January/February 2006 Volume 1, Issue 5
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®2006 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

Ande monofilament has been around for a long time. New this year is Ande braided Spectra. The key with Spectra is making a  round braid, and Ande claims that their line is rounder than most. Worth a check. Available in 8 through 125 lb test, and 125, 300 or 1,200 yard spools. See http://www.andemonofilament.com

courtesy Ande Monofilament

Salt Water Sportsman magazine had an interesting tip in George Poveromo's Tactics+Tackle column in the December 2005 issue. When using a downrigger for large king mackerel, he recommends using a 100 - 300 foot topshot of 100 lb test monofilment over the braided wire. The idea here is that if a fish hits a downrigger line, then cuts sideways, dragging the line across a downrigger cable, the lighter fishing line will cut through the mono downrigger line. You'll lose the cannonball, but will stay hooked up. AFTCO sells a pre-made 100 ft. mono topshot if you don't want to make your own.

courtesy Hook
Hider
As we mentioned in our article on Safety, one of the perils that await skiff fishermen is bumping into a hook hung off a rod guide. Enter Hook Hider. Hook Hider has developed a clever way to hide the points of even treble-hooked plugs inside the grip. The Hookhider grip section can be retrofitted to existing cork handles, and they also sell a complete line of freshwater bass casting and spinning rods. The heavier models would make good light-tackle salt water rods.

Boating

The February 2006 issue of Sport Fishing magazine, in their Rigs & Tips column, had an interesting tip for cleaning your trailer, especially the springs. Simply run a lawn sprinkler under the boat between the wheels, and turn it on full blast!


FCV585L courtesy
Furuno Electronics
Furuno electronics have a well-deserved reputation for performance and reliability. Their FCV582L and FCV600L have long been a standard for salt water color sonar units, but to be honest, were getting a bit dated, especially when compared to a new Raymarine or Lowrance sonar unit.

FCV620L courtesy
Furuno Electronics

Well, that will soon no longer be the case. Furuno has announced the replacement units for the 582L and 600L, the 585L (left) and 620L (right) . Both are slightly smaller form factors than the units they replace, and feature very nice, daylight-visible color LCD displays and digital sonar technology, similar to the Raymarine DS units. Look for the units to start shipping before the summer of this year. Vendors such as Consumer Marine Electronics are taking orders now!

Mustang MD3183
courtesy Mustang
Survival
Mustang Survival has received USCG approval to use the Hammar 1F hydrostatic pressure automatic inflator in their life vests. This inflator will only activate when submerged under water, eliminating accidental or premature inflation due to high humidity or splashing. In addition, the inflator only has to be maintained every 5 years. Pricing appears to be around $30.00 more than the old style automatic inflators which use the cellulose pills.


HX500S picture
courtesy Standard
Horizon
Standard Horizons has updated their VHF handheld radio lines. The HX500S and HX600S are submersible units with emergency strobes, 700 mW speakers, NiMh batteries, and a host of other features, including DSC support, AM/FM and Airband radio on the HX600S. NiMh batteries can be recharged at any discharge level without the battery retaining a memory.

Since a replacement battery pack for our venerable Apelco handheld is now $80, we've decided to replace it with a newer technology HX500S. More to come on this one.

If you don't need or want the latest technology, Standard Horizon's older  HX370S and HX270S are available at some smokin' prices. We've seen the HX370S advertised for $149.00, including the NiMh battery, a AA battery pack carrier, and a rapid charger!