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

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     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

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     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

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     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

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     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 [ Read Full Post ]

     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 [ Read Full Post ]