What is it?
Abu Garcia Virtual Rod
What sets it apart?
Joining its manufacturing prowess with connected rod technology, Abu Garcia introduces its new line of Virtual rods with Bluetooth technology that fully integrates with the free ANGLR smartphone app (on iPhone and Android). Designed in collaboration with ANGLR, which offers a free fishing intelligence app that helps anglers plan, record and improve their fishing, Abu Garcia Virtual rods allow anglers to record catches and mark waypoints in their personal and private logbook.
How do I use it?
Available in 10 models from 6-foot, 6-inch medium/fast spinning to 7-6 heavy/fast casting. Each is made with 30-ton graphite for a lightweight balanced design, IntraCarbon technology (improves durability without adding weight) and stainless steel guides with zirconium inserts. Press a button integrated into the rod butt to record catches, double-click to drop editable waypoints at their exact location and press and hold the button to indicate a change in tackle. The action to record a catch also compiles location, weather and water data; while enabling the phone’s camera to add a photo.
Expected to be available in spring of 2020.
How much?
$129.95
More Information:
Angler’s insight:
Let’s be honest, memory’s great when it works, but how often do we max out the mental memory card and end up omitting or forgetting key details? (Guilty.) Pen and paper works, as does a cellphone note, voice recording or email to yourself. But capturing catch details without putting the rod down? Very cool. I like that all recorded fishing data is 100% private by default. Also cool, a Virtual rod does not require charging, it delivers a 2-year battery life and functions regardless of cell service. So, if you get on ‘em while sneaking around off the grid, you can still log your data.
