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Good Stuff

Good Stuff

Good Stuff

An offering sure to be a hit with anglers is Aftco’s new Captain’s Bag ($89.00; aftco.com). Made from rugged 300-denier Cordura, it features a molded waterproof bottom and 11 waterproof compartments, giving you more than enough room to store binoculars, handheld VHF or GPS units, sat phones and more. The main compartment also has room for reels, line and other gear. This bag would make a perfect carry-on or checked-luggage piece on your next trip.
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Good Stuff

I hate putting holes in my boat: adding a rod holder here, a drink holder there or a cutting board on the gunwale. That’s no longer a problem, thanks to the folks at Sea Sucker. Its unique, vacuum-design mounts will hold virtually anything, anywhere on your boat without the need for drills, holes or screws. (Mounts start at $4.99; seasucker.com.)
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Good Stuff

Rule number one when fishing with bait is that if you take care of it, it will take care of you. Signet Marine’s BaitWatch ($195.00; signetmarine.com) goes a long way toward taking better care of your liveys, monitoring your livewell for pump malfunctions, clogs, loss of prime and even electrical failure. When it senses a problem, an alarm sounds, alerting captain and crew. The standard model fits hoses from 34 to 1 inch in diameter, and if your system is high-output, the company offers a commercial model designed to handle high pressure.
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Good Stuff

Now the moment of truth comes. You’ve got your baits out when a sailfish hits the left long. After a brief but acrobatic battle, you’ve got to ease the fish boat-side for the release. There’s a big difference between a release and a safe release, and we as anglers have the responsibility to know the difference. Aquatic Release Conservation Inc. has helped pave the way to ensure quick and safe releases for all anglers with the ARC Dehooker ($14.95-$108.00; arcdehooker.com). The tool, available in a variety of sizes, can dehook everything from bonefish to blue marlin.
Good Stuff

Good Stuff

Now the moment of truth comes. You’ve got your baits out when a sailfish hits the left long. After a brief but acrobatic battle, you’ve got to ease the fish boat-side for the release. There’s a big difference between a release and a safe release, and we as anglers have the responsibility to know the difference. Aquatic Release Conservation Inc. has helped pave the way to ensure quick and safe releases for all anglers with the ARC Dehooker ($14.95-$108.00; arcdehooker.com). The tool, available in a variety of sizes, can dehook everything from bonefish to blue marlin.
Good Stuff

Good Stuff

If you’re looking for a dry bag to protect a spare set of clothes, a camera or your hoagie from the elements, take a look at Seattle Sports Company’s Hydralight Zip-Away Duffel Dry Bag ($34.95; seattlesportsco.com). Although the Hydralight looks small when folded up and stored within itself, it unzips into a cavernous bag with 3,500 cubic inches of dry storage.
Good Stuff

Good Stuff

Nothing is more important to an angler – whether on the flats or in blue water – than a quality pair of polarized sunglasses. High-end retailer Maui Jim (starting at $200.00; mauijim.com) is introducing a new lens style called High Transmission, utilizing Maui’s patented polarized Plus 2 technology. The yellow gradient lenses are perfect for sight-fishing on low-light days because the lenses boost colors, contrast and depth of field.
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Good Stuff

Once you’re stocked with bait and you get to the grounds with them alive and happy, it’s time to put ’em out! Who would have ever thought we’d be using outriggers designed with aerospace technology to do just that? Lee’s Tackle Carbon Series CX outrigger ($2,950.00; leestackle.com) is the lightest outrigger on the market; its 20-foot rigged pole weighs in at just 312 pounds, nearly half the weight of traditional 18-foot aluminum poles. The lighter weight means easier and faster deployment, particularly if you’re fishing single-handed. The Carbon Series SX comes in a standard 20-foot length, pre-rigged with 300-pound black monofilament; other lengths, including poles for center-rigger applications, are available.
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Good Stuff

Another company well-known for its tackle innovations is branching out into accessories – Shimano. Their newest addition to the Evair line of lightweight fishing footwear is the Evair Sandal ($39.99; shimano.com). The lightweight foam sandals – less than 6 ounces – are quick-draining and feature a non-skid, non-marking outer sole and a water-canal design. The sandals’ one-piece EVA construction reduces fatigue associated with long days of standing and fighting fish.
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Good Stuff

If it’s too hot for pants, try Old Harbor Outfitters new technical shorts offering, the Cyclone ($79.95; oldharboroutfitters.com). Featuring a sleek, streamlined look, the shorts also have a built-in, removable fighting belt complete with corrosion proof D-rings and puncture-proof, Cordura-lined tool pockets. The shorts are just as comfortable at the dock as they are on the water.
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Good Stuff

If offshore fishing or deep dropping isn’t your thing, head to the backcountry and beaches where stealth is key. For getting up close and personal with the mangroves, take a look at Minn Kota’s new Riptide ST ($999.99; minnkotamotors.com). One of the most unique features of the motor – available in 12-, 24-, and 36-volt models and up to 101 pounds of thrust – is the Digital AutoPilot. Point the motor toward your heading, turn on the AutoPilot function and the boat maintains your course and heading regardless of wind and current. When it’s time to move to a new spot, it’s a snap with the ergonomic handle and fall-away ramps.
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Good Stuff

Along conservation-oriented lines is Team Marine’s Pre-Vent ($39.95; teammarinusa.us). This tool is designed to make venting bottom fish like grouper and snapper quick, safe and easy.
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Good Stuff

Time, tide and tackle-shop owners wait for no one, right? That’s why it’s important for fishermen to have a rugged timepiece that will stand up to the constant rigors of a day on the water. Those tough demands are exactly what progressive outdoor watchmaker, Reactor, had in mind when working on their new Gamma watch ($350.00; reactorwatch.com). It features a striking, oversized case made of marine-grade stainless steel and a special anti-glare crystal that makes it easier to read in the sun or on the water. With a day/date function, screw-down crown and several rugged strap styles, it’s sure to be a hit with angling enthusiasts.
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Good Stuff

Planning your next fishing getaway? The new PB200 Weather Station from Airmar ($1,495.00; airmar.com) can help; using four ultrasonic transducers, the unit monitors wind speed, direction, temperature and barometric pressure. It will help you predict changing weather and fishing patterns and help you catch more fish. The WeatherStation is NMEA 2000 certified and can network with other compliant electronics suites.
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Good Stuff

It would be nice if every fishing day were a bluebird day, but if your luck is anything like mine, that’s never the case. When the weather rolls in, a good set of foul-weather gear is a must. The newly redesigned Key West jacket from Gill ($250; gillna.com) is just the thing to keep you warm and dry. The Key West features fully taped seams, a rollaway hood and a double storm flap, all features you’ll appreciate when the sky opens up.
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