The 2012 Miami Beach Boat Show was another great event in sunny Miami, Florida. The show had three locations that displayed the latest and most innovative products on the market today.

Sail Miami at MiaMarina at Bayside located at 400 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL. 33132 was the first stop that displayed only sail boats.  A “blow boaters” dream come true for any enthusiast of the wind powered vessels, ranging from your beginner’s sail boat to the extreme, ranging into the millions.

As usual, the Miami Beach Boat Show provides free bus shuttles and water taxis to and from each event annually. Allowing a safe and hassle free environment in South Beach Miami, Florida. Parking can become an issue and driving yourself to each venue can be a headache even for the locals. The free shuttles are highly recommended and who doesn’t like to be driven around?

Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center located at 1635 N. Bayshore Dr. Miami, FL 33132 was the second and most brief stop for me as this location displayed some of the worlds Mega Yachts that range well into the millions as well and sky is not the limits with these Super Yachts, your bank account is. Some of the vessels easily exceeded $10 million, depending on the make and materials, the electronics, and don’t forget the toys.

In the market for a new vessel, the boat shows not only display their new products and vessels but you can order a boat, customize it, and get a better deal from the boat shows. Most of the vendors at the boat show will give a discount on their products for attending these shows as well.

The Miami Beach Convention Center located at 1901 Convention Center Dr. Miami Beach, FL. 33139 was the focus of my day. The convention center hosted many new names to the industry as well as the established ones. Most vessels less than 40’ were on display with very friendly associates to help answer any questions one may have or simply show you around their booth.

Todd Fuller, General Manager for Hells Bay Boatworks was kind enough to give me a demonstration on some of their new attributes on their flats boats.

I also got the chance to rub elbows with marine artist Peter Agardy of Peter Agardy Fine Art.com which I met at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show and was the neighboring booth next to Kracken Kool Gear.com (apparels)and I met K.C. Scott of KSCOTTArt.com, both very talented and down to Earth guys with impeccable attention to detail and capture marine life on canvas through their eyes empirically. “A true marine artist is an angler at heart”, says marine artist Carey Chen and International Professional Billfish Angler.

TV personalities were all over the property and I got the chance to see Stu Apte, member of International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Hall of Fame and past holder of 44 World Records. I met Mr. Apte at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show just a few months prior and he was kind enough to autograph my FINS catalog again. As a fellow Pro Staff member for FINS, it was great to see some of the more prestigious members of the angling worlds still doing their thing.

Among the TV personalities, I ran into Peter Miller, host to Bass2Billfish TV show and 3 time winner of the Sailfish Pro Series aboard the GET LIT which broke the record for the most sails released in one day on the first day of the tournament earlier this year. The race is on with the top five teams in contention for the coveted prize of the Sailfish Pro Series Championship team at the end of April. The points based tournament is very close and be sure to tune in on the action as it unfolds.

Mr. Miller was also kind enough to not only autograph a Bass2Billfish shirt that I won on one of his many Facebook Photo Contests, but he gave me a fresh one, signature and all. “The shirt you won is still looking pretty good but here is a fresh one”, said Peter Miller, a true ambassador to the sport and a really great guy.

I also got the chance to meet guide Captain Michael Ortego, owner and founder of TackleWebs.com from Orlando, FL. at the El Capitan booth. We were introduced by James R. Allen, owner of Marsh Works of Florida and JaJoBe Distributors based out of Cape Coral, FL. and we hit it off at the boat show. Capt. Mike gave me a call a couple of weeks later, saying he was going to be in Miami for a few days and wanted to target some peacocks and that’s all she wrote.

We hit a few of my honey holes in Miami, FL. and hooked onto some very nice butterfly peacocks shortly after the morning started with one around 23”, just under 9 pounds.

With several peacocks under our belts, we had many conversations about the industry and fishing antics, and proceeded to talk more about his product and I am happy to say that TackleWebs.com is under review for Tackle Tester and it is also up for New Product Showcase for Tackle Management at ICAST in Orlando, FL. coming up this year.

Be sure to check out his web site and article coming soon on Tackle Tester. The Latest in Fishing, Tackle, News, and Reviews.

http://www.urbananglermiami.com/

Simms Pro Dry Gore-Tex Jacket is here to fix that problem. The Pro Dry jacket has been extensively tested in some harsh conditions including some field testing by the worlds best Bass Anglers at the Bassmaster Classic.

This jacket is certainly not the faint hearted, featuring 100% waterproof & windproof state-of-the-art GORE-TEX® it is guaranteed to keep you dry even during the wettest of wet. Rated up to a whopping 22″ of rainfall per hour. This jacket is not for the light-walleted either, with a RRP of $499, but you get what you pay for in the world of so called “waterproof” jackets.

For those extra dollars though you get a exceptionally designed jacket, with stretch fabric in the shoulders and elbow for superior comfort, 2 low-profile large capacity chest pockets & 2 zippered microfleece-lined hand warmer pockets with built-in heat pack pockets. A 3-point cinch, stowable storm hood, watertight adjustable cuffs, adjustable waist and full length waterproof center-front zipper. That was a mouthful!

Ok so it’s not really suited to the occasional angler, but for those of you who like to stay dry, fish often and can appreciate the quality and workmanship that’s gone into a piece like this, I’m sure it will tick all the necessary boxes.

For more info check out http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/prodry_gore-tex_jacket_12.html

Much like the DC Model from a years back, they have opted for the silver body over the gold. The reel itself seems to have lost a few millimetres on each side, creating a smaller, compact, palm sized body. This compact design is sure to help the overall control and handling of the reel. There is nothing worse that a large, bulky baitcaster stuck on what would otherwise be a ultra light graphite rod.

They have also designed the new model for Saltwater use. While I know for a fact the old models still stood the test of time in the salt, its good to know Shimano is continually steering their ranges away from solely freshwater/bass fishing and into the mainstream Salt angler market.

The star drag has been replaced with with the new Shimano X-drag, a lower profile graphite drag knob with click adjustment. Looks simple enough, but I’m sure anglers with larger digits might find it a bit cumbersome. Drag capacity is much the same as the older models, running in at 4kgs and 5kgs respectively. The wiffel spool is a welcome addition and no doubt will assist in casting those lighter lures.

Priced above the old B series but below the DC, these are retailing currently in Japan for approx $420AUD. For the extra money you are at least getting a few more features including a new look, additional bearings a reduced body size.

Available in 4 sizes, the 100, 101 Left hand, 200 and 201 Left hand models. Not 100% if these will be released in Australia just yet, but there is the possibility of a slight variation of it being released for the Australian market later this year at AFTA but time will tell.

As the name suggests, the Emeraldas Boat jigs are designed for deeper water EGI anglers. Its weight and tow system allows it get down where you want it, with out rising back up like many cheaper jigs do. The tow point is located toward the middle of the jigs head, allowing the lure to work somewhat like a bib on a hardbody.

Functionality wise, they have really thought of everything that a normal jig would and more. This includes a unique internal metal head of the jig. Daiwa claims this allows for any bumps or bottom knocks to be felt right back up at the rod. The keel weight also features attachment points for extra weight, drop shotting or mid-point rigs. The jigs measures in at 130mm in length and 30g in weight, and is available in 4 ultra-realistic colours.

For more information on these jigs and more, check out  www.daiwafishing.com.au

Source – Daiwafishing.com.au

1. Internal Metal head – the internal metal head increases the weight for deep water fishing plus also increases sensitivity by transferring the slightest bump from structure when the lure touches the bottom, rocks, weed etc
2. Cog Rig – Daiwa’s Agorig sinker system is easily used and allows for quick changes in sink rate and action
3. Bump Hook – this new super sharp bump hook sits level with the body, creating a more streamlined shape that has a super high hook-up ratio
4. Tow Point – the new central eye location allows the lure to swim deep down without raising to the surface and creates a far superior action compared to the traditional eye style arrangement found on other jigs
5. 3D eyes – featuring Daiwa’s unique Emeraldas logo these 3D eyes are highly reflective and lifelike, that will provoke a squid into attacking

While testing this product through various outdoor temperatures, I found that BLAF has hit the nail on the head with their ingenious design. Kent Hickman, owner and founder of BLAF consulted with a dermatologist in the research and development of this well thought out piece of apparel. Anyone in the outdoors can appreciate Kent’s consideration to the elements and the control of our core body temperatures. Made by anglers for anglers but definitely not limited to anglers. Fellow Pro Staffer for FINS Situational Braided Spectra Lines and host for Addictive Fishing TV Show, Blair “The Mogan Man” Wiggins says, “This is a great idea for a fishing shirt.”

Living in South Florida here in the States, we deal with many variations in the weather on a daily basis throughout the year but for the most part, it is hot, humid, or the combination. I spend many hours a week on the waters or out and about “Urban Angling” in Miami, Florida and temperatures can reach well into the upper 90’s Fahrenheit plus. BLAF’s unique design allows air flow through the already cooling micro-fiber materials through their “gill” design strategically placed along the ribs and throughout the arms, allowing the hot air out and keeping the body at a much cooler temperature. According to Kent, the “sleeves and sides feature built-in gills to keep you cool and breathing like a fish.” This product is ideal for any outdoor activity especially in duration. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are two of the most common threats in the outdoors. On cooler days, a tank top can be layered under to keep the cool breeze away until the temperatures start to climb. “Absolutely the most comfortable outdoor apparel I’ve ever worn. The Breathe Like A Fish product line provides me with all day sun protection while keeping  me cool so I can focus on what’s important… catching more fish.” says C.A. Richardson – Flats Class TV.

BLAF also offers their unique “gill” design in a Face Mask, using the same soft micro-fiber materials with a UPF50+ rating. The “gill” or breathe hole helps reduce or eliminate sunglass fog and the saddle cut bottom allows for a seamless sun protection. The Face Mask saddle cut cradles your shoulders and is very comfortable to wear without having it roll or bunch up and not leaving an odd tan line. Another unique twist that BLAF offers is an all-in-one shirt and Face Mask. Yes, you did read correctly. BLAF has sown in their Face Mask to their shirts with a very high quality triple stitching. This allows any outdoor enthusiasts the best of both worlds and you can always get the products separately. All of BLAF’s products are proudly made in the U.S.A. Please visit their web site for more details.

http://www.breathelikeafish.com

The 4×4 construction “Hybrid 8 Ply” creates a round and relatively smooth profile. I had picked out the PE2 as its a great allround size. The PE2 Momentum had a breaking strain of 30lb. Out of the box we found it to be a bit coarser than expected. This did not deter us and gave it the benefit of the doubt. Knotability wise, Momentum PE was impressive. The Momentum PE tied very well and came on a 200m spool; perfect for spooling a 4000 sized spinning reel.

One the first day of water testing I found the braid did have a tendency to wind knot, but this sorted itself out by the next trip. One would assume the dye/coating process just needed a bit of use to soften up. No doubt any rods using the new Fuji K guides would almost eliminate any wind knots.

The braid itself was super strong. On this particular trip we were fishing some heavy structure. I had the drag locked up hard a number of times on a few small GT’s, and the Momentum PE didn’t miss a beat. Even after chaffing along the edge off some coral bombies, it held up long enough to get the fish out of the structure and back into the open.

I won’t spend too much more time on this review, but our initial impressions are that the momentum had out performed our initial expectations. Landing a number of decent fish on this trip, hopefully we re-visit this braid after a bit more testing.

Watch this space

It’s long slender body is a unique twist on an old favourite. The Duo Tide Vibe Slim is one of the coolest lures we have used in a while. As you will find out, its design is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also a real performer on the water.

Traditionally vibes have always been shorter, fatter lures. Think of the the Tide Vibe slim is the super model of the lure world. Its stretched out, slim body is superbly finished to entice even the most hard to fool predators. It’s tide pulsating wobble wiggles its way down the cat walk that is the strike zone.

We found this lure not only great to cast, but an ideal trolling lure on light tackle. The narrow profile creates near on no water resistance which makes it ideal for lighter outfits. It’s tight pulsating wobble still gives off all the right signals. This profile also has made this lure relatively weedless. On the day of testing this particular lure, weed was about and the minnows we trolled along side caught 3x the amount of the week, mostly ont the bibs.

More on the Duo Tide Vibe Slim in part 2. Stay tuned..

http://www.swldistributions.com.au/

The new Grass KickerZ have a tapered nose and a slimmer profile that previous 5″ paddle tails, creating a rather unique silhouette. These two design features have obvious benefits when fishing around weed and heavy cover. The opportunities to fish these plastics weedless will be a big drawing card for anglers. Z-man recommends the rigging with TT SWS or Snakehead hooks. They can always be fished with a standard jig head too for those wanting to get some into some deeper water.

As always Grass KickerZ are made from ElaZtech, which is upto 10x than standard plastic material with out compromising on the action of the soft plastic. The Grass KickerZ comes in a pack of 4 and is available in 8 colours including Opening Night, Redbone Glow and Houdini.

www.z-man.com.au

We have some of the first pictures of the new colour range, and of the new head design. The cup edge has a little flatspot around the rim, and isn’t quite so steep, to help them hold water better and the compond used for the head is a little firmer.

Ask for them at your local stockists, they were always great for Dolphinfish and Tuna, and now they’re even better.

Jellybabe: new head design and new colours

Shown in the image is 502, Chartreuse, UV Green, 46, UV Blue and the latest addition – UV Pink.

The interesting feature on the new Exist is the mag sealed line roller. We all know how often line rollers are exposed to the harsh conditions and more than often it is the first bearing to corrode. No matter how corrosion resistant bearings are, the line roller always gets a hiding in Saltwater. This new magsealed line roller will keep your roller running smooth.

Each exist is individually constructed, and for those Dai-hards they come complete with a serial number to call your own. The 2012 Exist sports a number of well known other features including a seamless airbail, ABS II, Ultra Tournament drag and ofcourse the original magseal premiered on the current model Certate and Caldias in 2010-11.

Five sizes are to be released in Australia including 1003, 2004, 2508-PEH,2510R-PE and the biggest of the bunch the 3012H.

Available March 2012, keep an eye out for them at a Bream or Bass tournament near you!

http://daiwafishing.com.au/?p=11076