I just finished up a photo shoot with TH Marine, and it brought to mind some cool products that bass anglers may want to put on their Christmas lists.
Here are some gadgets I have on my boat that make me more efficient during a day on the water. Prices listed are suggested retail:
G-Force Cull System: I’ve tried a number of culling systems and methods, but this allows me to cull fish quickly and precisely.
The Cull System ($39.99) consists of eight, color-coded buoys attached to stainless steel hooks. At the top side of the buoys are rubber loops that slip over the end of the balance beam that’s provided.
Simply clip each fish to independent hooks as you catch them and drop into the livewell. When it comes time to cull, slide the loop of each buoy onto opposite ends of the balance beam, and you will see instantly which fish is heavier.
And man, is it accurate; something as light as an ink pen cap will tip the beam.
The culling buoys also can be stored inside the livewell lid with an attachment that is provided and helps keep them out of the way.
Tackle Titan Lure Hanger Kit: We all have our favorite lures we will cycle through during a day on the water.
Most anglers toss used lures into the bottom of the boat or into a cup holder during a day of fishing. If you are one of those, you know how much of a pain it is to gather them up at the end of the day.
Well, the Tackle Titan Lure Hanger Kit ($59.99) provides an easier way to deal with that problem.
It includes four pairs of magnetic lure hangers plus a 12 x 6.5-inch galvanized metal mounting plate. Hooks on your lures stick to the magnets on the Titan and hold them in place. You can store up to 20 lures, such as crankbaits, topwaters, jigs and other hooked lures.
I have one under the lid in my center storage box, but you can get a mini version to fasten on the boat gunnel.
Yolotek PowerStick: If you like to use action cameras like the GoPro, this baby provides multiple advantages.
It fits into your navigation light port and serves as a mount for your camera and fits most popular brands. In addition, it allows the camera to operate off your boat batteries through a USB port so you can use it throughout the day without changing camera batteries.
One version snaps into the bow light port ($59.99) and is about 6 inches tall. Its counterpart ($99.99) functions off the stern light fitting and is adjustable from 32.5 to 53 inches, giving you different views of your boat and fishing efforts. Both models can be angled, too.
KVD HydroWave: TH Marine is offering a new KVD Signature Series HydroWave ($450) this spring that includes nine additional sound patterns as well as those included on the H2 model.
The nine new sound patterns were those I helped create for very specific fishing situations, including shallow water power fishing, shallow finesse, vegetation, topwater schooling, offshore structure, offshore schooling, offshore finesse, a dock pattern and one for crawfish.
As you have heard me say before, I use the HydroWave every time I’m fishing, and I’m thoroughly convinced it can make a difference on some days.
Like everything else in fishing, it’s all about the attitude!
Kevin VanDam’s column appears weekly on Bassmaster.com. You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.