boating

Boating Tips from Master Outdoorsman Jerome B. Robinson

fieldandstream-editor — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 11:00:00 -0400

Classic Outdoor Cartoons from the Pages of Field & Stream

fieldandstream-editor — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 20:00:00 -0400

Gear Test: New GPS Systems for Bass Fishing

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

Have you ever wondered if you're fishing in the wrong spot? Then you know why GPS maps are such hot items with today's pros. These electronic marvels use detailed contour lake maps to tell you exactly where you are in relation to the structure you're fishing-and even to the fish you're after.

Many GPS maps also function as LCG depthfinders. Using both, you can pinpoint biting fish or productive structure, mark that location as a waypoint, and come back to it anytime. Here's what to look for:

DISPLAY: Color is far superior to black-and-white because it clearly differentiates land, water, contour lines, and other features. Get color, even if it means buying a smaller unit.

SIZE: This is the single most influential factor in price. Though significantly more expensive, a bigger display is better because it's easier to read. Go as big as you can afford to.

RESOLUTION: Most makers list the number of vertical and horizontal pixels. But the true measure of sharpness is pixels per square inch. Good resolution is most critical on small units.

MAPS: Some models have built-in contour lake maps, but most need plug-in map cards or downloadable maps, sold separately. All of the units here will help you catch more fish.

TIP: Click on an image below to enlarge it

Navman Tracker 5380
(800-628-4487; navman.com)
DISPLAY SIZE: 3.8 inches
PIXELS: 320V x 240H (about 10,500 per square inch)
BUILT-IN DEPTHFINDER: No
COMPATIBLE MAP SOURCE: C-Map
PRICE: $400
COMMENTS: This full-featured unit needs little space and has a great price for color. The display is small but very sharp and functional. It's a good, affordable choice if you already have a depthfinder.

Humminbird 595C
(800-633-1468; humminbird.com)
DISPLAY SIZE: 5 inches
PIXELS: 320V x 240H (about 6,100 per square inch) BUILT-IN DEPTHFINDER: Yes
COMPATIBLE MAP SOURCE: Navionics
PRICE: $550
COMMENTS: This compact, combination GPS map and LCG depthfinder has a unique quick-mounting system that'll save you fishing time. The transducer comes with a temperature probe.

Eagle FishElite 642c IGPS
(800-324-1354; www.eaglegps.com)
DISPLAY SIZE: 5 inches
PIXELS: 640V x 480H (about 25,000 per square inch)
BUILT-IN DEPTHFINDER: Yes
COMPATIBLE MAP SOURCES: Lowrance FreedomMap, Fishing Hot Spots Elite, LakeMaster Pro Maps, NauticPat USA, Navionics
PRICE: $600
COMMENTS: Six color modes let you adapt to light conditions. A surface temperature gauge is included.

Raymarine RC435i GPS Chartplotter
(800-539-5539; raymarine.com)
DISPLAY SIZE: 6 inches
PIXELS: 320V x 240H (about 4,250 per square inch)
BUILT-IN DEPTHFINDER: No
COMPATIBLE MAP SOURCE: Navionics
PRICE: $1,055
COMMENTS: "Point and shoot" navigation lets you click on any waypoinnt, and the unit will direct you to it. A SmartRoute feature automatically builds routes and waypoints from previous tracks.

Lowrance LCX-26C HD
(800-324-1356; lowrance.com)
DISPLAY SIZE: 7 inches
PIXELS: 480V x 640H (about 15,000 per square inch)
BUILT-IN DEPTHFINDER: Yes
COMPATIBLE MAP SOURCE: Lowrance FreedomMap, Fishing Hot Spots Elite, LakeMaster Pro Maps, NauticPat USA, Navionics
PRICE: $1,650
COMMENTS: The 20GB hard drive is loaded with charts of U.S. coastal areas and over 2,100 inland waters.

Garmin GPSMAP 3210
(800-800-1020; garmin.com)
DISPLAY SIZE: 10.4 inches
PIXELS: 640V x 480H (about 5,900 per square inch)
BUILT-IN DEPTHFINDER: No
COMPATIBLE MAP SOURCE: Garmin Inland Lakes
PRICE: $2,667
COMMENTS: The large color display is easy to read, even in direct sunlight. The unit has extremely fast redraw and response rates and is available with numerous optional features.

Slide Show: This Week's Tips from Jerome B. Robinson

fieldandstream-editor — Sat, 20 May 2006 07:00:00 -0400

Slide Show: This Week's Tips from Jerome B. Robinson

fieldandstream-editor — Tue, 16 May 2006 07:00:00 -0400

Outboard Review: The Little Engines That Could

fieldandstream-editor — Sun, 09 Apr 2006 05:05:00 -0400

Yamaha T8
Features: Yamaha's 8-hp auxiliary motors are marvels in ergonomics. The electric tilt and trim is built into the tiller handle along with forward-and-reverse gear. Smart features include tensioning on the tiller elbow, which holds it in place where you tilt it, and a bracket in the steering mechanism that will keep the boat on track even if you take your hand off the tiller. A sensitive throttle control lets you goose or decrease the speed at a slow idle.
Hits: The tiller, shifter, and speed control are all in close proximity.
Misses: In very rough seas, the tensioning that should keep the T8 pointed forward when the big motor is under power is not strong enough to stop it from flopping to one side or the other.
Price: $3,100
Weight: 116 lb.
Contact: yamaha-motor.com

Suzuki DF2.5, DF4, DF6
Features: Portability is plausible with the new DF2.5; its weight rivals that of a full tackle box. Pull this little 2.5-hp four-stroke out of a car trunk and let it push a canoe or johnboat into places where paddles or oars can't cut it. The water-cooled DF2.5, like the 4- and 6-hp models, uses a 1.5-liter fuel tank enclosed under the hood. The DF4 and DF6 add a remote fuel connector for use with an external tank. Each has a tiller handle for steering, and a grip for transport. And unlike other little outboards, these go in forward, neutral, and reverse.
Hits: Thirty pounds is less than half the weight of a battery for an electric trolling motor.
Misses: At full throttle, the DF2.5 burns through its internal gas supply in 45 minutes.
Price: $875Â¿Â¿Â¿$1,760
Weight: 30Â¿Â¿Â¿57 lb.
Contact: suzuki.com

Mercury 9.9 & 15 BigFoot
Features: These small but sturdy four-stroke outboards are built in 9.9- and 15-hp models with the gear case of a 25 for greater durability along with a reduced gear ratio (2.42:1 instead of a standard 2:1) for better cornering. BigFoots have electric start with manual backup, and an aftermarket Mercury lift kit will tilt and trim the motors in shallow water-or stow and deploy them entirely. Best of all, the power in this package reminds me of a truck with low gear for hauling loads.
Hits: BigFoots have the torque to provide a burst of speed to steer away from hazards.
Misses: The slightest turn of the throttle moves the boat up to .5 mph faster instead of increasing the speed incrementally.
Price: $2,160Â¿Â¿Â¿$3,170
Weight: 96Â¿Â¿Â¿128 lb.
Contact: mercurymarine.com

Jerry's Tips: March 2006

fieldandstream-editor — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 04:15:00 -0500

Attract Shy Gobblers
Turkeys don't become decoy shy, but some toms do get "turkey shy" after they've lost a few fights. These subdominant birds are wary of any aggressive-looking rival and will avoid a decoy in the menacing strut or half-strut position. Instead, use a meek standing jake that appears too small to be dangerous. Combine it with a single hen, then use soft, seductive hen calls.

Keep Your Retriever Safe
Don't encourage your retriever to hit the water with the high-speed leaps you see at field trials. The leaps are impressive to watch, but in real hunting conditions, dogs that hit the water hard can get hurt by submerged rocks or logs. Instead, work your dog frequently where harmless but annoying underwater obstacles slow his entry. He will quickly learn to jump with caution.

Avoid Lightning Strikes
During thunderstorms, crouch on a foam mattress or pack of clothes to minimize your body footprint and to insulate your feet from the ground. Don't be the tallest thing around. Avoid high ground, clearings, large trees, and tent poles. In boats, lay fishing rods flat, lower radio antennae, keep feet and hands out of the water, sit low, and don't touch the radio or other metal objects.

Fish Smarter
Long casts are impressive, but you'll work more water and catch more fish if you start short and lengthen each subsequent cast by 10 feet. By varying the distance, you make your lure swing on a different arc with each retrieve. It will pass through more positions where fish may be holding. After you've covered all the water you can reach, change position and begin again.

Protect Trailer Lights
When boat-trailer lights fail, it's usually because corrosion has caused a defective ground. For a more durable connection, drill a hole in the trailer tongue to fit a stainless-steel screw. Size doesn't matter. Polish the area around the hole with sandpaper to expose new metal. Insert the screw through the end of the ground wire terminal and tighten it against the exposed metal.