Bass Fishing Aug - Sept 2017 | Page 55

ardent apex Flipping Reel Ardent’s newest flipping reel was designed by flipper extraoridaire Denny Brauer. A light- weight at 5.9 ounces, the reel might not be big on size, but its tough aluminum frame con- struction allows an angler to haul a bruiser bass out of heavy cover in a hurry. The reel handle is made of carbon fiber, and the drag tightens down to 11 pounds. Ten-plus-one ball bearings and a 6.5:1 gear ratio round out the package. $150 4x4 bObby LaNE SIGNaTURE SERIES jIG ardentoutdoors.com 4x4 Bobby Lane signature series Jig By summer’s end it takes a lot of weight to crash a jig through thick grass, which is where this colossus will come in handy. It weighs 1 ounce and is equipped with an extra-stout hook to pair with heavier braid and broom- stick-stiff rods capable of hauling lunkers and grass out of the water. A large multi-fiber weedguard and bait keeper on the back end finish out the jig. It’s available in three colors: green pumpkin orange, Okeechobee craw, and black and blue. $5.39 4x4bassjigs.com aRDENT aPEx FLIPPING REEL venom Lures The Beast The Shaquille O’Neal of stick baits, The Beast measures just under 8 inches in length and 1/2 inch thick at its widest part. Presumably it will see a lot of action as a sight-fishing bait for those eye-popping Florida largemouths that are guarding beds. The manufacturer says the new bait is durable, yet soft, which makes it suitable for a variety of rigs. Twenty-six colors are available. $5.31 per five-pack venomlures.com VENOm LURES THE bEaST AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2017 I FLWFISHING.COM 53