Photos

Best of SWS 2011

Your favorite posts, articles and galleries from 2011

By Ben Holtzclaw

December 21, 2011

sws best of_01.jpg — 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.)

sws best of_02.jpg — 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.

sws best of_03.jpg — 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.

sws best of_04.jpg — 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.

sws best of_05.jpg — 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.

sws best of_06.jpg — 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!

sws best of_07.jpg — 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...

sws best of_08.jpg — Gulf of Mexico fishing was officially back in 2011, and paid big dividends to those targeting tuna near the offshore rigs.

sws best of_09.jpg — 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.

sws best of_10.jpg — 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.

sws best of_11.jpg — Tackle-busting tuna abound off Hatteras, and in September we took you to the action...

sws best of_12.jpg — Port St. Joe on "Florida's Forgotten Coast" is a laid-back oasis that boasts a great fishery.

sws best of_13.jpg — We love seeing photos of your big catches! Browse some great reader photos from this year, or email your own to editor@saltwatersportsman.com...

sws best of_14.jpg — 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!

sws best of_15.jpg — 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.

sws best of_16.jpg — From trout to tuna, soft plastics offer unmatched versatility. In February, we brought you some top tips on fishing these popular baits.

sws best of_17.jpg — 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.

sws best of_18.jpg — The cobia can run thick along Florida's east coast. Salt Water Sportsman's Nick Honachefsky was there this summer to cash in...

sws best of_19.jpg — Bait-and-switch techniques help Southern California anglers punch trophy threshers in the mouth.

sws best of_20.jpg — 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.

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