A touring paddle for kayak fishing?  Why not? The low angle of the Aqua-Bound Spindrift enhances your time fishing saving you from fatigue on those long days of paddling. The low angle paddling style is most common while touring kayaking with a low sweeping stroke that is semi-circular. This paddle stroke will allow for longer time paddling during your fishing trips with overall less fatigue.

Whats the difference between a low and a high angle paddle? Well one is longer with a narrow blade and the other is a short fatty. As mentioned above he low angle stroke is more of a low sweeping stroke meaning to maintain a consistent speed. The stroke is less responsive than the high angle but is effective in saving energy on long fishing trips.

The high angle paddle is shorter in length with a wider blade.  The high angle paddle stroke begins and ends with vertical entry and exit from the water hence the high angle of 45 degrees. This style of paddling is meant to generate the maximum thrust due to the straight line path therefor quickly gaining greatest amount of speed. Paddling this style will cause more fatigue due to the high rate of strokes.

Aqua-Bound Spindrift Carbon:

The Spindrift Carbon is one of many top of the line style paddles offered by Aqua-Bound. It has become of my favorite paddles of all time due to its versatility and comfort. The Carbon fiber paddle is incredibly light due to its carbon fiber resin and foam core compression molded blades coming in at an overall weight of 24 oz. The telescoping (Plus) ferrule is an excellent option for paddlers with adjustable high low seating or multiple kayaks. It does add a few ounces but with the added option to set the paddle length +/- 15 cm is incredibly handy. The current Spindrift Carbon Paddle I have tested length is 235 cm collapsed and adjusts to a maximum of 250 cm. Due to the feature of the telescoping ferrule the paddle has a infinite feather angle. You may set the feather angle to keep you more comfortable while paddling. To adjust simply twist to the left to loosen and right to tighten.

My Experience:

Using this paddle is great for areas of medium current speed tidal zones. Although it may take you a few extra strokes to get going once your going the ease of paddling is great! My recommendation in high wind and strong tidal zones the use of a high angle paddle so you have the added catch and speed for areas you may want to move fast. The paddle is well woth the investment and will last years of paddling and fishing!

The paddle has held up well for its first season. Trying not to push off of rocks and gravel there is not many marks in the finish. Although a little dirty the paddle looks new and is in great shape. Never store your paddle assembled remember when done paddling especially in salt water to break it down into 2 pieces and rinse it off. This will ensure your paddle never fuses together.

Stock Paddle Stats:

Ovalized Shaft:

The option for the telescoping ferrule is available.

More Info at Aqua-Bound.com follow the link below!

http://aquabound.com/kayak-paddles/performance/spindrift-carbon

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

Image from Columbia.com

Comfort at its best!
These shirts keep you cool in the sun while wicking perspiration away from your body keeping you cool. The blood and guts addition. As i have stated in other articles I prefer not to use sunscreen if I dont have to. This shirt with its UPF 50% is excellent for protecting you from the suns harmful rays.

This shirts relaxed fit is very comfortable to be worn under your PFD all day long. The sizes do run a little larger than advertized. The lighter colors such as white are high visibility for when you are fishing on your kayak in the area of motor boats.

The Blood and Guts technology makes the clothing easy to clean and come out always smelling fresh. Speaking of clean the shirt also includes a sewn in microfiber sunglasses wiping patch! Great for cleaning dried saltwater droplets off your lenses.

I rate these pants a 5 out of 5 rating due to all of the factors mentioned above and how functional this clothing actually performs.

The MSRP is $55.50 USD On Columbia.com

 Pros:

• Omni-Shade UPF 50 provides maximum protection for long hours in the sun
• Omni-Shield Blood ‘N Guts technology sheds the stains and smells associated with angling
• Sunglass cleaning patch

 Cons:

None