IRVINE, Calif. 7/07 - ICAST Show Intro -- Extending its technology and innovation for anglers beyond just rods and reels, Shimano continues to expand its Gear line with the addition of a portable live-well bag to the Bristol Bay series, new Evair fishing shoes, a new surf bag and wade tackle belt to the Bluewave series, and a Butterfly storage bag for the new flat-side jigs.

Over the past three years, anglers have seen Shimano branch off into other products that can the overall fishing experience, “and we are doing it with the same emphasis, and research and development efforts that we put into our rods and reels,” said Ted Sakai, Shimano’s Gear product manager. “And in that time, we’ve made an impact with products like our Butterfly jigs, Bluewave lure bags, and award-winning Evair fishing boots.”

Bristol Bay Portable Live-Well Bag
Shimano expands the Bristol Bay series with a portable live-well aimed primarily at the booming interest in kayak fishing. “We made sure its size fits just about every popular brand of fishing kayaks on the market,” Sakai said, “plus we then loaded with the needed features that simply just make it a bit easier to fish out of a kayak.” (Editor’s Note - ICAST ‘07 New Product Showcase - Tackle Management Category winner)

The Bristol Bay portable live-well bag is constructed from water-resistant heavy-duty tarpaulin material, has a removable heat-sealed top lid, and its polypropylene solid inner case can hold up to 6.25 gallons of water. Keeping rods organized and ready are four integral rod holders, plus there’s a water-resistant front pocket to hold the bilge pump battery and switch.

Shimano also offers an optional live-well kit including a 360 gallons per hour bilge pump, sprayhead aerator, overflow drain and drain plug, hose, on/off switch, clamps and gaskets. The Bristol Bay live-well bag already has the holes designed into it for drainage.

Another option offered for the live-well bag is a rod holder kit with a set of four rocket-type plastic rod tubes.

Evair Marine/Fishing Sandals
Coming on the success of its award-winning Evair fishing boots, Shimano now offers new Evair marine/fishing sandals featuring a non-slip, non-marking rubber sole and constructed from ultra-light material. “They only weigh 6-ounces, and the one-piece molded EVA absorbs heel shock and reduces foot fatigue from standing and fishing all day,” said Sakai. “The rubber sole is a key benefit to keep from slipping on wet docks, and glass and aluminum boats, unlike other molded sandals on the market.”

The Ever sandals are available in 2-tone blue/gray or 2-tone green/black colors, both in sizes from 8 through 13.

Bluewave Surf Bag/Wade Tackle Belt
The smaller Bluewave surf bag is ideal for wade fishing for stripers and bluefish, It can handle the elements with its 1680 denier nylon material construction, and features adjustable vertical lure compartments to handle plenty of lure of a day in the surf.

The Bluewave Wade Tackle Belt is also constructed from 1680 denier nylon, and has a sliding zipper that moves around the belt. It includes a rod and pliers holder, and an industrial grade back support for all-day fishing comfort.

Butterfly Flat-Side Jig Bag
Shimano’s new Butterfly jig bag will handle up to 32 of the new flat-side jigs (up to 8” lengths). Anglers can easily see their jigs through a clear PVC window that also holds the jigs in position.
For more information on Shimano’s new Bristol Bay Portable Live-Well bag, Evair fishing sandals, Bluewave surf bag and wade tackle belt, and Butterfly flat-side jig bag, see your local dealer, visit Shimano’s web site at www.shimano.com - or call Shimano’s product support team at 877/577-0600 (6 am to 5 pm Pacific Standard Time).

MSRP: Bristol Bay portable live-well bag - $119.99; Live-Well Kit - $99.99; Rod Holder Kit - $29.99 -- Evair sandals - $ 39.99 -- Bluewave Surf Bag - $49.99; Bluewave Wade Tackle Belt - $89.99 -- Butterfly Flat-Side Jig Bag - $29.95