The fishing season is hard upon us like a hungry catfish on a school of baitfish, and if you’re like most anglers, that has you thinking about purchasing a new rod or reel, or maybe both. You’re sure to want one -- or several -- even more after checking out the new products that’ll be available at your local sporting goods store this year. Many exciting new innovations are evident in the 2007 lineup of just-released goodies.

In the rod category, anglers will continue to see manufacturers expanding their lines of technique-specific tackle for the buyer who wants rods special-made for his favorite fishing tactics. Also, to keep pace with the increasing popularity of saltwater angling, rod makers are producing more models designed especially for the rigors of that fishing. There’s a definite trend toward lighter rods with more durable components as well, which is good news for the give-it-all-you’ve-got fishing fanatic who’s tough on tackle and on the water hundreds of hours a year.

Here’s some of what you’ll see this fishing season.

ALL STAR RODS (AllStarRods.com)
All Star has ventured into offshore fishing in 2007 with the launch of the meticulously designed Coastal Classic Series, which is available in seven conventional actions from 6 to 7 feet in length and four spinning actions from 6 feet, 9 inches to 7 feet in length. Made to handle all offshore applications from 12- to 50-pound-test line-class, the series has features such as high-strain graphite and E-Glass blended blank construction; stainless-steel wide-frame guides with aluminum oxide inserts; Fuji heavy-duty graphite reel seats; EVA contoured triangle-shaped foregrips; and aluminum gimbals with rubber butt covers.

BERKLEY (Berkeley-Fishing.com)
Berkley’s new Tactix rods were specially designed by the Berkley Pro Staff for a variety of applications, from drop-shotting for bass to jigging for walleyes to casting for monster pike and muskies. The carbon fiber pattern of the IM7 graphite blank makes for an extremely resilient yet sensitive rod, and its hard chromium SS304 guide system is 55 percent lighter yet 20 times tougher than conventional aluminum oxide guides. An unsanded tip gives the Tactix a durable and consistent rod action for more precise fishing. Hand-wound epoxy UV thread wraps increase guide strength and abrasion resistance. Models include Jigging & Worming (spinning or casting), Wacky Rigging (spinning), Drop Shot/Finesse (spinning), Flippin’ Stik, Spinnerbait, Muskie, Cranking (casting) and Salmon/Steelhead (spinning and casting).

Berkley also has re-engineered its Lightning rods to be lighter, faster and stronger. Features now include titanium-footed guides with SS rings for greater sensitivity; hand-wound epoxy/UV thread wraps for increased guide strength and abrasion resistance; and a graphite reel seat with an extra-secure cone lock to prevent slippage. With an all-new silver/black/red look, they’re value-priced in seven different lengths and a near-countless number of actions.