PAYING ATTENTION TO DETAIL WILL BRING ANGLING SUCCESS
Writing an article about fishing related accessories can be difficult without sounding like the Home Shopping Network. For me, fishing is not just a hobby but a way of life and the gear I use matters. Every tool I own has its own function, and each year there are plenty of innovations and inventions to make life easier.
There are also plenty that are a waste of money, and I have been duped plenty of times myself. I feel like I have developed a keen eye for what products truly perform, and what ones will end up in a sale bin at the end of the year. I’m going to share the most helpful tools for your boat and tackle that I have come across this year that make my time on the water more efficient and enjoyable whether a seasoned tournament pro or a weekend warrior.
THE SMART USE OF TECHNOLOGY
As technology advances, I’ve found myself using my phone for various reasons more and more. With advancements in navigation apps, satellite imagery, tunes, culling apps, weather and water levels, it just makes sense to always have it handy.
I’ve never had a good mount for it before and would usually use some form of “bush league” fixture to hold my $1200 iPhone and have found myself on the lucky side of a few bounces. This year I upped my game and finally installed a quality phone holder on the dash of my Lund and couldn’t be happier.
I checked out a few options before I pulled the trigger, and eventually settled with a Quadlock system as it appeared to be the most rugged and they have a line up designed for marine use. The only problem is I tend to ignore calls when I’m on the water, and now everyone knows my phone is out, front and centre, so that excuse is burned.
A LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP
Love it or hate it, sonar technology is a vital tool for modern anglers, but it comes at a cost. Other than the monetary cost of purchasing the unit, a more important cost is the physical toll it can take on your body. Staring down at a screen on the deck of your boat all day is guaranteed to cause some kind of discomfort.
MORE COMFORT BRINGS MORE SUCCESS
I switched it up this year and installed an ergonomic telescopic sonar mount. By providing adjustable positioning and reducing strain on your body, this mount enhances your comfort during long hours on the water. With an ergonomic sonar mount, you can maintain a relaxed and upright posture, focus on interpreting sonar readings, and make informed fishing decisions without sacrificing your physical well-being. It improves accessibility, efficiency, and injury prevention, making it an essential addition to your fishing boat if you’re doing a lot of long days on the water.
BEING ORGANIZED MAKES LIFE EASIER
In the last little bit, I have been travelling a lot nationally for Bassmaster tournaments, and something I learned really quick is the importance of organization. The old systems I had in place quickly crumbled under pressure, so I have put some time in this year to finding some storage devices that fit my needs and budget.
PROPER STORAGE
One thing I have stumbled on this year is just basic plastic ammo boxes for various items around the boat. I store every emergency tool I could need in one, culling equipment in the other, and use one as a catch-all for various items to keep the clutter down. I think I picked up a 3 pack for less than $20 and it’s been one of the best additions of the year.
TACKLE SAVERS!
More on the tackle side, I’ve started employing the use of the new Rapala RapStack boxes in combination with Z-Man Bait Blockz. Hard and terminal goes in the RapStack trays while all my plastics go in the Bait Blockz.
I’m an absolute mess during a tournament, and this system can quickly rebound from a scatterbrained tournament week. Another tray that I can’t recommend enough is the foam filled RapStack tray. I use this for high-end jigs that I want to keep organized and ready as well as hair jigs.
They can also be a good time saver by filling them up with pre-rigged baits prior to a fishing trip that saves the hassle of tearing through all of my tackle. The foam insert allows me to store everything neat, straight, and handy.
I’m going to continue to seek out the best and most durable products I can find to share with my readers and followers. There is a lot of trial and error involved, and I hope my mistakes in the past will help you out moving forward. Stay safe out there, respect the resource, and have fun!