Anyone who knows me well can vouch for the fact that I’m a strange kind of particular person (my wife would say I’m annoyingly picky). I’m willing to spend whatever money I need to in order to get the product I think is “best” for me. But at the same time, I don’t want to spend money on expensive products that I feel are unnecessary or overpriced. I'm looking for products (and people/companies) that I can trust, suit my needs, and are still a good value. When I do find something I really like (rod or reel, a contractor, a restaurant, etc.), I like to share that information with others.
I’ll be the first to admit I don’t know everything and I have not tried every possible option. But believe me when I say that if a product (or a person, or company) has my stamp of approval, you should at least take the time to check it out!
I’d estimate that at least 90% of my time fishing is spent in my kayaks. I’ve personally ruined no less than three phones, and I can’t tell you how many cases, packs, and drybags I’ve tried over the years. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, has come close to the quality and reliability of the UGO wear packs. They can hold any size phone, they’re waterproof and air tight, they float, and you can keep your phone inside the UGO and still text and call. Anyone that spends time on the water is wasting their money if they trust their phone to anything less than a UGO!
Living in central Connecticut, I feel like I’m 45min+ from everywhere. Over the course of the past several years, one of the shops that has really become worth the drive is Black Hall Outfitters (BHO). Two locations - Old Lyme focuses on kayak sales and rentails, while Westbrook is primarily an awesome tackle shop. Virtually everything you could need - tackle, accessories, expertise - these guys have it!
And since I mentioned Hobie kayaks, let me tell you they just keep getting better and better! I’ve been fishing off-and-on from kayaks for close to twenty years, and I’ve been a Hobie owner for nearly a decade. Each model is a little different and they’re designed/suited for different people and different fishing situations. But across the board I don’t think you’re going to find another kayak manufacturer that builds a better, more stable, well-designed, efficient, and awesome fishing kayak.
As I mentioned above, I spend a lot of time fishing from my Hobie kayaks. Which means I have to be particular about my apparel and especially cold-weather gear. I have yet to find anything I would consider superior to the Level Six company/brand. Their “Emperor” drysuit is by far the best I’ve ever seen, but they also have tops, pants, boots, gloves, kayak/canoe safety gear, and more. In my opinion, anything less is settling for second best.
As you may have seen from a few of my pictures, I’m a big fan of Lowrance electronics. Generally labeled as “fishfinders”, today’s units are so much more. Personally I think the Elite series is the best bang for the buck, but they have both higher-end as well as more affordable units. Not only can I see bait and fish on my sonar, but I know my depth, water temperature, location, direction, speed, and more. And maybe the most important thing to me is the ability to find my way safely back to the launch on a dark night or under a heavy fog.
There are dozens of seat cover options out there for every make and model of car. Some are cheap and don’t hold up, others are expensive and still don’t get the job done. Enter… DriSeats! Made from a durable and waterproof material, these seat protectors fit just about any vehicle seat on the market but just slipping on and off in a minute. They work great for me when I’m wet, muddy, or even just covered in drywall dust. But they also work great when the dogs are along for the ride! These covers are washer safe (follow instructions) and mine have held up for over five years of rough use and still going strong!
Beyond those recommendations above, here’s a short list of the rest of the websites/gear/products I like to use and recommend you check out:
Penn Bullnose Pliers
Cabo Spinning Reels
If there is a product category that I don’t list here, either I haven’t quite found the perfect product yet, or maybe I just forgot to add it. Either way, if you’ve got any questions about my recommendations above or gear I use, please feel free to reach out!
In addition to checking out your local tackle shops, there are a number of online and print magazines, websites, forums, and clubs for anglers. These are just a handful on the places and sites I’d recommend checking out!
-
Surfcaster's Journal
A pretty hardcore group of anglers, obsessed with fishing from the rocks, beach, and jetties.
-
On The Water
Something for everyone, OTW has a website, magazine, and videos for every angler… boaters, fly fishermen, kayakers, surfcasters, and more!
-
The Fisherman Magazine
Fishing reports, product reviews, contests, and then some more! A locally produced magazine and website dedicated to anglers.
-
Connecticut Surfcasters
If you’re local to CT, these are a great group of anglers with a wealth of information and experience.
-
7 Striper Lures for Sand Beaches
An article featured in the June 2021 OTW Magazine featuring the 247 Lures Needlefish