This is the reel they’ll want for delivering small lures to big, strong fish in adverse conditions. Think Wicked Tuna Jr., magnum tarpon in the minnows, huge snook hunkered in the raging inlet.
The VR50 offers 300 yards of 20-pound braid capacity, and backs it up with hardened stainless steel main gear and pinion and 25 pounds of drag. The machined aluminum reel shrugs off saltwater—in fact it’s waterproof, a kayak- or jetty-fisherman’s dream. Weight is 8.9 ounces.
The calls turkeys die for! One these handmade custom turkey calls from the shop in Melbourne, FL, would be a great stocking stuffer for any Florida outdoorsman. Friction calls include aluminum, crystal and slate models ranging from $45 to $53 (w/engraving). The tones are pitch-perfect for the distinctive vocalizations of the revered Florida Osceola turkey. All calls are sold individually and can be ordered at
www.osceolagamecalls.com.
Every Florida angler needs an ultralight freshwater combo outfit for those summer trips to North Carolina, or winter hikes into Florida’s woods and savannas. The Daiwa Executive Travel series includes a soft pack combo with a 20 series Revros spinning reel (perfect for 6-pound mono) and a 6-foot, 6-inch ultralight rod that packs down into 5 sections. Stow that baby in the smallest of overhead luggage or tuck it into a small backpack and go.
Here’s one to give that boater who’s driven to make long runs into the open Gulf or Atlantic, outside of cellular or VHF range. The SPOT X 2-way satellite messenger, newest addition to the SPOT family, features a full keyboard, paperlit screen, built-in rechargeable batteries and direct communication with emergency services. Plus: The device has a unique phone number allowing friends and family to contact you regardless of cellular coverage. The IP67 rating comes with all the functionality of the original SPOT products including GPS tracking, and check-in. Check out
www.findmespot.com/Holiday2018 for holiday discounts starting November 16th.
SPOT X retails for $249.99 and service plans start at $11.99/month (with Flex Plan options allowing users to turn service off and on when they need it).
If they have a boat, they need a battery charger. If they have a kayak or canoe, they need a charger—for the trolling motor battery they’ll inevitably want some day. Shoot, if they have wading boots... they need a charger, for the car when those lights are left on. Minn Kota’s Portable Charger MK110-PD fits the bill for $84.99 for the 10-amp model and $59.99 for the 5 amp. Both are compatible with flooded lead acid batteries and AGM types (but not gel). The units are fully automated, sensing and adjusting to charging needs for fast, accurate performance.
Want to give a gift that will benefit many folks this holiday season? Donate at Volunteerflorida.org or through one of many regional, national or international non-profit disaster relief specialists. Team Rubicon was on the ground quickly in the wake of October’s ferocious Hurricane Michael, which devastated parts of northwest Florida. Team Rubicon is a 501(c)3 nonprofit unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams, free of charge. Team Rubicon currently maintains a roster of 65,000+ volunteers able to deploy throughout the United States and world. Incident assessment, disaster mapping, debris management, expedient home repair, spontaneous volunteer management is some of what they do.
The good ol’ MP400 tool is still so perfect for fishing because it has those teeny, super-sharp scissors that are ideal for braided line. The needlenose pliers, with the one-handed slide-out operation, are great for hook removal. We’ve rebuilt reels, electrical devices, all sorts of stuff with the pocket-sized Gerber. And the stainless is real stainless. Rinse, apply some anti-corrosion spray now and then, and this $51 marvel will out-last anything in its class.
Cutters! Everyone needs a pair. These are titanium-bonded, 8-inch snips with micro-serrated edge and non-slip handles. Cuda designed the tool for cleanly severing all kinds of fishing line, rope, netting and fins. An integrated wire cutter is included. The sheath has that stylish Prym1 pattern and includes belt loop and lanyard.
Sunglass frames made from recycled fishing nets. The brand partnered with Bureo, the pioneer in recycled fish net products, to turn discarded fishing nets into sunglass frames. The collection is 100% recyclable and made from 100% recyclable materials—perfect for conservation-minded men and women. The four new sustainable nylon frame styles each feature recycled aluminum Costa logos, PLUSfoam recyclable temple and nose pads and mineral glass lenses. The Untangled Collection includes the Pescador, Baffin, Caldera and Victoria styles.
Shown: Pescador with side shields and blue mirror 580G lens, MSRP $269.
Here’s a fishing tool that’s stood the test of time. Marttiini, maker of the distinctive birch-handle Rapala fillet knife, has kept the design basically unchanged in over 50 years. The blade is European stainless steel, full tang, with a progressive taper—thin and flexible for working around bones big or small. That leather Laplander sheath, also a classic, exudes the unmistakable aura of hardcore fisherman. Package includes easy-to-use single-stage sharpener. Four blade lengths from 4 to 9 inches. Hint: The 4-inch blade is the original utility tool for the angler/boater, while the 7 ½-incher is basically the universal Florida fish-cutter. Buy both!
Show your colors this year—and keep a cool head. Columbia’s Performance Fishing Gear (PFG) division offers a variety of styles in mesh lids, including the distinctive fish-pattern flag. Available in small/med and large/XL adult and child sizes, and also adjustable one-size style. That mesh lets the air move, and the dark under-brim stops the glare.
(Suggested by West Marine)
Shopping at your local West Marine this fall? Outfit your crew (including the ladies) with the low-cut, athletic-style waterproof deck boots from XTRATUF. The soles are slip-resistant and non-marking. The boot is hand-laid rubber with a neoprene insert for comfort and protection, plus evaporative cooling liners. With easy-on loops and built-in heel kicks. Other colors also available.
Price: $89.99 men’s in sizes 8-13; $79.99 women’s in sizes 6-10.
This 14Kt. Sunrise on the beach says it all. It is accented with a 14Kt. White Gold Palm Tree to set it off, with 14Kt. Yellow Gold sun and ocean behind it. It sells for $115, and would make a wonderful addition to a nautical jewelry collection. For thousands of beautiful nautical items, visit the website
www.galleonjewelers.com.
