January 22, 2026
By Florida Sportsman
Gear updates featured in recent issues of Florida Sportsman magazine. Click to subscribe .
Rapala CD Magnum Elite Improve on a classic tuna-and-wahoo slayer? Rapala looks to be doing just that with the rollout of the new CD (CountDown) Magnum Elite series. Five-and 7-inch Elite’s feature super-durable Abachi wood body, premium hardware, 3X VMC hooks and a traditional metal lip. Models are available in running depths of 15-18 feet and 18-21 feet. Model CDMAGE145 weighs 1 7⁄16 ounce, with No. 1 trebles, and CDMAGE185 weighs 2 ¾ ounces, with No. 2/0 trebles. The Elite features slightly flatter sides than the standard CountDown, which helps it track better at high speeds, up to 10 knots, the manufacturer advises. Ten color patterns are available to cover basically every shade of mackerel, flyingfish and sardine that swims. MSRP $24.99 to $27.99. Visit www.rapala.com .
Mud Hole All-in-One Rodbuilding Kits Mud Hole Custom Tackle, the rod components-and-more company based in Orlando, FL, has introduced a series of “all-in-one” kits with everything needed to build a fishing rod. The kits are available in spinning, baitcasting, fly and ice models. The box comes with rod blank, grips, guides and all tools and supplies, plus step-by-step instruction book and links to free online advice (Mud Hole has huge files of expertly curated, novice-friendly rodbuilding instruction). MSRP is $199.95. For more, see www.mudhole.com
Fishbites Fight Club 5" Mullet Looks like a mullet, swims like a mullet, even smells like a mullet! A good size and profile for snook, tarpon, bull reds, and more, there’s now a 5-inch Mullet pattern bait in the scented Fishbites Fight Club series. Made in Florida, Fight Club Lures feature the company’s Hydrogel matrix, which renders baits like these extremely durable, flexible, and biodegradable. Each Fight Club bait is heavily infused with proven flavor/scent technology, releasing a trail of feeding stimulants. Three colors are currently offered in the 5-inch Mullet pattern: Slammer, Haymaker and White Knuckle. MSRP $7.49 for a 3-pack. www.fishbites.com
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Dometic CSX Cold Machine With adequate through-wall installation space, this device will convert any insulated compartment or fish box into an energy-efficient refrigerator/ freezer. The Dometic CSX Series refrigeration system combines a compressor, fan-cooled evaporator, and digital temperature control in one unit. Simply connect 12/24VDC power and enjoy a space-saving refrigerator or freezer without the complexity of remote couplings. Features include fan-assisted airflow, LED compartment lighting, and automatic defrost logic embedded in the electronics to prevent ice buildup on the evaporator. It uses Dometic’s low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant. Choose from refrigerator (CSX200 up to 200L, CSX400 up to 400L) or deep-freezer versions (CSX150FZ up to 150L freezing capacity). Dimensions are 10 by 14 by 9 inches, for the CSX models, and 16.5 by 16.15 by 16 inches, for the FZ freezer model. Cutout dimensions slightly smaller. MSRP starts at $999. For more, visit www.dometic.com.
