Below is a list of the people who support me and my goals as an
outdoorsman. These are listed in alphabetical order and each and
everyone is just as important as the next. These people make
products that hold up under the worst conditions yet perform their
best. For products that hold up and are worth the money look below.
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Airflo (Click
here to visit Airflo's website) fly lines are
simply the best fly lines I have used. With a superior
coating that allows me to cast further and sinking lines
that no one can come close to, it is an easy choice for my
fly fishing needs. From small delicate trout lines to heavy
offshore fly fishing Airflo has a fly line to fit your
needs. Tapered leaders are a way to simply your leader
system and improve the way you cover the water column and
Airflo makes the best. With a ton of fly lines to choose
from Airflo's lines can be intimidating to choose from but
the people at Airflo are first rate and are ready for any
questions you may have about their lines. Using Airflo lines
will not make you a world class caster but they will improve
your ability and make your fly fishing more enjoyable.
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Atsko
Sno-Seal (Click
here to visit the Atsko Sno-Seal website)
makes some of the greatest products I have ever found. Their
Sport Wash is the only thing I use to wash my clothes in
because it is nonabrasive and it is free of phosphates and
with all the money I spend on clothes I need to take care of
them. Sno-Seal is the best treatment for shoes, it is all
natural and only preserves the investment. My hands took a
ton of abuse by staying in water all the time but ProTech
skin cream has changed all that. ProTech is a bees wax cream
that seals my hands from the elements and allows them to
heal. Give them a try, you won't regret it.
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Blue
Water Designs (Click
here to visit the Blue Water Designs website)
makes the simple things better. With saltwater fly fishing
you need to stretch your leaders to make them work better
and Blue Water makes the best stretchers I have seen. Their
Wire Leader stretcher is small and it holds a ton of pre
tied wire leader flies ready to tackle those toothy
creatures. With an arsenal of rod racks and holders Blue
Water can help with outfitting your rod holder needs. Their
deboners are the sharpest and smoothest I have had the
pleasure to use. When toothy creatures are near the swiveled
wire leaders that Blue Water offers cannot be beat for their
performance and ease of use.
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Bomber
(Click
here to visit the Bomber website) is one of
greatest sponsors. One of my first bass lures was a Bomber
minnow and I have never stopped using them since. Bomber
Long A's are one of my staple baits that I never leave home
without. I use a jerk bait year round and Bomber is my
choice. With an action that is true to life and a body that
can take the punishment that a bass fishermen can deliver
they are the best value going. Bomber also makes crankbaits
that run true and stay true. With solid molded in lips and
great hook holders these baits are made to bring fish to the
boat. Bomber makes stick baits that sink, suspend and float
to cover all water conditions. Their crankbaits are offered
in various depths to get down to where the big fish live.
With color and sizes to match any fishing situation that you
may encounter. Great baits that catch fish and hold on to
them.
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Calusa
(Click
here to visit the Calusa website) cast nets
are the best money can buy. Cast nets are a way of life for
me, I throw one almost everyday I fish. Bait fish are one of
the best ways to ensure success and cast nets can save you a
ton of money. Calusa offers cast nets from 6 foot to 12 foot
wide and 1/4 inch to 1 1/8 inch mesh diameter. Nets come in
two families the Calusa (the top of the line nets) and the
Cracker (an affordable dependable net). Calusa nets open
wider and faster than anything else and sink like a rocket.
I have also noticed that Calusa nets do not harm bait like
other nets I have used do. When I use bait I need it in top
shape because poor bait is a waste of time. Calusa nets
allow me to concentrate on fishing not on my bait.
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Carry
Lite Decoys (Click
here to visit the Carry Lite Decoys
website) are some of the
best decoys I have found. Being a waterfowler for over 20
has taught me a thing or two about decoys. Carry Lite decoys
hold up and ride higher in the water than most of the more
expensive decoys do. I have beat these and left them out and
they really hold up. The keel on the water decoys is great
because it will accommodate my Ace decoy anchors and is
weighted correctly. Definitely worth the money to try
them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Coyote
Leather (Click
here to visit the Coyote Leather website)
manufactures the highest quality leather lanyards made. For
duck and goose hunters, the level of skill is rated by the
number of bands on their lanyards and Coyote Leather makes
the greatest display possible. The lanyard is made from high
quality leather, is doubled in the back for comfort on
the neck and has a woven design that tapers to a point in
the front. The lanyard is balanced and designed to hang down
out of the way. Coyote Leather also makes custom holders
that clip onto the lanyard at the center and one on each
side. With handmade leather call clips that attach to
lanyard clips it makes changing calls a breeze. I have used
my lanyard for two hard seasons and it still looks new.
Coyote Leather also makes game holders that are built to
carry a days limit of birds. They offer a belt clip
dove/quail holder, a duck sling and a goose sling. Slings
allow birds to cool down and keep their feathers from
pulling out and these game carriers are the best I have ever
seen. Great leather with solid stitch work for the serious
waterfowl hunter.
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Crooked
Horn Outfitters (Click
here to visit the Crooked Horn Outfitters website)
has been a company that I have kept my eye on for
awhile. Hunting demands tough equipment but big game hunting
demands the best equipment. I have chased game in all
scenarios and I find that a quality pack allows me to carry
all I need with minimal effort. After a conversation with
Lennis Janzen, I realized that Crooked Horn was my kind of
people. Being comfortable with gear that will hold up and
perform as it is expected to are Crooked Horn's motto. Their
Bino System is a must when you need to carry a set of
binoculars for an extended time. The Bino System relieves
neck strain and keeps them out of your way while you are
doing other things. Their Trail Blazer 2000 pack is my day
in day out pack that I never leave home with. Built in water
bottle pockets, multi tool pockets and flashlight pockets
are a few of the standard features that Crooked Horn builds
into their products. In a sentence, Crooked Horn Outfitters
are real hunters building real hunters gear!
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Component
Systems (Click
here to visit the Component Systems
website) makes paints and
painting supplies for the fishing
industry. Creating and modifying
tackle have been a necessity for me over the years and
quality paint has always been hard to find. When I saw
Component Systems powder paint I was hooked, I had never
seen anything that worked that good with so little effort.
For all my painting needs I look to Component Systems and
their line of fine products. I have found no easier and
simpler way to paint my jig than the powder paint made by
Component Systems, give it a try for yourself you will be
hooked to!
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Do-It
Molds (Click
here to visit the Do-It Molds website) makes
the best sinker and jig molds in the industry. I have poured
my own sinkers and accessories for years and I have used
many molds with varying results until I began to use Do-It
molds. Do-It molds are the easiest and most consistent mold
that I have found and I really enjoy using their products.
For my fishing I use sinkers and jigs on almost every trip
and the cost can become hard to bear. Do-It molds allows me
to create my own sinkers and jigs at a fraction of the cost
yet with the same quality as I am accustomed to. For odd
items, specialty weights or high numbers of jigs pour your
own but don't settle for an inferior mold, use the best:
Do-It molds.
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Eagle
Claw (Click
here to visit the Eagle Claw website) hooks
have been my choice for over twenty years.
Since I began fishing Eagle Claw was my brand of choice.
Eagle Claw makes hooks for everything from small trout to
sturgeon with many styles of hooks for each species. Eagle
Claw is now covering many of its hooks with a Teflon coating
that makes them super slick. The Teflon coating allows the
hooks to penetrate faster and deeper than conventional
coatings. Circle hook usage has grown over the last ten
years and Eagle Claw has kept up with the growth by offering
sizes and styles that other companies are not manufacturing.
Eagle Claw has also begin offering a wider variety of bass
fishing hooks that work with some of the new tube and jerk
baits that are available today. Wire diameter and wire
strength have also been given a great deal of attention in
recent development. This has led to a specialized line of
hooks for spinning rods and light line. Eagle Claw makes the
most consistent hooks in the business at the best price.
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Frabill
(Click
here to visit the Frabill website) is a name
that has been in fishing for many years. I fish with red
worms most of the summer months and Frabill makes containers
that keep my worm stock in perfect condition. Frabill has a
full line of minnow buckets that will work for almost all
conditions. One critical item used in bait fishing is a net,
be it a bait net or a fish net. Frabill has your net needs
covered with everything from bait needs to mega nets that
could hold large tarpon. Drop by their website and look at
all their fine products.
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G
Loomis (Click
here to visit the GLoomis website) rods are,
in my opinion, the best rods made. Gary Loomis has built the
best rod company in America and their products are a
reflection on their pride and commitment to Gary's dream.
Everyone that picks up one of my GLoomis rods cannot believe
the power and speed that these super light rods can produce.
GLoomis makes over 400 rods and they cover everything that
swims. There is no emphasis on one series of rods or on a
particular style, the performance and technology are spread
across all the rods. From their GL2 (an entry level rod ) to
their GLX (the top of the line) all the rods are made with
the best quality graphite available. With a lifetime
warranty (against defects in workmanship and materials) you
only purchase the rod once. Don't you owe it to the fish you
chase to ensure their capture is humane and speedy by using
the best gear? From a beginner to a cosmopolitan fisherman,
GLoomis builds a rod for the serious fisherman.
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Go-Devil
(Click
here to visit the Go-Devil website) boats and
motors are the 4x4 of the boating industry. Go-Devil builds
the best aluminum boat, in my opinion. Warren Cocco began
Go-Devil in 1977 and has been growing strong ever since. It
is easy to see his success because many other long tail
motor manufactures have sprung up as of late. I have used a
Go-Devil motor and boat for several years and when you need
to go places there is nothing better than Go-Devil products.
It may not get you there fast but it will get you there!
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Haydel's
(Click
here to visit the Haydel's website) game
calls are the beast "meat" calls made. From the first time I
saw a clear plastic duck call made by Haydel's I knew they
were different. Wood calls have always swelled and lost tune
but my Haydel's calls are consistent because they cannot
water log. With a tone that is deep and clear the Redleg
call just soothes ducks into the decoys. With a loud and
thunderous honk, the Blackfoot call has Canadians gliding in
from a long way away. Predator hunting has always held a
sweet spot in my heart and Haydel's makes calls that bring 'em
in close and fast. Haydel's calls have never let me down or
failed when I needed them, I wish the same for you.
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Keep
Alive (Click
here to visit the Keep Alive website) pumps
are a real life saver for minnows and other water baits.
Most of my fishing revolves around bait and it has to be in
top shape. Shad are very susceptible to ammonia poisoning
and it is critical to have a good pump to provide high water
flow. Keep Alive makes a pump that adds oxygen to the water
as it is pumped into the tank. This allows you to use a
single pump for water changes and increase water quality.
With a multitude of accessories and kits they can help you
outfit bait wells of any size. |
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Petzl
(Click
here to visit the Petzl website) headlamps
are made with the outdoorsman in mind. Simple, easy to use
and light Petzl head lamps "shine" above all others.
Hands-free lighting is a must and Petzl offers it in a
package that works. For years I have fumbled in the dark
with bulky cumbersome lights that gave off very little
light, until Petzl. With a Petzl headlamp I use both my
hands to carry gear and the light goes where I look. With a
variety of designs and battery options there is one for
everyone. With a very wide and comfortable head band system
you almost forget the light is there and that is what you
want in the woods. Let's face it, you got enough stuff to
contend with in the woods why not eliminate fighting with
your light?
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Reactor
Watches
(Click
here to visit the Reactor Watches website)
is a new sponsor that really is exciting. I met the
president at ICAST and was blown away. The president made me
feel like a real person and listened to my input. A great
company that builds watches that hold up to the outdoor
lifestyle with a bling factor that makes us all feel like
ballers!
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Rec
(Click
here to visit the Rec website)
makes some of the best
fishing guides!
Rec's Recoil guides have redefined my fishing rods. By
reducing the guide weight and creating a guide that is
almost indestructible, my guides are no longer a concern.
Some people think this is not such a big deal but imagine
that you are on the trip of a lifetime and a ring inside
your rod guide pops out (believe me it happens everyday!).
You continue to fish with it and when you get the fish of a
lifetime on the line breaks from rubbing against the guide.
For me my guides are no longer a concern because Rec takes
care of that for me!
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Renzetti
(Click
here to visit the Renzetti website) fly tying
vises are the best made! Fly tying is a mandatory part of
fly fishing, to me, and as my tying experience grew so did
my demands of my equipment. I began with a cheap vise and
quickly out grew it, this continued until I purchased a
Renzetti vise. From that point on, there has been no other
vise for me. Renzetti vises hold tighter than any other vise
I have found. The adjustment of the vises are simple and
straight forward. Renzetti's true rotary vises allow me to
tie from any side of the hook and attach any material to the
fly in a couple spins of the handle. I have never seen a
company as quality oriented as Renzetti and their
products reflect this. Why use anything less than the best?
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Rodwrap (Click
here to visit the Rodwrap website)
makes the best cork and rod protector I
have found. I pay alot of money
for my rods and I really hate getting the cork dirty and
ugly. Rodwrap stops cork damage and protects my rods by
enclosing them completely with a super grip material that
really holds up. It also adds to my casting and hook setting
ability by providing a solid grip that only gets better when
wet. You spent the money for the rods, why not take care of
them and keep them looking great? Try them, you will like
them and need more, I did and I have never regretted it!
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Tie
Fast (Click
here to visit the Tie Fast website) knot
tools are the best knot tool I have found. How many times
have you needed to tie a blood knot and you did not have a
tool? Tie Fast makes a knot tool that is small, compact and
really is easy to use. They also have an assortment of line
clippers that are very sharp. Tie Fast has one of the best
pair of collapsible scissors that I have found, they
actually fit my large hands. With combo tools and zingers
Tie Fast has tools for all your fly fishing needs,
check them out you won't be sorry.
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Trojan
Batteries (Click
here to visit Trojan Batteries website) are
my choice for serious battery power. Bass fishing demands
hours of hard battery use and Trojan is up to the task. When
I first saw a Trojan battery I was impressed with the four
wing nut connection post and how tight the water port locked
up. The real impressive part came when I began using them.
For hours on end these batteries have held up and a few
hours of charging and they are ready to go again. From golf
cart batteries to marine cranking and trolling these people
got the batteries for you.
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Wolverine
Tackle Inc. (Click
here to visit Wolverine Tackle Inc.'s
website) triple ring split
rings are the best I have found. My fishing trips take me
around the world and I have to take gear that holds up.
Wolverine Tackle's triple ring split rings are top notch.
Most of my plugs have a single hook and usually the standard
out of the box split rings are very weak, that is why I
replace the standard rings with Wolverine Tackle's split
rings. They hold up under pressure and they break at what
they are rated for. When you need to replace or upgrade your
split rings give Wolverine Tackle a try, they will not fail
you!
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