-Captain Ric Liles

While new products are constantly hitting the market, I am one that holds to the belief “if it "ain't" broke don't fix it”. I want to tell you about one of those new products, but understand that if yours "ain't" broke then leave it alone. With that being said, the product I want to tell you about is a new line of rods from a company founded by locals in the Tampa Bay area. The company that I am referring to is K9 Fishing Rods.

Everybody needs new equipment from time to time and that’s when the time might be right for you to try a K9 rod. I got involved with K9 almost three years ago and I have used their rods on all my charters for the last year. The first two years I worked with them were spent on R and D. I have been completely satisfied with their products and look forward to the future. It is the intent of K9 to provide quality fishing gear at a price that the average angler can afford. I was a G. Loomis guy before I became involved with K9, but now I like my "dawgs" just as much. Another thing that K9 is trying to do is to simplify the process of owning tackle. After talking to the guys at K9, it was clear that they did not want 200 different rod models to choose from. They want to make 12 to 15 models that meet the needs of all types of fishing. I personally don't get it when I see a pro fisherman with 30 rods on the boat. Really?! All K9 rods are composed with high module carbon graphite, have AA grade Portuguese cork, have a stainless steel hook saver and are equipped with premier guides. K9 also offers a 1-year warranty against manufacturer defect. I have used them a lot and only broke one when I failed to open the garage door far enough.

At the present time K9 has 3 different models on the market and 3 more in development. The three that are available now include two spinning and one casting model. The spinning models are the Kybrid and the Incisor. That's another thing that K9 has done to simplify the process, simple names instead of long numbers to remember. Each model does have a long product number but also has a name to keep it simple. The Kyrid is as close to a hybrid as you can get. It is my personal favorite. It is designed for 8 - 17 lb. test line and 1/8 - 5/8 oz. tackle. The Kybrid is a 7' medium action rod with a light action feel that can handle the big boys in open water if needed. I used these rods last year when the big Black Drum entered the bay and they passed the test with flying colors. The reel seat on the Kybrid has been lowered 2 1/2 inches making it an easy choice for artificial baits. The rod has a soft tip but gains backbone quickly at the 4th eye. This combination allows for longer casts and greater sensitivity, making it a great live bait rod that works well with circle hooks. The "Incisor" is a Medium Heavy rod that was designed for 10 -20 lb. test line and 3/8 - 3/4 oz. tackle. The Incisor is also 7' and matches up great to a 4000 series reel. The Incisor has the backbone that is needed for fishing around structure but has IM8 technology keeping it light and sensitive. The casting model is the "Buster". Skeeter Bass Pro Chuck Guthrie designed this rod to suit his own personal taste. It is a 7' Medium Heavy action rod designed for 10 - 17 lb. test line and 3/16 - 5/8 oz. tackle. The Buster has an exposed lower blank to maximize the sensitivity and improves the balance of the rod. I have not personally fished this rod very much but I was pleased with its quality.

This summer K9 should introduce an 8' inshore flats rod, a 7' grouper digging rod and a Tarpon rod. K9 is working with Capt. T.J. Stewart on the 8' Tarpon Rod and looks forward to tapping his experience and knowledge of that species. K9 will keep 3 rods in development until they feel they have all the bases covered. K9 has developed a core pro staff and have been delighted with the response of their ambassadors. K9's pro staff includes myself, Capt. T.J. Stewart, Capt. Bret Gamrot, Capt. Greg McCullough, Capt. Woody Gore, Capt. Brady Nelson, Capt. Danny Guarino, and Kayak tournament angler Chuck Statham. K9 rods will be available to the public at local tackle shops by mid March or online at www.K9fishing.com. If you get one, I think you will be very satisfied. Until next time, good luck and be safe on the water. Remember: don't let your kid be the one that got away, take them fishing.

For K9 rod or charter information please call (813) 601-2900, email CaptainRic@msn.com, or visit www.ReelSimpleFishing.com today.