Anyone who enjoys Chesapeake Bay fishing is sure to be on the lookout for new gear that will help them catch more fish as fall angling heats up. Here's what we've seen recently that caught our eyes.
Sharrow X10 Propeller
Mercury’s new V-10 350- and 400-hp outboards can make that boat of yours fly, but now it can fly more efficiently than ever before because Sharrow Marine has announced the new X10 propeller, available in both three- and four-blade models for the V-10s. Unlike most vanilla propellers the Sharrows are fine-tuned for different outboards and the boats they power, to the tune of one- to two-thousandths of an inch. And the performance advantages are extreme. In our testing we found a rather spectacular 60-percent efficiency boost at 3500 rpm and seven percent at 4500 rpm, with a 10-mph speed advantage at 3500 and three mph at 4500 rpm. Handling was noticeably crisper, and sound levels were substantially reduced. The tech is in the tips — the propeller tips, that is — because the Sharrow doesn’t have any. Instead, blades are replaced with loops to radically reduce efficiency-sapping cavitation. The exact results of switching from stock props to Sharrows differ with different boat and motor packages, but one thing is for sure: if you have Mercury V10s on the transom, you’ll want to know more. Price: $5995.
Frabill Collapsible Bait Bucket
This one’s super-simple, people, but we love it: the Frabill Collapsible Bait Bucket. It’s exactly what it sounds like except for one little detail — the Frabill folks designed it so when collapsed, it’s the same size as a Plano 3700 box. That means that in many cases it’ll slide right into the slots in your tackle station or tacklebox, which are commonly sized to fit those Planos. The bucket holds six quarts, has a folding handle, and is available with or without an external aerator. Price: $44.99 (with aerator)/$29.99 (without) to give those minnow a new home.
Helly Hansen LIFA Active Solen Graphic Hoodie
The Helly Hansen LIFA Active Solen Graphic Hoodie is available for both men and women and combines some pretty interesting technologies to deliver the sun protection we all need these days. The first is the S. Café process, which infuses the hoodie’s fabric with used coffee grounds, giving it UPF 50+ sun protection without the use of chemicals. The second is LIFA ACTIVE technology, which is excellent at wicking, moving moisture away from your skin so you stay dry. The fabric is also quick-drying, odor resistant, and durable. The hood provides extra protection for the head and neck, and the only thing I would add to this hoodie is thumb holes to keep the backs of my hands more easily covered. The main things I look for in sun hoodies are that they are breathable, as I definitely do not want to overheat on a hot summer day, and that they are quick drying (as I’ll inevitably be dealing with boat spray and splashes from fishing). On both counts this hoodie delivered. Price: $64.
-By Kaylie Jasinski
Uncharted First Aid Plus
The last time I opened up the first aid kit on my skiff to get out a band-aid, when the zipper came open I discovered a blob of moldy, soggy gear. That won’t happen with the Uncharted First Aid Plus aboard, because this 600D welded tarpaulin kit is completely waterproof. It’s also jam-packed with first aid gear ranging from bandages to a CPR kit, plus a first aid guide. But Uncharted takes the First Aid Plus farther, also equipping it with emergency gear like a flashlight, multitool, and waterproof matches. The kit is 8” x 6.6” x 3.8”, weighs just under three pounds, and also has spare compartments for adding epi pens or other personal medical devices. Price: $139.