KID ST UF F

NEW TACKLE, APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF SERIOUS ANGLERS

BY THE EDITORS

WITH ITS WARM weather and bright skies, summer is certainly a pleasant time to wet a line—and that makes it the perfect opportunity to introduce young people to the joys of angling. To truly ensure youngsters catch the fishing bug, though, it’s important they are properly outfitted for safety, comfort and success. These new products promise to help do just that.

FIN (US$18.95)

Flying Fisherman, www.flyingfisherman.com

Key features: Wrap-around design to block sun and wind; impact- and scratch-resistant polarized lenses; total UVA and UVB protection. The promise: “Perfect polarized protection for smaller faces.”

YOUTH MINNOW COMBO (US$189.99)

Redington, www.redington.com

Key features: Eight-foot, four-piece, 5-weight fly rod with easy-casting medium action; Crosswater reel spooled with Rio Mainstream weight-forward line; cordura rod tube. The promise: “Easier for casters of smaller stature.”

3500 TACKLE BAG FOR KIDS (US$19.99)

Bass Pro Shops; www.basspro.ca

Key features: Holds two 3500-size utility boxes; front zip pocket; adjustable shoulder strap; tough polyester construction. The promise: “Get your youngest anglers organized, excited and geared up.”

KIDS’ EMERGER

FISHING VEST ($115)

L.L. Bean, www.llbean.com

Key features: Made of light, durable ripstop nylon; generous fit for extra clothing layers; four front pockets; large rear pocket; comes in four sizes. The promise: “Help kids get started fishing.”

SPINCAST DOCK COMBO ($39.99)

Kid Casters, www.profishiency.com

Key features: Includes 34-inch fibreglass rod with cork grip, 4.1:1 ratio spincast reel spooled with six-pound line, practice plug, bobber and two mini jigs. The promise: “Comes ready to fish.”

RAPALA GIRL SPINNING COMBO ($49.99) Rapala, www.rapala.ca

Key features: Two-piece, 5' 6" medium-action graphite-composite rod with cork handle; 2000 pink reel with 5.2:1 gear ratio and ball-bearing drive. The promise: “Serious fishing equipment just for her.”

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

CHIRP+ 2

Weighing just 90 grams, the CHIRP+ 2 (US$349.99) provides an impressively clear underwater picture of veg etation, structure, fish locations and bottom contours. Designed to be cast out, trolled or used as a flasher when ice fishing, the sonar unit relays information, including water depth and temperature, back to the angler via a smartphone app. It also features a builtin GPS. Deeper, www.deepersonar.com

Landing Nets

KID’S VIRASANA PERFORMANCE GAITER ($30) Coolibar, www.coolibar.com

Key features: Made of cooling, stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric; treated with antimicrobial protection; comes in five colours. The promise: “Fits comfortably, breathes well and keeps them sun safe.”

THE SPORTSMAN – YOUTH SIZE (US$49.99) Bluestorm, www.bluestormgear. com

Key features: Keeps 50- to 90-pound kids afloat; large armholes for ease of movement; breathable mesh shoulders; three secure buck les; two pockets. The promise: “All the features needed for angling.”

KIDS’ SUN SUN GO AWAY HAT Outdoor Research, www.outdoorresearch.ca

Key features: Three-inch brim, with 6½-inch cape; breathable, wicking, quick-dry fabric; UPF 40+ rating; elastic panel for secure fit; comes in two size ranges. The promise: “Protects little ones from the sun.”

YOUTH ICON X HOODIE (US$55) Huk, www.hukgear.com

Key features: Made of lightweight, breathable polyester; mesh sides for ventilation; UPF 50+ rating; comes in five sizes and five colours. The promise: “Uniquely designed for the young angler.” OC

Cleverly handcrafted from recycled hockey sticks, Michigan-made Broken Twig Landing Nets (US$137 to US$187) come in a variety of styles, all with rubber baskets, carbon-fibre handles and hockey pucks integrated into the design. Also available are bait nets, gaffs and ice-fishing scoops made from recycled sticks. Broken Twig Landing Nets, www.brokentwiglandingnets.com

EL55

Powered by a recharge able lithium-ion battery that lasts up to nine hours, Thermacell’s EL55 mosquito repeller ($84.99) promises to create a six-metre zone of protection against biting bugs. Featuring a dimmable light, the portable compact unit vaporizes unscented liquid-repellent via cartridges designed to last 12 to 36 hours. Thermacell, www.thermacell.com

GOBOX 60

The latest addition to YETI’s Loadout col lection, the GoBox 60 Gear Case ($400) is made to keep your es sentials protected and well organized. Waterproof, dustproof and pretty much unbreakable, the case comes with a removable cargo tray, divider and handy zipper pouch. It’s available in four colours, including vibrant new King Crab Orange (pictured). YETI, www.yeti.com