New Gear – April 2007
New to the Daiwa lure lineup, the Saltiga Slider ($19) is a topwater jerkbait sure to earn a place on the top shelf of the tackle box. Just as Saltiga reels have come to be known as brutes, the Slider is made of high-quality components that can survive a mean bashing. Work it slowly for a wide side-to-side action, or speed up the retrieve for tighter wobble. Heavy-gauge through-wiring connects the hooks and guards against the fangs of cubera snapper, while the realistic eyes and scale pattern fool the wariest striped bass. Five colors offer versatility to match almost any baitfish. Daiwa; (800) 736-4653; www.daiwa.com
New Gear – April 2007
Hardcore surfcasters trust AquaSkinz tops to keep them dry, but not everyone fishes the beach. Enter the Nor’feaster full-zip jacket ($235). With adjustable neoprene neck and cuff seals, a stowaway hood with storm flaps and three layers of breathable material that create wind- and waterproof protection, the Nor’feaster is the perfect top for when things get snotty. The rugged construction features watertight seams and drainage channels and can handle heavy wear, while two waterproof pockets are ideal for a cell phone or a PLB. AquaSkinz; (877) 379-8677; www.aquaskinz.com Straight Up
If you’ve ever had a big fish slam a rod locked in an outrodder, you know that fumbling over the gunwale to get it out can be tricky. E-Z Outrodders ($250 a pair) ease the fear of lost gear. A pin at the joint of the shaft and holder can be pulled upon the strike, allowing the rod to pop straight up so it can be lifted out and into the boat smoothly. SWS Offshore Editor Gary Caputi (below) used E-Z Outrodders last fall with great success on striped bass. “These outrodders make every phase of trolling easier,” says Caputi. “Especially if you’re using wire line.” E-Z Outrodders; (732) 237-0258; www.ezoutrodder.com
New Gear – April 2007
The ball-bearing snap swivels ($9 per pack) from U.S. Swivel may look ordinary, but they offer big innovation. Each swivel features two holes where the included Powersnap can connect to the barrel. Attach the snap to the bottom hole and it can rotate 360 degrees. Connect it to the top hole and the snap locks in place, allowing quick changes from trolling lures to plugs. Five ball bearings and welded rings ensure that these swivels can handle the toughest fish you can find. U.S. Swivel; (406) 582-9031; www.usswivel.com
