Wang Anchor Stake Out Poles

Everyone seems to have a different take on anchoring systems and stake-out poles for kayaks. My number one anchor is not really an anchor at all, but a stake out pole. It's far more convenient than a traditional anchor, absolutely stops the kayak in place, and does not drag or come out in high current conditions.
I recently had the pleasure of reviewing an excellent new stake-out pole for kayaks and boats, the Wang Anchor. With the hilarious 'Hang Out With Your Wang Out' slogan to go along with it's catchy brand name, the Wang is definitely making a name for itself.
Made of fiberglass that is relatively rigid, the Wang has a pointed end for staking out in mud or

QuikSlide Stringer System

Storing fish on a kayak is always a challenge, and anyone who has used a stringer knows that stringers often rust or are just plain troublesome to use. I can relate several horror stories where I had "stringer malfunctions" either getting fish on the stringer, having a stringer decide to leave my kayak unintentionally, or finding my stringer rotted or rusted when I needed it. At ICAST 2009 I came across an interesting booth run by the folks at Innovative Products who truly have an innovative product, the QuikSlide Stringer system.

Norton Brass Rattler Fish Grip

There's a new "redfish wrench" in town that is ideal for kayak fishing, the Fish Grip from the folks at Norton Brass Rattler. Made of high impact plastic, the Fish Grip has a vice-like action for clamping and controlling fish and rounded tips to keep from harming fish before a release. Don't underestimate the power of this grip - once engaged it is not coming off, and please don't test it on a finger (of course I did and had to drill a clot out of my nail).
Perhaps the most important feature is that since it is made of plastic the Fish Grip floats - no additional floats are necessary to keep it from going down once it hits the water. There are no parts to rust, it comes with a wrist bungee strap, and it's available in orange, blue, green, and glow-in-the-dark pearl.
Beyond floatability th Fish Grip has a fantastic price point at $14.95 both at local stores and online. At that price and the noted features this is an obvious winner for the kayak angler.
For more information on the Fish Grip visit www.nortonbrassrattler.com/Product_Fish_Grip.htm.

Bluestorm Inflatable PFDs

The founders of Marine Technologies International (MTI) have a new brand focused on high-end personal protective marine safety equipment called Bluestorm, and they have some products ideal for the kayak angler. The name Bluestorm was chosen because a clear blue sky calm and controllable situation on the water can quickly turn into a storm, by weather or unintended accident, and the Bluestorm products use the latest technologies, fabrics, and quality workmanship to deliver safe comfortable products that work.

Penn Conquer Reel

There's no question kayak fishing is very tough on reels. With the kayak low in the water and the angler fishing down at water level reels take a lot more abuse than they do in boats. Add in the occasional oops when a reel gets dunked in the water and you have the perfect storm for "reel" problems.
For fall 2009 Penn Reels has introduced the Conquer, a new line of reels that are ideal for kayak anglers. Like the Slammer series the Conquer reels have sealed drags and the tough Penn quality and reliability we have come to expect from Penn reels, but the Conquer brings much more to the table.
To start with it's a 10+1 shielded stainless steel bearing super smooth reel with a one piece machined aluminum gear box. It has a Superline Spool designed to accommodate braid with no backing and a friction trip ramp that prevents premature bail trip when casting.

Dorset fishermen discover albino lobster

A rare albino lobster that could be more than 30-years-old has been caught in a lobster-pot off the Dorset coast. The two Bridport fishermen who found the crustacean near Portland Bill handed it to Weymouth Sea Life Park. Albinism is caused by a lack of melanin in the skin, which means there is a lack of colour pigment. Fiona Smith, from the park, said: "There have only been one or two other albino lobsters found around the UK in the last 20 years or so."

Without camouflage she added, it was "incredible" this one had not been eaten by a predator such as a shark. Ms Smith also explained that the size of a lobster determines its age. At 40cm (15.7in) long, including its claws, she said this animal was "pretty big".
"[It] could easily be more than 30 years old," she said.
Lobsters can grow up to 75cm (29.5in) long and live for up to 50 years.
They shed their hard shells as they outgrow them. It will not be known if Santa Claws' condition is temporary until it next moults.

How to Tie Fly Fishing Knots

Learning how to tie fly fishing knots can lead you to the perfect catch or keep you casting. Before heading to the nearest river to cast a few flies, anglers need to know how to tie knots. Several different styles exist.

The Albright
One of the most popular fly fishing knots is the Albright and combines two lines of unequal diameter or different materials. First, loop the wider line and hold it between the thumb and index finger. Bring the smaller line through the loop. Leave approximately six to eight inches of extra line. Wrap the smaller line around the larger line, working away from you and moving left to right. As you make each wrap, hold each line in place. On the tenth wrap, come around and take the smaller line through the bigger loop. Pull the line lightly and push the wraps toward the closed loop, alternating between the end of the smaller larger part until the loops are against the tag end. Don't let the loops cross over one another. Then, pull it tight, secure the lines, and clip the line close to the knot.