CERRITOS, Calif., April 3, 2007 – With oversized bass and huge amounts of money literally on the line, the top B.A.S.S. pros need to know they can count on the tackle they're using to perform under pressure. As 2003 Bassmaster Classic champ and 2006 Angler of the Year Mike Iaconelli puts it, "These are the tools of our trade – we depend on these products to get the job done, day in and day out, under all types of conditions." Besides winning major bass fishing titles, Iaconelli, as well as other top fishing pros have something else in common – they all use Daiwa tackle. But which specific Daiwa products are "Ike" and other Team Daiwa pros using, and what features do they like most about this state-of-the-gear? We caught up with some of these renowned anglers, and here's what they had to say about the reels and rods they rely on the most in tournament competition.

Michael Iaconelli, Bassmaster Classic Champion (2003), BASS Angler of the Year (2006).

Career Earnings: $1.2 million

"I can't say enough about Daiwa's new Steez Bass Tackle. It's truly the best gear I've ever used. I'm out there fishing 12 to 14 hours a day, and I experience no fatigue whatsoever. My Steez outfit is so light and so smooth, it seemingly disappears in my hands when I'm out on the water. I like to match my Steez 103HA baitcaster up with a Steez 7' 1" STZ711HFBA Trigger Rod for jigging, Texas-rig worming and other ‘power fishing' applications. For finesse fishing situations like drop-shotting with light fluorocarbon, there's nothing better than a Steez 2500 Spinning Reel paired with a Steez STZ681MLFSA rod. In addition to Daiwa's Steez tackle, I'm also a big fan of their new TD Zillion baitcaster. The 7.1:1 retrieve lets me rip fast-cranking lures back to boat quickly and cover a tremendous amount of water."

Denny Brauer, Bassmaster Classic Champion (1998), FLW Angler of the Year (1998).

Career Earnings: $2.2 million

"My favorite Daiwa baitcasters are the Team Daiwa-X Series models. These low-profile reels fit perfectly in my hand, they've got plenty of line capacity, and they're super smooth and durable. They can also accommodate braided lines without any problems. I'm using Daiwa's TD-X100HSDF reels matched with Team Daiwa-S rods for all my flipping, pitching and spinnerbait fishing needs. The TD-S rods are amazingly strong and the actions are perfect for these applications. My ‘go-to' rods within this series are the TD-S76THB for flipping & pitching, the TD-S701MRB for working spinnnerbaits and crankbaits, and the TD-S701MHFB for worming and jigging."

Ish Monroe, Three-time Bassmasters Classic qualifier, BASS Elite Series Winner (Lake Amistad, 2006)

Career Earnings: $574,000

"I agree with Ike, there's nothing else out there that compares to Daiwa's new Steez reels and rods. The first thing you notice when you pick up a Steez outfit, is the weight – or lack thereof. These rods and reels are feather light. But equally impressive is the smoothness of the reels and the combination of strength and sensitivity in the Steez SVF graphite rods. I use a Steez 103HA baitcaster and 7' 1" Steez STZ711HFBA rod to work jigs, worms and big tube baits around underwater structure. If I'm on a clear-water lake or the fish are being finicky, I'll switch over to my Steez spinning reel, 6' 8" Steez STZ681MLFSA spinning rod and lighter fluorocarbon line for finesse presentations."

Jay Yelas, Bassmaster Classic Champion (2002), FLW Angler of the Year (2002)

Career Earnings: $1.4 million

"I'm currently using Daiwa's TD-X 103 Baitcasters on the tournament trail. These are great all-round reels for everything from power fishing to casting lighter jigs and plastics. I also like the low-profile Team Daiwa Fuego, for the same reasons. Daiwa's TD Viento Baitcaster is another one of my favorites. I think the "Twitchin' Bar" on this reel is the best innovation in a baitcasting reel since Magforce drag. As far as spinning gear goes, I really like the Team Daiwa Sol spinning reels and the Light & Tough Series rods. And, as far as I'm concerned, Daiwa's TD-S Series rods are simply the best cranking and spinnerbait rods ever made. I also use the TD-S631MFS model for drop-shotting and other finesse situations."

George Cochran, Two-time Bassmaster Classic Champion (1996 and 1987), FLW Champion (2005)

Career Earnings: $1.8 million

"I really like the new Team Daiwa Zillion TDZLN100SHA baitcaster. This reel casts beautifully, is extremely smooth and solid, plus it has a blazing fast 7.1:1 gear ratio. The speedy retrieve lets me keep slack out of my line at all times for a better feel and positive hook sets. I match my Team Daiwa Zillion reels with Daiwa's Light & Tough Bass Rods. These IM6 graphite rods with their Power Mesh outer weave truly live up to their name. They're amazingly light and sensitive, yet they are also strong enough to handle big bass in heavy cover."