Few can argue the spinning reel isn’t an essential piece of fishing tackle. Used in freshwater, salt water and the sweet water that connects the two — it doesn’t really matter where you’re fishing or what you’re targeting, there’s likely an ideal spinning reel for you. From catching tuna on poppers to drop-shotting for largemouth bass, spinning reels are a top option. Even anglers targeting white marlin and sailfish sometimes opt for spinners, especially when slow-trolling small ballyhoo. No doubt about it, the variety of options and prices of today’s spinners is extensive.

Plus, spinning reels flat-out last if you take care of them. But at some point, the design, material and tech updates in the latest spinning reels are too much to pass up. So even if you can’t retire your old favorite reels, you probably find yourself researching what’s available each new season. Check out these options available right now in 2023, plus some brand-new spinning reel models for 2024. Reels are listed in alphabetical order. Or click directly on a manufacturer in the bullets below:

Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel

Abu Garcia’s Revo spinning reels underwent a complete redesign in 2022, consisting of fresh looks and upgraded components. New for the Revo spinning models, the lineup features an asymmetric, aluminum one-piece frame for a more compact reel design. You’ll notice this change in their four main reels: the Revo Rocket, Revo SX, Revo Winch and Revo X spinners.

While remaining extremely rigid, the four different Revos are very lightweight. Built with the new AMG2 gear system that is 17 percent larger than the previous generation of Revos, the system provides this lineup with improved gear strength and a wider range of gear ratio options.

The Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel was designed with balance, performance and durability at the forefront. Key features in this model include an asymmetrical X-Craftic body design for a more compact body, Zenon inspired body design to help reduce overall weight, 8+1 HPCR bearing system, and friction-free main shaft design. The Revo SX SP30 has a 6.2:1 gear ratio, 11 pounds of drag, and line capacity of 180 yards of 10-pound braid.

• Models: 10, 20, 30, 40
• Price: $169.95
• Site: abugarcia.com

Daiwa Exceler Spinning Reel

Daiwa’s Exceler family of reels can be described as a blend of appealing aesthetics, smooth operation, and steadfast drag capabilities — all within the accessible price range of $100.

“We embarked on a journey of reinvention with the Exceler series,” explained Marc Mills, senior marketing manager at Daiwa. “Our first step was to craft a lighter version by embracing the cutting-edge Zaion V carbon fiber body. This shift not only reduces the weight of the new Exceler but also aligns its performance with existing models in larger sizes.”

The original Daiwa Exceler LT made waves as a budget-friendly reel rivaling pricier counterparts. In this new generation, the Carbon Light Material takes a backseat to the Zaion V body, producing a lighter framework with heightened structural integrity. A proprietary Tough Digigear generates robust gear engagement and longevity. And a ball bearing-supported Advanced Tournament Drag (ATD) results in smooth and reliable drag performance.

“Furthermore, we adopted the innovative Airdrive Rotor, a departure from the conventional air rotor,” said Mills. “This new rotor not only trims down weight considerably but also enhances overall agility. Accompanying this shift, we redesigned the bail, introducing the slender yet robust Airdrive Bail. Opting for a solid bail wire ensures durability and resilience against bending during regular use.”

• Models: Sizes from 1000 to 6000
• Price: $99.99 – $119.99
• Available: Fall 2023
• Site: daiwa.us

KastKing MegaJaws Elite Spinning Reel

The KastKing MegaJaws Elite spinning reel is an affordable option for any freshwater angler interested in finesse fishing. Using light lines and small lures, especially with techniques such as casting micro jigs or drop-shotting for bass, feel confident making precision casts. The MegaJaws Elite boasts a gear ratio of 6.2:1, striking a balance between speed and power.

Some specific features of the MegaJaws Elite spinner help it stand out. A lightweight and shallow spool minimizes line coil and maximizes casting distance. The stainless-steel line roller and double-shielded stainless-steel bearings (10 + 1) generate a smooth retrieve. KastKing uses zinc alloy for the main drive gear to balance strength and weight, cutting out unnecessary bulk. And an aluminum pinion drive gear, equipped with a carbon fiber drag system, produces a smooth and seamless controlled feel when anglers are fighting fish.

• Models: 2000, 2500, 3000
• Price: $139.99
• Site: kastking.com

Okuma Inspira ISX A Spinning Reel

Okuma pushed the boundaries with their latest reel, the Inspira ISX A spinner, combining stability, silkiness, and new tech that promises to satisfy anglers. Crafted with precision, the Inspira ISX employs Okuma’s patented diecast aluminum Torsion Control Armor (TCA) technology. A departure from conventional single side-designs, the TCA’s dual-arm configuration offers increased torsional and flex resistance under pressure. This translates to improved strength, dependable rigidity, and strict alignment of its internal components.

The addition of Okuma’s exclusive Proprietary Flite Drive system further accentuates gear stability. Complemented by a multi-disc Carbonite and stainless-steel drag washer system — and fortified with 8BB+1RB stainless steel bearings — the Inspira ISX guarantees that smooth feel while fighting fish.

Weighing just 7.1 ounces, the spinning reel still produces 24 pounds of maximum drag capacity. Its oversized HDGII main gear, coupled with a machined brass pinion gear, means that anglers can expect a workhorse. The reel’s machined aluminum screw-in handle design, paired with lightweight TPE handle knobs, ensures comfort during extended fishing trips. A RESII: Computer balanced Rotor Equalizing System adds the final touch, offering balanced, reduced rotor wobble, and smoother operation.

• Models: 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000
• Price: $99.99 – $104.99
• Available: Early 2024
• Site: okumafishing.com

Penn Spinfisher VII Spinning Reel

Penn Fishing’s upgraded Spinfisher VII spinning reel is a result of the company’s commitment to quality. Designed for anglers who want reliability and raw cranking power, the newest Spinfisher VII is a no-brainer. The Spinfisher series is not new; in fact, it’s been a popular choice for inshore and surf applications for years.

That trend continues with the Spinfisher VII, which boasts a fully sealed HT-100 carbon fiber drag system. The drag system works overtime, protecting against water intrusion and delivering fish-stopping power. The Spinfisher’s new CNC gear technology also takes center stage, combining robust all-brass gearing and 5+1 sealed stainless-steel ball bearings. You’ll also notice on the latest model a specialized line keeper that can hold heavy leader material. Other features that carry over from previous generations include the IPX5-sealed full-metal body and spool design.

The Spinfisher VII is available in 18 models, catering to various fishing styles. From finesse fishing with 2500-size reels to offshore fishing with the largest 10500 model, this reel family covers it all. Long Cast, Live Liner, and Bail-less options are also available. The drag pressures across the reel family range anywhere from 15 to 50 pounds, upping the fish-stopping power as the reels grow in size. The Spinfisher VII can also be factory-matched with a graphite composite rod in 11 different available combo options.

• 18 Models Available
• Price: $179.95 – $289.95 (Reels) | $209.99 – $289.99 (Combos)
• Available: September 2023
• Site: pennfishing.com

SEVIIN GSW Spinning Reel

SEVIIN reels was born from St. Croix’s seven decades of rod-building expertise, a legacy of family ownership, and an unwavering commitment to anglers worldwide. The SEVIIN GSW series of saltwater spinning reels, a cornerstone of SEVIIN’s 2024 product lineup, is a testament to years of initial designing, engineering and product testing.

“Our new GSW was designed from an entirely blank slate with the goal of creating a strong and powerful family of saltwater spinning reels that deliver uncompromising performance and reliability with exterior design aesthetics that look like nothing else on the market,” detailed Robert Woods, SEVIIN Reels’ product manager.

A shield against the corrosive ocean environment, the GSW reels feature fully gasketed side plates and blade seals on the spool shaft. This feature prevents salt spray intrusion but still allows freshwater rinsing after every trip. These protective measures protect the GSW’s core, featuring a 6 + 1 shielded stainless-steel bearing system, a robust multi-stack carbon fiber drag system backed by stainless-steel components, and meticulously engineered precision-hobbed hard-brass pinion and die-cast drive gear.

The GSW’s resilient aluminum alloy body and side covers produce strength, rigidity, and corrosion resistance, while the spool is also crafted from forged, lightweight aluminum. SEVIIN’s GSW series employs an S-Curve design across all sizes, for a slow-and-even line wrap on the spool. Longer casts and minimal line management hassles are a happy result. The larger 6000 and 8000 models include wider rotors and enhanced drag systems, utilizing crafted aluminum die-cast rotors that eliminate rotor flex.

• Models: 3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 sizes
• Price: $160 – $200
• Available: February 2024
• Site: seviinreels

Shimano Stradic FM Spinning Reel

The Shimano Stradic FM spinning reel is the latest addition to Shimano’s CoreSolid lineup that continues the brand’s legacy. Building on the strong reputation of its predecessors, the Stradic FM is full of innovative technologies.

One standout feature is its InfinityXross tech that extends the gear tooth horizontally, ensuring an even distribution of load. In addition, the Stradic FM utilizes Shimano’s strong HAGANE gearing, plus a MicroModule II gear teeth design for a crisp feel while reeling. The reel’s InfinityDrive generates sturdy rotation and heightened cranking power even under demanding loads. And a newly incorporated Duracross Drag system performs as smoothly as traditional felt, but Shimano says theirs is 10 times more durable.

Shimano’s X-Protect water-repellent coating thwarts water penetration in critical areas, all without introducing that cumbersome rotational feel. One final feature is the Anti-Twist Fin, an elastic polymer placed on the roller’s underside. This addition helps anglers using monofilament or fluorocarbon lines prevent twists that can ruin your fishing day.

• Models: ST1000HGFM, ST2500HGFM, STC3000XGFM, ST4000XGFM, STC5000XGFM
• Price: $199.99 – $229.99
• Site: fish.shimano.com

Toadfish Carbon Elite Spinning Reel

The Toadfish Carbon Elite spinning reel is a winner, mixing balance, lightweight construction and durability. Its aluminum body ensures precise gear alignment and eliminates unwanted flex, paired with a carbon fiber handle that’s lightweight and strong.

The Carbon Elite’s sealed carbon drag system is a must-have, using carbon fiber drag washers to produce that smooth, solid feel when fighting fish. A carbon rotor is also unique, but helps contribute to the strength and light weight of the reel. The 3000-model reel has a gear ratio of 6:1, maxes out at 16 pounds of drag, and weighs 7.8 ounces.

Other components include 7+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearings and an innovative IPX5 sealed system. Strategically placed seals on the drag, rotor, and body help keep out harsh saltwater. Toadfish’s Comfort Control Grips are also a welcome plus, preventing fatigue during extended fishing sessions.

• Models: 2000, 2500, 3000 and 4000 series
• Price: $150
• Site: toadfish.com

Tsunami SaltX II Spinning Reel

The Tsunami SaltX II spinning reel is one of those reels you absolutely need to get your hands on. It just feels bullet-proof in your grasp, and that slight weight radiates pure power. The body and rotor of the SaltX II are constructed from A6061 Aluminum. The design is fully sealed and incorporates 19 seals to ensure optimal protection. The SaltX II also features a sealed Hammer drag system and a braid-ready spool.

The main and pinion gears of the SaltX II are made from digitally optimized S-Drive stainless steel. With 7+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearings, it offers smooth operation. A unique sealed anti-reverse bearing is also included.

The reel utilizes a manually closing bail system with a sealed bail spring. Its one-piece machined handle arm includes a round non-slip power knob. The handle arm is convertible for both left and right hand retrieval. For increased weight savings and durability, the reel incorporates a titanium spool lip, bail wire, and main-shaft.

If you haven’t noticed, the SaltX II reel series is built to protect against the worst saltwater conditions, whether surf fishing for tarpon or offshore fishing for tunas. Plus, the drag stopping power is no joke. The largest SaltX II reel — the 8000 model — weighs 22 ounces, has a 4.7:1 gear ratio, produces 50 pounds of max drag, and handles 400 yards of 65-pound braid.

• Models: 3000, 4000, 6000, 8000
• Price: $399.99 – $459.99
• Site: tsunamifishing.com

The post The Best New Spinning Reels for 2023 and Beyond appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

On August 23, 2023, a young Florida angler with an adventurous spirit and a fondness for catching big fish on the smallest of vessels has achieved a personal milestone off the Gulf coast: he caught, fought, and boated a 100-pound swordfish from a personal watercraft.

Emmanuel Williams, 23, of Miami, drove 14 hours to Venice, Louisiana, to get on the water at sun-up on August 20. He then motored 20 miles to open water and another 20 to the fishing grounds on his 12-foot Sea-Doo FishPro Trophy, a craft built for fishing. He was on a quest to make good on a plan he had announced four years earlier: to be the first person to catch a sword from a PWC.

A Swordfishing Group Effort

Williams was accompanied by his friend Capt. Sebastian Noel on the trip. In Venice, they connected with Capt. Blake Rigby, who provided the local know-how and accompanied Williams and Noel from his boat. Tyler Fischer was the fourth member of the party, shooting content as the adventure unfolded.

“Capt. Blake got us rigged up, and Sebastian hopped on the ‘ski with me,” he recalled. “We sent our bait down to about 1,400 feet of water.” They were using a 12/0 J-hook tipped with a squid, 60-pound braid with a 150-foot, 250-pound leader, a Shimano Talica 50 and a Check’n Bottom custom rod. The wait began, and the anglers’ patience was tested.

“I was pretty anxious and really wanted to get this fish,” Williams said. “After a couple hours of waiting morale got a little low, but we ground it out, and then we got that bite and cranked down on that fish. I was super excited to be locked in battle with this fish.”

The lead came to the rod and was removed. “Now we were directly connected with that fish. I told Sebastian, get ready with that gaff, this is our time, this is our moment. We saw that white glow of the fish coming up. I’m screaming at Sebastian, ‘Stick him, stick him, stick him!’ I couldn’t fathom that fish getting away.”

The Swordfish End Game

It did not get away. “Sebastian put the first gaff in him. I followed up with the second gaff, and then the fish realized what was happening and went absolutely ballistic — thrashing its bill, swinging its tail non-stop, and literally pulling the Sea-Doo in circles.

“And then that was it,” he said. “We definitely rejoiced. We were all very happy. As far as I know this was the first swordfish ever landed on a PWC, and it was documented.” They transferred the fish to Rigby’s cooler and began the long run back to their houseboat in Venice. The sea was flat while they fished, but by 10 a.m., “it was rolling 3 to fives the whole way,” he said. “But it wasn’t a bad ride home, knowing we completed the mission.” They cleaned and filleted the fish.

Williams is a content creator who works with Sea-Doo, Salt Life, and XTRATUF, and his YouTube channel is not to be missed. Fishing from a PWC is a personal choice that feels closer to the sea and the fish, he said.

The Allure of PWC Fishing

“I could definitely get a boat if I wanted to,” he said. “The first time I ever fished offshore was on a PWC. I just fell in love with the process and the challenge. It’s another kind of connection with the water, and it’s more intimate. There’s definitely more of a challenge to it. Just the weather — PWCs can handle super rough weather, but it’s a lot when you’re mixing weather with fishing.

“Space is a thing — you can’t bring a whole arsenal of rods. But in other ways, you kind of have an advantage, because if I happen to see, say, a school of tuna, I can roll up on them more quietly than a boat could.”

Twenty-three is young to have achieved a major goal, but Williams has further aspirations, all from the seat of the Sea-Doo.

“I have a lot of big plans when it comes to fishing,” he said. “I just want to travel and catch unique fish. I definitely want to do big tuna, both yellowfin and bluefin, and black and blue marlin. Those are the next fish I’m going after.”

You can see Williams’ catch the first-ever swordfish on a personal watercraft in this video on iBelongOutdoors.

The post First Ever Swordfish Caught on a Jet Ski appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Draft Amendment 15 (PDF here) to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan is a dense, technical document with a short fuse that is seeking an alarming objective. This federal management action is proposing to modify or eliminate four areas that currently restrict or prohibit commercial longline fishing due to the indiscriminate nature of the gear and the excessive mortality it causes to non-target and juvenile species, as well as overfished target species.

The closed areas, known as Mid-Atlantic shark, Charleston Bump, East Florida Coast, and DeSoto Canyon, have been in place for decades. Not unexpectedly, the removal of hundreds of thousands of longline hooks has resulted in tangible recoveries of iconic sportfish populations in some areas. In one area, the East Florida Coast Pelagic Longline Closed Area, an unexpected benefit has been the establishment of the nation’s best sailfish fishery. The direct economic benefit to recreational fishing-related businesses in Florida from this catch-and-release fishery has been nothing short of remarkable. Even though this particular zone was created to be a conservation area for juvenile swordfish — and was never intended to be exposed again to commercial plunder — it has been the object of repeated attempts to reintroduce longlining.

The Push to Reintroduce Longlining

It’s an unfortunate reality that as an area recovers back to health, pressure mounts to reinstate the very commercial gear that drove the area into an overfished condition in the first place. Previous attempts to allow longlines back into closed areas have included ham-handed charades by longline operators pretending to be marine science entities and using the federal exempted fishing permit process to propose “research” with longlines.

In one case, the permit would have granted a single longline company exclusive access to drop longlines in a closed area for three years and sell all the legal fish it caught under the permit. In essence, it was pursuing an Exclusive Longlining Permit and it almost worked. In that instance, it took months of work and the combined effort of the marine conservation community to successfully oppose the permit and safeguard the East Florida Coast Pelagic Longline Closed Area.

Amendment 15 is a slightly different animal. NOAA Fisheries contends that closed areas do not provide critical fishery-dependent data, which includes data that are collected during normal fishing operations. The agency says this lack of fishery-dependent data complicates efforts to assess the effectiveness of the conservation zones and the model they have created to evaluate the zones requires the use of longlines. In other words, they can’t know how well the zones are working to protect targeted species from longlines unless longlines are reintroduced to see what protected species they kill.

To be fair, NOAA is asking the right questions:

• Are the conservation zones working?
• Are they in the right places?
• Are they achieving the management goals?
• Do the zones need to be modified or moved to be more effective?
• Are changes in ocean conditions altering migration patterns and distribution of marine species?

Those are valid scientific inquiries that should be made about any closed area.

Longline Fishing Has Little Support from Public

But while evaluating the effectiveness of the areas is one thing, the verdict on longlines came back a long time ago. It’s a dirty, indiscriminate gear. The thousands of baited hooks attached to miles of longline don’t know the difference between a swordfish and a sea turtle, or between an adult tuna and a juvenile billfish. Few things caught with it are viable to be released alive. When the gear was removed, an incredible, economically vibrant sailfish fishery appeared off the East Coast of Florida. If it is allowed back, it is only a matter of time before it overwhelms the resources that are subjected to it and valuable, sustainable recreational fisheries will disappear, too.

There is more focus than ever on the health of the oceans, and it is often difficult to reconcile this country’s rhetoric on marine conservation with NOAA’s continuing infatuation with indiscriminate commercial gear such as longlines and trawls. The goals of Amendment 15 may be valid, but the proposed means to attain them with longlines are flawed.

NOAA Fisheries will not get the support of the recreational angling community and the public at large for research efforts like this — no matter how practical — if the goal is to justify reintroducing dirty gear. Amendment 15 should take advantage of less destructive commercial gear like buoy gear and bandit rigs while evaluating the effectiveness of those conservation zones. Maintaining or improving that effectiveness should be the paramount goal, not finding a way to allow longlines back in to wreak havoc.

Proposals like Amendment 15 (submit your own comments here) are frustrating to the marine conservation community because they showcase over and over the agency’s never-ending embrace of the most indiscriminate, destructive gear in the ocean. There are better ways to research these conservation zones than using this horrendous gear. Amendment 15 may very well be a necessary evaluation of conservation zones, but NOAA’s insistence on reintroducing longlines — even in a supposed research capacity — makes this proposal as suspect as an Exclusive Longlining Permit.

About the Author: Ted Venker is the Vice President and Conservation Director of the Coastal Conservation Association.

The post Are Longlines Headed Back to Protected Waters? appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

You might catch a giant bluefin tuna in many locations, as disparate as the Gulf of Mexico off Louisiana or the coast of Ireland. But no single area in the world concentrates huge bluefin like Nova Scotia (NS) and Prince Edward Island (PEI) in Canada’s Maritimes. Here, the cold waters of the northwest Atlantic attract great schools of forage, including the herring and mackerel on which tuna feast and fatten. Those same chilly waters discourage smaller bluefin, which have to work hard to stay warm. Bluefin are among the few fishes that can heat their bodies for more efficient predation. The giants’ larger body mass makes it easier for them to remain and feast in the cold, food-rich waters of the Maritimes.

A glance at the IGFA record book tells the story: Of the eight line-class world-record bluefin tuna weighing more than 600 pounds, six were caught off NS or PEI. That includes the remarkable 1,496-pound all-tackle world record bluefin that Ken Fraser caught in 1979.

While that record has remained intact for well over four decades, many bluefins approaching that size have been caught. “Our largest Nova Scotia giant bluefin tuna was caught by Graeme Weiss, of San Diego, in 2013,” says Capt. Josh Temple, who has guided anglers to NS giants for 14 consecutive seasons. “We estimated it at 1,400 pounds, and we have encountered larger fish than that one, which earned their freedom during the fight.”

Temple says there’s no doubt fish even larger than 1,496 pounds are swimming in NS waters, noting that Ken Fraser, who caught the world record and is a friend of Temple’s, “will be the first to tell you he’s seen them bigger.”

Temple cites the first day of his first season in NS 14 years ago, as the day that hooked him. After catching and releasing several giants (he says by NS standards, a giant is at least 700 pounds), “we spent the rest of the day hand-feeding bait to hundreds of giant bluefin. All of this in water less than 60 feet deep and less than 500 yards off the shore, within sight of my pickup, parked at the wharf.”

The focus on NS and PEI by enthusiasts around the world hasn’t ruined the fishery. On the contrary, says Temple, “Thanks to exceptionally well-developed and implemented management frameworks internationally and nationally, giant bluefin populations across the Atlantic have rebounded significantly” and nowhere have the benefits of that been more consistent than around NS. The fact that, “Ninety percent of the giant tuna caught by rod-and-reel in NS are released is a statistic that has surely contributed to the health and sustainability of their numbers in these waters,” he says.

Planning a Trip

When to Go: The giant season in Nova Scotia starts at some point in July and runs into October. Last-minute bookings with top charters are unlikely; best to book the winter prior to your intended trip. If you want the entire tuna trip planned and organized for you, consider signing up for the Sport Fishing Expedition in Nova Scotia.

Where to Go and How to Get There: While you’ll find some charters based in various ports in the province, Ballantyne’s Cove on the Northumberland Shore of Cape George, near the town of Antigonish on the northern end of the island, hosts a concentration of operations. You can drive here — as a reference, plan on 1,000 miles from New York or a bit less than half of that from Bangor, Maine. Those flying in will generally book to Halifax’s Stanfield International Airport. Some operators will arrange transportation from Stanfield to the harbor, or visitors can rent a car.

What to Expect: A number of charters operate from Nova Scotia ports, typically in downeast-style boats designed for fishing in these waters. Typically, they supply the heavy tackle needed to battle big bluefin from a fighting chair. This is catch-and-release fishing, so don’t plan on filling coolers. Figure on $1,700 ($2,300 Canadian), give or take, for a full day of fishing.

What to Bring: Many boats offer stand-up fishing; check with your skipper to see what he offers, and/or about bringing your own stand-up gear. Of course, a good camera and set of foul-weather gear are essential, though summer days are often dry and in the 70s F. By fall, expect 50s and 60s.

Where to Stay: You’ll find a variety of hotels, suites and cabins in the area. Many charter skippers offer or will arrange accommodations for clients.

What Else: As far as fishing goes, Temple says, “For most anglers, NS has a lot of great pelagic fishing left to discover. We’re also catching — seasonally — marlin, yellowfin, bigeye, [true] albacore and even wahoo and dorado along the continental shelf off southwest Nova Scotia, as well as good numbers of giant blue swordfish.”

Besides fishing, the Northumberland Shore is known for having the most “warm-water ocean beaches in Atlantic Canada.” You can explore the works of many skilled artisans here and eat lobster till you burst.

Helpful Links

• Places to go
• Search “bluefin tuna” for several charters
• Northumberland Tourism
• Bluefin Charters
• Tuna Charters Nova Scotia
• Sport Fishing Expeditions

The post Big Bluefins in the Maritimes appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

In warm-water locations worldwide, wahoo is predominantly targeted on the troll. While this is one of the most-productive methods to locate and target these gamefish, you tend to miss out on their hard fighting ability and extravagant runs using this method.

Southern California Wahoo Fishing

In Southern California, the long-range charter fleet has been targeting them quite differently for years. They cast to them with “wahoo bombs” and jigs. The methods and range of lures maximize the opportunity of encountering wahoo, often leading to multiple hookups on the boat. In some areas, wahoo really stack up in high numbers. With trolling, you might just get a strike or two when passing through a productive area. Casting to wahoo can be incredibly effective.

The long-range fleet comprises nearly two dozen boats that call San Diego Bay home. Each vessel has been thoughtfully designed as a multi-day fishing machine for anglers. When describing these operations, think of it as hotel meets tasty restaurant meets spacious fishing platform. Trips on these boats can range from just three days to 28 days. The longest trips use the extended period to explore far and reach remote bountiful banks for less-pressured bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado, yellowtail and more.

Southern California and its long-range boats have a significant history with wahoo (or “skins,” as they are called among the fleet). On these trips — which explore the local banks off SoCal all the way south to Cabo — wahoo is one of the primary fishing targets. While catching wahoo is not a new endeavor, how this fleet targets this delicious gamefish warrants explanation.

Trolling Helps Locate Wahoo

For better or worse, trolling is the most common method to target wahoo worldwide. It’s tough to argue that there is a better method to locating wahoo than trolling. In most cases, this leads to one or two fish being landed per bite. Here’s the important part: Anglers onboard should be ready to cast lures once a wahoo is hooked on the troll. Being ready to cast quickly leads to several more or, at times, a wide-open bite on these toothy critters.

Wahoo are seldomly alone, and usually, they are in schools ranging from just a few fish to dozens of fish. The schooling behavior presents an opportunity to maximize fish-catching after a troll hook-up. On these head boats, trolling Braud Marauders, Yo-Zuri Bonitas, Nomad MadMacs or diving lures are used to locate a school.

When to Cast Lures for Wahoo

Once a hook-up occurs, the deckhand at the bait tank entices the rest of the fish to stick around by tossing out some baits. Once the baitfish start flying, so do the lures. At this point, anglers will begin casting their wahoo bombs or other assortment of wahoo lures during what’s called “the slide.” The slide is when the boat is still in motion but slowing, eventually sliding to a stop. The overabundance of lures, bait, and hooked fish often turns wahoo aggressive, resulting in a feeding frenzy.

This style of fishing, at times, can be best described as controlled chaos. There is nothing like hooking a wahoo on a jig (often called an “iron”) or wahoo bomb. The sudden stopping of your jig at the hook-up, your line racing across the water’s surface faster than you’ve ever seen it. It’s truly an unforgettable experience. At times, these wahoo-feeding frenzies get so aggressive that they’ll strike just about anything you cast in front of them.

The Best Lures to Cast for Wahoo

Ideally, when casting to wahoo, you want you’re lure to have specific characteristics:

• Castability: Your lure needs to be heavy enough to give you the ability to make a significant cast as the boat is sliding. Most wahoo bombs and jigs are in the 2- to 4-ounce range.
• Speed: Wahoo are speed demons, and you need to be able to have a lure that matches their speed. You should be able to retrieve this lure at a very fast retrieve. A tight wiggle is all you need out of your lure.
• Hooks: Rig with the sharpest hooks available. Think your hook is sharp? Sharpen it even more. These fish have tough boney mouths, making penetrating their jaw difficult.
• Sink: You need a lure that will sink down after casting out. The urge is to cast then retrieve immediately, but I can tell you’ll double the number of strikes by letting your lure sink 30 to 50 feet down before retrieving.
• Color: While the verdict is out, and every angler will give you a different opinion, it’s common to have blacks and dark colors against fluorescent colors. Blacks and pinks are great for wahoo.
• Tip: When selecting lures to cast at wahoo, don’t limit yourself to wahoo bombs and jigs. Take the descriptors above; if it applies to your lures, try it.  Stick baits have also been a successful option in recent years.

What Tackle to Use for Wahoo

As you guessed, conventional tackle is the go-to option on the Pacific Coast. Today, we can access fantastic gear from various manufacturers with this fishing style in mind. Ideally, it would help to have a rod with substantial stopping power and a reasonably soft tip to allow load up when casting and hooking up.

A 7-foot, 6-inch to 8-foot rod with a “Heavy” or “Extra Heavy” rating usually does the trick. As for your reel, there are so many options available today. The three primary descriptors would be: (1) the ability to cast far, (2) stopping power (meaning high drag capability), and (3) high speed retrieve (meaning the ability to crank your lure fast!). Many anglers tuned into this fishery rely on reels with taller spools to increase their retrieval rate and add an oversize handle.

The addition of oversized saltwater baitcasting-style reels has also been a great bonus to this fishery. The reels are fished using 50- to 60-pound braid, connected to a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader.

Should Anglers Use Wire for Wahoo?

To use wire or not to use wire? That is a common question. Wahoo can sometimes be finicky. Presenting your lure without wire can significantly increase the number of hook-ups. At the same time, be ready to lose several jigs to those razor-sharp teeth. Single-strand wire is preferred if you intend to use wire, as it’s much stealthier than multi-strand wire. The recommendation is a simple haywire twist connection on single-strand, 60- to 90-pound wire.

Tips for Casting to Wahoo

• Biting near the boat. When pulling your lure out of the water, have it come to a complete stop, then lift. More than once, I have seen lures get bit as an angler pulls a jig out of the water during their last retrieve, surprising the angler and resulting in a rod and reel overboard.
• Wear close-toed shoes. Please wear boots or shoes when fishing for wahoo. Nothing is scarier than a wahoo flopping on deck with bare feet in proximity.
• Watch out for flying objects. Keep your eyes peeled for flying wahoo. Another crazy scenario I’ve seen several times on a wahoo bite. Wahoo will often fly out of the water in pursuit of their prey just inches from the boat.
• Try casting for wahoo anywhere you fish. While the method of casting to wahoo on a troll stop is a West Coast method, make sure to experiment with this in your wahoo fishery as it’s sure to put some on the deck. There’s no reason jigs and wahoo bombs wouldn’t work in other wahoo hotspots such as Bermuda, Bahamas or even far offshore Louisiana.

The post Explained: How to Catch Wahoo Casting Lures appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

A Lifetime of Lures: Al Gag

“I was poor, no other way to put it,” says Albert “Al Gag” Gagliarducci, who has been making affordable, reliable and effective lures in central Massachusetts for nearly 50 years. “I started making shad darts out of turkey quills and feathers so I didn’t have to buy them.”

Al progressed to pouring jigs, which turned out to be something special. “Those jigs caught fish when nothing else would. Word got out, and demand was immediate,” says Gagliarducci. “At one point I sold a million in one year.”

Wood plugs for striped bass were next, including some of the first through-wired needlefish, which became famous in places such as Block Island. Those needles are still being built by 24/7 Lures. Forty years later, they’re just as popular.

“The most rewarding feeling is when a kid tells me they caught their first fish on my lure. I do this for them.”

A New Way to Fly: Ben Whalley

Ben Whalley is one of the most innovative new saltwater fly-tiers, famous for the size of his visually striking, highly effective flies. While many anglers consider a 6-inch-long fly big, Whalley’s are often twice that.

Whalley grew up in Brazil fishing for pacu and largemouth bass with his family. They moved back to the States when he was a teenager. After a short stint in Florida, he found his way to Maine—first for college, and then as a biochemist. He fell in love with stripers, built a successful guiding business, and made the jump to full time in 2021.

“Many fishermen drag crabs on sinking lines in Maine, or toss small deceivers,” Whalley says. “But the spin-fishermen who target big bait using very large lures catch a lot of quality fish. I knew there had to be a way that fly anglers could do that too.”

He researched options and found Bob Popovics’ Hollow Fleyes. Soon Whalley was creating incredibly large mackerel, menhaden and herring flies based on Popovic’s philosophies. “They worked right away, and we had some awesome tides with 40- to 50-inch fish from shore.”

These flies followed him onto the skiff, his clients took note, and word quickly spread.

The post Inshore Innovators appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Ask Beau Leaman about beginner’s luck. The Santa Clarita, California, salesman was on his first fishing trip when he caught a potential world-record-breaking fish. Even more amazing, Leaman’s catch was of an extremely rare fish called an opah (Lampris guttatus). “It really was a blessing,” Leaman says.

Leaman was on an overnight tuna trip on the headboat Horizon out of San Diego, California. “I was with a group from church and some friends,” Leaman explains. Although this was Leaman’s first time on the ocean, he had experience trout fishing in lakes and streams. Leaman laughs, “I thought we were going to find some fish and cast spinning rods.”

Once he was on the boat, it didn’t take long for Leaman to realize he wasn’t in Kansas anymore. “I have never tried to sleep on a boat,” he starts. The rolly, noisy ride had Leaman tossing and turning. Up on deck, the scene was equally unsettling. 

The crowd was a mixture of families and first-time anglers, along with grizzled veterans you’d expect to see on a party boat. “There were guys with tattoos of fish and hooks,” Leaman marvels. He recalls one angler showed him pictures of a 300-pound tuna.

Leaman describes another angler pacing back and forth, staring at the ocean all night. “Holy cow, what kind of environment am I getting myself into?” he remembers.

When the boat stopped, Leaman had more surprises. “I didn’t know we were fishing with live bait,” he says. Leaman rented two rods: a lighter rod for live bait and a heavier rod for deep jigging. “The mates showed us how to hook the live bait and people in our group had experience,” Leaman says.

Still, Leaman spent a lot of time tangled with other anglers. At one point, he lost track of his fishing rod. “I was searching all over the boat looking for my rod.” Eventually he found his rod and marked it with a yellow ribbon. By late afternoon, the highlight of the day was a bonito Leaman hooked with another angler. “Nothing much was going on,” he says.

When the captain announced he was marking fish 30 feet below the boat, experienced anglers grabbed the light live-bait rods. Leaman decided to use his heavier jigging rod. “I figured I would warm up by jigging a lure from 300 feet,” he explains.

Leaman watched the depth-marked line leave his reel until his lure reached 300 feet. “I felt a bonk,” Leaman remembers. When he started cranking the reel handle, he found the line was stuck. “I thought I was snagged on a rock ,” he says. Leaman knew the water was too deep for a snag, so he continued to try to turn the reel handle. 

“I didn’t want to cry wolf,” he laughs, so he continued to struggle with the reel in silence. Eventually a friend asked if everything was okay. “The line was tight, but nothing was pulling. I felt steady, heavy pressure.” 

After other anglers confirmed Leaman must be hooked to a large fish, the crew started to buzz with excitement. In a few minutes, the captain was standing next to Leaman coaching him to fight the fish. 

At one point, the fish dashed to the bow and then ran to the stern. Leaman says, “The captain took the rod and helped me weave in and out of the other anglers.” Mayhem ensued with anglers yelling and shuffling while Leaman fought his fish.

When the huge fish surfaced, the captain yelled for gaffs. Four deckhands worked together to secure the big round fish and drag it onboard. 

“I was shocked,” Leaman says. A bystander remarked the strange fish looked like something engineered by the government. An opah is shaped like an angel fish with flat, silver sides mottled with shades of red and speckled in white spots. Sometimes these fish are also called moonfish.

“The fish had a huge eye and was covered in armor,” Leaman adds. Several places on the fish showed bites from cookie-cutter sharks. Leaman reflects, “There is so much grandness in the fish; I couldn’t help thinking of God’s creativity and power.”

Back at H&M Landing, the Opah weighed 188.6 pounds. The previous world record, set by Joe Ludlow in 2014 at San Quintin, Mexico, was 180 pounds, 12 ounces. Of course, the captain’s assistance and the shark bites could be ruled violations of International Game Fish Association rules, but the opah is still the biggest recorded rod and reel catch for this species. 

Leaman laughs, “My wife asked, ‘Why couldn’t you catch a normal fish?’” Leaman’s already shared the meat with friends and he’s looking online for opah recipes.

The post Rare Opah Catch Smashes World Record appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Humans have been fishing with some form of artificial fly since time immemorial, with the first published accounts of fly-fishing occurring way back in the second century. But the majority of fly anglers ply their craft in fresh water. It wasn’t until the 20th century that fly-fishing in salt water took off—and never stopped rising.

1764

Saltwater fly-fishing in America can be traced back to the late 1700s. A letter from Roddam Home to the then-governor in the West Florida colony reports, “We have plenty of salt water trout and fine fishing with fly.”

1884

Camping and Cruising in Florida is published, detailing the adventures of author James Henshall as he traveled around the Sunshine State tangling with sea trout, snook, redfish, ladyfish, bluefish, jack crevalle and tarpon with a fly rod.

1930

In the late 1920s, fly-tying legend Homer S. Rhode Jr. moves to Coral Gables, Florida, from his home in Pennsylvania, where he fished for trout. By the time that decade ended, he had taken permit and bonefish on the fly, likely one of the first to do so.

1950

Joe Brooks, one of the earliest saltwater fly anglers, introduces libraries across the United States to his book Salt Water Fly Fishing, bringing the sport to the masses.

1952

Scientific anglers kicks off the fly-line revolution with the introduction of Air Cel, the first commercially available fly line consisting of tapered PVC sleeve over a braided core. Cortland follows shortly after with its PVC-coated 333 series. Line-care requirements are decreased, and casting distance is improved.

1970

Tibor “Ted” Juracsik develops a big-game fly reel with an oversize cork drag and anti-reverse system that keep the handles from spinning. Tibor Reels, Juracsik’s company, would go on land more than 950 IFGA record fish, more than other fly reel in history.

1974

Fly Fishing in Saltwater is first published. The book contains decades of valuable info on saltwater fly-fishing tackle and techniques gleaned the hard way from legend Bernard “Lefty” Kreh. The volume would be revised several times in the years following.

1982

Baseball and Fly-Fishing Hall of Famer Ted Williams helps popularize saltwater fly-fishing with his book The Big Three, which details his three favored species: tarpon, bonefish and Atlantic salmon. He would catch more than 1,000 of each by the time the book is published.

1991

The Stu Apte Tarpon Fly is featured on the 29-cent stamp.

1992

Lou Tabory ushers in a new era of fly-fishing in the striper surf with Inshore Fly Fishing. The book sent many existing freshwater fly anglers to the brine in search of new species, and encouraged many old salts to pick up the long wand for the first time.

1992

ESPN airs the premiere episode of The Walker’s Cay Chronicles featuring saltwater fly legend Flip Pallot. During its 15-season run, it was often the top-rated outdoor show on television.

2000

Pop Fleyes is published, bringing Bob Popovic’s unique epoxy and silicone flies to the masses. The book details not only how to tie the author’s signature flies, but also how to use them to catch striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, and other species in the Northeast and beyond.

The post The Evolution of Saltwater Fly-Fishing appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Bob Clouser may have created the perfect fly with the introduction of the Clouser Deep Minnow (08, 11) in 1987. The innovative yet simple pattern was concocted to catch smallmouth in Clouser’s home river, the Susquehanna. Tied with dumbbell eyes to ride hook point up, Lefty Kreh immediately sensed the fly’s potential and went on to catch nearly 90 species on it—many of which were in the salt. If you could have only one fly, this would be it. But fortunately, you can have as many flies as will fit in your boxes. If you plan on fishing backwater creeks that hold good populations of grass shrimp, be sure to pack some of Bob Popovics’ Ultra Shrimp (09). This lifelike and durable pattern has accounted for plenty of striped bass and weakfish for me over the years, but it will also hook plenty of snook and tarpon. Topwater aficionados shouldn’t leave home without some of Joe Blado’s Crease flies (10) and Jack Gartside’s Gurgler (12). The Crease fly effectively imitates a variety of small bait, and it can be worked on a sinking line to mimic a baitfish floundering on the surface. The Gurgler produces a ton of surface commotion despite being so easy to cast.

The post Essential Backwater Flies appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

YELLOWFIN 26 HYBRID

The Yellowfin 26 Hybrid represents one of the smallest bay boats available with twin outboards. This highly customizable, offshore capable model can handle a pair of outboards up to 500 hp total. For inshore fishing, it drafts just 1 feet, 4 inches, striking a practical compromise between the shallows and bluewater. The 26 Hybrid carries 118 gallons of fuel, and there are hardtop and tower options to customize this model for the way you fish. You can also order the forward seating option or choose an insulated coffin box for the forward deck. An upright livewell resides in the leaning post module abaft the helm seating.

• LOA: 26’0”
• Beam: 8’8”
• Draft: 1’4” (engines up)
• Transom Deadrise: 21 degrees
• Weight: 5,000 lb.
• Fuel Capacity: 118 gal.
• Max Horsepower: 500

SHEARWATER 270 CAROLINA OPEN

The 270 Carolina Open from ShearWater represents one of the first bay boats to confer this genre with available twin outboards, making it a bit of a curiosity about a decade ago, but now it is one among the mainstream in twin-outboard bay boat category. At 26 feet, 10 inches in length, it carries a maximum horsepower rating a 600. The HPI (High Pressure Injection) system results in a high-strength, lightweight hull, which sports an 8-foot, 8-inch beam. The 270 Carolina Open drafts 1 foot, 4 inches with the engines up and provides a fuel capacity of 129 gallons. It is available with twin Mercury or Yamaha outboards, including Merc 225 V-6s and Yamaha F300 V-6s.

• LOA: 26’10”
• Beam: 8’8”
• Draft: 1’4” (engines up)
• Transom Deadrise: NA
• Weight: 4,800 lb. (without power)
• Fuel Capacity: 129 gal.
• Max Horsepower: 600

SEAVEE 270Z

SeaVee Boats 270Z Bay is available with twin outboards up to 600 hp total. The 27-footer boasts a 9-foot-1-inch beam and reflects a traditional bay-boat interior, with forward and aft casting platforms that sit high and spacious, 1-inch-high toe kicks all around, and a recessed cockpit amidships. The vacuum-resin-infusion process used to build the hull and deck translates into lighter weight and a shallower draft. With 17 degrees of transom deadrise, the double-stepped hull drafts just 1 foot, 3 inches of water at rest. Multiple lifting bodies of the double-stepped Z-hull optimize the trim angle to help smooth the ride. A 116-gallon fuel tank provides ability to fish far and wide. Inside, twin insulated 6-foot-long 75-gallon fish boxes and a stowage space for a 5-gallon bucket and eight life jackets are built into the forward casting platform and drain overboard. A 25-gallon livewell is integrated into the forward cockpit, and a 30-gallon pressurized livewell resides under the aft deck. There’s also a foldout bench seat concealed under the aft deck. The center console has room for flush-mounting a MFD as large as 16 inches. It also features forward seating and a 68-quart cooler underneath. An optional hardtop is available, and it’s engineered to accommodate a second station aloft.

• LOA: 27’0”
• Beam: 9’1”
• Draft: 1’3” (engines up)
• Transom Deadrise: 17 degrees
• Weight: 3,500 lb. (without power)
• Fuel Capacity: 116 gal.
• Max Horsepower: 600

EVERGLADES 273CC

The Everglades 273CC sports twin Yamaha F300 DES outboards, and there’s an option to add the Yamaha Helm Master EX system. Drafting just 1½ feet, the 273CC boasts a wave-slicing variable-deadrise V-hull with 20 degrees transom deadrise, generous freeboard and Everglades RAMCAP construction. A spacious forward casting platform is made possible by a filler placed between the bow seating/lounge modules. Remove the filler for unobstructed access to the bow. The aft platform is abbreviated, but has a pair of jump seats. A 31-gallon livewell resides in the leaning post abaft the deluxe helm seats, along with tackle-storage and bait-prep center, and a sink with a pullout freshwater washdown hose. An insulated 82-gallon fish box resides below the forward deck. The standard hardtop features an aluminum powder-coating frame, LED lighting, an electronics box, four rod holders, and a ski pylon for days when watersports supplant fishing. Everglades equips the 273CC with a tempered-glass windshield that slides downward at the push of button to usher in a breeze on sultry days. A variety of optional marine electronics packages is available from Garmin.

• LOA: 27’3”
• Beam: 9’3”
• Draft: 1’6” (engines up)
• Transom Deadrise: 20 degrees
• Weight: 7,500 lb. (with power)
• Fuel Capacity: 157 gal.
• Max Horsepower: 600

GRADY-WHITE 281 CE

The Grady-White 281 CE is available with twin Yamaha F300 DES outboards. The Yamaha Helm Master EX with the optional Full Maneuverability package is a great option with the twin-outboard setup. The Grady SeaV2 hull on this boat features 16 degrees of transom deadrise that artfully sharpens at cutwater. The sheer sweeps gracefully upward and incorporates a classic Carolina flare for a smooth, dry ride. For fishing inshore, the 281 CE drafts 1 foot, 7 inches. The layout includes a wide-open forward casting platform formed by using the forward snack tabletop and a crescent-shaped insert as fillers. Remove both to create unfettered access to the bow between the forward loungers. The aft platform doubles as a comfy bench seat, but remove the middle backrest and swing the two outer backrests 90 degrees to serve as elevated coamings while standing. The 281 sports a 38-gallon livewell in the leaning post and an integral hardtop with a wraparound, full-height windshield. The 281 CE is also the only bay boat to feature a fully electric-powered side door. This standard feature is called the Sport Deck, and it pivots downward to serve as a cool swim platform or haul a big offshore fish aboard.

• LOA: 27’7”
• Beam: 9’4”
• Draft: 1’7” (engines up)
• Transom Deadrise: 16 degrees
• Weight: 5,650 lb. (without power)
• Fuel Capacity: 160 gal.
• Max Horsepower: 600

BOSTON WHALER 280 DAUNTLESS

The 280 Dauntless is available with twin Mercury 250 or 300 outboards. With a 27-foot-9-inch length overall, 9-foot beam and a transom deadrise of 18 degrees, the 280 can float in 1½ feet of water with the outboards trimmed up. A big bow casting platform converts to bow seats and lounges. There’s a 19-gallon livewell and a large forward fish box with a pump-out. A swim patio deploys from the port side of the aft cockpit for convenient access to the water. An optional gyrostabilizer (a rare feature on a bay boat) minimizes roll. A full-height three-sided glass windshield (with a vent atop the center panel) protects the helm, and the console dash includes Simrad navigation electronics, a JL Audio system and digital switching. The doublewide helm seat has flip-down armrests and flip-up bolsters so you can sit or stand while driving. The helm seat also can electrically convert to a simple leaning post for the captain at the helm while creating two aft-facing seats for crew.

• LOA: 27’9”
• Beam: 9’0”
• Draft: 1’6” (engines up)
• Transom Deadrise: 18 degrees
• Weight: 5,495 lb. (without power)
• Fuel Capacity: 160 gal.
• Max Horsepower: 600

CAYMAS 281 HB

The Caymas 281 HB hybrid bay boat is available with twin Mercury, Suzuki and Yamaha outboards up to 600 hp total. A 200-gallon fuel capacity results in superb cruising range. A Michael Peters double SVVT (Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel) hull delivers speed, a smooth ride, and fuel efficiency. With 18.5 degrees of transom deadrise, the 281 HB drafts 1 foot, 4 inches at rest with the outboard(s) tilted up. Roomy bay-boat-style casting decks lie fore and aft, with a cockpit in between providing 26 inches of gunwale height. Amenities include a pair of 35-gallon livewells, foldout seating under the stern deck, a 45-gallon forward fish box, and roomy stowage lockers for tackle and gear. A tempered-glass windshield with a powder-coated aluminum frame protects the helm that includes a fiberglass leaning post with flip-up bolster seats and a backrest, four rod holders, a pair of stainless-steel drink holders, and a rigging station on the backside. The dash will accommodate a pair of 12-inch multifunction displays. Hardtop options with and without second stations aloft boast powder-coated aluminum pipework.

• LOA: 27’11”
• Beam: 9’1”
• Draft: 1’4” (engines up)
• Transom Deadrise: 18.5 degrees
• Weight: 4,300 lb. (without power)
• Fuel Capacity: 200 gal.
• Max Horsepower: 600

SCOUT 281 XSS

Scout’s 281 XSS is available with twin Mercury 225 DTS V-6s or 300 Pro XS V-8s. Advanced epoxy-infused carbon-fiber and E-glass construction minimizes weight, ensures durability and maximizes performance. With 15.5 degrees of transom deadrise, 281 XSS drafts just 1 foot, 2 inches. Yet the double-stepped hull has a sharp entry to slice through choppy seas. Big casting platforms fore and aft give anglers plenty of elevation. A fuel capacity of 126 gallons offers great fishing range. An 18-gallon livewell integrates into the leaning post, as is a slide-out 65-quart cooler, four rod holders, and lockers for fishing tackle. Under the aft casting deck is a pair of voluminous fish boxes that can be optionally plumbed as livewells. There’s also dedicated fender stowage and a foldout bench seat. A pair of helm chairs cradle the captain and co-pilot, and the helm features a pair of Garmin 10-inch multifunction displays. There’s an additional switch panel in the intricately crafted hardtop, which also includes four Fusion stereo speakers. A three-sided glass windshield shelters the helm area. An inviting forward console lounge features backrests and fold-down armrests. In the bow you’ll find wraparound seating with backrests to create a pair of forward-facing lounges. Classic Scout styling and optional colors add to the pride of ownership.

• LOA: 28’1”
• Beam: 9’4”
• Draft: 1’2” (engines up)
• Transom Deadrise: 15.5 degrees
• Weight: 5,457 lb. (without power)
• Fuel Capacity: 126 gal.
• Max Horsepower: 600

SOLACE 30 HCS

Solace Boats’ 30 HCS (Hybrid Center Step) is powered by twin Mercury Verado 400 V-10 outboards. The hull has a twin-step, variable-deadrise ventilated hull with a high-density PVC composite transom that offers 21 degrees of deadrise. Vacuum-infused carbon-fiber and epoxy laminate construction ensure strength and minimizes weight. The interior layout does away almost entirely with elevated casting platforms to maintain a consistent cockpit depth throughout. A pair of chairs sit atop the cover of the two 30-gallon transom livewells. The backrest of the cushioned seats pivot to let crewmembers face fore or aft. There are walk-throughs on both sides of the transom to access the swim platform, and you’ll find two 35-gallon in-deck fish boxes flanking the cockpit. The console features a seamless integrated three-sided glass windshield with electric rams to fully open the front panel, and a pair of deluxe helm seats cradle captain and co-pilot. The back of the leaning post has a rigging center with a sink, faucet and cutting boards, and a cooler underneath. The forward console has a lounge, and wraparound seating adorns the bow. Entrance to the console lies to port, and the interior provides more than 6 feet of headroom, a vanity with a Corian countertop, a stainless-steel sink, and an electric macerated freshwater toilet. An optional stand-through upper station is available.

• LOA: 29’10”
• Beam: 9’10”
• Draft: 1’7” (engines up)
• Transom Deadrise: 21 degrees
• Weight: 10,000 lb. (with power)
• Fuel Capacity: 187 gal.
• Max Horsepower: 600

REGULATOR 30XO

Regulator’s 30XO features include twin Yamaha F300 DES outboards, and Yamaha’s Helm Master EX joystick control is an available option. You can also order an optional half-tower station, and a convertible tackle and entertainment station. A forward casting platform with deep gunwales enhances safety. The aft casting platform offers jump seats that fold out from underneath. Anglers will love the combined 341 gallons of fish box, livewell and storage space, the 10 rocket launchers on the helm station, and optional under-gunwale locking rod storage. The 30XO offers plenty of seating, with the option to upgrade to diamond-quilted upholstery and add teak accents for a rich, classic look. The standard forward console settee delivers 218 quarts of cooler space, while the flush-folding rear cockpit seats house integrated dual bucket holders, an oversize bilge and a mechanical access center. The dash can accommodate two 16-inch Garmin 8616xsv multifunction displays. Regulator’s proprietary user interface called MyHelm offers easy-to-use functions on the touchscreen. The system even has its own key fob for controlling the Power-Poles, jack plate, spreader lights, light bar and deck lights. With 15 degrees of transom deadrise and a draft of 1 foot, 9 inches, the 30XO can ply inshore waters, but the hull also has the forward-V and heft to safely head offshore.

• LOA: 30”7”
• Beam: 10”2”
• Draft: 1’9” (engines up)
• Transom Deadrise: 15 degrees
• Weight: 9,525 lb. (with power)
• Fuel Capacity: 222 gal.
• Max Horsepower: 600

The post Next Generation High Performance Bay Boats appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.