Lew's Speed Stick Traveler rods are ready for fishing when you are.
April 28, 2025
By Ed Killer
Gear updates featured in recent issues of Florida Sportsman magazine. Click to subscribe .
FUJINON STABLE BINOCULARS Offering two levels of magnification in two new models, FUJIFILM North America announced the introduction of its FUJINON TECHNO-STABI TS-L1640 and TS-L2040 binoculars . The powerful 16x and 20x (respectively) magnifications are primarily designed for birdwatchers, but also are ideal for anglers, hunters, boaters, aviators, sports fans, concertgoers and travelers.
“FUJINON TECHNO-STABI TS-L binoculars challenge conventional thinking about high-magnification optics, especially for birdwatchers,” said Mike C. Northrup, Senior Manager of Strategic Business Development at FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “We’ve engineered a way to give birders and other outdoor enthusiasts unprecedented, stabilized magnification while maintaining the compact form and image quality they demand.”
The magnification is powerful in both sets of binoculars. For example, objects that are 160 feet or 200 feet away, respectively, appear 10 feet away.
Advertisement
The objective lens diameter is 40mm which allows more light in creating an image that is 39% brighter than previous released models. The binoculars provide electronic stabilization of the image reducing shakiness. The Fujinon TS-L 1640 and TS-L2040 both have outstanding optical quality and are waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes and are rated for temperatures from 14 to 122 degrees, so they’ll stand up to the elements.
MSRP: $1,199.95 (TS-L1640) and $1,299.95 (TS-L2040)
FUJINON STABI TS-L1640 binoculars. AFTCO REAPER SWEATSHIRT Don’t fear the Reaper, the old song says. This is one case where the Reaper offers protection and performance when conditions demand.
Advertisement
Called the “World’s Best Fishing Sweatshirt” by its designers at American Fishing Tackle Company (AFTCO), the Reaper works well for freshwater or saltwater anglers who like the wrapping comfort of the hoodie, but need an extra defense from the elements.
“It was a collaborative effort taking pro angler insights and feature requests and turning those into a functional garment that resonated with fishing culture,” said AFTCO designer Dino Sakelliou.
AFTCO Reaper Sweatshirt The Reaper has a built-in face mask and neck warmer and is made from ultra-soft microfleece with laser-cut ventilation in the mask and under the arms. It even has an anchoring system that secures the hood during long distance high-speed runs on the boat. Oversized pockets can keep hands warm or store extra items. The sweatshirt has even been treated with stain-releasing technology, too.
MSRP: $79-$89
LEW’S SPEED STICK TRAVELER ROD Florida anglers do it all the time: Drive by a pond or a bay and wonder what kind of fish we could catch there. Bass, juvenile tarpon, clown knifefish or pompano; the mystery eats at us until one day we just have to stop to find out.
Lew's Speed Stick traveler fishing rod. Lew’s Tackle Company has produced Speed Stick Travel Rods —3-piece spinning rods encased in a hard-sided travel tube—with that exact side quest in mind. For anglers who don’t have enough room in their vehicle for a full length rod, this is just the ticket. Pair this strong lightweight rod with a small spinning reel (not included in the price) and be minutes away from discovering what’s lurking in that mysterious body of water.
It’s the perfect companion on the go. The rods begin with a premium IM8 3-piece graphite blank, Fuji Concept O guides, a comfortable reel seat and cork split grip handles. The hard case is perfect for travel or storage.
MSRP: $99.99 in 6-foot-6 Ultra light, Light or Medium
