In the latest fishing industry news:

Chad Grigsby of Minnesota, a FLW Tour veteran and two-time winner on the circuit, has joined the All-Terrain Tackle pro staff.

The Minnesota-based company was recently purchased by Clam Corp. and produces high-quality bass jigs and jig heads. All-Terrain has grown from a regional firm to being well-known throughout the bass world.

“I’ve used their jigs for years and it’s all good stuff,” Grigsby said.

“Chad is just one of those pros where you know he's doing the work to help the brand and you never need to question it,” said All-Terrain pro staff director Matt Johnson. “He obviously knows how to catch them, but he also understands the promotional side of things very well. We’re proud to have him representing the All-Terrain Tackle brand and adding another Minnesota angler helping another Minnesota brand.”

Z-Man Expands Apparel Lineup

Z-Man’s growth in the fishing industry has generated a growing contingent of followers eager to fly the Z-Man colors.

“Our dealers and customers continually ask us when we’ll finally unveil a series of elite Z-Man apparel,” admits Z-Man president Daniel Nussbaum. “Happy to say, the answer is: right now.”

The new Z-Man Technical Apparel Program includes an array of t-shirts and hats, among other things, designed to be eye-appealing, comfortable and easy recognition of the brand.

“Z-Man culture is real,” says FLW Tour pro Brian Latimer. “From fans of their essential Ned rig baits and ChatterBait bladed jigs to anglers who’ve made the switch to ElaZtech, there’s an undeniable buzz around what Z-Man is doing right now, not to mention all the anticipation for what they’ll come up with next."

Shimano Stradic FL Reels Now Shipping

Even smoother rotation, added durability and enhanced casting distance are all part of the continuous evolution in spinning reel technology Shimano brings to its newly-designed Stradic FL reels now showing up in U.S. and Canada tackle shops.

Offered in five sizes to cover all types of freshwater action including bass, walleye, panfish, and more than capable for inshore saltwater use — and honored with the ICAST 2019 "Best Saltwater Reel" award — for redfish, sea trout, striper, bluefish and smaller tarpon and tuna, the reels include the Stradic FL 1000HG, 2500HG, C3000XG, 4000XG and C5000XG.

Within the Stradic FL reels, anglers will discover Shimano’s MicroModule II gear system, where the gear teeth are designed to the ideal shape to reduce vibration, a cold-forged Hagane gear, and a Long Stroke Spool, helping anglers' baits cover more water when needed.

Plus, with sizes perfect for flats and inshore coastal waters, there is no anti-reverse switch where saltwater intrusion can cause all kinds of problems. The Stradic C3000, 4000 and C5000 use a more durable cross carbon drag, while the 1000 and 2500 have a felt drag for better smoothness with lighter line.

Perfect for light action and light line use, the 6.0:1 gear ratio Stradic (ST) 1000HGFL brings in 30-inches of line per crank. It holds from 75 yards of 15-pound test standard PowerPro braid, to 160 yards of four-pound monofilament or fluorocarbon. The ST-2500HGFL has a 6.0:1 gear ratio retrieving in 35-inches of line per crank and can hold 145 yards of 15-pound PowerPro, or 120 yards of 10-pound mono/fluoro.

With the same body size as the 2500 but with larger line capacity - making it ideal for deeper freshwater situations and inshore saltwater use, the ST-C3000XGFL holds 140 yards of 20-pound PowerPro, or 170 yards of eight-pound mono/fluoro. It will bring in 37-inches of line per rotation with its 6.4:1 gear ratio.

Both retrieving 40-inches per crank with 6.2:1 gear ratio, the ST-4000XGFL will hold 180 yards of 30-pound PowerPro or 200 yards of 10-pound test mono/fluoro - while the large spool capacity/4000 size body ST-C5000XGFL can take 235 yards of 30-pound PowerPro, or 195 yards of 12-pound test mono/fluoro.

For more information on the new Stradic FL spinning reels, see your local tackle dealer watch this video or visit the Shimano web site.

Brunswick Boat Group Opens Technology Center in Florida

Brunswick Boat Group, a division of Brunswick Corporation, has officially opened its new, 45,000 square foot technology center in Edgewater, Florida.

The opening is the culmination of a strategy that was announced in late January, designed to bring engineering and design functions together to create a world-class center for product and technology development, and design excellence. Joining the Brunswick team and many distinguished leaders in the community were Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz.

“We are changing the future of boating by bringing together the best engineering and design talent in a state-of-the-art facility to collaborate on advancing marine products and technology and integrating that technology to differentiate Brunswick boats,” said Huw Bower, Brunswick Boat Group president. “The Brunswick Boat Group Technology Center is another substantial step in executing our vision to define, create and embody the future of recreational boating.”

The Technology Center will initially employ more than 160 people with a mission to engineer and launch innovative, industry-leading products for two of the most iconic brands in the marine industry — Boston Whaler and Sea Ray. It will also provide support to the entire Brunswick Boat Group portfolio. The Technology Center, which is located on the campus of Boston Whaler’s global headquarters, will create jobs in the local community and provide Brunswick the opportunity to attract top talent from around the world.