With a new season upon us, it’s time to dust off the gear, replace some standbys, and maybe add something spiffy to your kit. Here’s a few ideas to help keep your tools, apparel and essential gear up to date and in top order so you can concentrate on the fishing.
The Panga Submersible Backpack 28 is made from the same material as Yeti’s Panga Submersible Duffel, and is engineered with a high-density, puncture- and abrasion-resistant ThickSkin Shell and HydroLok Zipper. DryHaul straps and QuickGrab lash points offer carrying comfort, while a chest strap and waist belt provide stability, and an interior sleeve and mesh pocket allow for organization. yeti.com
Xtratuf’s legacy — keeping fishermen on their feet in harsh conditions — is evident in its new Deck Shoe, which features nonmarking, slip-resistant outer soles that stick to wet decks; water-shedding neoprene and rubber uppers with a pull tab; and an XpressCool lining for comfort and breathability. Men’s available in Mossy Oak and Bonefish, sizes 7 to 14; women’s in Seafoam, sizes 5 to 11. xtratuf.com
Makara purpose-built fishing shoes by Huk offer everything the serious angler needs in functional footwear. Engineered for top performance and comfort, the Slice Traction guarantees steady footing, while 360 drainage keeps your feet dry, and an antimicrobial treatment prevents them from getting stinky. hukgear.com
The Force XII Zero long-sleeved hybrid fishing shirt by Columbia combines Omni-Freeze sweat-activated cooling with Omni-Wick wicking power to pull moisture away from your body. It offers UPF 50 protection, and is tricked out with thumbhole sleeves, a sunglass-cleaning patch and reflective detailing. Available in Cool Grey, Vivid Blue and Riptide, in sizes S to XXL. columbia.com
La Jolla Gloss Black sunglasses from Salt Life are made in Italy with high-quality lenses that enable you to view the world clearly, with enhanced crispness. Performance-designed, lightweight frames, available in four colors, offer maximum comfort for extended wear in the sun. saltlife.com
Black Tip Thresher sunglasses from West Marine feature rubber nose pads and temple inserts for a comfortable fit, and are manufactured from natural, renewable materials, mainly eco-polymers derived from cotton and cellulose. Polarized lenses — with anti-reflective, hydrophobic coatings to help keep them clean — offer glare-free vision and 100 percent UVA+B protection. Available in four frame styles. westmarine.com
The wrap configuration of Costa’s Tico sunglasses includes wide, chiseled temple pieces to completely eliminate peripheral light leak for maximum visibility on the water. Vented nose pads enhance circulation, and the color-enhancing 580 lenses offer 100 percent UV protection and polarization. costadelmar.com
Designed with four-way stretch fabric for optimal range of movement, Fish Hippie’s Flat Water Button-Down collection ensures comfort and style, whether you’re working the cockpit or driving a desk. Wrinkle- and stain-resistant, the new button-downs come in seven colors and patterns, in sizes S to XXXL. fishhippie.com
The analog King Tide watch tracks high and low tidal cycles for a specific location. The lightweight titanium case and anti-reflective sapphire crystal — waterproof to 600 feet — encase a Swiss quartz movement. Available with a white, blue or gray face, and a choice of 40 interchangeable straps, from rubber to woven leather. hookandgaff.com
A bona fide technical garment designed for comfort and heat dispersion, the Camo Hoodie from Bluefin features flatlock construction for low bulk, with a regular fit for ease of movement, in a blend of microfiber and spandex with antimicrobial treatment. Available in blue or gray, in sizes XS to 2XL. bluefinusa.com
Focusing on the comfort and utility that active anglers demand, AFTCO’s lightweight Nukam shorts are fashioned with stretchy, stain-proof fabric, and incorporate two pliers pockets in addition to a pair of forward slash pockets and two hip pockets. Available in blue or black camo, in waist sizes 30 to 42. aftco.com
The Mossy Oak Elements hooded performance shirt sports the Rapala logo, and offers UV blocking and moisture wicking to draw sweat away from your body and let it evaporate quickly. The attached hood affords additional protection from the sun, and for stealth, three layers of multidirectional, photo-realistic images disrupt the human outline in any light condition, at any distance. rapala.com
The Tourney jacket and bibs offer 100 percent waterproof coverage for serious sport fishermen. The durable polyurethane construction seals out water yet provides four-way stretch for ease of motion. The jacket includes a waterproof chest pocket and drawstring hood, and the bibs feature an internal chest pocket, and ankle zips for easy on and off. grundens.com
The Prym1 Fishing Line enhances Cuda’s best-selling tools with the Camo Shoreline pattern, which mimics the colors and textures of nature, complementing the signature Cuda blue. The new line includes 8-inch Snips, a 9-inch Fillet Knife, and a Fillet Knife Kit. cudabrand.com
