Okuma Hakai Low Profile Baitcasting Reel
Weight matters when it comes to fishing reels, especially if you plan to cast from dawn to dusk, which is why Okuma set out to improve their Hakai. This is a baitcasting reel designed with a Litecast magnesium alloy frame, which tips the scales at a feather-like 5.9 ounces. For 2025 it’s been beefed up with a stainless-steel handle arm and drive shaft to boost longevity. But weight is still minimized via handle cut-outs and the shaft being a patented hollow “Flite-Shaft” design. The drag system is a multi-disc stainless-steel/carbon hybrid that can put out up to 20 pounds of max drag, there’s an adjustable magnetic cast control, six ball-bearings plus roller bearing, and Quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing. How confident is Okuma that the Hakai will hold up for the long haul despite its uber-lightweight nature? This reel is backed up with a three-year warranty, as compared to the usual one or two years that most big tackle manufacturers provide. Price: $149.99.
Ninja Tackle Surf Rigs
Sick and tired of opening the package of a surf fishing rig and finding subpar materials? Us, too, so we were psyched to find Ninja Tackle’s assortment of hand-tied rigs. These boast topnotch pieces and parts put together right here in the USA, and better yet Ninja’s a local outfit in Chester, VA. Check out the #2 pompano/whiting rig, for example. It’s tied with 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders, chemically sharpened black nickel octopus circle hooks, and brass barrel-and-crane snap swivels. They offer similarly high-end rigs for big drum, specks and puppies, bluefish, and they even have a blow toad/pufferfish rig (really?!) Price: $4.99. Visit Ninja Tackle before you reach the beach.
Wild Child Outfitters Easy Angler Kids Combo
You have a wild child who’s crazy about fishing? In that case, you’ll want to check out the new Easy Angler Kids Combo from Wild Child Outfitters. This complete fishing kit packs into a compact, strong, rugged carrying case with a shoulder strap, making it ideal for taking a young angler on a hike to your favorite honey hole. The 4’6” two-piece rod (protected by a rigid tube) has an “ArmorGlide” tip that tapers down to reduce tangles—and it comes with not one but two top sections, so if a youngster gets overly aggressive while casting or cranking and breaks the rod tip, they already have a replacement on hand. The spincast reel (spooled with eight-pound test) is metal, not plastic; the included mini-tacklebox is loaded with basics like bobbers, hooks, split shot, jig heads, tails, and even a few spoons and a crankbait; and pliers/snips are also included. When we opened this kit up we were impressed by two things. First off, the quality level of the gear is up to snuff for adult use, but sized for kids who take their fishing seriously. Unlike many kid’s fishing kits, this is absolutely not junk. Second, it’s amazing how much stuff they packed into that carrying case. Sling it over a shoulder, head for the pond or river, and your kid has everything he or she needs for a day of fishing in a kit they can easily carry. Two thumbs up for the Kids Combo! Price: $199.