It’s Time for Hook & Barrel’s Lunker List!
For those itching to get out on the water, go out with the best new fishing gear that’s on the market. Check out what made our Lunker List for 2024 below:
Berkley Dime Crankbait
First on our list of new fishing gear is the Berkley Dime, a revolutionary mid-depth crankbait marrying the best of balsa action with the durability of plastic. Utilizing Berkley’s patented Flash Disc technology, this bait achieves balsa-like movement, enhanced by a weight transfer system for extended casting in smaller sizes. Armed with sharp Fusion19 treble hooks, it guarantees a successful haul. Unparalleled finishes and color options, unattainable by traditional balsa baits, make the Dime a standout. Backed by Berkley science, this go-to mid-depth crankbait ensures anglers catch more fish year-round. Sizes: 4 , 6, 10, 15. Colors: Red Swamp Craw, HD Brown Craw, Proper Copper and more. MSRP: $11 (berkley-fishing.com)
Berkley PowerBait CullShad
Cull up with the Berkley PowerBait CullShad. Taking shallow water swimbaiting to a new level, the CullShad combines big profile drawing power with proprietary Honey Comb technology for next-level action and durability. Additionally, the smart weighting ability, hassle-free harness and hook clip ensure you’ve got the Berkley advantage cast after cast. MSRP: $12 (berkley-fishing.com)
Berkley PowerBait Nessie
Embark on uncharted waters with the Berkley PowerBait Nessie—a groundbreaking glide bait pushing the boundaries of big-profile fishing. Skip, slide and cast this soft-bodied marvel, available in three sizes (5 to 9 inches), and offering versatility in retrieval speeds. Boasting stabilizing fins, a reinforced joint and a hook retention clip, it ensures durability and efficient angling. Ideal for both entry-level and seasoned anglers, the Nessie, with its custom-painted finishes and Fusion19 treble hook, replicates real forage, enticing the fish of a lifetime. MSRP: $8-$13 (berkley-fishing.com)
Berkley Slobberknocker
Compared to other bladed jigs on the market, the Berkley Slobberknocker features an innovative through-head design that is completely unique. After countless hours spent testing on and off the water, Berkley Labs scientists fine-tuned this unique design that not only delivers a consistent vibration but is also perfectly suited to come through heavy cover while staying engaged. Backed by science, the Slobberknocker features a signature hand-tied Berkley silicone skirt infused with PowerBait flavor to help ensure that every fish that bites will hold on longer, helping anglers put more fish in the boat. MSRP: $14 (berkley-fishing.com)
Lake Fork Trophy Lures 3/8-Ounce Flipp’n Jig
Get your hot jigging action going with the M-Pack/LFT Flipp’n Jig. Its Gamakatsu Black Nickel 5/0 hook allows for successful vertical hook sets in close cover. The Flipp’n Jig sports powdercoat protection, a sleek, recessed eye design, an enticing triple-grip trailer keeper and 52-strand flash skirt. The Bama Bug coloring (shown) is one of 11 different looks available to drive fish to strike. MSRP: $7 (lftlures.com)
Rapala PXR Mavrik 110 Jerkbait
To maximize the number of fish in the boat, Rapala went to its roster of top bass pros to develop a premium suspending jerkbait. After countless prototypes and months of testing, Rapala is introducing the first lure in the new PXR family of fishing gear—the Mavrik 110 jerkbait. The lure’s suspending, head-down attitude mimics an injured baitfish. Hard-cutting, semi-erratic action makes the PXR Mavrik a versatile jerkbait for any condition. The new PXR Mavrik 110 is being introduced in a No. 11 (43/8-inch body length) size that weighs 1/2 ounce.
MSRP: $15 (rapala.com)
Rapala CrushCity Mayor Swimbait
Meet The Mayor, the ultimate candidate to crush big bass. It’s one of five new soft baits in the new CrushCity line of fishing gear by Rapala, developed by world-class pro angler Jacob Wheeler for other tournament anglers. The Mayor’s tail does not kick super-hard, but instead steadily and naturally swings from side to side. That’s not where the differences from the competition stop, however. Rapala’s engineers also integrated a level of body roll that is noticeable but not too aggressive. It’s available in 3- or 4-inch sizes and available in 16 custom colors. The Mayor swimbait is available eight in a pack (3-inch) and six in a pack (4-inch). MSRP: $6.50-$7 (rapala.com)
Lake Fork Trophy Lures 3.5-Inch Live Magic Shad V-Tail
The technically advanced design of the Magic Shad mimics the swimming motion of a fleeing baitfish when retrieved. The Magic Shad is impregnated with garlic and made from super soft plastic, enticing fish to hold on longer. No matter how the Magic Shad is rigged—weightless, Texas, Carolina, drop shot, wacky or on a jig head—it draws impressive strikes. It is available in six packs and a variety of colors. MSRP: $7 (lftlures.com)
Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon
Berkley’s 100% Fluorocarbon line is a pinnacle choice for anglers seeking superior performance. Engineered with precision and expertise, this line boasts exceptional sensitivity, low visibility and impressive strength. Berkley’s proprietary formula ensures outstanding abrasion resistance, making it ideal for diverse fishing conditions. Available in a range of sizes, whether you’re finesse fishing or tackling trophy fish, the Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon provides the confidence you need on the water. MSRP: $12-$30 (berkley-fishing.com)
Plano EDGE 3700 FLEX
Meet the Plano EDGE 3700 FLEX, the pinnacle of tackle organization. With 38 Quick-Set dividers offering limitless configurations, this advanced tackle system adapts to your angling needs. Boasting a unique labeling system and pre-cut vented dividers, reinforced with water-absorbing desiccant material, it ensures effective, safe tackle organization. The Restrictor rust preventative, Dri-Loc watertight seal, clear lid for quick identification, oversized latch, ribbed base and heavy-duty steel pin hinges make it a versatile and durable companion for anglers. It measures 14 inches long, 9 inches wide and 2.63 inches high. Simplify your tackle management with the Plano EDGE 3700 FLEX—where customization meets convenience. MSRP: $55 (planooutdoors.com)
Fenwick World Class Rods
Introducing the Fenwick World Class—a game-changer in fishing rod design. With over 50 years of expertise, Fenwick has redefined its approach. The World Class series, featuring 62 technique-specific rods, reflects Fenwick’s commitment to innovation. Crafted with ultra-premium materials, including high-modulus graphite and proprietary reinforcing resin, these rods are Fenwick’s lightest and most balanced offerings yet. What makes them stand out is their unique ergonomic design, meticulously studied for comfort, grip and sensitivity. The result is an unparalleled performance for anglers who demand the best. MSRP: $420-$505 (fenwickfishing.com)
Shimano Zodias Spinning Rod
The redesigned line of Zodias rods is perfect for bass anglers looking for enhanced sensitivity and a suite of technologies passed down from Shimano’s elite series of rods. Zodias rods couple a hollow Carbon Monocoque Grip into a CI4+ reel seat to achieve up to 30% more sensitivity than conventionally constructed models, ultimately transmitting vibration from underwater structure, lure action, or bites into the palm of an angler’s hand. MSRP: $210-$230 (fish.shimano.com)
Abu Garcia Zenon X Spinning Reel
Introducing the Abu Garcia Zenon X Spinning Reel, an evolution from the original Zenon, designed for freshwater anglers seeking unparalleled performance. Bridging finesse and power, the Zenon X combines a compact, asymmetric aluminum frame with an oversized AMG2 machined aluminum gear system for optimal weight, performance and durability. Featuring an Air-Fin spool design, V-Rotor system and a carbon handle with co-molded knob, this reel ensures reduced weight and smooth operation. The 9+1 HPCR bearing system, Rocket line management and a mid-arbor spool design enhance versatility. With a 6.2:1 gear ratio and varying weights (2000 to 3500MS), the Zenon X is the ultimate tool for anglers. MSRP: $300 (abugarcia.com)
Shimano Miravel Reel
Built utilizing the legendary carbon-infused CI4+ body to provide a lightweight platform and increased sensitivity, the Miravel also features the MagnumLite rotor for an effortless startup and quick hooksets. Sporting cold-forged HAGANE Gear, SilentDrive and X-Ship, it provides durable gearing with tighter tolerances for smoother reeling performance. MSRP: $130-$140 (fish.shimano.com)
Humminbird Apex 13 Mega SI + Chartplotter
We can’t have a robust list of fishing gear without mentioning the folks at Humminbird. This beast includes MEGA Imaging+ and Dual Spectrum Chirp Sonar giving you the clearest picture of what is happening below. An ultra clear 13.3-inch Full-HD touchscreen provides a customized info display from advanced network options like NMEA 2000, HDMI In/Out, WiFi and Bluetooth. Compatible with Humminbird Lakemaster and Coastmaster along with the power of the One-Boat Network. MSRP: $4,300 (humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com)
Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST
The Ultrex trolling motor offers responsive and intuitive steering with Power Steering and automatic boat control using GPS technology. It features the Spot-Lock function for staying on fishing spots automatically. Some models also come with Built-In MEGA Side and Down Imaging Sonar for enhanced capabilities. MSRP $3,700-$4,200 (minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com)
Old Town Sportsman Salty PDL 120
Last on our list of the latest fishing gear is the Old Town Sportsman Salty PDL 120 kayak. The Salty is Old Town’s fastest pedal kayak, with the ability to reach over 5 mph. The Old Town Sportsman Salty PDL 120 offers hands-free fishing and all of the bells and whistles in a zippy, open-deck package. Complete with Old Town’s award-winning PDL drive for instant forward and reverse action, the Salty PDL 120 is the splurge gift for any freshwater or inshore angler. MSRP: $2,600 (oldtownwatercraft.johnsonoutdoors.com)