Fun Fishing
Ready to catch some fish? These 12 clever new marine products are designed to make an angler's job easier.
By Alan Jones
April 1, 2004
You made it through another cold
winter, and spring has finally arrived. It's time again to jump into your fishing boat, sip on a
cold drink and start catching fish. But this fishing season will be different than the last year.
You will have a new arsenal that will allow you to claim bragging rights back at the dock. These
new toys will better prepare you for fishing challenges that aren't always in your control, such as
a buddy stepping on your rod, a setting sun stealing your source of light, or having to steer a
trolling motor while also keeping an eye out for the fish. Nowadays, fishing has gone high-tech,
and these products are designed to help you put fish in the boat.
Shoreline Products Inc. (www.shorelinepro.com) has created a whole new way to keep your catch alive whether you are fishing from a dock, shoreline or a boat without a livewell. The new Catch 'n Keep and Big Catch Daddy replaces those wire mesh catch bags that are hard on both fish and anglers' hands. Both products have the same features and serve a similar purpose ' to keep your fish alive and fresh for days. The Big Catch Daddy is designed for larger species like catfish and bass, while the smaller Catch 'n Keep is perfect for crappie, bluegill and perch. Both have fish delivery tubes that allow you to store fish without having to remove them from the water, helping to keep your fish alive and save you time. The zippered opening on the tube makes removing fish easy, and tie-off loops at both the center and end of the tube can be used to place this storage unit on your boat or dock. They are made of high-strength poly-netting that provides 30 percent shade, keeping your catch from prematurely cooking itself.
Avet Industries (www.avetreels.com) is always looking to give anglers an advantage, and the new EXW 4/02 will have the fish crying foul. The wide 4/0-sized two-speed lever drag reel has loads of line capacity, offers smooth performance and has the power to handle the toughest saltwater game fish. Anglers who tend to let out their lures too fast will appreciate its anti-backlash system. Its frame, spool and side plates are crea-ted from billet 6061-T6 aluminum stock and are hard-anodized with a silver, gold, black, metallic gray or navy blue finish for corrosion resistance. The stainless-steel gears provide a quick retrieve ratio of 4:1 when you need to retrieve line fast, like when the fish suddenly turns toward you or when you are chasing it down with the boat. The low 2:1 gearing gives you the power to muscle a fish when you need brute power. Its push-button shifting system allows you to switch gears quickly during a battle.
You want to be able to see a fish before it sees you, so you need glasses that are designed for fisherman. But you don't want to look like you just left an eye exam, and you definitely don't want to spend $200 on a pair of shades, so PolarEyes (www.polareyes.com) introduces the Pismo, a lightweight pair of sunglasses that sports a stylish, outdoorsy look at a price you can afford. These scratch-resistant polarized lenses offer advanced protection from UV rays and allow you to see what is going on beneath the surface of the water. Other PolarEyes models include 'Harmony' and 'Islay,' which feature Weightless Frames and Flex2Fit adjustable temples that bend to fit securely on your face. The neutral gray-tinted lenses provide color definition while the copper-tinted ones elim-inate haze and improve contrast in low- light conditions.
Daiwa (www.daiwa.com) has been well-known for years as a quality man-ufacturer of rods and reels, but not everyone knows that it also makes top- quality lures. This year the company offers a new lineup that is sure to be bad news for both freshwater and saltwater fish. Like the name implies, the TD Vibration series produces low-frequency vibrations that grab the attention of preda-tory fish long before the lure is visible. And once they see it, they will think it looks like a panicky baitfish that's easy pickings. These works of art take eight weeks to produce and have a multi-layer paint job that is hand-detailed for realism. The TD Grandvibe Saltwater has most of its weight in the head and belly, which helps keep it in its natural upright position after it hits the water or is attacked by a predator, thanks to its low center of gravity.
What's as tough as a rhino but can see in the dark? Rhino's (www.rhinofishing.com) Nightvision rods, which have a built-in lighting system that produces up to 40 hours of continuous light with two AA batteries hidden behind a waterproof switch. A light in the rod's butt section provides light for rigging lines and baiting hooks, and a light in the tip helps detect strikes. This 7-foot rod is best used for dam fishing, snagging or pier fishing and is available in either a casting or spinning version. According to Rhino, its Indestructible rod is the first one in the world to have a bulletproof Kevlar tip for unmatched strength. It features a high-strength, tension-wound graphite inner core for a strong backbone and receives additional protection from its double-woven E-glass fibrous outer skin around the core. Aluminum aircraft-grade hardware in the reel collar provides durability and secures lock-down when seating a reel. Available in casting and spinning models, this rod comes with a lifetime warranty.
MotorGuide (www.motorguide.com) knows that anglers want to concentrate on catching fish, not running their trolling motor, so it created the Pinpoint Tracking System 5 (PTSv) Digital-Tracking motors. This innovative design uses an electric-steering system that automatically tracks along shorelines, creek channels and depth contours, for the ultimate in hassle-free fishing. The angler can override tracking functions or steer manually by simply engaging the rocker-style foot pedal. During those times when you want to sneak up on those shallow-water fish, it is vital to do so as quietly as possible. MotorGuide's Machete III propeller is small in diameter and, therefore, allows anglers to cover the shallow waters without making a ruckus, as may be the case with most standard two-blade props. The prop's tapered design creates less resistance and vibration and also has self-cleaning abilities. Its rounded surfaces prevent weeds from affecting the propeller's rotation and offer more efficient use of the trolling motor's power.
Humminbird (www.humminbird.com) is also making use of technology with its new SMARTCAST RF30, a wireless wrist-mount fishfinder that provides a picture of what is happening below the water. It allows anglers to find bottom contour, structure and fish, while it also displays an accurate depth of the water beneath the sensor with its 48-vertical by 32-horizontal pixel configuration. The Remote Sonar Sensor is cast into the water from wherever you are fishing and transmits a signal up to a 75-foot radius remote operating range. It provides 400 hours of in-water usage and automatically shuts down once it's removed from the water.
Although catching a fish is obviously the ultimate goal in fishing, efficiency is also important. Staying organized can help you reach your goal more quickly and easily. Plano Molding Company's (www.planomolding.com) new Custom Divider System (CDS) StowAway Utility Boxes consist of a Versi-Slant divider that is angled to provide maximum storage of crankbaits. Its design has many rows of solid 'dovetail' engagements that create a variety of storage spaces. Its 3670 model includes 12 straight and eight angled dividers, while both the 3770 and 3771 models offer 24 straight and
12 angled dividers.
These fishing products will not only help improve the number of fish you catch, but they will also make this leisurely activity more enjoyable for you. While they may not turn you into a professional fisherman instantly, they can surely give you two legs up on your opponent, the fish that is.
Shoreline Products Inc. (www.shorelinepro.com) has created a whole new way to keep your catch alive whether you are fishing from a dock, shoreline or a boat without a livewell. The new Catch 'n Keep and Big Catch Daddy replaces those wire mesh catch bags that are hard on both fish and anglers' hands. Both products have the same features and serve a similar purpose ' to keep your fish alive and fresh for days. The Big Catch Daddy is designed for larger species like catfish and bass, while the smaller Catch 'n Keep is perfect for crappie, bluegill and perch. Both have fish delivery tubes that allow you to store fish without having to remove them from the water, helping to keep your fish alive and save you time. The zippered opening on the tube makes removing fish easy, and tie-off loops at both the center and end of the tube can be used to place this storage unit on your boat or dock. They are made of high-strength poly-netting that provides 30 percent shade, keeping your catch from prematurely cooking itself.
Avet Industries (www.avetreels.com) is always looking to give anglers an advantage, and the new EXW 4/02 will have the fish crying foul. The wide 4/0-sized two-speed lever drag reel has loads of line capacity, offers smooth performance and has the power to handle the toughest saltwater game fish. Anglers who tend to let out their lures too fast will appreciate its anti-backlash system. Its frame, spool and side plates are crea-ted from billet 6061-T6 aluminum stock and are hard-anodized with a silver, gold, black, metallic gray or navy blue finish for corrosion resistance. The stainless-steel gears provide a quick retrieve ratio of 4:1 when you need to retrieve line fast, like when the fish suddenly turns toward you or when you are chasing it down with the boat. The low 2:1 gearing gives you the power to muscle a fish when you need brute power. Its push-button shifting system allows you to switch gears quickly during a battle.
You want to be able to see a fish before it sees you, so you need glasses that are designed for fisherman. But you don't want to look like you just left an eye exam, and you definitely don't want to spend $200 on a pair of shades, so PolarEyes (www.polareyes.com) introduces the Pismo, a lightweight pair of sunglasses that sports a stylish, outdoorsy look at a price you can afford. These scratch-resistant polarized lenses offer advanced protection from UV rays and allow you to see what is going on beneath the surface of the water. Other PolarEyes models include 'Harmony' and 'Islay,' which feature Weightless Frames and Flex2Fit adjustable temples that bend to fit securely on your face. The neutral gray-tinted lenses provide color definition while the copper-tinted ones elim-inate haze and improve contrast in low- light conditions.
Daiwa (www.daiwa.com) has been well-known for years as a quality man-ufacturer of rods and reels, but not everyone knows that it also makes top- quality lures. This year the company offers a new lineup that is sure to be bad news for both freshwater and saltwater fish. Like the name implies, the TD Vibration series produces low-frequency vibrations that grab the attention of preda-tory fish long before the lure is visible. And once they see it, they will think it looks like a panicky baitfish that's easy pickings. These works of art take eight weeks to produce and have a multi-layer paint job that is hand-detailed for realism. The TD Grandvibe Saltwater has most of its weight in the head and belly, which helps keep it in its natural upright position after it hits the water or is attacked by a predator, thanks to its low center of gravity.
What's as tough as a rhino but can see in the dark? Rhino's (www.rhinofishing.com) Nightvision rods, which have a built-in lighting system that produces up to 40 hours of continuous light with two AA batteries hidden behind a waterproof switch. A light in the rod's butt section provides light for rigging lines and baiting hooks, and a light in the tip helps detect strikes. This 7-foot rod is best used for dam fishing, snagging or pier fishing and is available in either a casting or spinning version. According to Rhino, its Indestructible rod is the first one in the world to have a bulletproof Kevlar tip for unmatched strength. It features a high-strength, tension-wound graphite inner core for a strong backbone and receives additional protection from its double-woven E-glass fibrous outer skin around the core. Aluminum aircraft-grade hardware in the reel collar provides durability and secures lock-down when seating a reel. Available in casting and spinning models, this rod comes with a lifetime warranty.
MotorGuide (www.motorguide.com) knows that anglers want to concentrate on catching fish, not running their trolling motor, so it created the Pinpoint Tracking System 5 (PTSv) Digital-Tracking motors. This innovative design uses an electric-steering system that automatically tracks along shorelines, creek channels and depth contours, for the ultimate in hassle-free fishing. The angler can override tracking functions or steer manually by simply engaging the rocker-style foot pedal. During those times when you want to sneak up on those shallow-water fish, it is vital to do so as quietly as possible. MotorGuide's Machete III propeller is small in diameter and, therefore, allows anglers to cover the shallow waters without making a ruckus, as may be the case with most standard two-blade props. The prop's tapered design creates less resistance and vibration and also has self-cleaning abilities. Its rounded surfaces prevent weeds from affecting the propeller's rotation and offer more efficient use of the trolling motor's power.
Humminbird (www.humminbird.com) is also making use of technology with its new SMARTCAST RF30, a wireless wrist-mount fishfinder that provides a picture of what is happening below the water. It allows anglers to find bottom contour, structure and fish, while it also displays an accurate depth of the water beneath the sensor with its 48-vertical by 32-horizontal pixel configuration. The Remote Sonar Sensor is cast into the water from wherever you are fishing and transmits a signal up to a 75-foot radius remote operating range. It provides 400 hours of in-water usage and automatically shuts down once it's removed from the water.
Although catching a fish is obviously the ultimate goal in fishing, efficiency is also important. Staying organized can help you reach your goal more quickly and easily. Plano Molding Company's (www.planomolding.com) new Custom Divider System (CDS) StowAway Utility Boxes consist of a Versi-Slant divider that is angled to provide maximum storage of crankbaits. Its design has many rows of solid 'dovetail' engagements that create a variety of storage spaces. Its 3670 model includes 12 straight and eight angled dividers, while both the 3770 and 3771 models offer 24 straight and
12 angled dividers.
These fishing products will not only help improve the number of fish you catch, but they will also make this leisurely activity more enjoyable for you. While they may not turn you into a professional fisherman instantly, they can surely give you two legs up on your opponent, the fish that is.
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Fun Fishing: Ready to catch some fish? These 12 clever new marine products are designed to make an angler's job easier.
