
Baitcasting
More tackle innovation came at midrange price points for 2012 than in recent years, when lower-end items predominated. If that's an indicator of an uptick in our general economy, I'm all for it. Tackle technology that was frightfully expensive a year or two ago is now trickling down into lower-priced versions, of which Cabela's winning entry this year is an excellent example. --John Merwin Flyfishing
Tackle makers, like anglers, are endlessly optimistic, and this past season brought an unusually large number of nominations in the flyfishing category, including a bumper crop of new rods. Although economy and mid-priced gear dominated the product introductions, manufacturers weren't shy about plunging in with high-end stuff. As always, only the Best of the Best made the cut. --Ted Leeson
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_Spinning
Even when it seems there's not much that could be done to improve basic spinning tackle, one or more companies manage to come up with something fresh. Quantum and Fenwick are this year's spinning-gear winners for doing just that. --JM

Best New Baitcasting Rod: Cabela's Platinum ZX
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_Manufacturer: Cabela's
_Price:_ $200

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Manufacturer: Daiwa
Price: $250

Best New Spinning Rod: Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth
Price:_ $130__

Best New Spinning Reel: Quantum Exo
Price:_ $200__

Manufacturer:_ Sage
_Price:_ $715-$740

Price:_ $445-$625__

Best New Fly Box: MFC Waterproof Boat Box
Price:_ $50

Best New Fishing Bag: L.L. Bean Waterproof Hybrid Duffle
Price:_ $159

Price:_ $2,200

Lures and Accessories
--Joe Cermele

Price:_ $200

Sebile D&S Crankbait
Price:_ $14.50

VMC Spinshot Hooks
Price:_ $4 per pack

Outerwear

Best New Waders: Patagonia Rio Azul Waders
Price:_ $239

Best New Thermal Clothing: Cabela’s E.W.W.C.S Thermal Zone Polartec Power Dry Baselayer System
Price:_ Crew top, $75; Bottom, $80 _
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Best New Rain Suit: Simms Prodry Jacket and Bibs
Price:_ Jacket, $500; Bib, $400

Best New Fanny Pack: Fishpond Nimbus Guide Pack
Price:_ $110
What's new in tackle this year? Plenty--and we fished with it all. Field & Stream testers hit the water with more than 100 pieces of the latest gear, from humble hooks to the top-of-the-line high-definition sonar units. We winnowed the list down to 16 standout products that clearly are the Best of the Best.