I recently had the chance to try out the Smith ChromaPop Polarchromic lens technology on their Hookset frames, and saying I’m impressed would be an understatement. These lenses are essentially polarized, color-enhancing lenses that automatically adjust their tint with UV exposure—darker in bright light and lighter in shade.

While I’m no lens expert, I know what feels right after a long day of fishing, and the Hookset model is practically perfect for anglers. Its medium-sized frame and comfortable nose pads stay secure even in humid conditions. The thoughtfully designed PivLock Leash retainer provides ear comfort, blending seamlessly with the frame without any irritating protrusions. The sliding cable adjusters work effortlessly, and the overall fit is sleek and streamlined, avoiding the bulkiness of a traditional croaky.

The ChromaPop Polarchromic glass lenses stay sharp all day and maintain their clarity even in overly bright conditions. Over the past year, I’ve appreciated the vibrant contrast and detail when exploring South Florida’s waterways. While I occasionally switch to the Sunrise Silver Mirror Costas in very low light early mornings, the versatility of the Smith lenses and the comfort of the Hookset frame have helped me stay focused throughout the day, removing one more distraction from my fishing experience.

The durability of the ChromaPop Glass lens matches that of my standard Costa 580G glasses, and with proper care, they have remained free of scratches or any issues over time.

Performance, adaptability, and comfort come at a cost, with the Hookset model featuring ChromaPop PolarChromic Glass lenses priced around $327. While it may seem steep, the price is comparable to Costa 580g models in popular frame styles.

If I had to choose one pair of sunglasses for unpredictable lighting, it would be the Smith Hookset Polarchromic. Don’t get me wrong, my Costa 580G lenses are still top-notch. However, the auto-tuning tint and the comfortable Hookset frame make me forget I’m even wearing sunglasses and let me focus entirely on fishing.

Tightlines

G.C.

The new Jackall Live Darter and Rerange 95 bring more technically nuanced options to FFS enthusiasts’ arsenals.

Tightlines

G.C.

Here are a few standout items that grabbed my attention:

Tightlines.

G.C.

Seeing the event grow steadily over the years has been amazing. It takes real commitment to handle the unpredictable July weather and put on such an impressive display. Huge thanks to all the vendors who took part despite the tough conditions!

Here are a few intriguing tackle items I came across:

Tightlines

G.C.

As in past years, a limit of three fish per competitor was set for the weigh-in to ensure the fish are well cared for.

The action was fantastic given the dynamic and overcast weather conditions. Thankfully, the weather remained cool, and the bite stayed hot for many of the competitors.

G.C.

Check out this year’s Pre-Show Top 10 Tackle Picks!

(10) Lew’s KVD Elite Casting Reel (2025)

What’s New:  Even in retirement from tournament fishing, KVD continues to work on products that anglers are eager to try. The new KVD Elite reel is part of a lineup that includes baitcasters, spinning reels, and rods.

What I like: Keeping KVD at the forefront of our sport is simply smart business. He remains a name that anglers, both young and old, respect and admire.

What I don’t like:  After years of seeing KVD as the leading face of Quantum Freshwater products, it still feels strange to see him with Lew’s.

(9) Plano StowAway

What’s New:  The legendary Plano StowAway box receives an upgrade that surpasses the pro latch but doesn’t quite match the premium quality of the popular Edge Series.

What I like: One-handed operation similar to the Edge series and a more affordable price point.

What I don’t like:  The Grey Rustrictor base construction might not appeal to anglers who prefer a fully clear box.

(8) Rapala Claptail 110

What’s New: From the innovative mind of legendary Jacob Wheeler, this new 110 mm hybrid lure features a metal blade paired with a metal plopping tail.

What I like: The plopper and blade combination creates a unique sound that many fish likely haven’t experienced before. Rotating trebles help ensure the fish stay hooked.

What I don’t like: I don’t have one yet.  

(7) Z-Man Chatterbait Jack Hammer Baby Jack

What’s New:  While technically a Classic release, the new JackHammer Baby Jack leverages the immense popularity of the original JackHammer in a downsized package. The 3/0 hook and smaller blade create a different sound profile in a compact and premium design.

What I like: The same features as the original, now in a more refined package designed for tougher fishing conditions.

What I don’t like:  The price point is still the same as its larger counterpart.

(6) Strike King Hog Father Jr.

What’s New: A unique collaboration between Strike King and Tater Hog Custom Lures, this bait capitalizes on the growing trend of bringing high-demand swimbaits from custom builders to the masses.

What I like: Big brands acknowledging and giving credit where it’s due through collaborative efforts with custom builders.

What I don’t like:  Glide baits have become far too mainstream.

(5) Shimano Curado 150 M

What’s New: Shimano updates thier most popular form factor reel in a legacy line. 

What I like: The Curado has remained a popular reel year after year for good reason. Despite a few minor missteps in its history, it continues to be a favorite among dedicated bass anglers. With its consistent quality and reliable price point over recent iterations, I anticipate the latest version will deliver more of the same.

What I don’t like:  Wish they would bring back the Curado E paint scheme.

(4) Spro USA KGB K-Rig

What’s New:  Spro Keeps the hits coming with the new K Rig. Effectively 3 KGB shads in one lure this bait is sure to turn heads from both anglers and fish.

What I like: Unique design and custom flair. The action in the teaser videos looks pretty wild.

What I don’t like: Pretty sure I can hang this bait up on something with my first cast

(3) Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 16”

What’s New: Garmin’s highly popular Echomap lineup now features an upgraded 16″ version, complete with HDMI output and wireless integration with other Echomap Ultra 2 units.

What I like: Garmin has been making waves in the bass angling market for the past decade, consistently delivering quality products and outstanding customer service that earn a reputation worth discussing.

What I don’t like: Much like everything else these days, premium electronics come with a hefty price tag.

(2) Bates Goes Spinning

What’s New:  Bates has been delivering some impressive options since their mainstream debut at ICAST 2023. The popular GOAT and Hundo have received mixed feedback from anglers, praised for their sturdy machined frames but critiqued for their perceived build quality and origin relative to their price points.

What I like: Precision-machined CNC aluminum parts. Boldly disrupting the status quo brand marketplace.

What I don’t like:  Delivering a top-notch spinning reel in a highly competitive market segment comes with a steep learning curve.

(1) Fuzzy/Dice – Continues to Go Mainstream

What’s New:  Yamamoto, Strike King, and Z-Man have all jumped into the Dice Bait craze. What began as a well-kept secret has now become the next big trend. The OSP Dice Rubber, responsible for countless catches, paved the way for popular options like the GEE Crack Imo Kemushi and Hideup’s Koike to secure a strong foothold in the American angling market.

What I like: Variety of readily available options and styles at cheaper price points

What I don’t like:  Another item has slipped out of the secret juice bag for the masses to take in.

Tightlines.

G.C.

Over the past few months, the team at AG has enjoyed the opportunity to fish with ICAST 2024’s FishNFX Gold Series of Rods. This premium series marks FishNFX’s first mainstream offering after years of success in the custom rod market. The initial lineup includes four casting rods and three spinning rods, designed with the most popular actions for modern anglers.

Models include:

GS-CB68ML-S / 6’8″ 6-12 # 1/4-5/8 oz / Medium lite / Moderate Fast Action

GS-MB73M-S / 7’3″ 8-15# 1/4-3/4oz / Medium / Fast Action

GS-LS76MH-S / 7’6″ 10-20# 3/8-1.25oz/ Medium Heavy / Moderate Fast Action

GS-CB72MH-C / 7’2″ 10-20# 1/2-1.25oz / Medium Heavy / Moderate Fast Action

GS-MB73MH-C / 7’3″ 10-20# 3/8-3/4oz / Medium Heavy / Fast Action

GS-LS76H-C / 7’6″ 12-25# 1/2-1.5oz / Heavy / Moderate Fast Action

GS-MB78MH-C / 7’8″ 12-20# 1/4-1.25oz / Medium Heavy / Fast Action

These premium rods by FishNFX retail for $294.95 each and boast premium features such as

(1) Japanese Toray Carbon Fiber blank

The heart of the new FishNFX Gold series is comprised of American Tackle Bushido Inshore & Freshwater blanks. Years of use in the custom rod building arena have proven their exceptional durability and refined actions, perfectly suited to modern anglers. The blend of high-strain Japanese carbon fibers with advanced resin systems enhances material recovery and boosts sensitivity. Simply put, these are blanks FishNFX knows and trusts.

(2) Compressed carbon reel seats

Compressed Carbon Technology (CCT) Reel Seats provide a major advantage with their injection-molded carbon body. This innovative design reduces overall weight, improves vibration transmission, and allows for a more ergonomic and modern seat design.

(3) Exclusive black and gold American Tackle MicroWave guides.

The American Tackle MicroWave Guides are a hit with Fish NFX’s custom order clients and pro staff, consistently receiving great feedback. These guide sets feature snag-free frames and Nano Plasma rings that are tough, diamond-polished, and braid-proof. The NanoLite rings have smooth interiors and are coated with PVD Titanium Nitride or Titanium Oxide, reducing friction, improving line durability, and offering hardness similar to silicon carbide (SiC).

After years of trial and error and numerous prototype iterations, the final selection of these initial offerings was thoughtfully chosen by FishNFX’s pro staff to cater to a broad range of modern angling preferences. While I’ve enjoyed using each rod in the series to varying extents, there are definitely a few models I find myself reaching for more frequently over time.

We’ve been thoroughly enjoying the debut series from Fish NFX over the past few months, and we certainly haven’t gone easy on them. These rods are incredible tools, though they might not be for everyone. For anglers looking for a high-performance rod with a custom touch, built from reliable components and supported by a trustworthy company, the new Fish NFX Gold Series is definitely worth considering.

G.C.

If you’ve ever dreamed of catching a fish that fights like a beast and looks like it swam out of a tropical painting, let me introduce you to the peacock bass. I recently had the chance to target this vibrant powerhouse, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint!

Peacock bass aren’t your average freshwater catch. Native to South America but thriving in parts of Florida and other warm climates, these fish are known for their striking colors, aggressive strikes, and relentless fight. I’d heard all the hype, but nothing beats the thrill of actually hooking one yourself.

On this trip, I came prepared with both live bait and artificial lures, curious to see what would trigger a bite. Turns out? Both worked!

Live Bait Magic:
I started the day with live shiners—one of the go-to baits for peacocks—and sure enough, the action was almost instant. The peacock smashed it with that signature burst of energy they’re known for, and after a quick tug-of-war, I had my first fish in the boat. It was electric!

Lure Success:
Later in the day, I switched things up with some artificial lures—specifically, a flashy crankbait and a topwater popper. The topwater hit was unreal! Watching a peacock bass explode on a lure is one of the most exciting moments in fishing. It’s like they launch themselves out of nowhere, ready for battle.

Landing a peacock on both live and artificial gave me such a rush. It also reminded me how fun and versatile targeting this species can be—perfect whether you’re a bait-and-wait kind of angler or someone who loves to cast and retrieve all day long.

If you’ve been thinking about chasing peacock bass, I can’t recommend it enough. Bring some live bait, pack a few lures, and get ready for a fight. These fish bring the color and the chaos—and that’s what makes it unforgettable.

Have you ever fished for peacock bass? Let me know your favorite setup or story—I’d love to hear it!

Here are some items that piqued my interest.

More to Come.

G.C.

I was happy to see that the event has continually grown in size the past few years. It takes a lot of work to get out in the July heat to show off some tackle. Thank you to all the vendors that participated.

Here are just a few tackle items I found particularly interesting:

More to Come.

G.C.