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I have a pet peeve. Well actually, I have a lot, but one concerns landing nets. Too often I see anglers using nets with mesh measures anywhere from 1 to 2 inches across. Large mesh netting is fine if you intend to keep a fish, but it’s horrible for catch and release. I mean, really horrible.

Tail Injuries

Here’s the problem I see with large-mesh netting: The fish’s tail (aka caudal fin) gets squeezed through the mesh like Velveta through a cheese slicer. It splits and tears the tender membranes between the rays of the fin. This can affect soft dorsal and anal fins, too, inflicting multiple tears. I’ve seen the injuries too many times on released fish, and every time it makes me cringe.

Cuts and Scrapes

The netting material itself can also hurt fish. Rough nylon netting is more likely to cut and scrape fins and the sides of fish. The shape of the net is also factor, as many nets are like sacks that literally bend thrashing fish in half, pressing the fins farther through mesh, resulting in deeper tears. There’s no way for the tears to heel, and the open wounds can lead to infections that ultimately result in the slow and debilitating demise of the released fish.

Fish-Friendly Mesh

However, there is a solution, and it comes in the form of fish-friendly landing nets, aka conservation nets, from companies such Frabill and Promar. A great example is the Frabill Trophy Haul series of nets. The netting features ½-inch mesh that helps prevent tears and splits to the tail. The netting material is also rubber coated—Frabill calls it the Coated Conservation Mesh. This material is softer and less abrasive, and that reduces scrapes and cuts to fish.

Landing Pads

Nets in the Trophy Haul series also have a special shape. The net is flat on the bottom, and that helps cradle the fish rather than bend it half, especially if you avoid lifting the fish into the boat. Promar’s Premier Angler landing nets have even wider flat areas at the bottom, not to mention fine-mesh netting, to care for fish you plan to release.

The next time you’re shopping for a landing nets, stop to think about my pet peeve. Or at least think about the fish, especially if you might need to release a sub-legal-size fish or you just plan to practice catch and release. Fish-friendly landing nets are the way to go.

The post Fish-Friendly Landing Nets appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

Though the solstice takes place in June, May is the unofficial start of summer in much of the coastal United States. And in the northern reaches, many fishing seasons are just kicking off. Whether you chase inshore favorites like striped bass or snook, prefer bottomfish like flounder, or pursue pelagics, odds are good that you’re out on the water chasing your favorite species.

Here’s a selection of gear to help you out on the high seas, at the dock, and even on the back deck.

Pelican Dayventure Cooler Backpack

Pelican’s Dayventure backpack ($289) is perfect for taking lunch and a couple of extra layers on the boat or to the beach. The unique design offers two insulated compartments, letting you keep food and other items separated. The bottom opens via a leak-resistant zipper, and keeps a six-pack of cans or a couple of lunches chilled. The top compartment features a roll-top closure that sheds water, and light insulation that can keep fillets cool or provide padding to protect delicate items like cameras or other electronics. The padded straps have kept me comfortable, even when both compartments are fully loaded. I recently took one on a day-long expedition that involved an early morning fishing trip and ended with a picnic at the zoo, and it kept a day’s worth of food and beverages cool and at the ready.

G-Loomis IMX-Pro Offshore

G-Loomis built the rods in the IMX-Pro Offshore series ($535-$575) for West Coast anglers that target yellowtail, dorado, or tuna around kelp paddies or on the open water. The purpose-built 20 to 80-pound class rods feature a range of technique-specific actions for casting irons or dropping jigs to whatever species is starting off summer fishing in your area. The multi-taper design places extra material around potential weak points to ensure the rod survives surging runs and accidental contact with gelcoat, but minimizes it elsewhere to keep weight down. Built in Woodland, Washington and covered by a lifetime warranty.

Hobie Coastal Float Sunglasses

Spend enough time around the water, and you’ll donate a few things to Davy Jones’ locker. Hobie’s collection of floating sunglasses ensures your eyewear isn’t one of those items. The Coastal Float ($99) offers stylish protection from the sun’s rays, complete with a floating frame that keeps them on the surface if they end up in the drink. The polarized nylon lenses are available in four different tints to suit varying light conditions. Also available in prescription models.

Berkley Cane Walker

One of the best parts of the early season in the Northeast is the topwater striped bass bite. Berkley’s Cane Walker ($8.49 and up) is perfect for calling stripers up from the depths, with a loud rattle that rings the dinner bell even in heavy seas. The heavy tail weighting allows for long-distance casts and provides plenty of side-to-side action without giving your wrists a workout. Available in 10 different colors and two different sizes, it will work just as well for snook or reds looking for an easy meal on top.

Shimano Speedmaster II

Shimano adds to the popular SpeedMaster II ($279 and up) series of lever-drag reels with the addition of two new sizes, 8 and 10, for 2023. These sizes are perfect for those targeting bottom and other nearshore fish. Though small and compact, the reels offer powerful drag systems that can fine-tuned to whatever species you’re after. The rigid HAGANE body keeps the gears in alignment for easy reeling through even the toughest battles.

Benchmade Meatcrafter

No matter what the season, it pays to have a good knife handy. Benchmade’s Meatcrafter ($270 and up) makes short work of cutting groundfish, prepping tuna steaks, or just getting ready for a backyard barbecue. The hybrid design combines the best qualities of a boning and filet knife, offering just enough flex to separate meat from skin with enough rigidity to tackle stubborn bones. The form-fitting sheath lets you take it on the boat, and the high-quality steel resists the ill effects of saltwater. Handcrafted in Oregon, with a variety of custom touches available.

The post New Fishing Gear for May: Summer Kick Off Edition appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

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One of Zeiss’ newest offerings, the SFL 40, offers fast-focusing capabilities in a lightweight frame that delivers the impeccable low light performance the company is known for. I tested a pair of the SFL 40 binoculars in the 8 x 40 configuration in some of the worst conditions the Northeast had to offer over the past several months. Here’s how they stood up.

Zeiss SFL 40 Overview

I’ve spent plenty of time peering through binoculars, thanks to my first career in wildlife management. In addition to surveys for marine mammals or other sea life, I also conducted predator watches and put together activity budgets for various species of waterfowl or seabirds. This would sometimes amount to 12 straight hours or more staring through magnified optics. I’ve had the opportunity to use a wide variety of glass from a wide a wide variety of manufacturers, from bargain basement to top of the line while in the field. I used that experience when evaluating the Zeiss SFL 40.

The SFL 40 is lightweight and nimble. They are slightly smaller than a typical full-sized 8 x 40 binocular, but still provide a handful, though they are lightweight enough to managed by a single hand. The lenses let in more than enough light to see breaking bait in the first rays of civil twilight or identify small songbirds flitting through a dense forest at dusk. They proved to be waterproof and durable, surviving encounters with freezing spray and a couple of falls onto the deck. Overall, they are one of the better binoculars I have ever used.

Light Weight

I have long been a fan of Zeiss’ Victory SF models, but have always found them to be a touch on the heavy side. The new SFL series seems to remedy that, in part by shrinking the lens diameter a scant 2 mm. Though this minimal adjustment doesn’t have much of an effect on the binocular’s visual properties, it allowed Zeiss’ engineers to utilize thinner lens elements, placed closer together. This reduced the weight of the SFL’s by 13 percent when compared to the Victory SF line, and up to a third lighter than some of their competitors. I’m just guessing, but I think the shorter distance between optical elements also contributes to the fast focus characteristics.

The chassis of the SFL is comprised of magnesium, the same metal used to build racecar wheels. This makes them extremely durable, but maintains the rigidity needed to keep the optical elements aligned, even when getting bounced around on the high seas. Magnesium also seems to be less affected by temperature than aluminum, which should further help prevent fogging when transitioning from areas with differing temperatures, such as when going from below decks to sunny console.

In the field, these construction elements translated into a noticeable reduction in heft. The 8 x 40 model I tested weighed a little over 22 ounces, which is about what you’d expect a pair of premium 8 x 32s to weigh. I hardly noticed the SFLs strapped around my neck while chasing pods of bait off the Rockaways and looking for ducks over the winter. After a few minutes they seemed to disappear.

Find Fish Fast

Though I expected Zeiss’ claims about the SmartFocus Concept built into the SFL series to be marketing hype, the new center focus wheel does seem to find clarity faster than the other binoculars in my stable. I can only guess that Zeiss used higher gearing to accomplish this, though I supposed their shortened geometry also plays a role. However it came about, these binoculars find focus quickly and intuitively, requiring only 1.4 turns from close focus to infinity.

I didn’t have to take my hand off the boat’s wheel to focus them, which was a boon when looking for signs of bait that came up out of nowhere before disappearing quickly. The focus wheel was easily operable even when wearing heavy, waterproof gloves stiffened by the dead of winter. And my finger seemed to find it intuitively, instinctively indexing the wheel when the binoculars were raised.

Low-Light Performance

Animals, fish included, are often most active during the crepuscular periods of dawn and dusk. But the accompanying low light can inhibit the use of magnified optics like binoculars. Each time light passes through a lens, some of it is lost. How much depends on the quality of the glass, and the coatings they are covered in. Zeiss’ excellent lenses and their proprietary T* multicoating allows for as much as 90 percent of light transmitted through the optical array, with clear high-contrast images. This translated to crisp observations during the day’s darkest periods.

Adverse Weather

Using binoculars through the depths of winter meant encountering a variety of tough conditions. Zeiss’ hydrophobic LotuTec coating helped the lenses shed water fast, making it easy to see after encountering splashes or wind-driven rain. A nitrogen filling ensures that water stays outside the lenses, and prevents interior fogging. My vision remained clear, even during winter Nor’easters.

In the Hand

The shortened chassis and light weight contributed to the SFL 40’s excellent ergonomics. The slightly smaller size is easier to maneuver, but still offers full-size performance. Excellent eyecups, combined with the binocular’s large exit pupil, make for comfortable viewing even when running around at speed. I was able to set the eyecups at distances that worked with and without sunglasses. While they may not let quite as much light through as Zeiss’ Victory HT series, they are about $1,000 less with an MSRP of $1,799, and seem to be every bit as durable. Overall, Zeiss’ new SFL 8 x 40 is an excellent choice for fishing, boating, or birding.

The post New Gear: Zeiss SFL 40 appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

AFTCO Blue Fever Crossbreed Metal Jig

The AFTCO Blue Fever Crossbreed jig is designed for fishing on the fall or retrieve. A purposeful erratic and fluttering action comes from its weighted center section. Try a straight retrieve back to the boat too, if a slow descent isn’t working. The Crossbreed is available in four sizes (60 grams/85 millimeters, 80g/90mm, 100g/100mm, and 120g/110mm) to match the local bait size. Rigged with oversized split rings and 4X hooks. Price is $14. Available in Fall 2022.

Berkley Gulp! Surf Bytes

Berkley Gulp! now has specific baits for surf fishing. Fishing from beaches, piers, jetties or bridges, new Surf Bytes feature proprietary scent and dispersion technology, plus 4X firmer durability to handle tough surf conditions. Gulp! Surf Bytes Strips are segmented for customized size selection. They can also be recharged in their reusable storage bag. Available in five saltwater colors. The actual strip size is 5.75 inches by half an inch. Six segments per strip, four strips per package. Price is $7.99. Available in July 2022.

Costa Jose PRO Sunglasses

At ICAST, the fishing community saw a sneak peek of Costa’s new Jose PRO sunglasses. As you might know, the Jose frames are named in honor of the legendary waterman Jose Wejebe. The PRO glasses build off the original frames, with six new performance innovations to help anglers manage sweat, reduce fogging, and keep their frames locked in place in rough water. Price is $264-$284. Available in September 2022.

Daiwa Coastal 80 Casting Reel

A coastal blue finish stands out on the new inshore-tough Daiwa Coastal 80 baitcaster. The lightweight casting reel is built for inshore and bay fishing, targeting species such as redfish, trout, stripers, snook, and bay bass. Wade and kayak anglers can easily toss plugs and swimbaits without tiring. Some features include the deep spool (20-pound-braid line capacity of 160 yards), Hyper Drive Digigear, Ultimate Tournament Drag, rigid aluminum frame, T-Wing System Level Wind, and four Corrosion Resistant Ball Bearings. Price is $249.99. Available in October 2022.

Garmin LiveScope XR

Garmin’s LiveScope XR delivers real-time images of fish and structure up to 350 feet away in salt water. The new tech ramps up the live-scanning sonar range without sacrificing image clarity and resolution. Its transducer can see both long- and close-range views in real time. Aim the transducer forward for a live look in front of the boat; point it down to see beneath the boat; or turn it sideways to scout open water or shorelines. The LiveScope XR System comes with a GLS 10 black box and LVS62 Transducer. Price is $2,999.99. Available in July 2022.

HUK A1A Pro Guide Pants

Captains fishing most days will like the durability of the new HUK A1A Pro Guide Pants. The pants feature abrasion resistant fabric sides to cut down on wear and tear. Other features include 50-plus UPF, 8-pocket design, two secure side cargo pockets with grommets, two zippered back pockets, adjustable waistband and hem, and a crotch gusset. The pants fabric is finished with a durable water repellent. Price is $125. Available in 2023.

Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging TargetLock

A collaboration between Minn Kota Ultrex Spot-Lock and MEGA Live Imaging, the new accessory from Humminbird allows anglers to remote steer a MEGA Live transducer independently of the trolling motor. The two technologies together are called Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging TargetLock, and the new option from Humminbird won the company best award for electronics at ICAST in 2022. Anglers can now separate live sonar from the trolling motor, allowing a live view of fish-holding structure whether the boat is moving or anchored via Spot-Lock. Price is $2,999.99. Available in July 2022.

Native Watercraft Slayer Propel Max 12.5 Kayak

Check out the major updates to the 2022 Native Watercraft Slayer Propel Max 12.5, originally launched in 2020. Biggest changes include converting the cockpit area from a rotomolded seat base system to sitting on the track and drawer system. Added were removable electronics switch plate, raised deck for a drier ride, and new bow hatch area drainage. Also, a small change that shouldn’t be overlooked, was the slight design modification to accept the new springblade rudder accessory easily. Paired with the Propel Pedal Drive and Power-Pole anchor system, and the new Slayer Propel Max 12.5 is a saltwater fishing machine. Price is $2,899. Available now.

Pelagic Traverse Hybrid Shorts

What stood out was a tiny little hole on a pocket of the Pelagic Traverse Hybrid Shorts. You might have guessed, but that’s where you stash your fluorocarbon spool, with the tag end sticking out of the hole. The feature makes it very easy to access leader material. Details like that make the pants a great option for offshore anglers. There are spots for braid scissors, tools, pliers, or even hooks. The two-way stretch nylon material and drawcord are meant to keep you pants from sagging when loaded with pliers or other heavy objects. Price is $85. Available now.

Plano Edge 3700 Hook Box

Plano’s Edge 3700 hook box is a creative way to store all your hooks. A dual-level design offers organization of both loose and packaged hooks. Pierce the soft compound mat with your single hooks to keep them organized in place. Other features include Dri-Loc O-ring seal, Rustrictor rust-preventative technology, WaterWick insert with reusable moisture-wicking packet, DuraView crystal-clear polycarbonate lid, and EZ Label system. Price is $59.99. Available in September 2022.

XTRATUF Kiata Men Shoes

XTRATUF’s Kiata shoe is the result of years of prototyping a high-performance sneaker in Alaska. What better place to test footwear in the elements? Crafted from a single yarn to provide a seamless design. Constructed from 100-percent waterproof 3D knit upper. The lightweight sock-like upper has a high rebound cushioned midsole and perforated comfort insole. A TUFgrp outsole provides dependable traction on flat hard surfaces and uneven terrain. Go anywhere shoes to do anything. Price is $120. Available in August 2022.   

Z-Man Kicker CrabZ Soft Bait

No one can deny the creativity of Z-Man Fishing. The folks out of South Carolina continue to produce original fresh- and saltwater soft baits, along with the hooks and hardware to rig them. This year, they scored ICAST awards for Best Saltwater Lure and Best Terminal Tackle (DieZel Eye jighead). The company’s new saltwater lure is the Kicker CrabZ. The ElaZtech soft bait imitates a sideways-swimming crab, designed with a single paddle-tail claw. The 3.5-inch bait is easily rigged on a jighead or weighted swimbait hook, but anglers will no-doubt come up with their own unique configurations. Ten color patterns. Sold three in a pack. Price is $4.99. Available in July 2022.

The post New Fishing Gear for 2022 appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

Fin-Nor North Drop Sunglasses

Fin-Nor’s name conjures sepia toned images of Zane Grey using knuckle buster Fin-Nor reels to battle grander blue marlin, and now the iconic brand has gotten super stylish, entering the hot sunglass market by dropping the big lensed North Drop frames for saltwater anglers. One facet of the frame construction I really enjoyed was the flexible ear frames that didn’t press against your temples all day long. The North Drop touts exclusive Lateral Line lens technology, hydrophobic/oleophobic coatings on both sides of the lenses, and lightweight frames made from advanced, eco-friendly materials for all-day comfort. Available in three frame colors: matte black, matte dark gray and matte keys camo. Glass or plastic lenses available in gray and copper, with three mirror selections (blue mirror, green mirror and silver mirror).

Price: $199-$269

Penn Authority Spinning Reel

Big fish better respect some authority — I’m talking about the new Penn Authority spinning reel. This brawny new beastie boasts an IPX8-rated sealed body and spool that allows the reel to be submerged one meter for 30 minutes, a formidable trait when in the punishing saltwater arena. Machined out of a solid piece of hardcore metal, precise alignment and maximum torque is applied when battling big game.

The Leveline slow oscillation system produces a tight line lay for improved casting, along with a 12+1 bearing system for smooth retrieve. Slammer drag system with Dura-Drag offers maximum drag pressure and features silky smooth carbon washers which eliminate hesitation even under extreme drag settings. Washers are impregnated with a phenolic bonding agent to reduce wear. The total Penn Authority combination brings the fight to any big game fish, leaving zero power behind. Available in sizes 2500 to 10500.

Price: $499.95 – $599.95

Frabill Witness Weigh Net

How many times have you caught a respectable fish, then either needed a net, a measuring stick or forgotten to bring the scale to check the weight?

Frabill answers all problems in their all-in-one Witness Weigh Net. With a built-in 30-pound scale, anglers can now quickly get the weight of a fish and release it without having to hang the fish on a handheld scale. Featuring tangle-free Micro-Mesh netting, molded rubber grip 48-inch handle, and a 30-inch ruler.

Price: $149.99

Spro Flutter Tail Shrimp

Shrimp this, shrimp that, you can always use more shrimp lures. Spro’s Flutter Tail Shrimp measures out to the perfect bite size of 3 inches, plus it’s made from Spro Dura Tuff construction to stand up to the grating mouths of redfish and gnarly teeth of speckled trout.

Available in 9 colors like favorites Electric Chicken and new offerings such as Pink Gold Berry. All baits are infused with Amino Bite scent. The fluttering tail calls fish in from a long distance away, mimicking the snapping of the shrimp tail underwater.

Price: $6.99 (pack of five)

Bubba Saltwater Multi-Flex Knife

Forgot to bring the chunk knife to collar that tuna? Or maybe left the fillet knife at home? No problem!

Bubba’s new Saltwater Multi-Flex interchangeable Knife Set insures you are prepared for any knife wielding situation that may arise in salt water. A seamless squeeze and slide mechanism allows you to switch between blades quickly while the Flex-Change locking system keeps the blade safe and secure. The Multi-Flex features two different full-tang blades (9-inch serrated flex and 9-inch stiff) complete with non-slip grip handles along with a premium hard-sided carry case for a watertight seal.

Price: $99.99

Shimano Spheros SW Combo

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked, “What’s a good entry rod and reel for salt water?”

Shimano finally helps me give a simple answer — the new Spheros SW Spinning Combo. Rods range from 7 to 9 feet, medium to heavy power, and fast action blanks ideal for piers, surf, ocean and bay fishing on artificial lures or live bait. The rod is matched with a legendary Spheros SW 5000, 6000 or 8000 spinning reel. Unmatched quality you expect from Shimano at an unbeatable price.  

Price: $199.99 to $209.99

Bajio Roca Sunglasses

Fishing sunglasses try to exude hip and cool, combined with practicality, and Bajio’s Roca sunglasses check all the boxes. Made with tough, bio-based nylon, a modern oversized frame protects eyes with complete coverage and vented side shields, reducing glare off the water and overall light intrusion without fogging up. Blue-light-blocking LAPIS technology minimizes eye fatigue and strain to bring comfort all day long.

A pretty cool fact is Roca (rock in Spanish), is named for the productive Roca Flat near Campeche, Mexico. Scratch resistant and oleophobic coatings on both glass and polycarbonate lenses protect and allow for easy cleaning of salt, sweat and sunscreen.

Price: $199 to $249

Yo-Zuri Hydro Twitchbait

Built for big game, Yo-Zuri’s Hydro Twitchbait is made to handle the punishment, power hungry predators like tuna, tarpon, GTs and others put down. Available in one size fits all — 6 inches, 2-5/8 ounces — and available in 8 colors, the lures feature through-wire construction, 4X strong treble hooks and split rings. The Hydro Twitchbait teases with a moderate sink rate that allows to get in the zone like a crippled baitfish, seductive wobble to spark attention, and a quick darting and flashing action when whipped like a walk-the-dog style.

I can’t wait to toss this beauty to topwater tuna.

Price: $17.99

St. Croix Rift Rod

Standing at 7 feet, 3 inches, the St. Croix Rift series rod is designed to tackle nearly every saltwater species under the sun including striped bass, bluefish, redfish, yellowtails, yellowfin tuna, and tarpon. You name it. Built on the concept of targeting variety, the medium power, moderate flex of the Rift hits that sweet spot center point to get you in the game for all assorted species.

Drift crabs for tarpon, liveline bunker for stripers, or jig metals for tuna, you can do it all with the Rift.

Price: $310

Yeti Roadie 60 Wheeled Cooler

Yeti has been synonymous with keeping your beer, soda and food cool for days on end. Now they have a mobile addition to their lineup.

Capable of holding 50 cans and touting a dry goods basket to keep your food dry, amenities include a periscope handle for ease of pulling, never-flat wheels to roll over rugged terrain and docks, and Permafrost insulation that makes the brand so famous. A new Quicklatch system is so easy to operate, especially if you have difficulty with manual dexterity. I believe it’s a huge improvement to unlatch and re-latch the cooler lid.

Price: $500

Grundens GORE-TEX Boundary Waders Collection

Surf fishermen and saltwater river anglers now have a slick new option in the wader market. Grundens new Gore-Tex Boundary Wader lineup is built to handle cold climes and frigid waters.

Built to deal with punishing Northeast November surf or swift estuarial river systems, waders are insulated with Gore-Tex 3 layer and 4 layer Pro Shell fabric to hold in heat without sweat. Titanium Alpha Neoprene booties keep feet warm and cozy, plus there’s a fused contour suspension system for stretch and comfortability on those long, thousand-cast days. Also, anglers can expect new Boundary wading boots matched for ultimate comfort.

Price: Waders $699.99 to $899.99; Wading Boots $249.99 to $299.99

The post Nick Honachefsky’s Top New Products from ICAST 2022 appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

Propelled at crawling speed by the trolling motor, Mike Laramy and I scoured a winding Louisiana bayou for signs of redfish.

With spinning rod in hand, my tournament partner stood on the forward casting deck while, atop the poling platform, I held a baitcasting outfit. Soon, a wake materialized 40 feet off the port side. Instinctively, Laramy opened the bail, lobbed a weedless spoon, and connected with a member of the pack causing the V-shaped disturbance. The rest altered course and came right at us. So I flipped a swimbait, landed it softly ahead of the reds, and received the same aggressive response. A moment later, we netted the doubleheader.

Versatility Wins

One thing my years in the pro redfish tournament circuit taught me is the importance of versatility. Anglers able to tailor their tackle and tactics to the fishing situation invariably have a definite advantage. There’s no faster way to increase our catches than to make the most of the opportunities the fish gods bestow upon us, and that requires wielding the proper weapon to proficiently execute the best-suited technique and carry out the most effective game plan.

For the more adept anglers, the choice of tackle is more about using the best tool for the task at hand than about personal preference. Circumstances that call for a certain presentation or place particular demands on the gear itself weigh heavily in their tackle-selection process. Whichever will likely make a higher-percentage cast, work a bait or lure more enticingly, or best the quarry faster in an arduous tug of war is called into action.

Spin Cycle

Most folks learn to fish with spinning tackle, and because it is frequently possible to get by with using it exclusively, they refuse to try—much less master—baitcasting and fly tackle, not realizing the potential in broadening one’s angling arsenal.

Besides requiring the shortest learning curve, spinning gear also has several other strong suits. It is hard to beat when a fast retrieve is imperative, and when the situation calls for long casts or flinging lightweight baits and artificials. However, outgoing coils of line will invariably rub against the lip of the spool and the remaining wound-up line during the cast, so smaller-diameter lines—which lessen friction—are necessary to maximize casting distance.

Spinning reels also have some inherent limitations. For starters, the spool is fixed, and the gears turn the rotor to wind in the line. During the retrieve, this design limits the torque produced, thereby curbing its effectiveness when attempting to pull up bottom dwellers and sounding fish. And in order for the rotor to wind the fishing line onto the spool, the line must first take a right-angle turn at the bail, which places additional strain on the thin connection between the angler and hooked fish.

Line twist is another common drawback of spinning reels, but it’s easily mitigated by using a fairly limp line (here, braid is better than mono) and closing the bail manually after every cast instead of tripping it by turning the handle. As for drag, some new spinning reels are designed to apply as much as 40, 50 and even 60 pounds of pressure. Nevertheless, skirted spools—commonplace for a couple of decades—allow clutching or feathering (lightly pressing the fingers against it) to instantly increase drag as needed during a fight.

Plugging Away

When pinpoint-accuracy is more important than casting distance, baitcasting tackle (also called plug tackle) is the better option. Baitcasting reels employ a revolving spool instead of a fixed one. Once you push the free-spool button or thumb bar, the line peels off without any resistance other than that supplied by the angler thumbing the spool to prevent an overrun. (Cutting-edge spool brake systems do help keep things in check during the cast.) This design allows for the use of heavier lines without consequently hindering casting distance.

Thumbing the spool, when properly executed, affords the angler precision control during the cast, and enables a soft landing of the lure or bait. When battling a fish, with the gears engaged, thumbing the spool exerts immediate, yet temporary, extra drag pressure as well.

In addition, baitcasters are designed to directly transfer power from the handle to the spool during the retrieve, thereby yielding greater torque and feel than spinning reels. And with gear technology advancements, retrieve ratios on some baitcasting reels now rival those of their spinning counterparts.

Of course, the dreaded bird nests, nothing more than line tangles caused by spool overruns during casting, cause many to shy away from baitcasting tackle, which requires practice to achieve the consistency necessary to enjoy its virtues.

Frequent Flyer

The higher degree of difficulty that learning and using fly tackle represents is largely to blame for its underutilization. But while many consider fly-fishing a handicap, lots of its proponents think of it as upping the ante to increase the challenge of targeting species such as bonefish, permit, tarpon and even billfish in a true test of both skill and perseverance.

Yet proficiency with the fly rod isn’t only for those intent on proving their mettle. The command of fly tackle becomes a major asset when fish appear skittish and the water is shallow and clear. Because it’s the weight of the line that pulls the fly to the target, instead of the other way around, fly tackle enables an angler to place a baitfish, shrimp or crab imitation within the strike zone more delicately and quietly than with spinning or baitcasting gear.

That same arrangement often limits casting distance and accuracy, especially in windy conditions. Nevertheless, because one can pick up 30 or 40 feet of line in one fell swoop (unlike with spinning and baitcasting, which require that you reel in most of the line in order to make another cast), fly tackle lets you instantly make a second or third presentation to a fish that initially refuses or doesn’t see the fly.

Unfortunately, most fly reels lack the gears that increase retrieve ratio, so the angler must often wind faster and longer when battling fish.

Maximum drag is also less than that of spinning and baitcasting reels, but increasing braking power requires only that you press the fingers on your free hand against the spool. And many fly-reel spools have an outer lip (palming rim) that permits the easier use of your palm for that same purpose.

So, why should you bother to master the use of spinning, baitcasting and fly gear? For starters, it will make you a more complete angler. And aside from increasing your versatility, it will also improve your effectiveness, vastly expanding your playbook and enabling you to increase the challenge and, in turn, heighten the excitement and enjoyment in the pursuit of every catch.

The post Choosing Between Spinning, Baitcasting or Fly Fishing appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

A simple transom-mounted trolling motor with handheld steering and propulsion could power a Jon boat around a small pond all morning. A beefier handheld trolling motor with higher voltage and thrust maneuvers a center console bay boat around boat docks, grass flats and oyster bars during an afternoon’s fishing in the bay.

Different trolling motors offer voltage, thrust, materials for fresh or salt water, steering mechanisms, and even links with GPS or fishfinder electronics. The motors can be simple or flush with the newest features. No matter what, trolling motors have proven to help anglers catch more fish by maneuvering in tight quarters and shallow areas, fishing shorelines quietly, and holding strong in one place when fighting against wind or current.

You don’t have to throw the anchor every time you want to stay in one place. You don’t have to start the outboard engine every time you want to move. Take advantage of the many trolling motor offerings available in the market today.

Trolling Motors with Next Level Features

The Minn Kota Terrova trolling motor is loaded with features, offering more than just battery powered propulsion. Lift assist allows the motor to easily deploy and stow at the bow. But two features make this motor stand out. The i-Pilot GPS trolling system allows the trolling motor to stay in one spot, called Spot Lock, even when fighting current or wind. Auto Pilot keeps the motor traveling in whichever direction you set, a great option when fishing along a shoreline. The 12-volt, 55 pound-thrust, 45-inch shaft motor is controlled by foot pedal, remote control or smart phone app.

Hands Free Fishing

Not too expensive, the Minn Kota Edge trolling motor is a bow-mount foot-control option for bass and flats fishermen. A latch and door bracket allow an angler to easily remove the motor from the bracket when the boat is on the trailer. The composite shaft is durable, able to handle the five different speeds of the motor. The foot pedal utilizes heel-toe control on the cable steer motor. All in, the features on this motor are a great option for the weekend warrior fishermen, but probably not enough for the tournament angler.

Back to the Basics

The Minn Kota Traxxis 45 trolling motor is a transom-mount option that’s perfect for the angler who needs to be mobile. For example, the trolling motor is easy to add or remove to any small Jon boat that you might throw into the back of truck or on top of the roof. Use the trolling motor to explore after launching in those small shallow creeks, ponds or lakes. The motor easily hooks up to a battery, able to exert 45 pounds of thrust. A. digital maximizer feature lengthens the life of your battery, allowing you to fish longer. The motor’s composite shaft measures 36 to 42 inches, so an angler can adjust it when fishing in shallow or deeper waters. One-hand tiller control means an angler will always have to be at the motor to steer.

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