Barletta isn’t chasing trends. We’re setting them.
Executive Editor Brady L. Kay
Assistant Editor Rebecca Blackson
Editorial Staff Nicole Richens, Roy Sparks
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Shannon Mitchell, Lane Lindstrom
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Greg Larsen, glarsen@pdbmagazine.com
Kevin Malcom, kevin@pdbmagazine.com
Circulation Director Chuck Harris
Lead Designer Laci Thompson
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Publisher Brady L. Kay
Executive Editor Brady L. Kay
Circulation Manager Chuck Harris
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On a typical weekend, eight PWCs, six pontoons, and three bass boats will all cruise through my fishing spots—guaranteed! To top it off, all six anglers in the three bass boats will be throwin’ the same bait that I am.
emember that a great boating trip starts with smart preparation. The right gear doesn’t just make your day more comfortable—it can make all the difference when it comes to safety. Here are some important essentials to consider so you can focus on the fun and not the what-ifs on your next boating adventure.
The KIDDE Mariner Fire Extinguisher from West Marine is built to withstand harsh marine conditions with superior corrosion resistance, is easy to operate and maintain with a 12-year service-free design, and features a slender form to fit into tight spaces. It’s rated 10-B, effective on Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (electrical equipment) fires and includes a polymer mounting bracket that meets U.S. Coast Guard approval. (www.westmarine.com)
Life Cell tackles many of these safety elements in a marine safety device designed to store essential emergency equipment in one accessible, buoyant location. Acting as a flotation device for passengers, the Life Cell also keeps gear and people together and is designed for rapid deployment in emergencies. Additional dry storage in the device has room for personal items such as keys, phones, wallets, or VHF radios. (www.lifecellmarine.com)
Why The Flemings
Can’t Keep A Secret
By Brady L. Kay
“I don’t regret buying the boat at all; it’s kept our family close,” says Don. “My parents had a boat, so I’ve been boating since I was 12. When my dad passed away, we got rid of his boat, and I’ve wanted to get my own ever since, but it never felt like it was the right time.”
100% hand-made TRT lures
“When I got into tournament fishing, other anglers would ask what I was using,” recalls Todd. “My first sale was at the age of 16.”
Todd grew up just outside of Portland, Ore., fishing the Tualatin River. As an adult, he moved to southeast Idaho and, in 2018, met his wife, Joi. Over the next few years, he continued to supply his unique lures to friends back in Oregon as the idea of expanding his reach began to gain momentum.
Recently, the couple traded in their old pontoon for a higher-end model. When upgrading your pontoon there are jumps, but what they did is considered a monumental leap. They traded in their old two-logged pontoon with a 60hp engine for a brand-new Godfrey Monaco 235 triple-logged pontoon with a Yamaha 300hp outboard on the back.
shopping for marine audio
“Durability starts with designing products specifically for the marine environment, not adapting car or home audio for use on the water,” said Nate Kubicz, product specialist with JBL. “Marine systems must withstand constant exposure to moisture, UV radiation, salt air, vibration and temperature swings.”
This fishing-focused pontoon features a center console design which allows for 360-degree fishability and easy maneuvering around the boat. The aft deck includes a 30-gallon recirculating live well, rod racks, rod holders, a wash-down kit, and swivel fishing chairs that have locking seat bases. GEOfish models are equipped with a Garmin fishfinder/depth finder, as well as a rear sink area with tackle tray insert and access door.
Then there’s the Pontoon Maverick who approaches the helm like it’s the cockpit of a jet fighter. With no concept of a “gradual acceleration,” the throttle is thrust forward immediately. Inches outside the no wake zone, he gleefully creates wakes large enough to be seen from space.
