From Bassin' Magazine
Take The Easy Way Out
By Tyler Henning, Equipment Editor

New accessories make all aspects of fishing trips easier.

Frustration can sprout up on the water at any time. Perhaps a missed hook-up, a motor stalling or not having enough storage is enough to ruin your day. However, sometimes the smallest and simplest fishing accessories can add joy and a touch of ease to your fishing.
Manufacturers are continually tinkering, trying to make fishing the most carefree sport on the planet. Why should anyone spend time worrying about how to remove a tricky hook or not being able to carry all their gear to the lake when there are fish waiting to be caught?

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Bass Pro Shops XPS Wheeled Stalker Tackle Bag
If the path to your boat or fishing hole is paved or smooth, a wheeled tackle option is available from Bass Pro Shops. The new XPS Wheeled Stalker tackle bag is so big that it could hold more than one angler’s equipment for the day. Heavy-duty water-repellent material keeps your gear dry, while a fully padded main compartment holds eight 360 size boxes. Two line-spooling pockets allow you to have easily accessible options at the ready. Other well-planned bonuses include a detachable cell phone/GPS carrier, a molded hard-sided sunglass keeper and measuring-board pocket in the top flap. www.basspro.com

Shimano Blackmoon Backpack
Hiking to your favorite fishing hole is a great and rewarding experience for many anglers. However, getting all the gear you need to that spot often takes several trips. Make just one trip with the new Shimano Blackmoon fishing backpack. The backpack includes multiple pockets to hold four Shimano 360 medium-sized utility boxes, an insulated area for an ice pack, a cell-phone holder and areas for plenty of gear and tackle. A soft back panel, padded shoulder straps and back support make the hike enjoyable. Even a sudden light rain will have trouble ruining your day, as the Blackmoon has non-corrosive zippers and a Zip-out rain-fly system to protect you from the water. www.shimano.com

Plano 8613 Magnum FlipSider Hip Roof Box
Some tackle systems still leave anglers feeling like they should hire an assistant or secretary to get them organized. Plano’s FlipSider line is known for keeping lures separated and in order, allowing anglers to spend more time wetting their lures than cursing at them. The newest FlipSider, the 8613 Magnum Hip Roof Box, is traditional in its hip roof tray approach, but gives external bait access through the FlipSider technology. Three extra-deep trays and additional bulk storage make the 8613 a steal at slightly less than $30.
www.planomolding.com

Gemini Tournament Shirts
Ever had one of those great fishing days that made you think you could be a tournament fishing pro? You may not be flippin’ and pitchin’ at the Bassmaster Classic, but Gemini Sport Marketing now gives you the opportunity to dress the part. Gemini’s new G2 XDS Series tournament shirts permanently wick moisture from the skin, giving the body a comfortable climate control. Best of all, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out how to wash and dry the shirt — no special care is needed. If you want, you can add your own sponsors’ graphics (as long as you have permission), which Gemini applies through the use of sublimination. Sublimination is a process of applying graphics that don’t fade, are photographic in nature and won’t wear off over time. Many of America’s top anglers wear Gemini shirts, and now you can, too. www.geminisportmarketing.com

Blackfin Skeg
Nothing will stop fishing faster than a boat that is out of commission. Smart anglers won’t jeopardize their time on the water. Instead, they install the Blackfin Skeg. The skeg is made from high-impact composite materials and can even repair the damage to an original skeg if 1⁄3 or more of the original skeg is intact. The unique design of the Blackfin Skeg features two tapered wings on each side for critical reinforcement. A sacrificial node on the bottom limits the engine’s skeg from clanging into underwater objects. Available at Cabela’s and other large marine stores, the Blackfin Skeg helps protect your bass rig for less than $80. www.blackfinskeg.com

Berkley TEC Tools
Forget bringing the same pliers that you use around the house out to the lake. Those pliers aren’t forged from treated 420 stainless steel and designed specifically for fishing like the new Berkley TEC tools. The new TEC tool line consists of Power Pliers in various sizes, bent-nose Power Pliers, a hook sharpener, a bait release and durable sheaths for each tool. Built with high-demand performance in mind, the Berkley TEC tools feature a non-slip/soft-touch grip-enhancing design, as well as a 1-year limited warranty. www.berkley-fishing.com



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