With 2011 coming to a close, the fishing industry prepares for a new year of the latest innovations, whether it be the next greatest lure or high-end fishfinder.
For boating enthusiasts who want to check out the latest and newest products, the Toronto International Boat Show is the perfect venue to satisfy your need for new boating and fishing accessories.
There will be hundreds of boats and motors on display, many of them new for 2012. Here are three boats to look out for, and a motor.
The Xpedition 170 is the first in a new line of fishing boats from Princecraft for 2012. 16'11" in length, the Xpedition 170 is different from any other boat because of its width, which stretches to a spacious 7.5 feet.
Meanwhile Yamaha will be showcasing five new models, but as the name suggests, the G3 Angler V164 C is the crowd pleaser for anyone who fishes. Following in the footsteps of the successful V164F, the 'C' version is even more spacious, featuring 100 liters of livewell capacity and lots of rod storage space. In addition, there are six pedestal seat base locations.
Finally, Westwinn Group's Kingfisher 1925 Flex is perfect for the angler who wants complete trust in their boat, no matter the elements. It contains rear mounted livewell and baitwell systems, bow deck rod storage, well thought-out seating, drink holders, storage tray,s and huge dry bow storage.
As for motor companies, the usual suspects will be on hand, but many in the industry will have their eye on Mercury and their award-winning 150 hp FourStroke outboard. This motor took home an innovation award at the International Boatbuilders Exhibition and Conference in October in Kentucky, winning because it manages to be 24-pounds lighter than other motors in its class, without sacrificing any of the fuel efficiency or performance.
While boat and motors take center stage, there are plenty of new accessories for the angler who already has a reliable fishing vessel.
Boating safety should be at the top of every anglers' priority list, which is why Mustang has put out some great new products that'll make you feel at ease when out on the water.
The ACCEL100 Fishing Vest is designed and tested by professional anglers, a vest that perfectly blends quality and comfort. Put it on, cast a line, and forget you're even wearing this dependable life preserver. The ACCEL100 Fishing Vest was first introduced at ICAST 2011. And judging by his enthusiasm in this video, Facts of Fishing host Dave Mercer seems to be a fan.
As useful as they are, life vests can't save you from situations like being stranded with a broken motor. When looking to grab another boat's attention, Rescue Lasers from Transit Marine are a great tool, working even in wet weather as they are waterproof. These flashlight-sized flares provide continual bright light, meaning you can keep them on without having to worry about signalling at the right time life regular flares.
Fish sonars and chartplotters have become nearly as important a fishing tool as your rod-and-reel in recent years as technology improves year by year.
Humminbird's new line of down imaging equipment shows you why they're one of the most popular brands for fish electronics in the world. The 1158c DI Combo took home the Best Electronics Award at ICAST 2011, pegged for its detailed display, GPS chartplotting with built-in ContourXD maps, and some unique built-in fishing features.
While you have your hardcore fish sonars like the 1158c DI for serious anglers who only want to catch fish, there are electronics out there that can do a bunch of different things in addition to finding fish. Standard Horizon's CPN1010i and CPN700i combine fishfinding capabalities with the ability to surf the internet over WI-Fi, watch videos with Windows Media Player, and contains built-in charts, all powered by touch-screen technology. If you're looking for a fishfinder that does a whole lot more, than this is the one for you.
There are a lot more products ready for you to check out at the Toronto Boat Show. For more information on the event, including show times and location details, click here.
Carl Morris Jr and Sean Martin of Ohio take home $2,500 after winning a King Kat tournament on the Monongahela River at Morgantown, West Virginia.
IGFA Saltwater Adventures, hosted by industry veteran Bill Boyce and produced by WFN: World Fishing Network and the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), will return to WFN for its second season on Wednesday, May 23rd at 8:30 p.m. ET.
National Guard pro Scott Martin, the reigning Forrest Wood Cup champion, led wire-to-wire in a tight FLW Tour event on the Potomac River, earning $125,000 for the victory.
The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) reminds sport anglers to be vigilant about properly identifying their salmon before keeping them.
The spring chinook fishery will reopen this weekend (May 19-20) for two days of fishing on a section of the Columbia River stretching 163 miles upstream from Bonneville Dam.
WFN: World Fishing Network is the only 24/7 television network dedicated to all segments of fishing with programming that covers instruction, tips, tournaments, travel, food, boating, outdoor lifestyle and more. WFN's wide-ranging programming lineup includes a selection of the best international series and the most diverse species coverage of any outdoor network. Featuring popular programs hosted by the world's top anglers, the network also includes a variety of exclusive lifestyle shows including Hookin' Up with Mariko Izumi and WFN's Reel Fishy Jobs. WFN also delivers the beauty of fishing in stunning High Definition with WFN HD, which delivers 100 percent High Definition programming 24/7. Originally launched in December 2005, today WFN and WFN HD are available in more than 20 million households through North American cable, satellite and telecommunications distributors. In the U.S., distributors include Verizon FiOS, Dish Network, Comcast, AT&T U-Verse, GVTC and Charter Communications.
