Many people feel plated carbon steel hooks sharpen and hold a point/edge better than stainless steel hooks. However, once you sharpen a plated hook, the exposed steel can rust quickly. To prevent rust, keep a permanent felt-tip marker handy, and at the end of the day, coat the filed areas with the marker. There is some sort of chemical in the marker ink which retards rust. Use a red marker to simulate a bleeding bait.

Replace your downrigger cable with high-test spectra or other GSP braid. It's thinner than the equivalent stainless wire. Less drag means you have to use less weight. (Source: Bluewater Boats and Fishing). I guess a good question would be "Where in the world am I going to get just 150 feet of 200 lb test GSP?"

Small boats + rough water = sore knees and backs. Sea Shocks from Skydex Industries offers one form of relief. These boat mats are made of the same proprietary plastic used to cushion running shoes and football helmets, and are used by the Navy SEALs in their boats. Available in translucent blue or grey. Around $110.00.

Braid Products' (www.braidproducts.com) "Sailor's Secret" seasickness remedy is based on ginger. You can also try candied ginger pieces, found in many specialty grocery stores (Henry's and Trader Joe's in San Diego) and health food stores. Ginger extract is also available in pill form in the same stores.

Anchor retrieval floats have been around a long time. Bulky and hard to stow, we've added one to Toy Boat 2. It looks like it will be a great way to help retrieve the hook on a long set. We'll keep you posted!