FWC SALTWATER FISHING YOUTUBE CHANNEL
FEBRUARY 3, 2016 | BY AMANDA NALLEY (FWC)
Ever wondered how to tie a certain knot, but didn’t know who to ask? Check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conversation Commission (FWC) newest YouTube Channel, FWC Saltwater Fishing. Find us on YouTube by searching FWC Saltwater Fishing or go to www.MyFWC.com/SaltwaterFishing.
New fishing videos will be added on a regular basis with information on everything saltwater fishing, from how to measure a fish to understanding regulations.
Find out everything you need to know firsthand, direct from the mouths of FWC staff! Make sure you subscribe to t he channel so you will be informed of the latest updates. Videos will also be featured on the main www.MyFWC.com saltwater fishing page at www.MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater.”
HIGH WATER CLOSES THREE SOUTH FLORIDA WMAS
FEBRUARY 3, 2016 | BY CAROL LYN PARRISH
Due to recent rainfall, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has temporarily closed several activities and roads in Everglades and Francis S. Taylor, Holey Land and Rotenberger Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).
Access is prohibited from the L-35B levee north to the east-west airboat trail. However, the portion of Conservation Area 3A South that is east of the Miami Canal between Interstate 75 and the L-67A levee remains open. Also, pedestrian access (via Tamiami Trail/U.S. 41 only) is still open to the L-28, L67A, L67C, and L29 levees.
The closures apply to vehicles, airboats, all-terrain vehicles and other public access and will remain in effect until further notice to ensure public safety and resources conservation.
Also, taking of game as defined in section 68A01.004, FAC is prohibited. This does not apply to persons permitted to participate in the Python ChallengeTM, migratory bird hunts, frogging, or people operating boats within the established canal systems. Access for these activities is limited to vessels only and participants must maintain a minimum distance of 100 yards from any tree island to minimize disturbance to wildlife.
LEW’S INTRODUCES SUPER DUTY WIDE SPEED SPOOL
JANUARY 28, 2016
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Arguably bass fishing’s toughest baitcast reel, Lew’s Super Duty Speed Spool series just boosted its performance capabilities by another 40 yards or so with the introduction of new wide spool versions.
Super Duty Wide Spool model SDW2SH, featuring a high-speed 7.1:1 gear ratio, will be the first available and making its debut in limited quantities at the 2016 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo in early March.
Each reel in the Super Duty Wide Spool series, consisting of four right-hand models and one
lefty, holds up to 190 yards of 14-pound test line. The line capacity of the original Super Duty reel series is 150 yards of 12-pound test. Super Duty baitcast reels are designed and built for heavy-duty fishing applications, such as flipping heavy jigs on big line, handling the large and cumbersome umbrella rigs, and fishing big crankbaits and giant swimbaits. All Super Duty models feature an 11-double shielded stainless steel bearing system housed inside a one-piece aluminum frame that is fitted with a no-flex aluminum side-plate on the handle side. Gears, crankshaft and worm gear are high- strength brass.
The palming side-plate is lightweight graphite featuring SoftTouch rubber paint for a sure grip and durable finish.
Cast control is managed using Lew’s proven Magnetic Control System (MCS), requiring just a click of the external dial to adjust the magnetic brake settings. The Zirconia line guide is titanium coated to reduce friction. Anti-reverse is Lew’s time-tested Zero Reverse clutch bearing system.
Super Duty reels feature a forged, double-anodized aluminum U-shaped spool that is braid ready. The spool’s tension knob is knurled aluminum with an audible click during adjustments. Also audible is each click adjustment made to the dependable rugged carbon composite drag system that delivers up to 14 pounds of drag power.
All Super Duty Wide Spool models are fitted with a bowed, anodized aluminum 95MM power-cranking handle with oversized round EVA knobs.
Following soon behind the SDW2SH2 introduction are the additional models in the series, consisting of SDW2S with a 5.1:1 gear ratio reel and 21 IPT; SDW2H with a 6.4:1 gear ratio and 28 IPT; and SDW2XH with an 8.3:1 gear ratio and 35 IPT. Left-hand model SDW2SHL is a 7.1:1 gear ratio reel with 31 IPT.
All Super Duty Wide Spool models are expected to be available by May. MSRP is $199.99 each.
For more information on the new Super Duty Speed Spools and other Lew’s rods, reels and accessories, visit www.Lews.com.
MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 2016 INNOVATION AWARD WINNERS HONORED
FEBRUARY 11, 2016 | NATIONAL MARINE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
VIRGINIA KEY, Fla. – The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) announced today winners of the 2016 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show Innovation Awards, presented during the annual Industry Breakfast at the Miami Beach Convention Center. This year’s program evaluated 77 products across 31 categories featuring an outstanding pool of entries. The judges ultimately selected 17 winners in 16 categories and three honorable mentions for a total of 20 honorees.
The 2016 Miami International Boat Show Innovation Award winners are:
- Boat Care and Maintenance: Glen Raven Custom Fabrics,
Contour - Center Console/ Walkaround Fishing Boats: Scout Boats, Inc., ForwardFIVE Performing Seating Station
- Consumer Electronics, Mobile Applications and Software – Dual Winners: Simrad-Navico, StructureScan 3D; FLIR Systems, Inc., AX8 Thermal Monitoring Camera
- Consumer Safety Equipment: Weems & Plath, SOS Distress Light
- Honorable Mention: Spinlock USA, LumeOn Lifejacket Illumination
- Cuddy Cabin and Bowrider Boats: Bayliner Marine Corporation, VR5 Runabout
- Deck Equipment: Premier Marine, Inc., Ricochet Ladder
- Honorable Mention: Anchor & Docking, Inc., Anchor Turner Kit
- Docking and Fendering Equipment: Bellingham Marine Ind.,Inc., Portable Floating Timber Dock System
The Innovation Awards judging committee is comprised of BWI members who perform product testing throughout the year and have specific expertise in marine products and equipment. The committee is co-chaired by Zuzana Prochazka and Alan Wendt. Prochazka is a boating and travel journalist and photographer who has been in the marine industry for two decades. She regularly writes for a dozen magazines including SEA, SAIL, Bluewater Sailing and Southern Boating. Wendt is president of Boating Writers International and has served as a judge for more than 15 years.
SKEETER LAUNCHES THE SX230
FEBRUARY 9, 2016 | SKEETER BOATS
KILGORE, TX – Skeeter announced today the official introduction of the SX230, a new inland or offshore boat.
The Skeeter SX230 can be powered by Yamaha VF250XA, F200XB, VF150XA four-stroke outboards and comes standard with the following features: Yamaha Multifunction Gauges, eight- foot Pro Series Power-Pole, Seastar Hydraulic Steering, Removable Windshield, Optional T-Top, Torque Transfer System, optional Underwater Lights, I-Tube Aluminum Trailer with Tandem Axles and Swing-Away Tongue and Fulton Jack Stand.
The Nationally Advertised Price (NAP) for the Skeeter SX230/ Yamaha VF250XA package is $54,995*.
“With its shallow draft and smooth, dry ride, the SX230 is really the perfect choice for those who fish in flats or deep water,” said Jeff Stone, senior vice president of Skeeter Boats. “The Skeeter SX family offers unprecedented value for whatever style of fishing you enjoy.”
The Skeeter SX230 is backed by a limited lifetime structural warranty, a 10-year transferrable structural warranty and a three- year component warranty. The SX230, in addition to the SX210 launched in summer 2015, will be on display at the 2016 Miami International Boat Show.
For more information and complete product specs, please visit www.skeeterboats.com/boats/bay.
For a catalog, call 800-SKEETER or for more information visit www.skeeterboats.com.
*Nationally Advertised Price (NAP); actual sales price determined by dealer. Does not include freight, dealer prep and TTL.
