May 18, 2017
By Jeff Simpson
Weego 44
Weego 44 promises to be a huge insurance policy in a small package for boaters. It's a compact jump-starter for gas engines up to 6.4L when batteries fail. Housed in a neat kit, it also serves as a powerful flashlight and has a 12-V outlet and USB port to charge cell phones and other electronics, $144.99, myweego.com .
Insulated Bottle & Flask
GSI Outdoors offers the Glacier Stainless Microlite 500, a lightweight insulated bottle, and the Glacier Stainless Flask (6- and 8-ounce sizes) for toasting great catches — $22.95 to $34.95, gsioutdoors.com .
The Angler's Pint
Karen Talbot, an artist and scientific illustrator who specializes in fish, offers The Angler's Pint, a 21.5-ounce German-style beer glass adorned with several different gamefish — $15.00, anglerspint.com .
Revo Toro Rocket 60
Features X-Craftic alloy frame and sideplate, Duragear Heavy Duty system for increased fighting power and extended gear life, and the InfiniMax braking system for maximum adjustability and handling large lures. An aircraft-grade aluminum spool is strong and light for greater casting performance, while a titanium-coated line guide reduces friction and improves durability. It has an extended bent handle for increased cranking power, and large EVA knobs (also Includes Power Handle and Casting Power Handle). Max drag is 25 pounds. High-speed 7.6:1 gear ratio brings in 42 IPT, $399.99, abugarcia.com .
SHIMANO TRANX 500
Revolutionary design and shape provide the comfort of low profile with the capacity of a conventional reel in 4.6:1 and 6.6:1 gear ratios. X-Ship and HEG technologies provide cranking power with a smooth, effortless retrieve. Offered in high-gear (HG) and power-gear (PG) models to cover a range of applications. Max drag 25 pounds, IPT range 30 and 43, depending on line, $499.99, shimano.com .
Daiwa Big Game Spinning Reel
The new version of Daiwa's BG has gotten leaner and meaner, with oversized gears and a Hardbodyz aluminum body and side cover that add strength, as well as corrosion- and scratch-resistance. A Dynamic Cut ABS Spool maximizes spool diameter for easy casting for distance, thanks to reduced friction. It also sports 7 ball bearings, a waterproof drag, and machined, oversize handles. Nine sizes, with the 4000 to 8000 models of most interest to pike and muskie anglers, $99.95 to $129.95, daiwa.com .
Wiley X WX Boss
Wiley X continues to offer more great shades for anglers, including three models with "climate control" with a facial seal to block wind, dust, and sunlight. Moreover, they're ANSI-rated, offering full eye protection. The WX Boss is available with a Venice Gold mirror lens that provides great sun protection and also reveals the underwater world, $150.00, wileyx.com .
Force Extreme
Force Extreme Shoreline Angler Jacket and Bibs from Carhartt keep you dry and fight odor. Force Extremes powered by 37.5 Technology dries sweat and enhances waterproof breathable performance to help maintain your body's ideal temperature — $259.99 (jacket), $259.99 (bibs), carhartt.com .
Bass Telescopic
The Eagle Claw Wright & McGill/Skeet Reese Tournament Series of six extra-long telescoping rods (making storage easy) is built with Pro Carbon and S-Curve blank technology for power and light weight. The rod butt counter-balances the tip to make casting comfortable and efficient — $119.99, eagleclaw.com .
GLX Bass Specific
The newest generation of G. Loomis GLX rods are 20 percent lighter and with a handle design that enhances rod balance, in 35 models for specific bass techniques — $420 to $465, gloomis.com .
