The problem with expensive fishing tackle accessories is finding a convenient way to mount them to a fishing boat. Items including sonar, GPS and VHF radios are vital parts of a fishing boat, but rigging them can often be a challenge. Just as important, these electronic devices must be rigged in such a way that allows the product to be easily removed when traveling, storing the boat or moored at the dock to prevent theft. [+/-] See More
Bert's Custom Tackle recently introduced their Universal Electronics Mounting system that allows a wide spectrum of fishing electronics to be easily mounted to bases that in turn slide into the patented Bert's Track System. The Universal Base fits all major brands and sizes of fishing sonar, GPS and marine grade radios. Once mounted to the Universal Base, these key pieces of electronics can be slipped into any Bert's Track System that includes lengths ranging from 6" to 48".
In seconds electronics can be removed for storage or moved from one location in the boat to another. Slick, easy and modular. What else could you want from an electronics mounting system? For more information check out www.teclausa.com
BERT'S ADJUSTABLE ROD HOLDER WITH RATCHET GEAR SYSTEM
A fishing boat without a good set of rod holders is an evil thing! Not only are rod holders a fundamental necessity for organizing rods in a fishing boat, these often overlooked accessories can literally make or break the adventure. Just holding the rod securely while fishing isn't enough. A good rod holder must also be universal enough to secure the rod in a multitude of positions, make it easy to get the rod out when a big fish is hammering and provide the quality and strength to last a lifetime.
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Not many rod holders meet quality control standard of this level. The Bert's Custom Tackle Adjustable Rod Holder with Ratchet Gear System ranks as not only an innovation in rod holders, but as the final word. Designed to fit into the award winning Bert's Track System there is literally no limit to the ways these rod holders can be mounted on boats featuring flat surfaces, rails or gimbal mounts.
Adjustable from side to side and also up and down, the ratchet system enables the angler to position the rod parallel to the water, perpendicular to the water or nearly any position in between! When a fish strikes, the ratchet feature allows the rod to be pulled upward and free without giving the fish an inch of slack line. Hands down, this is the ultimate in rod holder technology.
I use the Bert's Ratchet System anytime I'm fishing planer boards, diving planers or lead core line. The system works and you'll never need to replace it. Period.
As an added bonus, the track system used by Bert's works with a wealth of other important accessories like tool holders, weight mate holders, handline reel brackets, electronics brackets etc. Bert's rod holders are flexible, functional and they last longer than the boat. That pretty much says it all.
From humble beginnings, the Poet family has built one of the largest independent sporting goods retail outlets in America. It all began when Jay Poet converted his basement into a sporting goods mecca. The business soon grew and expanded to the family garage in 1968. In 1974 the first Jay's Sporting Goods retail store was opened in downtown Clare. In 1987 a 72,000 square foot super store was opened in Clare near Interstate US-10. Later a second retail store was opened in Gaylord, Michigan and in 2007 the entry way at the Clare store was expanded to house bulky items like treestands, ground blinds, ice fishing shelters, etc. [+/-] See More
Jay's Sporting Goods continues to be a family business. Jeff and JJ, the sons of Jay Poet run the family business with the help of other family members and a growing list of full time employees.
Recently, Jay's Sporting Goods expanded to include on-line shopping. Now everyone can shop at Jay's by simply logging onto Jay's Sporting Goods. The list of products available rivals any retailer in America. Literally everything for the fisherman, hunter, camper and outdoor enthusiast can be purchased on-line and shipped directly to your door.
Jay's Sporting Goods is also active in outdoor television. Outdoor television personality Mike Avery produces and hosts Jay's Outdoor Magazine that broadcasts on The Sportsman Channel. Jay's Sporting Goods is also a supporting sponsor of Fishing 411 television hosted by Mark Romanack and also broadcast on the Sportsman Channel.
Sometimes less is more. In the case of planer boards, in-line versions work nearly as well as the ski mast systems, but at a fraction of the cost. Off Shore Tackle's new SST model in-line board is built with big water and big fish in mind. The ideal planer board for targeting salmon with lead core line, the SST comes factory equipped with the ideal combination of line releases and hardware. To get started catching fish with the SST, the angler only needs to position the OR-19 (orange) line release on the tow arm of the board and screw in the crane swivel to the back of the board! [+/-] See More
Anglers who fish lead core line with a super braid line as backing will want to substitute the OR-19 release for an OR-18 Snapper line clip. The Snapper is designed to hold firmly on the ultra thin and slippery surface of super braid lines.
The bright orange color of the SST makes the board easy to see in a variety of light conditions. Big enough to fish all common lengths of lead core, the SST board can also be used to target surface loving species like steelhead, browns and early season coho.
The Off Shore Tackle Tattle Flag Kit is an after market item that can make fishing in-line boards a stress free experience. In-line boards like the Off Shore Tackle Side-Planer are a popular means of presenting lures and live bait out to the side of the boat. Not only does the Side-Planer perform this vital function, they are also a strike indicator.
When a fish is hooked, the planer board will begin to slip backwards in the water from the weight of the struggling fish. If a solid fish is hooked, spotting this on the board is no problem. The problem occurs when small fish, weeds or other debris becomes fouled. It's easy to drag around a perch, white bass or drum and never know it was hooked.
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Enter the Tattle Flag Kits stage right. The Tattle Flag is a spring loaded flag kit that enables the flag to fold down when a small fish is hooked. "The second the flag goes down, you know something is up," says pro fisherman Mark Romanack. "Since I started using the Tattle Flag, I know the second a fish is hooked or the lure fouled."
The Tattle Flag can be used with live bait rigs, crankbaits, spoons and other trolling lures. Installing the kit on a Side Planer takes about five minutes and a philips screw driver. For more information check out www.offshoretackle.com.
Rods designed for Great Lakes trolling aren't exactly new. Okuma's Convector GL series takes trolling gear to a whole new level. Not only does this rod series cover every length, action and possible trolling application, the GL rods are built to last and offered at very reasonable prices. [+/-] See More
Built from E-Glass there is no other rod making material available more suited to trolling rods. Each rod is then dressed with double foot aluminum oxide Pac Bay guides, stainless steel reel seats, a graphite gimbal and a reinforced Titanium Ferrule Connection.
For downrigging I recommend the 8'-6" medium action. This rod also doubles as an excellent choice for fishing in-line boards and also for fishing lead core line. For fishing diving planers I favor the 10' - 0" medium action model. Anglers who fish walleye on dual board ski systems will find the 7' - 6" medium/light action the perfect combination of backbone and flex.
Match these rods up with either a Convector or Catalina series line counter reel and you've got a world class combination for serious Great Lakes trolling. During the summer of 2007 I used the GL series rods to catch walleye, steelhead, coho, kings, lake trout and browns while filming segments for Fishing 411 television. Okuma is hands down the leading force in Great Lakes trolling gear.
OKUMA RODS/REELS
Some folks like a Chevy and others prefer to drive a Ford. Brand loyalties are common in almost every facet of business, but sometimes it's hard to understand exactly why customers will willingly pay more for certain brand name products. This goes double in the fishing tackle business where certain brands charge more than double the cost for items of similar quality. [+/-] See More
Okuma has built a reputation for producing rod and reel combinations of high quality for reasonable prices. The Okuma Guide Select series of fishing rods represents the top-of-the-line for Okuma and these exceptional rods retail for around $99.00 each. Built from IM8 graphite blanks, Fuji Alconite guides and reel seats, comparable quality rods from other manufacturers commonly retail from $150.00 - $300.00!
The question becomes, does paying more really insure that a higher quality product is delivered? In the case of fishing rods, the price doesn't necessarily reflect quality or value. In most cases it simply reflects brand loyalties and pricing that the market will bear.
All Okuma Guide Select rods feature top quality components and a lifetime warranty. Compared to other brands, there simply is no comparison at this price point.
PRECISION TROLLING PRO EDITION
You asked for it, you got it. Precision Angling, the folks who produce the Precision Trolling, depth guides are proud to announce that their popular "Troller's Bible" will take on a whole new look and feel for 2008. [+/-] See More
"Our customers over the years have asked us for two improvements to the Precision Trolling guides," says Precision Angler owner Mark Romanack. "First they use our books in the boat and want them to be waterproof. Secondly, our customers want a book that can be easily added to as more data becomes available."
The new Precision Trolling "Pro Edition" solves these issues and takes the process of precision trolling to a new level. "New in 2008 the Pro Edition will be printed on a synthetic waterproof material that's similar to that used in fishing maps," says Romanack. "This new stock is waterproof, durable and able to withstand years of hard use."
Each "Pro Edition" will be hole punched in the corner and shipped with a carabiner to keep the pages organized. "As we test new lures, we'll offer periodic supplements to the "Pro Edition" that can be easily added as the angler chooses. Each supplement will contain an assortment of new and popular lures and released once a year. This updating system allows the customer to choose which supplement(s) contains the lures he or she may be interested in purchasing and also gets published "Dive Curve" data in the hands of anglers quickly.
Waterproof and easily updated, the Pro Edition of Precision Trolling is a fishing guide virtually every serious angler will want. The manufacturers suggested retail price of the Pro Edition is $49.95 and books will be available starting in March. The price on supplements is yet to be determined. Advance orders can be placed by contacting www.precisionangling.com or calling 800-353-6958. Order your copy today.
Anyone who has ever owned a fleece jacket or vest can attest to the fact nothing is lighter, more comfortable to wear, faster drying or more forgiving in an active environment. The major drawbacks to fleece are a lacking in wind and waterproof characteristics. [+/-] See More
Not anymore! Rivers West has taken fleece clothing to a whole new level. Their H2P Waterproof System features a 10 year guarantee that's unheard of in the waterproof clothing industry. Not only is H2P fleece light, comfortable, stretchy, waterproof and windproof, it now comes in styles and colors suitable for fishing!
The Kenai Jacket is actually a parka cut that features a hood, neoprene stormcuffs, handwarmer pockets, waterproof zippers and magnetized cargo pocket closures.
The McKenzie River Jacket is a trimmer and more streamlined garment with a flex-mit glove built into the sleeve. This unique feature allows the angler to wear the jacket with his hands exposed, just the fingers and thumb exposed or the hand completely covered. Slick! Other features include handwarmer pockets, magnetized cargo pockets, attached hood and a hands free chest magnet for holding hook-outs, lures and other stuff you want to keep handy.
No rain set is complete without pants. Rivers West offers the Stalker ATP Pant and the Back Country Pant. Both have the Diamond Flex crotch that makes them comfortable to wear all day long, plus elastic waist with belt loops and suspender buttons for the ultimate in comfort and function.
With these fleece waterproof garments an angler can customized his clothing underneath for any weather conditions from drizzle and balmy skies to freezing rain, driving winds, subzero temperatures and more.
If any single body profile of crankbait dominates among the rank of fishermen, it's the shad body lures. The various species of shad are so common and widespread they are a primary food source for walleye, bass, pike, crappie, striper and many other species of game fish. Lures that imitate shad are many, but the new Salmo Executor series takes shad baits to a whole new level. [+/-] See More
The Executor is available in two body sizes (a No. 5 and No. 7) and also in both a shallow and deep diving lip style. Collectively, these four lures cover a wealth of depth fishing situations both casting and trolling.
Like other Salmo baits the new Executor series are made from a high density foam material that looks and feels like balsa, but lasts much longer. Salmo offers a lifetime performance guarantee on all their lures and no other crankbait manufacturer stands behind their products like that.
Right out of the package all Salmo lures are tuned and ready for action. "Walleye anglers will be especially pleased with the Executor series," says walleye pro Mark Romanack. "Both the No. 5 and 7 are great walleye baits, but the No. 5 is my favorite."
Salmo fishing lures offer a fresh new approach to crankbaits. Quality is the overwhelming feature that jumps out the first time an angler takes one of these lures from the package. From the impeccable finishes to the fact every lure is hand tuned, Salmo is quickly building a reputation for producing no nonsense lures that catch fish. [+/-] See More
Made from a special high density foam material, every lure is hand made in Poland. Despite the amount of hand detailing and time it takes to make one Salmo lure, the retail price of these astonishing baits is actually much less than many plastic molded lures.
Every lure manufacturer has a lure that becomes their trademark. With Salmo that lure is the Hornet. Available in four floating and four sinking models, this crankbait has quickly become a "go to" favorite among walleye anglers in the Midwest. The Salmo Bullhead and Sting are also deadly trolling lures for walleye. Available in three sizes with floating, suspending and sinking models, these crankbaits deserve a spot in every tackle box.
In total, Salmo manufacturers over 25 different lures designed for a wealth of species, open water casting, trolling and also ice fishing applications. Every Salmo lure has one thing in common. The quality is unsurpassed. Try one and you'll know exactly why so many successful anglers aren't talking about Salmo.
THE SPORTSMAN CHANNEL DOMINATES TV
SCREENS IN THE GREAT LAKES STATE
The Sportsman Channel is the only channel dedicated exclusively to hunting and fishing programming, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Sportsman Channel is proud to announce their launch in all Comcast and Charter Communications markets across the state of Michigan. [+/-] See More
Michigan cable subscribers can watch the Sportsman Channel on Charter Communications at channel 217 and Concast channel 278. Subscribers interested in the Sportsman Channel can visit Comcast.com or Charter.com or call Comcast at 8---COMCAST or Charter at 888-GETCHARTER.
The Sportsman Channel is presently in 15 million households nationwide. TSC is the only channel that can deliver 100 percent hunting and fishing programming 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Sportsmen can also get TSC on-line by visiting The Sportsman Channel and clicking on the on-line broadcast icon.
Be sure to check out Fishing 411 on TSC tuesdays at 10:30 p.m.
STARCRAFT'S NEW FREEDOM
The problem with fishing boats is that no one model can meet all the needs of the avid outdoorsman. Introduce Starcraft's new Freedom stage left. This deep V style utility boat does an amazing job of meeting the needs of both fishermen and hunters searching for a great value in a multi-purpose sport boat. [+/-] See More
What sets the Freedom aside is the extra wide beam. The 16 and 18 foot models are absolutely huge inside thanks to the 89 inch beam. Each boat features a flat floor and wide open layout that incorporates several seat base mounts. Basic features like an aerated live well and rod/gun storage are also included into the open floor plan design.
Both the 16 and 18 foot versions are available in tiller and console versions, making the boat even more versatile and able to meet the custom needs of just about anyone who hunts and fishes. The horsepower ratings for the 16 foot model comes in at 75 in the tiller and 90 in a console model. The 18 foot model is rated for a 90 tiller or 125 in console versions.
Another unique features is either boat can be converted from a tiller to a console model with a simpledealer upgrade kit. Also, both boats can be fitted with an after market drop in front deck for jig fishing. Battery storage is in the floor, keeping the layout clean and as functional as possible.
The Freedom is destined to be very popular with everyone who fishes and hunts, but can only afford one boat!
Ever hear the phrase that simplicity is the Mother of invention. I personally have no doubt that in fishing that simple products are easier to use, more appealing to anglers and also the fish we target. For years I've been a fan of fishing diving planers for walleye, trout, salmon, steelhead and brown trout. [+/-] See More
Recently Walker reinvented the diving planer and not only made these fish catching machines more simple, but better. The Deeper Diver is similar to other directional divers in that a weight on the bottom can be indexed to cause the diver to track out away from the boat. The settings that accomplish various outward coverage come in the form of physical clicks that insure the diver stays adjusted the way the angler wants it.
Secondly, the Deeper Diver contains no dive ring. Rings on a diver are designed to make it go deeper, but they also create problems when the dive ring falls off. A better and more simple approach is to eliminate the dive ring entirely.
The Deeper Divers come is different sizes suitable for various depth and fishing applications.
Thirdly, the release mechanism of the Deeper Diver is an improved design. A bushing allows the tension screw to be tweaked to just the right tension. On other divers the tension arm is always seemingly too light or too hard.
Size matters when it comes to trolling spoons. One of the keys to catching more fish on spoons is using lures that closely mimic the size of available bait fish. In the case of walleye, the most common bait fish in the Great Lakes is currently the emerald shiner. Shiner minnows have expanded their populations as Great Lakes waters have become clearer and clearer. Today, the emerald shiner makes up the majority of the diet for walleye on Lake Erie and also on Saginaw Bay. The same is true of other Great Lakes walleye fisheries including Tawas Bay, Alpena, Oscoda, Little Bay de Noc, Big Bay de Noc, Sturgeon Bay and others. [+/-] See More
Small spoons are required to imitate shiners and the Wolverine Tackle Jr. Silver Streak fits the profile perfectly. Designed to both create the right size and action, the Jr. Streak produces outstanding flash, wobble and kick at speeds from 1.5 MPH to 4 MPH.
To get the most from this spoon, use a small ball bearing swivel. The most popular ways to deploy the Jr. Streak include Big Jon Mini Disks, Jet Divers and a host of larger diving planers. A six foot leader from the diver to the spoon works best.
