Holiday Buyer's Guide - Editor's Picks |
Saturday, 07 December 2013 00:00 |
Regardless of the environments in which they're used, the below items are ones that ended up on our own personal wish lists. Our editorial staff pooled their letters to Santa, and came up with the following items; we're crossing our fingers that some make under the office tree.
Andy Cameron, Products and Lifestyle Editor
Rite in the Rain Fishing Journal Andy: Sure, whilst on the water, you can fire up your tablet, update your blog, edit video of the day, and download way points from your sonar. In today's modern world, it's really quite easy to preserve the important details of a fishing excursion. But sometimes it's nice to eschew these contemporary trappings and pay homage to the ways of yesteryear. This tough, all weather notebook features 50 double sided pages ready to house all of your relevant information. A perfect stocking stuffer guaranteed to make any angler more in touch with the experience of fishing. From the manufacturer: This Journal is designed to record critical information about your fishing experience. Remembering the details makes the difference between success and failure. The 4 in x 6 in Fishing Journal gives you the advantage by providing details about how best to fish your favorite body of water. Great for competitive fishing tournaments or casual weekends on the water. More info: www.riteintherain.com Price: $8
Danner x Woolrich Collaboration Old Growth Shirt Jacket Andy: When news broke that Danner and Woolrich were cooking up a collaboration, I took notice. As a long time fan of the two American brands, I was stoked to hear that the collection would be USA made and chock-full of timeless details. The pair truly delivered; this 15oz twill, Sherpa-lined jacket is, in my opinion, the crown jewel of the collection. Sure, as expected, the domestic labels and limited runs come at a hefty cost, but for the cold-weather angler looking for a classic and handsome way in which to warm up after a chilly day on the river, this item is worth the cost of entry. From the manufacturer: Woolrich Woolen Mills first began selling its fabrics to loggers, miners, rivermen and hunters in Plum Run, Pennsylvania. Today, their wool is still regarded as the finest in quality by outdoorsmen across the country. Made with Woolrich’s Alaska twill, sherpa lined and a Danner leather pocket, our shirt jacket is a testament to the craft of two iconic outdoor brands. More info: http://www.danner.com/oldgrowth/ Price: $295
The Gift of Knowledge - A Guided Trip Andy: Here in the Pacific Northwest, we're blessed with a plethora of amazing fisheries. Many of these species and habitats, however, are complicated and dependent upon countless variables. Beginning anglers, when trying to get a grasp on a new area or target, can meet up with a great deal of frustration and conflicting third hand information. Such was the case for me when I grew salmon-curious. By a chance of fate, I was put in touch with local guide, Michael Rischer, of Kayak Fishing Oregon, and he, over the course of a long afternoon, put me on the path to success. Left to my own devices, it would have taken me an entire season to figure out what Michael taught me in mere hours. If you or a loved one are wishing to break into a new fishery or finally master a current challenge, the hiring of a guide can greatly benefit your quest. Be sure, though, to check for proper licensing and certifications; your local forum, club, or state marine board can help. More info: http://www.kayakfishingoregon.com/
Tony Hart, East Coast Editor
T-Reign ProSheath Fishing Pliers Tony: One of the most important tools that a kayak angler can have on his boat is a great pair of pliers. T-Reign has a 7.5” pair of pliers with a sturdy sheath and a 36” tether. The tether is made of Kevlar, pliers are a lightweight aluminum, and the cutters are heavy-duty carbide. Durable and lightweight, and the tether allows the peace of mind of never losing a pair of pliers ever again. I’ve finally found my last pair of pliers for fishing. From the manufacturer: T-REIGN's ProSheath Combo is comprised of 7.5” aluminum pliers and a sheath. Unlike other holders, ProSheath has an internal, retractable tether attached to the pliers, preventing drops or loss. The ProSheath ensures your fishing pliers are protected, secure and conveniently at your side. More info: www.t-reignoutdoors.com Price: $80
Tsunami Rods Backwater Series TSBWS 701ML Tony: If you’re looking for a great rod without the expensive price tag, then I suggest the lineup of fishing rods from Tsunami. At retail MSRP of around $50, the Backwater series of fishing rods are a split grip style rod with 8 eyes/guides that provide an amazing cast, and have the backbone to handle your trophy fish. You’ll be amazed at how well these rods cast, as well as their accuracy. Your wallet will appreciate not being drained! From the manufacturer: Premium quality construction, components and performance are all precision matched in the TSUNAMI Trophy Series of rods produced exclusively by Bimini Bay Outfitters Performance Products. Tough unidirectional graphite composite blanks are wrapped in an ultra-high modulus graphite mesh outer layer over the length of the unidirectional blank for increased sensitivity, toughness power and strength to overcome trophy size gamefish. More info: www.biminibayoutfitters.com Price: $50
Railblaza Platform Boom 150 Pro Series Tony: With the increase in watersports photography, many kayak anglers are looking for the best way to set up their camera for still shots and video of their epic fishing trips. Railblaza offers an amazing platform with which to set up your kayak to catch your next hero shot or epic video. The platform 150 camera boom offers a fixed extender and adjustable extenders, and is a three axis platform so you’ll be able to get an array of different angles. From the manufacturer: The RAILBLAZA Pro Series Booms are the perfect way to hold your camera and capture the action. Whether you're using a kayak, multihull sailboat, inflatable, motorcycle, or any other vehicle. The Boom 150 is great for general use, and works equally well for sounder displays and other electronics as it does for cameras. More info: www.yak-gear.com Price: $50
Marlin Trading Co. (Bimini Bay Outfitters) Pro Angler Pant Tony: The Pro Angler Pant is one of the most comfortable fishing pants that I’ve ever worn while fishing out of my kayak. It has 100% CoolTek Quick Dry Nylon with Teflon which provides a coating for stain resistance and water repellency. It offers 7 pockets for carrying all your personals, and offers the zip off pant for those heated days on the water. It comes in 2 colors, and the perfect gift for the special kayak angler in your life. From the manufacturer: The Marlin Trading Co. Pro Angler Zip-Off Nylon Men's Pants are your bring on-the-fun, all day pants. 100% Cool Tek Quick Dry Nylon with Teflon Coating for Stain Resistance & Water Repellency. 7 Pocket Styling - 2 On Seam Pockets, 1 Front Security Pocket w/ Zipper, 2 Front Cargo Pockets w/ Mesh Insert, 1 Side Plier Pocket Lined with Heavy Oxford, and 1 Back Security Pocket w/ Zipper. More info: www.biminibayoutfitters.com Price: $40
Allen Sansano, Publisher
Yak Attack VISICarbon Pro Allen: In 2013 we heard reports of more close encounters with boats than ever before. As more kayak anglers hit the water, we expect the number of such incidents to rise. The VISICarbon Pro includes a flag for daytime visibility and a 360 degree light for low light and night time visibility. And don't underestimate the need for a low drag flag. From the manufacturer: Designed to meet the needs of serious kayak anglers as well as recreational paddlers, the VISICarbon Pro™ sports unprecedented performance in light weight, low drag, and portability with plenty of style. The ultra thin mast and instantly recognizable flag combine to offer excellent performance with low wind drag. The Silent Snap flag attachment system provides a secure attachment that allows the flag to be removed in seconds, allowing the collapsed unit to be stored inside. More Info: www.yakattack.us
Seattle Sport Sea Rover Deck Compass Allen: Because electronics do fail. Whether getting disoriented in the fog or the bayous, a good deck compass is a useful tool. From the manufacturer: The Sea Rover features a large compass with easy-to-read markings—no squinting to read where you're going! With a simple yet elegant base, the Sea Rover attaches easily to deck lines or sits nicely on top of a deck bag. Quick-release buckles allow for easy attachment. More Info: www.seattlesportsco.com
Scotty Kayak Pump Allen: While I've never had to use one on my own kayak, I have had a few incidents in which my buddy sure was glad I had a bilge pump handy. The Scotty model floats and is rather compact. From the manufacturer: 13 1/2" Kayak Pump with float. Stainless steel piston rod for strength and durability. Comes with From the manufacturer: pump float, and is backed by the Scotty Lifetime Warranty. More Info: www.scottypaddlesports.com
Allen Bushnell, Managing Editor
Penn International 975cs Casting Reel Bushy: Hands down, my favorite reel of all time. Machined aluminum frame, stainless bearings, 12 pounds of drag right out of the box, plus an effective casting brake system. It looks good and it feels good both in the hand and while in use. Easily handles burning runs from big albacore or yellowtail, yet graceful enough for finessing halibut slowly to the surface. From the manufacturer: Fortunately, for Penn, they always think big fish, even on their smaller reels, and have designed them to handle anything that comes their way.From hardened stainless steel gears and pinions to machined frames and side-plates, Penn International Baitcast models are the most solidly constructed Baitcast reels on the market. More info: http://www.pennreels.com
Price: $299
Intova Sport HD II Bushy: This is a winner of a submersible video camera. With the camera unit built into the laminate housing, the controls are intuitive and easily accesible. Other 'plus' factors? It floats. It uses a standard threaded camera mount. It has a VIEWFINDER, so you can see what you are shooting, or set up your frame. Shoot in 1080 at 30fps, or HD 720 at 60fps. From the Manufacturer: Small and compact, Sport HD II offers full 1080p High Definition Video with a 140 degree wide angle lens. This design allows the maximum view angle without the significant distortion found in wider lens angles. Sport HD II supports Micro SD card up to 32 GB (Class 6 or 10 recommended). Intova’s unique and patented Unibody design builds the electronics directly into the compact housing More Info: http://www.intova.net
Price: From $149
Bushy: OK, I have always been more of a "baseball cap" kind of guy. The harsh sun of Panama convinced me otherwise. My Seawester hat protects the vulnerable ear and neck areas from burning, and has proved itself in rainy conditions in the North Pacific as well. Now I am recognized on the water by my HAT! Comfy, protective, light, waterproof, and damned attractive if you know what I mean. From the manufacturer: Mesh lining with Power Dry® forehead, non-glare brim, floatable foam bill and adjustable draw cords keeps the sun or rain at bay. More info: http://kokatat.com
Price: From $50
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