Boating World

Gear Up

The weather's warming up, which means it's time to get back on your boat and go fishing - but first, check out some of this year's innovative new gear.

by Sarah Pelot

April 1, 2006

Herbert Hoover once said, "Fishing is much more than fish. It is the great occasion when we may return to the fine simplicity of our forefathers."

What's not so simple, though, is the innovative fishing gear that's introduced each year - and that's a good thing, because the more creative devices that come out, the more likely you are to catch that huge record-setting fish you've been dreaming about all winter long. Warm, spring weather is arriving, which means it's time to pull out the old fishing equipment ... or maybe instead, to try out one of the cool new fishing items that's bound to turn you into a pro-tournament angler (or at least help you catch a few fish).

EasyTrollerEasyTroller
Most fishermen agree that trolling plates can be irritating and pricey accessories to maintain.
Ironwood Pacific Outdoors - Most fishermen agree that trolling plates can be irritating and pricey accessories to maintain. But if you're fishing in cold water or using live bait, you need a trolling plate to slow the boat at idle, so you can present lures slower. Experienced trollers understand that any accidental acceleration without raising the trolling plate can cause the propeller's force to bend it or break its shear pins, costing time and money. Ironwood Pacific Outdoors' EasyTroller ($109.95, www.ironwoodpacific.com) is the only trolling plate with a spring-hinge designed to prevent bending and breaking. Created for 50-hp and up outboard and I/O motors, the EasyTroller is built from marine-grade anodized aluminum and stainless-steel components. It comes either standard, or with Hydrofoils Fins for $159.95.

LewmarPro-Fish
The Lewmar Pro-Fish is a windlass made for serious anglers.
Lewmar - The Lewmar Pro-Fish ($1,199, www.lewmar.com) is a windlass made for serious anglers. With automatic freefall, you can drop an anchor precisely and quickly where it needs to go, whether it's over a wreck, a ledge, or another hot spot. The horizontal windlass is made for above-deck installation and housed in strong 100-percent, 316 stainless-steel, including the control arm and stripper. The Pro-Fish offers fast line speed and a manual recovery option. A reliable spur gearbox is included for strength, speed and efficiency.

ProAnglerSuitPro Angler Suit
For devoted anglers who don't let a little nasty weather discourage their pursuit of that massive largemouth.
DriDuds - For devoted anglers who don't let a little nasty weather discourage their pursuit of that massive largemouth, the Pro Angler Suit by DriDuds ($69.95-$87.90, www.driduds.com) is a lifesaver. The fabric's patented seaming process eliminates needle holes and possible water entry, yet keeps you cool, even when you're zipped up watertight. Body vapors escape, while wind and rain stay out of the suit, which weighs less than one pound. The Pro Angler includes a zippered jacket with hood that zips into the collar, a storm flap with snaps that covers the full-length zipper, and bib pants with quick-release buckles and adjustable hook-and-latch closures. This flexible and comfortable suit comes in five colors and in sizes S-XL, as well as 2X and 4X. The optional Stuff Sack makes it easy to store in boat compartments.

Stren DuraTuf
You need assurance when fishing that your line is going to maintain its strength.
Cast Away Lakes - You need assurance when fishing that your line is going to maintain its strength, even after high-strain loads from both you and the fish. According to the manufacturer, Cast Away Lakes' Stren DuraTuf ($10.99, www.castawaylakes.com) is the toughest Stren ever. It features high-knot strength and durability with high abrasion resistance. Stren DuraTuf is a great line for fishing timber, rock piles or flats, where abrasion resistance is required. It's available in clear, green and lo-vis green in sizes ranging from 4- to 30-pound tests, so you can make sure to get the perfect match.

MagicEyeHooksMagic Eye Trebles
For those who regularly swap out hooks, Gamakatsu's Magic Eye® Trebles are just what you need.
Gamakatsu - For those who regularly swap out hooks, Gamakatsu's Magic Eye® Trebles ($6.99, www.gamakatsu.com) are just what you need. They make upgrading the hooks on larger hard baits much faster and easier, thanks to the eye, which has a special shape designed to open split rings. Simply push the hook onto the split ring while, at the same time, pushing the old hook off. There's no need to dig around looking for split ring pliers. The Magic Eye features distinctive Gamakatsu qualities, such as three sticky sharp points and strong steel that's corrosion-resistant.

X-RapX-Rap Series
If you have trouble getting your lure to where the fish are biting, check out Rapala's X-Rap Series®.
Rapala - If you have trouble getting your lure to where the fish are biting, check out Rapala's X-Rap Series® ($6.49-$13.99, www.rapala.com) of hard lures, with Rapala's innovative long cast capability. From the original X-Rap, Rapala has expanded it into a series with four new lures that still retain the same vibration and flash characteristics that can trigger a bite in unresponsive fish, but in a wider variety of situations than ever. Whether you're doing offshore, inshore, or freshwater fishing, X-Rap has a lure for you and your fishing needs. All four new styles come in a variety of color choices. Though each is a little different, they stay true to the aggressive darting action that gives X-Rap its reputation.

Bronzeye-FrogBronzeye Frog 65
At a glance, even anglers could mistake it for the real thing.
SPRO - The SPRO Bronzeye Frog 65 ($10.99, www.spro.com) has such a realistic design that at a glance, even anglers could mistake it for the real thing. The Dean Rojas Signature Series Bronzeye Frog is the perfect size and style to be fished in heavy cover or open water. It's not only designed to cast long distances, but also specially weighted to land on its belly. With a no-slip tail and Gamakatsu EWG double hook, the Frog comes in various color combinations to make fishing even more fun.

TorsaTorsa Reel & Trevala Series Jigging Rods
You get it all when you get a hold of Shimano's Torsa® reel and pair it with Shimano's Trevala Series Jigging Rods®.
Shimano - You get it all when you get a hold of Shimano's Torsa® reel ($670-$700, www.shimano.com). This saltwater reel has more speed, power and versatility, as well as better castability - which explains, in part, why it won “Best of Show” at the last ICAST show. With Shimano's HEG® (High Efficiency Gearing), which utilizes oversized gears, this reel has an extremely long handle shank, helping produce incredible speed and torque. In addition, Torsa's Rapid Fire® quick-change drag cam system ($49.99) allows the reel to change, so it can cater to specific techniques. Pair it with Shimano's Trevala Series Jigging Rods®, ($100-$150, www.shimano.com) and you'll be ready for some action on the water. All 11 of these lightweight action rods employ TC4 construction, which allows them to be light, yet powerful. They also feature custom-shaped EVA foregrips and reargrips for added comfort and balance while jigging, so you're able to get the precise motion needed to work the jigs. The Trevala series includes eight conventional rods and three spinning models.