Fishing & Boating News

End The Century In Style With The Perfect Gift For The Outdoor Person In Your Life.

by: Ron Giudice, Blue Heron Communications

(Monday, November 22,1999 - Norman, OK) Shake off any thoughts of the Y2K blues with a Christmas gift or stocking stuffer that says the season shall be merryºas long as it's spent outdoors. Here's a wish list that any outdoor gal or guy can't help but savorºfrom fishing tackle to shooting gear and maybe even a little outdoor garb thrown in for good measure. So start making your list and checking it twice.

For the Angler:
Center drag spinning reels-from Abu Garcia. Abu Garcia's Swedish engineers have created center drag technology and developed the most durable spinning reel ever built. With over twice the fish fighting power of front drag, and four times that of rear drag, the Pro Command center drag adjustment allows the angler to be in total control at all timesºfrom setting the hook to landing the fish. Eight models to choose from wherever fishing tackle is sold, priced at $79.95 and $109.95.

Tackle Logic offers great soft storage and organizing bags for today's angler. The Kevin VanDam Signature Series, endorsed by current and three-time B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam, is specifically designed to house the Tackle Logic Organizers. The system comes complete with three 3830 Tackle Logic organizers, one 3840 Tackle Logic Worm/Spinner File and one 3650 Tackle Logic Bulk Storage Utility™. Suggested retail price is $54.99.

There are Tackle Logic Wraps for spinner baits, worms, hooks and weights, crank baits, just about anything today's angler uses. Tackle Logic Wraps are inexpensive, small and keep tackle organized and easy to find. Priced around $10.

Berkley's Portable Line Spooling System. The Portable Line Spooling System removes the unpleasant aspect of spooling line onto fishing reels. Great for bait cast, spinning and spin cast reels, the system comes complete with cutters and a battery powered line stripper. Compact and lightweight, the system is easy to take on trips and the line spooling station requires no electricity. Available at sporting goods stores and tackle stores, the complete system retails for $29.95.

Tim Tucker's "Pro Angling Insider"- for the serious angler. The aspiring pro, veteran tournament fisherman, guide or tournament director would certainly appreciate a new, one-of-a-kind bi-monthly newsletter that will help them make more money in the business of fishing. Tim Tucker's Pro Angling Insider is a bi-monthly, 8-page newsletter that covers the business side of fishing like nothing before it. It is written by Tim Tucker, a senior writer with BASSMASTER Magazine who has covered the tournament scene for nearly two decades. Endorsed by Ray Scott, Bill Dance, Davy Hite and others. An annual subscription is only $39.95. Call toll-free 800-252-FISH to subscribe.

Stop boat trailer runaways with Coverlay Wheel Chocks. Trailer chocks are considered a must by tournament anglers and recommended for all others. They need to be strong enough to hold a trailer on a slight incline yet small enough for easy storage when not in use. Coverlay's Boat Trailer Chocks are sold in pairs and rated for a trailer weight of 1800 pounds. Available from Cabela's, Academy or by ordering direct from Coverlay by calling 800-633-7090. Suggested retail price is $9.95/pair.

Plano, the icon for tackle boxes. Plano offers a tackle box for any situation. The Model 758 four-drawer tackle box follows the traditional solid construction made famous by Plano. The new design includes four roomy wormproof drawers to hold plenty of tackle with adjustable dividers to create up to 53 compartments. The deep top storage will hold bulky equipment and includes four removable spinner bait racks. Built-in side handles hold pliers, file or lures. Priced at only $24.99. Plano utility boxes are priced right at just $2 to $7 each. Available in over a dozen sizes, the see-through boxes are perfect for any angling application. Also great for the hobbyist, in the garage, with sewing materials and anywhere storage and organization is needed.

Coleman Family Fishing-novice anglers can now pick their "catch of the day." Bass, walleye, panfish and trout are targeted with the new spinning and spincast kits from Coleman Family Fishing, which provide everything the angler needs to get started. All Coleman Family Fishing products are designed to meet the unique needs of the 200 million Americans who are "beginning" anglers, or don't fish at all. Outdoor Technologies Group has partnered with Coleman to produce these easy-to-use fishing products. Each kit also includes line, lures and a tackle box. Available nationwide starting at $29.95.

For the Outdoor Enthusiast:
Flowmaster Exhaust Systems. For those who pull a bass boat or camper, drive the backcountry 4X4 to get to deer camp or hard to reach scenery or the cross-country RVer, Flowmaster Exhaust Systems are the perfect gift. Engineered to reduce back pressure at peak performance levels, Flowmaster systems result in improved engine efficiency and fuel economy because engines run cooler and deliver more power. Mufflers and full systems are available for most vehicles including RVs. Call 800-544-4761 for the nearest dealer. Mufflers start at $50.00, full systems start at $200.00.

Gerber's compact tool delivers full size performance. Gerber's Multi-Plier® 400 is the first compact multi-function tool with premium features previously found only on full-size products. This includes locking components, one-handed opening pliers, and stainless steel construction. The Multi-Plier 400 has needle nose pliers that can be opened with the flick of the wrist, invaluable for unhooking fish. Tools include: Fiskars scissors which cut all braided fishing lines, knife blade, small, medium and large regular screwdrivers, bottle opener, can opener, and Phillips screwdriver. Other features include wire cutters and a wire crimper. Tools lock in place once opened. The Multi-Plier 400 weighs six ounces, comes with a ballistic cloth sheath, and is backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Available in sporting goods stores and departments nationwide, the Multi-Plier 400 carries a suggested list price of $62.50.

For the Hunter:
Marlin Firearms "Papoose." This go anywhere, do anything 22 rifle is a perfect all around choice for young and old alike. The Marlin 70PSS breaks down in seconds for easy transportation, and features a 7-shot, nickel-plated magazine, self-loading side ejection action, with stainless steel breech bolt and barrel. The famed Papoose comes with an abbreviated fore end synthetic stock, 16-inch/16-groove barrel, and adjustable open sights. Overall length is 35 1/4 inches and the gun's total weight is 3 1/4 pounds. This tough, accurate little 22 comes with a special padded carrying case with built in flotation. Priced at about $250.00.

Shooter's Apparel from Smith & Wesson. Now your favorite shooter can wear the Smith & Wesson logo on a variety of quality enhanced outdoor clothing >from the firearms manufacturer based in Massachusetts. Smith & Wesson offers a wide selection of shooting shirts, sweaters, caps, protective glasses, hearing protection and several styles of warm, rugged outdoor wear ranging from classic oiled cotton shooting jackets to warm-ups and windbreakers. For a copy of the 2000 catalog featuring all the latest selections from quality Smith & Wesson shooters apparel and accessories, or to place an order, call 800-331-0852.

Bonner Technologies' Game Finder-helps hunters locate downed deer, waterfowl, turkeys. Retrieving downed game is crucial to sporting ethics. Now Bonner Technologies Group makes finding fallen game far easier with a high tech sensing device called Game Finder. Each unit "senses" temperature differences. When a temperature difference is detected, LEDs light up. Repeated scans indicate the direction to the kill. Three Game Finder models are available in brown, Advantage™ and Hardwoods™ camo patterns. The small manually operated Model GF-JR is compact, fitting easily into shirt pockets for immediate access. Retails for $99.99 where hunting equipment is sold.

Gun Owners can take Plano to the field. There's a Protector Series gun case for the rifle, shotgun or handgun. These home-to-field hard plastic cases come with Plano's easy to open and close extra secure latches, a large, molded into the case handle and a full length piano style hinge. Firearms up to 52 inches long will fit easily and securely into the long gun Model 1511 container which features extra thick side walls for additional protection. Under 10 dollars. The Model 1404 Protector Series pistol case holds up to four handguns. Priced at $12.99.