Nine out of ten times, I use braided line when targeting saltwater and freshwater species. Why? I love the strength, sensitivity, and castability of braided line. When I use braided line on my spinning reels, I always use finger protection.

When fishing from a dry perch, I use the AquaSkinz Finger Shield. The finger of the shield has kevlar, which provides maximum protection during casting.  I need my index finder for typing. 😉

The AquaSkinz Finger Shield provides maximum protection without compromising dexterity and sensitivity. If you fish braided line on spinning gear, safe the tip of your index finger: use the AquaSkinz Finger Shield! ;-).

Carp is a widely targeted species in Europe. Since it’s introduction to North American waters, carp has been targeted by enthusiastic and die-hard anglers with a multitude of presentations and methods. A presentation technique from Europe that has been proven to increase hook ups, is the “hair-rig“.

Threading your bait onto the “hair” requires a carp bait needle. You can make your own baiting needle. But, I would recommend the Wacker Bait and Tacklecarp baiting needle kit (RB3553).

The kit has four baiting needles made from strong steel wire with purpose specific points. The long soft handles provide a nice grip when threading on baits.

I have used the needles for corn baits. They work very well. I am looking forward to using them on the boilies that I am going to pick up from the United Kingdom. Carp beware!

My first fly fishing trip for striped bass was on a rock pile in Maine that protruded into the Atlantic. Poseidon was determined to knock my off that rock.  I was determined to fly fish! My home made stripping basket kept my line out of the crashing surf. But, not very well. An employee at Cabelas, who shall remain nameless, recommend the striping basket from Orvis. I took his recommendation and purchased an Orvis stripping basket from Concord Outfitters.

I really like the simple one piece design of the basket. It hugs your wait and keeps your line from tangling up. The rod rest indentations are great for when you need to change flies.

The belt is fine for light duty. But, I have upgraded the belt to a stiff surfcasting belt with a buckle that will not open under stain. If you deep wade a lot, you may want to drill some drain holes. ;-).

The Orvis stripping basket is ergonomic and functional. I am satisfied with it’s performance. 🙂

This past season I had the opportunity to go fresh water kayak fishing for large mouth bass. OMG! What fun!! I reviewed my fishing journal and discovered that one of my most productive baits was the spinner bait. This easily justified me stocking up on this fish seducing bait. The unexpected challenge that I encountered was how to organize them.

Like other college educated professionals with a problem without an immediate solution, I went to the fountain of information: Google.   I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Plano has a spinner bait storage solution.  The PlanoFTO Elite Series Spinner Bait Organizer is available in two sizes: 3607-04 and the 3707-04.  The 3607-04 model can store 18 spinner baits and 3707-04 model can store 39 spinner baits.

I purchased two 3607-04’s.  One for “dirty” water spinner baits of various weights and one for “clean” water spinner baits of various weights.  I load mine up to 80%. This allows me to access my baits quickly.

Purchasing tackle storage solutions is a small investment that is easily justified: The less time you spend fishing for your gear, the more time you spend fishing for fish! If you fish spinner baits, you need a Plano FTO Elite Series Spinner Bait Organizer. 😉

A fishing belt, unlike a traditional belt, is a multi-functional piece of equipment. By adding the right accessories, you can maximize your belt and be more productive on and in the water.  Accessorizing your fishing belt starts with two indispensable pieces of equipment: clips and stainless steel D-rings.

The clips can secure your pork rind pouch or eel bag. The stainless steel D-rings can hold gear like your leader wallet, lip grippers, and gloves; they also make great anchors for your Dragon Tail lanyards.

The AquaSkinz E.H.P.S belt, stainless steel D-rings, clips, leader wallet, pork rind holder, and eel bag are a great modular system. You can easily configure and re-configure your fishing belt per your fishing style or method of choice prior to each fishing trip. Now that’s fishconomic 😉

Historically, catching a fish from strike to landing on camera has been a challenge.  Fish are difficult to predict and the cameras varied greatly in size, weight, and water resistance. But now with modern technology, you can keep your two hands on the rod, hook, and land your fish while the whole experience is captured effortlessly via GoPo!

Learning to use GoPro is easy. The user guide is well written and there is no shortage of YouTube videos.  But, how do you fish GoPro?

There are two ways to secure the GoPro WiFi remote while you fish. One option is to secure the Wifi remote to your rod by passing a piece of Velcro through the side slots and wrap it around the rod.  A second option is to hang the WiFi remote from piece of Vinyl tubbing around your neck.  The remote is waterproof, but If you are skishing, put the remote control in a waterproof bag and secure the bag to vinyl tubing; the re-charge terminals are exposed!

There are a several options for mounting the GoPro camera while you are fishing.  The right mounting option depends on how you fish.

The GoPro head strap is a very versatile camera mounting option. You can use it from shore, kayak, canoe, dory, or boat.  It works great while skishing also. To get a consistent first-person point-of-view, secure a small triangular jig to the back plate; this will position the camera at the appropriate angle every time.

The GoPro tripod adapter is a great way to secure the camera to an adjustable three legged aluminum tripod.  If you are fishing from shore or on ice, this is a great option for a third-person poit-of-view.

If you are on a kayak, canoe, dory, or boat consider getting two GoPro’s and mount them to get a first person and third person perspective.  Scotty andRam Mount ave several mounting products.  For a fish-eye view, the best mounting option is: TrollPro.

Before you head out on your next fishing trip, fully charge your GoPro WiFi remote and camera using a double USB power charger on a timer switch.   After your fishing trip, download all the video and picture files from your large capacity microSD card.  For photo editing, I use GIMP.  And for video editing, I use GoPro Studio. Both are free and run on multiple operating systems.

This past season I field tested the CTS S8 Surf Series (SE1201-2 12′ 2-4 oz) rod built by RH Custom Rods. Wow!  This rod has power!!  Fast current and big surf conditions is where this rod excels!!!

During my field tests at the cape cod canal, I was able to propel lures of various geometries and weights to great distances with minimal effort.  I out cast my neighbors 2:1.

On my Cuttyhunk trip, it was raining horizontally and the wind was blowing with a determination to knock me off my rock. The one plug that I was able to cast through the wind was a generously weighted needle fish from Striper Maine-iac.  With the same reel, line, and plug, I was able to out cast my previously go-to rod by 3:1!

The rod is 12 feet in length, but it’s so light that it feels more like an 10 foot rod.  After four hours of non-stop casting: no back pain and no arm or shoulder strain.  The carbon helix core and zoned action gives the S8 Surf Series rod the optimal balance between casting distance, weight, and power.  Bottom line, my new CTS S8 Surf Series rod built by RH Custom Rodsis wicked! 😉

Before I go fishing (saltwater, freshwater, or hardwater), I always pre-tie my leaders and rigs.  I use to organize them in small Ziplock bags. This simple leader and rig management solution works.  But, it’s not Eco-friendly and managing a lose collection of Ziplock bags whilst fishing is unnecessarily challenging.  I am now use the AquaSkinz leader wallet.

The AquaSkinz leader wallet can hold six leaders or rigs in it’s heavy duty re-openable pouches.  There is a respectable amount of space in between the pouches to store additional leaders or rigs.  I keep my “next” leader or rig in one of these spaces for quick access.

The AquaSkinz leader wallet can be secured to your belt by using the beltloops on the back of the leader wallet or by clipping it to a stainless steel D-Loop.  When I am rock hopping in the surf or skishing, I secure my AquaSkinzleader wallet to my belt by using the loops.  When I am Surfcasting at the water’s edge or freshwater/hard water fishing, I secure my AquaSkinz leader wallet to the stainless steel D-loop on my belt via clip.

When I go plugging, I load up my AquaSkinz leader wallet with 50 and 80 lb Ande monofilament leaders.  When I go chunking, I load up with my AquaSkinzleader wallet with 80 lb Ande monofilament rigs (minus the hooks).  When I go freshwater and hardware fishing, I load up my AquaSkinz leader wallet with 10 and 20 lb flurocarbon leaders.  Bottom line, I never go fishing without myAquaSkinz leader wallet. 😉

Many new moons ago I ordered a neoprene jacket.  The jacket kept the wind from penetrating through.  But, it was heavy and not very ergonomic.  I used velcro straps around my wrists to reduce the amount of water sliding down my forearms.  That was then.  I am now using the AquaSkinz Rampage top.

I field tested the AquaSkinz Rampage during the Rhode Island leg of the Tri-State Tournament.  It was wicked cold for this time of year.  But, I was warm. 😉

The neck and wrist seals kept water out and thereby kept me dry during the tournament.  No velcro straps required. 😉

I fished whole tide, non-stop.  I did not get fatigued as a result of wearing the Rampage. The top moves with you rather than just hanging on your shoulders.

I used the hood when the wind doubled in velocity.  I love the fact that I can remove the hood, complements of the large tooth zipper.

I found the front pocket very convenient to hold gear (e.g. my GoPro camera).  But, I primary used it to warm up my hands and avoid frost bite.

Fishing in the early and late season here in the North East is rewarding.  But, you really need proper gear.  The AquaSkinz Rampage gets my seal of approval because of it’s versatile, design, construction, and performance features.  Fish long!  Fish hard!!  Fish safe!!!;-)