Photos Best of SWS 2011

Best of SWS 2011

Your favorite posts, articles and galleries from 2011

By Ben Holtzclaw

December 21, 2011

Fishin’ Ladies

By the time our 2011 Fish Babe photo contest wraps up in February, we will have awarded 12 lucky ladies (including Katie Gateau, our June winner) the singluar distinction of being Salt Water Sportsman‘s Fish Babe of the Month. And, better yet, one grand prize winner will be enjoying a fishing vacation at Hawk’s Cay in the Florida Keys! (If you’d still like to enter our 2011 contest, act fast – entries will be accepted through December 31.)

Fishin’ Kids

We also continued to honor extraordinary young anglers in 2011 with our Salt Water Kids program. Be sure to browse our nominations and finalists, and look for some great changes coming to the program in 2012.

The Ultimate Torture Test

This summer, we watched as a new SeaHunter center console was dropped and cut in half, yet still proved suprisingly seaworthy. If you haven’t seen it yet, don’t miss out on this amazing footage.

Vertical Jigging 101

The ancient art of jigging constantly reinvents itself. Salt Water Sportsman‘s Glenn Law broke it down to the essentials this year so you won’t get left behind.

Boat Show Shuffle

For anyone looking for the latest boats and boating accessories, the Miami International Boat Show is the place to be. For those who couldn’t make it to South Beach last February, here’s what you missed.

Essential Gear

In 2011 we once again brought you our annual list of hot new gear to be looking out for in 2012. Don’t go out underequipped!

Guatemala Sails

Casa Vieja Lodge in Guatemala is the perfect spot to stage a raid on hungry Pacific sails. The SWS staff visited this legendary spot in May and did not go home disappointed…

Tuna Rigs

Gulf of Mexico fishing was officially back in 2011, and paid big dividends to those targeting tuna near the offshore rigs.

New in Lauderdale

We walked the docks at the 2011 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show in October and compiled blogs, videos and galleries from the show here on our FLIBS 2011 page.

Panama’s Treasure

SWS traveled to Panama’s Islas Secas earlier this year to target dorado and the numerous snapper, roosterfish and trevally that congregate aorund the numerous small islands.

Hatteras Heavyweights!

Tackle-busting tuna abound off Hatteras, and in September we took you to the action…

Off the Beaten Track

Port St. Joe on “Florida’s Forgotten Coast” is a laid-back oasis that boasts a great fishery.

Your Big Catch

We love seeing photos of your big catches! Browse some great reader photos from this year, or email your own to [email protected]…

Cutting-Edge Electronics

In January, we brought you a list of hot new electronics**** to look out for in 2011. And, don’t miss our 2012 list, already online!

A New Record

The all-tackle world-record for striped bass is one of the most sought-after trophies in all of saltwater fishing. In August, that 29-year-old record was broken by Connecticut angler Greg Myerson.

One Word: Plastics

From trout to tuna, soft plastics offer unmatched versatility. In February, we brought you some top tips on fishing these popular baits.

ICAST, or the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, is held annually (usually in Las Vegas), and gives industry insiders a glimpse at all of the new gear to expect in the coming year. While it’s closed to the public, we were there, and you can see all of our coverage here.

Space Coast Cobia

The cobia can run thick along Florida’s east coast. Salt Water Sportsman‘s Nick Honachefsky was there this summer to cash in…

Thresher Shark Madness!

Bait-and-switch techniques help Southern California anglers punch trophy threshers in the mouth.

Bridge Monsters

During the last season of SFTV, Salt Water Sportsman‘s John Brownlee showed off some impressive manuvering skills in pursuit of Islamorada’s resident bridge tarpon.

More photos

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Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Salt Water Sportsman may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

Best of SWS 2011

Fishin’ Ladies

Fishin’ Kids

The Ultimate Torture Test

Vertical Jigging 101

Boat Show Shuffle

Essential Gear

Guatemala Sails

Tuna Rigs

New in Lauderdale

Panama’s Treasure

Hatteras Heavyweights!

Off the Beaten Track

Your Big Catch

Cutting-Edge Electronics

A New Record

One Word: Plastics

Space Coast Cobia

Thresher Shark Madness!

Bridge Monsters

More Photos

Salt Water Kids January

Salt Water Kids November

Protect Your Boat

Fifty Top Fishing Girls

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Scout Boats 281 XSS

A Self-Releasing Fish Hook

Do I Really Need a T-Top?