July/August 2005 Volume 1, Issue 2
©2005 Tsunami Fishing Systems
  
Tips, Tricks & New Products
In the course of researching this issue, we came upon these tips, tricks and new products. We can't say that we've tried them, or that they even work, but they sound reasonable, inspired or clever. Might be worth a try!

Fishing
Offshore fishermen in Southern California often catch fish from patches of floating kelp that have broken away from shore. Landing big fish can be a problem, as they often run back into the kelp paddy and break the line. In one recent thread on BloodyDecks.com, it was pointed out that if you are using one of the new GSP "super lines" like PowerPro or Bionic Braid, the super-skinny line will often cut right thru the kelp stringers. Use a short mono or fluorocarbon leader if the fish are spooky.
Salt-Away is a mild detergent that removes salt on contact. Chris Smith , former Inside Sportfishing pro-staffer, clued me in to this product. A dilute solution can be used to easily clean tackle - just spray it on, let it air dry. You can rinse it off with fresh water, but it's not necessary. I've been using it for a year now in this manner without any problems. Also useful for rinsing the boat and trailer, and flushing the motor. It seems expensive, but it is very concentrated, so the actual cost per use is OK.
Terrafin Software has added cholorphyl charts to  their sea surface temperature (SST) maps. Chlorophyl charts (essentially) map the presence of algae and phytoplankton in the water, which helps locate baitfish (which feed on the phytoplankton). Use in conjunction with SST maps to help further narrow in on areas to fish offshore.
You may not like him, his articles, or his TV show, but you've got to admit that Capt. Tred Barta has some unique and innovative ideas. In the "Best of 2000 - 2005" issue of "The Big Game Fishing Journal" (out May 2005), BGF reprinted Capt Barta's article "Tuna Lockjaw". One of the tricks Capt. Barta suggests is that when the tuna are focused on small (2-3") baitfish, try trolling around the bait schools with bare hooks or hooks with a few strips of mylar tied to them. Work the hooks by periodically cutting the motor and letting the hooks settle, then accelerating back up to trolling speeds.

Boating
Here is another deck cushion, this one called "FootCush". Isn't it amazing how similar the photo is to the one for "Sea Shocks"?
Canon announced a new waterproof version of their image-stabilzed (IS) binoculars featuring their top-of-the-line L series optics. The 10 x 42 L IS WP has the largest exit pupil size of any Canon IS binocular, which translates into a relatively bright image, even in low light conditions. A quick Internet shopping search found them in the same price range as the Fujinon Techno-Stabis 1440s, e.g around $1,300 street price. What you give up in magnification in the Canon, you pick up in a brighter image and a wider field of view.
This from an e-mail from Capt. Larry Chin of the Finaddict (vallarry@aol.com ): "...if anyone is interested in seasickness meds, we have found that a pill called "Scopace" is more effective than the Scopalamine Patch, and it has fewer side effects. Scopace, like the patch, will require a prescription to get, its not too expensive, and in my opinion, it is the best thing going. Being seasick 100 miles off-shore is not a good thing." Amen!