Where’s The Paddle?
David Groner, Vacaville, Calif.
Danny Criner, North Chesterfield, Va.
Ken Braun, Hartford, Wis.
In our Shootout Boat Test issue we miss identified Qwest in our headline in their review. While we strive for perfection, mistakes do happen and we apologize for any confusion this may have caused.
Being innovative and creating additional opportunities for amenities and features is what Teak Isle is best known for, especially in the pontoon world. The typically wasted space in the back of chaise lounges is a thing of the past with its wide variety of do-it-yourself insertsand the Florida-based manufacturer is adding to its already impressive lineup with the release of its Pontoon Siderail Tackle Center. Designed with angler’s needs in mind, the just over 12-inch deep, by 40-inch wide fishing station provides multiple drawers with stainless-steel slides, tackle tray storage, engraved fish ruler on top, catchall trays, plus rod holders on the side. At just over 30 inches tall, it’s perfect for any angler looking to improve the setup on their current boat. The new tackle center and other space-saving products are available through Boat Outfitters. (www.boatoutfitters.com)
Designed to vertically target multiple freshwater gamefish species – whether they’re suspending high in the water column or holding tight to the bottom – Rapala’s new Jigging Shadow Rap boasts a broader silhouette than its original Jigging Rap. Enhanced with belly-flashing action and modern, realistic baitfish finishes, the Jigging Shadow Rap falls seductively slower, triggering even the most finicky of gamefish to bite.
It weighs less than its legendary predecessor and glides more slowly on the fall. And the impressive newcomer’s subtle, nuanced performance as a distressed baitfish earns rave reviews from wary and pressured gamefish, inspiring them to bite. Jigging Shadow Raps are available in 12 patterns and in crystal-clear to lightly stained water, start with one the five more-natural-looking baitfish patterns. (www.rapala.com)
Between the boat’s rolling motion and its rollicking guests, spills are going to happen. But with its newly redesigned Paper Towel Holder, SeaSucker is there to help clean up all of life’s little messes on board your pontoon.
The problem with paper towels on a boat is once they get loose, they unroll across the deck into a sodden clump. The new Paper Towel Holder has a unique retainer that keeps the spool from spinning and it can be placed vertically or horizontally on any clean, non-porous surface. And unlike permanent solutions that require drilling, it can be quickly moved wherever needed and then stored. Made in the USA, the Paper Towel Holder ($79) uses SeaSucker’s innovative Vacuum Mount technology. Not a mere suction cup that begins to lose its seal soon after it’s applied, the mount provides 120 pounds of holding power, often for days on end. Built for a marine environment, it’s made from UV-stabilized rubber, durable polymer and 316 stainless steel and is available in black or white.(www.seasucker.com)
Pure Fishing has partnered with The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) to bring hands-on fishing opportunities and conservation education to multicultural audiences in metropolitan areas across the state of South Carolina.
The Take Me Fishing Mobile First Catch Center pilot program began in 2018 in Texas and Pennsylvania to bring fishing experiences to those in urban areas by giving participants the chance to develop fishing skills and learn about local and regional conservation efforts. The trailers are managed by state fish and wildlife agencies and are filled with rods, reels, nets, coolers, rod racks, hooks, and bobbers for participants to use.
South Carolina now joins 15 other states and the District of Columbia in operating nearly two dozen Take Me Fishing Mobile First Catch Centers across the country. (www.takemefishing.org)
Yamaha Marine kicks off 2023 with new product offerings including an updated XTO Offshore outboard which delivers greater convenience, enhanced technology and 450 horsepower. Featuring the same 5.6-liter of big block displacement and long list of features as the original XTO 425, the updated XTO 450 improves upon the powerful platform that changed the boating game and that includes the pontoon industry. To help meet the extreme electrical demands of today’s larger boats, the Yamaha XTO Offshore 450 now boasts more charging power, featuring a three-phase, simultaneous charging system that delivers an incredible amount of net amps at low rpm, where it’s needed most. (www.yamahaoutboards.com)