InTheBite

Tackle & Maintenance Tips

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Kite Fishing Weighted Slip Float

Courtesy of Captain Scott Fawcett
(2016 Florida Division Captain of the Year)
Off the Chain Charters, 32-foot Contender
Skill Level:

 

Here Capt. Scott Fawcett shares one of his live bait kite fishing tips. This rig, using a float, a 3/8-ounce sinker and a section of a rubber band placed below your wind-on leader (as pictured), helps Captain Fawcett in a couple different ways. First, his anglers can simply wind the leader to the rod tip to make an official catch (no need to have a deckhand touch the leader). Most importantly, for a charter boat with varying angler skills, you can use this set up for releasing fish but also allow the angler to keep reeling if you are going to harvest a fish (see dolphin catch). The float will slide down the leader via the rod tip guide.

Chamois Storage

Courtesy of Capt. Tucker Colquhoun
Huntress, 74-foot Tribute
Skill Level:

Tired of a dry, stiff and crispy chamois? Here Captain Tucker shares two simple options he utilizes to avoid this. Get a couple Chamois covers made. Covers keep the chamois covered and compact, helping to keep it wet longer. When you don’t have a cover, use rubber bands! The inside layers will stay wet.

Converting “Braid” Drags to “Mono” Drags

Courtesy of Bill Buckland
Skill Level:

Many of today’s reels – the latest Shimano Talica 20, 25 and 50s, are mostly designed with heavy braid drags. This can create problems for anglers using mono. Bill Buckland, the owner of Buckland’s Fisherman’s Center, helps his customers by converting the reels to mono-friendly drags. In one easy step Buckland’s drag washer modification provides smoother drag pressure for mono. Check out the two-minute video at inthebite.com. Contact Bill Buckland Ph: 1-800-765-RODS or 561-252-9444.

Chafe Guards

Courtesy of Capt. Tucker Colquhoun
Huntress, 74-foot Tribute
Skill Level:

While walking down a dock in Galveston, Texas (Pelican Rest to be exact), Capt. Tucker admired the chafe gear being used to protect the Pretty Work sportfish. The chafe gear is dense foam pipe insulation slid over the stern lines.

Aft Facing Displays

Capt. Kevin Deerman
Draggin Up, 74-foot Viking
Skill Level:

Materials needed: Garmin GMI 20 or other marine instrument display, NMEA drop cable and T-connector to hook into the network, Starboard, Fiberglass or similar mounting panel. While in the process of installing new electronics, I had a suggestion from Capt. Ryan Doxey on the Over Ride. He recommended locating an extra display to show rudder angle in the aft end of the hardtop teaser box (like he did on his boat). It’s a great idea if you have space so you can glance up while backing on a fish and instantly see where your rudders are. We took Captain Ryan’s advice and went a step further.
My boss decided to go ahead and add a couple more displays for water temperature and speed.

Wanted: Boat Maintenance Tips
Send us your best tips and techniques (info@inthebite.com).

Gear & Gizmos

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A Better Way to Dock Box: The Front Loading TR2

Dock boxes are wonderfully practical, but hefting tall or heavy equipment in and out can be a struggle. With Better Way Products’ TR2, loading and unloading is as easy as raising the lid and swinging open the hinged front door. It’s ideal for everything from a 40-gallon trash bin to a standard scuba tank. Like all dock boxes from Better Way Products, the TR2 is built in the USA with marine-grade fiberglass with an average thickness of 3/16”. Sandwich core construction and protruded walls provide unsurpassed strength. The TR2 utilizes premium quality components.

Its full-length piano hinge, door hinges, lockable hasp and cable stays are all stainless steel and secured with oversized, rustproof rivets. Th e TR2’s UV-resistant, smooth-as-glass gelcoat finish rivals that of exclusive yachts. It’s available in white, gray and tan. With nearly 10.5 sq. ft. of interior space, the TR2 can accommodate a lot of gear. Yet at 27” W x 27” D x 36” H, it has a compact footprint. Weighing in at 50-pounds, the TR2 is easily managed by one person, but heavy enough to withstand a strong breeze without shifting if empty. It costs $647.

Better Way Products is one of the oldest and largest fiberglass manufacturers in the US. It produces over 30 unique dock boxes and steps to fit any need and complement any marine d.cor. For more, visit dockbox.com.

The Next Evolution in Bait Preparation: Krazy Bait Brine

Flavor Delite, Inc., market leader in seasonings and prepared spices announces it will begin distributing Krazy Kosher Salt and Krazy Bait Brine for the sportfishing market. “Expanding the reach of our company and entering the fishing industry is very exciting to me personally as this is a sport that I am very passionate about,” said Flavor Delite CEO David Anderson. “This allows us to leverage the size and scale of our core business, Jane’s Krazy Mixed Seasonings, and bring to the sport fishing industry, new and exciting innovation in packaging and product knowledge. I am positive, once people give it a try, they will see why it has a proven tournament winning track record.”

“I have been fishing my entire life, and the Krazy Kosher Salt and Krazy Bait Brine is the best I have ever used, by far!” said Keith Greenberg, Captain of Krazy Salts. “Since joining the company ten plus years ago, we have had long conversations, and tried many different types of salt and brines until we formulated this product.”

What makes Krazy Brine a better bait solution? Existing brines are commonly diluted with fl our and other fillers, decreasing their potency. Krazy Kosher Salt and Krazy Bait Brine are mixed with performance in mind. The difference shows in the bait box and in the performance of trolled baits. With all the care (and money) that goes into filling your bait box, dredges, and rigged baits, why sacrifice on the brine? Both the Kosher Salt and Brine will begin shipping to the finest tackle shops and marinas throughout the world in June 2019. In addition, you can order online or simply contact 856-291-0400, flavordelite.com.

Fire Tailz: Innovative Strip Bait Dredge Solution

The best fisherman have known the benefits of using strip baits for years. Fire Tailz introduces the lightest, easiest pulling, best swimming dredge bait on the market. Fire Tailz are an innovative, patentpending strip bait that is designed to boost your dredge game, while making it simpler, easier and less cumbersome. The patent pending gill design utilizes water flow dynamics to create an extremely realistic swimming action unlike anything on the market. Minimal drag means you can stack your dredge, creating the effect of a more dense school of baitfish. Break less dredges and catch more fish! For more, visit firetailz.com.

Rust Inhibiting Tackle Storage from Plano

The Plano Rustrictor Stowaway is the first of its kind. Using advanced technology, Plano has engineered a tackle storage system that blocks rust and stops corrosion 5x longer than a standard tackle box. Completely infused into the storage boxes, the rust stopping compound resides throughout the entire container. Unlike competitors that use a few molded inserts to fight rust, Rustrictor provides 360 degrees of complete protection against rust for up to five times longer than competitors. Developed with Armor Protective Packaging, an industry leader in corrosion management, Plano’s Rustrictor uses the world’s best Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor.

Once closed, the box fills up the stowaway interior with VCI vapor. VCI ions attract to metals creating a wall of protection that is only a few molecules thick and stops rust before it can start. Rustrictor always protects and never leaves a film, residue or odor on the surface of tackle. Gone are the days of a spray-in solution that lets fish know something’s amiss. With the protection built right into the Stowaway box there is no maintenance, no worry about having the dividers in place and more wasted money on rusted and damaged tackle.

The Rustrictor Stowaways are available in seven of the best-selling models from 3500 to 3700 sizes, making them perfect for handling and protecting all terminal tackle and hard bait needs. For more, visit planomolding.com.

Gear & Gizmos: From Aurora to Verado

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 SiOnyx Aurora: True Day Color Vision at Night – From a Light Weight Super Camera

The SiOnyx Aurora is an incredibly versatile, incredibly useful night vision camera that provides day color imaging at night. Perfect for boating, hunting, hiking, or any night time activity, the light weight camera is water proof rated. The camera shoots 720 HD video and includes a removeable and rechargeable battery as well as built in WiFi, GPS and accelerometer. Weighing just under eight ounces, the lightweight camera is capable of capturing still, burst and 720p video with an integrated HD OLED display for real-time color night vision. Free companion apps on iOS™ and Android® enable real-time navigation or the ability to control the Aurora directly from a smartphone.

“Aurora enables boaters running at night to identify navigation markers, explore dark anchorages, and imperatively, spot small water craft operating without illumination. With the Aurora, the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down,” says SiOnyx CEO Steven Saylor. The Aurora has won the electronics category of the 2019 Miami Boat Show Innovation Awards. The awards annually recognize new, innovative products from the manufacturers and suppliers of the marine industry.

“The electronics category of the Innovation Awards is always difficult to judge, with incredible technology presented to our panel each year,” said Zuzana Prochazka, co-chair of the Innovation Awards and writer at BWI. “But this year it was truly no contest. The Aurora brings boaters the superhuman ability to see in the dark – a game-changer not just for boaters, but for the marine industry as a whole.” MSRP $799. For more, please visit: www.sionyx.com.

Furuno’s “Electronics Multi-Tool” Available in Black Box Version

Furuno’s new 4850 is a black box version of the company’s 5-in-1 unit (featuring VHF Radiotelephone, Class D DSC, GPS Receiver, AIS Receiver, and Simplified Loud Hailer with Intercom), the 4800. The 4850 retains the rich feature set, rugged durability, and ease of connection to other Furuno models of marine electronics, but features a much more compact, space-saving design.

The Furuno FM4850 includes the same ‘all-in-one’ features found in its companion model, but its black box configuration allows it to be installed in an out-of-the-way location. The unit’s included handset with LCD Screen and waterproof speaker can be installed in easy-to-access locations. Up to three individual ‘stations’ can be connected to a single black box installation, each of them with full access to the FM4850’s capabilities. This means you can have a Marine VHF Radiotelephone with built-in Class D DSC, GPS Receiver, AIS Receiver, Multi-Station Intercom, and 30W Loud Hailer with Listen Back capability installed at multiple locations onboard, all with one simple installation.

With its built-in GPS receiver, all the FM4850 requires is an external GPS antenna. The unit does not require an external GPS source to enable its DSC functionality. The unit can be used as a backup source of GPS positioning for other onboard electronics. It provides safety, reliability and versatility a neat, unobtrusive package. For more, please visit: www.furuno.com.

The MOB+™ Wireless Man OverBoard System – The Future of the Kill Switch

The MOB+™ Wireless Man OverBoard system is an innovative, ABYC compliant, life-saving safety device for your boat. Consisting of an easy to install HUB (mounted on or near the boat console) electronically connected to up to four wearable FOBs, the MOB+ is a high tech kill switch with many safety advantages. Up to four FOB’s can be connected to the HUB at the same time. The unit features a patent pending wireless protocol (WiMEA), an ergonomic design, and is made with high-quality marine grade components all of which make it extremely reliable (and surprisingly affordable).

The MOB+ provides greater freedom of movement than a traditional kill switch lanyard. Up to four xFOBs can be connected to the xHUB™ at the same time, with one unit acting as the captain’s stop unit (which kills the engine) and the additional three serving as alarm units for passengers. The unit is ideal for any boater, but especially crews that perform crossings, fish overnighters or take charters out at night. For more, please visit: www.fellmarine.com.

 Comprehensive Seamanship Information at Your Finger Tips

Whether you are studying for your Captain License exam or have decades of experience at the helm, Quick Reference Cards from Davis Instruments provide comprehensive seamanship information at your fingertips. It’s quicker and more consolidated than an internet search – and available even when WiFi is not.

Davis offers six double-sided, full-color Quick Reference Cards. Each is loaded with information that’s been distilled-down into graphic summaries and easy-to-read text. Designed in close cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons, they’re complete, precise and up to date. Quick Reference Cards are made from thick, durable plastic and are completely waterproof for use in all weather. 8.5″ W x 11″ L and three-hole punched, they fit a standard three-ring binder.

The cards are designed to cover specific applications: a Boating Guide (#128), US Buoyage System (#125), International Navigation Rules (#127), Coastwise Piloting (#126), Celestial Navigation (#132), and Weather Forecasting (#131). Even if you know all of this information already, having the cards on hand is a great way to educate others. For more, or to buy them, visit:  www.davisinstruments.com.

Portable Ultra-Pure Water Anywhere – Blue Water Desalination

Blue Water Desalination (BWD) unveils its latest innovation in water purification: the ClearMate Mobile (CM2) portable dock water filtration system. The Blue Water CM2 mobile series is a compact, portable reverse osmosis filtration system that turns dock water into ultra-pure spot-free water. Designed for ease of use at docks around the world, the CM2 offers a simple, mobile solution for keeping your yacht in bristol condition. Boats and yachts both big and small can now enjoy ultra-pure water anywhere in the world, by simply connecting the new ClearMate Mobile from Blue Water Desalination to any dock water supply.

Features and benefits include: Spot-free rinse water; Mechanical flow meter tracks processed water; Automatic operation; High rejection membranes for up to 99% rejection of total dissolved solids; NMEA 4X waterproof & flame retardant enclosure; Wheels & handles for easy moving; Can be fed off of dock water or an existing seawater desalination system, and; Compact design. For more, visit: www.bluewaterdesalination.com.

Permanently Installed Barnacle Flush from Bye Bye Barnacle

Bye Bye Barnacle is currently the only proven permanently installed flush unit on the market.

Engineered and developed to remove barnacles from plumbing, air-conditioning and refrigeration, the Bye Bye Barnacle (patent pending) unit is permanently installed in the mechanical space of your vessel. Designed for a trouble-free maintenance experience, systems need to be flushed every six weeks to avoid buildup of marine growth especially in warmer climates. The flush unit is plumbed into the supply and return manifolds of the air conditioning and refrigeration systems. The flush unit is plumbed to onboard fresh water system for filling, with the discharge pumped overboard. Discover why F&S Boatworks, Weaver Boatworks, and Hinckley Yacht Services rave about this latest innovation in flush systems. For more, visit: www.byebyebarnacle.com.

Ultra Performance, Ultra Functional Shirt by Columbia – Force XII Zero Long Sleeve Hybrid

Columbia’s Force 12 line is composed of hardcore gear designed to stand up to the elements and perform on the water. The Force XII Zero Long Sleeve Hybrid shirt combines sun protection, sweat-activated cooling technology, and moisture wicking. Snap buttons make for easy on and off, without buttons to snag. The shirt runs true to size and is stain and rip resistant. A great choice for fishing all day that can transition well to dinner at night. Technical features include: zippered chest pockets, thumb holes, reflective detail, built in sunglass cleaning patch, and Columbia’s trademarked Omni Freeze Cooling technology, Omni Shade UPF 50 sun protection and Omni-wick anti moisture properties. MSRP: $100. For more, visit: www.columbia.com.

Fine Italian Chairs for the Yacht, Villa or Home

Sea Vision by Underwater Lights USA is the exclusive North American representative for the Italian manufacturer Foresti & Suardi. Designer Christian Grande and Foresti & Suardi have developed this line of innovative and beautiful folding armchairs to bring style to yachts, villas and apartments. Each piece is made combining chromed brass and teak, the end result is a top quality aesthetic piece with Italian style.

The Montisola is a modern, refined version of the classic “film director chair.” Solid, comfortable and practical, it shows a perfect balance between the teak and metal elements. The synthetic fabric allows for ventilation and fast drying. Each chair comes with its individual carrying bag making it easy to transport or store away.

Minimalism, elegance and comfort were the inspiration for the Iseo Chair. Modeled after the timeless small folding armchair design, the Iseo is made of curved teak wood and metal accents. The internally lined, synthetic mattress allows ventilation and fast drying. Each of these chairs also comes with its individual carrying bag. For more info, please call 954-760-4447.

Verado 400 by Mercury Marine

Mercury Marine announced the launch of the 400hp Verado outboard engine, the company’s highest horsepower Verado branded outboard engine in its portfolio. “The acceptance of the 350hp Verado in the marketplace has been incredible and through extensive conversations with our global customers, we have learned that there is an appetite in the marketplace for a Verado-branded 400hp four-stroke outboard engine,” said John Pfeifer, Mercury Marine president. “As boats continue to increase in size, so has the need for more power. This gives us an opportunity to provide an even higher horsepower Verado in the market, providing the durability and reliability that the Verado brand is known for around the world.”

The 400hp Verado is suitable for a wide range of applications, including center consoles, pontoons, bay boats, and larger sport boats. Weighing just 668-pounds, same as the 350hp Verado, the 400hp Verado is also the lightest outboard in the 400+ HP category by nearly 300 pounds. The 400hp Verado is available for order today and will begin shipping in the spring.  MSRP $34,135. For more, visit: www.mercurymarine.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

InTheBite InTheSight: Cotton Mesa Trophy Whitetail Ranch

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Enjoy an InTheBite exclusive look into the World Class Cotton Mesa Trophy Whitetail Ranch in Corsicana, Texas.

A family run business for the past 33 years, owners Robert and Stephen Gegenheimer, have produced some of the top whitetail and exotics in the State of Texas. The ranch includes an 8000 square foot lodge that features six bedrooms all with private baths, cable TV and internet.

“If you like hunting and being treated like family, then Cotton Mesa Ranch needs to be on your list. Robert, his son Stephen, and the entire ranch staff are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. They go above and beyond to make sure your experience at Cotton Mesa is one you’ll never forget.”— InTheBite Publisher Dale Wills.

SiriusXM’s New Fish Mapping Brings Advantages to Offshore Anglers

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SiruisXM Marine is changing the landscape of offshore weather and satellite service. The latest offering, Fish Mapping, is a service that compiles and analyzes a number of variables to pinpoint the fishiest areas. From temperature breaks and locating weed lines to staying on top of offshore weather, SiriusXM offers everything you need offshore in a single service. It is available now and ready to make a difference for your time on the water. Visit: www.siriusxm.com/fishmapping

Oh, and by adding SiriusXM Marine radio, the days of worrying about having to listen to whatever music your buddy happens to have on his phone are over too!

Sirius XM Fish Mapping Coming Soon

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Sirius XM has been making waves in the offshore space for years, but the service is about to get a whole lot better: Fish Mapping. What is it and how does it get you dialed in faster? Check out siriusxm.com/fishmapping to see how it works and when it hits the docks.

2019 ICAST Wrap Up: InTheBite Editor’s Choice

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Check out our Editor’s Choice of the latest new products at the annual ICAST show. Each year we attend the show to stay informed on the latest news, trends and equipment in the fishing industry. You’ll see most of the new products start to hit the shelves this fall and early 2020.

Live at the 2019 ICAST in Orlando, Florida – John Drouet shares with us the new product line of Diamond Fishing Products and maker of Hi-Catch monofilament fishing line. Diamond Fishing Products is dedicated to providing Fishermen and Women with the highest quality materials engineered to exceed the demands of fishing.

Eyewear – Costa Del Mar, Inc.
Product: WaterWoman

Squidnation – 

Footwear -Xtratuf

Clarion Marine Systems

Live at the 2019 ICAST – Steve Martin shares the latest and greatest coming from FishRazr Teasers.

Bubba – Fishing Net

Shimano – 2019 SpeedMaster 12 LDII & 16 LDII

Decorative Concepts – Supreme Canvas Line

Bionic Bait

 

Live at 2019 ICAST – Mike Milford, Owner of PlayAction and Braid Products, shares the newest products with a shoulder harness and HD rod belts.

Gerber Gear – Saltwater Fishing Tools & Knives

Bote – Inflatable Chair

SubSafe – Because nobody likes a soggy sub sandwich!

Luna Sea – Cushit Rod Butt and Floater

 

Diamond Fishing Products Introduces New High Speed Trolling Weights

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Diamond Fishing Products is proud to introduce its’ NEW ‘Hoo Hunter High Speed Trolling Weights

Computer designed and high-seas tested, these revolutionary weight-forward weights drastically improve lure performance at speeds up to 20 knots (and even faster).Their ballistic shape runs straight and true with no vibration and far less bubbles than standard weights.

Available in 5 sizes – 16oz, 24oz, 32oz, 48oz & 64oz

3 different models – un-rigged, rigged on 1000lb test stainless cable with a 300lb test Diamond ball-bearing snap-swivel and our custom ‘Hoo Hunter Pro-Rig.

The Unrigged and Pro-Rigged weights are made with a heavy-duty brass tube through the center to keep the weights running straight and true for many seasons of hard use.

 

www.diamondfishing.com