We’ve rounded up a collection of current and new tackle, apparel and other gear for women anglers who anticipate new adventures as the weather warms.

Quicklook: Best Spring Gear for Women Anglers

• Best Bib: Grundens Pisces Bib
• Best Conventional Reel: Shimano Speedmaster II
• Best Stain-repellent Clothing: Columbia Airgill Shirt and Cast & Release Pants
• Best Hybrid Performance/Lifestyle Sunglasses: Costa Mayfly and Aleta
• Best Emerging Fishing Gear Line: Academy H2OX
• Best Lightweight Performance Clothing: Salt Life Tectonic Hoodie and Transcend Fishing Shorts
• Best Inshore Rods for Affordability: Ugly Stik Spinning and Casting Rods
• Best Bug-protectant Clothing: Simms BugStopper Leggings and SolarFlex Hoodie
• Best Sunglasses for Diverse Colors & Lenses: Fin-Nor Cleat and Tillies Bank
• Best Lightweight Inshore Spinning Rod: G. Loomis NRX Inshore 883S MR
• Best Breathable Sun Hoodie: AFTCO Air-O-Mesh
• Best Shorts for Comfort: Marsh Wear Prime Shorts
• Best Sunglasses for Small Faces: Bajio Ozello and Eldora
• Best Saltwater Spinning Reel: Penn Authority Reel
• Best Tank and Shorts Combo: Huk Waypoint Flow Tank and Next Level Short

Grundens Pisces Bibs

Is this a great invention or what? Finally a set of breathable, durable bibs that give women an easy outlet, so to speak, for relieving themselves on the water. The suspenders stay put while the lower bib unzips and swings away. The nylon shell fabric features 10K waterproof performance. Grundens also included a zippered chest storage pocket, corrosion-resistant YKK zippers and hardware, and hook-and-loop adjustable lower cuffs. Available in sizes XS through 2XL, the bibs cost $169.99.

Shimano Speedmaster II

The Speedmaster II lineup just added two new sizes — 8 and 10 — providing reliable options for nearshore and bottom-fishing. The lever-drag reels offer a 6.2-to-1 gear ratio and can retrieve 38 inches of line per crank. Their rigid Hagane bodies prevent misalignment of moving parts under the heaviest loads. The LD 8II holds 200 yards of 20-pound mono or 440 yards of 40-pound braid. The LD 10II holds 215 yards of 25-pound mono or 440 yards of 50-pound braid. The reels can deliver 18 pounds of max drag and cost $229.99 to $239.99. Shop now

Columbia Cool Release Airgill Shirt, Cast and Release Stretch Pant

Offering Omni-Freeze Zero sweat-activated cooling, UPF 50 sun protection and water-and-stain repellency, this long-sleeve tech shirt is 100 percent polyester. Airgill comes with vents, zippered hand pockets, a sunglass cleaning patch and rollup sleeves with snap holders. It comes in pink pop or Gulf Stream (pictured) in sizes XS through 2XL and costs $90. The Cast and Release pants are 95 percent nylon and 5 percent elastane and deliver UPF 50 sun protection as well as advanced stain repellency. The pants come with a reinforced pliers pocket, utility loop, drop-in phone pocket and a 27-inch inseam. Available in cool grey (pictured) or black and in sizes 2 through 16, they cost $80.

Costa Aleta, Mayfly Sunglasses

Costa says that while both of these women’s frames are performance/lifestyle hybrids, the Mayfly (bottom) was intentionally designed for technical use on the water, with input from female pro staffers. The frames feature fully adjustable and vented nose pads, top and side shielding, sweat channels and eye drains, and they start at $193. Aleta sunglasses employ lightweight bio-resin and double-injected Hyrdolite for a better grip. Micro shields and hooding keep excess light out. The Aleta starts at $182.

Academy H2OX

How about a new fishing brand from Academy Sports + Outdoors? The new H2OX line has evolved from the H2O Express brand and includes rods, reels, combos, hard baits, soft plastics, tackle storage, terminal tackle and line, pliers, knives, nets and even more. The gear is designed to hit all angler-experience levels beginning with the Premier Series for entry-level anglers to the Ethos Series, which mixes elevated features and value, and the Evo Series, designed with elite-angler input for premium technology and innovation.

Salt Life Tectonic Lightweight Performance Hoodie, Transcend Fishing Shorts

Made with perforated mesh, flatlock seams and thumbholes, Salt Life’s Tectonic hoodie delivers UV 30 sun protection while wicking away moisture. The lightweight shirt is made from polyester and Spandex, comes in sizes S through XL and in light Aruba, coastal blue (pictured) or grey; it costs $54. Transcend shorts feature four-way stretch fabric, a 4-inch inseam, front slant pockets, mesh pocket bags and an inner waistband, and notched leg slits. Available in sizes 0 through 14, the shorts come in washed navy (pictured) or charcoal and cost $48.

Ugly Stik Carbon Inshore Rods

These new spinning and casting rods are built on 24-ton graphite blanks with graphite tips for lightweight balance, crisp action and increased sensitivity. Ugly Tuff stainless-steel guides eliminate insert pop outs. The nine-rod series also features either cork or shrink-tube foregrips and shrink-tube rear grips. The seafoam ocean-blue rods come with medium-light, medium or medium-heavy power ratings with fast or extra-fast actions in a variety of lengths. They cost $99.95.

Simms BugStopper Leggings, SolarFlex Hoodie

Simms BugStopper Leggings are made from a polyester-spandex, insect-repellent knit blend with a high-waisted fit and wide waistband. Insect Shield protects from mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers and other biting bugs. Available in sizes XS through 2XL, the leggings ($109.95) feature a 28-inch inseam and a thigh pocket and come in sapphire daze (pictured), black, or woodland camo storm. The hoodie ($94.95) comes in bay leaf and bluegrass heather, in sizes XS through 2XL.

Fin-Nor Cleat, Tillies Bank Sunglasses

Depending upon the style of frames you prefer and the size of your face, two of Fin-Nor’s recent sunglass offerings might fit your needs. The Cleat (top left) is described as a male-oriented 8-base frame, but this wide-arm style blocks light and helps reduce glare on the water. Cleat also comes with a venting system, spring hinges, and an adjustable nose pad—to comfortably fit a variety of face shapes. Frame colors include matte blue wave and matte black; various colors of glass and polycarbonate lenses are available. Cleats cost $189. Tillies Bank’s 6-base frame is female-targeted. It comes with spring hinges and is available in flats pool tort, matte deep shallow blue, and honey ripple fade with a range of lenses. Tillies Banks cost $179.

G. Loomis NRX Inshore 883S MR

G. Loomis designed this 7-foot-4-inch inshore spinning rod with an increased rate of tip recovery for maximum casting range and accuracy. Super light, sensitive and strong, this rod features the nano-silica resin system that allows Loomis to use less material without losing strength. The company also uses titanium-framed SIC K-frame stripper guides to keep braided line from tangling on the frames at the stiffest point of the rod. After the first three K-frame guides, Loomis added nickel-titanium RECOIL guides to reduce weight and increase that tip recovery rate. The 883S MR has a split-grip handle, medium-heavy power, and fast action, and is rated for 15- to 40-pound braid. It costs $626.

AFTCO Air-O-Mesh Sun Hoodie

The Air-O-Mesh fabric is highly breathable and made from polyester and spandex. It offers UPF 50 sun protection and is quick drying and stain resistant. The long-sleeve shirt comes in sizes XS through XL and in two colors: eventide heather (pictured) and moonlight jade heather. It costs $55.

Marsh Wear Prime Shorts

AFTCO partner Marsh Wear offers the redesigned Prime Shorts, now with a thinner waistband. The high-rise style shorts have a 4-inch inseam and are made from stretch fabric that provides UPF 40 sun protection. Other features include front slant pockets and a back zippered pocket. The shorts come in sizes XS through XL and in two colors: antler (pictured) and smoke. They cost $55.

Bajio Ozello, Eldora Sunglasses

For spring, Bajio offers these two new women’s frames — Ozello (top left) and Eldora. Ozello is a small-fit frame that’s part of the classic-fishing Wide Body family while Eldora is part of the Tight Lines collection, also sized small but built to transition from boat to bar. Ozello features a non-slip nose pad and rubber temple tips and is made from a plant-based material. Eldora features vented rubber side shields, ergo rubber nose pads and temples, and flex hinges. Both frames are available in three colors with seven lens-color options. Ozellos and Eldoras with polycarbonate lenses cost $209 each; glass costs $259.

Penn Authority Reel

“Authority” aptly describes Penn’s line of high-performance saltwater spinning reels that debuted last summer. The Authority line comes in sizes ranging from 2500 to 10500 and features an IPX8 waterproof-rated sealed body and spool, CNC Gear technology with a stainless-steel gear train and pinion gear, and the Leveline slow oscillation system. The 12+1 bearing system delivers a smooth retrieve, and the Dura-Drag generates maximum drag pressure. The reels cost $499.95 to $599.95. Shop now

Read Next: Women in Fishing

Huk Waypoint Flow Tank, Next Level Short

The Waypoint Flow tank top is made with recycled polyester, rayon and Spandex. The fabric also offers 50+ UPF sun protection. It comes in sizes XS through XL and in crystal blue, Wedgewood, winsome orchid and coral reef (pictured); it costs $60. The top-selling men’s Next Level Short has been redesigned for women. Features include an adjustable waistband, side and back pockets and a 5-inch inseam. The material is cotton, polyester and Spandex. Available in XS through 2XL, and in night owl, new khaki and Sargasso Sea (pictured), the shorts cost $65.

The post Spring Gear Guide for Women Anglers appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Folks flocked to fishing during the worst years of Covid-19 and leading the charge to get outdoors and do some wholesome family angling were women.

According to a recent report by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), 19.4 million women went fishing in 2021. That’s an 8 percent increase in fishing outings since 2019. First-time anglers in that female group were 1.6 million women participants.

Total fishing outings for females in 2021 was 288 million trips.

RBFF says 52.4 million Americans ages 6 and over went fishing in 2021, an increase of 4.15 percent compared to 2019. Fishing and boating flourished during the worst years of the pandemic due to lack of school and professional sports, concerts and other activities involving crowds.

People flocked to fishing and boating to participate in a sport with low risks of infection and to bond with family and friends enjoying the outdoors.

Some of the eye-opening data gathered by RBFF in their report included: 19.4 million female anglers fished in 2021, this was 3.8 million more than in 2011, and 2.8 million more than in 2016; nearly 8 million youngsters under age 12 fished, with 5 million fishing teenagers from 13 to 17 years of age.

Fishermen include 17 percent of all Americans, that’s more Americans casting then playing golf and tennis combined.

Florida ranks number one for numbers of anglers. One out of every four trips in the U.S. occurs in Florida and 60 percent of recreational fish caught in the U.S. are landed in Florida.

The highest region for female participation is the South Atlantic. Its share has the strongest three-year annual growth rate overall.

The fishing industry is dedicated to keeping new American participants fishing, particularly women.

A broad group of outdoor organizations are keeping the fishing fires alive in new participants to the sport, especially women, who are credited with keeping family bonding in the sport so strong.

RBFF says that 99 percent of participants plan to continue fishing this year, thanks to groups such as “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing. The group focuses on attracting women to fishing through educational hands-on programs with networking and fishing as well as online events and promotions. In 25 years the organization has generated thousands of new female anglers. Moreover, they believe, women also bring others to the sport.

Their motto is: “Bring the women, get the whole family!”

The post Giant Recent Increase in Female Anglers appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Rosiere was on a trip with Capt. Andrew Bateman. Fishing for tuna had been slow in recent days, as a cold front had hit the area hard and only small tuna were being taken.

“A few of the other boats had only caught some little peanut yellowfins,” Rosiere reported to Louisiana Sportsman. “We got the hit on the first bait I sent out.”

The bait she used was a standard one for tuna, a hornbelly (Atlantic Bumper) rigged to a 5/0 circle hook. Using a Penn 30-wide loaded with 60-pound braided line with a top-shot of 200 feet of 60-pound monofilament line, the customers were able to fight the fish in short order.

“It kind of got tired or died, because it started to get easier to bring it in after about a half hour,” she says. “Right when I went to go gaff it, we thought it was a bigeye.”

Rosiere has seen and caught bigeye tuna previously off Louisiana, but they are an unusual catch from the Gulf of Mexico.

“They are so rare,” she said to Louisiana Sportsman. “They are fatter. They have shorter fins. The bigger eye and they just look different (than yellowfins).”

Only four other bigeye tuna are listed in the Louisiana record book. None are noted in IGFA as having been caught from the Gulf of Mexico.

Rosiere’s Louisiana bigeye tuna she hooked, fought and reeled in by Roger Miller who was a member of the crew, will rank as a tie for the third biggest fish of the species caught in state waters. The other 179-pounder was taken in 2012 by angler Dominique Chagnon.

Louisiana’s record bigeye tuna weighed 213 pounds, caught in 2018 by angler Brian Neil.

The IGFA all-tackle bigeye tuna was a gigantic 392-pound, 6-ouncer, caught in 1996 by Dieter Vogel at Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, a Spanish island off the northwest coast of Africa.

The post Rare, Huge 179-Pound Bigeye Tuna Landed Off Louisiana appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Salt Life Into the Abyss Performance Legging

Made from 82 percent polyester and 18 percent Spandex, Salt Life’s new Into the Abyss leggings feature a wide waistband, side pockets, slimming seams and a curved back yoke. They wick moisture, deliver UPF 50 sun protection and are antimicrobial. Available in XS through XL sizes, they come in an all-over blue camo print and cost $64.

Simms Santee Flannel Shirt

For those chill mornings ahead — on the river or the bay — the Santee shirt features dual chest pockets with button-flap closure, buttoned cuffs and a finished shirttail hem. The fabric consists of 60 percent organic cotton and 40 percent recycled polyester twill. The machine-washable shirt comes in two colors: soft rose camp plaid (pictured) and seafoam camp plaid. Sizes range from XS to 2XL; the shirt costs $89.95.

Reaper Softshell Zip Jacket

Winner of Best Women’s Lifestyle Apparel at this summer’s ICAST trade show, AFTCO’s latest Reaper is a three-layer stretch ripstop softshell made from 90 percent polyester and 10 percent Spandex. The water-repellent jacket features a Hexatron fleece lining and an integrated face mask with zippered hand and chest pockets. Available in charcoal and in sizes XS through XL, the jacket costs $119.

Read Next: September Women’s Fishing Apparel

Recover Brands Sport Elite Long Sleeve Tee

Recover Brands has released its newest collection of Sport Elite shirts for fishing, hiking and other activities. The shirts are made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, and they are fully recyclable at the end of their life through the company’s Closed Loop Program. The fabric features a micro-waffle-knit technology that dries fast and wicks moisture while draping and stretching for comfort. The women’s long-sleeve tee comes in copper (pictured), dusk blue, moss, and frost in sizes XS through 2XL, and costs $40.

The post October Women’s Fishing Apparel appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

AFTCO Field Shorts

Available with a 3 1/2- or an 8-inch Bermuda-style inseam, AFTCO’s Field Shorts are made with ripstop nylon and feature a Spandex waist. The shorts offer UPF 40 sun protection, front pockets, a cellphone pocket, and zippered back pockets. The shorter-length pairs (pictured) come in charcoal, ecru and moonlight and cost $49. The Bermuda version is available in ecru or moonlight and costs $55. Sizes range from XS to XL.

Bajio Palometa

While not exclusively fashioned for women, Bajio’s new Palometa frames are a sized-down version of the company’s popular Bales Beach shades. These medium frames feature the wraparound style with built-in side coverage that’s favored by anglers. They also come with rubber temple tips, flex hinges, and blue-light-blocking polarized lenses in polycarbonate or glass. Frame colors include black matte, amber tort gloss and tinta tort gloss (pictured). Opt for one of seven different lens colors including copper, gray or mirrored versions. Prices range from $199 to $249.

Free Fly Bamboo Lightweight Long Sleeve

Previously the Women’s Weekender Long Sleeve, this 70 percent viscose from bamboo, 30 percent polyester blend T-shirt offers UPF 40+ protection. The lightweight fabric is highly breathable; the flowy silhouette enhances mobility and comfort. The shirt also comes with thumbholes for better protection of the hands from sun. Available in orange dusk, washed orchid, glacier and cape blue and in sizes XS through XXL, the shirt costs $58.

XtraTuf Sharkbyte Deck Shoes

XtraTuf has introduced two new colors in its Sharkbyte deck shoes: Smoke Blue/Fishewear Dolly Vee print and Salmon Sisters Tan/Sand Dollar print — both created in collaboration with women designers from Alaska. The Sharkbyte shoe is lightweight and features a water-resistant canvas upper, rear pull tab, reinforced leather heel panel, and a non-marking chevron outsole. The shoes come in sizes 6 to 11 (half sizes included) and in medium widths. They cost $100.

Salt Life Ocean Bond

Featuring UV30 sun protection, left chest heat transfer, thumbholes, flatlock stitching and moisture wicking properties, Salt Life’s new long-sleeve raglan Ocean Bond jacket is made from 88 percent polyester and 12 percent Spandex. The full-zip, mock-neck layering or casual piece is available in light Aruba, coastal blue, or grey and in sizes S through XL. Ocean Bond costs $60.

The post September Women’s Fishing Apparel appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Attention women fly anglers who love the Montana scene: Simms has reinvented its original Chica de Mayo women’s fly-fishing event as Women are Fly. The first WAF get-together is scheduled for May 13-14 at The River’s Edge West fly shop in Bozeman. Activities include a Simms fashion show, talks on conservation, raffle drawings, focus groups, and casting and knot-tying instruction.

At noon on May 14, the event transitions into the Four Corners Fly Fishing Festival—hosted by The River’s Edge and Fins & Feathers—with manufacturer representatives from a wide range of fly fishing brands talking product and giving demos.

Simms hopes to schedule more Women are Fly events through the year, helping to build a comprehensive women’s fly-fishing community. The events are free.            

Visit Simms Women are Fly for more information.

The post Women’s Montana Fly Fishing Event Debuts in May appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

When Lucy Berg was in her early 20s and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, she chose a job working on heavy equipment and vehicles. Despite the fact that she scored well in the aptitude test, the male peers in charge of the shop made it a little tough for her to fit in.

“In my 20s, when I first entered the career field, there were some stereotypes, and I had to work 10 times harder to prove that I belonged in the same shop as the guys,” Berg recalls. She overcame the challenges, moving up through the ranks before moving on from the Air Force. Today, Berg is a respected product specialist with Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. where she has taught courses and trained master technicians.

Looking back, Berg, now 47, said her break came in the form of another mechanic in the Air Force shop that took her under his wing. “He was active duty, working on vehicles like the rest of us, and he used the slow time to train me,” she says. “It built up my confidence, and then he started to give more complicated jobs.”

When she moved on to a new shop at a new base, Berg’s gender wasn’t an issue. “I just grabbed the job I wanted and did the work,” she says. From the shop, she moved into instructing other mechanics and that was a game-changer.

“The best confidence booster was becoming a teacher, and once they saw what I could do, people knew me and they said, ‘She’s one of the females we have who could do it,’” Berg says.

She spent the first three years teaching engines and hydraulic and electrical systems on cargo loaders for newly enlisted students — some of whom had never touched an engine. From there, she taught advanced electrical and hydraulic classes.

When her enlistment expired in 2005, Berg went back home to Tennessee, where she attended the University of Tennessee and earned a degree in English literature. After graduating in 2008, she wrote for marketing agencies until a position opened for her to work on a project management team for the Air Force in Warner Robins, Georgia, for a civilian contractor. She worked on Mine-Resistance Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles for three years. She started a family and raised two boys, Nathan and Sean, who are now 10 and 7, respectively.

In 2018, Berg saw an ad for an instructor position at Yamaha Marine’s U.S. headquarters in Kennesaw, Georgia, and applied. “I had to learn real quick about this motor that was turned on its end and had a propeller coming out of its driveshaft,” she explains. “But I do know how motors work, and I’m a good teacher.”

She taught mechanics for two full seasons on in-line four cylinder and smaller four-stroke outboards and was promoted to instructional supervisor. “I feel like I helped a lot of people,” she says of her time as an instructor.

Read Next: 50 Greatest Women’s World-Record Catches

The promotion put more managerial responsibilities on her plate, and she helped refine the training programs before she moved on to the Product Specialist position that Berg says is the best of all worlds for her skillset. She became a subject-matter expert on the product and can share that knowledge with original equipment manufacturers and consumers at events like boat shows and dealer meetings.

“We do a lot of relaying engineering data and translate engineering speak into regular lay-person language for marketing and sales collateral,” she says. “I get to teach again, which I love, and I get to help people understand what I know about products.”

Today, Berg is a single mom raising her sons and letting them see that gender isn’t an indicator of ability. “We go boating together and they see mom drive the boat,” she says.

Looking toward the future, she sees more women coming into the technician career field. “I have had the pleasure of witnessing an influx of a number of younger women coming into the career field,” she says.

The post Spotlight: Yamaha Product Specialist Looks at the Progression of Women in her Technical Field appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

G. Loomis has expanded its IMX-Pro Blue series with seven new models. Courtesy G. Loomis

G. Loomis IMX-Pro Blue

G. Loomis has expanded its IMX-Pro Blue rod series with one new casting rod and six new spinning rods geared toward southeast coastal fishing. “They are do-it-all rods that are sensitive enough to throw a light bait like a live crab with accuracy, but also sturdy enough to pitch a 10-inch mullet to a seawall, and then stop a big snook that’s charging for a dock piling,” says G. Loomis pro Capt. Mike Holliday of Stuart, Florida. The new medium-power, fast-action casting model measures 7 feet 9 inches; the spinners range from 7 to 8 feet in length with medium to medium-heavy power. All of these one-piece rods feature a multi-taper design, Fuji K-frame guide train, premium cork handles, and Fuji reel seats. They cost $390 to $435.

Huk Women’s Rogue Wave

Huk’s Rogue Wave ankle deck boots now come in women’s whole sizes 5-11 and in solid white or the Running Lakes overcast gray pattern (pictured). The boots feature a rubber and neoprene upper, a Grip-X outsole traction pattern, an 8 mm molded EVA footbed, and reinforced webbing pull straps. Weighing 38 ounces per pair, Rogue Waves cost $90 to $100.

ACR Bivy Stick

ACR’s Bivy Stick turns your cellphone into a satellite communication device with global coverage via the Iridium satellite network. Features include two-way text messaging, emergency SOS, location sharing, one-touch check-in, and detailed weather reports. The Bivy Stick also provides users with a dedicated phone number and email so that others can reach you rather than you having to initiate contact. Pair the Stick with its accompanying app to chart all your adventures. The unit weighs 3.5 ounces, measures 4.3 inches long and 1.75 inches wide, and costs $199.95 (monthly subscription required).

Costa WaterWoman 2

Costa debuted a sequel in 2020 to its original award-winning WaterWoman sunglasses. The WaterWoman 2s feature a larger fit made for a variety of face shapes and sizes. The glasses come with angled temples, CAM-action hinges and color-contrasting Hydrolite accents. Pair the frames, which come in four colors, with glass or polycarbonate, polarized 580 lenses. WaterWoman 2s range in price from $189 to $269.

Penn Battle III

The third iteration of the popular Penn Battle spinning reels—Penn Battle III— marries CNC gear technology with HT-100 carbon-fiber drags and a full metal body. The reels come in sizes 1000 to 10000 to tackle any size fish. Depending on the model, gear ratios range from 4.2-to-1 to 7-to-1, and braided line capacities range from 160 yards of 6-pound to 490 yards of 80-pound. Available in red-and-black or gold-and-black, the reels cost $119.95 to $169.95.

Bubba’s 8-inch Chef’s Knife makes a great all-around kitchen tool. Courtesy Bubba

Bubba 8-inch Chef’s Knife

For an all-around kitchen tool, a chef’s knife is ideal for slicing, dicing and chopping. This 8-inch Bubba blade is made from German stainless steel, optimized for hardness. It features a red, wood-grain G10—fiberglass-based epoxy resin laminate—handle that measures 4 ½ inches long. The chef’s knife costs $104.99.

Yeti Hopper Flip 8

Whether packing refreshments for a day of kayakfishing or just heading to the beach, the Yeti Hopper Flip 8 is super portable and holds up to eight drink cans with ice. The square-shaped Flip is made from a high-density fabric resistant to punctures and UV rays and treated to discourage mildew. The waterproof and leakproof zipper keeps the contents cool while creating a wide-mouth opening for easy access. Flip also comes with Coldcell insulation, made from closed-cell rubber foam. Available in charcoal or navy, Flip 8 costs $200. Need to carry a bigger load, opt up to the Flip 12 or 18.

Columbia Skiff Guide Knit Long-Sleeve Shirt

This Performance Fishing Gear women’s shirt features Columbia’s Omni-Shield and Omni-Shade technologies for stain repellency and sun protection. The UPF40 shirt is made with recycled polyester; it comes with thumb holes and mesh venting. Available in sizes XS through 2XL, and in four colors–Gulf Stream, red hibiscus, white, cirrus gray—Skiff Guides shirts cost $50.

Read Next: Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Smith’s Regal River Fishing Pliers with Sharpener

Machined from 6061 aluminum and featuring stainless-steel jaws, Smith’s new fishing pliers come with five key features. The split-shot crimper helps anglers add weight to their leaders; the side-cutter snips braided line; a diamond hook-sharpening groove hones points; a stainless-steel split ring opener aids hook or lure changes, and a fixed-angle knife sharpener keeps fillet blades ready. The 8.2-inch long pliers weigh .55 lb. They come with a sheath and coiled tether and cost $72.99.

The post Fishing Gifts for Moms appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

West Marine has partnered with the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s Take Me Fishing program to host in-person and streaming demo events taught by female angler pros around the country.

The inaugural Women Making Waves series will take place at 6 p.m. each Wednesday in April. The events are free and open to all, although RSVPs are encouraged because in-store space is limited. The events will be held at select West Marine stores and streamed to the company’s social media channels. Register here.

Here is the schedule:

• April 6: Nicole Jacobs in Minnetonka, Minn. Jacobs is a professional angler from St. Paul, Minn. who empowers others to follow their passions through faith and fishing. She’s an avid bass angler and has competed in tournaments across the country since 2013.
• April 13: Annie Nagel in Sausalito, Calif. Nagel, a Sonoma County native, is a professional kayak angler who takes her fishing skills up the coast from Monterey Bay to Humboldt in Northern California. Although she’s happy to catch any edible saltwater fish, her favorite targets are king salmon, rockfish and lingcod.
• April 20: Tiffany Risch (aka Snookie) in Virginia Beach, Va. Born and raised in Virginia, Risch (known to many as @SnookieFishing) dedicates her life to fishing. She’s worked as a deckhand alongside some of the best anglers in the business, honing her knowledge of the sport in freshwater and saltwater fishing.
• April 27: The Gale Force Twins in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. During their time at University of Miami, Amanda and Emily Gale spent every summer break and long weekend on a busy fishing charter boat in Key West. It was there that they honed their fishing skills and earned their U.S. Coast Guard 50 Ton Captains licenses. Today, the duo runs Gale Force Twins, LLC where they build fishing communities and provide resources for saltwater fishing and boating.

Read Next: Women in Fishing

The post Women Angler’s Fishing How-To Series Set for April appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

In this short video, Chris Woodward, SF executive editor, unboxes a new pair of Bajio Paraiso violet mirror sunglasses. The polycarbonate lenses feature a red base and a violet mirror and are designed for low-light conditions, with a 20 percent light transmission level. The Paraiso frames fit medium faces, making them a good product for women. Woodward will do some on-water testing with the lenses soon.

The post Unboxing: Bajio Paraiso Violet Mirror Sunglasses appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.