©2006 Tsunami Fishing Systems
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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!
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Gaffs are useful tools, but can also be a hazard if the point is left
unprotected. We've seen a number of different approaches to hiding the point,
but J.R Jones has a unique one. Their Safe-T-Gaffs have a
"switchblade" style hook. The spring-loaded point folds into the handle, and
can be released with one hand.
See: http://www.jrjonescompany.com
Safe-T-Gaffs are available in a number of lengths up to 6'. An 8 model will be
available soon.
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courtesy J.R. Jones Company |
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This tip appeared in the April 2006 issue of Marlin Magazine:
use Scotchguard or other fabric protector spray on cork grips after you clean
them off, in order to keep them clean. Apparently it does not affect the
traction of the cork.
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 Mold
Craft Products announced the release of their new marlin
trolling lure - the "4-Eyed Monster".
Reports from several locations report that this odd-looking lure stays in the
water better and leaves a better smoke trail than even Mold Craft's Wide Range,
one of the best marlin trolling lures ever made. Definitely worth
adding to the spread.
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| Boating |
Courtesy Valley Industries Valley Industries of Lodi, CA makes a variety of trailer products (including the
replacement bearing protectors being used on Toy Boat 2's trailer).
One of the more interesting items in their catalog is their Hitch
Aligner. This device consiste of a couple of adjustable-length
rods with large yellow balls on one end, and magnets on the other.
These gadgets are placed on the hitch and on the trailer tongue. The rods are
long enough so that the tow vehicle driver can see the balls through the
back window and align them as he backs up. When they get close enough to
touch each other, everything should be pretty much in the right position. See:
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John Ziegler's "Boat Tech" column in the May 2006 issue of Pacific Coast
Sportfishing had some great advice on
trailer maintenance use. One nifty trick mentioned is to carry a spray
bottle of soapy water to spray under the wheels if you get stuck making a
really tight turn and the wheels bind.
One other piece of advice we would add is to get out there and make sure
you can remove the lug nuts on your trailer wheels at least once a season.
It's a small point, but one that is often overlooked until you get a flat on
the trailer. We also use an anti-seize compound on the threads as well.
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Powerboat Reports April 2006 issue had a review of black streak
removers. The winner? Nautical
Ease. Reprints of the full report available from
http://www.powerboat-reports.com
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The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has
announced availability of free electronic versions of all of
their raster charts. These charts can be downloaded and viewed in
several different programs, including a number of commercial
packages, and printed as needed. These electronic versions will always contain
the latest aproved versions of the chart.
See: http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/Raster/Index.htm
This page also contains links to sources for
viewer software. Most are trial versions or cost some money, but
Maptech makes available a FREE "lightweight"
version of their ChartNavigator v5.07c product.
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