Tim with a trophy redfish taken on C-Eye Series!

After some extensive testing over the past ten months on a variety of game fish in south Florida. I have to admit that I am really impressed with this new improved version, the C-Eye Series, of the original Mirrodine (17MR). The new C-Eye Series has made three changes that I feel anglers will really embrace as shrewd refinements by the lure designers at Mirrolure.

The most obvious difference when you examine the new C-Eye Mirrodine is that the eye is now clear and more natural than the original 3D red eye. I believe this more realistic eye color change will help fool wary pressured game fish in clear shallow water environments whereas the standard red eye version is better suited for turbid water applications or when presenting the Mirrodine in soupy bait fish activity.

The next big change that anglers are going to love about the C-Eye Series Mirrodines are the great new custom paint jobs! The line-up includes several new looks that break away from the standard numbered color pallette that Mirrolure historically employs. My personal color favorites in the new C-Eye Series offerings are; trout, redfish, and the GCSB. I truly believe that the changes to more contemporary colors combined with the new clear eye life-like appearance for this version of the Mirrodine will only enhance its appeal to targets like big trout and spooky redfish in gin clear waters.

And finally, there has been a change made to the new C-Eye Series Mirrodine’s hardware. Anglers will now notice that the split rings and hooks are black nickel in color and significantly beefed up in strength. This improvement to the hooks will be well received by fishermen targeting bull redfish, snook, and beleive it or not even juvenile tarpon! And for those who are wondering if the action of the C-Eye Series is any different than the original Mirrodine… in my opinion there is no discernible difference at all.

In a nutshell, the C-Eye Series Mirrodine should become a staple bait in most tackle boxes this year; it already has in mine!

Field tested by Capt. C.A. Richardson

A few critical concepts that beginning push pole anglers need to grasp is how they can make their skiff an extension of themselves. In other words, command the direction of their skiff with minimal effort while remaining stealthy.  The first concept to understand is boat control… if the push pole is placed directly behind the skiff in-line with the imaginary center line of the boat itself then with very little effort the skiff can be propelled forward in the desired direction.  If a right turn is desired by the angler poling the boat, then all that is needed would be to place the foot of the push pole just a little right of the imaginary centerline and then gently push forward bringing the bow around to the starboard direction ever so slightly.  Keep in mind, the farther the push pole foot is placed to the right away from the imaginary centerline a more exaggerated turn to starboard will be experienced. Conversely, to make a left hand turn to port you would employ the opposite energy described above.  Of course, there are always mitigating circumstances such as wind and sometimes even current that will require adjustments by the push poling angler.  When these scenarios arise it may be necessary to pole the skiff a little off-center to achieve the desired forward direction.  A common example might be if you experience a slight breeze off your bow a little to the portside.  This would require you to pole a little left of center to compensate for the added wind resistance coming from your portside to continue down the flat in a relatively straight line. This type of adjustment plays into that feeling of “intuition” and comes with a little practical experience.  Another must, is to focus on the downward angle from the poling platform in relation to your push pole stroke.  If the stroke angle is too acute (to close to the stern), you will have less control over the skiff especially in breezy conditions;  instead keep the pole angle lower and a little further away from the stern for better boat control.  Lastly, a scenario that often happens is when the wind is a little brisk from the stern of the skiff when poling downwind.  This requires the angler poling to “crab” down the flat rather than push pole. Crabbing down the flat is explained best by placing the push pole amid-ship on either side of the skiff (generally alternating sides) and slowing down the forward momentum of the skiff by creating gentle controlled resistance.  The controlled “crabbing” technique will allow the angler on the bow time to make a proper presentation to the target fish.  Furthermore, shorter push pole strokes are also needed in blustery conditions so that the angler push poling can remain in better contact with the bottom and gain even more control over the skiff.  Whereas, on those breathless still days, longer push pole strokes can be utilized to gain more ground efficiently.  The application of these simple mechanical concepts will give the beginner push pole devotee much better control of his skiff.

Understanding how to make the most of your push pole is equally important; Which brings me to my next point… or lack of depending on the bottom make-up of the sea floor.  I typically like to use the pointed end of my push pole because it has a smaller surface area and resonates much less sound.  But the pointed end of the pole is frequently a poor choice if the sea floor is soft and/or muddy in consistency.  That being said, all soft bottom scenarios should require the forked end of the pole as the best choice because it keeps the foot from penetrating too deep into the bottom and makes poling the boat  less laboring.  With all the advancements made in technical poling skiffs and in the push poles that propel them… weight and stiffness seem to be the most important qualities sought out by poling enthusiasts.  The ideal push pole, in my opinion, is actually two push poles!  I personally like having a 21’ pole for conventional flats fishing when encountering shallow depths because a shorter pole is lighter and more rigid and keeps me from becoming overly fatigued.  But on those occasions, when I have to pole deeper flats or the beaches for tarpon, a longer 23’ to 24’ push pole is a better tool for boat control in those circumstances.

In closing, if you have ever been on the bow of a flats skiff staring down a nervous school of redfish, you probably already realize your best chance at hooking up is going to be if the guy on the poling platform knows what he’s doing with that push pole.  And that’s a fact sports fans… learn the “art of push poling” and simply catch more fish!

Capt. C.A. Richardson

A few obvious artificial choices that ideally mimic crustaceans would be soft plastic shrimp and crab look-a-likes but there are other selections that do a respectable impression as well… such as tube baits, buck tail jigs, craw-like plastics and beaver tail grubs.  And when it comes to choosing color for crustacean baits, natural organic hues get the nod 90% of the time but occasionally in turbid water conditions more vibrant colors (e.g. electric chicken) are necessary.

One common trait most crustacean baits should possess is that it has to be presented slow and deliberate to give it a life-like action to match its appearance.  In regard to the ideal retrieve discipline, typically the presentation for a “shrimp look” should be a gentle lift, lift, fall (escape move) followed by a hesitation then repeat. The lift movement should be short & smooth and done with the rod only not the reel so that the shrimp imposter does not move a great distance but has a realistic escape presentation.  Now when it comes to the “crab look”, think groovy!  Really, use a football head jig to keep your plastic crab on the sea bottom and simply drag the bait about 6” to 12” at a time with a short pause in between movements.  This dragging presentation makes grooves in the sand or mud and creates a light dust trail just like a real crab often enticing redfish and flounder into devouring the lure. In short, visualize the bait you are imitating and its natural behavior and you’ll catch more fish.

A couple bait recommendations from the Flats Class pros that perform well in a variety of scenarios would be the Z-Man 3” Scented Shrimpz or Crabz, Z-Man Toobz, or the TBS buck tail jig line-up.  And my color choices are always predicated on water clarity and bottom make-up… naturally variations of brown and green are favored but fantastic complimentary colors that add to the base color would be orange, gold flake, and red flake.  Additionally, you should always consider adding scent to all crustacean patterns due to their slow deliberate movements.

It’s really a simple formula when employing the crustacean pattern, just adhere to the “be the bait” mentality and you’ll catch more of those cold water game fish!

Enhanced casting distance, superior strength, abrasion resistance, sensitivity and ultimately cost has to factor into every professional guide’s decision making and budget, including mine.  And my business, outside of being a TV host, is to stalk redfish and giant sea trout in mere inches of crystal clear water for my clients 80% of the year so I’m looking for an advantage.  Ohero Braid gives me that edge!

The two most popular materials that make-up braided lines are Spectra-Fiber and Dyneema. Spectra lines tend to be a little thicker in diameter (but super strong) and stiffer (holds its shape) which often translates into added spool memory and a loss of casting distance in most cases.  On the other hand, Dyneema super lines, such as Ohero Braid, easily glide off reels and smoothly move through rod guides with virtually no resistance.  Ohero Braid is a soft, smooth, and very limp braid which makes it most desirable with inshore anglers looking for a competitive advantage similar to those found with more expensive lines. 

The fine diameter of Ohero Braid (the thinnest braid to mono ratio on the market) obviously equates to improved casting distance but the lightweight body of Ohero Braid also allows lures to achieve operating depth faster and adds to the action of the lure.  Ohero Braid has other traits though that enhance its long casting capacity too… such as its 8-carrier design giving the Ohero Braid a consistent round shape plus the line is treated with a nano-technology process which makes the braid especially smooth and slick… again extending its casting capabilities. Many of the competing Spectra Braids use a waxy coating to give their lines a slick feel but that coating comes off rather quickly with use and the friction created makes casting distance suffer a great deal. Ohero Braid remains smooth through the life of its use with proper care and maintenance.

Another benefit to using Ohero Braid made from 100% Dyneema is that it’s highly resilient to UV rays and the harsh saltwater environment.  This means your line will retain a high percentage of its original strength compared to other lines over a given period of time. These qualities are important because Ohero Braid is a zero-stretch (low elongation) line that has to absorb the impact of hard-hitting game fish, strike after strike.  Additionally, the hyper-sensitivity of Ohero Braid makes it my favorite choice for finesse fishing small soft plastics or suspending lures… where touch and feel matter.

Ohero Braid comes in a variety of colors: Blue, Fluorescent Yellow, Moss Green, and Mixed… my favorite is the “Blue” its damn near invisible when casting over spooky fish in clear water. But the “Fluorescent Yellow” is a great choice for working docks or current where seeing your line is critical when reacting to the bite.

But best of all, is the price tag that is attached to the Ohero Braids.  You would expect to pay a premium price for such a high-performance braid yet it sells for about .10 cents (15lb. test) a yard… now that’s what I call a recession buster!  Why not try a spool of Ohero Braid… you’ll be glad you did.

For more info visit www.oherofishing.com/ohero-fishing-lines/ohero-braided-fishing-lines/

Daiwa Ballistic 3000 & 4000 Spinning Reels- These reels are perfect for the angler who really enjoys casting artificial lures in fresh or saltwater.  The Daiwa Ballistic has a sealed drag making it very anti-corrosive and is made from a space-age material known as Zaion (ultra light, strong & rigid).  The reel out performs all in its class and has become my reel of choice for personal use when chasing snook, reds, and big trout on the flats. It’s a great value under $200!

Light Gulf Spin Coastal Series- Now Falcon makes this fantastic rod in the Coastal Series which is perfect for the inshore market at a reasonable price $129.  This particular rod blank has been my favorite in the Low Rider Seriesfor years but it is much improved with larger corrosion resistant guides to accommodate saltwater leaders and extending casting distance.  And, longer casts mean more fish… if that’s your goal for 2012 then don’t hesitate pushing the button on this purchase!

Ohero Braided Fishing Line- The braid of choice for Flats Class pros, Ohero Braid simply outperforms all the rest with the smallest braid to monofilament equivalent ratio on the market.  It’s strong and abrasion resistant with absolutely no memory!  Ohero Braid is available in four colors (Yellow, Green, Mixed, and Blue) and is very reasonably price.  I prefer the Blue color which gives me an edge in invisibility with wary skinny water game fish both in the air (the cast) and under the water… try it!

Kaenon (Jetty) Sunglasses- So many fans reach out to Flats Class for sport optics advice… here’s what I prefer to wear when I’m on the water.  The Jetty frame is stylish, lightweight, plus functional and the lenses possess incredible clarity and UV eye protection.  My job depends on me seeing the fish from my poling platform before they see me; Kaenon makes that job a whole lot easier!

Mirro-lure’s Mirromullet XL- This lure is a great stocking stuffer for every inshore enthusiast!  The Mirromullet XL works fantastic on those slick calm mornings when a quieter surface walker is the obvious choice. So far this year I’ve caught all of the inshore “Big 3” (snook, reds, and trout) on this new top water offering from Mirrolure!  This new bait is offered in a wide array of colors… so don’t hesitate to buy more than one.

Pro –Cure Gel Scents- Everything in your tackle box is better with Pro-Cure gel scent applied!  And they have a forage specific flavor for all species of game fish.  You want to target redfish?  Then try the shrimp or crab scent from Pro-Cure.  Big sea trout your ultimate goal?  Then try mullet scent for your favorite top water or suspending plug!  No matter what the species, Pro-Cure makes a gel scent perfect for all your artificial lures.  Coming soon the new “Ladyfish” scent!

Breathe Like A Fish Performance Shirts- A standard on FCTV… these Breathe Like A Fish shirts are the ideal gift for the angler in your house.  Unmatched in UV performance and comfort plus the built-in sun mask just makes too much sense!  The product line offers a variety of color choices and even more new products that compliment the BLAF shirts. It truly is a can’t miss gift for anglers!

Aqua Dream Spoons- Another great stocking stuffer item!   And, it doesn’t matter where you fish along the coast… redfish just gobble up Aqua Dream Spoons.  I’ve literally caught hundreds of redfish with my clients on these spoons over the years because they are so simple to use. My favorite colors are white and green but the hot pink or black nickel work great in stained water too.  The AD Spoons have a unique action and are made from quality materials… if you like catching redfish try one on your next trip.

Z-Man PaddlerZ & ShrimpZ- You can stop looking now… these are the finest and most practical soft baits on the market today!  Made from a proprietary material called ElaZ-tech the Z-Man PaddlerZ & ShrimpZ have the most realistic action and best look over any of their competition.  These baits not only imitate nature perfectly but are virtually indestructible and a large percentage of the product line at Z-Man Lures is already infused with Pro-Cure scents.  This Christmas catch everything in the shallows… use Santa’s favorite baits, Z-Man Fishing Products!

Raymarine’s e7- If the budget allows this year, you’ve got to have Raymarine’s new multi-functional e7 combo unit.  This e7 hybrid touch unit is super easy to use and has too many features to list from its sport friendly optic display screen to the Bluetooth technology that allows you to see and share everything on the e7 with your IPad or IPhone from anywhere on the boat.  Click the link below to see the entire video that shows the Raymarine e7 demo video, you’ll be impressed and the price is more than affordable this Christmas.

Paul Brown Original- You’ve seen the TV shows with this one of a kind suspending bait known for its ability to catch the biggest Sea Trout around.  So why not give the gift that will have your favorite angler bragging about his monster trout catches this spring… the Paul Brown Original!  In all my years as a pro angler, I’ve never used a suspending bait that is as effective as the PBL Series, period.  A great lure for trout lovers but the PBL Original catches plenty of redfish and snook too.  Lots of great colors available in the Paul Brown Lure product line so treat yourself and buy more than one! 

Flats Class Charter Gift Certificate- The best gift to give this Christmas to your favorite angler is the gift of “how-to knowledge” that can be gained in a Flats Class Charter.  Come into contact with the knowledge and wisdom gained from over 3 decades of experience fishing the shallows of west central Florida.  You will receive 6 hours of instruction while being poled along some of the most pristine waters of beautiful Tampa Bay catching trophy fish on artificial lures or flies.   My state of the art Hell’s Bay Neptune is complimented by Evinrude E-tec power (150HP), duel Power-Poles, a Minn-kota I-Pilot trolling motor,the new Raymarine e7 and some of the finest fishing equipment available today.  Order your gift certificate today to have under the tree by Christmas morning… it’s an awesome gift!

Many of these wonderful angler gift ideas can be found and purchased at Tampa Fishing Outfitters or a local retailer near you.  Hopefully some of these gifts will show up in your Christmas stocking this holiday season… Merry Christmas from Flats Class.

Recently I had the opportunity to jump aboard the brand new Hell’s Bay Biscayne for a quick sea trial with Capt. Todd Fuller (HB General Manager) and well known outdoor writer Rusty Chinnis along the Manatee River and south shore of Tampa Bay.  I was thoroughly impressed with the new Biscayne and can honestly say it deserves all of the “buzz” it has created over the past few months since its debut at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show.  Moreover, it’s “bar none” the best 16 foot technical poling skiff I’ve ever experienced over my long career… yes, including my vintage 16 foot “Silver King” that I used to run and brag about to my clients nearly twenty years ago!  The Biscayne handles a good chop and delivers a soft, smooth and remarkably dry ride as if it were a much larger flats boat with a lot more mass. This incredible ride is afforded to the Biscayne due to its knife-like entry and hyper-dry chine design. Yet, when you arrive on a shallow flat the Biscayne floats in 7” or less and doesn’t make a sound to alert wary game fish, in my humble opinion, it’s almost “smoke blowing over the water” quiet.  After spending three hours on the new Biscayne, I feel that this new addition to the Hell’s Bay Boatworks line-up will be significant, particularly for anglers with a real need to cross bigger open water areas to reach their favorite shallow flats!

Pro-Input

At Hell’s Bay Boatworks, professional anglers have a key influence in product development!  Case in point, Capt. Will Benson who guides out of Key West, FL makes trips with clients to the Marquesas and around the lower Keys which requires him to run over big open water on a regular basis.  Will Benson and other noted HB pro staff’s collective input and experience with poling skiffs that have to possess the ability to face demanding seas but also retain a small footprint was critical in the progress of the new Biscayne hull’s development.  Also, my friend and fellow HB pro, Capt. Jose Wejebe wrote an inspiring review about the seaworthiness of the new Biscayne after his test drive which you can check out by clicking on this link.  He does an extraordinary job discussing the abilities of the Biscayne in challenging sea conditions that would swamp most of the competition.  Real contributions from experienced shallow water guides and pro personalities is what truly enhances all of the Hell’s Bay product… only a true custom boat builder  can provide the discriminating customer with this unique advantage.

Fish-ability & Lay-out

I’d like to speak for the angling capability and the deck layout of the new Biscayne… after all these are important considerations to assess before buying a new poling skiff. The Biscayne possesses a large forward casting deck that is exceedingly comfortable and stable for two anglers without sacrificing cockpit space.  The integrated cooler in the helm saves even more cockpit room, making for ease of movement about the boat and easy access to the under gunnel rod storage. Plus the boat has ample dry storage for tackle, valuables and safety gear both fore and aft.  From the poling platform perspective, the boat poles effortlessly and tracks like it’s on rails regardless of wind direction.  Moreover, the boat spins on a dime for the push-pole devotee, a big advantage for both fly and light tackle anglers, who depend on textbook presentations for sight fishing opportunities.  Earlier in this review, I also mentioned how stealthy the Biscayne behaves on the flat… this is a genetic trait that runs through all the Hell’s Bay models.  On this particular sea trial with Todd and Rusty, we poled over several sandy pot holes that held redfish and trout and our presence virtually went unnoticed by these fish.  It didn’t take long (about 8 casts) before I was hooked up to a respectable redfish that surely will be one of thousands over the life of this boat!

Analysis & Specifications 

In closing, I’d have to say the new Biscayne may be the answer to devoted inshore anglers looking for the ultimate flats skiff that can deliver a comfortable dry ride on those breezy days yet still have a small footprint in the skinny.  I believe fishing destinations such as the Keys, the Bahamas, and the Laguna Madre in Texas would be idyllic areas for the Biscayne to prove her salt.  But I see many more areas noted for big water surrounded by prime shallow water zones that the Biscayne could manage with ease… venues like Charleston, Wilmington, St. Augustine, Charlotte Harbor, New Orleans, and most of the Florida Panhandle region.  I encourage all of you to take advantage of the Hell’s Bay “Test Drive Tour” going on right now and experience the difference for yourself.  I think you’ll agree that no shallow water skiff on the market today in the under 17 foot class even comes close to the all-around performance of the new HB Biscayne!

Biscayne Specs: 

Length-                                16’4”

Weight-                                595 lbs.

Beam-                                   70”

Draft-                                    7” with engine and fuel

Rec. Power-                       60hp to 80hp

Picture above courtesy of Rusty Chinnis

Proper lure speed is accomplished by understanding what forage the angler is trying to imitate and allowing enough time and/or distance to duplicate that action.  Keep in mind… game fish are generally startled when a lure is cast uncomfortably close to them in most cases that’s the very reason why a safe cast is necessary.  For example, if I want to burn a paddle tail jig, mimicking bait fish behaviour, speeding through a dock light to produce a reaction strike from a snook.  I would first smart cast my jig 12 to 15 feet past the back edge of the lighted area into the dark so that I could achieve the ideal tempo by the time the jig entered the lighted area (intended strike zone).  Another instance, might be when fishing pot holes (sandy areas) in shallow grass flats for sea trout and redfish.  Often the best presentation, for a soft plastic crustacean look, is a cast well past the intended pot hole so that you can gently reel the lure carefully to the far edge of the pot hole and drop it.  At that point, you can either apply a slow drag & pause (crab retrieve) or use a subtle lift & fall (shrimp retrieve) to get the desired reaction from the game fish within the pot hole!  By cautiously not placing the cast initially in the “strike zone”… your lure has the time and distance to behave the way you intended it to look and significantly increase the odds of generating a strike.

Other factors you have to consider when smart casting is depth of water, current direction and “angle of lure approach”.  Water depth becomes a factor in situations where the angler has to permit the lure to reach a certain depth before it can move through the intended strike zone.  For example, if an angler is utilizing a crank bait over submerged structure, he has to allow for a much longer cast to give the lure time to attain depth and make contact with the structure to draw a strike.  Whereas, in deep strong current, it’s important to bring the lure in the same direction as the current flow because the targeted game fish are oriented to feed in that direction of flow… in spite of the intimidating “head-on” angle.  And the final consideration, when game fish are laid up in a slow or static current scenario in shallow water they rarely react well to a lure aggressively approaching their position in a “head-on” manner.  This “head-on” lure motion is a very un-natural “angle of approach” for imitating prey and results are typically poor for a game fish to strike.  Summing it up, smart casting by definition is logically placing the lure at a measured distance away from the strike zone as to not startle the game fish from the initial surface entry but allowing for enough time and space for the said lure to operate properly, that’s it! 

Hey, fish smart the next time you head out to your favorite fishing hole and you just might be surprised by the outcome!

Currently, we have a tremendous Sea Trout fishery under the current regulations and as a guide I regularly witness Sea Trout up to 5 and 6 pounds caught on many of my trips.  In fact, I have never seen the Sea Trout fishery this healthy in my angling career in our state… something to be proud of especially considering the “Red Tide” of 2005 and the “Deep Freeze” of 2010.  And the reason why the Sea Trout fishery is so healthy?  It’s because the current regulations are working perfectly and protecting the trout from a substancial commercial fishing harvest!  And as bad as those natural phenomena’s were to the Sea Trout populations in our state… it will not compare to how these new regulations that the FWC Commissioners are proposing to adopt will do to them.  In my opinion, the new trout regs are unwarranted and way too risky to accept.  “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it!” is what most recreational anglers are saying about these proposed new regulations.   

In the late 70’s and into the 80’s, the commercial harvest of Sea Trout made in nearly impossible to catch trout 15” inches or better on most trips and when anglers did catch larger trout those fish were scarred with net marks!  That was an awful era for our Sea Trout populations, we do not want to endure that mistake again. Thanks to organizations like the CCA, recreational anglers finally had a voice and commercial netting of Sea Trout was finally banned.  But here we are again in 2011, dealing with the possibility of commercial fishing doubling their current harvest, doubling the length of time they can harvest, and adding nets to the current hook & line method that they’ve had to use during the trout recovery!  What in the world is the FWC thinking!  In a few years, they (the FWC) will be telling us the Sea Trout fishery is in peril and that they are going to have to close harvest seasons for recreational anglers for an extended period of time… take my word for it that’s a good bet.

Here is something else to think about… the “trickle down” effect to the Florida economy.  We have lots of tourism in this state that count on our healthy trout fishery to lure visitors down to Florida during the winter months… hotels, rentals, restaurants, bait shop owners, and guides.  Additionally, sales of fishing tackle, boats, and even fishing licenses will certainly be hurt if these new Sea Trout regs are passed.  The inshore fishing economy will certainly be wounded because not everybody is able to catch snook, redfish, and tarpon here in Florida on most outings but everyone can catch Sea Trout regardless of their skill level because the fishery is so healthy… the Sea Trout is the reason why most of us go fishing! 

Listen, not only do we have to convince the FWC Commissioners to keep our current regulations in place for the Sea Trout.  We have to insist that the Sea Trout gets game fish status like the snook, redfish, and tarpon… the Sea Trout should be the Florida state fish for that matter!  My belief is the Sea Trout acts as a “gateway” species that draws new anglers and young people into our sport and into the outdoors… don’t let commercial fishing interests destroy this valuable resource and the opportunity to future anglers.

To make your voice heard take 2 minutes and visit www.myfwc.com and hit the contact page at the top then punch the email the Commissioners tab… please express to them your concerns about the new proposed Sea Trout regs.  Additionally, go to www.snookfoundation.org and take the Sea Trout poll and add your comments as well… it’s important to all of us, please voice your opinion my friends.

Respectfully, 

Capt. C.A. Richardson

When I’m scouting for new fishing areas for my charter clients or for the next episode of Flats Class TV, I use my wireless MK I-Pilot to cover ground quickly while I stand atop my poling platform.  This advantage of being on the poling platform and remotely steering my skiff is fantastic for locating game fish and marking submerged structure on most shallow flats and along the beaches.  Not to mention the fact, that the wireless remote feature keeps me off the forward casting deck giving my clients plenty of room to fish comfortably without me being in the way.   The MK I-Pilot also interprets the GPS technology info and stores it in memory to give me the ability to record my track up to two miles!  That way I can immediately retrace my path or save it for a future trip… a serious advantage in places like the 10K Islands or even around the docks in complex residential canal systems.

But maybe the most amazing attribute about my MK I-Pilot is the “Spot Lock” feature… especially when I’m working in depths deeper than 10 feet where my Power-Pole anchors are not really effective.  The “Spot –Lock” feature positions my skiff perfectly using GPS technology like a virtual anchor… great for dock light fishing, netting live bait in deeper water or, my personal favorite, holding my position in the current of deeper passes while tarpon & snook fishing!    All this control totally hands-free, regardless of wind, waves, or drift… pretty cool if you ask me. 

Hey, don’t take my word for it… try the Minn-Kota I-Pilot for yourself; it will change the way you fish! 

For more info on all the features of the Minn-Kota I-Pilot, please visit www.minnkotamotors.com .

Field tested by Capt. C.A. Richardson

Z-Man Lures has been in the lure manufacturing business for over 25 years so they are no stranger to the tackle industry but they have re-focused their energy in recent years and are now recognized as the fastest growing lure company in America.  Capt. C.A. Richardson will join Z-Man bass pros David Walker, Stephen Browning, Luke Clausen, and David Goshorn on the Z-Man Squad as the team’s saltwater expert. In fact, there is already a Flats Class TV episode in the planning stages where Captain C.A. will share his boat with Z-Man pro David Walker for a unique program that uses some brand new Z-Man weaponry.  The bottom line, expect to see some outstanding action this upcoming season on Flats Class TV with Z-Man Lures onboard… more sight fishing, more baits to handle heavy cover, and more lures in the arsenal that will provide some explosive strikes from quality fish!

Captain C.A. Richardson explained “Z-Man soft baits are stronger and more durable than all of their competitors… one or two of these remarkable baits can easily get me through a day of hard fishing. That saves me time and money!  Plus, the buoyancy the bait possesses gives the lure a realistic look and attitude that drives game fish crazy in my opinion.” C.A. went on to say that “The considerable number of bait shapes and profiles in the Z-Man line-up combined with their wide array of custom colors such as my favorites, (Redbone & Houdini), pay inshore anglers big dividends when “the bite” is slow or when fishing heavily pressured areas.” More importantly, C.A. exclaimed is that “The leadership at Z-Man Lures is very passionate about saltwater fishing that’s important to me; it’s a coastal thing because of their South Carolina roots and I’m glad to be a part of it now!”

Hey to learn more about the Z-Man brand and all of their exciting products please visit their website at www.zmanfishing.com .  Join the team, switch over to Z-Man Lures with me and get the ElaZtech advantage… you’ll be glad you did!  

FCTV