Open water & Outdoor purchases in 2010

What has been your favorite open water and or outdoor related purchases so far this year?Did anything stick out as a product that really “exceeded my expectations”? Not to exclude big or small ticket items.

As I look back through many years of fishing,well…..lets just say I would be embarassed to actually admit to some of my purchases that didnt quite work out as expected.

For myself,I will leave off the list anything we sell as to be objective as possible… LOL Remember,just list what you bought that really exceeded what you were expecting.I would like to avoid the negatives for now as not to bash anyone or their products as some things work for some but not everyone..Some potential examples might include,crankbait,plastics,rod,reel,line,boat,trolling motor,camping gear,electronics,sunglasses,vehichle,etc,etc.

Two of many items that were a standout for myself this year were the I-Pilot add-on for my Terrova trolling motor.I was fortunate to be aware of this product as it was being field tested here over the winter mos.I have huge for this addition to my fishing world.

The second one that comes to mind…..and I hope this doesnt bite me….as I have only had it for a month or so,is my new Droid Incredible cell phone. All the apps and the ability to have the office on the go means alot to me.The camera quality is leaps and bounds over my cell pics of the past.Live radar,weather,lake maps,stage n flow charts,and of course IDO on the go.Thus far, a product that really exceeded what I had hoped for and sounds like there is more good stuff coming our way in the near future!

My number #1 purchase was my 80lb Terrova with I-Pilot and a close #2 was my HDS10 with structure scan. The Pfluger arbor’s I bought from Dean have far out performed what I expected. Thanks Dean If you fish alone often like I do you will love the spot lock option. The structure scan has really helped to find the hidden cover big Walleyes like. Also the Sirius weather/radio has been a great addition.

Most of you will laugh….but my Neti Pot. If you have allergies, I’d suggest you try it. There are days when my allergies are really bad and you don’t even want to leave the house. I’ve only used it for a week now….but it works great for me. Anything that makes my outdoor experience better is worth a try.

For T-man definitely the St. Croix legend Extreme rod with reel and line Dean suggested. Tuck is pumped to be heading to Rainy this weekend to really give it a workout jigging. For me , stay tuned

For me since I don’t own a boat or anything real fancy. I would have to say the lindy shadlings I picked up. Only have used them a few times but have really caught fish of all types, walleyes, crappies even a 30 inch musky.

My favorite new purchase hands down is the Fishhawk X4 downrigger speed and temp system. It’s made a huge difference in my Salmon fishing. I know now I’m running my baits in the right temp, and at the right speed.

TOSetter, you ahhhh- lookin to get rid of an old probe?

I really like my dual Finder setup i added this year. 520 for the GPS and lcx17 for sonar. I really makes it all much more efficient.
Secondly, I really like my B n B crank storage bag/box. No more tankled cranks. -Mark

I-POLIT for sure my best purchase so far. Make fishing alone a dream! Second choice would my cabela’s rain gear I must say I don’t get as wet I use to with my older rain gear.

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TOSetter, you ahhhh- lookin to get rid of an old probe?

I really like my dual Finder setup i added this year. 520 for the GPS and lcx17 for sonar. I really makes it all much more efficient.
Secondly, I really like my B n B crank storage bag/box. No more tankled cranks. -Mark

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Sorry; I don’t have an old probe. I went from no S-n-T unit straight to the X-4. Man has it been a big help! I’m heading over again this weekend to try to give some more Salmon sore lip’s……

Minn Kota Terrova with I Pilot and the Humminbird 1197 SI 2 awsome tools. And my Mercury Pro Kicker

My Beckman net !!
Actually bought it a couple years ago, but what an improvement
over your regular landing nets. No more hooks tangled in the
netting. Heavy duty construction is also a plus. I will never own a cheap aluminum net again.
WKW

#1 would be the I Pilot.
#2 would be my Ice Armour so I can use my I Pilot in the winter.
#3 would have to be my Tahoe for towing my boat.

Guidewear for wife Jane.

-J.

New Springfield XDM pistol. Just got it but I’m sure it will perform. Can’t wait to shoot it!

Top 3 for 2010
#1 Frabill Snosuit
#2 Orange fleece lined rubber gloves that Dean sells
#3 Another B&B bait box

2010 items 4 sale
#1 Mr. Heater Big Buddy
#2 28# navy anchor (Waterspike is my choice)
#3 several leaky gulp bait containers

My new to me 1991 Skeeter S-135, Loving the glass ride…..

1. My new Stratos boat
2. Everything I loaded it with. New Optimas, New Ipilot, 2 new HDS graphs with Structure scan, new 4 stroke Kicker
3. New 2010 Dodge 2500 HD truck
4. 5 New Gloomis rods.

#1 = Terrova 101
#2 = Beckman with the extending handle

dugout you had a good year it seams… My fav would be my HDS hands down.

My used ten foot lowe little jon!

Yah definetly spent alot this year. But I spend all my money on fishing stuff. The rest is wasted!

Number one would be my HDS 5 and HDS 7 and the structure scan. The structure scan has made a huge impact in my fishing success.

Number two would be about 30 berkley flicker shads. They resulted in more big fish hitting my boat than all my other cranks combined.

Hi John,

Do you have a favorite website you order your flicker shads from? Also do you have a favorite color or size? I get all my best fish on Bomber 6A’s in Foxy Shad or Brown Crawdad long lining in 12-14 ft of water. Obviously in the right time of the year.

Tx!

No. 1 – gotta be the 2010 Alumacraft Navigator 165 Sport. not the biggest or fastest but is perfect for the fishing i do.
No. 2 – a very close No. 2 – my first legend extreme. the sensitivity, feel and versatility of the 68lxmxf is amazing. several other nice combos gather dust in the rod box since i find myself using the X 90% of the time when walleye fishing.

Has to be the I-Pilot on the 80lb Terrova that is on the Triton 177 that I purchased late last year. Haven’t even used all the features on the I-Pilot but so far so good!

Dugout,

I pick up flicker shads where I can find them. Whenever I pass a fleet farm I make a flicker shad stop since there are no fleet farms around where I live. I also order them from Dean. He always has the colors I need. My best producer this year by far was the blue tiger, followed by black and gold, black and gold sunset, and firetiger. I think I caught fish on most of my other colors as well, but the blue tiger was great this year.

Thanks John!