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Gaël Even is featured on the cover of catalog 2026. This 164-page retail book is available online to all anglers. In his editorial, Thomas Vogels, product manager and brand owner, sets the tone: the range has been extended, while reinforcing Illex's position in the high-end segment of the European predator fishing market. The new products are indeed numerous.
Pepper and The Artist
As always, we start with the rods, with a new Pepper at 750 euros: the Finesse Renegade, which comes close to the Finesse Puppeteer, but measures 2.30 m against 2.15 m for its little sister, with a slightly lower power range (2.5 g - 12 g), but a fast action and two almost equal sections for a limited footprint (118 cm). And the same casting qualities!
This model will arrive on the market in March 2026, as will the new The Artist: seven models reinforce the range, including a casting rod for big bait, the Notorious Pike, 2m50 which can cast lures of up to 150 g without fatigue.
New lures
It's the lures that are the real treat. The Magnum Deraball, an XL version of the Deraball, is 20% heavier and more voluminous. Another soft swimbait makes its appearance, the Vividus from Japan's Jackall, with tungsten inserts for a well-balanced sliding action. A 51 g mouthful at less than 20 euros.
The return of the Gantarel
A real star is back: the Gantarel, which had disappeared from the catalog, is back with its three articulated parts. This slow-sinking swimbait, originally designed for black bass, works wonders on our pike thanks to its swaying action. The price is high: 50 euros, but it's very durable. Five colors are available, including the surprising Demon Poison and UV Secret Mat Black Gill. We're also looking forward to trying the Slick Bait, which can be hooked from the side for erratic swimming along the edges.
There are many new colors and sizes of the classics (Rerange, Squirrel, Tiny Fry, Tricoroll, Chubby, Runner Blade...) that it would take too long to detail. But we're curious about the Tsukumo 66, a lipless crankbait with an inverted bib on the back!
Less, but better
The Crusher spinnerbait, on the other hand, is limited to a single model, now in 34 g lead-free. The blade jig is now called Blade Baster and comes in two sizes, compared with four for the former 2025 model (Crazy Crusher). We'll be pairing it with the Ribbing Bunny trailer, which will convince even the most superstitious with its big rabbit ears!
Finally, a word about the luggage and clothing lines, which make the Illex brand a little more your own, there are some real fans out there. The products are of high quality and at very reasonable prices.
