Love that new paddle smell!! Here is a description and first impressions of the Bending Branches Navigator Paddle.

First thing all Bending Branches paddles are hand crafted in the USA! The Navigator Plus is a lightweight wood blade paddle mated with Bending Branches patented T700 carbon shaft. In all the two piece snap lock ferrule paddle weights 28 0z total. The blades are crafted from Red Alder a hardwood and Roasted Basswood a softer type of wood which gives this paddle a vintage look and rigidity but adds a flex that gels to your paddling style.

Making its debut in 2010 as an advanced low angle touring paddle it is now catching the eye of those in the kayak fishing scene. The low angle style of paddling allows for less fatigue during the fishing trip. After all less paddling fatigue equals more time on the water catching fish!

The blade being crafted from Alder a hardwood is additionally protected by Bending Branches patented Rock Guard then covered in a layer of protective fiberglass. So the paddle if cared for should last a lifetime.

Overall the blade construction is impressive being made from wood this eliminates the spline on the back side of the blade. This should prove to be a quieter paddle which is essential while fishing for spook easy fish. In addition the paddle is also available with the Plus Ferrule. This provides you with an additional telescoping length of up to 15 CM. A great advancement for kayaks with high/low seating systems.Very much looking forward to using this paddle over the 2015 fishing season! Check back for a complete extended use review in the fall!

For more information please visit the Bending Branches website!

GoPro Stock Mounts and Accessories:

Since the introduction of the GoPro it has become almost the standard action camera within the sport of Kayak Fishing. Bundled with the GoPro are some nice mounts. The package typically includes along with its waterproof housing  a couple versions of quick release mounts. These mounts clip into included bases that have 3M adhesive on the bottom. This 3M adhesive adheres very well to kayaks allowing you to have the freedom to mount the camera virtually anywhere along with the ability of the quick release buckle style. Just keep in mind the base with the adhesive is quite permanent. GoPro also offers some great add on mounts such as the head strap mount.
One of the mounts that is not included and I would recommend the 1/4-20 threaded tripod mount. This mount attaches to the housing converting it to a standard  camera mount which works with tripods and other industry standard photography mounts.

All of the GoPro Mounts are interchangeable between any model type of GoPRo cameras!

New Mounts include The Handler which floats. The fetch which you can strap to your dog. The sportsman mount which could mount to your fishing rod a railing a shot gun a Bow etc.

All of these mounts are great for mounting and recording your kayak fishing trip with a GoPro!

The new Torqeedo Torq Trac Module arrived at my door step today!

The Torqeedo Torq Trac is a Bluetooth add-on which connects inline to the throttle controller data cable. It works along with the Torqeedo Travel and Ultralight motor systems. Using your android or apple smart phone and or tablet with the Torqeedo Torq Trac App installed you can receive data that the Torqeedo throttle controller itself is limited to.

Packaged in a neat white box is a 12″ module cable with an instruction booklet.

Simply install the Torq Trac App downloaded free to your Android or Apple Device.

Open the app. It will prompt to turn on the device to connect. Turn on the Torqeedo controller with the module connected and the device will automatically connect.

The app Includes 3 separate function tabs.

1. Speedometer
2. Range
3. Trips

Speedometer Function Tab:

The speedometer function gives you a readout of current speed in Knots (kn), kilometers per hour (km/h), and miles per hour (mph). Simply change the units by tapping the unit display area.

The are also readouts for current power usage, Trip distance, a Battery percentage meter, Remaining Range, and Remaining Hours. There is also the way-point area which you will set on the range tab.

Range Function Tab:

The range tab is your navigation. The display will show your current location on a Google style map. At the top right you can tap for an interactive map. At the top right you’ll see a +.  Here you can program way points. Creating way-points will then allow you to set a course say from your launch point to an interesting place you picked on the map or an area you want to try fishing. You can also program away point to get back to where the fishing was good the day or hour before!

Trips Function Tab:

The trips tab has functions that allow you to record your trips. The readout will tell you your max speed for the trip and the average speed per trip. It will also keep track of  time differences between paddling and drifting while the Torqeedo is not in use and the distance with the motor engaged.  At the top right you can tap to see a log of all trips the app has recorded!

I must say the Torqeedo Torq Trac is pretty impressive.  I cant wait to get it out on the water!! Look for a review article within a few months.

Take into note that wind and current can change the range which the app displays and your actual distance. Do not use the app as a primary navigation device.

For more information see the Torqeedo Website Torq Trac page!