InTheBite

Gearing Up for 2019 Carolina Billfish Classic

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CHARLESTON, SC—  The Carolina Billfish Classic,  the third leg of the SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series, June 19-22, 2019, is gearing up for another successful year. In 2017, CBC returned to its original home, The Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina.  With a full-service marina, coupled with The Beach Club’s luxury amenities, Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina is the only waterfront resort located directly on the Charleston Harbor overlooking the historic, downtown skyline. It represents everything that tournament participants look for when planning their season. The Resort offers two seaside, heated pools, sprawling pool deck, complete with private cabanas, The Estuary Spa, fitness center, three on-site restaurants, private beachfront, complimentary bike rentals and more.

Deidre Menefee, Tournament Director explains, “With the tournament growing each year since we moved back to the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, we can continue to reach the numbers from our first year in 1998, when we had 102 boats, and even beyond that”.

Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina is the site that currently holds the Blue Marlin State Record, caught by “Corky” Taylor aboard Rascal in 2005 during the Charleston Harbor Billfish Tournament.

Beyond the cash prizes CBC promises, anglers also have the possibility to win a 2019 Ford F150 for a State Record Blue Marlin, Dolphin, Wahoo, or Tuna. Menefee and CHRM are working together to bring a, fun-filled week for boat owners, captains, crews, friends and family. Great fishing, food, drinks, music, and incredible accommodations for all to enjoy!

For more information, follow us on Facebook @carolinabillfishclassic for updates on our schedule of events, sponsors, and more.

The Seakeeper 2 Wins 2019 Edison Award in Transportation Technology Category

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Seakeeper 2 Earns Gold Designation in Transportation Technology Category

CALIFORNIA, Md. (April 5, 2019) – Seakeeper, Inc., the leader in marine stabilization, received an Edison Award at last night’s Awards Gala for the Seakeeper 2.

The Edison Awards honor excellence in new product and service development, marketing, human-centered design and innovation. The Seakeeper 2 was chosen as a finalist in the Transportation Technology category earlier in the year and last night received a gold award, the highest available. Products were judged on their concept, value, delivery and impact and finalists were chosen by a steering committee and small group of industry experts where necessary. The finalists were then submitted to a panel of more than 3,000 judges comprised of senior business executives and academics who then cast ballots for gold, silver and bronze winners.

“We’ve been relentless at working to change a fundamental human experience by making boating more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, and the introduction of our smallest product, the Seakeeper 2, is a huge step in realizing that mission,” said Seakeeper President & CEO Andrew Semprevivo. “We’ve been pushing ourselves every day for 11 years to bring our best innovations to market, and we’re honored to be recognized as a leader and proud to stand next to the other incredible Edison Awards winners this year.”

The award was presented at the Edison Awards’ annual black-tie event at the New York Academy of Sciences in New York, NY. Events earlier in the day included a Meet the Innovators Forum and an Innovators’ Showcase where participating companies had the opportunity to connect with other finalists and innovators and share their product.

Shimano Debuts New Spinning Reel Technology: STELLA SW Series

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POPULAR SIZE STELLA SW SPINNING REELS CONTINUE SHIMANO’S TECHOLOGY ADVANCEMENTS

  • Four New Reels – Stella 8000PG, 8000HG, 10000PG, 140000XG •

LADSON, S.C.  – Winter/Spring 2019 Introduction – For Immediate Release – 2.19 – When it comes to saltwater fishing, the right reel with the right features plays a big part for a successful day on the water. Shimano’s thorough understanding of this ‘right reel’ is made clear with the new, re-designed Stella SW 8000PG, 8000HG, 10000PG, 14000XG, now being introduced at sports shows from coast-to-coast and soon to be available from select tackle shops in mid-March.

The new reels will be at the centerpiece of Shimano’s product booth at key saltwater fishing-focused shows this winter and spring, kicking off with the World Fishing & Outdoor Expo this week  on Feb. 28, the Fred Hall Show in Long Beach, Calif., on March 3, the Saltwater Fishing Expo in Edison, N.J. on March 15, and the New England Saltwater Fishing Show in Providence, R.I. on March 22.

Joining Shimano’s proven cold-forged HAGANE Gears for lasting durability and smoothness and ultra-durable HAGANE Body, the four new Stella SW reels introduce Shimano’s new Infinity Drive technology and HeatSink Drag to serious saltwater anglers.

Shimano’s Infinity Drive improves the winding experience of these new Stella SW reels “through the use of new main shaft supporting structure to eliminate friction within the pinion gear,” explains Trey Epich with Shimano’s product development staff. “We are able to optimize the winding torque by 26-percent, taking these reels to the next level of incredibly smooth and light rotation when fighting a big striper, sailfish, tuna or roosterfish.”

Especially when fighting bigger fish like yellowfin tuna and 50-pound-plus class stripers, anglers will quickly notice the advantages of Shimano’s HeatSink drag – offered on the Stella SW 10000PG and 14000XG. “With this new technology, we able to dissipate the heat build-up when hooked into a big fish to a special ‘heat sink’ insulation sheet, keeping heat away from the spool surface and drag washer where it can cause the drag to not function as needed,” said Epich. “Plus this also keeps heat off your line so you’ll see less line breakage.”

Featuring Shimano’s proven Cross Carbon Drag, the Stella SW 8000 size reels, both the 4.9:1 gear ratio PG version and 5.6:1 gear ratio XG version, are designed for use with braided line only. “With the drastic reduction in weight to these reels over past versions with our new lightweight spool design, braided line won’t spread and retract like monofilament,” Epich explains.

To handle the effects of saltwater on the reels, the new Stella SW models feature an IPX8-reated waterproof body. “When you add in the reliability from Shimano’s cold-forging capabilities with our HAGANE Gear and HAGANE Body design, durability from our IPX8 waterproof body and our X-Protect labyrinth design construction that offers exceptional water resistance and prevents water intrusion, along with power from the HeatSink Drag and smooth operation from our Infinity Drive, anglers easily can see why we say our Stella reels have no rivals in the saltwater fishing world,” said Epich.  “We aim to excel in three key areas – durability, power and operability, and this new Shimano technology and design features found in the Stella SW 8000PG, 8000HG, 10000PG and 14000XG all come together to reach our goal in developing the most durable and strongest reels in the fishing industry.”

            To see the Stella SW reels in action, visit this video featuring noted ‘obsessed’ angler Carter Andrews here – Stella SW action in Baja.

            Both handling up to 215-yards of PowerPro braid, the Stella SW 8000PG reels in 37-inches of line per crank, while the faster 8000HG cranks in 42-inches. Thee Stella SW 1000PG has a 4.9:1 gear ratio to retrieve in 40-inches of line per crank and can handle up to 215 yards of 80-pound PowerPro or 220 yards of 20-pound mono.

A size known for its popularity among Cape Cod Canal anglers, the Stella SW 14000XG has the capacity to handle 240 yards of 80 -pound test PowerPro or 260-yards of 20-pound mono and has a 6.2:1 gear ratio to pull in 53-inches of line per crank.

For more information on the new Stella SW 8000PG, 8000HG, 10000PG and 14000XG spinning reels, see your local tackle dealer – visit the Shimano web site at http://fish.shimano.com – or call Shimano’s product support team at 877/577-0600 (6 am to 5 pm Pacific Standard Time).

Final Approvals Stamped: Development Plans for Marina Flamingo

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We are proud to announce and welcome aboard Marina Flamingo as the Presenting Sponsor of the popular Flamingo Fishing Rodeo. The 2018 event grew to 17 boats and 71 anglers. This tournament was developed as a way of bringing families and especially kids into tournament fishing. Low entry fees, minimal rules and lots of prizes make this one a winner. And it’s not just marlin and sailfish, either; participants can fish for a wide variety of species too. It’s a great way to fish with the family and have a great time in a terrific destination. This event will continue to grow as the construction of the Marina Flamingo moves forward.
After years of anticipation the most exciting part of the growth in the Flamingo Beach area of Guanacaste is the resurgence and re-launch of the full service Marina in Playa Flamingo. Final approvals have been stamped and development of the Flamingo Marina is breaking ground later this summer/fall. The new Marina at Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica, will be a huge boost to local real estate opportunities and tourism business in the area.
This state-of-the-art full service marina is projected to be home for 178 boat slips. It will offer residential and commercial spaces for lease, as well as a Hotel and Conference Center. The project will be developed in three phases, the first one initiating Summer/Fall 2019. The dredging of the basin, building of break walls, and placement of the majority of slips will take place during this first phase, as well as the construction of the East side commercial building and parking area.
Plans to develop the new Marina Flamingo were finalized in 2018 and now, the public can finally look forward to this exciting new development.  According to an article from the Tico Times, the intention of the new marina was always to “service the yachting, sailing and fishing community in the region”.  Flamingo is one of the hottest areas in Costa Rica for sport fishing, water sports and is home to some of the Pacific’s best beaches.
 PHASE ONE SET TO DELIVER FOR SUMMER, 2021
FOR INQUIRES CONTACT MAX ARATA

New CABO 41: On Display at Miami Yacht Show

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MIAMI, FL – FEBRUARY 14, 2018 –Hatteras/CABO Yachts LLC, a world leader in the construction of convertible sportfishing and luxury motor yachtsfrom 41 to 105 feet, is pleased to announce the reintroduction of the well-known CABO fishing boats brand. The first new CABO model to launch is the CABO 41, which will be on display at the 2019 Miami Yacht Show, February 14-18, at the Hatteras/CABO docks, located at In Water Show Ramp B, Slips 119-126.

CABO 41_2Cabo 41


 
“We feel the market conditions are right to bring back the proven CABO line of hard-core fishing boats,” said Hatteras/CABO Yachts President and CEO Kelly Grindle. “Consumer research shows a continued strong affinity for the brand. CABO ranks as one of the top brands for quality and reliability. We intend to build on this well-deserved reputation as we fill a growing demand in the marketplace for inboard offshore, express-style fishing boats – a niche that CABO once owned. CABO will provide a step up from a center console to a boat that offers greater comfort and amenities while owners pursue their passion for angling offshore.”
 
Starting with the new CABO 41, the CABO line is now in production at the Hatteras/CABO Yachts factory in New Bern, utilizing the proven, quality boat-building technologies and processes that Hatteras has honed over its 60 years in operation.

GAThe CABO 41 will be offered with twin 626hp Volvo D11 engines, standard, with upgrades available to 670hp and 725hp, as well as Cummins QSM11 propulsion. Popular options include the Seakeeper 6 stabilization system and full custom tower and outriggers. 
 
The CABO 41 features a clean, spacious cockpit with mezzanine eating and an open helm deck. Its interior encompasses a comfortable, private queen-berth stateroom, large head, full galley and salon with wraparound settee/dining area that converts to a second berth. And storage is maximized throughout the boat to ensure ample stowage space for the serious fisherman.
 
“The CABO 41 is aimed at the sportfishing enthusiast who wants a better performing, higher quality, more comfortable offshore fishing platform,” Grindle said. “This model is only the beginning – the new CABO line we have in development will be made up of easy-to-own, durable fishing machines that give anglers the confidence to fish longer and the satisfaction of catching more fish while staying dry and comfortable, even in rough conditions.” 
 
Joe Cacopardo, director of marketing, Hatteras/CABO Yachts, LLC adds, “The new CABO 41 is perfectly positioned between the higher-end Hatteras product line and the other competitors currently on the market.”

CABO 41 profile_loresCABO 41 Specifications
 
LOA                            40’2″
LOA (with bow pulpit)     42’10”
Beam                           15’9″
Draft                           3’5″
Transom Deadrise       15 degrees
Displacement   (light)  31,000 lbs.
Fuel                             550 gal
Water                          95 gal
Cabin Headroom         6’3″
Sleeps                         4

For more information on the new CABO line of fishing boats, please visit caboyachts.com.

New High-Resolution Charts and Maps From Garmin

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Garmin® adds high-resolution relief shading to its premium BlueChart® g3 Vision and LakeVü g3 Ultra cartography

New charts and maps offer unrivaled detail and enhancements

OLATHE, Kan./Feb. 13, 2019/Business Wire – Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ:GRMN), today announced that it has added high-resolution relief shading to its exclusive BlueChart g3 Vision and LakeVü g3 Ultra cartography products for coastal and inland fishing and boating. High-resolution relief shading brings an entirely new level of detail to the ocean floor and lake bottom, making it easier than ever to find structure, artificial reefs, underwater shelves and more – the kind of detail anglers and divers depend on.

With industry-leading coverage, clarity and detail, Garmin’s new g3 cartography blends the best of both Garmin and Navionics content together, and offers enhancements like built-in Auto Guidance1 technology that searches through relevant charts to create a suggested route based upon the user’s desired depth and overheard clearance. For mariners who want the most feature-rich data available, the premium BlueChart g3 Vision and LakeVü g3 Ultra accessory cards and downloads include everything available with g3, and now for the first time, add high-resolution relief shading that combines color and shadow to give mariners an easy-to-interpret, clearer view of bottom structure than contour lines alone. Garmin’s high-resolution relief shading is available with coverage for U.S. coastal waters – east coast, west coast and Gulf of Mexico – along with more than 150 Garmin-surveyed lakes.

“The recent upgrades we’ve made to our g3 cartography products – more detail, dimension and routing sophistication – is a true testament to our long-standing commitment to continually improving our cartography to give our customers the highest quality and most detailed, accurate charts and maps on the water today,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin worldwide vice president of consumer sales. “We’re excited to offer high-resolution relief shading to our premium BlueChart g3 Vision charts and LakeVü g3 Ultra maps and look forward to continuing to bring even more detail to our customers.”

The new Garmin g3 cartography products brings unrivaled detail and convenience to users with navigational aids, spot soundings, depth contours, tides and currents, and detailed harbors and marinas. The data offers seamless chart presentation with up to 1-foot fishing contours that provide a more accurate depiction of bottom structure for improved fishing charts and enhanced detail in canals, marinas and port plans. Raster cartography that gives the chartplotter paper-chart like views of NOAA nautical charts, has also been added to the new g3 cartography product line and is available as a free downloadable feature via the Garmin ActiveCaptain® app.

In addition to high-resolution relief shading, BlueChart g3 Vision also includes high-resolution satellite imagery that provides the user with a realistic view of their surroundings. Unique 3-D views, including MarinerEye and FishEye, provide additional perspective both above and below the water line, and aerial photography shows exceptional detail of many ports, harbors and marinas, which is especially useful when entering unfamiliar ports. For inland customers, LakeVü g3 Ultra includes maps of more than 17,000 lakes with up to 1-foot contours. Of those, over 150 are Garmin Elite surveyed lakes with high-resolution satellite imagery, multi-beam sonar views shore-to-shore, side scan photos and photos of notable spots above the water too.

The new BlueChart g3 Vision and LakeVü g3 Ultra accessory cards and downloads vary in price from $249.99 to $349.99 and will be available with high-resolution relief shading in Q2 2019. At this time, high-resolution relief shading and raster charts are only available for the U.S. Availability for other regions is expected in Q4 2019. To learn more, visit garmin.com/maps.

Garmin is the world’s leading marine electronics manufacturer2 and was recently named Manufacturer of the Year for the fourth consecutive year by the NMEA, an honor given to the most recognized marine electronics company for support of products in the field. Garmin’s portfolio includes some of the industry’s most sophisticated chartplotters and touchscreen multifunction displays, sonar technology, high-definition radar, autopilots, high-resolution mapping, sailing instrumentation, audio, entertainment and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and ease-of-use. Other Garmin marine brands include FUSION Entertainment, Navionics, a premier supplier of electronic charts, and EmpirBus.

For decades, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary markets, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation. For more information, visit Garmin’s virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom, contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200, or follow us at facebook.com/garmin, twitter.com/garmin, instagram.com/garmin or youtube.com/garmin.

MAZU Annouces Partnership With ROFFS– Analyses Digitized and Overlaid Directly onto Sportfishing App

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Users Can Now Access or Download ROFFS Reports When Offshore

Reston, Va. and Melbourne, Fla. – mazu, a leading marine technology and satellite communications brand and ROFFS™ (Roffer’s Ocean Fishing Forecasting Service), a scientific consulting company, announced today they have entered a partnership. Now with the free mazu SportFishing app, anglers can view and download their ROFFS fishing forecast hot spots while offshore. Information from ROFFS is digitally overlaid directly onto detailed sea surface temperature (SST), chlorophyll, current and altimetry charts in the mazu SportFishing app for iPad.

ROFFS provides a variety of the high-resolution satellite-derived fishing oceanographic analyses that are customized for local, recreational and tournament anglers. These analyses are specialized for pelagic fish like tuna, marlin, wahoo, dolphin, sailfish, swordfish, spearfish, shark, kingfish and bluefish. ROFFS professional oceanographers analyze multiple real-time oceanographic datasets including but not limited to; ocean currents, SST, clarity, ocean color/chlorophyll, plankton, frontal boundaries, species habitat of targeted fish, and bottom structure to guide users to the most productive waters for a successful fishing trip. This data is integrated into hot spot locations detailed on an oceanographic map and a comprehensive text description that is easy to understand and use.

SportFishing users can download their report straight from ROFFS website or by their emailed PDF from ROFFS by simply clicking the “Open With” button at the top right and select “Copy to mazu”. The app will automatically open and populate the fishing hot spots onto the screen. Each location is selectable to see the ROFFS analysis about that fishing spot. SportFishing is accessible over satellite for offshore use via mazu m2500 hardware, those users are also able to receive ROFFS reports and updates while offshore and out of cellular or WiFi range.

“We are thrilled to be the first sport fishing technology to offer the exclusive details of ROFFS analysis data in a digital format,” said Craig Myers, director of product management, mazu. “The mazu SportFishing app already offers vital detail and features that no other service provides. By combining ROFFS in-depth analysis onto a free and intuitive platform for users to display makes the SportFishing app absolutely essential for every angler.”

“We are very excited to partner with mazu in this endeavor,” said Matthew Upton, president and owner, ROFFS. “We are trying to create a better experience for our users. By having our analyses more accessible in an intuitive georeferenced platform, combined with all the real-time data and satellite capabilities that mazu provides is going to be a gamechanger for our clients.”

For information about mazu SportFishing, and other mazu products, please visit www.mazu-marine.com. For information about ROFFS, please visit www.roffs.com.

Record Yellowfin Tuna Caught Sets Standard for Dominican Republic

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Friday December 28th, 2018

La Romana Dom. Rep.

Sunday December 23rd established a very important feat for sport fishing In the Dominican Republic and the world as Luis Viyella captured the biggest Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus Albacares) ever captured in spearfishing, and the biggest one ever captured in any form of fishing worldwide. The Tuna weighed in at an astounding 480 pounds, it measured 109 inches in length and 62 inches in width.

Luis Viyella together with Gabriel Pinto, Phillipe Coates and crew Jose Francisco Brea, Fevorinki Avila and Alberto de los Santos aboard the boat Lady Shell (Viking 68 sport fisherman) established a new world record (still pending confirmation) in spearfishing for this species, the previous biggest Yellowfin Tuna captured with spear was 353 pounds by Julian Allen-Ellis in Mexico in 2007 according to the International Spearfishing Association.

On the other hand, and according to the IGFA (International Game Fishing Association) the world record for the biggest Yellowfin Tuna ever captured using Rod & Reel belongs to Guy Yacom, which was also captured in Mexico on September 18th, 2012 weighing in at 427 pounds.

The fish was weighed a few hours after being captured using a certified scale and with over 20 witnesses on the dock at Marina Casa de Campo.

Luis Viyella tells us that “it was an unforgettable experience, it was my first time spearfishing in blue waters and to capture a fish that is a world record.” Luis assures us that it was pure luck to find a fish this size and to capture it requires a lot of skill and knowledge in this type of fishing.

IGFA’s Worldwide Anglers Relief Fund Grant $10,000 in Relief Funds Towards Florida Panhandle

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The Florida Panhandle to Receive Support from the IGFA’s Worldwide Anglers Relief Fund

DANIA BEACH, Fla. November 15, 2018 – The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) today announced the first grant to the recreational angling community in the Florida Panhandle from its Worldwide Anglers Relief Fund (WARF). Working with our partners at the National Association of Charterboat Operators (NACO), the IGFA has recently arranged the transfer of $10,000 from the WARF to aid in the recovery efforts of the extensive charter fishing operations throughout Florida’s Panhandle.

Leveraging NACO’s extensive network of members and a thorough application process, the funds from the WARF will be disbursed to those captains, guides and mates that are in the most need. “We are excited to partner with a longstanding organization like the IGFA to help our guiding community in the wake of Hurricane Michael,” said NACO President Bob Zales.

The IGFA and its partner Costa created the WARF in September 2017. “Recreational anglers, professional captains, guides and mates form the backbone of many coastal communities like the Florida Panhandle,” said Costa Marketing Manager of Core Markets, Amanda Sabin. “Costa is proud to be a part of this rebuilding process and helping to get people back on the water.”

With this recent distribution of $10,000 to NACO for relief efforts in the Florida Panhandle, the WARF has disbursed a total of $56,000 dollars to recreational angling associations in the Florida Keys, Texas, Puerto Rico and the Florida Panhandle to help local captains and guides recover from Hurricanes Irma, Harvey, Maria and Michael, respectively.

“The Florida Panhandle supports an incredible fishery and thousands of captains, guides and mates base their livelihoods on the flow of recreational anglers to this region,” said IGFA President Nehl Horton. “While we are saddened by the devastation of this recent storm, we are excited to help the recreational angling community rebuild even stronger through our partnership with NACO.”

To make a direct, tax deductible contribution to the WARF, consumers can go to https://igfa.org/warf, or purchase a Costa t-shirt in support of recovery efforts at onecoast.net. The IGFA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Blue Water Desalination Shares Lastest All-in-One Watermaker System

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The New Legend ClearMate can produce Ultra Pure Water from either Seawater or Dock Water

Long Beach, California (November 9,2018) – Blue Water Desalination (BWD) proudly unveiled the all-new Legend ClearMate during the 2018 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. This newest model in their impressive watermaker lineup uses the same leading-edge technology as the popular Legend Series to provide fully automatic operation. However, the Legend ClearMate is an “all in one” machine that can produce ultra-pure water from either dock water or sea water. This system is available in several different configurations and production outputs to best meet each customer’s needs.

The Legend ClearMate’s innovative dual-feed capability from seawater or dock water provides three modes of operation:

  • Sea Water to Fresh Water
  • Sea Water to Ultra Pure Water
  • Dock Water to Ultra Pure Water

Rated production with seawater from 1,200 to 1,850 GPD (4,540 LPD to 7,000 LPD) and with dock water from 2,000 to 2,800 GPD (7,570 LPD to 10,600 LPD).

Features & Advantages:

  • Fully automatic operation
  • Compact design
  • NMEA 2000 compatible
  • Fresh Water Flush system
  • Optional 5″ remote touchscreen control
  • High Rejection membranes
  • Product water Carbon filter
  • Dual voltage 50/60 Hz Motors
  • Stainless steel booster pump shaft
  • Designed for ease of service & maintenance

Large vessels can now enjoy ultra pure water anywhere in the world, whether at port or at sea thanks to the new Legend ClearMate from Blue Water Desalination.

For more information about Blue Water Desalination including watermaker products, dealer and service locations and product specifications please visit BlueWaterDesalination.com