Rapala, the world leader in hard bait lures, including the Original Floating Rapala, unveiled five new lines of premium fishing rods at the annual ICAST fishing tackle trade show today in Las Vegas. Artfully created and built by hand, all Rapala fishing rods are made of the most advanced, lightweight high-modular graphite available – for extreme sensitivity and for simply catching fish.

"We did a survey last year on what anglers want from Rapala," said Tom Mackin, vice president of marketing. "We learned that anglers trust Rapala and expect us to provide a complete fishing experience – whether it's lures, line, hooks, or fishing rods. They want Rapala to apply the same expertise and science which make our lures so attractive – to everything that is related to fishing."

The five lines of rods range in design for the pro angler to the novice. Rapala rods have also been designed for a variety of fishing experiences – from ultra light panfishing to heavy action big game rods. The rods range in price from $19.99 to $119.99.

One of the first things Rapala's engineers did was look at the components that would make up these premium rods. For a lightweight rod to have maximum strength, flexibility, and sensitivity, everything from the reel seats to the guides to the graphite content to the cork needed to be expertly designed and engineered.

"Most of our research was done on the water, talking to anglers about what worked and what didn't," said Jeremy Grayson, chief engineer at Rapala. "We looked at what worked best, we looked at the science and engineering behind it, and at what caught the most fish. We came up with a series of rods true to the Rapala name."


Signature Series
As the name of the series implies, this is the top of the line, the one that has Lauri Rapala's signature. It's what fishing rod engineers strive to make, and what fish fear to see. It's subtle and extremely fine-tuned, yet is in a category of fishing rods where perhaps only the top fishing pros in the world can tell a difference. It's for those that are on the water a lot, 40 days a year minimum. There are 55 million anglers in the country, but they don't all need one of these. Not everyone needs to drive a Porsche either.

"It doesn't get any better than the Signature Series," said Al Lindner, founder of the In-Fisherman Network. "At this level, it's all about action and performance. You can't ever be questioning your equipment."

Only the finest components are used in making the Rapala Signature Series of rods. Light, slim, yet extremely powerful, these rods are made with the finest Fuji components and HM-55 high-modulus graphite. It has blank-through construction to the butt of the rod and a fast taper.

"Graphite rods are stronger, lighter and more sensitive than fiberglass rods," said Mark Fisher, head of the Rapala Pro Staff. "When you look at graphite rods, you want a high-modulus model. The higher the modulus of elasticity, the more stiffness per ounce of rod weight. High-modulus rods are stiffer, stronger and cast more accurately."

The Fuji ECSM reel seat is more than just another exposed blank seat. Each trigger reel seat has a blank exposed area so that your finger comes in direct contact with the blank for maximum sensitivity. The design also allows for great stability and comfort. More than 20% lighter than Fuji's other lightweight casting reel seats, it has a 7.9 degree offset, which reduces fatigue and provides for greater comfort when palming a reel. It sports a lock tight nut system and exclusive S-4 stainless steel cushioned hood.

Shaped to follow the curve of the blank, Fuji Alconite Ring Concept Guides with S4 Stainless Steel Frames are standard equipment on all Rapala Signature Series rods. The makeup of Alconite provides a rare combination of strength, lightness, corrosion resistance and overall durability. New Concept Fuji guides and spacing system minimize weight, improve rod balance and optimize distribution of load throughout the blank.

The Signature Series consists of 33 rods (15 spinning, 18 casting) ranging in length from 5'0" to 7'6", with action ranges from ultra light to extra heavy.

Tournament Class Series
The professional anglers that Rapala employs, contracts, and depends on will be given the Rapala Tournament Class Series of fishing rods. Not weekend warrior fishing rods, these are for the anglers that depend upon Rapala rods for their livelihood. Rapala's pros are quite happy.

"These rods cast smoothly, are well crafted using the best materials, and have proven themselves to the Pro Staff in diverse fishing situations," said Fisher. "The cork handles provide sensitivity, while the shaft is lightweight and strong."

High quality components are the backbone of the Rapala Tournament Class Series of rods. HM-45 high-modulus graphite makes them extremely sensitive, telegraphing every stump, rock and weed. Even the slightest bites are felt. In addition, Fuji reel seats, grade 'A' cork handles and a 'Cross Rap' graphite weave add strength. Each rod is layered with multiple coats of clear matte epoxy and Fuji Hardloy Guides.

Premium Graphite Fuji SBS spinning reel seats with stainless steel hoods, locks reels down dependably and provides a comfortable grip. Includes a hook keeper to secure lures without damaging the rod.

Fuji Hardloy Guides are produced from a special blend of high grade Aluminum Oxide. Because the Hardloy ring is diamond polished and permanently mounted to the frame, it results in lighter weight, great heat dissipation and decreased line wear. In addition, the Rapala Maximum Guide System (MGS) provides increased sensitivity, strength and balance.

Rapala's Tournament Class line comes in 21 models (12 spinning and 9 casting), ranging in length from 5'0" to 7'6". Action ranges from ultra light to heavy.

Long Cast Series
To the millions of Americans who fish from shorelines, piers, docks and retaining walls, here's a rod for you. In saltwater or freshwater, Rapala's Long Cast Series will open up new territories to fish. Craftsmanship and attention to detail give the Rapala Long Cast Series its classic good looks and unmatched casting performance. Fast tapers make it possible to send even the lightest lures on quite a journey. Coated with multiple layers of clear matte epoxy finish. Rugged blank-through-handle construction and select cork grips make the Long Cast rods more sensitive and comfortable to use. HM-35 high-modulus graphite, 'CrossRap' graphite weave and fast tapers make this a true long casting rod.

The Long Cast Series of Rods is outfitted with both Fuji ECSM exposed blank reels and Rapala's custom-designed reel seats (co-molded spinning seats). Fuji Aluminum Oxide Guides are extremely thin and light, yet durable. Each guide is diamond polished to an ultra-smooth finish for low friction – to produce casts that are extremely crisp, precise and long. In addition, the Rapala Maximum Guide System (MGS) provides increased sensitivity, strength and balance.

The Long Cast Series of Rods is outfitted with both Fuji ECSM exposed blank reel seats and Rapala's custom-designed reel seats (co-molded spinning seats). Fuji Aluminum Oxide Guides are extremely thin and light, yet durable. In addition, the Rapala Maximum Guide System (MGS) provides increased sensitivity, strength and balance.

Rapala's Long Cast Series has 36 models (11 spinning, 12 casting, 7 specialty spinning, and 6 specialty casting) ranging from 5'0" to 7'6" in length. Action runs from ultra light to extra heavy.

Sportsman's Classic Series
Unparalleled strength, lightweight feel and excellent performance characteristics are the hallmark of every Rapala Sportsman's Classic Series rod. Whether you're an urban angler heading to your honey hole in the city, or you're taking the annual fishing trip with the guys, the Sportsman's Classic is built for you. It has HM-30 high-modulus graphite which offers the ideal balance of sensitivity, light weight and strength. Blank-through-handle construction, Rapala Maximum Guide System (MGS) and spiral graphite wrap enhance the performance of this rod series even further.

"The blanks run through the handle, which ensures extra sensitivity," said Fisher. "You also never want to scrimp on the guides, where the fishing line runs from the reel to the tip. Rapala's new titanium carbide guides are super tough and virtually friction free."

Rapala's custom-designed molded reel seats are lightweight, durable, and ergonomically designed to fit the hands of all anglers. Noted for being very comfortable and reliable, it's the Maximum 'feel' and sensitivity that are the trademarks of this unique and proprietary reel seat. Includes a Rapala hook keeper to secure lures without damaging the rod.

Rapala's Sportsman's Classic Series has 16 models (9 spinning, 7 casting) ranging in length from 5'0" to 7'0". Action runs from ultra light to medium heavy.

Sportsman's Series
The ideal 'utility' rod for all tasks, the Rapala Sportsman's Series represents quality rods at an affordable price. Perfect for someone just starting out who isn't sure how much to invest, these high performance spinning and conventional rods feature ultra-sensitive IM-6 high-modulus graphite, a unique spiral graphite wrap and Rapala's exclusive and custom-designed reel seats and "Power Enhancer" guide system. These rods may come with a beginner's-level price, but they're 100% Rapala quality.

"These rods are capable of fighting and landing fish far larger than the price would suggest," said Fisher. "They're well-crafted, durable rods that will make fishing expeditions enjoyable and successful."

Rapala's custom-designed reel seats are lightweight, durable and ergonomically designed to fit the hands of all anglers. Noted for their comfort and reliability, it's the maximum "feel" and sensitivity that are the trademarks of this unique and proprietary reel seat.

Titanium Nitride Guides are extremely smooth and more durable than ceramic. Includes a Rapala hook keeper to secure lures without damaging the rod.

The Rapala Sportsman's Series comes in 15 models (10 spinning, 5 casting) ranging in length from 5'0" to 7'0". Action runs from ultra light to medium heavy.

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