COLUMBIA, S.C. (September 14, 2020) — Anglers looking for a way to take their fishing to the next level have been spending this season putting the Abu Garcia Virtual rods to the test. These innovative rods have given anglers the ability to plan, record and improve their fishing success by gathering real-time fishing data like waypoints and catch records with the push of button, linking the rods to the ANGLR^™ app via Bluetooth-enabled cell phones. Now, Abu Garcia is making it even easier for anglers to pair their cutting-edge rod technology with custom-matched reels through the new Virtual combos.

The new Virtual combos are designed for all-around performance regardless of species being targeted or whether anglers are fishing from a boat, a personal watercraft or the bank. The combos feature baitcast reels with eight bearings, a 6.4:1 gear ratio and 18 pounds of max drag. The spinning reels on the Virtual combos are equipped with six bearings, a 5.1:1 gear ratio and 14 pounds of max drag.

The Virtual series of rods is the first to integrate this type of technology and has been created in concert with ANGLR, an innovation company that offers a free fishing intelligence app that helps anglers plan, record and improve their fishing. The Virtual rods allow the angler to simply press a button 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 with the stored catch information.

Building on this powerful functionality, the ANGLR app can simultaneously and seamlessly transfer waypoints bi-directionally onto compatible Lowrance^®multifunction displays. The NMEA-based sync also allows data sharing from Lowrance sensors back to the app, providing greater precision by importing precise depth, water temperature, real-time GPS routes and other data to be added to the user’s logbook. This information, coupled with the durability and performance of Abu Garcia rod technology, will provide anglers a complete package as they look to maximize their time on the water.

Abu Garcia is known for delivering gear that gives anglers what they need to “fish to win,”  and that reputation takes on an additional dimension with the Virtual combos. When connected to friends via the ANGLR app, anglers can compete for bragging rights even when they aren’t fishing together, setting the stage for “virtual” tournaments whenever it’s time to go fishing.

The Virtual rod connects to the free ANGLR app on iPhone and Android devices. It also enables the phone’s camera to add a photo. All recorded fishing data is 100 percent private by default. The rod does not require charging and delivers a 2-year battery life. It works regardless of cell service for off-the-grid fishing and is ideal for small-water and small-vessel anglers who typically have not had access to electronics while fishing. Paired together, the ANGLR app and Virtual rods allow anglers of all experience levels the ability to capture and review their trips so they can strategize how they can fish to win even bigger on their next trip.

The Abu Garcia Virtual combo lineup includes two different baitcast combos, each available in either right- or left-handed configuration, as well as two different spinning combos, each available in either a 1- or 2-piece rod configuration. Virtual baitcast combos have an MSRP of $179.95; spinning combos have an MSRP of $159.95. For more information on the Virtual rod and Virtual combos, visit http://bit.ly/AbuGarciaVirtual.

Abu Garcia Virtual Combos: Specifications

Baitcast Combos

Rod Length: 7 feet
Rod Power: Medium Heavy
Reel Bearings: 8
Gear Ratio: 6.4:1
Max Drag: 18 pounds
MSRP: $179.95

Rod Length: 7 feet, 3 inches
Rod Power: Heavy
Reel Bearings: 8
Gear Ratio: 6.4:1
Max Drag: 18 pounds
MSRP: $179.95

Virtual Baitcast Combo Key Features:
• Both Virtual baitcast combos are available in either left- or right-handed configurations
• 7 ball bearings + 1 roller bearing
• Machined aluminum spool
• Power Disk^™ drag system
• One-piece graphite frame
• Graphite sideplate
• 1-piece rod
• Integrates with the ANGLR app via Bluetooth-enabled cell phones

Spinning Combos

Rod Length: 6 feet, 6 inches
Rod Power: Medium
Reel Bearings: 6
Gear Ratio: 5.1:1
Max Drag: 14 pounds
MSRP: $159.95

Rod Length: 7 feet
Rod Power: Medium
Reel Bearings: 6
Gear Ratio: 5.1:1
Max Drag: 14 pounds
MSRP: $159.95

Virtual Spinning Combo Key Features:
• Both Virtual spinning combos are available with either a 1- or 2-piece rod
• 5 ball bearings +1 roller bearing for smooth operation
• Lightweight graphite body and rotor
• Machined aluminum spool for strength without extra weight
• Everlast^™ bail system for improved durability
• Slow Oscillation for even line lay with all types of line
• Rocket Line Management^™ system for better control of all types of line
• Rocket Spool Lip Design^™ for increased control of line coming off of spool
• Integrates with the ANGLR app via Bluetooth-enabled cell phones
• Each Virtual spinning combo comes in either a 1- or 2-piece rod configuration