Field and Stream - Fishing RSS

The 2011 Angler's Holiday Gift Guide

Joe_Cermele — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:47:26 -0500

Looking for something to buy the special fisherman in your life? Maybe you're the angler and need to supply gift ideas to friends and loved ones. Either way, Field & Stream Fishing Editor Joe Cermele and Editor at Large Kirk Deeter have selected 30 top gear items ranging in price from "stocking stuffer" to "holy cow, that's one heck of a gift!" These wares are sure to please, and most have been tested throughout the 2011 fishing season for quality assurance and the F&S seal of approval. Happy shopping!

2011 RAM Outdoorsman Pickup

Joe_Cermele — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 22:24:51 -0400

This May, I had the chance to hit the road in RAM's 2011 1500 Outdoorsman, a truck that's generating plenty of buzz in the hunting and fishing world. With so many after-market accessories available to rig your ride for sporting quests, it seemed only a matter of time before an automaker took the needs of the avid outdoors into consideration and made all the little extras stock. I covered more than 600 miles in this truck, trekking up to Buffalo, N.Y., in pursuit of smallmouth bass. Though the trip did not lend itself to off-road pursuits, spending that amount of time in a vehicle let's you really get a feel for it, and there are plenty of perks for the fisherman that cruises pavement as much as muddy trails.

Though the 1500 I drove had a powerful 5.7L HEMI V-8, take your foot off the gas on the highway and the engine cuts out 4 cyclinders. The amount of time I was running on 4 may have seemed trivial in the overall course of 600 miles, but it made a noticeable difference in fuel economy. By my calculations, I averaged 17 miles per gallon during this highway-heavy adventure. That's not too shabby for a truck this size.

If you need to haul a boat or trailer, the Outdoorsman has you hooked up, literally and figuratively. The large sideview mirrors adjust to stand horizontally or vertically, while a heavy-duty cooling package and standard four- and seven-pin adapters let the Outdoorsman pull up to 10,250 pounds.

But most unique about the truck is its RAM boxes. Two lockable, insulated boxes on either side of the 6-foot, 4-inch bed feature custom, adjustable brackets designed to securely hold rifles, shotguns, or fishing rods. While I could see how long guns would fit snugly in these brackets, I noticed that fishing rod design limited the ability to use the RAM boxes to store them.

What I found worked best were two piece rods with the reels removed. With spinning reels still attached, I was able to get 2 rods in each box, though without reels, the brackets can hold up to 12 rods. If I were to own an Outdoorsman, I would likely use one box to store a few fly rods for local outings, and the other to keep ice for drinks and the day's catch. Drain plugs in the RAM boxes make using them as coolers even easier. But if a fishing trip calls for taking one-piece rods, they'll have to go in the bed. - Joe Cermele

Gear Review: New Stanley Vacuum Bottles Carry On a Tradition

Dave_Maccar — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:04:34 -0400

by Jay Cassell

Best known for the classic green vacuum bottles that our fathers and grandfathers used to take on hunting and fishing trips (many still do!) Stanley recently introduced a new Adventure series of bottles, cups, food storage and cooking containers, and coffee mugs.

Reasonably priced between $10 and $25, the containers retain the venerable green color, yet feature modern improvements.

One unit that I found particularly useful is the carbonated 32-ounce drink bottle, with a dome construction that the company claims will keep beverages carbonated for up to 8 hours. I tested it by pouring a beer into the bottle; 8 hours later, at the end of the day, I opened it up, heard a gratifying fizz, and happily had a sip of cold beer.

The insulated outer wrap keeps beverages cold for a little more than three hours, plus it’s dishwater safe. This unit is $20 and will be available in late June.

Cooper's New All-Terrain Truck Tires

Dave_Maccar — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:00:25 -0500

by Slaton White

Cooper may not be the first name that pops into your head when looking at new tires, but given what I saw at the company’s test facility in Texas a couple of days ago, it should be top of mind. That’s because this Ohio-based manufacturer (meaning built in the U.S.A.) specializes in replacement tires, and one of the first lessons outdoorsmen learn--usually the hard way--is that original equipment tires are often woefully inadequate tools to meet the challenges posed by muddy trails and slick boat ramps. But two new light truck tires from Cooper are up to the challenge.

The first is the Discoverer A/T3 . T3, according to Cooper, stands for “All Traction, All Terrain, All the Time!” After slogging through a serious mud pit and executing tight turns on a wet handling course (designed to see if we could get the rear of the pickup to break loose on the slick surface), I would tend to agree. This light truck tire, which will be available in April, replaces the Discoverer ATR.

“The A/T3 uses a balanced combination of technology, compounding and design to produce a tire that provides confident all-terrain performance,” says Mike Graham, who helped design the tire. “Its silica tread compound increases tread wear, improves wet traction and helps resist cutting and chipping. The modern tread design significantly improves offroad traction without sacrificing highway performance.”

Though the tire wasn’t designed specifically with mud in mind, during prototype testing engineers discovered that it delivered superior mud performance. I saw that first-hand, when Graham invited me to try to get a Jeep stuck in their mud pit (technically the “Mud Traction Area”), a 500-foot-long irrigated soil bin fitted with sprinklers capable of delivering more than 300 gallons of water per minute. It’s truly a bottomless sea of goo, and I very nearly accomplished my mission, bogging down for a minute. A quick shift to four-wheel low, however, did the trick. This is the kind of mess that deer hunters and waterfowlers often find in late-season fields, and it’s nice to know the tire allows you to scoot through the stuff.

Another thing I like: the tire is self-cleaning, like any good mud tire, but comes without the huge lugs that make heavy-duty mud tires such a pain when driving on paved surfaces. The A/T3 will be available in 30 SUV sizes and 32 light truck sizes ranging from 15- to 20- inch rim diameters.

If you live in an area where hunting big game or upland birds takes you into tough country, you have no doubt lost a tire to a sidewall puncture or gotten stuck in a boulder field. It comes with the territory. But Cooper’s Discoverer S/T Maxx is designed to let you keep on truckin’. One way it does this is through a three-ply Armor-Tek3 carcass construction, as well as a proprietary cut- and chip-resistant compound. As you can see by the accompanying video, shot at Cooper’s test facility, it definitely can handle rocks. The design of the special course was “borrowed” from California’s infamous Rubicon Trail, considered by many serious off-roaders to be the most challenging offroad trail in the Lower 48. Most hunters won’t encounter terrain like this when going to deer camp, but it does give you an idea of how well the tire—and especially the sidewalls--stands up to tough terrain.

The Cooper test facility also has a special area set up for hill climbs with three different concrete surfaces (smooth concrete, brushed concrete and imbedded rock), all set at a 30-degree incline. The fun begins when they turned on the sprinklers, giving the smooth concrete surface all the grip (or lack thereof) offered by a steep, moss-covered boat ramp. This is a situation that gives bass anglers nightmares, but the Discoverer S/T Maxx did just fine.

To me, the most interesting part of the tire’s design is the tread pattern’s non-parallel groove walls, which speedily kick out stones. The enhanced buttress design is also a key component, as it helps provide additional offroad traction and abrasion resistance.

The S/T Maxx launched last month and is available in eight sizes, ranging from 16- to 18-inch rim diameters.

Cooper doesn’t set prices; it leaves that to its dealers. That said, you should be able to find the S/T Maxx for around $150 per tire. My best guess at this point is that the AT3 should be in the same ballpark, but the tire it replaces currently runs from $130 to $170, depending on size. For more information, go to coopertire.com

Field & Stream Picks The Best New Fishing Gear of 2011

Dave_Maccar — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:41:06 -0500

Test Overview:
The past year saw an uptick in innovations across the board—from stronger and more sensitive rods to value-priced reels to lighter and warmer rain gear. Test teams headed by John Merwin, Ted Leeson, and Joe Cermele fished with new products in all six major categories (baitcasting, marine, spinning, outerwear, fly fishing, lures & accessories), and arrived at 17 items that are hands down Best of the Best. Here are there thoughts on each each category, along with links to the winners. You can also browse through all 17 reviews by clicking through the gallery above.

Baitcasting
Tested by John Merwin

In the realm of new baitcasting tackle for 2011, better can be, but is not necessarily, more expensive. On the one hand, rods made with novel materials are absurdly pricey, although very, very good. Anglers with deep pockets will love them. In contrast, competition among reel makers is leading to some full-featured reels introduced at very reasonable prices. There's something for everyone at every budget level, and this year's winners reflect that.
Shimano Caenan CAE100 Reel
Loomis NRK Bass Rods

Marine
Tested by John Merwin and Joe Cermele

After testing all the entries in this new, broad category, we came up with two winners, one a device that will help keep kayakers and other small-craft fishermen on course and out of trouble on the water, the other a motor that will get owners of big boats to their fishing holes quickly and more efficiently. Both will contribute to your angling success, and both are well worth their sticker prices.
Garmin 78SC GPS
Yamaha V Max SHO VF250

Spinning
Tested by John Merwin

Lots of low- and medium-end spinning tackle is coming out this spring. Rods for around $100 are proliferating faster than those costing $250 or more. Many carry technique-specific labels, but don’t be deterred if the designation doesn’t match your needs. A WALLEYE JIGGING rod, for example, is also well suited for tossing spoons for trout. Spinning reels are evolving in similar fashion, to give you more bang for the buck.
St. Croix Eyecon Spinning Series
Pinnacle Performa XT

Outerwear
Tested by Ted Leeson and Joe Cermele

Whether they zip closed, button down, pull over, strap on, or lace up, products in this wide-ranging category address the angler’s demand for comfort and convenience. We want to be warm when it’s cold, cool when it’s hot, and dry when it’s wet, with our gear securely stowed but still instantly accessible. The 2011 nominations all promised improvements in the well-being of fishermen and their equipment. This year’s winners kept their word.
Costa 580P Sunglasses
L.L. Bean Kennebec River Chest Pack
Patagonia Rio Gallegos Waders
Korkers Chrome Wading Boots
Columbia Omni-Heat Squall Line Bib and Parka

Fly Fishing
Tested by Ted Leeson

After something of a lull in the past couple of seasons, American tackle manufacturers are back to doing what they do best—arguably (and I would happily argue it) making the finest flyfishing equipment in the world. A strong field made this year’s picks especially tough, but the cream, as it always does, rose to the top.
Redington Pursuit Fly Rods
Waterworks-Lamson Vanquish Reel
Insta-Set Strike Indicators

Lures and Accessories
Tested by Joe Cermele

Fishing, at its roots, is pretty simple. All you need are a line, pole, hook, and bait. That considered, we took originality into account here but not as much as function. No matter how “revolutionary,” if the product didn’t increase success, it didn’t make the cut. These winners belong in your arsenal this season.
Rapala Clackin' Minnow
Rio Avid Freshwater Trout Fly Line
Sufix 832 Advanced Superline

Best New Line: Sufix 832 Advanced Superline

Dave_Maccar — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:35:49 -0500

Fresh braided line is like a new pair of jeans. It is usually a little stiff at first, gives your spool wedgies, and needs time to conform to the reel before it can dance. Not Sufix’s 832 Advanced Super-line, however.

Right out of the box, it’s like that favorite pair of Wranglers you’ve been wearing for years. That’s because Sufix added Gore fibers to the weave, which not only increase flexibility but beef up abrasion resistance by decreasing friction.

Because the line is so round, it doesn’t bury in the spool as other braids do, nor does it chafe on the guides, which often reduces casting distance.

Unlike other braids, 832 wicks water and returns to the spool dry after the -retrieve.

We used this line in both salt- and fresh-water environments, rubbing hulls and rocks, flipping jigs, bombing metals, deep dropping, and walking the dog. We won’t be respooling for a long time.

Available in sizes from 6- to 80-pound-test. --Joe Cermele

Best New Fly Line: Rio Avid Freshwater Trout Fly Line

Dave_Maccar — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:29:44 -0500

The Avid Freshwater Trout Line from Rio gets the nod this year for infusing some sanity into what has become a confusing array of fly-line selections.

The tapers are sensibly designed for all-around use, and the same slick Agent X coating used on Rio’s more expensive models promotes smooth casting and efficient shooting.

The floating lines float high, repel surface contamination, and clean up easily. A welded front loop makes for simple loop-to-loop leader connection.

This high-quality, -general--purpose line is reasonably priced and will answer the demands of most trout anglers. It comes in weight-forward and double-taper versions. --Joe Cermele

Best New Lure: Rapala Clackin' Minnow

Dave_Maccar — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:24:20 -0500

In 2009, Rapala released the Clackin’ Rap, a lipless crankbait with a unique rattle chamber. Instead of putting bearings in a hollow bait, Rapala used one steel ball that smacks an exposed metal disk to create a clacking sound. It worked.

The same technology is applied to this year’s Clackin’ Minnow to turn some serious fish heads.

In a side-by-side comparison with nonrattling baits of similar shape, we noticed a significant uptick in smallmouth and largemouth strikes on the Clackin’ Minnow.

Most slender jerkbaits have no sound element at all. This one manages to incorporate noise without getting weighed down. Available in 16 colors and two sizes (9 and 11).

--Joe Cermele

Best New Strike Indicators: Insta-Set

Dave_Maccar — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:18:04 -0500

This rigid-foam indicator has a loop of fluorescent plastic tubing through its center. Put the leader through the loop; pull the tags to tighten.

Snug the loop closed gently, and the leader remains straight for short-distance, high-stick nymphing. Snug it tightly, and the leader bends at 90 degrees for right-angle nymphing at longer distances.

Like antennae, the tubing tags not only telegraph subtle strikes but provide information about the fly’s position. When they point straight up, the fly is hanging vertically beneath the indicator, drifting drag-free. This is one of those ideas that simply help you catch more fish. --Ted Leeson

Best New Fly Reel: Waterworks-Lamson Vanquish

Dave_Maccar — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:12:28 -0500

To stand up to saltwater, a reel needs to have strength in the chassis, and torque and smoothness in the drag. The Vanquish reels deliver on all counts.

The lightweight frame and integral reel foot offer impressive structural rigidity—no wracking or flexing when you lean on it.

The heart of the matter is a fully sealed, maintenance-free conical drag with tandem roller clutches that give added torque and redundancy in the drag engagement. Drag pressure is smooth and adjusts through 2.5 revolutions for pinpoint control.

Intelligent large-arbor proportions promote consistent drag tension on sizzling runs and a fast line-retrieve rate. It’s well designed, cleanly made, and tough. --Ted Leeson

Best New Fly Rods: Redington Pursuit

Dave_Maccar — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:07:14 -0500

Of the fly rods tested (some pushed $800), nothing could touch the Pursuits for value.

The medium-fast, -progressive-taper shafts answer handsomely to a range of casting strokes, making them easy and forgiving to use. The sensitive tips track well, with little bounce, and deliver the goods with precision.

The 9-foot 5-weight—the flagship of any trout series—proved equally adept at tossing tiny dries and chucking heavy stuff. Seven two-piece and 10 four-piece models run from 3- to 9-weight. --Ted Leeson

Best New Fishing Outerwear: Columbia Omni-Heat Squall Line Bib and Parka

Dave_Maccar — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:59:52 -0500

This bib and parka keep you warm with less bulk, which means greater mobility. The waterproof-breathable shell is lined with a thermally reflective fabric that reduces body-heat loss and increases cold-weather comfort.

Practical features include articulated and reinforced knees and elbows, water-sealing cuffs, a stiff-brimmed detachable hood, weather-resistant closures, and optional zip-in liners. --Ted Leeson

Best New Wading Boots: Korkers Chrome with Kling-On and Plain Felt Soles

Dave_Maccar — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:54:11 -0500

Korkers’ new boot overcomes the performance compromises of other interchangeable-sole boots (including Korkers’ own). The reengineered Omni-Trax system lets you swap out any of the six sole options in less than a minute—without removing the boots or using tools.

And unlike previous designs, these soles give almost total surface coverage for secure wading. The synthetic boot chassis resists water absorption, and the smooth exterior is easy to clean—both of which help reduce the risk of invasive species.

The Boa cable speed lacing system is now four times faster than before. It took Korkers a few tries, but the Chrome pays big dividends in wading control, versatility, and safety. --Ted Leeson

Best New Waders: Patagonia Rio Gallegos

Dave_Maccar — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:43:36 -0500

The combining of fabric types to improve comfort and durability while holding down weight is de rigueur on high-end waders. These are no exception; the difference is in the details.

A merino-wool grid in the neoprene booties not only supplies winter warmth but gives surprising air circulation and breathability in summer. Leg-seam reinforcements and beefy gravel guards protect abrasion points, and removable neoprene kneepads provide cushioning for stealthy approaches.

There’s a waterproof interior pocket to protect your camera or GPS. And ingenious suspender sliders allow simple waist-high conversion when the weather gets hot. It’s the best convertible system out there. --Ted Leeson

Best New Fishing Outerwear: L. L. Bean Kennebec River Chest Pack

Dave_Maccar — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:37:32 -0500

Made for the minimalist angler, the L.L. Bean Kennebec chest pack is deceptively capacious, holding two large fly boxes with room left over for accessories. An exterior tippet-spool pocket and two retractors on the front put the essentials at your fingertips.

The main compartment slides down on rails to access storage behind it. It’s slim and uncluttered, with a vertical orientation that gives good casting mobility and snag-free travel through brush. Unlike many bulkier chest packs, it won’t obstruct your view of your feet as you walk down a trail or wade in a stream or river. The neck and chest straps distribute and comfortably carry the weight.

Well constructed of water-resistant nylon and modestly priced, this pack is a real value. --Ted Leeson

Best New Sunglasses: Costa 580P

Dave_Maccar — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:30:38 -0500

Costa’s 580P lenses are the first polycarbonate version of the company’s proven 580 glass lenses. These are now Costa’s most lightweight shades and have superb impact resistance and top-shelf polarization. All great stuff, but we were most impressed by the new C Shell lens coating, which repels oil, water, and dust.

If you hate digging for a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner when the bite is on, 580Ps are for you. A quick wipe on your T‑shirt is all you need to keep the lenses clean. And if you’ve got dirt on your shirt, don’t worry; the coating also makes the lenses about as scratch-resistant as glass. —Joe Cermele

Best New Spinning Reel: Pinnacle Performa XT

Dave_Maccar — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:32:24 -0500

The Performa XT was a pleasant surprise: solid quality and unique features at a good price. A button in the handle makes it easy to fold, which may not sound like a big deal, but it simplifies storage and travel. Also nice is the wide spool, which will have you casting a little farther, with less line twist and fewer tangles. The reel body is aluminum alloy (not plastic), the multidisc drag is waterproof, and eight shielded bearings provide smooth operation.

There are two models. The PEF30 weighs 9.9 ounces and carries 100 yards of 8-pound mono. The larger PEF40 is 10.4 ounces and takes 200 yards of 8-pound, which makes it perfect for long-running species such as steelhead or bonefish. —John Merwin

Best New Spinning Rods: St. Croix Eyecon Spinning Series

Dave_Maccar — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:23:19 -0500

We were left with one question after testing St. Croix’s new walleye rods: How can something so inexpensive be so good?

Although this 11-model series is intended for walleye fishing, the graphite rods would serve well for bass and trout. They range from a 6-foot 3-inch version taking lures as light as 1⁄16 ounce up to an 8-foot, fast-action rod designed for drifting walleye baits. Four models are two pieces; the rest are one.

Most of these rods have flexible, sensitive tips that blend into stronger mid- and butt sections. Such a smooth transition from sensitivity to power is unusual in rods at this price. The Eyecons are ideal for many finesse techniques. But however you fish them, the bottom line is the best line: These are exceptional rods at exceptional prices. --John Merwin

Best New Outboard: Yamaha V Max SHO VF250 Four-Stroke

Dave_Maccar — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:18:54 -0500

When we ran the VF250 with bass pro Dave Wolak, we noticed something different about this outboard. It wasn’t the 70-mph speed at which Wolak zipped across the Potomac; nor was it the fact that it was quieter than other four-strokes. No, what got our attention was the hole shot.

By shaving 34 pounds off the engine, Yamaha created an outboard that jumps the hole and gets on plane fast. It was scary-good, as was the acceleration once the boat leveled. Thanks to tweaks to the injection system and throttle valve, the VF250 boasts better fuel economy than previous Yamaha outboards. —Joe Cermele

Best New Marine GPS: Garmin 78SC

Dave_Maccar — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:14:33 -0500

This latest in the crowded field of handheld GPS units is perfect for kayak and small-boat fishermen. It’s a combination GPS-chartplotter that comes loaded with coastal navigation charts so you can see your position while zooming in or out on the screen to plan a route or find your way home. If you’ve ever been caught in a northern coastal fog or gotten confused in the Florida Keys backcountry, then you know how important such assistance can be.

While you should carry a compass for emergencies, the 78sc makes things more certain. It’s easy to use, it runs on AA batteries, it’s waterproof, and it floats. It also has a compass function that does not require you to be in motion to get a reading (as most similar devices do). An SD card slot lets you load additional maps.

I mount the unit on my kayak with a RAM-type ball-and-clip -arrangement that allows for easy viewing. The 78sc doesn’t make coffee, but it does plenty. —John Merwin

Best New Baitcasting Rods: Loomis NRX Bass Rods

Dave_Maccar — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:09:12 -0500

Outrageously expensive, the latest in high-tech baitcast rods from G. Loomis are must-haves for those bass anglers with deep pockets who don’t much care what a rod costs so long as it performs. The NRX series includes eight baitcasting rods (as well as five spinning versions). Exceptional light weight and extreme strength are gained partly because of a new resin system reinforced with silica particles that act like steel reinforcing rods in concrete. Not only is the material stronger, but you can use less of it and still have a durable and powerful rod.

That technology is married to G. Loomis’s high-tech graphite fiber with outstanding results. Our model 852C sample (7-foot 1-inch, medium power) felt light in the hand and had enough tip flex to cast a 1⁄4-ounce weight smoothly, while keeping plenty of power in the butt and midsection for solid hooksets and controlling large fish. The rod’s light weight, meanwhile, means that sensitivity is exceptional.

The NRX baitcasters range from a 6-foot 8-inch version for lighter lures to a 7-foot 5-inch version designed for heavily weighted Carolina rigs. All are one piece. —John Merwin

Best New Baitcasting Reel: Shimano Caenan CAE100 Reel

Dave_Maccar — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:02:25 -0500

If you’re looking for a casting reel for freshwater and -inshore--saltwater fishing, look no further. Backlash control is fairly easy on the Caenan, thanks to an adjustable six-pin centrifugal brake. Making those adjustments is simple, too, because the left side plate is hinged and remains attached to the reel body when opened to access the brake—something rarely seen in this price bracket.

Six ball bearings -promote smooth op-era-tion, while a fast 6.5:1 gear ratio brings in 27 inches of line with each handle turn. These reels are also light, at 7.2 ounces in both right- and left-hand (CAE101) versions. Line capacity is 110 yards of 14-pound mono. The combination of all these features at such a low cost produces our final verdict: Home run, Shimano. —John Merwin

2011 Dodge Ram Tradesman

Dave_Maccar — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:20:04 -0500

by Slaton White

It’s the classic tradeoff—a truck for work or a truck for play? Ram is bridging that gap with its new Tradesman, built on the Ram 1500 ST platform. Its been designed—and named—for hard-working guys who use their trucks at the job site, but it’s also capable of weekend duty hauling gear to deer camp or towing a bass boat to the lake.

The most compelling feature is the engine—the classic HEMI, which is rated at 390 horsepower and 407 foot-pounds of torque. But it’s not the proverbial gas guzzler of the Muscle Car Era. This modern version can deliver up to 20 mpg (in two-wheel-drive versions). Also included in the Tradesman package is a standard Class IV trailer hitch with lighted, above-bumper four- and seven-pin trailer wire connectors, which makes hooking up the trailer (and more importantly, the boat) early in the morning or late a night much easier because you can actually see the connectors. The Tradesman also features heavy-duty engine cooling and a heavy-duty transmission oil cooler. Maximum towing rating is 10,450 pounds.

At this point you’re probably figuring, “Great! But all this performance is probably going to cost me more than 30 grand."

Not so. Prices start around $22,000. That’s a lot of truck for the money.

For more information, visit ramtruck.com

Introducing the Tough-Towing 2011 Ram Heavy Duty Pickup

Dave_Maccar — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:41:48 -0500

by Slaton White

When considering the 2011 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty pickup, which made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show last week, it helps to think of nose tackle B.J. Raji of the champion Green Bay Packers. At 337 pounds, he’s a massive package, like this truck. But he’s also incredibly nimble. The heavyweight Ram can also come off the line in a flash, too, thanks to the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel found under the hood. This engine is capable of a staggering 800 foot-pounds of torque.

Important for outdoorsmen who tow big trailers or carry heavy loads, the 3500’s Gross Combined Weight Rating has also been increased to 30,000 pounds, and the maximum trailer tow weight is now 22,700 pounds.

Those are big numbers. But one other improvement ought to appeal to fans of diesel power. This new truck starts instantly; no more waiting on the glow plug. And both dual batteries are wrapped in special shields that help keep them cool in hot weather and warm in frigid weather.

Mike Cairns, Ram Truck Vehicle Line Executive said, “performance and durability are key factors in this market, and this Ram truck delivers both.” Just like a great tackle should.

What’s all this performance going to cost you? Stay tuned. Pricing hasn’t been finalized, and won’t be until the truck goes on sale in the spring. For more information, go to ramtrucks.com.

Dr. Slick Fully Loaded Angler's Necklace

Joe_Cermele — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 19:38:11 -0500

For most fly trips, I'm a chest pack man. I don't carry enough to warrant a vest, but lanyards leave me feeling a bit naked. However, I know that some folks love to travel light, so check out this new locked-n-loaded lanyard from Dr. Slick. Though the design isn't new, the good Doctor is now offering this necklace with everything (tippet holder, two 30-inch retractors, watertight fly box, hook file, floatant, offset nippers, and hemostat) you need except the flies. Fully adjustable, and with shirt clips that stop the necklace from swinging, this accessory now has a permanent home in my truck for impromptu flyfishing sessions. - Joe Cermele