Crossing Industries

I recently was doing some internet searching for different products for my boat and for fishing in general.  When I am bored, it is not out of the ordinary for me to just hop around the web on Google and other search engines looking for fresh ideas and ways to get a better deal or an edge on my competition.

An angler needs lots of dependable and weather resistant gear, but I kind of got to thinking, so do other people.  What other industries could have some cross over gear that would be well built and serve the needs of anglers as well.  Hunting is pretty well parallel to fishing, as many particpants do both sports.

One cool find was a website for Tactical Clothing and Outdoor Gear.  Their focus is on serving the Law Enforcement and Fire Industry. A product range that covers clothing or tactical gear, such as 5.11 Tactical, Surefire flashlights, police equipment, Benchmade knives, police gear and military gear they need and want.

For the most part fishing stuff is not cheap, but is not always as rugged as it could be for years or hard fishing, which makes me think that some of the clothing, flashlights, knives, tools and other gear could be a good fit for a bass anglers' boat. If it is good enough for law enforcement and military needs, it should be good enough to serve for years of dependable fishing.

So what other industries or sports do you borrow gear from for your bass fishing?

Protecting Your Face

The following is an article I can across & written by Jason Baggett, an avid bass fisherman who spends countless days pounding the water for fat bass and good times. I am not sure if this is better reminder to protect your face or tighten the nut on your trolling motor prop, but a good read either way.

Several good friends and I fish the DAV Tournament every year not only to support their efforts and the awesome job they do in providing support to Disabled Veterans, but as a gathering point for all of us friends who don’t see much of each other during the year.

The 2009 event started off with the normal smack talk at the dock that had been accumulating in the months prior, and although it was nothing serious, there were some painful feelings leftover from the 2008 event which included a broke trolling motor cable that ruined the day of my good buddy “Gator”.

I had the privilege and honor of using some of the best bass gear over the years, including a 2009 BassCat PUMA (awesome boat!) & fishing with Bobby Kelly, a good friend of mine from Southern Arkansas. I knew from previous experiences and current conditions, the ride upriver was going to be brutal, and advised Bobby of it as we secured our Save Phace masks onto our blockheads. Now, before you start thinking this is a shameless plug for Save Phace masks, read on…PLEASE!

As we approached Big Piney, I noticed we were first for a reason, the waves had grown to swells, 8ft – 10ft respectively. Good Ol’ Bobby was not only a trooper but believed in me to get us fishing, and not swimming. No prob Bob, we’re in a BassCat! We finally reached our destination, and fishing we go! Fast forward two hours.

Bobby and I decided to run back down the river. We were rockin’ and rollin’ down the Arkansas (wearing Save Phace S.U.M.’s), I noticed the Trolling Motor prop spinning backwards, and then I seen a black dot. WHACK! As I gently took the boat down from running speed, I reached down and grabbed the kill switch and pulled. To this day, I still don’t know why I just didn’t turn the key off. Then I felt Bobby pulling on my life jacket, as I saw an array of swirly black dots, in a semi-knocked out trance. Bobby started asking me if I was “OK”, as I pulled off my mask, trying to gain some kind of conscience of what just happened. I looked at him, and said a bird hit me… a coot hit me!

Bobby now concerned more than earlier, told me, “the trolling motor prop hit you dude.” To my disbelief I was OK! A bit dazed, but no harm done. AMAZING.

After we gathered our thoughts, saying a thankful prayer, Bobby and I both sat there in complete awe of what had just took place. After we both knew everything was OK, we headed back down to Russellville Marina where my wife and son were. When we finally got to the marina we met Gator and his partner, by complete accident. He couldn’t believe

what Bobby was telling him as I talked to my wife and explaining the circumstances, and informed her of where to go to find another prop. After an hour of waiting, we found another prop, and went back to fishing!

Now, even to this day, my good buddy Gator, will call, email or text “Go eat a prop” as a gestural reminder to all of us the dangers that lurk us anglers. I’m not only thankful for wearing the Save Phace S.U.M. that day, but I’m equally thankful that it did what it states: it saved my Phace, and quite possibly my life.

See Video As Well

Is there anything handier?

Really, is there anything more handy then a good multi-tool on the boat or in the field. This past spring, I picked up a Leatherman Blast, and I think with a roll of duct or electrical tape and my Blast, I can fix anything I need to on my boat. It's light and compact enough to always carry in your tackle bag or box and takes up less space then a bunch of specialty tools.

The pliers can tighten nuts, like your battery terminals which need to be checked often. The screwdriver saved my bacon when my front depthfinder mount came loose during a tourney on Lake Michigan. I also have used my knive to cut lures free from underwater ropes that i have hooked, which when throwing a $16 japanse crankbait, the blast can pay for itself very quickly!

So if you don't have a multi-tool get one for your fall fishing and hunting excursions, or think about getting one for your outdoors hubby for Christmas!