After the year we just experienced, there’s never been a better time to invest in security.
The Seventy2 Pro Survival System by Uncharted Supply Company is a survival kit that contains food and water plus everything else two adults would need to endure harsh conditions for 72 hours. Given that things are not as they were, we feel being prepared for anything is no longer overdoing it. There is also a one-person Seventy2 Survival system, but if you have the space and the need, we recommend the two-person Pro kit. If nothing more, a solo user gets 144 hours. (unchartedsupplyco.com)
$595
RCI Optics 2nd Light Midnight Gunmetal / Copper Sunrise Gold Mirror H780
RCI is a Florida-based company that manufactures quality optics that boast UV protection as well as infrared protection. Their theory is that infrared light can cause the anterior chamber of the eye to heat up, and therefore dry out faster than when wearing other lenses. Without getting into that debate, the color of the Copper Sunrise lenses are perfect for tannic water and seeing tarpon lumber about in low morning light in the back country this spring. (rcioptics.com)
$295
If you have ever struggled with getting the shot and keeping everything organized (and not in the water) amid the chaos that ensues when a big fish is hooked, this is a possible solution. You no longer have to use a zip-tie to secure your floating handle to your poling platform or your craft’s grab rails. The GoPro large tube mount fits most poling platforms and most hand rails. It even fits on the roll bars of a Jeep. Wherever you put it, count on it helping you capture unique perspectives of your spring fishing adventures. (gopro.com)
$39
Simms Dry Creek Simple Pack – 25L
Planning on doing some wading, or do you just need a good functional dry bag? Either way, the Dry Creek Pack in 25-liter size is perfect for most situations. Waterproof zipper on the outer pouch giving access to small items like phones, flies and snacks. The larger storage compartment is surprisingly accommodating for more than you might expect. Nice details, like the padding in the straps, make it a fairly comfortable backpack for a day trip. (simmsfishing.com)
$139.95
Whether stringing up fly rods in predawn darkness, lighting up dark boat hatches, or a late-night tying session, GoPro’s Zeus Mini is as versatile as it is powerful. Waterproof down to 33 feet and mountable with a clip or magnets (it firmly sticks to anything metal in your boat), the Zeus Mini can shed light on any situation. Once in place, a strong 360-degree swivel allows you to choose the angle of illumination. With four brightness settings ranging from 20 to 200 lumens and a rechargeable battery that lasts up to six hours, it can handle anything you throw at it. (gopro.com.)
$69.99
As anglers we spend a lot of time in wet places—boat launches, riverbanks, marinas, wet grass, rainy days. That’s not going to change. Built with the premium, waterproof rubber and neoprene interior Lacrosse is known for, the Alpha Muddy Mid is perfect for anglers on the go. They slip on and off easily, making them perfect for throwing on while launching the boat and then tossing in a hatch until you get back. They’re also every bit as comfortable as they are durable. After a day of fishing you’ll want to wear them while walking the dog, finishing up the day’s chores, or bellying up to the bar. (lacrossefootwear.com)
$110
The Garmin inReach Mini is a compact satellite communicator that sets the standard for lightweight offshore or backcountry communication. At 3.5 ounces it’s the lightest two-way satellite communicator on the market. Its two-way messaging is very reliable, and the SOS signal is constantly checked by Garmin’s search-and-rescue monitoring center (subscription required). Throw in weather reports, route-tracking, location, and altitude display, and the inReach mini is a powerful tool whether you’re deep in the Everglades or need a reliable backup for your phone in the boat. (garmin.com)
$349.99 + Subscription Plan
Wallets are highly personalized items. If your concept of a wallet is something simple, durable, protective, and small, the Travax Original 2.0 wallet fits the bill. While its price and size are diminutive, its function is not. It fits just the right amount of cards, has a built-in cash clip, pry bar, and bottle opener, and fits easily into your front pocket. It has built-in RFID protection and will likely outlast you. It’s sourced and built in the US, and patinas with time, making it more of an heirloom with each use. (www.trayvax.com)
$34.99
Underwater photography equipment doesn’t have to be the price of a used car. If you’re searching for a solid housing that allows you to use your mirrorless or DSLR kit, provides more protection than the zip-seal bag variety, and doesn’t bankrupt you, check out the Sea Frogs line of underwater housings. They make housings for several brands, ranging from Canon to Olympus to Fujifilm, and average in price from $400-$700. You’ll pay a bit more for different ports depending on your needs. We’ve found them to be impressively beefy and well manufactured. The set up and trial run took a bit of getting used to, but after a few runs the operation became second nature. The feedback provided by the buttons, dials and shutter release is affirmative and pleasing. If you’re interested in underwater photography, this is a great place to start. (seafrogs.com)
$400-$700
AxisGO Waterproof Casing for iPhone
The optics improvements in modern smart phones have made them the camera of choice for outings and everyday use on the skiff. After losing phones to saltwater for years, we discovered the AxisGO casing for iPhone, which has been a true game changer. Protects the phone from water damage while allowing full functionality. Has limited accessories but there’s a 6-inch dome available to up your photo game when landing and release fish. (aquatech.net)
$199
Buzbe Colony 28 Modular Tackle Box
While storage and organization seem a Sisyphean task, this little gem might help. It’s designed for both traditional lures and fly storage, but what makes this box unique is the ability to adjust its modular units. They’re like Lego blocks on the bottom and snap into place. It feels a bit like Tetris trying to get the configuration right, but once they’re set, you get durable and dry storage both on and off the boat. It’s a bit heavy, but that’s the tradeoff for heavy-duty construction, industrial-grade plastic, and thick rubber gaskets. Built to last and about the size of a standard laptop at 14 x 9 inches. (buzbe.com)
$39.95