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Spring Gear 2015

Here’s a look at some of the top gear you’ll want to take along when planning upcoming outings.

  • Updated: February 21, 2015

Featherweight Champ

New light and durable Mustad Featherweight Pliers feature ultralight aircraft-grade aluminum, heavily anodized for maximum corrosion resistance, drilled handles for reduced weight and replaceable tungsten carbide cutters and stainless-steel jaws, which are coated in titanium nitride for durability. Each pair of pliers comes with fitted sheath, coiled lanyard and carabiner. $49.99; http://www.mustad-americas.com/ SWS Staff

Freedom of Motion

Cast or fight big game unencumbered in a Simm’s GT Tricomp LS Shirt, with action-back patterning for flexibility. Aside from a supreme fit, this new technical shirt offers a full load of functional features, like patterned, knit-activated stretch coupled with quick-drying and rugged UPF 50 nylon fabric; sun-shielding COR3 protection and the temperature-regulating comfort of Cool Control tech, and front pockets with welded zippers sized for fly boxes. There’s also a cording tab for securing tools and a sunglasses chamois at the hem. $119.95; simmsfishing.com SWS Staff

Technical Marvel

Columbia Sportswear’s Solar Cast Zero is the most technical fishing shirt the company has produced. It’s packed with innovation, including Omni-Freeze ZERO sweat-activated cooling that reacts to perspiration to lower the fabric temperature; Omni-Wick that draws moisture away from the skin; and Omni-Shade that provides enhanced UPF 50 ultraviolet shield for comfort and protection over prolonged periods. Additional features include anti-microbial treatment, a rod-holder tab, utility loops and roll-up sleeves with tab retainers. Styling includes backpack-­friendly, vertical-zipper chest pockets and a built-in sunglasses-cleaning patch. Available in four colors and sizes S to XXL. $110; columbia.com SWS Staff

Sharp Versatility

Williamson’s line of ­fillet knives adds the 12-inch curved fillet knife with a no-flex blade, perfect for filleting and steaking; a 6½-inch straight fillet knife, an ideal all-around fillet knife; and the 6½-inch slim fillet knife with a medium-flex blade for precision cuts. All Williamson saltwater fillet knives feature soft-grip co-molded handles and razor-sharp stainless-steel blades with mirror finish. $29.99-$34.99; http://www.williamsonlures.com/williamson-saltwater-lures/ SWS Staff

Accurate Clip and Grip

Fabricated from 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum and anodized for corrosion protection, Accurate’s APXL Pliers were ­designed to give anglers a lightweight, ­quality tool at a reasonable price. They come in 7- and 8-inch sizes with either regular or split-ring jaws, and they feature replaceable tungsten carbide cutters and jaws. The 7-inch model weighs just over 4 ounces and the 8-inch weighs just under 5. Both cut mono and braid with ease, the larger model also handles light wire. $89 and $99;accuratefishing.com SWS Staff

Soft-Sided Chiller

YETI’s Hopper 20 is ­constructed of 840 denier DryHide with a HydroLok zipper, airtight zipper technology from survival suits. With its 4.6-gallon capacity and ColdCell insulation, the Hopper maintains a deep, lasting chill thanks to 1 inch of insulation in the sides and 11⁄2 inches on the bottom. RF-welded seams and a heavy-duty EVA foam ­bottom add to this ­soft-sided cooler’s waterproof construction and durability. $299; yeticoolers.com SWS Staff

Wide Loader

The new TroKar TK15 Wide Load is one of the biggest J hooks Eagle Claw has produced. Extra-heavy Q741 wire design can ­withstand long battles with oversize fish that wreak havoc on lighter wire hooks. The gap is big enough to handle the largest baits. The surgically sharpened TK15 also makes the ideal assist hook with a slight up-eye. It comes in black chrome in sizes 6/0 to 10/0. $17.99; eagleclaw.com SWS Staff

Visual Performance

Costa’s Cortez Sunglasses are ­designed for spotting fish. The wrap shape blocks side glare, while the linear venting ­system alleviates fogging in extreme heat and humidity. Co-injected molded nylon frames are fitted with sturdy hinges and hypoallergenic rubberized lining and nose pads to keep them in place. Frame colors include blackout, tortoise, shiny black, Realtree Xtra camo, crystal bronze, and white. All models are available with glass or polycarbonate 580 lenses in gray, copper, amber, sunrise, blue mirror, green mirror and silver mirror. Prescription lenses are also available. From $169; costadelmar.com SWS Staff

Optimum Optic

Constructed of 53 percent bio-based Evolve frame material with ­hydrophilic Megol nose and temple pads that won’t slip, Smith Optics’ Dragstrip Sunglasses boast ­ChromaPop lenses to reduce eye fatigue and offer true color viewing. They feature wrap-style, large-coverage frame designed for sun protection while negating side glare, as well as anti-reflective and hydroleophobic lens ­coatings. $209; smithoptics.com SWS Staff

Impact-Proof Clarity

Sestriere, Bormio and Misano are three new models recently added to Serengeti’s Sport Collection. They feature lightweight Nylon TR90 frames and proprietary Polar PhD lenses that rival the optical clarity of glass, delivering up to 98 percent ­polarizing ­efficiency while ­providing exemplary impact resistance and ­eliminating the possibility of delamination. The new 555nm Blue lenses for bright conditions bring the number of available lens tints to six. $169.99; serengeti-eyewear.com SWS Staff

Cool and Breathable

Known for its innovative gear and garment ­technology, Under Armour has launched the Iso-Chill Element Vented Shirt, designed to keep you cool on the water or in the field. This new ­technical long-sleeve shirt features Hydro Armour Iso-Chill cooling ­technology, and ­ArmourBlock stain release and moisture-wicking mesh under the arms for added ­breathability. ­Available in sizes S to XXXL in a variety of colors. $49.99; underarmour.com SWS Staff

Total Protection

The Samurai Hood Long Sleeve Performance Shirt from AFTCO offers anglers, inshore and off, the ultimate in UV protection with a pullover hood to shield your head and neck from the sun. The Samurai ­incorporates AFBLOCK to block 96 percent of harmful UV rays and AFTCOOL fabric that dries quickly and wicks away perspiration and moisture. Available in sizes S to XXL. Colors include charcoal, sky, silver, royal and white. $40; aftco.com SWS Staff

Lighter Solution

Lighter weight and a less-bulky configuration make the Feather Fighting Belt from Alutecnos a less-­restrictive option for ­battling all but the ­largest fish. This belt weighs just over 21 ounces and is suited for light and midrange tackle, as well as smaller anglers. All parts are machined from 6082 aluminum and anodized for long life. Hardware is AISI 316 stainless steel for strength and ­durability. Available in gold or silver. $141; alutecnos.com SWS Staff
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