GOOD GEAR
- katherine831
- Apr 28
- 9 min read
Shimano Grappler Rods: Ultimate Saltwater Power & Precision
The latest Shimano Grappler rods (TYPE J, TYPE J SLOW, and TYPE C) cover all aspects of modern saltwater sport fishing—from traditional knife jigging and slow-pitch jigging to long-distance casting with poppers, stickbaits, and swimbaits for high-speed pelagic predators and powerful reef dwellers.
SPIRAL X, POWER X, and HIGH POWER X blank technologies, combined with ergonomic grips and cutting-edge guide trains, fittings, and hardware, deliver the next evolution in jig control, casting, and brute fish-fighting strength. Designed to minimise fatigue while maximising performance, these rods put serious power in your hands.
With 14 TYPE J and six TYPE J SLOW models, the Grappler range covers everything from inshore action to full-scale bluewater battles. Meanwhile, TYPE C rods are built for long, accurate casts with minimal tip bounce and maximum recovery speed. Whatever the challenge, there’s a Shimano Grappler rod ready to exceed expectations.
Shimano’s New Stella SW: Ready to Conquer Aussie Waters!
The most anticipated saltwater spinning reel is about to hit Australian shores. Shimano’s new Stella SW is purpose-built to "Conquer the Impossible"; designed to battle the largest and most powerful ocean species under the harshest marine conditions imaginable.
Stella SW has been a revered name in saltwater fishing for over 30 years. Yet Shimano continues to innovate and elevate, pushing boundaries in precision engineering and cutting-edge technology. The latest Stella SW is genuinely in a class of its own, delivering unparalleled performance, power, and durability. It stands unmatched among modern, advanced saltwater spinning reels.
Key innovations include the highly efficient, heat-dissipating XX-TOUGH drag system, exerting force from both sides of the spool, providing consistent drag performance even under immense pressure. With INFINITYXROSS gearing for maximum gear durability, INFINITYLOOP line laying for superb casting, and the unique ANTI-TWIST FIN, the new Stella SW offers incredibly smooth operation and effortless casting, backed by fierce cranking power to tackle the ocean’s strongest fighters.
Featuring an enlarged drag knob for easy, precise adjustments during the most challenging bluewater encounters and superior saltwater resistance thanks to improved X-PROTECT and X-SHIELD sealing, the Stella SW is built to perform flawlessly trip after trip, year after year.
More than just a reel, the Stella SW is a commitment to excellence and an investment in adventure, ensuring a lifetime of memorable fishing experiences. The unmatched craftsmanship and advanced technology make it the ultimate choice for passionate anglers who demand the very best.
Available soon in three models: the powerful 10000PG (4.8:1 gear ratio), versatile 10000HG (5.6:1), and the ultra-fast 14000XG (6.2:1). Whichever model you choose, the new Stella SW promises to elevate your saltwater fishing adventures to extraordinary heights.
Shimano Sky Tech Camo Sun Gloves: Ultimate Protection and Comfort
The Shimano Sky Tech Camo Sun Gloves are designed for all types of fishing, including casting, jigging and handlining. These comfortable and stylish fingerless gloves feature non-corrosive integrated press studs, allowing them to be clipped to a belt, a bag or stored together between uses. With a UPF 50+ rating, they provide excellent sun protection. An additional soft layer of palm reinforcement protects key contact points, ensuring optimum comfort during long hours of casting. Available in M, L and XL sizes, the Shimano Sky Tech Camo Sun Gloves are the perfect companion for any fishing adventure.
Shimano Ultegra FD – The Ultimate Evolution of Spinning Reels!
Shimano’s new Ultegra FD range of six surprisingly affordable models defines the Ultimate Evolution of mid-priced spinning reels. Packed with Shimano’s benchmark proprietary features—including INFINITYXCROSS, INFINITYDRIVE, and the remarkable ANTITWISTFIN from the premium Stella range—these reels deliver precision, power and performance rivalling far more expensive models.
From the ultra-light ULT1000D (just 180g) to the powerhouse ULTC5000XGD with its 6.2:1 gear ratio retrieving over a metre of line per turn, there’s an Ultegra FD for every fresh and saltwater pursuit. Whether targeting trout, bream, flathead, mulloway, Murray cod, barramundi or mid-range pelagics, these reels excel.
Smooth cranking power makes them ideal for hard-bodied lures, soft plastics and live bait.
Shimano Twinpower XD FB – Power & Sensitivity Combined!
Shimano’s new Twinpower XD FB spin reels deliver lightweight precision and power. The low-inertia MGL rotors, constructed from carbon fibre-reinforced CI4+ resin, provide exceptional responsiveness. A HAGANE body, combined with INFINITYXCROSS and INFINITYDRIVE gear systems, ensures silky-smooth operation, increased cranking power, and unmatched durability. X PROTECT sealing keeps salt, water and grit at bay.
DURACROSS drag washers offer ultra-smooth performance, with 11kg max drag on the 4000 and 5000 models and 9kg on the 3000 size. INFINITYLOOP and ANTITWISTFIN technology ensure effortless, tangle-free casting. The G FREE body reduces fatigue for extended sessions.
Perfect for saltwater and freshwater battles, Twinpower XD FB reels deliver premium quality and performance.
Killalure Tropic Lolly: Flexible, Durable & Irresistible To Aussie Predators
The new Killalure Tropic Lolly lure showcases cutting-edge hooks and hardware, designed for optimal performance in Australian waters. Crafted from TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), this lure offers unparalleled flexibility, lifelike movement, and exceptional durability, all while being environmentally friendly. Its unique composition allows it to bend, stretch and move naturally in the water, effectively mimicking live bait and enticing predatory fish in a wide range of conditions. Built tough, it stands up to aggressive strikes with impressive resilience.
Perfect for targeting popular species such as barramundi and trevally, the Tropic Lolly is available in eight scientifically proven, fish-attracting colours.
Discover the Ultimate Outdoor Gear in the 2024-2025 Flambeau Catalogue
The 2024-2025 Flambeau Catalogue, available at JM Gillies, is an essential resource for fishing and outdoor enthusiasts. This latest edition showcases Flambeau's innovative range of tackle storage solutions, premium fishing gear, and durable outdoor equipment. Each product is detailed with specifications, high-quality images, and practical applications to enhance your outdoor experience. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a weekend adventurer, this catalogue helps you stay organised and equipped with the newest technologies and designs. Easy to navigate and comprehensive, it ensures you won't miss out on Flambeau’s latest offerings. Access the full collection online and gear up for your next adventure.
Unleash the Ultimate Bite with the Rebel LiveFlex Series
Introducing the Rebel LiveFlex Series—soft plastic lures designed to transform your fishing game. Infused with irresistible scents, these lures compel more strikes, becoming an essential tool for every angler. Crafted for durability and flexibility, they fool even the most cautious fish with lifelike shapes and colours that perfectly imitate natural prey. Pre-rigged with the innovative KEG head jig, they deliver realistic action that fish can't resist. Perfectly suited to Ned rigging, bouncing through the current, bottom dragging, swimming, drop-shotting, Texas rigging, split-shot rigging, or weightless twitching, these versatile lures excel in any scenario. Ideal for both freshwater and saltwater species, Rebel LiveFlex offers the adaptability and reliability you need for consistent success.
Simrad NSX ULTRAWIDE – The Ultimate Marine Display
The Simrad NSX ULTRAWIDE redefines marine navigation, combining the advantages of dual screens into a single, sleek, ultra-wide display. Available in 12-inch and 15-inch SolarMAX IPS screens, it is a versatile chartplotter and fishfinder, suitable for a variety of boats, including pontoons, surf and wake boats, cruisers, smaller centre consoles and RIBs. Its networking capabilities also make it ideal for light fishing, cruising and wakeboarding.
Key Features:
🔹 Immersive Ultrawide Display – Provides the same active area as two smaller screens, ensuring uninterrupted, bezel-free split-screen viewing with more data and control options.
🔹 Customisable Interface – Drag-and-drop functionality allows for easy screen reorganisation. The intuitive activities bar and configurable instruments panel offer quick access to key apps.
🔹 Advanced C-MAP Charting – Preloaded DISCOVER X charts deliver high resolution and detailed navigation. Upgrade to REVEAL™ X for satellite imagery and 3D bathymetry, ideal for anglers and divers.
🔹 C-MAP Safety Alerts and X-Chart Manager – Automated hazard warnings and quick chart updates with custom area downloads.
🔹 Seamless Integration – Supports 1kW transducers, FishReveal™, Active Imaging®, and third-party systems like CZone digital switching, RGBW lighting, and audio control.
🔹 Superior Engine Control – Best-in-class integration with Mercury® via SmartCraft Connect and compatibility with Honda, Suzuki, and more.
🔹 Enhanced Autorouting and Night Mode – Three times faster autorouting and an optimised night mode for safe low-light navigation.
🔹 Simrad Companion App – Plan, update, and manage waypoints via mobile.
Designed for flush-mount installation for a premium look, with bracket mounts available separately.
Reel in Success with the Lowrance Fishing App
The Lowrance App is a comprehensive mobile app designed to elevate your fishing adventures, integrating effortlessly with Lowrance fishfinders and chartplotters. Available free on the Apple App Store and Google Play, it’s packed with tools to help anglers plan and execute successful fishing trips.
Key Features:
Detailed Nautical Charts: Access current C-MAP® charts with high-res bathymetry and custom depth shading, pinpointing prime fishing spots.
Waypoint Management: Easily create, edit, and share waypoints, routes, and tracks. Sync seamlessly with Lowrance devices, ensuring your mobile app matches onboard electronics.
Offline Access: Download charts for offline use, ensuring navigation and data access even without mobile coverage.
Weather Insights: Get marine weather forecasts including sea conditions, tides, temperature, and rain. Premium users receive 5-day forecasts and route-specific weather overlays.
Autorouting: Automatically generate optimal routes to waypoints, improving planning efficiency and safety.
Points of Interest: Locate ramps, beaches, marinas, and shops, simplifying comprehensive trip planning.
Device Integration: Register and link your Lowrance gear to access manuals, guides, and how-to videos. Mirror and remotely control your fishfinder via your mobile.
Automatic Identification System (AIS) Integration: Premium subscribers can view nearby Class A and B AIS boats within 100 km, checking their position, speed, and course privately.
Personalised Notifications and Sharing: Get custom push notifications and share tracks with mates across platforms, boosting community engagement and coordination.
The Lowrance App, with free and premium options, offers essential resources to plan, execute and review your fishing trips efficiently.
Bigger, Tougher, Deadlier – Reidy’s New Akame Guppy Sizes
Reidy’s Lures has expanded its big-fish Akame Guppy range with two new sizes—200mm and 250mm—joining the original 150mm. Designed for big barramundi, cod and other sportfish, these lures excel in live sonar imaging, trolling and casting. The 200mm and 250mm models come unrigged for versatile weedless or exposed hook setups. Built from ultra-durable stretch material, they feature a Kevlar-reinforced segmented tail, delivering maximum flexibility and a strong swimming action on retrieval.
The larger Akame Guppy range is available in 150, 200 and 250mm sizes.
The Judge Range Gets a New Lightweight Contender
Reidy’s Lures has added a new 85mm size (excluding bib) to its popular Judge range, delivering big action in a compact form. Known for its fast, aggressive tail beat, body roll and internal rattles, the Judge can be trolled at speeds up to 8 knots or used with a cast-and-retrieve method. The 85mm model features two extra-strong trebles and heavy-duty split rings. With a tough ABS plastic body and bib, it dives to 3m, making it perfect for estuaries, creeks and billabongs.
MAUI JIM
Kāpi‘i by Maui Jim – Timeless Design, Vibrant Clarity, Ultimate Adventure
Kāpi‘i is a timeless square-shaped design perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Crafted with SuperThin Glass, these sunnies let you enjoy nature’s beauty in crisp, vibrant detail. Frame features include exclusive PolarizedPlus2 lens technology, script logo on lenses and temples, signature slash on nose pads and temple tips, and a signature wavy pattern on the temple tips.
RRP $389.00
Lele Kawa by Maui Jim – Built Tough in Carbon Fibre, Engineered for Effortless Comfort.
Lele Kawa polarised sunnies are built to stand the test of time. This frame debuts Maui Jim’s latest material—carbon fibre—which is ideal for sunglasses due to its durability, lightweight feel, and hypoallergenic properties. The nose pad area is also made from carbon fibre, while the temple tips are adjustable for comfort and coated in rubber to ensure a secure fit.
RRP: $369
Lewalani by Maui Jim – Unleash Your Adventure in Titanium Brilliance.
Make your own path with the classic square Lewalani sunnies, adding a touch of style to your adventures. Designed with MauiBrilliant lenses, they enhance every view along your journey. Frame features include exclusive PolarizedPlus2 lens technology, a signature native pattern engraved on the titanium frame front rim and rubber temple tips, and signature slash details at the hinge, temple tips, and on the dual-finish titanium nose pads.
RRP:$529
Carlton Dry 3.5% Claims Top Spot as Australia’s Best-Selling New Beer
Carlton Dry celebrates a major milestone as its latest beer, Carlton Dry 3.5%, becomes Australia’s #1 selling new beer*. Launched last year, the brew has quickly won over beer lovers who appreciate its refreshingly crisp taste with lower alcohol.
Introduced in a 30‑block can format in March and followed by 24‑pack stubbies in September, Carlton Dry 3.5% offers a slightly fruity character, soft bitterness, and a light palate that finishes dry. “We’re thrilled to see how quickly Australians have embraced Carlton Dry 3.5%. This success highlights the growing demand for beer that fits a variety of occasions. We knew we had something special with this beer, and seeing it become the #1 selling new beer in the country is incredibly rewarding,” said Ben Eyles, Head of Beer at Carlton & United Breweries.
With 40% fewer carbs than Carlton Mid and fewer than 100 calories per serve, Carlton Dry 3.5% meets the evolving needs of consumers moderating their alcohol intake. As Australians increasingly adopt a balanced lifestyle, mid‑strength beers are becoming ever more popular.
“At Asahi Beverages, we’re committed to expanding our range of no, low, and mid‑strength options,” Eyles added.
*Source: Circana, Australia Liquor Unweighted, Volume Sales, YTD 27/10/2024 and Endeavour Group.
