The Life Proof Case for the Samsung Galaxy S5 is almost a necessity when taking your phone out kayak fishing with you. Although the device is factory waterproof one drop could compromise that. There are many cases on the market for wireless devices but I feel the Life Proof cases are overall the best. Lets go over the pros and Cons

Pros:

• Water Proof  IP68
• Hard Shell Protection
• Works with all phone features
• Use of all buttons
• Glass Camera lens that does not distort the camera.
• Superior Sound compared to other watertight cases
• Allows you to take your smartphone anywhere

Cons:

• Makes phone thicker and larger
• Decreases volume
• No Tether Option
• Does Not Float
• No waterproof charging connection
• Hard to control touch screen when wet

This case fits in the regular phone RAM Xgrip.

More information on this particular protective smart phone case see the LifeProof website!

Smith Optics Dolan Style Sunglasses

As we all know sunglasses are an essential need for our on the water experience. Protecting your eyes and dampening glare to enhance our vision. For years the use of cheap $20.00 polarized sunglasses was the way I rolled. Stating they are cheap and it doesn’t hurt if they get lost scratched or damaged. Until I purchased a pair of Smith Optics Sunglasses with the patented Chromapop Lenses. Wow did it change my world. The crystal clarity the incredible colors and the great polarized ability to see deeper into the water. Even driving is more pleasant.

The sunglasses are light weight and extremely comfortable thanks to the dual spring hinge design. The arms contour to your head and hold tight to your head but not to tight.  The lenses are coated with both a hydrleophobic and Anti-Glare coatings. The hydrleophobic acts like a barrier that repels water and makes salt and finger prints wipe easily. The anti-glare is applied to the back of the lens to eliminate glares that may reflect from side light.

I have been wearing Smith Optic sunglasses this entire fishing season and would recommend a pair for every angler! There’s no way to go back to cheap sunglasses after experiencing such quality craftsmanship and visual bliss!

Smith Optics Dockside

 Pros:

• Light weight
• Spring arms for contouring to your head for best fit.
• Included Hard Case
• Micro Fiber Cloth Bag
• Lenses wick water away and are easy to clean.
• Brilliant clarity
• Polarized

Cons:

None

MSRP of frames and lenses mentioned is 200.00 +

Visit www.SmithOptics.com for more information

Purchased a pair of the Buff angler gloves in the spring. I must say I’m very impressed with the feel and comfort. I wear them all day long and sometimes forget im wearing them.

These gloves also serve other purposes than protecting only your hands from the sun. They work very well as paddling gloves and also can offer protection from stray hooks. Gripping fish is also easier they enable a good grip and the bones of the fishes fins are unable to stab into the palm of your hand.

I feel the price tag is reasonable for the pair of gloves at $40.00 since they last quite a while. After using these gloves every fishing trip since April I feel the gloves are completely worth purchasing. They are great for both paddling and fishing.

With the no fingertip design tying knots and stripping line doesn’t require removing the gloves every time.  The suede on the palm is pretty durable and still grips when wet.  Believe it or not the suede drys much quicker than I thought it would. Over time handling bait,  fish, getting blood and other stuff on them and just being wet all of the time the gloves tend to get an odor. Thanks for the suggestions on how to clean the stink out!  The most effective deodorizer so far has been vinegar and water. Soak for a good 12 hours. Then wash with soap and water. Let dry no more stink!

Pros:

• UPF 50 + Sun Protection
• Aquatic Suede that functions well when dry or wet
• Comfortable due to its ergonomic design
• No fingertips makes typing knots stripping line and getting things easier
• Washable
• Breathable and Cool
• Eliminates Sunscreen on hands
• Quick Drying
• Protects hands from Sharp gill plates when handling fish.
• May protect hands from hook penetration accidents.
• Enables palming of leader and braided fishing line.

Cons:

• They Get stinky
• 80% of the time they are wet.

Synopsis:

Since I started fishing with these gloves there hasn’t been a fishing trip I have fished without them. The pair seems completely durable as they have been used over 16 separate times for an entire day of fishing each time. Sometimes I forget they are even on my hands! I do believe if I did not have these gloves to fish with something would be missing.   Check out the different styles and options at http://www.buffusa.com/sports/collections/pro-series-angler-gloves/styles