2016 Product of the Year Awards by Chuck

2016 was full of gear tests around here. It seemed every trip I was testing at least one new piece of gear. I personally tested 11 different rods, 3 different brands of braid, and 5 different reels. By far the most gear I've ever tested in one year. All that gear makes it difficult to write this article. However, I had to make the tough choices and get this done. So here are the products that barely squeaked by the competition to rise to the top.
I'm going to start off with the most dominant winner of the year.
Reel of the Year - Okuma Makaira MK-8ll
[caption id="attachment_1457" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Okuma Makaira MK-8ll[/caption]
Just like it did my last Product of the Year Awards the big Mak crushes their competition with it's brutal power and magnificent tank like build quality. The best reels I've ever used of any kind, for any kind of fishing. A clearly superior product in every way.

Rod of the Year - MudbuM Railsplitter
[caption id="attachment_1424" align="aligncenter" width="960"] MudbuM Railsplitter[/caption]
The Railsplitter made it's rise to the top with it's world class quality blank and components. A custom quality rod for half the price. After 20 years of testing catfish rods, the Railsplitter is at the top of the list when we are talking rods specifically built for catfishing. The only thing it gives up to the winner from my last winner, the Okuma EVx Musky is a little bit of power and control over fish. This could be easily remedied with a slightly heavier blank. Something that just may be on the way from the MudbuM boys. Some of the competition made a fine showing, and could very well have made this list if not tested against the Railsplitter.


Lines of the Year
No clear winner this year in the line category. I tested 3 that all performed perfectly without any issues. None of them matched the overall performance of my preferred Cortland Master Braid which has unfortunately been discontinued. So, I'm going to call it a tie. I fully expect to have a new favorite line for 2017, as I have my eye on one especially promising line.
Diamond Braid
[caption id="attachment_1416" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Diamond Braid[/caption]
I like the orange color here on the Diamond Braid. But like all braids except the Cortland that I've used, there was minor fading and bleeding. Other than that issue, no problems at all. A more than solid choice.

Nano X Braid and USA Braid
[caption id="attachment_1467" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Nano X Braid                                                                USA Braid[/caption]
Seen together here, the Nano X on the left and USA Braid on the right. Just as with the Diamond Braid above, the only issues here were some slight fading and bleeding. It wasn't nearly as severe as other braids I've seen, but not as good as the Cortland in retaining their color. The Diamond above has a smoother feel than either of these lines. Both solid and dependable lines.

Hook of the Year - Owner K Hooks
[caption id="attachment_929" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Owner K[/caption]
Despite some tough competition, the Owner K still rises to the top again. A clearly superior hook in every way.

Budget Product of the Year - Warrior Cat Rods Medium Heavy 
[caption id="attachment_1468" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Warrior Cat MH[/caption]
World Class customer service, stunning performance, extremely high value for the money are just a few things going for Warrior Cat Rods. The MH rods are top shelf in every way. All of this helps Warrior Cat Rods to rise to the top of this category. Two of our contributors are now using these rods almost exclusively, and for good reason.

Congrats to all the winners!
2017 should see some serious competition as several products that are soon to be released will be battling it out for the best of the year award. Stay tuned, it should be an interesting year.
Chuck.