Last year I visited a local tackle shop to get some supplies and I saw a bright orange pipe hanging on the wall. I asked what it was and they said it was a landing net. There was no net that was visible to me, just an orange pipe. But then, I grabbed it off the wall and saw how it worked.

The Frabill Hiber-Net completely retracts into an aluminum tube. Absolutely amazing. You just slide the black handle away from you and the net pops out of it’s hiding place. I had to buy one.

I’m embarrassed to say this but I had lost more than a few fish at the side of the boat with clients on board in the past because I didn’t have a landing net on board. But, to me, the fish that were lost were worth it to avoid all the tangles and messes that having a net on the boat caused. Well, I don’t have to worry about that anymore and my clients can rest easy knowing I’ll get every fish they bring boat side into the boat for a picture now.

I’ve used the net for about a year now and here are my thoughts on the pros and cons of the net.

Pros:

• You can store this thing just about anywhere.
• When retracted, there’s no netting to get tangled up in anything, including hooks.
• It fits in most rod holders.
• It is built to last. Some times I lay it in the floor in the back of the boat where saltwater tends to pool at times. It’s been drenched in saltwater and there isn’t one speck of rust anywhere on it.
• It operates as designed flawlessly. It retracts and extends easily and without fail.
• It has a deep net and a wide “loop”. It has handled fish up to 39.5″ (22lb redfish)  for me with no problem

Cons:

• Though I like the flexibility of the netting, it is some sort of braided and un-coated material. It will get your hooks tangled in it at times when landing a fish.
• I had one spanish mackerel that had no trouble cutting through part of the mesh. The mesh doesn’t seem real resistant to sharp objects.
• Price. With a retail price of $79.99 it isn’t for the budget minded angler. However, if you value quality and convenience like I do, the cost is no issue.

Hit up your local tackle shop and check one of these out. If you have been frustrated by the “necessary” inconvenience of having a landing net on the boat, you owe it to yourself to get one of these nets by Frabill.

***Note: Frabill makes a 52″ and a 72″ version of this landing net. I personally own the 52″ version.

There are as many choices in braided lines these days as there are rods and reels.   For every angler, it comes down to choices.    These items are put to the heaviest test by fishing guides who put the equipment and tackle to the harshest test:  Handing it to a client.   It has been a few years since I first heard about Tuf-Line and back then, the comments were very good.   So I tried it after buying it at the local tackle shop.   The price was right and it worked very well.  

When I entered the guiding business, I fell into another sponsorship for line.   When years passed and it was time to find a different sponsor for line for my fishing reels, I did my research but in the back of my mind, I was still thinking about the Tuf-Line.    After consulting with Joe Hebert of Fish On Lures (The Edje and Silly Willy), I was introduced to some people at Tuf-Line.   Before long, I was supplied with Tuf-Line XP and Duracast to spool up and put to work on a daily basis to evaluate and see if I would like it to be what I use.   The company?   Western Filament, Incorporated dates back to the 1930’s.   Originally in “shoe laces”, now 60% of WFI’s revenue comes from fishing lines.  

Keeping in mind that my fishing is light tackle and lures for inshore species, the lines that I am using are the thinner diameter and not the really high pound-test lines that others may be using for other kinds of fishing.    The basis of my evaluation, I am interested in was the performance, the presence of “problematic situations” and the durability.    Ultimately, I can tell you that I consider all three to be incredibly important.   I do not want to be replacing line all the time (durability).   I want the line to have a nice fine feel to it and allow the average casting client to get good distance (performance).    The final piece of the puzzle, the “problematic situations”- those who have used braided line can remember back to their early days.    Braided lines can twist, particularly for people with little or no experience (for instance, some of my clients).    With different lines, there are different propensities for these problems.   

After use of the Tuf-Line XP and the Duracast, it is obvious that these two products score very well in all categories.    Castability: The lines rate just fine.    Durability: Months later, in some heavy use in some harsh conditions, the spools of line still look like new and there have been zero “failure incidents” with breaking.   The line tangles of the “Problematic” category have been very few and can be attributed to angler technique and not the product.    (As a side note:  All of these tangles were “resolved.”    The bunching up of line that has been commonly called “a wind knot” has been something that has occurred but in all cases, I was able to untwist and save the line, something that wasn’t always possible with other lines I used in the past.)

Strike Three Kayak Fishing reels, spooled up with Tuf-Line

Again, with clients being the main users of this equipment, their behaviors would be more likely to create more trouble than my own technique and this was not a problem with these products.   In my own use of the reels with this line:  Without any problems and great results.   The “feel” is very good.  Anyone who has used cheap braided lines will tell you that it is stiff, noisy and somewhat coarse.   Tuf-Line products feel smooth and round to the touch and the line rolls off a spool smoothly.  

I clearly marked the spools of the different lines I put on my reels.   I wanted to be able to draw comparisons between the Duracast and the XP.   What I found was that both rate out well in performance, durability and overall “value”.    I like the Duracast line but as a person who likes the test of time, I think that the XP is a great first choice for anyone.   

Find this line: And use it! Tuf-Line XP

The concept of value is very simple: You won’t be sorry if you buy either of these lines.   Compare prices, and then give it a shot.   For me, the updated “test of time” is complete for me. This is all I will use for my charter business because I am comfortable with knowing what I will get with value:  Performance, durability and rare, solvable problems.     
Other product notes and observations-

“Knot a problem!”   Leader to line connections are strong, unlike other lines that may be too slippery for tying knots.

Color options:  White, Green, Yellow and Red.  Take your pick; they’re all excellent choices.   My recommendation: Go “Green”.  

Test options:  6-pound up to 250-pound.   Useful for a variety of fishing situations.   For light inshore fishing, my recommendation: 15-pound for the beginner, lighter and lighter for the advanced angler.

For more information, visit  http://www.tuf-line.com/

Good luck and good fishing!

Neil Taylor
www.strikethreekayakfishing.com

The Pilot waders from Frogg Toggs are made from poly microfiber material that is both lightweight and breathable. They start at the bottom with 4mm neoprene feet which transition to reinforced material on the shins, knees and seat. The three chest pockets are both waterproof, which I found extremely useful, and large enough to carry all the equipment you will need. A safety belt doubles as a place to hook your kayak so you can tow it along while wade fishing.

On a recent kayak fishing trip, both the morning water and air temperatures were in the 50′s. While paddling long distances, I was glad not to have the cold water soaking me but was also sweating much less than I did with my old neoprene waders. By the days end, the water had warmed into the 60′s and the air was pushing 75. Even with the warmer temperatures, the breathable material allowed me to remain comfortable. I have worn both jeans and sweat pants as a base layer and have been comfortable with both.  Getting in and out of the Kayak throughout the day was also much simpler with the Frogg Toggs. With my old and tight nepoprenes, it was difficult to lift my leg high enough to get in.

If you are looking for a pair of breathable waders that will last you for years and provide excellent performance, check out the Frogg Toggs line. Perfect for Florida flats fishing during the cooler months. With the thin material, they pack small enough that you can travel with them on your trout and salmon fishing trips as well.

It is quite amazing how many tools a fisherman can accumulate over the years. Whether its rods or reels, tackle, hats, sun glass, or even clothing. Everyone is always looking to try out something new. One of the products that am starting to see more and more of is the performance fishing shirts made by RedZone Apparel. I have been wearing these awesome shirts for a little while now. All I can say they do an awesome job. Being a fisherman, we are subjected to the sun more than others. RedZone shirts keep you super cool and extremely dry which I think is very essential especially if you fish in hot conditions. Not only are RedZone shirts moisture wicking, but they are also UPF 50. In the world of a fisherman that is just awesome. That means less gooey sunblock that we have to apply to our body. Another really cool feature that RedZone shirts have is the image is permanently embedded into the shirt. That means you can wear your new favorite shirt 100 times and the graphics wont crack or peal with time and use. Whether you love throwing the fly or even chasing the elusive tarpon. You can be sure RedZone Apparel has something for you. Be sure to check them out if you already haven’t at www.redzoneapperal.com

Yesterday, Capt. Greg DeVault, our good friend Frank Massaro, my 7 year old son Cade, and I headed down to Charlotte harbor Florida to get some fishing on film. The bite had been spectacular for Greg recently and it was time to put young Cade on some great artificial lure fishing. As I got on the boat, I noticed that Greg had several spinning rods rigged with one of our favorite jig combos. Slayer Inc. Lure Co.’s jig heads with Mirr-O-Lure Lil’ John soft jig bodies. This combo is hard to beat for redfish and trout fishing here in Southwest Florida. But, he had one Shimano Curado baitcaster rigged with a Paul Brown “Original” soft bodied, suspending jerk bait (also now produced and owned by L&S Bait Company… the parent company of Mirr-O-Lure). I’d heard the legends but… I had to try it.

We hit the first hole and everyone was catching trout on the jigs. Most of which were bottom of the slot. I was throwing the Paul Brown bait. At the first hole we fished, not only was the Paul Brown out fishing the jigs but the average size was 3-5″ larger than the fish being brought in by the jigs.

The Paul Brown “Original” is a unique bait. It’s shaped like a hard bait would be and it is rigged with hooks like a hard bait would be. But, the Paul Brown is a soft bodied bait. It’s a sub surface, slow sinking jerk bait. The soft exterior has a unique design and it gives gives it some unique properties. Due to the soft body, the bait can have glitter and flash added at different depths of the body (on translucent versions). It also has a cylindrical holographic core (on the translucent versions).

The bait sinks slowly and enables you to fish it in water as shallow as 2′, even though it has two sets of treble hooks. Fishing in shallow, grass bottomed water,  is a problem for many hard bodied jerk baits. This bait handles this situation nicely. I didn’t have any trouble in the shallows where we were fishing except for a few occasions of catching grass that rose higher in the water column. This only happened a few times and was not much of an issue.

The bait is to be fished in the typical “twitch, twitch, pause” fashion. This bait really excelled at this as it had a very unique glide when twitched. And, because it sinks at a slow rate, I was able to keep it in the strike zone for a long time. I found that on several occasions, the bite came a full three seconds after a “twitch”.

Throughout the day, this bait held up without tearing up at all. I hooked and landed well over 20 trout on the lure and my my son hooked and landed at least 5 on it and the “Original” didn’t show any signs of wear. It worked well and fished shallow water very well. The only down side I found was that I did lose several fish after having them hooked up. More so than those fishing the jigs did. I think this is typical of lures with treble hooks. It seems to me, and I believe, that treble hooks lower the penetration ability of each hook on the lure. I think this can cause you to hook some fish and not have any single hook penetrate all the way through the barb.

It did produce bigger fish than the jigs did… consistently. I don’t know why exactly it did, but it did. Maybe the larger form factor weeds out the smaller fish. Who knows? All I know is that this lure has found a permanent home in my tackle bag. And, if you’re looking for a “go to” big trout lure in shallow water, you owe it to your self to check out the Paul Brown “Original”.

Many products with many uses, Kayrack systems can be used for storage or for mobile transport of your paddlecraft!

The Safety Harbor, FL company Kayracks.com have addressed multiple needs in the paddling and paddle fishing industry.    As their company name suggests, they build racks for holding kayaks and paddleboards for many purposes for storage or transport of your watercraft.    Micah and Stan Sieder came up with the ideas and it evolved into something that is very utilitarian for a lot of people who hold a paddle, store, sell or rent kayaks and paddleboards.   The versatility of their product is something that can be a rack that will attach to a trailer, to fixed wall mounts for garages, docks, kayak shop displays to uses for rolling racks on casters for mobility as well as rolling loaders for assistance in getting your kayak onto your vehicle or trailer.   In the evolution of their designs, emphasis was placed on the concept of solo “loading and unloading” kayaks safely and easily. 

Tested, tough and durable
Their materials have been put to the stress tests and have passed and, better yet, “over-achieved” in some extreme treatment.    The designs meet legal requirements for on the road, incorporate the ease for loading and unloading and will stand up to heavy use.  They are aluminum so they are lightweight and can be handled with ease.  The frame and arms are welded creating superior strength, to easily hold the weight of your kayaks.  

The arms of the rack are an ideal length.   For kayaks that are going on a rack that will be attached to a trailer, it would be wise to get the custom end caps for the arms that will provide a stop for the strap to hold it to the arm for wider boats that push the edges of the limits of the arms.  For safety, there is nothing jagged or protruding to cut or injure the users on the Kayrack products or damage the boats.

The products: 

· The Kayrack- Available in 2, 4, 6 0r 8 kayak systems

· Aluminum kayak wall racks

· Upright paddleboard racks

· The Bulk Roller.    Designed for bulky, wide beam kayaks, the kayracks.com team have done days and days of research and development for loading boats with a roller “assistance” and going from cart to “receiver”.    They offer custom work but their roller system will receive pretty much every kayak that exists.
See this video on the Bulk Roller 

The applications:

The Kayrack products allow flexibility in choosing how you use them and can be utilized in multiple ways.  Mount a kayracks wall rack on your dock for storage of your kayaks with the ability to lock your boats to the rack or dock.   Condo associations on the water would benefit from Kayracks products to give their residents an easy storage option.   Garage or side yard spaces are perfect for mounted or mobile storage of kayaks or paddleboards using a Kayrack wall rack or multipurpose rack.

The T-Square rack, great for storage and can be bolted to a trailer for transport.

U-Bolt mounting allows for easy removal and mobility.  The rack can go in the garage, yard, on the dock but easily bolt to the trailer.    The trailer, a separate component, can be used for other chores because the Kayrack is removable.   

Accessories:
Kayrack pads are an option and designed to fit the Kayrack bars and are available in red, blue or black.  Pads give a soft surface for the boats to rest on and assist in a solid strapdown.
Kayrack straps are another tool and work much better than ratchet straps or rope.   The strap ends feed into the buckle and the straps can be tightened down to the right tension.
Kayrack end caps are custom pieces that can be chosen for your rack arms.   This is a great choice because it provides something to hold the strap tightly to the Kayrack arm for watercraft that take up most of the rack arms.  

Kayrack custom end-caps: A great accessory option for the rack system arms.

The materials, durability and the hand craftsmanship will provide you with something that you will enjoy for much longer than something you build yourself.   The Sieder’s stand behind their product and have been enjoying all the positive feedback from the clients who have been using their rack systems.  

For all dealer or retail inquiries, call 727-809-0210 or email to msieder@kayracks.com

Easy to load and unload, the Kayrack system is perfect for all multi-craft users.

For some of you, this may be completely new.

Many of you will already know what this is and you may have already owned this item for a long time because your first “Grip” is still working just fine.    For others, they are going to go out and buy several to use themselves and keep an extra for when they take a friend along fishing.  This is a tool that resembles pliers and can be opened and then clamped shut in a fish’ mouth, keeping the anglers’ fingers safely away from the teeth of the fish and enables the angler to control the fish, remove the hook, and to revive a fish in the water.   The device is extremely useful for holding a fish for a photo.  It is a tool that helps reduce the chances of harm to both the angler and fish that are going to be released.

The Fish Grip is a tool that is also inexpensive and built to be light, visible and floats- just in case you drop it.  It is also equipped with a wrist lanyard to keep you connected to the Grip.   They are durable, dependable and easy to locate because they are offered in bright colors.  Corrosion?   There are zero parts that are affected by the harshness of saltwater with 100% of the materials plastic and stainless steel.

In action, the grip locks in and stays put once the handle is compressed and it is not going to move.   Once the fish has cooperated by opening its mouth to get the Grip inserted, a squeeze of the hand and the fish is safely locked to the device.  For the release, the Grip handle is reversed and the jaws open to release the grip on the fish’ mouth.  “Grip to lock, flip to open” it works every time!

Color coordination? Carol has the pink Fish Grip that is a spot-on match to her kayak!

Where did Fish Grip begin?
According to Tucker Hoge at The Fish Grip:  “Mr. Don Norton, is the man who invented the product.  He was an avid redfish angler, and was trying to find a way to hold the fish better so he could control them.  He got the idea of making a tool that locks like a vice grip by putting rubber ends on a vice grip and trying it.”  That is where it all started.

“We have been developing this product for 12 years to make it what it is today” says Hoge, who works with the company with his father Cam.   The development of the Grip can be seen with the early prototypes.   Take a look at the evolution of the design:

The end result: A very inexpensive fishing tool that everyone should have with them.  A strong presence in the fishing world, many of the photos you have possibly already seen of The Fish Grip are professional guide photos of their clients holding fish.  If you don’t have one, they are fairly easy to find because retail outlets saw the value in this piece of equipment.

Retail pricing what it is, if you have fishing buddies that you need to buy a gift, this is something they will appreciate for years.   For each one you buy, you are spending under twenty dollars.

If you don’t have one:  “Get a Grip!”

Contact information for The Fish Grip

105 East Rankin St.
Jackson, MS 39201
www.thefishgrip@att.net
601-353-3193

The Fish Grip is a sponsor of the annual Captain Mel Trout and Redfish Classic, with the next event on March 10, 2012

Ricky Turner, one of the top finishers in the first Captain Mel Classic, uses his Grip to help hold his 30-inch redfish for a photo.

The product review was written by Neil Taylor, owner and guide at
www.strikethreekayakfishing.com
(Cell) 727-692-6345
LivelyBaits@aol.com

A new publication by Seaside Publishing (the St Pete Times) was put together by the Outdoor Editor at The Times, Terry Tomalin.  The book is called “Everyday Adventures.  A Florida Outdoors Guide.”       The book is what I would call the “Cliffs Notes” for Florida Adventures.   Get “in the air”, on the water, in the water, underwater, on footpaths, on wheels or do some camping or fishing- the book is a collection of brainstorms to enhance your Florida experience.

PADDLERS ON THE GREAT BIMINI PADDLE BEAT

This book could have just as easily been named “Everything Outdoors” in Florida adventures because Tomalin has covered all aspects and angles.  Many of the things that are identified and described are things I’ve never done or even witnessed.   A family man, he has touched on aspects of family entertainment but there are also a lot of intense activities identified and described that our Florida water and woods users enjoy.   Tomalin doesn’t miss the importance of discussing safety and ethical behavior related to the various activities.   From camping and “ghost stories” to snorkeling for scallops and then to catching tarpon, redfish, snapper, trout, gator hunting to wilder activities such as “Ziplining”, if you are searching for new things to do- get this book.

By boat, wade fishing, piers or paddle fishing: There are great tips for success.

Illustrated with excellent photos throughout the book, the eight chapters break it down into subsections that are specific choices for outdoor activities inside those activity interests.   “Straight to the point”, you can get everything you need to know about how to set up and enjoy your chosen adventure.   Chapter One gives geographic suggestions for paddling activities for the kayak touring folks.  Many of these locations will be very appealing to those who like to take the rod and reel along with them.   Chapter Two identifies ten different fishing venues giving tips on how to successfully target seven species of fish.   Chapter Three is “on foot” with hiking destinations.   Chapter Four identifies underwater activities including scalloping, diving and encountering manatees.   Chapter Five gives a great list of camping destinations, fun tips on telling ghost stories and making campfires.   Chapter Six is cycling and skating with more excellent destination ideas.  In Chapter Seven “surf’s up!” for the people who like to ride the waves or even take-to-the-air for some kite surfing.   Then finally, Chapter Eight “The Wild Side” is a variety of other choices from birding and swimming to tracking down The Swamp Ape!  In total: 80 different activities to enjoy in our state guiding both tourists and Florida residents to anything they may want to try.

Darry Jackson (left) and George Stovall (right) paddle down the Aucilla River.

Copies of the book may be found at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com or ordered at www.seasidepublishing.com, phone: 888-352-2665.  Bulk purchases may be made for wholesalers at special discounts.   On Tuesday, November 22 at Bill Jackson’s Shop for Adventure in Pinellas Park there will be an event to celebrate the new book.

About the author:
Terry Tomalin moved to Florida in the spring of 1980 for the sun and
surf. After graduating from the University of South Florida in 1983,
Tomalin backpacked through Europe, returning a few months later to work
for a small Central Florida newspaper, where his stories on the Ku Klux
Klan resulted in the resignation of a local sheriff. Tomalin joined the
St. Petersburg Times as a police reporter in 1986, but left 18 months
later to explore backpack through New Zealand and Australia. He returned
a year later and transferred to the Sports Department to cover the Great
Outdoors. Over the past years, he has lived with witch doctors in the
Amazon, explored sunken Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico, sailed to
Cuba, canoed to the Bahamas and swam around Key West. Tomalin loves to
fish, surf, paddle and enjoy all Florida has to offer. A fellow of the
prestigious Explorer’s Club in New York City, Tomalin holds a Masters
Degree in Florida Studies and is actively involved in many community
organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America.

Keep up with Terry Tomalin’s future outdoor adventures in the St Pete Times.

By Neil Taylor
Owner and guide at www.strikethreekayakfishing.com

Penn has taken inshore light tackle fishing to the next level with their new line of light tackle fishing rods.  Let me introduce the Penn Legion series.  The Legions have everything you need in a light tackle rod and nothing extra that you don’t need to get in your way on a rod.  These rods were designed, tested and still used today by light tackle anglers all over the world.  I was on the test team for these rods and from the first day I fished them, I really liked them!

There are 19 models in the Legion line and I’m sure you can find a rod or two that will match what ever kind of light tackle fishing you enjoy doing.  One thing I look for in rods today is a rod that is built well, balanced in your hands and its feels good to fish with; I look forward to casting my Legions everyday I use them.  I don’t have that feeling in the back of my head thinking, “I wish I had a different rod to use than this one”.  I have owed rods in the past that just did not do it for me, the Legion is far from those rods; it’s a pleasure to cast every time!

Here are some of the features that really make Legions great rods:

• 100% 30 ton Graphite blank for incredible strength
• Fuji Hardloy guides on all models
• Fuji Reel seats on all models
• Carbon scale; a unique twist of strands of carbon fiber that create a beautiful scale pattern on the rods.
• 19 Models with 16 spinning and 3 casting
• A soft yet durable rubber gimbal on the heavier models in casting and spinning.
• Cork handles on the lighter models and EVA on the heavier models
• Spinning models with lengths of 6’6”, 6’9”, 7’, 7’3”,7’6” and 8’  casting models are all 7’
• MSRP: $99.95 to $119.95

One personal story I have with a Penn Legion medium spinning seven foot rod, is a 54 pound cobia that decided to eat my bluefish jig this last June.  I was out on a beautiful afternoon with my wife just cruising outside of Rich’s Inlet NC; very close to Wrightsville Beach, NC.  I saw a school of menhaden and lots of bluefish working the school of menhaden just outside the inlet.  So I casted my jig in to the school of menhaden and something, much bigger than a bluefish picked up my jig.  After a twenty minute fight and a very tough time of gaffing; we got the 54 pound cobia in the boat.  And what do you know it was caught on a Penn Legion medium spinning rod with a Penn Battle 3000 spinning reel!  The Legion did great under the pressure of a 54 pound Cobia and the twenty minute fight and the Penn Battle spinning reels was just as smooth too after the fight!  That is one day I’ll never forget!

Check out the full line of Penn Legion rods at www.pennreels.com or your local tackle shop.  If you have any questions or comments on the Legions or any Penn products please let me know.

Thanks for reading at B3fishing,

Capt. Jot Owens
www.captainjot.com
captainjot@yahoo.com