Fishing Gear

The Best New Knives of 2012

Dave_Maccar — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:04:49 -0500

There were a staggering number of companies, big and small, showing off their newest knives at SHOT Show this year. We waded through the crowds and pulled out these selections as the best new knives of 2012.

ATV Check-Up: How to Make Sure Your Quad is Running Healthy in 10 Minutes

Online Editors — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:09:41 -0500

Why Bass Fishers and High Stickers Should Love Czech Nymphing

Dave_Maccar — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:29:15 -0500

by Kirk Deeter

I've been hanging out with Steve Parrott of the Blue Quill Angler in Evergreen, Colorado, lately, and I have to tell you, I think he's made me a convert to Czech nymphing.

Steve has a relatively new DVD on the subject, which I eagerly endorse as a potential stocking stuffer, because he takes a topic that many of us find, well, literally "foreign," and brings it right home in a way that's easy to understand.

Major Tackle Manufacturers Moving Out of China

Dave_Maccar — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:19:49 -0500

by John Merwin

Let’s talk about China, Inc.. If you’ve bought much low- to medium-priced fishing tackle lately, chances are it was made in China. That country’s manufacturing capacity and sophistication have grown enormously in recent years, which combined with relatively cheap, skilled labor made it a logical source for many global tackle brands. But now that appears to be changing.

Not that Chinese-made tackle is about to disappear. It’s a very big industry there, and the Chinese fishing-trade expo--called “China Fish”--is a huge international deal.

But consider this current headline from the European fishing-trade journal Angling International: “Giants Accelerate Move out of China.” Rapala, for example, is moving some lure manufacturing along with some VMC hook operations from China to Batam, Indonesia.

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!

Review: New Work Sharp Honing Rod

Online Editors — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:13:48 -0500

by David E. Petzal

Some time ago I introduced you to the Work Sharp Knife and Tool Sharpener, a small belt sharpener that has had roughly the same impact on Western civilization as the printing press, penicillin, and the Hula Hoop, and all because it is the first device that will let even the most fumble-fingered put a razor edge on nearly anything that cuts. (I have put a paper-slicing edge on a Cold Steel Spetsnaz shovel with it.)

Review: 5 New Flashlights For Anglers

Dave_Maccar — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:41:00 -0400

by John Merwin

Flashlights. Everybody needs at least one and--most often--more than one, each light suited to a particular task. In my case, that includes tying on a fly or lure after dark, finding my way through the alder tangles back to my truck, and illuminating the area around a camp stove so I can have dinner.

I recently had the chance to test five new-for-2012 flashlights, a couple of which are truly outstanding. Fortunately, my neighbors didn’t call the cops despite seeing all the odd-looking activity in my yard after dark. I am thus still free to report the following.

1. The PolyTac 90 LED is a small (4.1 ounces, 5.22 inches high) right-angled light that puts out a whopping 170 lumens at its highest setting with 3 hours and 45 minutes run time. On the lowest-output setting, the two 3-volt lithium batteries are said to last for 30 hours. An attached belt clip plus a hanging carabiner give various attachment options. At $85, it’s nice, but pricey. From streamlight.com.

Tie Talk: The No-Tool Whip Finish

Sarah Smith — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:00:43 -0400

by Kirk Deeter, video by Tim Romano

Fly tiers often use a whip finish tool to create the knot at the head of their fly, but here, renowned fly innovator Rob Russell shows how you can make the same, durable knot with two fingers.

Review: Jeep 2012 Wrangler Rubicon 4x4

Dave_Maccar — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:16:46 -0400

by Slaton L. White

How do you redesign an icon?

Carefully. Very carefully.

Just ask the guy responsible for the Wrangler YJ, which replaced the beloved (but slow-selling) CJ in the late 1980s. All in all, not a bad vehicle, but it was vilified for having square, instead of round, headlights.

Small beer? Not to the hard-core Jeep fan. Jeep engineers learned the lesson, and though the current model desperately needed an upgrade--especially a more powerful but fuel-efficient engine--designers knew they couldn’t change the shape or alter its iconic look in any substantial way. In other words, it had to have round headlamps, as well as the seven-slot grille, to carry on the hallowed Willys tradition.

The Best of The 2010 F&S Pumpkin Carving Contest

Dave_Maccar — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:54:04 -0400

These are the 30 best entries from last year's contest. Take a look before you set off to make your outdoors-themed jack-'o-lantern masterpiece for the 2011 F&S Pumpkin Carving Contest.