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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.