[ICAST 2025] Shimano’s Ultimate Swimbait Tackle System

Shimano USA has brought out a new tackle system to ICAST 2025 for big bait anglers, the new Ultimate Swimbait Tackle System. This consists of three components: the new Outlier Technical Swimbait Rods, the redesigned Tranx 300 B, and the new Gravitator 220SS slow slink glide bait. All these combined form an integrated swimbait system built for anglers who are looking for that one trophy bass.

ICAST Coverage on OutdoorHub

The Shimano Outlier Technical Swim Bait Rods are a new line of rods built to push the boundaries of rod design and utility. Engineered specifically for casting big baits, the rods feature Spiral X and Hi-Power X blank tech for added sensitivity and strength in the blank while coming equipped with durable Fuji K-Frame guides and a CI4+ reel seat.

Shimano Outlier Technical Swimbait Rods Key Features

• Spiral X
• Hi-Power X
• CI4+ Reel Seat
• Fuji SiC Guides
• Custom Spiral Handle – EVA + Shrink Tube construction
• Custom Neoprene Rod Sock
• Rod Type – Casting Rod
• Grip – Custom Spiral Split Grip with EVA & Cork
• Power – MH(7’4″), MH+(7’9″), H+(7’10”), H(7’11”), XH(8’0″), XXH(8’0″)
• Action – F(7’4″), MF(7’9″), M(7’10”), F(7’11”), M(8’0″), MF(8’0″)
• Length – 7’4″, 7’9″, 7’10”, 7’11”, 8’0″, 8’0″
• Pieces – 1Piece (7’4″), Two Piece (7’9″, 7’10”, 7’11”, 8’0″, 8’0″)
• Line Weight – 1/2-2oz (7’4″), 1-4oz (7’9″), 3-6oz (7’10”), 1-5oz (7’11”), 4-9oz (8’0″), 6-14oz (8’0″)
• Lure Weight – (7’4″), (7’9″), (7’10”), (7’11”), (8’0″), (8’0″)
• MSRP – $349.99
• Availability – Available Now

Matching up perfectly with the Outlier rods is the newly redesigned Tranx 300 B baitcaster, made for exceptional cranking power and durability. This reel is built to last the strains of chucking huge baits all day and catching big fish on them. The CoreSolid HAGENE alloy body gives the reel a seamless, flex-free base that keeps everything aligned perfectly, so no energy is wasted or lost as you reel. For fighting big fish, the reel comes with a Cross Carbon Drag that puts out 22lbs of drag force to help keep that trophy fish out of structure.

Shimano Tranx 300 B Baitcast Reel Key Features

• SVS Infinity MD Tune
• CoreSolid Body
• HAGANE Body
• X-Ship
• Cross Carbon Drag
• Bearings – 5+1
• Gear Ratio – 5.8:1
• Line Retrieve Per Crank – 31″
• Weight – 11.8 oz
• Mono Line Capacity – 12lb / 230yd, 14lb / 180yd, 17lb / 150yd
• Braid Line Capacity – 40lb / 215yd, 50lb / 180yd, 65lb / 135yd
• Max Drag – 22 lbs
• MSRP – $299.99
• Availability – Available Now

To complete the system is the Gravitator 220SS slow sink glide bait. This jumbo-sized bait comes with Shimano’s ARMABOOST tech for enhanced casting distance, a key for getting big baits out further. Additionally, the Action Modifying Insert is available to let anglers adjust lure behavior to better match the activity level of the fish for that day. These baits are available in six color options, with select models featuring Shimano’s FLASH BOOST technology for enhanced light reflection or SCALE BOOST for a realistic baitfish appearance. 

Shimano Gravitator 220Ss Swimbait Key Features

• ARMABOOST
• SCALE BOOST
• FLASH BOOST
• Action Modifying Insert
• Ships with spare tail
• Material – Hard Plastic
• Lure Weight – 3 3/8oz – 95g
• Lure Length – 220mm – 8 2/3in
• Swimming Depth – Slow Sinking
• Available Colors – G Shad, Royal Gizzard, Sexy Shad, Ghost Shad, N Golden Shiner, OB Bone
• MSRP – $49.99
• Availability – Available Now

Special thanks to the Shimano USA staff here at ICAST 2025, and stick around for more ICAST coverage of all things new in fishing on OutdoorHub.

Eugene L.

Writer for AllOutdoor.com and OutdoorHub.com Lifelong angler that will fish for anything that swim, firearms enthusiast, and hunter. Instagram – mrfish49