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

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

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