Foot fatigue is a common occurrence after a long day standing in the cockpit staring down a trolling pattern. Comfortable shoes that are not only lightweight, but also offer non-skid soles are a necessity and French-made GlaGla shoes began an aggressive campaign to expand into the U. S. boating market at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show last fall. GlaGla shoes are composed of a three-layered micro-perforated sole that’s made from Drytech, an absorbent fabric that offers a bacteria safe system and prevents bacteria growth in the shoe and on the feet. The Drytech mesh construction makes the shoes ultra-light—less than six ounces—while also reducing perspiration by up to 50-percent. The perforated inner sole allows air to circulate throughout the shoe for natural ventilation and lowers the foot temperature up to 11 degrees. GlaGla shoes won’t scuff decks, are uni-sex and are available in 11 colors in sizes for men from 4 1/2 to 12 and woman from 6 to 13 1/2. Contact: GlaGla Shoes at 866-466-2551 or on the web at www.glaglausa.com.
Four new lures make up Todd’s Rigs and Lures Tapered Jet Series and include lures ranging in size from 1 1/2-ounce to 10-ounces in 32 fish-catching skirt color combinations. All models have tapered chrome plated brass bullet-shape jet-style heads that flow water out the rear of the head creating a long smoking trail in the trolling pattern. Each is rigged with single or double-hook rigs utilizing Mustad #7731, #7732, #7691S, #3412 or #3407SS hooks ranging in size from 7/0 to 11/0 and can be trolled at speeds ranging from four to 16 knots depending on the lure size. Recommended leaders are 18 feet though wind-on leaders of six to eight feet can also be utilized. All lures have been field tested on a variety of species including sailfish, blue, white, black and striped marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo, bluefin, blackfin and yellowfin tuna and kingfish and have been used successfully as an artificial lure or when rigged with a variety of natural baits. Contact: Todd’s Rigs and Lures at 407-469-2396 or on the web at www.toddslures.com.
Panoptx, a leader in high performance eyewear for boating and fishing enthusiasts, has introduced several new styles with technology that combines the protection and performance benefits of goggles with the style of sunglasses. The Bora, Churada and Whirlwind are part of the SPF100 (Seal Protection Factor) collection while the Taku, Zephyr, Vortex and Gale join the SPF75 series. The SPF100 series provides 100-percent protection with the patented Orbital Seal eyecup and SPF75 delivers 75-percent coverage through an EVA foam air dam. Panoptx’ proprietary eyecup technology is ideally suited for on-the-water use because it provides a complete shield from harmful glare and irritants with foam-lined vents. The alternative option is the EVA foam air dam which eliminates 75-percent of wind and glare. Polarized, photochromic and color-enhancing lenses are available in any frame style and prices vary depending on lens choice and most frames are available in prescription. Contact: Panoptx eyewear at 775-323-9086 or on the web at www.panoptx.com.
The Penn International V Stand-Up Rod family has four new models for 2008 and all feature soft tip sections that taper quickly to powerful mid and butt sections to offer big-game anglers a rod with the power to turn large gamefish during stand-up battles. All models have one-piece glass blanks, Aftco Roller Guides and detachable aluminum butts and are designed to match with Penn International, Graph-Lite Lever Drag or Senator reels. The VS3080ARD56 and VS3080ARD60 are 5’ 6” and 6’ respectively and are rated for 30-to 80-pound test lines while the VS5010ARD56 and VS5010ARD60 are 5’ 6” and 6’ respectively and rated for 50-to 100-pound test line. Each of the 5’ 6” models has six roller guides plus a roller tip-top while the 6’ models have seven roller guides and roller tip-top. All four models include International cosmetics with wraps and thread selection designed for a clean, custom look. Contact: Penn Fishing Tackle at 215-229-9415 or on the web at www.pennreels.com.
Backing a vehicle to your boat trailer in a parking lot or a tight driveway just got a lot easier thanks to Swift Hitch, a portable, wireless color camera system with built in night vision that can be used to hitch up a boat trailer, in three easy steps. Mount the magnetic camera on your trunk or tailgate, view your hitch on the hi-resolution color display while backing up and then hitch up quickly and safely. Totally portable, both the camera and handheld color display charge from any vehicle 12-volt power point with the handy charge cable that’s included and once charged the unit will run for up to four hours. The fully automatic night vision feature makes hitching up in total darkness a snap thanks to seven built-in infrared lights which provide a minimum range of 15 feet of night vision. During daylight use the camera has a transmission distance of 300 feet. The full color display features a 2 1/2-inch LCD screen and offers a normal or reverse image. Contact: Swift Hitch at 603-319-4909 or on the web at www.swifthitch.net.
Old Harbor Outfitters, manufacturer of innovative fishing clothing and gear, has introduced a line of professional grade fishing tools made with a patented Titanium Bonded technology which is three times harder than stainless steel and boasts the highest corrosion resistance rating in its class. The products, including fishing knives, shears and snips, are crafted by fusing high-tech materials and are designed with a long list of features essential to saltwater fishing, including a corrosion resistant blade, a precision serrated edge and a comfort, non-slip grip for fatigue-free use. The knife line-up has six models and includes pearing knives, bait knives, chop knives and fillet knives and feature blade-through-handle construction and are sold separately. The scissors come with a sheath and the shears will cut wire and 600-pound test monofilament. All tools and knives feature a lifetime warranty. Contact: Old Harbor Outfitters at 203-540-5150 or on the web at www.oldharboroutfitters.com.
