Black, with incredible high-resolution 4K30 and 2.7K50 video and high frame rate 1080p120 video, or HERO4 Silver, which pairs pro-quality video and photo capture with the convenience of a built-in touch display.

Website: http://shop.gopro.com/Marketing/hero4


By The Asian Angler

HERO4 - The most advanced GoPro

Back To Content

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTcNtgA6gHs

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Stuffs And Goodies

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDm1zBHc2dk

Maplin Waterproof Power Bank 7800mAh

By The Asian Angler

Maplin Waterproof Power Bank 7800mAh

Portable power in your pocket, tackle box, or rucksack. This Maplin Waterproof Power Bank is a high capacity backup battery designed to recharge your favourite phone or tablet on the move, especially when you have no access to power supply. Its waterproof and dustproof shell com-bined with rugged design, allows it to be used whilst camping, hiking, or fishing. Its high capacity Lithium Ion battery will ensure you never run out of power during your travels.

Website: http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/maplin-waterproof-power-bank-7800mah-n03qn


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Get Your Kids FishingAn Initiative By The Asian Angler Magazine

Fishing is a very healthy sport. As anglers we enjoy fresh air, we experience nature, we improve our analytical skills, we absorb vitamins from the sun, we expend our minds, we learn about the environment, etc.

There are so many benefits to fishing and we should reduce our kids addiction to video games, computer games, playing with mobile devices, etc. We should get them to interact more with our environment and teach them a thing or two about life and living life.

With this in mind we hope to encourage you to take your kid(s) fishing and have dedicated a sec-tion of our magazine to Junior Anglers.

Junior Anglers

Get Your Kids FishingAn Initiative By The Asian Angler Magazine

* Picture courtesy of Pure Fishing319

Junior Anglers

Last Minute Fun

By Amirul Irfan

Last Minute Fun

2014 has been an awesome year for me, as I have achieved many goals that I have set to achieve. I even achieved some unexpected goals. The unachieved goals will continue into my 2015 list of goals. To all readers, I want to take this chance to say happy new year, and happy fishing. In this article I will write about some of my latest catches before the new year sets in.

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Back to basic..it is fun. I no-ticed a lot of Climbing Perch in my regular fishing spot, so I decided to go basic with a bobber and some bread.4lb Berkley Solutions Mono helped me to detect the subtle bites, and watching the bobber going up and down was fun too.

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A chunky specimen that gave a good fight. It used dirty tactics too, diving deep into weeds. I lost a few fish due to the weeds. I released every single Climbing Perch I caught, for future fun.

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Beautiful coloration, but the sharp dorsal fins and gills can injure you easily. I had a few cuts and scratches because I didnt pay much attention while unhooking the fish.

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Double catch! Climbing Perch swim in groups, so you can take advantage of that by fish-ing with a few rods or fishing with a friend. In this case I was fishing with my younger brother. Nobody fishes for Climbing Perch here, so the big ones are easy to catch.

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Chumming with bread to get the fish into a feeding mood. The splashes even caught the attention of some snakeheads which came to investigate the commotion. Lucky day for the snakeheads, as I was only in-terested in the Climbing Perch that day.

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Waiting patiently as the fish nibbles on the baited hook. This can get really addictive.

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Cute little snakehead on the Berk-ley Powerbait 3 Hollow Baby. First fish on my new setup. Im working hard to hook a bigger fish, to push the limits of my new setup.

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This is in Tasik Biru, Kundang. Its about an hours drive from home, but its worth it. There are lots of Peacock Bass here. I tried many lures with no success in the rain. Right before leav-ing, I decided to fish a drop shot rig for the first time but with no success due to large hooks.

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This is a river in Bukit Merah. A heaven for fishing especially in the monsoon season as there are loads of fish here. Under the weeds on the right, there are some lunker sized Hampala Barbs. Schools of baitfish were fly-ing to avoid getting eaten. My younger brother even saw 3 adult sized Giant Snakeheads feeding on the baitfish. My lures were com-pletely ignored by the Ham-pala Barbs, maybe because the abundance of baitfish around them.

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My dads first snakehead on lure. Sometimes driving through some gravel roads in unexpected places can reveal good fishing spots. This par-ticular pond in Kampar, Perak was packed with Mayan Cich-lids and snakeheads. Good end on the last day of 2014.

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My last catch for 2014,a beauti-ful Mayan Cichlid. My second attempt with the dropshot rig, success! The enticing action of the Berkley Powerbait 3 Hol-low Baby is irresistible. After losing a few fish, I was giving up and made a last cast and this greedy bugger gulped the whole bait. Good end for a good year I would say.

As usual, tight lines and happy fishing.

And a happy new year.

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Coarse Fishing Competition IrelandPart 4: The last day of the Wacky Race!

News Worthy

Coarse Fishing Competition IrelandPart 4: The last day of the Wacky Race!

By Tengku Izzudin @ The Guvnor

After 4 full competition days, all the anglers are gearing up for the 5th and final day. Ive had mixed results in the previous days and hoping to better my placing in the final table. I realise that in this kind of big events, the anglers must be prepared in every way as the competition takes its toll on your tackle, your stamina and your morale. At the end of the fouth day, the Adam Wakelin and Rob Woot-ton pair is still ahead with 145.030kgs followed by Darren Davies and Bob Nudd with 105.550kgs. As for Kevin and I, well, lets just say were in the top ten, but at the wrong end!

Day 5 Final Day : The End of the Wacky Race! as my mate Fergal puts it.

I draw peg no 9 at Bunerky Lake so Kev will fish Brackley and he drew peg no 4. As Kevin dropped me off at the gate to Bunerky, it was then I realised that we had to walk for miles to get to the pegs with our heavy kit! Make small trips lad, otherwise itll do you in. Good advice indeed and I reckon everyone made at least 3 trips to carry all our tackle to our pegs.

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It was another unknown place for me, the usual questions go through my mind; how far out do I fish? Will it be a feeder or pole venue or both? Shall I feed aggressively or sparingly? I decided to clip up for 50 turns on the feeder and an 11m (plumbed and found an interesting drop off there) pole line just in case. From the starting whistle some small perch (very small) were landed, then realised I was probably fishing on a bed of zebra mussels when some came back on the hook and the feeder got snagged numerous times. So I made slightly longer casts at 55 turns to a small clear patch and slightly deeper water. Occasionally made casts to 45 turns where I made do with more small fish. Unfortunately, my pole line did not produce any bites throughout the match.

I persevered feeding with the 55 turn line but that was when things started to get horribly wrong. Firstly, Ive exhausted all of my heavy feeders, lost through crack-offs and snags so I couldnt hit the clip con-sistently, and secondly the side wind made my casts slightly off course. For close to 3 hours I think pegs 7-10 did not get any bites so we end-ed up chatting (and moaning). Bites started again in the last hour and Dave (former King Of Clubs champ) immediately went on a catching streak while I just stared helplessly at my motionless tip. And somehow at some point of the match I managed to crack a quivertip too (sorry Steve!)!

Mama said therell be days like this, at the weigh in I looked into my keepnet and went cmon theres got to be more in there! And so my last day ended with a measly 0.450kg with xxkg winning the section and I wondered if I had finished last in the rankings. At least Kevin, who fared a lot better with 8.270kgs had a good laugh at my results!

Guvs Notes:

I figured casting a bit more past the bed of zebra mussels and to con-tinue feeding the area would have produced better catches especially after the fish started feeding again in the last hour or so. Not having the right feeders really put me at a disadvantage. When the other anglers are catching again I supposed the fish would have just ignored my swim as there just wasnt any feed there to keep them interested!

I must remember to stock up on my feeders for next year and practise my distance casting a bit more!

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Closing Presentation.

I got a ride with Garbolino angler, Ritchie Hull & Adam Rooney from GURU for the closing presenta-tion at the Sieve Russell hotel. What a posh place, absolutely lovely! Mingled with the other anglers and some were collecting their section money wins. I was then introduced to some of the sponsors; Norma Her-ron of Lakelands & Inland Waterways, Robin More-ly of DAIWA Sports and Paul McAleavey of DCAL Fisheries Northern Ireland by Kevin. It was also good to meet the other anglers again some of whom I had not seen since opening night. Kevin delivered a great speech and Cathal spoke on behalf of the anglers, thanking everyone involved for yet another success-ful World Pairs. I later had a nice chat with angling legends Darren Cox, Tommy Pickering & Bob Nudd, whose styles have influenced much of my fishing and Im sure have inspired many others as well.

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Congrats to Adam Wakelin who walked away with the Daiwa Cup with an individual total weight of 93.51kgs. Adam & partner Rob Wootton, were crowned as the new World Pairs champion of 2014, this will make a great addition to their World Feeder Championship Gold medal won just a couple of months earlier! The two England Internationals had a massive combined weight of 160.630kgs! Coming in second place were the brothers, Steve and Phil Ringer, also part of the English Gold medal team with a combined weight of 137.020kgs, with Grant Albutt with James Hawkins with 127.820kgs for third. Well done to the other winners and sporting anglers too! Kudos to the organising team especially to Helen who ran around like mad every day to make sure everything went as planned!

Heading home & Lessons LearntWhat a brilliant week in Ireland! With surprisingly very good weather through-out (though not so ideal for fishing), fishing in beautiful locations among new friends.

I dont think I did too bad for my first introduction to Ireland! Fair play to Kevin Locke for being my partner as he could be a serious contender although Kevin is also the match director we were unable to fish for any of the massive 15,000 sponsorship which amounts to the 1st and 2nd prizes in the Pairs.

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For those not chasing the prestigious Pairs title now sought after worldwide the DAIWA Cup is great. The individual match runs inside the Pairs and allows the regular match angler to compete for cash prizes and the top ten get big vouchers to spend on tackle & accessories too. With section payouts every five pegs or so and a best by county section each day it means hundreds of envelopes full of cash are dis-tributed. Even I nearly made it with a second in section to Francis McGoldrick at Kiltybarden!

I had my first taste as an international match angler. And as for my two modest goals; I didnt finish last and I didnt blank either so it was a success and I shall come back next time and hope to do better having got lots of tips from some of the best match anglers in the world!

I sincerely hope that more international anglers will take part in the coming years and the World Pairs will grow from strength to strength with solid support from sponsors and participation from all of the top anglers again.

Daiwa UK Sales & Marketing Manager Stephen McCavaney

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Ive certainly learnt loads, and identified areas that I need to improve on, which are very important, things that hopefully will turn me into a better angler and a better person. The two main things that Ive learnt are the hard work and preparation that had to be put in to fish effectively in this event. Whoever says that angling is a relaxing sport is probably not doing it right!

The Lakelands & Inland Waterways World Pairs Angling Championship is the biggest success story for angling in Ireland. Designed to showcase the mag-nificent angling on offer in the Lakelands region it is one of the few matches attracting international standard anglers with no qualifiers. No better op-portunity to fish alongside your heroes yet still have the opportunity to bring home some winnings with the inclusion of the DAIWA sponsorship provid-ing daily section money as well as top ten overall. This combined with the massive sponsorship from Lakeland and Inland Waterways and Ireland-Failte partnership with some help from local tourism agencies makes it the richest coarse match in Ireland (for more information visit www.worldpairsangling.com or follow them on Twitter or Facebook). My partner Kevin knows an-gling in Ireland inside out, he fished the festival circuit solidly for a time, he runs a number of matches aside from the World Pairs and brings anglers to fishing locations all over Ireland every year (for more information visit www.irelandtravelplus.co.uk).

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I had my fair share of challenges, the great distance and the huge costs are always a concern. My application for unrecorded leave for participation in sports was turned down by my employers and requests for sponsorship were also all replied in the negative. Against all odds I made it to Ireland and caught a few fish, travelling thousands and thousands of miles on limited budget, I had to borrow tackle, hitched rides with others but it was all worth the adven-ture!

Steve and I had an early start the next morning to catch the morning ferry from Dublin. It was a full ship this time with hundreds of Man United sup-porters on board. We headed for Birmingham for a stop at my cousins place where I bade farewell to Steve.

Thank you to Bait-Tech who sponsored me with my Ground Bait, it certainly helped!

End of a fantastic journey covering land, sea and air (followed later by rail!)

Cant thank Steve Lockett enough who made it all possible. He was my coach, chef, chauffeur, cameraman, coffee maker, caster turner and what else! And especially my partner Kevin Locke (who surprisingly liked my cooking) for his generosity and for sharing plenty of his Irish fishing tips.

The two most frequent questions I get asked in Ireland were Are you enjoy-ing it? I certainly am! Ill reply, and Will you be back? I certainly will!

Till then, tight lines. - Guv

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Funtertainment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50ekLyeZIHgwatch?v=50ekLyeZIHg

Fisherman - Casey Ashley

Heres a song for all anglers by ESPN Bassmaster Elite angler Casey Ashley. Have fun and if youre listening to this at the office, happy dreaming.

Song written by one of Nashvilles pre-miere songwriters Rodney Clawson (I Saw God Today, Lost in This Moment, Johnny Cash, Amarillo Sky, Sweet Southern Com-fort) Download the Fisherman song at http://www.outdoormusic.com

The Music video produced by Outdoor Mu-sic GM Richard Prather and Career Sports and Entertainment features Casey singing at Legends Studio in Nashville, Kentucky Lake, and footage from the ESPN Elite Tournament Trail.

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Highlighting

For Life














OVERSIZE EVA GRIPS







2015






Oversize EVA grips

For Life














OVERSIZE EVA GRIPS







2015






Oversize EVA grips

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For Life









from cast to crank with seven stainless-steel High Performance Corrosion Resistant (HPCR) bearings plus one Wheth

The Asian Angler - January 2015 Digital Issue - Malaysia - English

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Transcript of The Asian Angler - January 2015 Digital Issue - Malaysia - English