Peter B. Mathiesen

Always On Sale: Find great gear for cheap on eBay

fieldandstream-editor — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:00:00 -0400

From a new GPS to an old wool jacket, you can find anything on eBay. Last year, the Internet auction behemoth sold sporting goods worth billions of dollars. If you're not shopping on the "Bay," you're missing some great deals.

To prove how much you can save, the F&S editors gave me a budget to buy the best hunting gear bargains I could find. Over a two-day period, I spent $368.82 (including shipping, which is factored into the amounts shown) on new or barely used gear. I also found the retail price for each item and determined that my collection was worth $1,132. Before shipping it all to the office to be photographed, I inspected each item. Here's the haul:

Total I Spent On this Gear: $368.82
Total retail value: $1,132

Badlands Superday Backpack
Badlands makes excellent packs, and this one arrived new with the tags on, having never seen a day on the trail. Although the $14 shipping charge was a little steep, I still saved over $60.
What I Paid: $92.89
Retail: $160

Burris Landmark II Binoculars 8x32
The only risk I took was on a new but low-end pair of binoculars from Burris. I figured for the price, they'd be a good beater set that I could stand to lose or drive over with the truck (I've done both before). They turned out to be much sharper than expected, and I'll use them this bow season.
What I Paid: $57.95
Retail: $140

Bushnell/Cabela's Trophy Red Dot Scope
Listed as used, this red dot was sold by a guy who just hadn't found the time to mount it on his shotgun. Now awaiting its place on my 870 for spring turkey season, it came in perfect condition with all the paperwork, some batteries, and a set of rings.
What I Paid: $40.00
Retail: $90

Lowrance iFinder Hunter GPS
This lightly used unit showed up in stellar condition, with the original packaging, instructions, and an extra mapping card included. At this price, I don't mind that it's last year's model, and I'm sure it will find a spot in my deer pack for several seasons.
What I Paid: $83.55
Retail: $300

Gerber Torch Tanto Serrated Knife
This tactical-style knife was delivered brand-new and still in its box. It has an evil serrated edge with an extremely sharp pry point -- an enormously practical tool for the price. What I Paid: $16.49
Retail: $64

Mossy Oak APX Velocity Jacket
The APX Velocity is one of my all-time favorite deer hunting jackets. I chose the メBuy Nowモ option (meaning I paid a set price instead of bidding). It had been used one season. The seller stated that he had cut off the neck gaiter because it was too uncomfortable. Not a problem to me; I'd made the same modification in the past.
What I Paid: $42.00
Retail: $239

Irish Setter Deer Tracker Boots
Possibly the best deal I found, these uninsulated boots have Gore-Tex waterproofing and a cork insole. They will last for years and were received in brand-new condition with original tags and packaging.
What I Paid: $35.94
Retail: $139 [pagebreak] Peter's Tips For Buying on eBay
Before you start bidding, choose a few categories and study them diligently. Watch what others do, and see what comparable items sell for. Remember, not everything is a bargain.

There are a few "Buyer Bewares." Never bid on an item without a clear understanding of what the total shipping charge is. A rod my seem like a deal, but a $30.00 shipping and handling charge may take the steam out of your deal.

Although it is less common on small ticket items, be cautious of second chance offers; they may be fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the buyer directly through the ad.

"Feedback" is the equivalent of sellers' and buyers' credit ratings. Look for sellers that have stellar feedback; item as described; a great value; fast shipping; you have foundd the right vendor. Be wary of feedback scores lower than 97%. And, if the seller has just 3 feedback ratings but is listing a dozen items, consider that a red flag.

Four Golden Rules
Start with small ticket items. Never assume. Always pay promptly. Communicate clearly with your seller.

--PM

All-Terrain Vehicle

fieldandstream-editor — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 05:45:00 -0400

Polaris 800 Twin EFI Sportsman
This is the first ATV to hit the 800cc class, and it possesses enough torque to pull your garage down. It will also attack a trail, clear deep snow off a road, till a food plot effortlessly, and get your deer out of any thick and nasty bottom. That said, the Sportsman is a technical achievement with the largest engine in the category. It features a smooth ride and almost nimble handling-something many big ATVs don't do well. Also, it's one of the few available with a fuel-injected engine. Besides all this gut-wrenching brawn, the Sportsman has an all-wheel-drive, on-demand system that takes the guesswork out of when to engage the front differential. Vibration is very low, and the trail performance is amazing for a machine of this size. There are dust- and watertight storage compartments front and rear. $8,600; 800-765-2747; www.polarisindustries.com

Boots

fieldandstream-editor — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 05:45:00 -0400

Danner Pronghorns
These could be the most comfortable boots you'll ever own. I fitted four guys with them for a trek to Argentina, and we all fell in love-no blisters, no sore feet, even though three of us are hard to fit. The Pronghorns accomplish what all general-use boots say they do but don't-they require no break-in. The technical achievement lies in what you can't see. Inside is a super comfortable insole, Gore-Tex lining, moisture-removing mesh, and a nylon shank that, together with the midsole, supports your arch and absolutely cradles your foot on a long walk. $170; 800-345-0430; www.danner.com

Field Test: Waders for Women

fieldandstream-editor — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 20:00:00 -0400

WOMEN SOMETIMES HAVE very limited choices of hunting and fishing gear. Size and fit are the biggest problem areas, as some manufacturers shy away from making female-specific lines because it's not cost effective. Such is not the case in the wader business, however, and we found no shortage of ladies' sizes. The question is, are these waterproof-breathable waders as tough, functional, and well designed as those made for men? Our panel of women rated four of the latest models, testing them in tough winter conditions, while stream fishing for trout, smallmouth bass, salmon, and steelhead.

A Budget Guide to Fishing Southern Alaska's Late Summer Salmon Run

fieldandstream-editor — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 20:00:00 -0400

CASH IN THOSE CREDIT-CARD MILES and you're financially halfway to wading among millions of salmon along the Parks Highway in southern Alaska. Fly to Anchorage the last week of August, rent a car, and head north for great river hopping along a 70-mile stretch of the Parks (a.k.a. State Route 3). Bring light camping gear, lots of flies, and an extra rod to replace the one you'll likely shatter. There will be silvers, chums, sockeyes, humpies, a late king or two, and the errant rainbow.

Clean Up Your Act

fieldandstream-editor — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 05:55:00 -0400

When was the last time you saw a flat-gray living drake mallard with mud on his head?

Ducks preen and clean themselves for hours each day, and your decoys should be as clean and colorful as they are. Otherwise, the birds are apt to circle high until your dingy flotilla spooks them away.

To give your blocks a preening, start with a large tub, a half cup of dishwashing liquid, and a stiff-bristled brush. Scrub hard, then rinse thoroughly to remove all grit, soap residue, and paint flakes.

If a decoy has holes in it (perhaps from last season's cripple chase), mark them with a grease pencil. If need be, stab a new hole in the top of the deke's head with an ice pick to drain any water. (You'll repair this hole with the others, but even if your fix doesn't hold, a hole in the head won't sink your decoy.) Once it's thoroughly dry, close all holes with clear silicone caulk or a hot-glue gun.

Now it's time to prime. Scruff up the area you plan to paint with 40-grit sandpaper. Dust off any particulate matter and finish liberally with acetone, making sure to follow all handling instructions on the package.

Primer is the bond that keeps the paint on. Without it you might as well not bother sprucing up your birds. Parker Coatings makes an excellent oil-based primer that's available online or from waterfowling catalogs (800-236-9676; www.parkercoatings.com).

Once this base coat is completely dry, you can apply the paint. Any high-quality oil-based satin paint out of a spray can or kit will do nicely. Coloring decoys is a learned skill, but it only takes a few to get the hang of it.

Finally, finish with an oil-based satin polyurethane, right out of a spray can. Your dekes will sport a natural sheen, not a wet gloss, for a durable finish and easier cleanup. And your newly gleaming spread will bring those high-circling ducks down.

Clean Up Your Act

fieldandstream-editor — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 05:55:00 -0400

Luggage to Go

fieldandstream-editor — Tue, 30 May 2006 16:00:00 -0400

Planning to go fishing in the Bahamas? Expect to have your packing skills graded at the airline counter. Most flights to the Out Islands from Nassau limit your personal gear to between 75 and 100 pounds per person, and when you don't hit the mark, they get real crabby.

The key is to pare down your equipment to the basic necessities and to check the weight of your bags at home before you head to the airport. Once you have booked your flights, consider traveling with one of the following gear systems, which allow you to pack your clothes and tackle smartly and economically.

Mystery Ranch Sweet Pea Backpack
Made in Montana, this pack is a perfect carry-on and day-gear bag. The Sweet Pea is so impressively suspended that you could carry bricks in it and still adjust it for wading the flats. The front has a butterfly waterproof zipper system that lets you open the entire pack to access the bottom without removing all the contents. Although the company says it's not waterproof, impeccable design and fabric construction make it close. $190; 406-585-1428; mysteryranch.com

Orvis Safe Passage Clearview Kit Bag
With 22 pockets to jam your tackle into, this is an ideal carry-on, boat, or camp bag. Built with a waterproof liner and foam panels, the bag stays dry and floats if it takes a spill. Clear exterior pockets help you quickly locate your cellphone or keys, and pockets inside will organize lines, tippets, and reels. The 20-inch main compartment has removable baffles to handle waders, boots, and even a camera. There's a rod-tube strap on the lid, and a rain fly will keep the bag dry if it's left out in a downpour. $119; 888-235-9763; orvis.com

Cabela's Extreme Wheeled Waterproof Duffel
This 30-inch duffel is roomy but not to the point of getting you into trouble with the weigh-in police. Thoughtfully constructed, the bag has a hearty plastic bottom (with wheels and a handle) to prevent sharp objects from puncturing the bottom while your gear is in the care of baggage handlers. The best news is that it's completely waterproof, and your stuff will stay dry even if you leave it out on the dock during a downpour. $180; 800-237-4444; cabelas.com

Loomis Large Rolling Cargo Bag
This bag is so large that you are going to be hit with an overweight charge if you fill it. That said, this rolling cavern has two lockable PVC rod tubes on each side, and enough space for a big fly-tying bag, waders, wading shoes, a sleeping bag, and all the rest of your stuff. A thoughtful wet bag will separate suspect items from your dry gear. It's reasonably water resistant, not waterproof, and thanks to wheels and a handle, it rolls easily when stuffed. $140; 800-456-6647; gloomis.com

How to Rig the Ultimate Bass Boat

fieldandstream-editor — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 20:00:00 -0400

1 EVINRUDE E-TEC 250

Big-bore boat owners listen up: Evinrude has reestablished the giant two-stroke as the state of the art in marine technology. The E-Tec gets 30 percent increased fuel economy over other comparable motors. It's environmentally friendly and just plain fast—really fast. There's no break-in period. You don't ever need to change the oil, and it will even run on no oil at all for five hours. Evinrude's three-year warranty can be extended to seven years. $21,254; 847-689-7090; www.evinrude.com

2 TRITON 21X HP DC

Gear Review: The New Spin on Baits

fieldandstream-editor — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 04:15:00 -0500

This month, four largemouth anglers fished spinnerbaits on their home waters. All were white with 3/8-ounce heads and Colorado-willow blade configurations. Panelists assessed the lures for hook sharpness, wire quality, balance, durability, and value.

Click an image to enlarge

Outdoor Innovations T-1 Terminator ($7)
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (Best of the Test)
The Lowdown: Tough titanium wire is at the core of this bait. The head is chrome colored, and the lower willow blade has a beveled edge. A Sampo swivel and a supersharp Mustad Ultra Point hook finish the bait, with an extra blue-and-black skirt for those days when you're looking for a change of dress.

Three of the testers agreed that the bait was nearly indestructible and ran true under most conditions. Some noted muted vibration, but only Mike Harris thought it was an issue.
Hits: "The bait always ran true at all speeds. It's very easy to fish," says Matt Newman.
Misses: "The chrome plating and head were just not durable," says Mike Harris.
Contact: 800-944-4766; terminatorlures.com

Strike King Premier Elite Bleeding Bait ($7.20)
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
The Lowdown: It's all about the blood trail with Strike King's red wire and hook visuals. The head is three-dimensionally sculpted and features a red-and-black eye. The skirt is springy and ribbed to excite largemouths.

There was unanimous agreement that the painted bleeding bait hook required sharpening out of the package. John Higgins was convinced that the extra paint reduced the lure's vibration. That said, there was strong support for Strike King's dependable design.
Hits: "After catching numerous fish, the bait always ran true and the wire never bent," says Matt Newman.
Misses: "The lower Colorado blade kept getting hung up on the line," says Bill Martin.
Contact: 901-853-1455; strikeking.com

McGuinness Fishing Leverage ($7.29)
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
The Lowdown: The most innovative bait in our test was the Leverage spinnerbait. Its wire-wrapped flexible hook is designed to keep a bass tethered no matter how hard the fish runs and jumps. To keep it from rolling over when it hits rocks and logs, the head has a slightly exaggerated flat outside surface. The Leverage features sturdy hardware, nicely polished blades, and an extraordinarily sharp hook.

This spinnerbait scored well in the innovation category, though only Bill Martin scored it favorably overall. Most of the panel was uncomfortable with the wire hook system and the fragile paint job on the head.
Hits: "Good balance. Hangs on to fish like a vise," says Bill Martin.
Misses: "The flex wire hook had to be continually straightened when it banged off rocks," says John Higgins.
Contact: 706-227-2248; bassbait.com

Booyahh Bait Double Blade ($4.70)
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
The Lowdown: Designed with a light .035-gauge wire for stronger fish-attracting vibration, the Booyah has a wide head with a large red-and-black eye. The manufacturer says the blades are "jeweler's grade" (we think that means real shiny), and the hooks are Mustad's sharp Ultra Points. The thick skirt includes 55 strands, in case you were counting. Due to the light-gauge wire, the members of the panel agreed that durability was the primary issue with the Booyah. Higgins, Newman, and Harris all loved the way the bait vibrated in the water, yet everyone agreed that it needed tuning much more frequently than the others.
Hits: "The best vibration of the four. I caught my biggest bass on the Booyah," says Matt Newman.
Misses: "It has a very sharp Mustad hook, but it's a pretty vanilla bait," says Mike Harris.
Contact: 479-782-8971; www.booyahbaits.com