Fishing Gear Guide for 2017
Satisfying days on the water result when a lot of variables come together. The contents of your tackle cabinet determine your fishing success, but myriad other accessories ensure you’ll be efficient, comfortable and safe. What you wear and the tools you use have a lot to do with an enjoyable trip. Here’s a lineup of new gear for the coming season to help make all your days great ones.
Penn’s wire cutters and parallel pliers
Crafted from 304 and 420 stainless steel wrapped in a titanium-black nickel coating, every tool in Penn’s lineup performs when you need it. The collection includes: 6.5-inch parallel pliers with bypass cutters; 7-inch wire cutters; 10-inch crimpers; spring-loaded pliers; 6.5- and 8-inch bull-nose pliers with replaceable side cutters; and a 13-inch pistol-grip hook extractor. Each comes with a holster.
$24.99 to $49.99; pennfishing.com
Cuda’s Fishing Rescue/Safety Knife
The new Rescue/Safety knife from Cuda, with protected cutting edges and large bows for a secure grip, cuts rope and mono in any emergency. German 4116 stainless steel and titanium-bonded technology strengthen blades and hold an edge longer. Full-tang construction provides strength and support to the cutting blades, while the oversize Cuda scale-pattern bows offer the secure grip vital in emergencies.
$19.99; cudabrand.com
Donnmar Pliers
With an easy-to-grip design and internal spring loading for easy one-handed operation, Donnmar Pliers are handcrafted in the U.S. and built of military-grade titanium or marine-grade stainless steel. The pivot bearing is nickel-plated and machined from solid brass. The pliers are available in either standard or side-cutter versions, with replaceable tungsten-carbide blades.
$129 to $349.99; donnmarpliers.com
Rapala Angler’s Tools series
Rapala’s tool series includes fillet knives crafted by Marttiini. The Angler’s Curved fillet knife, in 10- and 12-inch sizes, offers a tapered, corrosion-resistant blade that takes and holds an edge. The Straight fillet knife, in 6- and 8-inch sizes, excels for precision cuts, and the Slim fillet knife, in 6- and 8-inch sizes, offers maximum flexibility. All models come with a vented sheath for quick drying.
$34.99 to $39.99; rapala.com
Costa’s Whitetip sunglasses
Designed for flats fishing, Costa’s new glasses feature wraparound style with 580P lenses to enhance colors and boost contrast, a heavy-duty TR90 bio-resin frame, and gripper temples. The Whitetip affords 100 percent UV light blockage and 100 percent polarization. Available in four frame colors, with polycarbonate or glass lenses.
$159 to $239; costadelmar.com
Columbia’s Force 12 OutDry Extreme PFG Shoes
Columbia introduces the Force 12 OutDry Extreme PFG shoes, lightweight footwear built to take on whatever Mother Nature dishes out while providing comfort and superior traction. The new shoes feature TPU shanks for torsional stability, Vibram Wavegrip nonmarking outsoles for incomparable grip on wet surfaces, Vibram PU-like midsole compound for long-lasting comfort, plus waterproof and breathable OutDry Extreme construction.
$150; columbia.com
Shimano’s Flats Wading Boots
Shimano developed its new Flats Wading Boots for anglers intent on wading saltwater shallows. Constructed with durable vulcanized rubber and 5 mm neoprene, incorporating nonmarking, spine-resistant soles and corrosion-resistant nylon front zippers, the new wading boots offer a wide opening for easy on and off, and include a belt-loop ankle closure to prevent sand and shell intrusion. Available in whole sizes from 8 through 13.
$79.99; shimano.fishing-store.us
Xtratuf’s Riptide Deck Shoes | Buy It Now Bill Doster
Xtratuf’s 6-inch Ankle Deck Boot
This new ankle boot from Xtratuf is crafted for offshore anglers. The lightweight design features the XpressCool anti-microbial, evaporative and cooling liner that wicks moisture. Another addition, the Riptide Deck Shoe, boasts three-layer mesh construction that allows water to flow in and out freely, blocks sand and other debris, and dries quickly. The new deck shoe is available for men and women, and incorporates a perforated PU/EVA-blend insole that provides all-day comfort. Both the Ankle Deck Boot and Riptide Deck Shoe include Xtratuf’s slip-resistant, no-scuff chevron outsole.
Ankle Deck Boot $79.99, Riptide Deck Shoe $80; xtratufboots.com
West Marine’s Deluxe Offshore Tackle Bag
Keep gear protected and organized with West Marine’s Deluxe Offshore Tackle Bag. At 13 inches by 19.5 inches by 10 inches, it offers ample storage while polyurethane construction protects against moisture and abrasion. Features include adjustable dividers, a detachable shoulder strap and three utility boxes.
$129.99; westmarine.com
Yeti’s Hopper Flip 12
This may be the last lunchbox you’ll ever need. The Hopper Flip 12 from Yeti offers a wide-mouth design for easy loading and access to contents. The DryHide fabric shell is waterproof and resistant to mildew, punctures and UV light. Coldcell insulation provides the cold-holding power that Yeti is famous for.
$279.99; yeti.com
AFTCO’s Anhydrous System
AFTCO’s latest, the Anhydrous System, includes a jacket and bibs constructed with three-layer eVent DValpine nylon for 100 percent waterproofing. Top features include taped seams, articulated sleeves, cuff gaiters and AquaGuard water-resistant zipper with polyurethane laminated tape and plastic-molded teeth to reduce weight. Charcoal gray, sizes S to 2XL.
Jacket $395, bibs $345; aftco.com
Grundéns’ Stormlight jacket
The Stormlight is crafted from super-light nylon neo-stretch material, waterproof and breathable, with many features from Grundéns’ commercial-grade rainwear, such as an adjustable hood, waterproof zipper, zippered storage pockets, and adjustable hem and cuffs. Five available colors: burnt orange, dark slate, glacier gray, olive night and black in sizes S to 3XL.
$165; shop.grundens.com
Bluefin USA’s Second Skin Rashguard Hoodie
The Second Skin Rashguard Hoodie from Bluefin USA, the ideal technical shirt for on-the-water performance, promises comfort and rapid heat dispersion. Designed with flatlock construction, the long-sleeved hoodie is dye-sublimated for durability and made of soft anti-microbial microfiber spandex, offering SPF 50+ sun protection. Blue camo in sizes XS to 2XL.
$49; bluefinusa.com
Huk’s Raid NXTLVL
The Raid NXTLVL all-weather jacket from Huk provides 100 percent water and wind protection with nonbinding stretch. The lightweight, three-layer, waterproof shell keeps moisture out while maintaining breathability. Features include front-collar venting, reflective branding and welding around zippers for safety, and neoprene storm cuffs with Velcro closures. Sizes S to 3XL.
$349.99; hukgear.com
UA Fish Hunter Cargo Pants | Buy It Now Bill Doster
Under Armour Inlet Shorts and UA Fish Hunter Cargo Pants
Under Armour adds the UA 4-inch Inlet Shorts to its line of women’s outdoor apparel. The four-pocket design, with side cargo pocket and stretch waistband with belt loops, delivers functionality and comfort, and features scalloped crossover hem detailing and the UA Signature Moisture Transport System to wick away sweat. For men, the UA Fish Hunter Cargo Pants offer 30+ UPF sun protection and feature anti-odor technology.
Pants $89.99, shorts $49.99; underarmour.com
Pelagic’s Argonaut boardshorts
The Argonaut boardshorts offer eight-way Octo-Stretch technology for top comfort and freedom of motion. The new shorts are ultra-lightweight, have anti-microbial and Quick-Dry properties, and include a zippered pocket on the side, Velcro pocket in back, and hidden reinforced pocket for pliers. Available in several custom seascape patterns in sizes 30 to 40.
$66; pelagicgear.com
