InTheBite

Pure Fishing Acquires Fin-Nor and Van Staal

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Pure Fishing recently announced they will be acquiring iconic fishing brands Fin-Nor and Van Staal from W.C. Bradley/Zebco Holdings, Inc. The addition of these brands add to Pure Fishing’s dominant offering in the saltwater category, including the premium PENN Fishing brand, one of the most widely-respected saltwater fishing equipment brands. 

The company is working to bring newness and marketing support to the two brands in order to accelerate momentum as part of Pure Fishing’s ongoing focus on driving growth of the fishing industry. Captain Craig Cantelmo will also be joining the Pure fishing team as part of this acquisition. Cantelmo will be reporting to Dave Bulthuis, Pure Fishing’s newly appointed President of North America, who was the director of sales for Fin-Nor earlier in his career.   

“The Fin-Nor and Van Staal brands are some of the most storied brands in the fishing industry,” said Harlan Kent, CEO of Pure Fishing. “We are excited to add them to our portfolio and are committed to maintaining their focus on the independent retailer channel. Our Pure Fishing team looks forward to driving growth of these brands and of our overall saltwater business anchored by the iconic PENN brand.” 

Fin-Nor was started in 1933, when Captain Tommy Gifford and inventor Frederick Martin Grieten, along with a few other salty Miami captains, created a prototype reel that caught a 527-pound bluefin tuna in Cat Cay. This event carved out a unique position for the brand and Fin-Nor reels have racked up more than 900 International Gamefish Association (IGFA) records in the years since. 

Van Staal was created in the early 1990’s to fulfill a need for extreme performance in challenging saltwater conditions. The brand was born in the salt, rock, sand and surf of the Atlantic Ocean and has been building equipment with the same durability and performance attributes ever since. 

 

 

Splash Report: The 26 Sport Hybrid from Parker– Versatile, Durable and Refined

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The latest offering from Parker Boat Works, the 26 Sport Hybrid (SH), is both durable and versatile. At 26′ the boat serves capably in everything needed from a Bay Boat model, while also maintaining the fishability found in larger boats. It’s versatility of design and performance extends not just to fishing, but as a platform for cruising and spending time with the family as well.

The Parker 26 SH is built with a 9’6” beam, offers ample fishing space at the bow and stern, 30-gallon recirculating livewells with clear observation lids, four rocket launchers, and multiple rod holders, located on both the starboard and port side. Other standard features include ergonomic seating at the bow and stern, cupholders throughout, Fusion stereo and 70w amp and speakers, dome lights, USB ports, white powder-coated fiberglass t-top, and a self-baiting cockpit.

“At Parker Boats, we say the Tradition Continues, but with the new 26 SH, we’re showcasing Traditions Refined,” said Linwood Parker, Founder and CEO of Parker Offshore. “For two years our Parker engineering team designed and built a vessel that embodies the three words that have been the channel markers that guided our company from the beginning – Strength, Simplicity, and Seaworthiness – yet the 26 SH demonstrates an elevated level of elegance and sophistication. We truly kept both the offshore fisherman as well as families in mind when designing this latest addition to our fleet.”

The Parker 26 SH is listed at an MSRP of $125,751 with Yamaha F300 XCA. Optional features are available, including Taco Grand Slam 280 Outriggers (base installed), Marine Mat forward and aft platform packages, under water lights, fresh water washdown (14 gallons), and forward platform comfort package. Garmin options include: Garmin 8612 XSV with B60 TH with VHF 110, Garmin 8616 XSV with B60 TH with VHF 110, SIRIUSXM WX Garmin GXM54, and Garmin B150 Transducer.

For more information about the Parker 26 SH, customers are encouraged to contact their local Parker Boat dealer, which can be found by visiting www.parkerboats.com/localdealer. Photos and additional information and specifications can be found at www.parkerboats.com/2600sh.

The following is a photo breakdown of the boat:


Bertram Announces New Outboard Sportfish Boats

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TAMPA, FLA. – October 28, 2019 — Iconic American boat builder Bertram Yachts is delighted to announce today that the company is planning to expand its range of offshore fishing boats to include a comprehensive lineup of outboard powered products.

Mark Paulhus, Bertram CEO, stated that “With the support of Bertram’s parent company, the Gavio Group, who also owns Italian super yacht builders Baglietto and CCN, Bertram plans to spend in excess of $15,000,000 on new product development over the next four years to expand our portfolio of products into premium outboard powered boats starting in the high 20 foot range.”  Bertram has also indicated that the company will continue to invest in expanding production capacity at the company’s Tampa Florida facility over the next two years to support the expected increases in volume.

The company is currently wrapping up construction of the first 50’ sport express model which will debut at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2020 and will start introduction of the new outboard powered products at Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show next year.
According to Tommy Thompson, Bertram’s V.P. of Sales, “The introduction of the new outboard portfolio will certainly allow Bertram to increase its North American presence by giving boaters an outboard option that lives up to the Bertram ride and quality that they have come to expect.  As a result, we are also planning a significant expansion in our dealer sales channel over the next 12 months.” Bertram’s inboard diesel powered 35’ bridge and 61’ convertible models have done particularly well in international markets with products delivered to Europe, Asia, Central America and the Caribbean over the last year. Thompson further stated that “There is also a strong international and domestic interest in Bertram’s new 50’ open and sport express inboard diesel models and the company has already started taking orders for these products.”
Bertram has indicated that they are in the process of signing an exclusive outboard engine supply agreement with Mercury Marine.  According to Paulhus, “Our partnership with Mercury will allow us to achieve the level of boat, engine and systems integration excellence necessary to ensure that the new Bertram models deliver the product performance and reliability that the company has long been known for.”  Bertram Yachts continues to be an innovative manufacturer, inspired by tradition but always pushing to be a little bolder and drive a little further. The company believes that the no-compromises approach to boat/engine integration, along with premium construction materials and manufacturing techniques, will deliver a class-leading boat to the market.  Randy Caruana, Mercury Marine Vice President of Sales said, “We are excited to work closely with Bertram as they develop their new outboard-powered offering. Bertram’s designs combine both modern luxury and sophistication making this an ideal partnership for both companies.”

ZF Offers Free Repower Seminar at Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show

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Repower banner for Ft Lauderdale Boat Show

If you’ll be at FLIBS 2019, October 30 to November 3, and you know that it’s the right time to be Rethinking about your Repower, then sign up for our seminar “Everything you wanted to know about a repower but we’re afraid to ask.”

These one-hour seminars, held at the ZF Booth at Bahia Mar Land #1042 on Friday 11/1 and Saturday 11/2, will be presented by Steve D’Antonio, a consultant in the marine industry for over 10 years. The one hour will consist of his 45-minute presentation on the repower process, and then a 15-minute Q&A session.
Please register for one of the times listed below.

  • Friday, November 1, 11am-noon
  • Friday, November 1, 2pm-3pm
  • Saturday, November 2, 11am-noon
  • Saturday, November 2, 2pm-3pm

To Sign Up Follow This Link

BUBBA™ Releases New Fall Fishing Apparel Line

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Leaders in premium angling equipment announce new UV-protective apparel line

(Columbia, MO) October 1, 2019 – BUBBA™, a fishing lifestyle brand known for its high-quality angling equipment designed by fishermen, for fishermen, is excited to announce the debut of its first ever premium athleisure fishing apparel line.

The new BUBBA apparel line is composed of both Men’s and Women’s short-sleeve, long-sleeve and hooded long-sleeve UV-protective tops, as well as durable, lightweight UV-protective shorts that feature angling-specific design details like built-in plier pockets and abrasion resistant fabric in critical areas. The mid-weight tops are made with an ultra-soft material derived from Bamboo that is known for its moisture-wicking and anti-microbial properties, as well as its extremely soft next-to-skin feeling.

BUBBA Bahura™ Short Sleeve | MSRP: $39.99

The Bahura™ Short Sleeve Tee is geared toward ultimate performance for the everyday angler. Made with an incredibly soft, odor-resistant material, this piece can be worn straight off the boat and into the bar after a long successful day out on the water.

BUBBA Bahura™ Long Sleeve | MSRP: $49.99 (Men’s)/$44.99 (Women’s)

The Men’s and Women’s Bahura™ Long Sleeve is made to combat the cool ocean breeze. Constructed with solar shade UV protection and moisture-wicking material derived from Bamboo, the Bahura Long Sleeve regulates moisture and body temperature perfectly. This technical piece will help you stay cool, comfortable and protected while on the water, yet features a lifestyle aesthetic perfect for going from boat to bar.

BUBBA Bahura™ Hoody | MSRP: $69.99 (Men’s)/$59.99 (Women’s)

The Bahura™ Hoody features the same ultra-soft next to skin feeling and technical properties as its non-hooded counterparts but offers a bit more protection from the sun. The entire shirt, including the hood, is made of UPF 50+ fabric, protecting often exposed areas like the neck and head from harmful UV rays.

BUBBA Men’s/Women’s Koralli™ Shorts | MSRP: $79.99 (Men’s)/$69.99 (Women’s)

The BUBBA Koralli™ Activewear Hybrid shorts are made with a pocket designed specifically for your fishing pliers, as well as a lanyard-friendly D-ring for easy access and security. These shorts are extremely durable yet sport a soft and lightweight feel.

“With this being our first venture into fishing apparel, we set out to develop a clothing line that fully captures the ‘Water to Plate’ mentality of our brand,” says Josh Neville, brand manager at BUBBA. “While this apparel line is built with advanced performance materials capable of taking on harsh weather conditions, these pieces are designed to be worn anywhere and everywhere, from boat to bar, or in other words, from water to plate. Our design team has created feature-rich technical pieces that translate perfectly into casual clothing for all aspects of the adventure angler’s lifestyle.”

BUBBA apparel will be available to consumers nationwide beginning October 1st via www.bubbablade.com.

For more information about BUBBA, please visit www.bubbablade.com.

National Marine Electronics Association Names 2019 Award Winners at Annual Conference & Expo

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  •  NMEA Product of Excellence Awards presented in 16 categories
  •  NMEA Best New Product Award goes to Vesper Marine Cortex
  •  NMEA Technology Award goes to Raymarine/FLIR ClearCruise AR
  • NMEA Manufacturer of the Year goes to Garmin

SEVERNA PARK, MD-Manufacturers scored big at the 2019 NMEA/RTCM Marine Electronics Conference & Expo, held last week at the Renaissance Hotel in Portsmouth, Virginia. A total of 18 products received top-dog honors in three separate award competitions-NMEA Product of Excellence Awards and Manufacturer of the Year (voted on by the NMEA membership), the NMEA Technology Award, and new this year-the Best New Product Award for manufacturers who introduced new products for the first time at the NMEA/RTCM Conference.

“On behalf of the NMEA Board of Directors, staff, and membership body, we congratulate all 2019 award winners,” said Mark Reedenauer, NMEA President & Executive Director. “The entrant count for the Best New Product Award exceeded our expectations, which sends the message that there is extreme value for manufacturers to introduce new products at the NMEA Conference, where only the trade can view these new innovations. We will continue to improve the awards for 2020 by adding categories as the industry evolves and we get feedback from the membership.”

2019 Product of Excellence Awards

NMEA members selected the winners of the annual Product of Excellence Awards through an online voting process. Awards were given in 16 categories. Here are the 2019 recipients.

  • Marine VHF-ICOM M605
  • Satellite TV Antenna-KVH TracVision TV3
  • Radar-Furuno DRS4DNXT
  • Fishfinder-Furuno DFF3D Multi-Beam 3D
  • Satellite Comm. Antenna-KVH TracPhone V3HTS
  • Marine Camera-FLIR M400XR
  • Multi-Function Display-Garmin GPSMAP 8616xsv
  • AIS-Furuno FA170 Class A
  • Multimedia Entertainment-Fusion Apollo RA770
  • Autopilot-Garmin Reactor 40 with SmartPump v2
  • NMEA 2000 Sensor-Furuno SC33 Satellite Compass
  • Remote Monitoring-GOST Apparition SM GPS XVR
  • Marine PC Software-Nobeltec TZ Professional
  • WiFi/Cellular Device-KVH TracPhone LTE-1
  • Marine Apps-Utility-Garmin ActiveCaptain
  • Commercial-Furuno FAR2228BB IMO Radar

Manufacturer of the Year Award

NMEA members also voted on a particular manufacturer who had demonstrated superior support of their products to all who install and service them in the field. NMEA and the membership congratulate Garmin on winning this award.

Best New Product Award

The combined NMEA/RTCM event which a panel of five judges deemed best in the areas of innovation, benefit to boaters, practicality and value. Twelve new products were entered in the competition.

Taking top honors was Vesper Marine’s Cortex, the world’s first marine VHF with wireless touchscreen handsets, built-in Class B smart AIS transponder and remote vessel monitoring. Pressing the man overboard button (MOB) activates a track-back mode and marks the MOB location on the multi-function display. Cortex sports a host of other functions as well, including anchor dragging alert and collision alarm.

NMEA Technology Award

The NMEA Technology Award names a single marine electronics product that scores highest in the same four criteria categories that were used for the Best New Product Award. The judges chose Raymarine/FLIR’s ClearCruise AR as the winner from among 11 entries.

“ClearCruise AR is an industry-first technology that combines augmented reality and advanced image stabilization to help boaters make smarter and faster navigation decisions by placing visual overlays of nav aids, AIS traffic and destination waypoints on Raymarine Axiom multi-function displays,” the judges said. “The overlays identify nearby AIS-equipped vessels with color-coding to warn of traffic that could pose threats. At the heart of the system is a blending of high-definition digital or thermal video from networked Raymarine or FLIR marine cameras and dynamic graphics.”

Judges this year for both the Technology and New Product Awards included marine electronics specialists Kevin Boughton of Mid-Coast Marine Electronics, Aaron Held of Octopus Yachts and Mark Roche of QCS Marine Electronics, along with veteran marine writer/editor Lenny Rudow and Marine Electronics Journal editor Jim Fullilove.

NMEA congratulates all 2019 winners and looks forward to an even better awards program in 2020.

About the NMEA

Founded in 1957, the NMEA has led the way in establishing technical standards for data exchange in marine electronics, with the widely accepted NMEA 0183 data protocol, NMEA 2000® and certification standards for marine electronics technicians. NMEA standards and programs focus on ensuring that the boating consumer is provided with reliable products and professional service. For more information, visit the NMEA website at www.NMEA.org or call (410) 975-9425.

nmea award winners at banquet

A Message from the Bahamas Blue Marlin Cup

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The following message is from Mr. Gerard Brutus, tournament director of the Bahamas Blue Marlin Cup and resident of the Abacos.

As you all know earlier this month our beautiful home here in Abaco was almost entirely destroyed from the devastation of Hurricane Dorian. The devastation is worse than even being reported on the news!

Since the storm has hit, we have gotten many people asking us either in comments or directly messaging us, both if we are still intending to hold the tournament next May, and also asking for information about trustworthy charities to send aid to the people of the Bahamas, in particular those of us from Abaco.

As to the Blue Marlin Cup Tournament, YES, we are still on for next May. The tournament allows fisherman to fish the entirety of the Bahamas with six weigh stations throughout the islands.

For the best place, in our opinion, to send aid to we recommend Austin Serving Abaco, they can be found here: www.austinservingabaco.org.

Austin Serving Abaco, ASA, is a registered 501(c)3 founded to assist Haitian immigrants and native Bahamians in need, with a focus on helping children receive an education, assisting them in meeting their basic needs, and creating an atmosphere of hope and encouragement. We invite you to make a difference in the lives of these children! They are currently on the ground making a huge difference to those suffering from this storm.

Concerning the tournament, we will be donating 10% of all registration fees to Austin Serving Abaco! For more information about the tournament, please visit www.bahamasbluemarlincup.com.

Airmar Announces New Wide Beam Chirp-Ready Transducer Aimed For Freshwater and Inshore Anglers

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TM165HW Enhances Performance of Today’s Leading Fishfinders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  MILFORD, NH. (August 2, 2019) – AIRMAR® Technology Corporation, a world leader in ultrasonic sonar and Chirp technology, is pleased to announce the TM165HW, a 600 watt, Chirp-ready transducer in an easy-to-upgrade transom mount housing. “Anglers in the freshwater market have asked us for a high performance, 600 watt, transom mount Chirp option as an alternative to conventional 600 watt transducers,” stated Jennifer Matsis, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “The TM165HW provides anglers with better ability to find bass and crappie in structure and more sensitivity to detect bottom hugging walleye on soft bottom. Anglers, overall can expect more detailed returns of fish and baitfish targets over a greater area under their boat” Matsis added.

The TM165HW delivers an ideal combination of power, sensitivity and coverage for bass, walleye, and inshore anglers looking to enhance their fishfinder’s performance.  Traditionally, high frequency transducers provide the best resolution, but normally have a narrow beamwidth that limits the viewable area under the boat. The patent-pending, ceramic design enables the TM165HW to deliver an average beamwidth of 30° across the entire high frequency band of 150-250 kHz. The results are three times the total coverage and more fish revealed in a wider area under the boat than is possible with traditional non-Chirp transducers. In addition to providing vast bottom coverage, the wide beam enables excellent fish detection in the upper water column, an area missed by most narrow beam transducers. Airmar’s expanding series of wide beam transducers deliver large, crisp return images on the display with a noise-free, clear picture of the action below. The TM165HW is perfect for fishing boats up to 25 feet (8 meters).

The TM165HW is initially available with an Airmar Mix & Match cable that easily pairs with all major fishfinder brands when connected with the appropriate adapter.  At this point, the sonar unit connected to the TM165HW may need to be manually set to High Chirp at power up.  With manual setup, the TM165HW is compatible with with Lowrance HDS Live/ HDS Carbon, Humminbird Helix, Raymarine Axiom Pro and Simrad EVO 3 sonar units.  All Sonar manufacturers will have future releases of software which will recognize Transducer ID™ in the TM165HW and will automatically set to the correct parameters.

Dealers can order the TM165HW by contacting Gemeco Marine Accessories or AIRMAR EMEA.   MSRP for the new TM165HW is $499.00.

Marine Industry Veteran Joe Schwab Joins BlueWater Chairs

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BlueWater Chairs Adding Marine Industry Veteran
 
(Fort Lauderdale, Florida, July 2019) Tom Ackel, founder and CEO of BlueWater Chairs, proudly announced that well known marine industry veteran Joe Schwab has joined BlueWater as President. 
 
Joe will be responsible for continuing and expanding BlueWater’s growth and success as one of the largest and longest operating U.S. based manufacturers of fighting chairs, rocket launchers, helm seats and custom high-end furniture for fishing, cruising and mega yachts. “Joe’s extraordinary career and emphasis on customer service excellence is a perfect fit for BlueWater” said Tom. 
 
“I have known Tom for over 25 years and have watched him build BlueWater’s reputation for well designed, high-quality, customer focused custom teak chairs and furniture. I’m excited to lead the company in its next phase of growth,” said Joe.
 
Joe previously spent 28 years with Viking Yachts in New Gretna, NJ where he held various positions and most recently Vice President of Sales. “I am eager to continue the relationships with all of my clients and look forward to meeting many new customers. I understand the needs, desires and expectations of yachting and sportfishing owners and crew when it comes to the product. Equally important, I also recognize the level of service that must be provided once the product is delivered. This insight coupled with my OEM and diverse manufacturing experience will allow me and BlueWater to equally service clients and address the day-to-day operations of the BlueWater team,” said Joe.
 
Spending his youth fishing and boating in Cape May, NJ, Joe graduated from LaSalle University in Philadelphia with a degree in Finance. After graduation, he started his career with Viking Yachts. During his time there, various roles and responsibilities provided him exposure to all aspects of sales, marketing, engineering, manufacturing and service. 
 
“I am grateful for the privilege of working at Viking with the Healey family for that many years, I truly understand the importance of delivering the finest possible product and value along with standing behind it with service that is second to none. This comes from an unwavering dedication to the product and people that starts with the owners and is carried through the management and every employee,” said Joe. “Tom and the entire team at BlueWater Chairs reflect this philosophy and I look forward to working with everyone to realize BlueWater’s future growth.” 
 
Tom and the BlueWater Chairs’ family has been building the industry’s finest wood products and marine accessories for over 30 years. Located in Fort Lauderdale on the “Marina Mile,” BlueWater is the go-to name when it comes to anything that involves helm and fighting chairs, wood tables, furniture and accessories in Florida and throughout the world. Visit them at bluewaterchairs.com or call (954) 522-4238.

Yacht Club of Stone Harbor 53rd Annual Marlin Tournament Held at Canyon Club Resort Marina

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The timing couldn’t be any better! As white marlin and blue marlin take up residence at the canyons off the mid-Atlantic coast, the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor is in the final stages of planning the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor Marlin Tournament. Hosted by Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May, New Jersey, this year marks the 53rd installment of this event making it one of the longest running billfish tournaments on the east coast. The Yacht Club of Stone Harbor has a rich history dating back to 1911 and this event is always popular with members, guests and tournament anglers alike each year. Various awards will be up for grabs including 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Boat, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Angler, Top Female Angler, Top Junior Angler (16 and under) as well as 1st and 2nd Heaviest Tuna and 1st and 2nd Heaviest Dolphin. 1st and 2nd Place Team Award will also be presented and teams will consist of up to four boats each that will be picked lottery-style at the Captain’s Meeting. The Warren Buckingham Memorial Trophy will be presented to the angler with the Most Outstanding Catch while the Walt Hendee Captain’s Award will be go to the 1st Place Boat captain. 

As noted earlier the beautiful Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May will host the tournament and also serve as the event’s designated weigh station. Those needing dockage for the event should contact Paul Hoffman at 609-884-0199 to reserve a slip. The tournament gets underway on Thursday, July 25 with a Captain’s Meeting and Cocktail Party from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor located at 9001 Sunset Drive in Stone Harbor. Fishing days are Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27. Cocktails, music and dinner will be provided overlooking the infinity edge pool at Canyon Club Resort Marina after each fishing day. The Awards Banquet complete with cocktails, dinner and music is set for Sunday, July 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor. 

All boats must sail and return through Cape May Inlet and may not pass the inlet’s sea buoy prior to 4 a.m. on each fishing day. Fishing hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and daily catch reports with released billfish information as well as any tuna or dolphin to be weighed must be at Canyon Club Resort Marina by 9 p.m. on each fishing day. There is no limit to size of tackle, number of lines, teasers or anglers. There is no minimum weight for tuna or dolphin and all billfish including white marlin, blue marlin, sailfish and spearfish will earn 100 points per release. All point ties will be broken on time of catch. The 53rd Annual Marlin Tournament is a billfish release competition with all entrants considered good sportsmen and their fishing (catch) reports will be accepted in the sportsmanlike manner and honor in which the tournament is held. 

Whether you’re new to big game tournament fishing or a seasoned veteran, the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor 53rd Annual Marlin Tournament is a great opportunity to connect with new friends or renew old ones. With a modest entry fee of $2000 which includes admission to all events for tournament participants, this family-oriented event is a low-keyed fun tournament you’re sure to enjoy. Come join us for a few days of friendly fishing competition, camaraderie, hospitality and fun! 

For more information contact Jamie Diller at 609-827-0020 or Aaron Hoffman at 609-412-3778.