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Drones — Fishing’s New Frontier

• HOW EXPERTS FISH THEM • HOW TO CHOOSE THEM • 21 COMPARED

100 WATTS RMS SENSITIVITY

90dB @ 1W/1M

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

50Hz - 20kHz

IMPEDANCE

4Çž

NOV / DEC 2016 VOL 31 ISSUE 9

62 FEATURES

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SWIMMING WITH THE FISHES 62 21 Versatile Swimbaits That Impart Lifelike Actions By Sam Hudson

ABOVE AND BEYOND 70 Drones for Fishing? Upsides and Downsides, Plus Tips from Pros for Reconnaissance and Photography

2017 NEW TACKLE, GEAR AND ACCESSORIES 78 Industry Leaders Debut the Latest in Technology and Innovation

12 14 20 28 34

EDITORIAL GAME PLAN FISH FACTS GEAR GUIDE IGFA PENDING RECORDS

38 44 52 54 58

SF BOATS FISHING MACHINES FISH TRIALS BOAT TIPS NEW BOATS & GEAR BETTER BOATING

By Chris Woodward ON THE COVER: After a red grouper rushed out of its South Florida coraland-rock lair to grab a Storm swimbait, Jason Arnold was ready to take the shot.

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98 LAST CAST

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DECEMBER 2016

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 / VOL 31 — ISSUE 9

EDITORIAL

RUST REMOVAL BY DOUG OLANDER

ALLOCATION FORMULAS IN USE TODAY WERE SET YEARS BACK, WHEN THE POPULATION OF ANGLERS AND THE OVERALL IMPORTANCE OF RECREATIONAL FISHING WERE A FRACTION OF WHAT THEY HAVE BECOME.

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I

t’s the thought that counts. Perhaps that’s what the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration had in mind when it announced its new policy on the allocation of fishery resources to the recreational-fishing community. The agency billed the policy as “an important step to clarify how allocations of fish harvest among recreational, commercial and subsistence fishermen should be made.” At first blush, that seems welcome and longoverdue news for recreational-fishing interests. That’s because the allocation of limited fish stocks is critical. Simply put, the more that user group A is allowed, the less that user group B can harvest. For most mixed-use fisheries, you can guess who’s the A group and who’s the B group. Of particular concern to recreational anglers (yeah, the B group) is that in most fisheries, the relative portion of fish given to the commercial sector hasn’t changed for decades. The allocation process, determined by the eight Fishery Management Councils, has been described by frustrated anglers for years as “rusted shut.” Why should allocation formulas be changed? For one thing, because the world has changed; little is the same today as it was 20 or 30 years ago. That’s certainly true of fisheries and fishing. Yet most allocation formulas in use today were set years back, when the population of anglers and the overall importance of recreational fishing were a fraction of what they have become. The number of people who live along and visit our coasts has increased dramatically. Logically, the number of saltwater anglers has surged (to approximately 11 million now). Having fish allocated for anglers is important because sport fishing remains one of the most important of outdoor leisure activities. And it’s vital economically. Recent economic studies show $52.4 billion is generated in sales annually by the nation’s saltwater anglers, creating about 370,000 American jobs. In other words, over recent decades, the U.S. coastal fisheries landscape has changed considerably; the allocation of fish stocks, however, has not. The recreational-fishing community has long been asking that the federal government finally re-evaluate mixed-use fisheries. And it would seem

DECEMBER 2016

NOAA is finally taking that message to heart. But don’t look for change anytime soon. The reason for that pessimistic conclusion: The Fishery Management Councils must initiate allocation reviews and effect any actual reallocations. The councils are rife with commercial interests adept at dragging their feet to prevent reallocation. (That they do not want reviews that would assess current allocation formulas speaks volumes.) Nor are council administrators champing at the bit to finally initiate allocation reviews, because it’s such a contentious issue and one easier avoided. Yet many fisheries, such as for Gulf red snapper, are “based on outdated data.” That’s how a Gulf council “discussion document” put it, adding that reallocation “could potentially better reflect recent changes in participation patterns and relative changes in economic value, if any.” That was in 2007. But allocation of that fishery, as with most coastal fisheries, has changed very little. Sport-fishing interests and watchdog groups agree that, lacking any real teeth, NOAA’s recent recommendation to the councils to create processes for allocation reviews is unlikely to generate much action. The solution will almost certainly have to come legislatively, by making directives for allocation reviews part of the nation’s federal fisheries management law, overdue for reauthorization by Congress as required by federal law. Still, I am glad that NOAA has finally, publicly acknowledged that the management councils need to assess the allocation of our fisheries and ensure that the allowable harvest of our saltwater fish stocks serves the greatest benefit to the nation, and not simply whatever group has been given the lion’s share for decades. Meanwhile, let’s hope NOAA’s policy at least adds a bit of oil to those rusty allocation locks.

GAME PLAN

FISH FACTS

GEAR GUIDE

GAME PLAN BY SAM HUDSON / NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 / VOL 31 — ISSUE 9

KNOT TOO FAST: Proper trolling speeds can make RU EUHDN D Ɠ VKLQJ WULS :DVKHG RXW baits, twisted OLQHV DQG RWKHU KHDGDFKHV DUH WKH GLUHFW UHVXOW RI improper trolling. Dial in your boat’s sweet spot.

WATCH YOUR SPEED EXPERT TIPS HELP YOU IDENTIFY YOUR IDEAL TROLLING SPEED

SAM ROOT

SPEED CAN MAKE or break your trolling success, and yet there’s not one single speed fishermen rely on day after day. Variables such as your heading (up-sea or down-sea), weak or strong currents you must cross, winds that vary in direction and strength, and the height of wave swells all afect your trolling speed daily. “The best way to control speed is to watch your skirted baits and keep bumping up faster and faster, until your baits start to spin,” says Capt. Anthony Mendillo, of Keen M Sport Fishing in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. “Then slow down until your presentation swims true, and you’ve found your peak natural-bait trolling speed for the day.

14

DECEMBER 2016

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“Use the same tactic when slowtrolling,â€? he explains. “Go as slow as possible until the baits no longer swim properly, then bump up your speed. I have four diferent boats, and they all have diferent trolling speeds. I use this technique to ďŹ gure out the best speed each day.â€?

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CLEAN WATER Optimal trolling placement for baits often requires ďŹ nding that clean-water alley behind the boat. Bigger boats produce bigger wakes, so you need to go more slowly to get those pockets of clear water. “Smaller center-consoles need to troll faster to produce a wake with any white water at all,â€? says Adam LaRosa, owner of Canyon Runner Sport Fishing in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. “[Center-consoles] have a ton of white

water up close, so at lines don’t work well in that dead zone, but you still need that much white water to produce a wake of any substance.â€? The Ripper tournament ďŹ shing team, based in Tampa, Florida, and composed of Darren Impson and Matt Taylor, ďŹ shes out of a 36-foot YellowďŹ n with

triple Mercury Verado 350s. “Outboards tend to kick out more white water than inboards,â€? says Impson. “The faster you go, the more white water you are going to push back into the baits, and the less the ďŹ sh are going to be able to see your baits.â€? Impson and Taylor say 9 knots is perfect for their boat in most conditions when trolling Ilander/horse-ballyhoo combos for marlin and yellowďŹ n tuna in the Gulf of Mexico. But conditions can get nasty when trolling 100 to 230 miles ofshore, along the Gulf’s continental shelf. “If conditions are really rough, trolling becomes tricky, and you have to work your troll in the best direction possible, usually in the troughs,â€? says Impson. “Then we put our baits a little farther back in the spread in order to reach cleaner water.â€? Don’t be afraid to play with varying speeds all day long, especially in rough sea conditions, to best present your baits.

SPEED LIMITS A variety of speeds, from 2 to 9 knots, encompass trolling “sweet spots� for several respected charter captains. Chances are you can steal a trolling speed and pattern from one of these experts.

My trolling speed varies for many reasons, from the type of bait to the target species. For everyday marlin fishing with dead bait or lures, 8.5 knots is a good allaround speed. Both baits and lures run great, plus most boats have a great hum at this speed. For tuna fishing, I find a slower pace of 6.5 to 7 knots gets more bites than my everyday speed. Plus, at this speed, my boat throws a cleaner wake that the tuna seem to like. Live-bait fishing requires slow (2- to 4-knot) speeds, allowing live baits to swim naturally. :KHQ WUROOLQJ VSUHDG DQG VSHHG ZRUN WRJHWKHU WKH UHVXOWV FDQ EH HOHFWULF 7KLV FDSWDLQ EDFNV GRZQ KLV VSRUW Ć“VKHU RQ D PDUOLQ WKDWĹ?V DERXW WR be leadered. 1 6 61 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

WILL DROST (TOP), PAT FORD (2)

Capt. Allen DeSilva; Hamilton, %HUPXGD IRRW +DWWHUDV Es Mucho

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 / VOL 31 — ISSUE 9

&DOP VXUIDFH FRQGLWLRQV DOORZ DQJOHUV WR GLFWDWH WKH GLUHFWLRQ DQG VSHHG RI WKH WUROO %XW QRW DOO GD\V DUH EOXHELUG VR Æ“VKHUPHQ PXVW EH DEOH WR UHDFW WR ZHDWKHU SDWWHUQV DFFRUGLQJO\

&DSW $QWKRQ\ 0HQGLOOR ,VOD 0XMHUHV 0H[LFR IRRW 0LFKDHO )LW] Keen M

There is no set trolling speed for me. I troll naked baits between 3 and 8 knots regularly. For sailfish, when fishing near baitfish schools, that’s when we tend to slow our speed. Truthfully, the best speed is the one that garners the most bites — not raised fish, not lookers, but actual, true bites. &DSW 'DUUHQ ,PSVRQ &OHDUZDWHU %HDFK )ORULGD IRRW <HOORZƓQ

We typically fish at 9 knots, looking for that instinctive bite. Our main troll presentations include fresh bait behind plugs, using fluorocarbon leaders to get more strikes. Nine knots allows the bait to look natural in the water, with

the right movement and bubble stream, without washing the baits out quickly. When fishing with naked ballyhoo (no plugs or skirts), we troll even slower, at 4

to 5 knots. A naked ballyhoo should skip perfectly as long as it’s rigged correctly, and there is no better trolling bait out there. Of course, without a plug or skirt in

SPORTFISHINGMAG.COM

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 / VOL 31 — ISSUE 9

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front of it, anglers risk getting cut off by a toothy critter. A plug or skirt in front of the bait not only protects it from washing out, but also provides some protection from the sharp teeth of a wahoo or barracuda. Capt. Deane Lambros; Point Pleasant, 1HZ -HUVH\ IRRW 9LNLQJ

I prefer to hunt bigeye tuna, and 6 to 6.5 knots seems to be the speed that produces best while also attracting other tunas and marlin. When we’re targeting bigeyes, the baits we pull — mostly split-billed ballyhoo — and certain plugs work best at this speed. Fellow captain Phil Dulanie, who runs a 60-foot Ritchie Howell, prefers 6.8 to 7.2 knots for pulling spreader bars and lures for tuna. In addition, the sounds of the engines and wake produced by my 48-foot Viking with a CAT C8.7 are best at this speed. Depending on sea conditions, my speed does uctuate — faster on calm days and slower on rough.

1 8 81 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

PICK UP THE PACE Anglers can get heavy with the throttle when conditions allow and they want to pick up their trolling speeds. New Jersey captains Dulanie and Lambros troll specific speeds when targeting marlin. For blue marlin, Dulanie says he trolls plugs up to 9 knots. “On the

other hand, for white marlin, we really slow down to 5.5 to 6 knots and troll dink ballyhoo,� he adds. If you are not using baits, you can pull plastic plugs faster, to 10 knots. “Any [speed] faster than 10 knots, [and] you typically have to fish with trolling weights and wire line in order to keep the baits down below the surface,� says Impson. Wahoo are one species that truly excels at those high trolling speeds. Ten to 12 knots is no problem for a wahoo. “I refer to it as ‘travel fishing’ or ‘scouting,’� says DeSilva, “when you are fishing to a known hot spot or looking for one. [Ten to 12 knots] is fast enough to get you where you’re going, but not too crazy on the fuel burn.�

MICHAEL SCHIMPF

:KHWKHU KRUVH RU GLQN QDNHG RU VNLUWHG EDOO\KRR DUH D VWDSOH IRU WUROO Ć“VKHUPHQ 7KH ZD\ LQ ZKLFK WKH\Ĺ?UH ULJJHG GLUHFWO\ DIIHFWV KRZ IDVW WKH\ FDQ be trolled.

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FISH FACTS BY DOUG OLANDER / NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 / VOL 31 — ISSUE 9

FISH FACTS ARCHIVES

AFRICAN POMPANO (Alectis ciliaris) A jack or trevally dipped in chrome and run over by a steamroller — that’s one way to describe the African pompano. This hard-fighting, tasty game fish — not in the same genus as true pompanos — is found in most of the world’s warm and tropical oceans, around wrecks and reefs. The IGFA all-tackle record stands at 50 pounds, 8 ounces, from Daytona Beach in 1990.

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GOLDEN TARPON

BLACKTIP GROUPER

GRASS PORGY

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DECEMBER 2016

JASON ARNOLD / JASONARNOLDPHOTO.COM

INSIDE:

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Compass Rose Charters, Key West 855-347-4659 or 305-395-3474 keywestfloridafishing.com

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 / VOL 31 — ISSUE 9

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nor heard of anything like this, and guess it to be extremely rare. Thanks for passing this on. — Bob Shipp CHALLENGE OUR EXPERTS

WHITE’S RIGHT FOR THIS JACK’S MOUTH

(And Win Up to 10,800 Yards of Line!)

We caught this fish 35 nautical miles southeast of Ocean City, Maryland, while fishing for mahi. After much research, I believe it’s a cottonmouth jack. I hadn’t even heard of the species, much less caught one, before this. What is your opinion?

SEND IN YOUR QUESTION

and any relevant photos of your mysterious catch or observation for our experts’ ID and feedback. If we publish your question and you have a shipping address within the United States or Canada, you’ll win a 3-pound spool of Berkley Pro Spec ocean-blue or fluorescentyellow monofilament (1,000 to 10,800 yards, depending on line strength) or a 1,500-yard spool of Spiderwire Stealth braid up to 100-pound-test! Send questions and images via email to fishfacts@sport fishingmag.com (include your hometown) or via post to Sport Fishing Fish Facts, 460 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 200, Winter Park, FL 32789.

Ed Richardson Laurel, Maryland

SPONSORED BY

Tarpon

SF FISH FACTS EXPERTS NORTHEAST

Mike Fahay, Sandy Hook Marine Lab, New Jersey SOUTHEAST

Ray Waldner, Ph.D., Palm Beach Atlantic University, Florida GULF OF MEXICO

Bob Shipp, Ph.D., University of South Alabama, bobshipp.com WEST COAST

Milton Love, Ph.D., UCSB, lovelab.id.ucsb.edu

GOLD-PLATED SILVER KING While fishing with me off Destin in June, 16-year-old Will Chapman, of Mobile, Alabama, caught this remarkable tarpon. Have you ever seen or heard of such a gold-and-silver tarpon? What would account for the gold color, versus classic dark green, over the entire dorsal half of the fish?

You’re right on your ID, Ed. Cottonmouths are jacks in the family Carangidae, and named for the pure-white mouth lining and tongue. Your specimen of Uraspis secunda is a juvenile and differs somewhat from adults. Juvenile characteristics include the six or seven wide bars on the body, and the very long, very black pelvic fin. It’s a particularly vexing species because the eggs and larvae are undescribed, and spawning seasonality and location are totally unknown. Adults reach at least 5 pounds — that’s the weight of the IGFA all-tackle record, caught off Bermuda in 2014. The cottonmouth occurs circumglobally; in the western Atlantic, it’s recorded from widely scattered locations between Massachusetts and Brazil. The species reportedly occurs at all levels throughout the water column, either as solitary individuals or in small schools. This may be one of those rare species that migrates widely with ontogeny (development and age). Spawning may be restricted to only part of its range, presumably where the largest individuals occur, but this will remain purely hypothetical until we get more data. The cottonmouth is apparently good

Capt. Pat Dineen Flyliner Charters Destin, Florida

FAR PACIFIC

Ben Diggles, Ph.D., Queensland, Australia, GLJVƓ VK FRP BLUEWATER PELAGICS

Eric Prince, Ph.D., courtesy of NOAA Fisheries Lab, Miami

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DECEMBER 2016

Capt. Pat, I can offer only an educated guess on that gorgeous gold tarpon. Apparently there was a failure of the normal pigment, probably melanin, to develop. This could be the result of a genetic aberration that allowed other pigments — like the yellow-gold carotenoids — to be expressed. It’s somewhat analogous to leaves turning gold in the fall as the pigment chlorophyll disappears. But, no: I’ve never seen

Cottonmouth jack

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eating, but it has also been associated with ciguatera poisoning off Cuba. — Mike Fahay

PANAMA: TARPON FOR THE LONG TERM This is the second tarpon we’ve caught off Cebaco Island, Panama. I’m wondering if it’s the same kind of tarpon that lives in the Atlantic, since we caught it in the Pacific. Paul Sardina Sacramento, California

Tarpon are caught regularly in Panama and, by local accounts, are spawning there. In addition, fish as small as 5 pounds have been reported caught in Costa Rica, suggesting a population has become established. However, since nobody I know of has caught very small fish (i.e., a few

Tarpon

inches long) in the eastern Pacific, the possibility that all tarpon caught in these waters come in through the

Panama Canal cannot yet be ruled out. The fact that tarpon catches seem to be limited to the area between western Costa Rica and southern Colombia suggests that a population in these waters has not established itself in the 100 years since the canal opened and provided the species with access to the eastern Pacific. Why those large fish living in the Pacific haven’t roamed farther afield is a mystery; you would think tarpon — a large, pelagic fish that travels long distances in the western Atlantic — could swim from Panama to Mexico in a few weeks or months. Some scientists with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute are now working on the genetics of eastern Pacific tarpon to see what clues that might give, and are also attempting to find small juveniles. — Ross Robertson Editor’s Note: Dr. Ross Robertson, who lives in Panama, has been a research

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scientist with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute since 1975 and has coauthored two editions of the book Fishes of the Tropical Eastern Pacific.

Blacktip grouper

FAR-FLUNG MYSTERY During a recent visit to Ko Kut Island, in the Gulf of Siam, we encountered a number of different species of grouper. I assume this one is a grouper, but know nothing about it and can’t find any references that will ID it. Help me out, please! Jean-Francois Helias Fishing Adventures Thailand Bangkok

This feisty little specimen is called the blacktip grouper, Epinephelus fasciatus. Also known as blacktip rock cod, it’s a common species found around coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea in the west to as far

east as Pitcairn Island. Indeed, they are considered to be one of the two most widely distributed species of grouper

in the world, with scientists identifying six different populations within their range. They grow to around 18 inches

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 / VOL 31 — ISSUE 9

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long, and so are one of the smaller members of the family Serranidae. The species is usually found on reef or rubble slopes in depths less than 130 feet, but they have been captured as deep as 500 feet. They’re easily recognized by the black tip of the dorsal

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fin, which contrasts sharply with the banded orange of the body. Like other serranids, blacktip rock cod are protogynous hermaphrodites: They mature first as females, at 8 to 10 inches long, before switching sex to become male. These small but aggressive ambush

predators can sometimes be seen sitting with their pectoral fins on the bottom in the coral, looking up at passing fish (and fishers), waiting to consume crustaceans and fish small enough to fit in their mouth. An excellent food fish, the species has become popular for aquaculture in Asia. — Ben Diggles

PECULIAR PORGY My son Jared caught this peculiarlooking fish while we were on a family vacation in the Florida Keys this past summer. We were fishing with my dad over a backcountry grass flat off Big Pine Key, trying to catch some pinfish for tarpon bait. My father has fished the Keys for nearly a decade, but he had never seen a fish like this one. I’m sending this photo to see if the experts can identify the species. James Victory Ocean Springs, Mississippi Grass porgy

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DECEMBER 2016

Jared caught a particularly vivid grass porgy, Calamus arctifrons, James. This species inhabits seagrass beds from South Florida and the Florida Keys through the eastern Gulf of Mexico to Louisiana, and grows to a maximum length of 10 inches. It has been reported from depths up to 75 feet. Despite its rather small size, like most porgies, the grass porgy makes excellent table fare. — Bob Shipp

GAME PLAN

FISH FACTS

GEAR GUIDE

FISHERMEN BEFORE, DURING OR AFTER A TRIP, YOU’LL BE GLAD TO HAVE THESE FISHING APPS ON YOUR SMARTPHONE PHONES ARE AS common as car keys in today’s hustle and bustle. Incorporating smartphone use into your fishing missions is the next logical step. Apple’s iPhone 7 is water-resistant, so it’s better able to protect against spray and splashes. Fishing-friendly apps for Android and iOS operating systems bring together anglers via social media, ofer real-time fishing conditions, help locate fish and track boat routes, and provide a host of other functions. Whatever your need, there’s probably an app for it. Here are nine fishing apps that ofer just some of what’s available to anglers. You can find more useful boating apps for anglers in the April 2016 issue of Sport Fishing.

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DECEMBER 2016

GAME PLAN

ANIMATED FISHING KNOTS BY JOHN SHERRY

Learning a new knot and forget a vital step? This app shows complete animations of 60 popular fishing knots. All knots reside on the mobile app, allowing access to knot demos on the water even without cellular network service. Popular knots include the Alberto, Australian plait, FG, haywire twist, loop-to-loop, snell and plenty of others. Zoom, pause and play the knot to highlight specific steps. All knots have a picture of the completed knot with a text description. The knots are listed in four categories: 1) Attach a hook, fly or lure, 2) Miscellaneous, 3) Tie two lines together, and 4) Tie a loop. The price is 99 cents.

BOATING USA BY NAVIONICS The Boating USA app covers 18,000 lakes, full U.S. coastal areas, and upper Bahamas regions via SonarChart, delivering contoured maps right on your phone. The app provides 1-foot inshore and lake contours, as well as advanced fishing contours of 3 to 6 feet past 80 feet ofshore. If your boat doesn’t have a chart plotter, or if it has one that dies while on the water, this app works as a backup (and can ofer a noninteractive

+ F I S H FA C T S

+ GEAR GUIDE

chart even without a GPS signal, as long as the area was downloaded first). Among the features is dock-to-dock auto-routing: Enter starting and ending waypoints, and the app automatically calculates the best route based on your boat and depth settings. Search local information for marinas, fuel prices, waterfront restaurants, fishing spots and tide stations. Even of the boat, the app allows anglers to plan fishing trips. Look for areas to fish, mark the spots, and be ready to go in the morning. Boating USA is $10 a year for all features, then $5 for yearly renewal.

DOWNRIGGER BY JEC SOLUTIONS INC.

BUOYWEATHER BY SURFLINE The Buoyweather app from Surfline predicts accurate seven-day wind and swell data worldwide, based on proprietary virtual-buoy technology. Rather than relying on a wide regional forecast, the app lets anglers know marine forecasts for any exact GPS location. Simply drop your cursor where you want the weather forecast. Anglers and boat owners must check weather regularly, especially before heading ofshore, to utilize safe weather windows. Having that data right on your phone or tablet is a huge asset. The price for access to the seven-day forecasts, tides, and advanced wave heights and wind maps is $15 per month.

DEEPER SMART SONAR BY FRIDAY LAB

The Deeper app works in conjunction with three portable Deeper Smart Sonar products: Deeper Smart Fishfinder 3.0, Deeper Smart Sonar Pro and Deeper Smart Sonar Pro+. For anyone unfamiliar with Deeper, it’s a small, 3 0 03 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

ultralight wireless castable sounder that floats on the water’s surface and transmits detailed bottom and watercolumn information straight to your smartphone screen. The Smart Sonar captures depths up to 130 feet, bottom structure, temperature, vegetation, fish location, and other data points. Deeper units operate in online and oline modes and connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth. The Deeper Smart Portable Fishfinder is $200; the app is free.

The DownRigger app works with any downrigger configuration to help set a desired depth. Although modern downriggers have line counters and depth settings, they aren’t always accurate, especially in current or moving water. To use the DownRigger app, set the line display to match the number on your downrigger. Then tilt your phone so the white line matches the angle of your downrigger cable as it heads toward the water. The depth on the phone changes to match the angle of the cable; this is a better representation of the cannonball’s depth. The app also helps set the rigger line to a desired depth. When you select the depth you want to fish, the app displays the amount of line necessary to

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 / VOL 31 — ISSUE 9

let out. Match the angle of the cable to the center white line on the app; the amount of line required to hit that depth shows on your phone. The DownRigger app is $2.

option allows users to compete against friends, family and fellow fishing-club members in species-specific leagues. FishBrain Premium is $5.99 monthly.

FISH RULES BY FISH RULES LLC

BY iANGLER TOURNAMENT SYSTEMS AND ELEMENTAL METHODS

iANGLER TOURNAMENT The Fish Rules app lists recreational saltwater fishing regulations for state and federal waters from Maine to Texas. Enable location services to filter regulations for your actual location. Look up bag limits, seasons and size limits in just seconds while on the water. In so many places today, regulations are complex (as in Florida, where rules difer when fishing in the Gulf or Atlantic); this app removes the guesswork. Manually set your location if you want to check regulations for an alternate fishing spot. For common fish species, the app ofers species identification via photos. The app is free.

The iAngler Tournament app is a virtual fishing-tournament hosting system

FISHBRAIN BY FISHBRAIN The FishBrain app brings social media to angling. Users of the app share images and details of their catches, including size, weight and bait used. It’s more fun to brag about a catch with people who fish. Of course, fishermen can also share tips to help others catch fish. Top features include a FishBrain Forecast, which predicts the optimal time, place and bait to catch particular fish in any given location. The “Teams”

SPORTFISHINGMAG.COM

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GAME PLAN

that allows anglers to catch, photograph and release their fish and submit the competitive information in real time to the tournament directors. Because the app sorts fish as they are entered, anglers no longer need to cull fish; they just log all of them, and the longest fish are automatically calculated. Further, the data is housed in the Angler Action database, owned solely by the Snook & Gamefish Foundation.

+ F I S H FA C T S

+ GEAR GUIDE

The data collected is used directly in stock assessments in Florida. It has also recently been used for functional habitat mapping to help researchers with habitat and restoration projects. Tournament directors interested in using the app should contact Brett Fitzgerald (brett@snookfoundation .org) at the Snook & Gamefish Foundation. Fitzgerald can better explain app details and even provide support for tournament setups. The price for the app is $5 per angler.

iSNAPPER BY TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY, CORPUS CHRISTI

Recreational fishermen can help build Gulf of Mexico red snapper fish stocks with the iSnapper app. The app allows anglers to easily and securely report their red snapper catches, providing researchers with access to accurate harvest data. The data gathered from anglers by iSnapper will ultimately

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DECEMBER 2016

provide anglers with a longer season. Collecting timely and accurate catch data from recreational fishermen is a major challenge to fisheries management. Because of these problems, the red snapper quota for the recreational sector includes a 20 percent bufer. With more accurate data, directly from fishermen in real time, this bufer could be reduced or even eliminated. The iSnapper app is free.

IGFA PENDING WORLD RECORDS A

C

A monster 41-pound, 1-ounce shortraker rockfish [A] is a pending all-tackle record for David Utoft of Mastic Beach, New York, who caught the deepwater bottom dweller in Cross Sound, Alaska, on squid this past July. It would defeat a 40-pound, 11-ounce record shortraker taken in 2013 from the same waters.

B

Pending as the junior-angler record for India Thompson of Launceston, Tasmania, is a 589-pound, 8-ounce swordfish [B], caught near St. Helens this SDVW $SULO RQ D PDFNHUHO 7KH Æ“VK UHTXLUHG PLQXWHV WR ODQG ,I DSSURYHG LW will smash the existing junior record of 364 pounds, 3 ounces, caught off New Zealand in 2012. From Honolulu, an all-tackle-record candidate is a 10-pound, 12-ounce sharpjaw bonefish [C] $QJOHU 0DWWKHZ (KQHV RI +RQROXOX KRRNHG WKH Æ“VK RQ RFWRSXV EDLW DQG IRXJKW LW IRU PLQXWHV 7KH H[LVWLQJ UHFRUG LV SRXQGV IURP Oahu, Hawaii. D

COURTESY IGFA / IGFA.ORG

A 23-pound, 14-ounce silver gemfish [D] is the pending all-tackle record for that deepwater member of the snake mackerel family, popular among anglers RII 1HZ =HDODQG ZKHUH WKH Æ“VK ZDV FDXJKW '\ODQ 6WHYHQVRQ RI :KLWLDQJD 1HZ =HDODQG FDXJKW WKH Æ“VK WKLV SDVW $SULO ,I DSSURYHG LW ZLOO EHDW WKH existing record from the same area by 2 pounds, 14 ounces.

INTERNATIONAL GAME FISH ASSOCIATION, 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, FL 33004 ph: 954-927-2628; fax: 954-924-4299; igfa.org

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FISHING MACHINES FISH TRIALS BOAT TIPS NEW BOATS & GEAR BETTER BOATING

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36

Fish Trial: Striper 230 Walkaround

Fish Trial: Regulator 31

Better Boating: Haute Hardware

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DECEMBER 2016

JASON ARNOLD / JASONARNOLDPHOTO.COM

INSIDE:

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 / VOL 31 — ISSUE 9 FISHING MACHINES + FISH TRIALS + BOAT TIPS + NEW BOATS & GEAR

+ BETTER BOATING

BY CHRIS WOODWARD

FOUR GREAT TROLLING BOATS Blending Stability, Cockpit Space and Serious Fishing Design EVEN KAYAKS CAN troll baits. But when trolling requires artistry, demands a tournament-winning strategy, or provides the

best means to big-fish dreams, which boat do you need? What are the features and design elements that create the top vessels in this category? To answer those questions, I asked four builders that make either classic or purpose-designed trolling boats to describe the subtleties of their crafts. All are inboard-driven vessels in the 35- to 45-foot range. Here are their answers (listed alphabetically by builder).

ALBEMARLE 36 EXPRESS

SPECS: LOA: 38 ft. 8 in. • Beam: 14 ft. 5 in. • Transom Deadrise: 16 deg. • Draft: 4 ft. Dry Weight: 25,000 lb. • Power Option: Twin Cummins 600 hp diesels • MSRP: $575,900

“The Albemarle 36 sports a sharp entry at the forefront for a soft ride to and from the fishing grounds, yet it transitions to a modest 16 degrees of deadrise at the transom to provide less draft, a cleaner wake and a stable trolling platform,” says Ted Haigler, director of sales and marketing for Albemarle. “Underwater exhaust keeps the noise level low and eliminates any diesel smell or transom sooting.” 38

DECEMBER 2016

Albemarle builds aft-facing seating at the mezzanine to offer mates a comfortable perch for watching the spread. A standard transom door allows for boating big-game fish, and oversize boxes on the transom and in the cockpit create ample space to store a catch. “Plenty of freeboard provides a sense of comfort when fishing in big seas, and an optional bait freezer makes keeping plenty of mullet, ballyhoo and mackerel

easily accessible,” Haigler says. “Three steps up to the helm deck and then an additional 6-inch platform for the captain means excellent visibility” for the helmsman to survey the cockpit, the transom and the surrounding water. The fact that the boat is designed for inboard power means less than it used to, Haigler says. The traditional wisdom that inboard boats raise more fish than do those with outboards has lost its impact with the new, quiet fourstroke engines, although fishing around outboard engines can prove a bit more challenging, he adds. Since trolling practices change based on target species, weather and sea state, boats must operate at varying speeds while offering a clean wake. They must also offer enough beam to create an optimal spread, a large enough cockpit to quickly set and clear lines, and handy rigging stations where leaders can be swapped and baits can be changed with minimal hassle. “The 36 Albemarle performs well however you need to run it. We have seen it win multiple tournament victories. The 36 has also proven itself on the high-speed troll, catching wahoo in South Florida and in the south Caribbean,” Haigler says.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 / VOL 31 — ISSUE 9 FISHING MACHINES + FISH TRIALS + BOAT TIPS + NEW BOATS & GEAR

+ BETTER BOATING

BERTRAM 35

SPECS:

LOA: 35 ft. 1 in. • Beam: 12 ft. 5 in. • Transom Deadrise: 22 deg. • Draft: 2 ft. 6 in. Disp.: 20,800 lb. (at half-load) • Power Option: Twin Cat C7.1 570 hp diesels • MSRP: N/A

Bertram announced this remake of its classic 31 in late 2015. At press time in mid-September, the first Bertram 35 had just debuted at the Newport International Boat Show in Rhode Island. The 35 improves on the 31 by

adding extra length for more waterline and beam and increasing fuel efficiency with its low shaft angle. But it’s the large, open cockpit and the low-profile design of the hull that proved to be essential features of the

31’s long success as a trolling boat, says Tommy Thompson, vice president of sales. The 31 came with about 120 square feet of cockpit space, and its low profile created a better center of gravity for comfort and for fighting and quickly handling big fish. This new hull also offers optimal visibility from the helm, a custom Release leaning post with tackle drawers, mezzanine seating atop the engine boxes, a 55-gallon livewell, and salon rod storage. These days “quality is no longer an option, and buyers’ knowledge is through the roof,” Thompson says. “On the 35, we included our clients in the process to make sure we got it right.”

Bertram designed its new 35 to improve on the classic 31, adding extra length and beam and improving fuel efficiency.

SEAVEE 430 FISH-AROUND Important design characteristics for trolling boats include stability and tracking, says John Caballero, marketing director for SeaVee Boats. “Because the boat is trolling at relatively low speeds that are nonplaning, it relies on a low center of gravity and more substantial chine beam to minimize rolling while trolling,” Caballero says. “Excessive rolling can make it uncomfortable and hard to work at sea.” Trolling for long hours can also be hard work for a helmsman if he has to spend his time trying to keep the boat heading in a straight line. “A boat with significant strakes, a sharp keel and hard chines will help keep it pointed in the direction you want to go,” he says. Other aspects, such as a large, wellthought-out cockpit, a transom or side 40

DECEMBER 2016

SPECS: LOA: 43 ft. • Beam: 13 ft. 4 in. • Transom Deadrise: 22 deg. • Draft: 27 in. Dry Weight: 24,800 lb. • Power Option: Twin Volvo IPS 600s • MSRP: $775,440

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© 2016 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 / VOL 31 — ISSUE 9 FISHING MACHINES + FISH TRIALS + BOAT TIPS + NEW BOATS & GEAR

door, and low aft-cockpit freeboard, make it easier for a crew and an angler to manage multiple lines, fight fish, and tag or gaff a gamester boat-side. “Rod-holder placement is also critical,” Caballero says, “with corner rod holders providing straight-back alignment for shotguns. Room for downriggers and electrical outlets is also important for anglers who plan to run some of their baits deep. Creating space for flat-line clips and center teaser rod holders is also critical.” Creating a clean wake for baits also

+ BETTER BOATING

SeaVee’s Fish-Around not only features design elements to enhance trolling, but also comes with tons of fishing features.

relies on proper design elements. “A clean wake, including minimal froth and bubbles, with well-defined edges,

and a clean secondary wave, make bait placement in the wake structure simpler and more effective,” he says. “Sharp chines and transom edges, and careful attention to placement and installation of appendages by the designer and builder, are key to delivering a clean and clear wake. On an inboard boat, it means hydrodynamically designed propeller tunnels, struts and rudders.”

VIKING 42 OPEN

SPECS:

LOA: 42 ft. 7 in. • Beam: 15 ft. 10 in. • Transom Deadrise: 16.7 deg. • Draft: 3 ft. 5 in. Disp.: 32,699 lb. • Power Option: Twin Cummins 440s • MSRP: $1,080,000 (base price)

“My idea for a good trolling boat starts with the hull, particularly when fishing offshore more than 10 miles. Conditions can change during the course of the day; it might be a nice ride out, but when you pull the lines to head for the barn later in the afternoon, you might be facing steep head seas,” says Peter Frederiksen, Viking communications director. “A modified-V hull with 12 to 16 degrees of transom deadrise is a good all-around choice. It keeps enough of the hull below the surface, which adds stability and provides lateral tracking into a sea to help keep the boat on course. This is also helpful when 42

DECEMBER 2016

you’re trolling in a sloppy, wind-driven sea with a lot of tide that produces considerable in-your-face chop.” How the boat handles a seaway and responds at the helm will affect angler comfort as well as the action of lures or rigged baits in the wash, Frederiksen adds. And that can spell the difference between success and skunk. “Cockpit layout is an important consideration for catching fish,” he says. “I like a place for everything and everything Viking outfits the cockpit of the 42 Open with tackle drawers, storage and fish boxes to keep everything in its place.

in its place. This means tackle drawers, plenty of flush rod holders, a safe undergunwale locker to stow the tag stick or gaffs, a built-in bait locker, and a cooler to keep the deck clear.” A transom door and a locking lift gate are convenient for boarding fish or people. A transom fish box helps mates dispatch a fish quickly. “And if it can double as a large livewell when kitefishing, even better,” says Frederiksen. While Frederiksen spends most of his time on inboard boats, he says he doesn’t subscribe to the idea that inboards raise more fish. “Where the inboard boat with an express or flying bridge and tuna tower does have an advantage over a center-console boat is the height-enhanced visibility for spotting birds, slicks, weed lines, debris and tailing fish,” he says. “An inboard boat also would have the advantage widthwise because of the beam of the boat. This allows a wider spread of baits in the wake.”

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BOATS FISHING MACHINES + FISH TRIALS + BOAT TIPS + NEW BOATS & GEAR

+ BETTER BOATING

BY JIM HENDRICK S

STRIPER 230 WALKAROUND Compact Boat with a Big Cabin for Overnight Fishing Adventures

P

Pre-dawn darkness still shrouded the docks in Southern California’s Huntington Harbour, where I met Capt. Joe Oliver and first mate Nick Jones in late August for my Fish Trial of the new Striper 230 Walkaround. Under the glow of an aft spreader light, we loaded up rods and tackle and stowed drinks and our provisions in the built-in cooler abaft the port pedestal chair. Oliver put the Yamaha F200 in gear and we headed out. “We’re going to run to Catalina Island and try for some calico bass and (California) yellowtail,” he announced as we idled through the main channel.

Striper’s new 230 Walkaround combines a smooth-riding and efficient hull with abundant fishing features and a spacious, comfortable cabin at an affordable price. 4 4 44 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

“Sounds like a great way to test this boat,” I replied, considering the 30-mile run and a three-foot swell out of the west. The picturesque coves of Catalina teem with fish, and the island’s quiet anchorages beckon anglers to spend more than a day. The Striper 230 Walkaround was designed for such trips, with features that let you fish hard and then grab a good night’s rest afloat in a roomy cabin. Time constraints would not allow us to overnight, but as we cruised west,

I slipped through the companionway to the port side of the helm, flipped on the LED cabin light, and explored the accommodations. With 5½ feet of headroom and a V-berth measuring 7¾ feet long by nearly 5½ feet wide (at the aft edge), this is one of the largest cabins I’ve seen on a boat this size, with a length overall of 22 feet 8 inches. The berth quickly converts into a dinette for those evenings when you want to eat indoors.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 / VOL 31 — ISSUE 9

PERFORMANCE POWER ....... Yamaha F200 four-cylinder outboard LOAD ................................. 60 gal. fuel, three crew TOP SPEED ............................ 38 mph @ 5,600 rpm TIME TO 30 MPH ........................................ 14 sec. BEST MPG ................... 2.77 @ 23 mph (4,000 rpm)

HULL LOA ......................................................... 22 ft. 8 in. BEAM .........................................................8 ft. 6 in. DEADRISE ................................................... 20 deg. DRY WEIGHT .......................3,761 lb. (w/o engine) DRAFT ...........................1 ft. 7 in. (w/ outboard up) FUEL ............................................................129 gal. MAX POWER ............................................... 300 hp BASE MSRP ............ $76,029 (w/ 200 Yamaha XA) STRIPER BOATS Little Falls, Minnesota striperboats.com

The mini galley in the port aft corner features a sink, freshwater faucet, and a butane stove that tucks away when not in use. In the starboard aft corner is a portable marine head with a fitting that connects to a holding tank with a pump-out port. Just as I finished the cabin inspection, we arrived at the live-bait barge in Long Beach Harbor. By now, the first gray light of the morning had crept over the water, giving me a chance to check out the two covered livewells on my test boat: a standard 27-gallon tank in the port quarter and an optional 10-gallon well ($191) just abaft and below the helm chair. We loaded both with frisky Pacific sardines, then cast off and set a course for the island.

ranging from 7 to 12 inches, depending on the package. I found that the 30-inch-wide helm panel offered an ideal viewing angle on the Striper 230 Walkaround and could accommodate twin displays up to 9 inches each in a custom installation. Dedicated engine instrumentation resided in a special eye-level pod above the helm panel. Striper installed an easyto-access panel of rocker switches just to the left of the tilt-and-lock stainless steering wheel, with controls for the standard Lenco trim tabs to the right. The standard hardtop features a sturdy powder-coated aluminum frame, integrated electronics boxes, four rod holders across the aft edge, a dome light, and an aft-facing spreader light. An elevated section on the hardtop provides an ideal location for a radar antenna.

STAYING WARM Temperatures were warm and breezes light on our summer-morning passage, but for cooler days, consider the optional canvas package ($1,471) with clear-vinyl enclosure curtains that extend on both sides from the top of the wraparound windshield to the hardtop in the front. Twin fully adjustable helm chairs with fold-down armrests and flip-up bolsters offered superb support, with

fold-down footrests below the seats to prop up your legs. Both chairs are set on pedestals that swivel aft — great for allowing the deckhand to watch trolling lines or for socializing when fishing is not a priority. The sun had risen well above the horizon by the time we arrived at the island a little over an hour later. We decided to scout for signs of fish while running along the north-facing front shore. The Striper 230 Walkaround features a newly designed running surface. Handling proved sure-footed as we weaved our Above: A 27-gallon livewell resides in the port quarter. Below: The hardtop boasts a sturdy aluminum frame. Handrails along the edges of the top are welcome features when going forward in rough seas.

JIM HENDRICKS (3)

ELECTRONICS CHOICES The 230 Walkaround I tested was so new that it did not yet sport marine electronics. “We let the customer select the electronics,” said Oliver, who serves as the official delivery captain for the local Striper Boats dealership, the Boat House of Anaheim. Some Striper dealers also offer the optional factory electronics packages. The available packages include three from Garmin, four from Raymarine, and three from Simrad. All feature a single touchscreen multifunction flush-mounted display, with sizes SPORTFISHINGMAG.COM

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BOATS

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 / VOL 31 — ISSUE 9

FISHING MACHINES + FISH TRIALS + BOAT TIPS + NEW BOATS & GEAR

+ BETTER BOATING

Nick Jones battles a strong Pacific bonito around the bow of the 230. High bow rails offer an extra measure of security.

way around the points and along the beaches and bays. Hydraulic steering eased the task of piloting the 230.

SMOOTH RIDE

Jump seats in the stern quarters can be removed (as they have been above) to free up deck space for fishing. 4 6 64 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

fish after fish. To create extra room in the cockpit, Oliver had removed the transom jump seats earlier in the trip, stowing them in the cabin. After a few minutes of fishing, Jones hooked a more powerful fish than the bass we were catching. The fish took him around the boat once, and as he battled it from the bow area, we were hoping for a yellowtail. It turned out to be a Pacific bonito, which we released.

TWIN FISH LOCKERS Had we caught and kept a big, tasty yellowtail, it would have fit nicely in one of two insulated 12-gallon fish lockers that flank the cockpit. Macerators pump fish blood and guts overboard. We did use the raw-water washdown to clean up the deck more than once. The Striper 230 Walkaround also features a freshwater washdown, as well as an optional pull-out freshwater shower hose ($256) in the transom. The outboard on the Striper is installed on an open transom with a splashwell. A 25-inch-high bulkhead separates the well from the interior. I used the holders atop the bulkhead to stow my fishing rod when I needed to re-bait or rig lines. Swim platforms on each side of the outboard extend a few feet forward along the hull, just above the waterline. It’s a stylish touch, but functional as

well: Rub rails along the edge help protect the hull when docking. A boarding ladder deploys to the side from under the starboard swim platform.

RUN THE NUMBERS The bite tapered off, so we decided to collect performance data. With 60 gallons of fuel and 560 pounds of crew, the 230 jumped on plane in seven seconds, reaching 30 mph in 14 seconds. Turning a 15-inch-pitch Yamaha Saltwater Series II three-blade stainless-steel propeller, the Yamaha F200 four-cylinder outboard propelled the boat to a top speed of 38 mph at 5,600 rpm, where the engine burned 19.4 gph for 1.96 mpg at wide-open throttle. The most efficient cruising speed occurred at 4,000 rpm and 23 mph with a fuel-burn rate of 8.3 gph. That equates to 2.77 mpg and a cruising range of more than 350 miles based on the 129-gallon fuel tank. Ultimately, the new Striper 230 Walkaround combines efficiency, comfort, fishing features and a smooth ride in an affordable package. If you like overnight stays or just want a boat so the kids can catch fish and then catch a nap, the 230 is worth a close look.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about boats, electronics and accessories, visit VSRUWƓVKLQJPDJ FRP QHZ ERDWV.

JIM HENDRICKS (2)

The new hull offered a posh ride. With 20 degrees of deadrise at the transom, the deep-V hull sliced smoothly through the choppy seas and boat wakes we encountered during this Fish Trial. The 230 displayed excellent tracking, whether running up-sea, down-sea or in a beam sea. Scouting paid off when Oliver eyeballed calico bass feeding at the surface over a rocky reef about 50 feet off the shoreline. He slowed to idle as Jones went forward along the 7-inchwide walkways to ready anchor. Grab rails along the hardtop and a high bow rail offer great security when walking forward, and the diamond nonskid sole helps ensure traction. A roller facilitated the anchoring process, but if you plan to drop the hook often, you will appreciate the windlass option ($2,486). After retrieving the anchor about four times, Jones became a vocal proponent of adding this feature. The calico bass proved eager to bite. I found padded coaming bolsters in the cockpit a genuine comfort as I braced myself while catching and releasing

OTHER REELS DON’T HAVE THE GUTS DAIWA’S NEW BG SERIES REELS ARE LEANER, MEANER AND SEXIER THAN EVER The next generation of Daiwa’s popular BG Series sets a new standard in saltwater performance. Increased torque, smoother performance, improved durability—in all the actions fishermen demand (1500-8000 sizes) Check ‘em out at your Daiwa dealer today. www.daiwa.com/us

ORDINARY GEAR

DIGIGEAR

Size does matter. Daiwa’s super-sized Digigear is bigger and grittier. These machine-cut heavy-duty gears are smooth winding but can take punishment.

AVA I L A B L E AT T H E S E F I N E D A I WA D E A L E R S TAMPA FISHING OUTFITTERS 3916 W. Osbourne Ave. Tampa, FL 33614 (813) 870-1234 TARPON FISHING OUTFITTERS 1500 U.S. Hwy 19 Holiday, FL 34691 (727) 942-8944 ST. PETE FISHING OUTFITTERS 3450 34th Street N. St Petersburg, FL 33713 (727) 317-4949 C&H LURES 13051 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32246 (904) 992-9600

MR. CB’S OUTFITTERS 1249 Stickney Point Rd. Sarasota, FL 34242 (941) 349-4400 COOK’S SPORTLAND 4419 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 (941) 493-0025 LEHR’S ECONOMY TACKLE 1366 N. Tamiami Trail North Fort Myers, FL 33903 (239) 995-2280 DOGFISH TACKLE 8750 Park Blvd. Seminole, FL 33777 (727) 393-2102

REEL DEAL TACKLE 5538 Haines Road St Petersburg, FL 33714 (727) 821-7335 SUNSHINE ACE NAPLES 141 9th Street North Naples, FL 34102 (239) 262-2940 SUNSHINE ACE MARCO ISLAND 1720 San Marco Road Marco Island, FL 34145 (239) 642-7444 SUNSHINE ACE PT CHARLOTTE 3035 Tamiami Trail Pt Charlotte, FL 33952 (941) 627-5558

CROOK AND CROOK 2795 SW 27th Avenue Miami, FL 33133 (305) 854-0005 TUPPENS MARINE & TACKLE 1002 N Dixie Hwy, Lake Worth, FL 33460 (800) 221-5718 CAPT HARRY’S FISHING SUPPLY 8501 NW 7th Avenue Miami, FL 33150 (305) 374-4661 EL CAPITAN MARINE AND FISHING CENTER 1590 NW 27th Ave Miami, FL 33125 (305) 635-7500

GRANDSLAM SPORTFISHING SUPPLY 207 Blue Heron Boulevard, Riviera Beach, FL 33404 (561) 841-2848 WHITES TACKLE SHOP 1106 U.S. Highway1 Fort Pierce, FL 34950 (772) 461-6994 HANDLERS FISHING TACKLE 270 Borman Drive Merritt Island, FL 32953 (321) 799-9708

BOATS FISHING MACHINES + FISH TRIALS + BOAT TIPS + NEW BOATS & GEAR

+ BETTER BOATING

BY KE VIN FALV EY

REGULATOR 31 Eminently Fishable and Crafted with Care

T

THAT FAMOUS RIDE Regulator’s new centerconsole 31 offers the company’s characteristic soft, dry ride, engineered by naval architect Lou Codega, who has designed Regulators for almost 30 years. 4 8 84 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

We left Comstock Marina’s docks as dawn broke on the Jersey coast. Ditzel maneuvered the 31 neatly out of its slip, using the Yamaha Helm Master joystick system to control the twin F300 outboards. The engines ran almost silently as we idled down the fairway, engendering equally quiet conversation and camaraderie as we stowed gear

in the rising light. What had been a disorganized pile of rods, coolers, water bottles, ice, cameras, safety equipment and foul-weather gear cluttering the dock just minutes before became entirely swallowed up by the Regulator 31’s vast stowage and bevy of rod holders and rocket launchers. This is one boat where you won’t be tripping over loose gear or jamming lockers closed because they’re chock-full. I appreciated the clear decks even more as

COURTESY REGULATOR, KEVIN FALVEY (2, OPPOSITE)

This entire review can be summed up by what I said to Don Ditzel, of New Jersey’s Comstock Yacht Sales & Marina, near the end of my August fishing trip with him, Capt. Tony Miller of Reel Drag Fishing Charters, and fellow journalist Gary Caputi: “The more you know boats, the more you’ll like this Regulator 31.” Of course, such a short summation won’t do. You want all the details, and I’m happy to provide them. So let’s go back to the beginning.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 / VOL 31 — ISSUE 9

After hooking plenty of small fluke during a particularly hot bite, we did manage to land one decent fish, which was quickly iced.

we stopped to cast for stripers along a sedge bank favored by Miller. Caputi and I both had room to step atop the V-shaped bow seating to work our plugs. Had we been offshore, I might have installed the filler piece (which can transform into a table), making a complete casting platform out of the bow and thus providing even more secure footing to cast to bigger fish in open-water swells. Unfortunately, the stripers didn’t eat. As we throttled up and blasted through the Manasquan Inlet breakers, we experienced an object lesson about secure stowage: Nothing came sliding past the helm, no hatch lids slammed, and the only thing that blew away was the spray deflected by the 31’s reverse chines and Carolina bow flare. Suffice it to say, the 31 did what I call “that Regulator thing.” The “thing” is this: As the boat crests a wave and begins to fall off a four-footer at 30 knots, instinct and experience cause you to white-knuckle something solid and brace for impact. Instead, slamming never happens. The uninitiated need a few dozen waves to accept this concept, but eventually, everyone just relaxes. If you asked me how Regulator does it, I’d say it’s a combination of the deep-V hull and a builder unafraid to construct a

PERFORMANCE POWER ................................... Twin Yamaha F300s LOAD .......... 150 gal. fuel, 35 gal. water, four crew TOP SPEED ............................ 53 mph @ 5,700 rpm TIME TO 30 MPH ....................................... 6.4 sec. BEST MPG ................ 1.35 @ 26.4 mph (3,500 rpm)

HULL LOA ......................................................... 36 ft. 5 in. BEAM ...................................................... 10 ft. 4 in. DEADRISE ................................................... 24 deg. DRY WEIGHT .......................................... 10,500 lb. DRAFT ........................................................2 ft. 1 in. FUEL ............................................................300 gal. MAX POWER ............................................... 600 hp MSRP ............... $242,995 (w/ twin Yamaha F300s) REGULATOR MARINE Edenton, North Carolina 252-482-3837 regulatormarine.com

heavier boat, knowing weight is an asset in relation to motion comfort. Of course, naval architect and boat designer Lou Codega, who has been designing Regulator hulls for nearly 30 years, can explain the reasons for the stellar ride in nuanced detail. (Look for Codega at the Regulator display during some of the fall boat shows.)

BIG AND ROOMY With Manasquan behind us and Ditzel at the helm, we headed south-southeast toward the fluke (summer flounder) grounds. As we approached the general area, we zoomed into a chart on one of the two 17-inch Garmin GPSMap 8617 multifunction displays at the centerconsole helm, meanwhile calling up a full-screen fish finder on the other. Miller had a particular hump in mind that had been producing outsize fluke. Having such clear, enlarged images of both chart and sounder, with touchscreen control, proved invaluable in performing that crazed mental calculus all drift-fishermen must do: juggling the speed and direction of current and wind to set up the right drift. It’s important, at this juncture, to note that Regulator measures boats differently than most builders do. More

precisely, the Edenton, North Carolina, manufacturer names its models differently. The length of the transom bracket is not included in calculations for the model-designation number. Instead, the measurement from the bow to the end of the cockpit is used to describe the model. The length overall, which includes the bracket, is larger. For example, this Regulator 31 actually features a 36-foot-5-inch LOA. So while this boat might be empirically the biggest 31 on the market, I didn’t need a tape measure to tell me so. A glance at the crew readying the cockpit for action told me all I needed to know about whether this boat was big for its size: It’s huge. My test boat was fitted with a 40- gallon livewell, cutting board

The test boat came with one of several leaning-post options, which included a 40-gallon livewell and sink. SPORTFISHINGMAG.COM

49

BOATS

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 / VOL 31 — ISSUE 9

FISHING MACHINES + FISH TRIALS + BOAT TIPS + NEW BOATS & GEAR

Though we didn’t need it for our trip, a side dive door comes in handy when boarding people or big fish. 5 0 05 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

The cockpit features 90 square feet of space — plenty of room for managing rods and fighting big fish.

and photos, Miller iced the fluke in the transom fish box. The ice we loaded dockside had barely started to melt despite the 100-degree temperatures.

EFFICIENCY QUOTIENT Back inside the inlet, I put the 31 through a battery of performance paces, including hard-over turns and emergency decelerations. The 31 never asked for more than a light grip on the wheel and inspired confidence at all times. Carrying a half-tank of fuel, a full water tank, and a crew of four — and loaded for bear, tacklewise — the 31 hit a top speed of 53 mph. The gauges showed fuel efficiency better than 1 mpg at all speeds in the planing range, up to and including wide-open throttle, but I recorded the best efficiency at 26.4 mph, burning 19.5 gph and netting 1.35 mpg. My test boat maxed out the tachometer at 5,700 rpm, but the 100-degree weather likely created an rpm loss. I’d expect higher rpm, and thus higher speeds, in less than brutally hot weather.

A CUT ABOVE The Regulator 31 is a seasoned boater’s boat. Anyone can appreciate the subtle radius of the transom, the obvious attention to form and line in every accessory and piece of deck hardware, and the sexy curve of her rising sheer. But it takes experience in dicey weather to fully appreciate a boat that’s that much softer-riding, that much straighter-tracking when running down-sea, and that much drier-running with the wind abeam. It takes the harsh memory of fixing a clogged intake or replacing a fuel filter offshore to really appreciate the wide-open service access and robust systems installation. I could go on, but if you’re an experienced angler, check out Regulator’s new 31, and let us know if you agree that the more you know about boats, the more you’ll find this boat to your liking. Kevin Falvey is editor-in-chief of Boating magazine, a sister publication to Sport Fishing.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about boats, electronics and accessories, visit VSRUWƓVKLQJPDJ FRP QHZ ERDWV.

KEVIN FALVEY (TOP), COURTESY REGULATOR (LEFT)

and sink aft of the leaning post, complementing the standard 36-gallon livewell in the transom. This module provided some stowage for hooks, lures and leader on one side, and featured a hatch lid finished top and bottom. (A full-on tackle center is also available.) Aft of the module, I measured 90 square feet of cockpit space — plenty of elbowroom for Miller to prep his brined strip baits and tie rigs to precise dimensions honed by a lifetime on the grounds. Once on site, I headed toward the bow to drop a bait and check out numerous other fishing features. I found an in-sole box forward of the console that was more than deep enough to stow a cast net in a bucket. The fish boxes inside the bow’s V-seating drain overboard; gas struts keep their lids propped open, and foam gaskets create a watertight seal. I kept a camera in one of these hatches, and it lived through the day in fine fashion. Pop-up cleats are an expected asset, but the ones on my test boat were large enough to tie off a chum bag and the bitter end of a flying gaff, while still offering enough unused horn to secure a tail-roped mako. The recessed bow rail provided a sturdy grab point, and its low profile made it easy for me to drop the rod tip to feed a fluke chewing the strip bait. The bite turned on, and several small fluke came over the rail. Suddenly, Caputi hooked up to a heavier fish on a jig tipped with a strip bait. Miller netted the 7-pound fluke and swung it aboard. After the requisite backslapping

+ BETTER BOATING

STOP BUYING NEW BATTERIES, START TAKING CARE OF THE ONES YOU’VE GOT. A charger is a charger, right? Wrong. Only a digitally controlled Minn Kota® can protect your battery with a safe, controlled charge that won’t over- or under-charge it. With advanced technologies to create the smartest, fastest charge – your battery will run like new, even when it isn’t.

minnkotamotors.com/Chargers

BOATS

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 / VOL 31 — ISSUE 9

FISHING MACHINES + FISH TRIALS + BOAT TIPS + NEW BOATS & GEAR

+ BETTER BOATING

BEVERAGE KEEPER CUP HOLDERS ARE YLUWXDO QHFHVVLWLHV RQ WRGD\Ĺ?V Ć“ VKLQJ ERDWV EXW WKHUHĹ?V QRW DOZD\V URRP RQ D ERDWĹ?V horizontal surfaces to add recessed holders. An alternative is a folding cup holder that installs on a vertical surface. The West Marine folding cup holder (about $11) is made from corrosion-resistant plastic, occupies a 41Ũ8-inch square, and is only 7Ũ8 inch thick when closed. It holds cans, bottles or thermal mugs. I added a couple to the exterior of the transom bulkhead on my boat, where they handily XQIROG DQG KROG D EHYHUDJH ZKLOH , Ć“ VK RII WKH VWHUQ :KHQ WKH GULQNĹ?V GRQH WKH KROGHU HDVLO\ IROGV away. — Jim Hendricks

SAFETY FROM ABOVE LIFE JACKETS ARE items you want to access quickly in an emergency. Life-jacket storage bags that mount

under a T-top or hardtop serve this purpose nicely. With just a pull of a zipper, the jackets become immediately accessible. Both the C.E. Smith Overhead Storage Bag (about $85) and the Kwik Tek PFD-T4 T-Bag (about $63) hold four Type II life jackets. The Kwik Tek PFD-T6 T-Bag (about $78) stows six Type II jackets. These easy-to-install bags feature breathable mesh panels to vent moisture and prevent mildew. Plus, WKHUH DUH SRFNHWV IRU VWRZLQJ OLJKW LWHPV VXFK DV VXQJODVVHV DQG Ŵ DVKOLJKWV — JH

Life-jacket bags from C.E. Smith and Kwik Tek (right) strap to the underside of a T-top or hardtop, neatly stowing the jackets yet making them immediately accessible in an emergency.

BOLT-ON ROD HOLDER IF YOU HAVE a boat with

LATCH THE HATCH BILGE HATCHES SHOULD EH ZDWHUWLJKW WR NHHS VHDV IURP Ĺ´ RRGLQJ

belowdecks, but many older boats lack a means of battening these KDWFKHV 0DNLQJ PDWWHUV ZRUVH PDQ\ IRDP Ɠ OOHG KDWFKHV WHQG WR Ŵ RDW DOORZLQJ ZDWHU WR SRXU LQ EHORZ <RX FDQ Ɠ [ WKLV LVVXH E\ DGGLQJ a turn-and-lock compression latch. Companies such as Gemlux, Perko and Southco offer aftermarket compression latches for boats. All require that you cut a hole in the appropriate location (usually at the existing lifting point); they also need a ledge or lip to serve as a catch for the latch arm. I added a Southco 2-inch-diameter stainless-steel latch (about $45) to the bilge hatch on my boat, and now the door stays tight and secure until I choose to open it. — JH

5 2 25 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

an elevated bow rail, you can add rod holders to the forward portion of the boat without cutting holes for gunwale installation. Brands such as C.E. Smith, Perko, Taco and West Marine offer rail-mount rod holders that securely clamp to a bow rail or any other rail on the boat. I chose to install a set of four C.E. Smith midmount rod holders (about $96 each). The adjustable mount lets me tilt the angle of each holder on two axes and then tighten the clamps with an Allen wrench. The soft vinyl liner protects the rod butt, and the polished VWDLQOHVV VWHHO Ɠ QLVK UHVLVWV corrosion. Now I can place Ɠ VKLQJ URGV DOO DORQJ WKH perimeter of the boat. — JH

BOATS FISHING MACHINES + FISH TRIALS + BOAT TIPS + NEW BOATS & GEAR

PATHFINDER 2500 HYBRID THE FIRST FULLY vacuum-infused

Pathfinder, the new 2500 Hybrid inshore/offshore bay boat combines the integrated aft deck seating of the company’s family-friendly TRS series with a high-performance, double-stepped hull similar to that of Pathfinder’s HPS models. The

2500 also features a new deck layout, focusing on a large, single-level foredeck, more aft cockpit space, and added freeboard height. The foredeck is accessed using a transverse step that spans the beam and houses an insulated fish box with optional macerator. To add space aft,

+ BETTER BOATING

BY CHRIS WOODWARD

behind the standard leaning post and tackle station, Pathfinder notched the back deck on centerline. The new console features full access to the helm rigging with a forward bifold door. Batteries stowed below are recessed into the floor beneath a clear acrylic lid, freeing up space beneath the console for storage. The drop-in helm pod accommodates a 10-inch electronics display and can be customized with a color preference. Capable of carrying 300 hp, the 2500 Hybrid can be equipped with numerous options, including a two-tone hardtop, an elevated second station, a livewell leaning post, dual 10-foot Power-Poles, CZone digital switching and more. SPECIFICATIONS LOA .............................................................24 ft. 9 in. Beam .............................................................8 ft. 6 in. Dry Weight ...................................................3,775 lb. Draft ................................................................... 13 in. Transom Deadrise ......................................... 16 deg. MSRP ................................$82,576 (w/ Yamaha F300)

SEA CHASER 26 LX WITH THE 26 , Sea Chaser has built its largest boat in the LX series, which includes 21- and 23-foot centerconsoles. Standard features for the 26 include twin forward locking boxes, locking hatches, gunwale rod storage, a recessed five-gallon bucket locker, a 25-gallon livewell in the foredeck and a second in the aft deck, underwater LED lighting, blue-LED-lit cup holders, low-profile handrails, and rear foldaway jump seating. Rated for 350 hp, the stepped hull enhances acceleration and fuel efficiency. The 26 LX carries 84 gallons of fuel and features a 25-inch transom.

SPECIFICATIONS LOA ...........................................................25 ft. 11 in. Beam .............................................................8 ft. 7 in. Dry Weight ............................. 3,432 lb. (w/o engine) Draft ..........................................................12 to 14 in. Transom Deadrise ......................................... 15 deg. MSRP ...................... $37,695 (base boat, w/o engine)

54

DECEMBER 2016

BY CHRIS WOODWARD

Performance testing by Sport Fishing’s sister publication Boating revealed a top speed of 49 mph with a Suzuki DF250 outboard. At a cruising speed of 28 mph, the 26 offered 3.34 mpg for a range of 291 miles.

Sea Chaser offers numerous hull colors, such as black, gray, red, cabernet, yellow, royal blue, evening sky and electric blue. All three models in the LX series come with a five-year limited warranty.

LOA 40' BEAM 12' Fuel 700 gallons M a x H P. 2 5 0 8 Fresh H2O 35 gallons Dry weight. Approx 10,500lbs

Phone: 941.232.8646

Email: kevin@barkerboatworks.com

Find Us On Facebook: facebook.com/barkerboatworks

www.barkerboatworks.com

BOATS FISHING MACHINES + FISH TRIALS + BOAT TIPS + NEW BOATS & GEAR

+ BETTER BOATING

Left: The MOB+ Basepack connects to a boat’s battery and mounts to its instrument panel; it pairs with a fob that can be placed in a pocket or worn in a ZULVWEDQG 5LJKW 7KH ZULVWEDQG FRPHV LQ PXOWLSOH FRORUV

FELL MARINE MOB+ BASEPACK While anglers might not bother wearing a killswitch cord that tethers them to the helm, many might opt to carry a key fob or wear a wristband that wirelessly stops a moving boat in an emergency. The Fell Marine MOB+ Basepack connects to a boat’s battery and existing killswitch, mounts to the instrument panel, and pairs with as many as 20 fobs or bands. Fall overboard or hit the alarm, and the engine shuts down. The engine can be restarted after six seconds. The Basepack costs $199; fobs cost $39.99 each; and bands, which come in five colors, cost $19.99 each. — Chris Woodward

Bravo I LT four-

for compatibility.)

— CW

SHURHOLD ONE BUCKET SYSTEM

The Shurhold One Bucket System facilitates boat washing and stores supplies RQFH \RXĹ?UH Ć“ QLVKHG ,W IHDWXUHV D JUDWH WKDW DOORZV GLUW WR IDOO WR WKH EXFNHW ERWWRP KHOSLQJ WR NHHS WKH VFUXE EUXVK FOHDQHU

56

DECEMBER 2016

Shurhold’s One Bucket System begins with a five-gallon bucket featuring a ž-inch braided nylon handle, and adds an elevated grate to the bottom of the pail that allows dirt to sink while keeping the scrub brush clean. The grate also comes with two 3-ounce measuring cups. Shurhold adds a second accessory, the caddy, for storing supplies inside the bucket when it’s dry. The pieces can be sealed inside with a padded lid that snaps onto the bucket rim and doubles as a seat. An optional rubber base keeps the bucket from tipping. The four-piece system costs $49.98; the base costs $12.98. — CW

Genies grant 3 wishes.

Amateurs. No other powerboat company so carefully and proudly reflects the unique desires of each individual owner in every boat. Because at Intrepid, you call the shots. And it’s why we can, and will, personalize your Intrepid powerboat any way you want it. It’s all about building a boat the way it should be. Not the way it could be. ONE OF A KIND. ONE AT A TIME.

intrepidpowerboats.com • Call us at 954-922-7544 • 805 N.E. Third St., Dania Beach, FL 33004

BOATS FISHING MACHINES + FISH TRIALS + BOAT TIPS + NEW BOATS & GEAR + BETTER BOATING

EIGHT PIECES OF MARINE HARDWARE THAT SOLVE PESKY PROBLEMS FOR BOATING ANGLERS Few fishermen describe their boat’s hardware as exciting or sexy. Yet marine hardware serves a crucial role aboard saltwater fishing boats, in the form of cleats, hinges, rod holders and more. And this field is advancing, with innovations emerging each season. Let’s look at eight challenges that boating anglers face and some cool marine hardware and other gadgets that help overcome those issues.

1

LIVEWELL HATCH WON’T STAY OPEN

You open a livewell hatch about halfway to retrieve a bait, but the lid keeps slamming shut. In the past, a gas-assist strut helped keep the hatch open, but these pieces of hardware snag cast nets when you’re loading bait and interfere with dip nets. SOLUTION: Friction Hinges Available from hardware companies such as Gemlux,

friction hinges are ingenious devices that use a tensioning system within the hinge-pin assemblies to keep a livewell lid or hatch in place throughout its arc. “We were inspired by laptop computers,” says Matt Bridgewater, CEO of

Gemlux friction hinge

Gemlux. “If you can keep a laptop screen open at any angle, why can’t you do the same with a livewell lid?” Utilizing corrosion-resistant stainless-steel construction, the elegantly simple friction hinge does the job and does it well. Prices start at about $27 per pair.

2

SNAGGED NETS AND STUBBED TOES

A few years back, I broke a toe when I jammed my bare foot into the horn of a spring cleat while making my way forward along a catwalk. OK, I know: I should have been wearing deck shoes. But conventional cleats still pose tripping hazards that can send crew members tumbling. Even in the best-case scenario, they tend to snag fishing lines and cast nets. SOLUTION: Pull-Up Cleats Pull-up cleats have existed for decades (thank goodness), and they rank as one of the greatest marinehardware innovations of all time, especially for boating anglers. You will find them on virtually every saltwater fishing boat sold today. Available from brands such as Accon and Gemlux, pullup cleats let boatbuilders create smooth, snag-free rails (when the cleats are retracted). Yet these robust stainless-steel devices quickly pull up when it’s time to dock, anchor, or tie off a bait bag. Retail prices start at about $35.

BY JIM HENDRICKS

3

Some hardcore anglers used to scoff at the idea of cup holders on a boat. Now anglers realize the importance of staying hydrated, and they want places to keep beverages from sliding around and falling to the deck in choppy water. In fact, many captains want more cup holders but lack space to install them. SOLUTION: Combo Rod/ Cup Holder File this one under “Why didn’t I think of that?” The rod/cup holder from Mate Series serves as a

Mate Series rod/cup holder

conventional gunwale rod holder for trolling, drift-fishing or just stowing rods. The holder’s sturdy stainlesssteel construction means you sacrifice nothing when it comes to strength or corrosion resistance. Yet when it’s not holding a rod, this cool item doubles as a handy cup holder. Prices start at about $120 for stainless models; ABS plastic models sell for around $20.

4 Gemlux pull-up cleat 58

DECEMBER 2016

NOT ENOUGH CUP HOLDERS

CAN’T POSITION FENDERS PROPERLY

Using only your boat’s cleats to position fenders

JIM HENDRICKS (LEFT)

HAUTE HARDWARE

RELIABILITY IS A FAMILY TRADITION. MEET THE NEXT GENERATION. INTRODUCING THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF THE IN-LINE FOUR FAMILY. At Yamaha, we share your passion for time on the water and know when power gets lighter, faster, stronger and smarter, boating gets even better. Class-leading performance and record-setting reliability, that’s what made the original Yamaha F150 the best-selling 150 four stroke of all time. Now it has inspired a full line of Next-Generation I-4 performers. Meet the all new advanced-technology In-Line Fours–the F200, F175, F150 and F115. This powerful family offers up 16-valve, DOHC in-line designs and electronic fuel injection. Yamaha’s next-generation design even gives the F200 and F115 class-leading DOHC power-to-weight ratios, for incredible acceleration, midrange punch and outstanding fuel economy. And know, each of these new models share the same Yamaha DNA that built our time-tested reputation for reliability and satisfaction with boaters just like you.

Read Charleston Water Taxi’s incredible story of I-4 reliability at YamahaOutboards.com/8700hrs REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal loatation device and protective gear. Any reference to trademarks belonging to other companies and/or their products is for identification purposes only and is not intended to be an endorsement. © 2015 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. 1-800-88-YAMAHA

Follow Yamaha Outboards on Facebook®, Twitter ® and Instagram®

BOATS FISHING MACHINES + FISH TRIALS + BOAT TIPS + NEW BOATS & GEAR + BETTER BOATING

for maximum protection against dock rash can be risky. Cleats are situated for tying up, not fender positioning, so your fenders might not hang in the optimal places for guarding the hull. Also, belaying a dock line and a fender whip to a single cleat is unseamanlike, cumbersome, and requires extra time to unravel both lines when casting off. SOLUTION: Low-Profile Fender Locks

Taco Marine low-profile fender lock

Dedicated fender hangers are a great solution. To eliminate snag and tripping points, brands such as Taco Marine offer low-profile fender locks that you can add virtually anywhere along the rail of your boat. The Taco Quick Release fender lock features a smooth, round receiver that measures just ¼ inch high and is easy to install. A corresponding pin comes with a swiveling eye for securing a fender whip. A locking mechanism keeps the pin secure but also lets you quickly remove the fender. Retail is around $51.

5

Burnewiin Mounts stainless-steel base and rod holder

atop a hatch, make sure the hatch lid latches securely to prevent the strike of powerful fish from pulling it open. The stainless base sells for about $150; add $350 for the rod holder.

6

NO MORE ROOM FOR ELECTRONICS

Twenty-first century anglers with 20th-century boats face an interesting issue. The millennium has ushered in a host of new electronics choices, but many older boats lack adequate space to mount the additional displays or other electronic accessories that boating anglers might desire, such as cameras, antennas and mobile devices. SOLUTION: Ram Mounts

Ram Mounts

from brands such as Birdsall Marine Design. Its Outrigger Support System consists of U-shaped cradles to secure the poles with arms that slip into the rod holders on a hardtop or T-top. Elastic cords secure the poles. These innovative devices are available in 2and 6-inch offset versions. They retail for $95 per pair.

8

NO CUTTING BOARD

Many new boats feature built-in cutting boards, but some older boats lack this basic angling amenity. That leaves the crew wondering where to cut bait, filet a fish, or rig a ballyhoo. SOLUTION: Cutting Board with Rod-Holder Mount One of the best solutions is a cutting board equipped with a rod-holder mount, such as the system offered by Magma Products. The Magma 31-inch-

NO ROD HOLDERS AT THE TRANSOM

Virtually all saltwater fishing boats feature gunwale rod holders, but not all have them installed across the transom. Many times this is because there’s a hatch covering the transom for a fish locker or other stowage, rendering the surface unsuitable for a flush-mounted gunwale rod holder. SOLUTION: Burnewiin Mounting System There are a number of workarounds, but one of the best I’ve seen for this problem comes from Burnewiin Mounts. Its mounting system features a beefy stainless-steel base with a locking receiver that mounts atop the transom. An equally robust rod holder then snaps into the base. The rodholder angle is adjustable on two axes, and a quick-release mechanism lets you remove and stow the holder when it’s not needed. If you mount this system 6 0 06 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Pedestal mounting offers a great solution. One of the most versatile systems comes from Ram Mounts. The quick-release ball-and-socket system offers a mind-boggling range of bases and adapters that let you add electronics just about anywhere. Prices start at about $22.

7

BOUNCING OUTRIGGER POLES

Running in choppy seas or trailering a boat on rough roads can cause outrigger poles to bounce and flex excessively. Even when telescoping poles are retracted, the bouncing action places tremendous stress on the outrigger bases and mounting surfaces, as well as on the poles. SOLUTION: Outrigger Support System A simple yet effective solution comes

wide Bait/Filet Mate board is crafted from resilient King Starboard and features guards across the aft and sides to keep fish from sliding off. It can be equipped with the Magma adjustable LeveLock rod-holder mount, which fits virtually any rod holder. The board and mount sell as a combo for about $170. Space constraints here preclude a comprehensive list of ingenious marine-hardware items, but there are many more. If you want to see them, visit sportfishingmag.com/innovativemarine-hardware.

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SWIMMING WITH THE FISHES

VERSATILE SWIMBAITS THAT IMPART LIFELIKE ACTIONS

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JASON ARNOLD / JASONARNOLDPHOTO.COM

BY SAM HUDSON

A FLEXIBLE PRESENTATION: Swimbait actions are often less aggressive than those of hard lures. That’s important in areas with high fishing pressure and clear water. This red grouper bit near a South Florida ledge.

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o classify a swimbait is not as simple as you might suppose, especially since there are few hard-set rules for lures (or for fishing in general).

GLASS MINNOW

ALMOST ALIVE MUD MINNOW

WEIGHT: 3Ũ25 to ½ ounce LENGTH: 2¾, 3½ and 4 inches MATERIAL: PVC soft plastic COLORS: Yellow, purple,

WEIGHT: 1Ũ5 to 1Ũ3 ounce LENGTH: 2¾ and 4 inches MATERIAL: PVC soft plastic COLORS: Plain, horizontal

LENGTH: 4 and 6 inches MATERIAL: PVC soft plastic COLORS: Horizontal stripes or natural TARGETS: Red drum, flounder, snook,

silver or natural

stripes or vertical bars TARGETS: Flounder, seatrout, red drum PRICE: $4.99 for six-pack of 2¾-inch baits TIDBIT: Imitating mummichog and other killifish, this pint-size lure features a custom hook and chin weight to keep it in the strike zone.

tarpon, seatrout, sea bass, grouper PRICE: $6.99 for four-pack of 4-inch baits TIDBIT: Imitating the everpresent mullet, this popular bait is equally at home in backwaters or over shallow wrecks.

TARGETS: Seatrout, red drum,

Spanish mackerel, California yellowtail, false albacore PRICE: $5.99 for five-pack of 4-inch baits TIDBIT: A top bait to throw when glass minnows or rain baits are getting pummeled at the surface, it handles subsurface action too, with help from a weight attached to the hook shank.

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LURES: BILL DOSTER, ADRIAN E. GRAY (OPPOSITE TOP)

Depending on one’s definition, swimbaits might represent jointed hard-body lures that swim just below the surface, imitating full-size baitfish. The single- or multijointed plugs often pack powerful swimming action that replicates the fluid swimming motion of prey. This style of swimbait also tends to be popular with freshwater fishermen targeting trophy largemouth bass in California, Mexico and Florida. Other anglers prefer soft swimbaits. Soft-plastic bait imitators, which most often feature a paddle tail and enticing wobble, might be the most common lure associated

In particular, I’ve covered swimbaits that come out of the package pre-rigged with hook, weight and soft plastic. Most often, the weight is internal, molded inside the soft-plastic baitfish, and the soft-plastic bait itself features a shadstyle tail. Still, there are exceptions to those rules, and I cover them as well. One type of lure noticeably absent is the stand-alone soft-plastic tail that affixes to a lead jig head. Many companies, such as Z-Man or Berkley (Gulp!), produce killer soft tails, but they’re not sold as prerigged swimbaits. In fact, so many lure makers produce individual softplastic bodies that to try to cover all the different options would be an endless task. For the purposes of this

ALMOST ALIVE RAINFISH WEIGHT: ¼ to 2Ũ3 ounce LENGTH: 4 and 6 inches MATERIAL: PVC soft plastic COLORS: Silver TARGETS: Weakfish, salmon,

striped bass, bluefish PRICE: $6.99 for six-pack of 6-inch baits TIDBIT: Featuring a natural color pattern and eyes, this bay anchovy imitator has a lifelike swimming action that comes from its soft body and reactive tail.

Redfish are easily duped by a well-placed swimbait, especially when you’re fishing deeper flats, passes or beaches. This drum pounced on a Storm WildEye Swim Shad.

As I drifted in about 15 to 20 feet of water outside an east central Florida inlet, a froth of water roiled by baitfish, diving birds, and game fish bent on carnage had my full attention. The mix of Spanish mackerel, bonito (false albacore), ladyfish and cobia offered perfect targets for swimbaits. This hectic

scene is common anywhere there’s salt water. It might mean striped bass are feeding heavy on bunker schools. It could be tarpon rocketing through migrating mullet pods, or tuna packing sardines tightly into a black globe. No matter the location, cast a swimbait into the melee and hold on. “When fish are up at the surface and actively feeding, it’s a great time to throw swimbaits,” says Dave Brown, promotional and events manager at Savage Gear. “Pull up to a baitball where you see the birds working, then cast

SWIM SHAD

FLASHFOIL SHAD

WEIGHT: 1Ũ8 to 7Ũ8 ounce LENGTH: Five sizes from 2 to 6 inches MATERIAL: PVC soft-plastic

WEIGHT: 1Ũ8 to 2¼ ounces LENGTH: Five sizes from 2 to 6 inches MATERIAL: PVC soft plastic COLORS: 10 TARGETS: Redfish, seatrout, bluefish PRICE: $4.99 for

EASY FISHABILITY

Powerbait formula COLORS: Nine TARGETS: Anything that eats shad or bunker PRICE: $4.99 for three-pack of 5-inch baits TIDBIT: Powered by a proprietary Powerbait scent formula, this pre-rigged shad swimbait features lifelike detail, 3-D eyes and holographic inserts.

five-pack of 4-inch baits TIDBIT: Perfect for casting to

schooling fish, baitfish or near structure, Flashfoil baits incorporate a weight-balance system, holographic eyes and raised gill plates.

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Offshore, dorado crush swimbaits, especially when frenzied near the boat. Don’t waste time re-baiting a hook; instead, cast a swimbait.

all-purpose swimbait is a safe and effective option. A hard plug’s action is limited to a specific depth, but a swimbait can be fished throughout the column. “You can work a

D.O.A. BAIT BUSTER

66

WEIGHT: 5Ũ8 to 1 ounce LENGTH: 4¼ inches MATERIAL: PVC soft plastic COLORS: 55 TARGETS: Wide-open targets,

WEIGHT: ¼ to ½ ounce LENGTH: 3½ and 4 inches MATERIAL: TPE COLORS: 10 TARGETS: Any shallow-

from largemouth bass to tarpon PRICE: $4.69 for one-pack TIDBIT: Shallow, deep and trolling models make the Bait Buster a versatile swimbait that can be fished over the flats, in passes, or even slow-trolled up to 6 knots.

water inshore game fish PRICE: $7.99 for two-pack of 3½-inch baits TIDBIT: A reversed hydrocupped tail causes this bait to dance and shake when retrieved — hence its boogie name.

DECEMBER 2016

WEIGHT: ¼ to 1 ounce LENGTH: 3½, 4½ and 5½ inches MATERIAL: TPE COLORS: 12 TARGETS: Redfish, trout,

snook, tarpon, cobia PRICE: $7.99 for single 3½-inch bait TIDBIT: Rigged with an internal

weight and 4x treble, this lure has a notched body design that allows it to move in an undulating manner when retrieved.

LURES: BILL DOSTER, JASON ARNOLD / JASONARNOLDPHOTO.COM (TOP)

as close as possible to the school and let it sink. A steady or jerked retrieve entices the bite.”

swimbait in the entire water column by choosing how heavy a bait to throw,” points out Greg Watts, a Berkley pro staff angler. “They can be worked fast or slow, shallow or deep, even along the bottom.” Swimbaits are highly effective from the beach, over shallow or deep flats, and along jetty rocks for this reason: They can be fished effectively in varying depths of water. “Single-hook swimbaits snag far less on the bottom than other baits do,” says Greg Shaughnessy, vice president of marketing at SpoolTek Lures. “But they also tend to be one of the only lures that fishes effectively

SOCAL STYLE — WEST COAST SWIMBAITS ARE A BREED OF THEIR OWN Many Southern California anglers prefer to pair massive soft-body tails from regional lure makers with heavy jig heads for calico bass and yellowtail near kelp and rocks. Farther north along the coast, rockfish and lingcod attack the same baits. In many West Coast fisheries, custom swimbait creations are preferred to the pre-rigged baits presented in this feature. “Most mass-produced swimbaits are injection-molded,” says Erik Landesfeind, an outdoors writer and angler from Southern California. “Handpoured baits like those from Corey Sanden’s MC Swimbaits allow for much greater depth of color and iridescence.” A couple of years ago, Landesfeind was fishing a calico bass tournament off the coast of Malibu. He and fishing partner Matt Kotch had to downsize from 9- to 5-inch swimbaits to lure better-quality fish while working the edges of kelp beds. Landesfeind was easily able to change the size, weight and color of his presentation, giving him more options than traditional swimbaits offer. Often, an increase in the length of a traditional swimbait means the weight increases too; Landesfeind changed his jig heads and soft bodies easily to find the optimal lure weight and length. “For the next couple of hours, it was almost a fish per cast on the small baits in the same waters [where] we’d caught absolutely nothing on the larger offerings,” he says. “When time was up, those small baits gave us a 21-pound bag for our five biggest fish and a third-place finish in the tournament.”

WEIGHT: ½ ounce to ¼ ounce, rigged

with 1-ounce VMC Boxer jig heads LENGTH: Three sizes from 5 to 9 inches MATERIAL: Hand-poured PVC soft plastic COLORS: 19 TARGETS: Calico bass, rockfish, lingcod PRICE: $5.39 for five-pack of 5-inch baits TIDBIT: The slim profile of these baits, coupled with

a narrow boot tail, gives them a tight swimming action instead of the familiar wide wobble.

LIVETARGET MULLET

LIVETARGET PINFISH

LIVETARGET SARDINE

WEIGHT: 1 to 1½ ounces LENGTH: 4½ and 5½ inches MATERIAL: PVC soft plastic COLORS: Silver or silver/black TARGETS: Most inshore game fish PRICE: $10.99 for single 4½-inch bait TIDBIT: The realistic mullet swim-

WEIGHT: ¾ to 1 ounce LENGTH: 3½ and 4 inches MATERIAL: PVC soft plastic COLORS: Silver/violet or silver/green TARGETS: Structure-oriented fish PRICE: $9.99 for single 3½-inch bait TIDBIT: Fish this pinfish imitator

WEIGHT: ½ to 1 ounce LENGTH: 3½ and 4½ inches MATERIAL: PVC soft plastic COLORS: Silver/green

bait is at home in skinny water, over grass, or in a current. An accessory pin at the base of the bait handles a split ring and treble hook.

near pilings, rocks, mangroves or docks with confidence to attract the fish away from the structure. The dorsal fin acts as a shield to protect the hook from snags.

or silver/bronze TARGETS: Anything that eats

whitebait (scaled sardines) PRICE: $9.99 for single 3½-inch bait TIDBIT: Like all lures in the LiveTarget

swimbait series, the Sardine features a unique oscillator at the tail to generate specific, lifelike action.

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DIFFERENT MATERIALS, SAME RESULTS The key feature of a swimbait might be its lifelike appearance. Besides physically resembling baitfish in shape and action, swimbaits also have realistic finishes. Some of today’s baits look so genuine that identifying the exact baitfish species the lure imitates is a breeze. To get those lifelike finishes and feels, the two main build materials used in soft baits are synthetic plastic-polymer polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a rubber-and-plastic mix. TPE is a tough material that’s also recyclable. “[TPE] colors will not run when stored together, but do not store it with traditional PVC used

Casting near or underneath docks with swimbaits leads to catches such as snook (left). Try to match the local baitfish for the most natural presentation.

like Z-Man, Savage Gear and Egret Baits are moving away from traditional PVC material to tougher, longer-lasting options. In particular, Z-Man’s proprietary ElaZtech is a tough, stretchy soft-bait material that contains no PVC, plastisol or phthalates. “Material and species of fish definitely affect swimbait life span,” says Savage’s Brown. “PVC baits tend to be softer than the more

creatures, plastic baits entice the bite and usually die a hero.” Soft-plastic swimbaits can last indefinitely if left in your tackle box. “I suppose if you left them in salt water for a long time, they would break down, but fish strikes are the chief cause of damage, death, doom and destruction,” says Chris Clow, operations manager at D.O.A. Lures. Purposeful rigging by lure manufacturers can extend a swimbait’s life. “We think we’ve engineered ways to help anglers get multiple fish landings per lure by virtue of the factory rigging, which molds the hook and weight into a harness that provides enough structure to help preserve

Ũ ounces

38

MATERIAL: PVC soft plastic COLORS: Blue pearl or pink TARGETS: Halibut, Atlantic cod,

lingcod, tuna, Cubera snapper, California yellowtail PRICE: $19.99 for two-pack of 8-inch baits TIDBIT: The massive Cutbait Herring swimbait is 3-D-scanned, lifelike in appearance, and comes packaged with one replacement curly tail. It’s popular in Alaska for halibut down deep.

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MATERIAL: PVC soft-plastic mesh COLORS: 8 TARGETS: Most saltwater species PRICE: $9.99 for

three-pack of 6¼-inch baits TIDBIT: This latest version of the

Magic Swimmer includes strategically placed holes in the nose and throat, and in slots on the belly and back, to allow the bait to slide up the leader after the hook-set.

head with plastisol tail COLORS: 6 TARGETS: Tarpon, snook, stripers, cobia, grouper, snapper, pelagics PRICE: $21.99 for two-pack of baits TIDBIT: SpoolTek lures conceal a 12-inch, 80-pound steel leader that deploys after hookup, allowing anglers to use lighter line for a stealthy presentation.

STORM WILDEYE LIVE MACKEREL

STORM WILDEYE LIVE SAND EEL

WEIGHT: ¾ to 1½ ounces LENGTH: 4, 5 and 6 inches MATERIAL: PVC soft plastic COLORS: Mackerel TARGETS: Nearshore and

WEIGHT: 5Ũ16 to 7Ũ8 ounce LENGTH: 4 and 6 inches MATERIAL: PVC soft plastic COLORS: Black, blue,

chartreuse, olive, pearl

WEIGHT: 5Ũ8 to 2¾ ounces LENGTH: 5, 6 and 9 inches MATERIAL: PVC soft plastic COLORS: 16 TARGETS: Many fresh- and

offshore species PRICE: $11.99 for five-pack of 4-inch baits TIDBIT: A mackerel color pattern and VMC needle-point hook provide the attraction and toughness, while a 3-D eye and flash-foil finish provide extra detail.

TARGETS: Cobia, stripers PRICE: $6.19 for

PRICE: $4.29 for three-

three-pack of 6-inch baits

pack of 5-inch baits

TIDBIT: The eel imitator with

TIDBIT: A tough, soft outer body with

3-D eyes jigs true, even at

TSUNAMI SWIM SHAD DEEP WEIGHT: 3 ounces LENGTH: 5 inches MATERIAL: Vinyl COLORS: Limetreuse, golden

bunker, blue back, pearl spot TARGETS: Most game fish deeper in the water column PRICE: $6.99 for two-pack of 5-inch baits TIDBIT: Meant to swim deeper in the water column, this bait gets to the bottom quickly for swimming or jigging presentations.

saltwater species

WEIGHT: 3 MATERIAL: Vinyl COLORS: 15

WILLIAMSON LIVE BALLYHOO PRO-RIGGED WEIGHT: 21Ũ3 ounces LENGTH: 9½ inches MATERIAL: PVC soft plastic COLORS: Black or blue TARGETS: Sailfish, tuna

and other troll targets PRICE: $21.99 for one rigged TIDBIT: Available in different patterns

bait and two extra bodies TIDBIT: One fake ’hoo lure

eyes for high hookup percentages.

comes rigged with 6 feet of 100-pound mono, although two other rigging options are also available. Trolls at 2 to 8 knots.

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ABOVE AND BEYOND Drones for Fishing? Upsides and Downsides, Plus Tips from Pros for Reconnaissance and Photography BY CAPT. VINCENT DANIELLO

A

SAM ROOT

recent video shows anglers catching longtail tuna after a drone places their baits 400 yards off a beach in New South Wales, Australia (see photo, page 76). Since at press time this video had enjoyed nearly 2 million views, odds are good you might have watched it. The video shows just one of many possibilities that drones might offer for fishing in the future. For example, midprice drones are capable of holding a bait on the surface and providing the resistance needed to release a kite clip. On the other hand, the roughly 20-minute battery life — less when carrying a heavy bait — limits drone use somewhat.

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In a skiff, anglers might be fishing just 200 yards away from this massive school of shallow-water red drum in Tampa Bay yet never realize it’s there. Put up a drone and have a look around, and eureka!

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Still, a drone’s built-in camera provides more than spectacular photography: The overhead view and territory-covering ability are perfect for scouting for fish, scrutinizing topography, and illuminating nuances of fish behavior. Those applications make it somewhat surprising that, thus far, few top anglers are actually using drones to bend rods and bring fish boat-side. For a clear view of the benefits and limitations of drones for fishing, I persuaded seven pro fishermen and photographers to share their tips for finding more fish, enticing more bites, and capturing better images using the drone’s-eye view.

“I’ll put the drone up about 100 feet from the kite and a little above it, and point the camera down toward the baits,” says Capt. Mike Weinhofer, a Key West fishing guide (keywest floridafishing.com). “I can see sailfish a minute or more before the bite, 15 or 20 feet underwater, just swimming circles around the bait.” But drone battery life limits such views to brief glimpses. Weinhofer likens drone use to cameras on trolled dredges. “We’re seeing things we couldn’t see before. It’s amazing how many fish swim up to a dredge, or with the drone, how many fish circle the kite bait, and then just fade away. It’s a window into what’s happening. It gets you wondering about how to improve your presentation.” A fishier use for drones — which Weinhofer says is both practical and productive enough that he’s banned the use of drones in the six-figure-stakes Florida Keys Dolphin Championship and Final Sail tournaments he directs — is in spotting predators near the surface. In the Florida Keys, 72

DECEMBER 2016

when seas stir up shallow sand near the reef line, sailfish often patrol where green water meets blue Gulf Stream water. “Here in Key West, sailfish swim east to west on the surface, so put the drone up to the east of you, about 200 feet above the water, and fly along the color-change line,” Weinhofer says. “It’s surprising how easily you can see the black shadows [of fish]. Particularly in the green water, they stand out like neon signs.” But, he says, flying a drone while keeping kites up and baits out often isn’t worth the effort: “It really takes a dedicated pilot just to fly the drone and watch that camera. Do it when the bite slows down. Maybe you’re fishing

JASON ARNOLD / JASONARNOLDPHOTO.COM (TOP), SAM ROOT (BOTTOM)

FISHING WITH DRONES

“USING A DRONE’S PERSPECTIVE BEFORE POLING A FLAT OR WORKING A SHORELINE COULD GIVE ANGLERS A REAL ADVANTAGE.” — Capt. Rob Fordyce

Above: A drone can show the variety of habitats within easy reach of anglers, as here in Panama’s San Blas Islands. Left: With a drone, a skipper can watch from the cockpit as a sailfish approaches a kite bait. On the other hand, the drone can also require a dedicated pilot.

on the blue side, but you’ll find the fish on the green side.” He also suggests aerial scanning to find the sharpest water-color contrast, which condenses fish into a tighter area. Given the limited field of vision of drones’ cameras, scouting works best along defined features, rather than by randomly searching the open sea. Scanning just off the beach on Florida’s east coast, for example, a drone can spot shallow-water bait schools that draw snook, tarpon, sharks and even sailfish, as well as the large rays that cobia often follow. Without a defined feature to reconnoiter, Weinhofer might fly a drone over water a little shallower or a little deeper than what

he’s fishing, since sailfish often favor one specific depth contour on any given day. “You could be 200 yards off a hot bite and miss it entirely,” he says. Inshore fishing also benefits from aerial views. “I’m old-school. I like to hunt. I like to use my skills to figure it out,” says Capt. Rob Fordyce, an Islamorada guide (robfordyce .com) and host of the Outdoor Channel’s The Seahunter. “But if I fly the drone over a half-mile of flat that I just fished, there are often a lot more fish there that I saw with the drone, but not while I was fishing. They’re either deeper or shallower than I thought they should have been for the conditions that day.”

Fordyce points out that using this drone perspective before poling a flat or working down a shoreline could give anglers a real advantage: “Run a drone down and back in 20 minutes, and you’d see what’s there.”

RECONNAISSANCE Although Fordyce’s TV show heavily utilizes drone footage, he eschews drone use to aid fishing. “I have use of half a dozen drones at any given time, but I’ve yet to use one to find fish or make my day easier, because I enjoy the hunt,” he says. Fordyce feels drones can diminish the inshorefishing experience. “It’s like the days before GPS. I learned the Everglades, hundreds of bays SPORTFISHINGMAG.COM

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4 5

1

3

2

6

1 Start near eye level, 10 feet from the angler, and then fly straight back to reveal the vast ocean. Or start directly above the angler, camera shooting straight down, and then fly straight up to show the expansive sea. Fly high over the boat, shooting straight down, to show fish far from the boat, or fly lower to show fish alongside. When pitching baits, fly directly over the boat, shooting toward the action. 2 To show fish yet be close enough to discern the captain’s and anglers’ actions, fly 40 to 60 feet from the boat. Follow with the drone as the angler moves from bow to stern. Start high and bring the drone down to eye level, rotating the camera so the boat stays centered in the frame. Or start low, with the angler or boat centered, and then fly straight up, without tilting the camera, to reveal the environment. With the boat at cruising speed, fly the drone so it keeps pace from behind, from in front, or while passing the boat. 3 Fly toward or away from the boat, or stay stationary and let the fish and boat pass beneath. Vary distance and framing. 4 Orbit a full 360 degrees around the boat, first 100 feet away and again 60 feet away. 5 Fly above and 20 feet beyond the kite, with the kite in the foreground and the boat in the background. Also shoot down at baits. 6 Keep all baits in the frame when trolling, but place the drone above debris before trolled baits reach it. Shoot both low- and high-altitude views of wrecks, debris, trolled baits, bait schools and birds to edit into the video later.

and shorelines, by going slow. I learned more about the fish. I discovered where the little-bitdeeper spots were with a push pole. With the drone, you might see where the fish are on one particular day, but you’re not learning about that topography, the intricacies of the flat [that] you learn if you pole it or go slow with a trolling motor.” On the other hand, Fordyce says: “Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fisherman in an area you’ve never fished, a drone could definitely quicken the learning phase. Pole part of 74

DECEMBER 2016

that flat, but then take the last 20 minutes and run the same area with the drone. Keep records of the wind direction, the barometer, the tide, and remember where you saw fish in those particular conditions.” But, he cautions, “I just don’t think it’s wise to use a drone as your sole means of learning.” Much farther north, another professional skipper offers a slightly different take. “It can take many fishing trips to know the lay of the land,” says Capt. Chris Valaskatgis, a Massachusetts fishing guide

(manolincharters .com). “But throw a drone up, and you see the whole thing laid out.” When first launching his boat in the spring, Valaskatgis surveys local inlets by drone to learn how they’ve changed through a winter of storms. “I’m looking for new cuts that are deep enough to troll through, and also points and curves within those cuts that congregate fish. They might be subtle, maybe 3 or 4 feet underwater. We don’t have strong current, so you’d never see that from the boat, but they’re obvious from the drone.”

ILLUSTRATION: KEVIN HAND; PHOTOS: COURTESY DJI (OPPOSITE TOP), JAIDEN MACLEAN (OPPOSITE BOTTOM)

AN ANGLER’S GUIDE TO DRONE PERSPECTIVES

He checks again as the season develops. In one instance, Valaskatgis was having success with smallish striped bass by working the current edge formed by an estuary sandbar. “From the drone, we noticed the current was curving past the bar, not flowing the way you’d think,” he says. Knowing bigger fish stake out the best spots, Valaskatgis made an adjustment. “It was subtle, maybe 50 yards, but all of a sudden we were catching much bigger fish.”

DRONES AND THE LAW

HIGHER LEARNING Drones also help anglers better understand their quarry. “For a long time, our best glimpse into fundamental fish behavior was from underwater and aerial footage on nature shows,” says Capt. Jay Shields, a Massachusetts guide and fishingmedia producer (stellwagen media.net). “Now, with that eye-in-the-sky perspective from drones, we can see patterns and interpret fish behavior. When I find a large biomass, before I fish, sometimes I’ll put the drone high overhead and watch how predators and prey are interacting.” Shields noticed, for instance, a particular feeding pattern

Bottom: For beachbound anglers in particular, drones can offer previously unimagined views, such as of this tuna school just off the shore, kept company by a couple of porpoises.

In 2012, Congress passed a law allowing drone operation for “strictly hobby or recreational use … operated in accordance with a community-based set of safety guidelines,” which for practical purposes means the Academy of Model Aeronautics guidelines (see modelaircraft.org). This past summer, separate Federal Aviation Administration regulations were published under U.S. Code Title 14, Part 107, to cover other drone use (see faa.gov). “[For] anything that doesn’t meet the requirements of hobby aircraft, then 107 applies,” says Les Dorr, an FAA spokesperson on drones. “Either you operate under model-aircraft guidance, or you operate under 107. There is no gray area.” The chief difference, as of August 2016, is the requirement for a drone pilot license for all nonhobbyists. (Instruction is readily available through drone “flight schools.”) Anglers using drones to take photos or scout locations would be hobbyists; professional guides doing so to help their business would fall in the 107 area. Other differences include a Part 107 requirement to obtain written FAA permission before flying in controlled airspace (typically within 4 miles of an airport), versus the hobbyist requirement to notify airports directly before operating within 5 miles. Part 107 drones also require individual registration numbers, while hobbyists register once to cover all owned aircraft. The FAA’s new B4UFLY smartphone app shows drone no-fly zones, which include airports, security zones (including most of Washington D.C.) and temporary security zones, such as within 3 miles of stadiums within an hour of major sporting events. Under separate rules, areas administered by the National Park Service, including national parks, national seashores, national monuments and national memorials, also prohibit drones. The state of Oregon has also banned the use of drones to aid any hunting or fishing, including advance scouting.

of false albacore (little tunny): “The fish you see breaking the surface are maybe 15 percent of the school. The other 85 percent are patrolling the edges, keeping

that baitball tight.” Fish actively feasting often didn’t respond to his bait, but by studying the drone view, he learned to target those fish on the perimeter. “Your bait

“TO THE FISH, IT’S A THREE-DIMENSIONAL WORLD, BUT FROM THE DECK OF THE BOAT, WE DON’T SEE FISH DOWN DEEP. THE DRONE GIVES US THE ABILITY TO SEE DOWN INTO THAT THIRD DIMENSION.”

Right: Videographer Jaiden Maclean is exploring new ground by designing and testing drone accessories to attach lines and drop baits where the fish are — as his team did to hook and land this longtail tuna from an Australian beach.

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stands out to those herders,” he says. “They’re looking for baitfish coming off the ball.” From the air, Valaskatgis says, a similar pattern is obvious with most bait schools. “You might see bait flipping in a 10-foot-by-10foot area, but throw the drone up,” he says, “and you see the bait school is actually 50-by-50.” By approaching those baits breaking the surface to start fishing, he says, you’re often driving right over the top of the predators lurking along edges of the larger bait school. Aerial video often clarifies anglers’ already-held beliefs. By studying footage from above of tuna biting spreader bars, Shields confirmed that smaller fish come in from the side to feed, while larger fish tend to come straight up from beneath. “Anywhere you have structure,” he adds, “the fish up-current are typically the ones actively feeding. The fish you mark on the down-current side have shut off.”

SAM ROOT (TOP), JAIDEN MACLEAN (BOTTOM), JASON ARNOLD / JASONARNOLDPHOTO.COM (OPPOSITE)

— Capt. Mike Weinhofer

Overhead views also offer new insights. When flying his drone over flats, bars and boulder fields, Shields has noticed distinctive paths where fish consistently travel and other paths they avoid, “like game trails,” he says, even though these areas showed no telltale signs from the boat or the drone. Similarly, studying drone footage of bird flocks flying near fish schools has helped Shields better interpret that interaction whenever it unfolds. The key is applying general knowledge to specific situations. “The drone is like a close-up Google Earth perspective,” Shields says. “There may be five fingers off a sandbar that, from the boat, all look the same. But the drone shows one is a little deeper, or the drop-off a little steeper.” From his general understanding of fish, Shields says, “That deeper or steeper finger is what the biggest fish are going to converge on.” Surprisingly, Weinhofer doesn’t have much use for drones in scouting weed lines, as he feels that picking up birds on his radar gives him a clearer picture over a wider area of where fish are and which way they’re moving. Lone structure, like a floating log, is another story. “The fish can be 20 to 50 yards off that debris in any direction,” he says. The drone offers an opportunity to see those fish without spooking them. It’s also a chance to learn how those fish are interacting with freefloating structure. “To the fish, it’s a three-dimensional world, but from the deck of the boat, we don’t see fish down deep. The drone gives us the ability to see down into that third dimension.”

DRONE-FLYING ADVICE FOR FISHERMEN Disable return-to-home features before each flight, warns Ryan Danoff, a drone pilot of nine years (jasonarnoldphoto.com). “The drone knows how much battery it needs to return to where it started,” he says. “When the boat moves, you could have plenty of battery, but all of a sudden it flies away. You might slow it down

with the controls, but you can’t stop it.” In any measurable sea, pluck drones from the air rather than attempt to land them on a pitching deck. “Get up on the bow, where there is no wind turbulence coming off the flying bridge or center console,” says Danoff. “Spin the drone so it’s flying away from you, into the wind. That way, when you push the stick left, the drone goes left. Let the drone drift with the wind slowly toward the boat.” On his order, Danoff’s landing assistant firmly grasps opposing corner struts. “[The drone is] going to want to compensate,” he warns, to try to remain where its guidance system says it should be hovering. “Use a clean pair of gloves to protect against abrasions from the propellers.” To abort, fly straight up. If landing proves too difficult, fly the drone to the nearest beach — even miles away — and put it down. “You’ll have a better chance of owning that drone later than if it goes into the water,” Danoff says. “As far as spooking fish, whether it’s bonefish or redfish or tarpon, they don’t seem to care about the noise and vibration of the drone hovering over them. That surprised me,” Fordyce says. “Even big tarpon in clear water will allow the drone to get 10 feet above them before even hinting that they’re bothered. But if the shadow of the drone goes near the fish, it will spook them. Keep in

mind where the sun is in reference to the drone and the fish.” Don’t get too close to birds, either, as Shields has seen them become aggressive toward drones, and he lost one drone to a frigate attack. “It sank like a brick,” he says. “The last thing I saw was fire coming from the lithium battery [reacting to salt water].” Nearby anglers might become equally annoyed. “Just because you have a drone and the airways are free, it doesn’t give you the right to hover 50 feet over a guy’s head,” Fordyce says. “Having this thing buzzing around like a mosquito wouldn’t sit well with some people. It certainly wouldn’t sit well with me.” As drone use continues to explode, new fishing techniques will surely follow. “Times are changing,” Fordyce says. “Technology — GPS, drones, going online to see where the currents are the morning before sailfishing — all those things can help you be more successful on the water if you learn how to use them, but you still have to have the basic skills fishermen had 50 years ago to make it all come together.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Capt. Vincent Daniello grew up fishing and diving off South Florida. He has run charters and private boats from Canada to the Caribbean. Now based in Massachusetts, Daniello writes and shoots photos for boating and fishing magazines.

Professional drone pilot Ryan Danoff fires up for a reconnaissance flight, hoping to spot a particularly promising area to fish in the Everglades’ backcountry maze of canals and bays.

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Industry Leaders Debut the Latest in Technology and Innovation

2017 NEW TACKLE, GEAR AND ACCESSORIES BY CHRIS

WOODWA R D

I

find it unfortunately easy to take good fortune for granted. But I’m reminded every July, during the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, of just how privileged I am. fishing-tackle goodies as the industry displays its brand-new designs and updates. Now, as the holiday season approaches and many of these items line store shelves, I can describe this

got to see during the summer show. Here are 26 items we coveted during ICAST. We’ve also listed the saltwaterrelated winners from this year’s Best of Show competition.

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Yeti has expanded its Hopper soft-sided lineup with the new Flip 12, a cube-shaped DryHide cooler that features Yeti’s HydroLok zipper and up to 1 inch of ColdCell insulation. The EVA foam bottom and radio-frequencywelded seams make the Flip waterproof and leakproof. The Flip is fog gray and Tahoe blue and costs $279.99.

PENN TORQUE II Penn’s new Torque II spinning reels feature an IPX6 sealed system to keep water out of the gearbox and drag system. CNC gear technology creates a precision bronze main gear and stainless-steel pinion and oscillation gears that are individually machined for exact tolerances. Offering Penn’s Dura-Drag system, the Torque II comes in three sizes: the 5500 and 7500 (bailless versions available), and the 9500, for 20- to 50-, 50- to 80-, and 65- to 100-pound braid. The reels start at $699.95.

for offshore fishing and boating. It features Xtratuf’s proprietary evaporative XpressCool liner, which wicks away moisture and creates a cooling sensation as your foot starts to sweat. The boots come in sizes 7 to 14 and cost $89.99.

SPIDERWIRE STEALTH TRANSLUCENT SpiderWire’s popular Stealth braid now comes in a translucent, high-vis white color. Made from Dyneema fibers, Stealth Translucent can be easily seen above the water’s surface; below the surface, a gelcoat finish gives the braid a semitransparent appearance. Translucent comes in spools of 125, 200, 300, 500, 1,500 and 3,000 yards, in pound-tests from 6 to 100. Prices range from $17.99 to $389.99.

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A. OKUMA CORTEZ Okuma has significantly expanded its Cortez rod series to include 11 new models: four trolling, five casting and two spinning rods. Trolling rods feature HD guide frames and slick butts, measure 6 feet 6 inches and 7 feet, and come in medium and medium-heavy power. Casting models include 6-foot6-inch and 7-foot sticks in medium, medium-heavy and heavy power. The spinning rods measure 7 feet and come in medium and medium-heavy. The rods cost $69.99 and $79.99.

B. STAR PLASMA STAND-UP Star Rods designed its Plasma stand-up rods for ultimate lifting power, but they’re light enough to fish all day. Blanks are constructed with extra-highmodulus graphite and Star’s Duratech butt weave. Components include heavyduty Fuji guides with silicon-carbide rings, Stuart aluminum reel seats, and carbon PowerButts with aluminum gimbals. The series includes three 6-foot models with varying actions. Plasma stand-ups cost $249.95.

C. ST. CROIX MOJO JIG Tested from New England to the Gulf Coast, Mojo Jig rods possess the strength to hoist up large game fish as well as the action to entice strikes, St. Croix says. They’re made from a blend of SCII graphite to produce a lightweight blank, and feature Fuji reel seats, Seaguide guides and EVA handles. Mojo Jig rods come in four conventional and four spinning models, in 5-foot-8-inch and 6-foot-6-inch lengths with medium to extra-heavy power. They cost $200.

D. SHAKESPEARE UGLY STIK BIGWATER Shakespeare says it has refreshed its iconic Bigwater series with new Ugly Tuff saltwater guides and an updated look. Available in 10 casting models, six spinners, 10 surf rods, four downrigger rods, two stand-ups and two fly rods, the Bigwater series features the traditional clear-tip design, one-piece stainless-steel guides, EVA handles and conventional reel seats. The rods come in one- and two-piece models in multiple lengths and powers. They cost $59.95 to $179.95.

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RAPALA TERMINATOR POPPING FROG An unconventional saltwater lure? Sure, but Sport Fishing editors want to try this Rapala Terminator Popping Frog for species such as snook, redfish, tarpon and jacks. It’s seriously weedless, and its cupped face causes major commotion while the bait walks across the surface. Featuring a custom VMC double hook, round rubber legs and a heavy-duty welded line tie, the frog is also tail-weighted for extra casting distance. The lure measures 2½ inches long, weighs 9⁄16 ounce, comes in 16 colors, and costs $9.99.

OLD TOWN PREDATOR PDL Building on its 2014 launch of the award-winning Predator XL Minn Kota kayak, Old Town has introduced the PDL: a pedal-drive boat featuring a weedless prop design that steers fore and aft. The 10.3-to-1 gear ratio means anglers can reach speeds up to 5.5 mph. The 21-pound drive console pivots to avoid obstacles and navigate shallow water. The 13-foot-2-inch Predator PDL is 36 inches wide and weighs 117 pounds with the drive. It costs $2,799.99.

HALCO MAX 190 Australian lure company Halco has added a 190 size (7½ inches) to its award-winning Max lineup. In fact, the 190 model was recently voted Best New Hard-Body Lure at the Australian Fishing Tackle Trade Association show. The 5½-ounce lure features double-wall thickness, welded hook hangers and tow points, and two Mustad 7/0 in-line single hooks. Trollable up to 24 knots or castable, the 190 comes in eight colors and costs $23.50.

PELAGIC DRI-FLEX LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET Pelagic’s lightweight jacket is made from the company’s proprietary Dri-Flex stretch fabric and offers water-repellent technology. The jacket also features a mesh-lined hood, fitted sleeve cuffs, three zippered pockets and quick-dry fabric technology. The jacket comes in charcoal gray and sizes S to XXL, and costs $89.

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SHIMANO NASCI Available in five sizes, from 1000 to 5000, Shimano NASCI spinning reels come with a Hagane coldforged aluminum drive gear and CoreProtect for water resistance. The drag system for the smaller four sizes includes felt washers for better light-tackle performance. The C5000 reel comes with Cross Carbon washers to handle bigger quarry. The reels feature gear ratios of 5- or 6.2-to-1, depending on size; smaller reels hold 10- to 20-pound braid, while larger ones use 20- to 40-pound braid. Prices range from $99.99 to $109.99.

SEAGUAR RIPPIN’ MONO For anglers who prefer using monofilament in topwater applications, Seaguar has created Rippin’ mono. A thin-diameter premium mono, Rippin’ also offers superior knot and tensile strength, Seaguar says. At the same time, it’s soft and supple with low memory. Available in 200-yard spools of 4- to 40-pound line classes, for $10.99 to $14.99, Rippin’ features Level Wind technology, which spools the line by laying it side by side without crossing.

HOBIE MIRAGEDRIVE 180 Hobie was the first to introduce a pedal-propulsion system for kayaks, in 1997. MirageDrive has evolved to offer a reverse function in the new 180 version, which will be integrated into 2017 Mirage kayaks. By mid-2017, the system will retrofit to existing pedal boats with a stand-alone accessory. The MirageDrive 180 weighs 8 pounds and produces full power in both directions using two shift cables. The system adds $150 to new Hobie single-model kayaks and $300 to tandems.

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SAVAGE GEAR PANIC POPPER Savage Gear’s Panic Popper features a cupped-face design to throw more water farther. Its extra-heavy-duty hooks and split rings create solid sets to bring more fish to the boat. Hook hangers have been tested to more than 120 pounds of pulling pressure. Available in two sizes — 5¼ inches (1¼ ounces) and 7¾ inches (4 ounces) — the poppers cost $8.99 and $15.99.

COSTA TREVALLY Costa says its newest style of sunglasses honors the fight of the brutish, soughtafter giant trevally. Trevally frames are made from a nearly indestructible bio-based resin and come with integral hinges and hypoallergenic nose pads. They come in unisex colors, including tortoise, matte black, matte orchid and matte tortuga fade. Customize your Trevally sunglasses using any of Costa’s polarized 580 glass or polycarbonate lenses, as well as prescription lenses. The glasses start at $159.

BLUEFIN USA CAMO HOODIE

HUK PACKABLE RAIN JACKET Huk’s new packable rain jacket is 100 percent water- and windproof while remaining breathable and quick-drying. The polyester jacket features taped seams, a three-piece elastic draw-cord hood, Velcro cuffs, underarm zips and lower weltered zip pockets. Available in black or charcoal gray and in sizes S to XXXL, the jacket packs into its own pocket and costs $99.99.

Made from a silky microfiber material, Bluefin USA’s camo hoodie is a long-sleeved rash guard with a front pouch pocket and antimicrobial properties. The form-fitting hooded tee features SPF 40-plus sun protection and dries quickly. The light blue hoodie comes in sizes XS to XXL and costs $49.

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AFTCO SXHD ROLLER GUIDES AFTCO’s Super Extra Heavy-Duty roller guides and tip-tops are machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum and employ ceramic ball bearings to meet the highest standards in corrosion resistance. Delrin insulators and stainless logo plates eliminate corrosion between rollers and frames. Oversize contoured feet grip rods with extra strength. Available in three sizes — No. 62, No. 72 and No. 82 — and in nine colors, SXHD guides cost $520 per set; tip-tops cost $84.

OKUMA KOMODO SS Okuma’s new 450-size Komodo SS baitcaster is built around a stainless main gear, pinion gear, drive shaft and spool shaft for internal strength and corrosion resistance, allowing anglers to push the max-drag output to 30 pounds. The SS comes with seven stainless high-performance bearings, plus a roller bearing; offers a 6.3-to-1 gear ratio; and starts at $259.99.

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CUDA FISH MEASURE Made from waterproof nylon, Cuda’s Fish Measure device also comes with a removable straight edge that can serve as a starting point for measuring fish. The flexible material rolls up and fastens with Velcro for easy storage; it rolls out to gauge the length of your catch. The 50-inch measure costs $14.99, and the 120-inch version costs $19.99.

FIN-NOR OFFSHORE Fin-Nor’s Offshore spinning reels feature a flex-free aluminum body and rotor; an oversize power knob; and the company’s MegaDrag system, with up to 10 carbonfiber, aluminum and stainless-steel washers, designed to handle big offshore predators. Available in six sizes, starting with the 4500 for 17-pound mono or 50-pound braid, and ranging up to the 9500 for 20-pound mono or 65-pound braid, Offshore reels offer 4.7- or 4.4-to-1 gear ratios and cost $159 to $189.

Z-MAN EZ KEEPERZ Built on a patented keeper design that holds all types of plastic baits, the Z-Man EZ KeeperZ has a barbed, U-shaped stainless clip that allows for easy weedless rigging and ensures proper hook alignment while minimizing tearing. Each EZ KeeperZ is built around a custom weighted black-nickel hook. A rubber O-ring holds baits snugly against the hook point. Offered in hook sizes 3/0, 4/0 and 5/0, with 1⁄16-, ⅛- and 3⁄16-ounce weights, a three-pack of EZ KeeperZ costs $5.99.

WILLIAMSON SUBSURFACE PRO Expanding on its Pro series of lures, Williamson has introduced the SubSurface Pro, a 5⅛-inch hard bait that’s weighted to flutter horizontally on the fall. Work it back to the boat using any of a variety of techniques, including slash, rip-and-stop or walk-the-dog. The SubSurface Pro weighs 2 ounces, comes with two in-line VMC single hooks, and is available in 10 color patterns. The lures cost $13.99 to $15.99.

ICAST BEST OF SHOW WINNERS Each year, ICAST dealers and media vote for their favorite new products. Because the show includes both freshwater and saltwater gear, many of the awards go to freshwater products. Here are the Best of Show winners categorized for saltwater or generic use. SALTWATER REEL: Penn Slammer III SALTWATER ROD: Lew’s Mach Speed Stick/Inshore Rod

FISHSMART: Adventure Products EGO Kryptek S1 Genesis Medium Clear Landing Net

SOFT LURE: Squidnation Longtail Flippy Floppy

FOOTWEAR: Shimano Flats Wading Boots

LIFESTYLE APPAREL: Under Armour Fish Stalker SS

GIFTWARE: Weego Jump Starter 44

BOAT: Old Town Predator PDL

LINE: P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon

EYEWEAR: Costa Rafael

TACKLE MANAGEMENT: Cobra Garage Door Storage Rack

FISHING ACCESSORY: Yeti Hopper Flip 12

Editor’s Note: The overall Best of Show winner was the freshwater Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor.

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Fulfill Your Fishing Fantasy...

Fishing the legendary waters off Piñas Bay, Panama is a “bucket list” adventure for all anglers. Fulfill your fishing fantasy! Tropic Star Lodge has provided the ultimate in offshore and inshore fishing adventures for our guests for the past 50+ years. We invite you to discover why we’ve been named “the best fishing resort in the world.” Our Pacific waters are famed for holding a vast variety of treasured species including black marlin, blue marlin and sailfish along with monster tuna, dorado, roosterfish and cubera snapper. The fishing attracts anglers from all over the world. Visit our website to watch our exciting videos and contact us to book your dream fishing trip.

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LAST CAST

Paws for thought: Cache the American bulldog seems to be contemplating her next move while watching Alexy Milian prepare to release a huge Florida Everglades tarpon.

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36’ “INVINCIBLE HAS SET A NEW INDUSTRY STANDARD FOR QUALITY, FIT & FINISH AND CUSTOMER SERVICE BY WHICH ALL OTHER BOAT MANUFACTURERS ARE NOW MEASURED.” OUR PATENTED “STEPPED-VEE VENTILATED TUNNEL” (SVVT) HULL CREATES THE LOWEST DRAG COEFFICIENT OF ANY MONO HULL ON THE MARKET. THIS MEANS INCREASED SPEED, BETTER FUEL ECONOMY THAN CONVENTIONAL STEPPED HULLS, AND AN ALL-AROUND BETTER RIDE.

4700 NW 132ND STREET, OPA LOCKA, FLORIDA 33054 • PH: 305-685-2704 • WWW.INVINCIBLEBOATS.COM

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