Today’s revolutionary technology, specifically the Internet of Things (IoT), has granted anglers the ability to monitor their boat location, security and vital signs remotely via a mobile app. Now, Siren Marine is making that experience even better with the newly upgraded Siren Connected Boat mobile app featuring integration with Yamaha outboards.

Features of the new app include real-time vessel security, multiple and flexible boat-monitoring and tracking functions, as well as conveniences such as remote digital switching for control of onboard systems from a smartphone or smart watch virtually anywhere in the world.

Yamaha Integration

Yet, the biggest news lies in the Siren app’s integration with Yamaha’s Command Link Plus. It enables the app to automatically remind boating anglers and their preferred dealers about scheduled maintenance requirements and due dates based on actual engine use, as well as maintenance records as updated by either the servicing dealer or the DIY boater.

Boat dealers have the ability to install Siren 3 Pro devices at their dealerships. What’s more, some boatbuilders now offer Siren 3 Pro as standard equipment on select boats. The builders include Grady-White, Regulator Marine and Skeeter.

Cellular or Satellite Connection

Siren 3 Pro is the third-generation remote boat-monitoring and telematics platform that operates over a global 4G/5G LTE cellular network with the option to add SirenSat (an offshore antenna) for customers that leave cellular coverage. Options for monitor sensors include wired and wireless, as well as connection to the NMEA 2000 network. There is also a new low-power mode that extends battery life during times when full functionality is not needed, such as during winter storage.

The new app is available now for download in the US. For boaters who already have a Siren Marine system, the app will update seamlessly on their mobile devices. The new app is free for basic service, but requires installation and activation of the Siren 3 Pro main device and cellular service. Siren 3 Pro system hardware starts at $797 with cellular plans as low as $18.75 per month.

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Yamaha has released a new 350-hp outboard that promises big power in a lightweight container. To get even more ponies out of the company’s popular V6 block, Yamaha engineers harnessed a variety of technologies that make the new powerplant more powerful, efficient, and easy to use.

The F350 has a slightly longer stroke than the F300, squeezing 4.3 liters of displacement out of the block. Yamaha designed a new camshaft to get the extra travel out of the pistons, which provides more torque at lower speeds. One takeaway here is greater hole shot potential. Despite the added power, the compression ratio is 11:1 which should allow the motor live a long life.

Larger intake and exhaust valves contribute to the added power, letting the motor breath more freely. Yamaha says the intake manifolds offer 40 percent larger surge tanks than the F300, and the electronic throttle valve is 8 percent larger, which enhances airflow through the motor. Iridium spark plugs were utilized for more efficient spark, adding to the power equation. New fuel injection control mapping, which produces a longer injector duration than the F300, completes the air + fuel + spark equation and results in more power.

Yamaha’s sleeveless, plasma-fused cylinder technology reduces friction and enhances heat distribution. Oil cooler capacity was increased from the F300 to keep everything running smoothly. To protect the outboard, Yamaha incorporated the same water sensor found on the XTO 450 for overheat control.

A redesigned cowling includes an air duct designed to drain any water that might make its way in. Plus, the new cowling exhaust port, combined with a new stator fan, keeps everything under the hood cool. Speaking of stators, Yamaha says the electrical power output on the F350 is also enhanced. This should allow anglers to recharge batteries even at lower RPMs, so accessories and trolling motors should stay strong all day long.

Added power was necessary in the lower unit, so Yamaha came up with a beefier model that can handle the added torque. Despite the stronger internals, they were able to keep the exterior dimensions the same as others in the company’s line. Of note is the new Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust that provides more response when backing down. In this system, the exhaust is directed away from the prop to provide clean water so the blades get more bite.

Control of the motor is effortless, thanks to Yamaha’s Digital Electric Steering (DES). Used in concert with Helm Master EX boat control system, the F350’s DES provides cleaner rigging and more room in the bilge, according to Yamaha. The F350 also incorporates the same TotalTilt technology used throughout Helm Master EX capable DEC outboards.

The F350 is available in 25-, 30- and 35-inch shaft lengths. The 25-inch shaft version of the F350 weighs 629 pounds; 642 pounds for the 30-inch; and 653 pounds for the 35-inch model. The bigger gear case uses the same propellers as the F300. The new outboard is offered in Yamaha’s pearlescent white, traditional gray, or the new classic white.

“Boaters asked for it, and we delivered,” said Ben Speciale, president of the Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “The F350 is the perfect big power, light-weight option for a wide variety of applications.”

The Yamaha F350 will be available in Spring of 2024. To learn more, visit yamahaoutboards.com.

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Someone hands you a gift. You shake the box. Turn it over and inspect the shape. Balance the package on one hand to judge its weight. Then, you pluck off the bow, break the ribbon and rip through the wrapping paper. If one of the on-the-water gifts on our holiday gift guide is in the box, you have been a good boy or girl this year. (The products are listed in alphabetical order.)

Bajio’s Shop for the Shallows Campaign

During the holidays, everyone is looking for a little something different. Bajio sunglasses offers a great deal for customers and our coastal waters when buying a pair of sunglasses. When you purchase a pair of Bajio’s high-definition polarized sunglasses, Bajio gives you a cool gift and makes a donation to an environmental cause of your choice. You can choose to support oyster reefs, mangrove restoration or ocean plastic mitigation. Along with your new sunglasses, Bajio sends you a trendy camp cup with an illustration representing your preferred cause. 

Berkley Highjacker Saltwater Lure

Every tackle box needs a selection of walk-the-dog style topwater lures to imitate a baitfish zig-zagging across the water. Berkley’s new HighJacker Saltwater takes the place of all other surface walkers. The unique hydrodynamic shape is perfect for imitating smaller baits. Flat sides make the lure easy to walk at any speed. A walk-the-dog topwater is a great search bait. To increase casting distance and cover more water, the HighJacker uses an aerodynamic shape and tail weights. Predators attack a topwater lure with reckless abandon, the HighJacker’s 3X strong, anti-rust and slick sharp hooks make the fish pay for its mistake.

Humminbird APEX 13 MEGA SI+ Chartplotter

Whether you’re searching for bunker schools in the Northeast, looking for red drum schools in the mid-Atlantic, clocking tarpon in the South or paddy hopping out west, the name of the game is side scan and live sonar. But these advanced sonars are only as good as the multifunction display. Humminbird rewrites the book with the APEX 13 MEGA SI+ Chartplotter. Starting with the high definition, customizable touch screen, the APEX provides crystal clear images of fish and structure. The 13-inch screen is a perfect compliment to Humminbird’s famous MEGA side scan and live sonar. Using a super high power transducer signal, the MEGA produces the most accurate representation of the world under the water. To accommodate a wide range of transducers, the APEX 13 is outfitted with a variety of ports and plugs. With the One Boat app you can control downriggers, trolling motor and anchor systems from one display.

King Sailfish Mounts Mini Mount

So you want to commemorate a trophy catch with a mount, but you don’t want to take up a ton of wall space? The solution is a King Sailfish Mounts Mini Mount. These 16-inch-long fish representations are crafted and painted with the same accuracy and quality as King Sailfish’s famous taxidermy. The Mini Mount is cast in polyester and hand painted to look just like a real fish. There’s no better way to remember your first swordfish, longest smallmouth, or heaviest snook than looking at a perfect copy hanging on the wall. 

Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Trolling Motor

Trolling motors are popping up on backwater skiffs and offshore rigs. The convenience of maneuvering the boat and locking it in position has inspired anglers to take trolling motors to new waters. Minn Kota has redesigned the Riptide Terrova to be tougher and easier to use. First, the composite shaft is guaranteed for life. Then, the new brushless motor has been updated from the mounts to the software. Real time battery monitoring and digital maximized power control squeeze every watt out of the battery. As part of Humminbird’s network, the Riptide can be controlled and monitored from a smartphone app.

Newport Tiller Extension Handle

The only limit to adding a motor to a kayak or paddleboard is rigging the steering controls. Instead of running wires and cables, you can use Newport’s Tiller Extension Handle. The carbon fiber handle and silicone grip keep the Tiller Extension handle light and comfortable. An oversized adjustment knob makes sure the tiller handle stays attached to the tiller. The tiller handle comes in three sizes to accommodate any size boat or board. It even works with gas motors on powerboats. Whether you have a Newport electric motor or another brand outboard, the Tiller Extension Handle is an easy solution to rigging controls.

Pelagic Chubasco Bibs

From fall through spring, I wear rain bibs from the time I walk on the boat until I step back on the dock at the end of the day. Heavy and awkward rain bibs sap my strength and cause my shoulders and spine to complain. Pelagic’s Chubasco Bibs allow me to forget I’m wearing rubber pants. The key to comfort is lightweight, four-way stretch, two-layer PVC material that is waterproof and tear resistant. Adjustable shoulder straps hold up the bibs without excessive pressure on my shoulders. My favorite feature is snaps at the leg cuffs to adjust the bib length and keep my pants from dragging on the deck. For day to day fishing, a light pair of bibs blocks wind and spray without causing fatigue.

Penn Fathom Low Profile Baitcasting Reels

For the past three seasons, I’ve used PENN Fathom Low Profile reels for sight fishing red drum and cobia. I switched from spinning reels to baitcasting for better line control and more accurate casts. To stand up against the toughest predators, Fathom Low Profile offers a full-metal body, brass main gears and bearing-supported pinion. The solid package supports the powerful carbon fiber drag washers. The largest models include a synchronized line guide and drag system. As the fish pulls drag, the line guide moves back and forth to reduce stress on the line. The Fathom Low Profile comes in 200, 300 and 400 sizes with up to 30 pounds of drag pressure.

Plano Edge 3700 Swimbait Box

Leave it up to Plano to reinvent the tackle tray … again. The new Edge series takes tackle storage technology to the next level with every advanced feature available. The sturdy one-hand latch and solid steel hinge pins combined with a rubber O-ring keep out moisture. Plano’s Rustrictor corrosion prevention and WaterWick absorbent material further reduce corrosion. Edge tackle trays come in all the popular sizes and dozens of customizable configurations. They fit in tackle storage systems designed for traditional tackle trays. The latest edition to the Edge family is the new Swimbait Box. The unique tackle tray can be outfitted with traditional dividers. Or, to keep large swimbaits and glide baits separate, unique hangers suspend the lures so they don’t contact the sides of the box or tangle other lures. 

Salt Life Aquatic Journey Performance Flannel Fishing Shirt

Modern fishing shirts are designed to perform like athletic wear and look office casual. The Salt Life Aquatic Journey Performance Flannel Fishing Shirt packs a lot of performance into a versatile shirt. On the fishing side, the Performance Flannel is UV and odor resistant with moisture wicking fabric. Two chest pockets with button flaps hold swivels, crimps and other gear I don’t want to lose. A hidden pocket is the perfect size to carry my sunglasses. On the town, the Performance Flannel has a scalloped hem and adjustable sleeves with internal snaps to look sharp at dinner. Of course, the urban camo pattern with hidden gamefish looks cool just about anywhere.

Savage Gear Manic Shrimp RTF Lure

When the water is super clear, nothing fools fish better than a lifelike shrimp imitation. Savage Gear’s latest Mantis Shrimp is designed in six realistic colors and modeled after a 3D image of a real shrimp. The articulated tail and wiggly appendages let the Mantis Shrimp move as good as it looks. Even after a fish attacks, the ruse is not up. The Mantis Shrimp is impregnated with realistic scent and a rattle to complete the presentation. The integrated weight and laser sharp hook are designed for jigging or fishing the Mantis shrimp under a popping cork. 

Shimano Teramar West Coast Fishing Rods

West coast anglers are notoriously tough on their fishing rods. That’s why Shimano updated the Teramar West Coast line to meet the demands of offshore and inshore fishing. Starting with a T-glass blank wrapped in carbon fiber tape, the new Teramar WC produces incredible power with the impact resistance of the graphite outer layer. The most common point of failure is a broken line guide. The new Taramar WC uses Seaguide line guides with beefy frames to avoid corrosion and protect the guide ring. All inshore models feature cork grips while the offshore rods use diamond pattern foam grips. Shimano even included a casting rod with Deck Hand style grip for hardcore, long distance casting. 

Siren 3 Pro Maine Device Smart Boat Monitoring System

As soon as I leave my boat, I start to worry. Did I forget the shore power? What if the bilge pump fails? Is the boat sinking, on fire, stolen? When I can’t see my boat, every disaster imaginable passes through my mind. Siren Marine Siren 3 Pro alleviates my anxiety anywhere and anytime. The Siren 3 connects to boat systems and wirelessly sends status reports to my smartphone. Using wired and wireless sensors and connecting to NMEA networks, the device tracks boat conditions in real time and keeps me informed of an emergency. Even when I’m at home, I can keep an eye on my boat.

XTRATUF Men’s Ice Fleece Lined Ankle Deck Boot

If you’re going to design a boot for walking on wet ice, you better make it warm. XTRATUF achieved both objectives with the Men’s Ice Fleece Lined Ankle Deck Boot. The boot outsole uses certified slip resistant rubber compounds to keep a solid footing even on wet surfaces. The rubber upper is 100 percent waterproof with neoprene ankle patches for all-day comfort. Inside the boot, faux wool lining traps heat and dries fast to keep your feet warm even on the ice.

YETI Stackable Mug

Everyone has a favorite coffee mug. It may be chipped, cracked, stained and ugly, but a coffee drinker’s favorite cup is a best friend, sidekick and adventure buddy. Well, get ready to ditch your current beverage vessel for YETI’s new Stackable Mug. As the name says, the camp-style mug is designed with a wide mouth and low profile for easy stacking. YETI’s version is built around an 18/8 vacuum sealed body that keeps beverages hot to YETI’s high standards. To prevent liquid from sloshing out of the wide-mouth mug, the company includes its clear-plastic lid with magnetic slider opening. But nothing beats the taste of hot coffee from a ceramic mug. To combine the experience of a ceramic mug with the performance of an insulated mug, YETI lined the inside of the Stackable Mug with stain and stick resistant ceramic.

The post 2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Anglers and Boaters appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

One word describes the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show: Big! With multiple venues, hundreds of exhibits, and more boats, motors, electronics and accessories than you can imagine, this show can be overwhelming. But if you’re looking to live large, this is the show for you. The 2023 show did not disappoint. Here are some of the big products for boating anglers I saw at FLIBS this year.

Formula 457 FISH

Formula Boats staged a huge announcement at FLIBS. It introduced a big new center-console: the Formula 457 Fish. The company presented a detailed scale model of the new boat, and the real thing will be at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2024.

“Built to your preference, from hardcore fishing to upscale sport cruising, or a little of both, the 457 will match your boating style,” Formula’s Scott Porter announced. “Opt for foldaway aft seating and pressurized bait wells, plus the bait station and fully appointed tower command for a fishing battlewagon. We will build a boat to suit your wants and needs.”

At 47 feet, 7 inches in length with a beam of 13 feet, 9 inches, the 457 will boast a 700-gallon fuel capacity and up to three Mercury Verado 600-hp V-12 outboards. Two rows of helm seating will accommodate eight crew members in comfort. Speaking of comfort, a fully appointed cabin will make long cruises and overnighting at the islands a genuine pleasure.

Grady-White Canyon 386

Grady-White Boats always seems to make big news at FLIBS, and this year was even more spectacular with the debut of the Canyon 386 center console. Mirroring the best design elements of the Grady-White flagship model, the Canyon 456, the 386 offers an immense amount of deck space.

“You’ll find no other boats of its class with the magnitude of square footage that we’ve been able to create in our design process,” said Grady-White Product Designer Christian Carraway. “With an eye toward fishability and luxury, we’ve crafted a boat that’s both rugged and refined.”

With a length of 36½ feet and beam of 13 feet, 2 inches, the Canyon 386 features four luxurious helm seats and a spacious, fully appointed cabin accessed from a sliding door on the helm deck. The roomy cockpit has side doors on both sides, dual 35-gallon transom livewells, and a 291-quart insulated refrigerator/freezer fish box with a digitally controlled thermostat. A fold-away transom bench seat offers extra seating, but tucks away quickly when the angling action heats up.

On the forward console is an inviting lounger and posh seating in the bow. The updated engine area eliminates the traditional motor well and supports triple Yamaha XTO Offshore 450-hp outboards, now available in classic white to perfectly match the iconic Grady-White gelcoat.   

Aquila 47 Molokai

The ranks of big offshore-capable power catamarans welcome a new member at FLIBS: the Aquila 47 Molokai. The double-step 45-foot, 8-inch-long cat hull features carbon-fiber forward and aft main bulkheads to create the structural strength required for up to four powerful 400-hp outboards. High tunnel clearance creates an air cushion and reduces hull noise when trolling. The deck level offers 360 degrees of walk-around space, and the forward platform grants elevation when cast-netting for bait to fill the twin 42.5-gallon transom pressurized livewells. There are 180 gallons of in-sole fish-box capacity and two 74-gallon forward coffin boxes.

Port and starboard side doors ease boarding of crew and big fish. A console sliding door at the helm offers access to the cabin boasting a queen berth and an enclosed head with a shower for cruising and overnighting. Expansive hull-side windows provide cabin illumination. The hardtop integrates stylishly with the full-height windshield, protecting two rows of helm seating for up to seven crew members.

Garmin GPSMAP 9000 Series

Talk about big! Garmin’s new GPSMAP 9000 chartplotter series is available with 19-, 22-, 24- or 27-inch touchscreen displays. The multifunction displays (MFDs) boast stunning 4K resolution with edge-to-edge clarity, and are powered by a processor that’s seven-times faster than previous generations. They also feature the new Garmin BlueNet gigabit network for comprehensive, high-speed connectivity throughout the boat with sensors and other networked devices.

Each new MFD can be flat or flush mounted, and offer in-plane switching (IPS) touchscreen displays that can be seen from all viewing angles, even with polarized sunglasses. The GPSMAP 9219, 9222, 9224 and 9227 come preloaded with Garmin Navionics+ mapping that includes Auto Guidance+ technology for faster and more detailed route calculations.

ICOM IC-M510BB Black-Box VHF

ICOM’s new IC-M510BB represents the latest in VHF technology, letting you expand your VHF accessibility throughout the boat. All operations, including DSC, can be made from the CommandMic allowing the VHF radio unit to be installed in an out-of-sight place and as far as 60 feet from the CommandMic. Up to three of the CommandMics can be connected to the IC-M510BB, which allows it to double as an onboard intercom system on large boats. NMEA 2000 networking capabilities provide plug-and-play data communication with other electronics such as an MFDs. The radio can also share GNSS (GPS) position, AIS, and DSC calls with other onboard equipment. The unit has a last-call voice recording function that automatically saves up to two minutes of a recent incoming call. A built-in 15-watt amplifier increases the audio output to an external hailer speaker, and there’s built-in hailer function that also sounds foghorn patterns.

The post What Caught Our Eye at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

SiOnyx Nightwave

Night vision isn’t just for zombie hunters. When the sun goes down, boaters turn on the SiOnyx Nightwave Ultra Low Light Marine Camera. The Nightwave digital camera enhances nighttime images to see a man-sized object up to 150 yards away. On a moonless night, the Black Silicon BSI CMOS sensor is capable of producing clear images on a standard multi-function display. To provide the widest image, the camera has a 44-degree field of view. With the SiOnyx Nightwave mounted to the boat’s hard top and connected to the GPS and fishfinder display, you can watch for navigation aids and hazards without taking your eyes off the water. Price: $1,995

Penn Prevail III

Night fishing is tough on gear. Rods and reels bang around in the dark and I don’t notice the damage until the next day. To keep up with the abuse, Penn beefed up the latest generation Prevail III fishing rods. Line guides are the first thing to break. The new Prevail III uses Dura Guides, one-piece stainless steel line guides without a guide ring that can crack or pop out. While a night fishing rod has to be tough, it also must be sensitive for casting, working the lure and detecting a light bite in the dark. That’s where I appreciate the 100-percent, 24-ton graphite blank. The material is strong enough to withstand abuse and still transmit every bump and bite. Somehow, Penn put together a graphite rod with cork grips for $99.95 for the medium action and $109.95 for the medium-heavy model.

Berkley Powerbait The Champ Swimmer

The end of daylight savings time doesn’t cut short the time I spend fishing after work. Instead, losing an hour of daylight increases the time I spend fishing in the dark. One of my favorite pursuits is chasing striped bass, redfish and speckled trout in the dock lights of my neighborhood tidal creek. When I’m targeting fish in the lights, I look for a wide-body soft plastic that sinks and swims slowly. Berkley’s Powerbait Saltwater The Champ Swimmer is perfect for casting into the lights. Even when the wind is blowing, I can cast The Champ accurately beneath the boat dock or the edge of the shadow. A wide profile gives The Champ a larger silhouette in the lights. When I land a perfect cast, I want the lure to stay in the strike zone. The heavy tail and large shoulders allow the bait to swim or sink slowly. Best of all, Berkley has added PowerBait attractant to saltwater soft plastics. The Champ is one of seven new soft plastic models with a special scent and taste package for saltwater fish. Available in 13 colors and two sizes (3 inches and 3.8 inches) for $8.99.

Astral E-Ronny

For a little extra confidence when I’m kayak fishing after dark, I zip up and tighten down my life vest. I’m looking for a comfortable vest I don’t mind wearing. Astral’s E-Ronny life vest uses the highest quality, environmentally friendly components and materials with smart features for fishing. To provide storage without taking up space, the E-Ronny has a large pocket for a smartphone or VHF radio, plus a smaller pocket for tackle or tools. I like the mesh pocket added to the front of each large pocket for a little extra storage. Instead of placing foam high on the back like other fishing PFDs, the E-Ronny uses a thin panel of foam in the back, which is more comfortable for canoes and for fishing kayaks with a frame seat. The E-Ronny comes in four cool colors and three sizes for $135.

Toadfish Cutting Board

In the fall, I’m always on the go. I need a fish cleaning board that can keep up. Toadfish’s Folding Cutting Board fits in my surf bag and my fish box. I use the smaller version for cleaning fish when I’m away from home. Then, I keep the larger model on the boat to make quick work of the catch when I return to the dock. I’ve even thrown the folding cutting board in my suitcase for road trips. The board features a two stage knife sharpener so my blade is ready for the toughest fish. The top of the board is covered with food-safe high density polyethylene and the bottom of the board uses rubber pads to prevent slipping. The standard size (12 X 16 inches) is $40 and the X-large (14 X 22 inches) board costs $45.

Shimano ARMAJOINT

Just like a kid in a Halloween costume, a fishing lure tricks a fish with a treat. Shimano’s new line of ARMAJOINT jointed swimbaits takes the imitation game to extremes. To capture the realistic flash of a bait fish, inside the ARMAJOINT a thin foil sheet with holographic scales suspends on tiny springs. Every time the lure moves, the sheet vibrates to throw off a disco ball flash. For the longest casting distance, the ARMAJOINT uses magnets to fold the lure into an aerodynamic package as it flies through the air. When the lure lands, the magnets release and the bait swims naturally. All of this technology would be worthless if it didn’t work. The engineers at Shimano poured all their experience into designing a reliable swimbait with technology that will amaze the fish. The new swimbait is available in five colors for $42.

RELiON InSight 12V Battery

When the sun goes down, the navigation and deck lights come on. The added power draw requires a reliable battery for night fishing. RELiON InSight 12V Battery is up to the task with overbuilt design and advanced performance. For vibration resistance, the InSight is built with a steel backing plate and bolted connections. To improve rigidity, the cells are housed in aluminum casing. An IP67-rated case keeps out water and dirt while still letting heat escape. To protect the electronics, the InSight uses an advanced battery management system that controls charge and discharge and prevents overheating and overcharging. Lithium batteries cost significantly more than traditional lead batteries, but they last longer and weigh less. The RELiON InSight is built tough and smart to get the most out of LiON’s advantages. Price: $1,199.95

Daiwa Free Swimmer

Fishing in the dark requires more finesse than daytime fishing. Predators seem more wary after sunset, so a free-swimming live bait is just the thing to convince a large snook, speckled trout or striped bass to bite. A spinning reel, like Daiwa’s Free Swimmer, allows the angler to cast a light live bait and then let it swim naturally. When the fish strikes, slam the free swimmer in gear and the circle hook comes tight. Then Daiwa’s best reel technology takes over. The new Free Swimmer uses larger and more robust gears along with a metal sideplate to produce greater pressure on the reel handle. The carbon fiber drag uses grease with a low start-up viscosity. This means the drag engages easily and then turns up the pressure as the fish turns up the heat. The Free Swimmer’s freshest models are in 3000 or 5000 sizes, your choice for $149.95.

Columbia PFG Bonefish Quarter Zip Pullover

After the sun sets, fall nights cool fast. For an extra layer of warmth when the temperature drops, Columbia’s Bonefish Quarter Zip Pullover is suited as an outer layer or mid layer under a heavier shell. The versatile fleece allows me to control the heat whether I’m freezing while I wait for a bite or sweating while I fight the fish. To lower the heat, I open the quarter-zip collar. A soft chin guard on the high collar keeps the zipper from irritating my neck and face. To turn up the furnace, I cinch the bottom hem to block out cold air. Fall weather is unpredictable, the Bonefish Quarter Zip makes comfort more predictable. To fit any angler, the Bonefish Quarter Zip Pullover comes in five sizes from S to XXXL and three colors for $75.

Z-Man ZWG Weighted Swimbait Hook

Fish hunt at night by looking for bait silhouetted in the moonlight. A suspended or slow-sinking soft plastic on a weighted weedless hook makes an easy target. Z-Man’s ZWG Weighted Swimbait Hook addresses some of the challenges of using a weedless soft plastic. To secure the soft plastic to the hook, the ZWG uses a plastic bead at the hook bend and a plastic collar at the hook’s eye. The thin lead weight prevents snags by sliding through grass and over rocks and oyster shells. In the dark, I feel and hear the bite before I see the fish strike. The ZWG has a dual tapered hook point to set the hook before I realize I’ve had a bite. To match a variety of soft plastics and target species, the ZWG offers three hook sizes (3/0, 4/0, 5/0) and each hook sizes has three sinker sizes. A pack of Z-Man ZWG Weighted Swimbait Hooks runs $6.49.

The post Fall Fishing Gear for Nighttime Trips appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Garmin has announced the new Force Kraken bow-mount electric trolling motors. These are engineered for the rigors of saltwater fishing with pivot-style mounts, durable marine-grade components, brushless motors and longer shaft lengths for today’s big bay boats and offshore center consoles fishing machines. They also feature a variety of remote control choices, GPS guidance, advanced anchor lock, and voltage options that make the new motors user-friendly.

“We are excited to build on the success of our Force trolling motor and bring new mounting options and features to even more anglers in both the saltwater and inland markets,” says Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “From power and durability to integration and innovation, Kraken has everything anglers want and need from their trolling motor and more.”

Benefits of Brushless Motors

Kraken’s brushless motor will run on either 24 or 36 volts. It uses a high-efficiency propeller to produce 100 pounds of thrust on a 36-volt system, or 80 pounds on a 24-volt system. At the same time, the Kraken’s brushless technology is extremely efficient and whisper quiet so anglers can fish longer and avoid spooking fish, according to Garmin.

Utilizing multi-band GPS signal reception and integrated AHRS (attitude and heading reference system) for heading hold, Kraken delivers precise boat positioning. In calm conditions, the Kraken can decelerate the motor when it’s within approximately one meter of the user-selected location. And in rough conditions, Kraken will apply more aggressive motor speed for improved performance on larger boats.

Multiple Control Choices

Wireless integration with Garmin chartplotters allows anglers to create routes, patterns and tracks for the trolling motor to follow, and a new illuminated arrow on the trolling motor head allows anglers to confirm the boat’s heading at a glance.

A wireless handheld remote permits navigation from anywhere in the boat. The floating, waterproof remote can control the Kraken’s virtual anchor lock, autopilot functionality, heading hold and point-and-go gesture steering. With a compatible Garmin smartwatch such as the Garmin quatix 7 series, anglers can control Kraken’s steering, anchor lock and more, right from their wrists.

Sonar Integration

Select Kraken models include a built-in GT56UHD all-in-one transducer with Ultra High-Definition ClearVu and SideVu scanning sonar along with chirp traditional sonar. Additional Garmin transducers can be added, and Kraken’s brushless motor technology allows for clear returns with extremely low levels of unwanted noise from electrical and mechanical interference.

Anglers can for the first time install forward-facing sonar such as LiveScope on a pivot-style trolling motor by conveniently routing the transducer cable inside the trolling motor shaft thanks to Kraken’s new LiveScope cable management system to keep the LiveScope cable safe from damage during stow or deploy and deck space free of clutter.

Saltwater Worthy

Kraken is engineered and built to withstand the rigors of marine fishing conditions with a sturdy composite shaft and components featuring advanced corrosion protection. It’s backed by a three-year limited warranty and a lifetime limited warranty on the shaft. The propeller is designed with a thinner leading edge to reduce resistance and maximize thrust, while the trailing edge is engineered to decrease aeration of the water that can cause cavitation and interfere with thrust.

Expected to be available in October 2023, Kraken will be offered in white in 63-, 75- and 90-inch shaft lengths, or black in 63- and 75-inch lengths. Both black Kraken models are sold with a GT56UHD transducer. Suggested retail prices range from $3,699.99 to $4,299.99. For more information, visit garmin.com/force.

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Lumishore says the Lux Lighting Collection is the world’s first marine-grade, fully color-tunable DC smart lighting. The system includes new strip, neon flex, down and courtesy fixtures. All can be centrally controlled from compatible multifunction displays, a Lumishore touchscreen display, switches and any internet-capable smart device. Control vessel lighting with a simple palette wheel to select color and a horizontal slide bar for intensity and white balance or use optional presets and effect modes. All units can be mounted above or belowdecks. Pricing varies per style and model.

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Pettit Marine Paint has released two multiseason bottom paints—Odyssey HD and Trinidad HD—that are covered by an 18-month hull-defense limited warranty. Odyssey HD combines controlled polishing ablative technology with a high copper content to handle the toughest marine environments coast to coast. It’s compatible over most finishes, is compliant with federal VOC (volatile organic compounds) regulations in all states and does not build up over time. Trinidad HD provides dependable in-water antifouling protection while meeting the 330-grams-per-liter VOC regulations. The product features a high-copper load, does not require movement and works well at the dock or underway. Pettit does not set retail pricing, but online rates ranged from $195 to $230 per gallon.

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Designed for the outdoors, whether aboard boats or set up for shore lunches, the propane-powered Firedisc Cooker features a lightweight portable structure that disassembles for easy stowing. Two stand sections nest together without tools or hardware; the 22-inch-diameter cooking disc sits atop the stand. Available in two heights (24- and 36-inch), the cooker is made from powder-coated, tempered, ultra-high carbon steel to combat corrosion. It operates on a 16-ounce propane canister and adapts to a 20-pound tank. A separate wind helmet helps battle the elements. The cookers come in red or black and cost $329.99 and $349.99.

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The underwater-coatings ­specialists at Propspeed have partnered with transducer-maker Airmar Technologies to create Foulfree, a foul-release coating designed specifically for transducers. Foulfree combats marine growth to keep your electronics transducer clean and to streamline water flow, allowing your fish finder to perform optimally. Propspeed says the coating is biocide free and forms a super-slippery surface over the transducer; it lasts a minimum of 12 months. Foulfree comes in a 15 milliliter tube with an applicator brush, abrasive pad and clean wipe. It costs $39.99.

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