RAPALA ROYAL FLEECE HOODY

Reviewed by: CAPT. MIKE SCHOONVELD

Rapala actually calls it a “Fleece Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt Royal.” Royal refers to the brilliant “royal” blue color and that’s what caught my attention when I first spotted it. What should have caught my attention is the “fleece” in the name indicating it’s not just another cotton hoodie with a company logo printed on the chest.

In keeping with my ABC (Anything But Cotton) mantra when recommending what to wear when fishing, the inside of the sweatshirt is a moisture wicking fleece which moves moisture out through the cloth, keeping the wearer more comfortable all day long. Cotton hoodies (or any garment) tends to get wetter either from moisture from the inside or random spray or splashes from the outside and cotton, once wet, tends to stay wet. Thus, ABC. 

The outside is a tight weave polyester soft, slick and slightly stretchy. It’s not waterproof, but the unlike cotton that will absorb any bit of spray, small drops often just bead up and run off. That helps the hoodie ward off fish blood, as well.

Though it’s handsome, I got it as a fishing shirt. I like hoodies for fishing since they are warm and since I use the kangaroo pouch on them as a catch all as well as a tool holder. This one is unique, it’s divided into left and right pockets – each zippered – so I put things like keys, coins, perhaps my cell phone in the left side and zip it shut for security. The right pocket holds clippers, folding knife or other items that I’ll likely use several times.

What more could anyone ask of a sweatshirt?  Looks, quality, comfort, stylish and useful. Check them out and purchase them at: www.RAPALA.com. 

OKUMA CONVECTOR “B” REEL/DIAMOND ELITE ROD

Reviewed by: CAPT. MIKE SCHOONVELD

This season I’ve been using the new model of Okuma’s Convector reel – dubbed the Convector  “B” Model -and I’ve been blown away by it. The original Convector has a faithful following on the Great Lakes and the redesign now makes it even better.

The improvements include larger, stronger gears, enhanced carbon-fiber drags, an updated line counter mechanism and improved handle-knob – large and easy to grip. All of this in the familiar Convector mid-level price range. 

I’ve used it as it was intended on every trip I’ve fished this season (which started on March 2nd for me.)  I set it most often as a downrigger line, but I “snuck” it in as a planer board reel several times since those lines were getting most of the action and I wanted to get a “feel” for how it performed. I also used it as a braided line diver reel using the standard #1 Dipsy Divers.

I don’t purposely put the gear I test to extreme conditions but this one I did. On my first offshore excursion I forgot one of my “wire-diver” set-ups I use to get laker rigs down to the shoals where lakers are stacked and gobbling up gobies. I grabbed the Convector “B,” on the Diamond Elite downrigger rod to sub for my forgotten wire-diver. I’d filled the Convector with 30# test Sufix 832 Superline. I attached a #3 Magnum Dipsy Diver pulling a dodger and Spin-N-Glow.

I sent it down, down, down, so it was just scuffing along the bottom made up of sand and pea-gravel. The big Dipsy pulled hard and even harder when it touched the bottom. The Diver’s release had to be set tight enough that just skidding along the bottom wouldn’t trip it. The reel’s drag had to be set tight enough to not slip when the diver did hit the bottom. It’s a system that has to be finely tuned.

Then, when a laker slurps onto the Spin-n-Glow, the rod has to have the backbone to allow the tight release to open and at the same time, the reel has to feed out just enough line – pulling against the drag – to keep something from breaking, losing the fish and the expensive gear.  The first fish of the day showed the Convector “B” up to the task and several other trout provided several additional tests. I wouldn’t hesitate to use it with wire line as a wire-diver reel.

I had the reel sitting on a Diamond Elite Downrigger rod (DME-DR-862MHA) This is a medium heavy 8 ½ foot long downrigger rod and it functions perfectly using it in conjunction with a downrigger. It’s not a bad planer board rod, either and I would have no problem using it with medium/large planers pulling deep diving crankbaits, lead core line or copper.

I used the Diamond Elite it as a diver rod with #1 Dipsy Diver for cohos and walleye and it handled that size diver very well. It was slightly over-matched using Magnum Divers, but it got the job done.

The Diamon Elite series are all designed as trolling rods and come in sizes for walleye, up to wire-diver sizes with a roller tip line guide, They are a handsome, steel gray color, and the triangular foregrip gives extra gripping power when reeling in strong, Great Lakes fish. Pair the right Diamond Elite rod with the appropriate size of Convector “B” reel and you have a combo that will serve you well for decades. 

EGO TIDEWATER TOOL KIT – FISH CLEANING

Reviewed by: CAPT. MIKE SCHOONVELD

Every angler should have a fish cleaning kit that includes the essentials for cleaning the size and type of fish you plan to catch and keep. For me, a kit that has a couple of different sized fillet knives is important. I’ve cleaned large fish with small knives, small fish with large knives, but cleaning any fish with the appropriately-sized knife makes the job simpler and the finished product better. Each knife should be in a sheath, as well. That protects the user, it keeps the knives from cutting the case in which all the tools are stored and the sheath also protects the knives’ razor edges from clacking together or rubbing on other items inside the case. That could damage the sharp edges.

I’ve learned that keeping a knife sharp is simple. Rather than using (abusing) the knife until it’s dull, simply “steel” the knife, after every fish or two and it will never get dull. I include a honing steel in the fish cleaning kits that I put together. The steel doesn’t have to be large, it has to be used.

When I’m cleaning walleye, I always wear a glove with a tough, rubber palm on my left hand. (I’m right-handed.) The fins on walleye have sharp spines, the gill plates are razor sharp and even the scales on a walleye are abrasive. So there’s a glove for my left hand in my kit.

The only downside to this is when I’m skinning the fillet, the glove makes it tough to grip the end of the fillet when I’m skinning the fillet. That’s why I always have a homemade pick in the kit I take on walleye fishing trips to pin the tail of the fillet in place with my gloved, left hand. 

When I saw the Tidewater Tool Kit from EGO, I noticed it had all the tools I consider to be essential – and more! Included in the kit is a folding cutting board measuring 8 ¾”X12 ¾” and a pair of scissors. The cutting board is a bit small, but better than nothing. I don’t often use scissors to clean the fish I catch, but they’d be handy for catfish anglers to cut off the spines. I have been known to pop the top off a longneck when I’m cleaning a fish and there is a bottle opener on the end of the scissors.

There’s also a fish scaler. I actually do scale some of the fish I clean because skin-on fillets have a depth of flavor missing on skinned fillets. The fish scaler easily takes the place of the pick I use to hold the fillet in place when I’m skinning it.

The coolest extra feature is the sheaths for both the seven and nine-inch knives have a locking tab on them so once the knife is sheathed, it stays sheathed. I’ve never seen that on any knife sheath I’ve owned. All this in a convenient carrying case and an extra right-hand glove you can offer to a left-handed fishing partner giving him one less excuse for not helping you to clean the fish. The EGO Tidewater Tool Kit is sold exclusively online at: http://www.egofishing.com. 

SPINDRIFT FISHING HOODIE

Reviewed by: CAPT. MIKE SCHOONVELD

Every day I head out on one of the Great Lakes, one of the first decisions I make is what to wear. Comfort is the deciding factor. That’s why early in the season, thoughts were, “It’s going to be blistering cold today, I better put on the merino wool shirt as my base layer.”

That doesn’t sound out of place since “woolies” have been the choice of outdoorsmen working and playing in the most frigid conditions ever since sheep were domesticated. Wool garments can help hold in body heat, even when they are damp.

What’s odd is now that spring is changing to summer and we’ve had plenty of days with sun, heat and humidity, my “suiting up” for the day thoughts are, “It’s going to be blistering hot today, I better put on the merino wool shirt as my base layer. (It’s probably going to be my top layer, most of the day, as well.)

Not many people “think wool” when they are facing summer heat. That’s because they’ve never tried Whitewater Fishing’s Spindrift Fishing Hoody made from a fabric that blends the natural qualities of premium merino wool with added features and performance for fishing.

Back to the cold days. When it’s cold, the key to comfort for active outdoor activities is moisture control from the base layer to the top layer. Quite often, I use the same performance cloth shirts that I wear every summer day for sun protection as my base layer. The key to the “performance” in these shirts is how well they wick moisture from the skin into and through the cloth where it can evaporate – or transfer the moisture into the mid-layers and eventually, to the outer layer. The shirt or pants never feel wet or damp. The merino wool is just doing its thing as it’s always done.

On hot, summer days, the fabric has been blended with enough man-made fibers to up it to the industry standard UPF 50+ to provide all day sun protection without the need (or worry) about exposure or sunburn from the sun’s UV rays. The same wicking action keeps the shirt from getting damp and stinky, and it’s measurably cooler than just wearing a cotton or cotton/poly blend Tee shirt.

So, it works good, the light gray color looks good but it’s wool. Doesn’t that make it scratchy?

Not in the least. Humans refined regular sheep into merino sheep to be able to make non-scratchy wool garments. There are scientific explanations of this, but basically, merino wool fibers are roughly five times thinner than human hair. Thinner fibers are less scratchy.

This technology does cost more, but since the Spindrift Hoodie is a multi-tasker – not something you’d wear only during one season, but year ‘round – think of that when looking at the price tag. Speaking of that, you can see them and order them online at http://www.whitewaterfish.com, Amazon or at some retail outlets. 

TRUE TI POCKET MULTI TOOL

Reviewed by: CAPT. MIKE SCHOONVELD

The first “multi-tool” I ever owned was a Boy Scout Pocketknife I got to fulfill the Boy Scout motto, “Be Prepared.” Besides the knife blade that folded open, it included a flat screwdriver/bottle opener blade, both of which worked pretty well. I needed the bottle opener since twist-off caps were yet to be invented. It had a can opener which did a poor job of opening metal cans and a poker tool which was seldom used.

I carried it through high-school and college and the most memorable use I recall was when I was far away from a wilderness camp with a reluctant 9.9 Mercury outboard on the back of a 14-foot rowboat. I don’t remember exactly what was wrong with the Merc, but I do remember that without the Boy Scout knife, the repair would have been impossible.

It was years later before I saw the first non-pocketknife multi-tool. I bought a few, had a few mini-versions given to me as “bling” with some company’s name stenciled on the handle and was handed many others that unfolded to reveal a pair of pliers, wire cutters, flat and Phillips screwdrivers. Most had a knife blade, several had a tiny saw blade and a variety of can openers, poking tools, bottle openers all that would cleverly fold into a compact unit.

I’ve never had or used one that worked as well as a “real” screwdriver or pliers or any of the other included tools. I don’t fault that, the variety of tools does make the multi-tool handy in “emergency” use or for small jobs that would take less time to complete with the multi-tool than it would take to dig a screwdriver out of a tool box.

What I do fault is how many of them, marketed as stainless steel, end up being rusting to some extent. I fault the ones built so tight, I need to use a regular tool to open or close the blades. Almost as bad are the ones so flimsy the individual blades or tools open on their own or with screwdrivers that are so flimsy that they bend with moderate torque. I’m talking “name brand” models, not just cheap-China knock-offs of name brand models.

I’ve used several models of knives from True, one of AGC Brands product lines. All have proven to be well designed and well built so when they came out with the TI Pocket Multi-Tool, I got one to see if it was one worth having and relying on. I’ve had it on my boat for several months, purposely stowed in a convenient TackleWeb pocket where it is handy where the work is being done and is exposed to the weather, spray and road/dust when the boat is being trailers. I wanted to see how it “ages.” I’ve often purposely used it instead of the “single” use tools I keep on my boat, just to see how it measured up.

I’ve used it to unhook dozens of salmon, walleye and lake trout. The pliers work well and thought a lot of the pressure of hook removal is twisting, the pliers are still tight. I don’t fillet fish with the knife blade, but I’ve cut fishing line, dock ropes and cut several chunks of summer sausage. I’ve used the screwdrivers (both Phillips and flat blades to unscrew various screws including adjusting Dipsey Divers. I’ve yet to use or need the saw blade or open a tin can with the can opener.

Though I haven’t (and probably won’t) carry it in my pocket, it wouldn’t be cumbersome to carry in your jean pockets if your everyday duties occasionally require using small hand tools. I can easily see how having it as standard equipment on my boat and/or in my pick-up’s glove compartment.

Widely available in stores, both online and retail, at Amazon or check them out and other AGC brands at: https://acgbrands.com/. 

MAGNETIC RELEASE CLIP BY RAPALA

Reviewed by CAPT. MIKE SCHOONVELD

When I’m after the biggest fish, I want a big landing net with a basket made of string. For small and mid-sized fish, I’ll take a net with a rubber mesh – easier on the fish and easier on me when untangling the fish and the lure from the net. A big net with a large rubber basket it just too heavy when I extend the net far enough to reach the fish.

The problem with a “string mesh” net is when the net is readied just above the surface of the water, the lightweight mesh will drag bag, past the lip of the net and it’s all too easy for the hook in the fish’s mouth or a second hook on multi-hooked lures to snag on the exposed netting and too often, that’s the end of the fight. Fish on, fish lost.

I’ve tried several methods of preventing “net blow-back” on my string net. All worked to a degree, none were perfect. The Magnetic Release Clip by Rapala is perfect.

I don’ t know for sure how the deep thinkers at Rapala intended for these magnets to be used, but when I saw them, I immediately thought “net release.” The Magnetic Release Clip is basically a pair of rare earth magnets, strong enough to easily hold a net basket in place while a fish is being netted, but not so strong they won’t pull apart when the fish falls into the basket. Using the large split ring that comes on each magnet, I clipped one of them to the bottom of the net basket and used a zip-tie to fasten the other to the handle of the net. They work perfectly! 

Available at many online and retail outlets or simply purchase them and other Rapala lures, tools and products at: http://www.RAPALA.com

SHAKESPEARE CONTENDER CONVENTIONAL REEL

Reviewed by: CAPT. MIKE SCHOONVELD

The reels needed when fishing for big king salmon, lake trout and Skamania steelhead have to be tough to stand up to the battle, drags that are silky-smooth when a steelhead feels the sting and accelerates to high speed in an instant and have oversized washers to stand up to the heat generated when a king makes a long runs. Then the reel has to be able to stand up to the same things the next trip and the next.

Most reels that meet these criteria are budget breakers for anglers just getting started or on a limited budget who have to balance price with quality. Shakespeare’s new Contender Conventional Reel (currently listed at $74.99 on the Pure Fishing website) tilts that balance in favor of the angler. Available as a “30” size reel, it features a graphite frame, a stainless steel levelwind, brass gears and ball bearings to make the reel run smooth the first time it’s used and will continue to perform years into the future.

“Conventional” is a term often used for reels in the saltwater market – differentiating between a revolving spool – conventional – and spinning reels. Shakespeare used this term because this reel is aimed at the saltwater market primarily, but that certainly doesn’t preclude using it in freshwater. Many of the top-quality reels found on the hardest working Great Lakes charters are “crossover” models equally at home on the lakes or on saltwater.

I got the reel during the winter months and wanted to give it a solid test before the 2026 Great Lakes open water season gets going. I took it to the Texas Gulf in February to test it on mammoth red snappers. Snappers are shaped like bass, sized like four-year-old kings and are as stubborn as any fish that swims. I spooled it with 30-pound test braided line with a 50# fluorocarbon leader.

Pulling a 20 pound plus snapper up from the bottom in 100 feet of water isn’t an easy task. Every inch of line is earned and every ten feet or so the fish pulls back and peels off eight or nine feet, even on a drag tighter than I’d ever use on salmon or trout. The reel held up, fish after fish, after fish.

I wanted to put it too the test since I plan to use it as the reel for my “secret weapon rig” – two colors of lead core deployed on the deepest downrigger to present a deep lure far behind and deeper than any of the downrigger weights. Often, the biggest fish of the day come on the “SWR.” My experience with the snappers proved to me it will be up to the task.

The Contenders will likely be available at many retailers this summer and is available now at www.purefishing.com.   

GILL AQUA PARKA

Reviewed by: Capt. Mike Schoonveld

How many times does a quick, passing shower threaten or you realize the choppy water you’re going to run through is going to be enough to send some spray into the boat so you grab the jacket part of your rainsuit because the drizzle or spray probably doesn’t warrant the hassle of putting on the bottoms – either having to take off your boots or try to force them through to where the slit-zipper tops out on the legs. About 87 percent of the time when I only slip into the jacket, I end up with a wet butt and wet legs from the thighs down.

When I saw the news from Gill Marine about their new Aqua Parka I was intrigued enough to order one.

A better name would be the Aqua Trench Coat, I thought when I unrolled the package. On me, at 5-11 the bottom of the parka extends to below my knees.

Standing, any water that runs down to the bottom of the parka, drips to the floor, not to the lower leg. Sitting, the “rubber-like” shell protects my butt on the bottom and covers the top of my thighs over the knee to keep that dry. Try that with a butt-length parka.

The shell features totally welded seams – no stitching – usually the leaky culprit when DWR treated fabric is the outer layer. The outer shell has a totally waterproof  “rubbery” feel to it, but unlike rubber or PVC, it’s breathable and has a 4-way stretch. The inside is lined with a cushy, high-loft fleece for warmth – perfect for cool or cold weather – I’ll stow it away during the summer months.

Besides the working convenience, a stand-out feature is the large – two-way zipper – made of rugged nylon. Zip down from the top to access breast pockets, zip up from the bottom to access the pouch on your hoodie or the pockets on your pants.

 Available in several colors, it’s cut large to fit over sweatshirts or jackets you are wearing. Check them out at: https://www.gillmarine.com/aqua-parka/. If you purchase them from the Gill Fishing website, enter the discount code – CAPTMIKE10 – at checkout for 10% off your order.  

FishUSA FLAGSHIP TRAVEL SPINNING ROD

Reviewed by: CAPT. MIKE SCHOONVELD

I reviewed a FishUSA “store brand” Flagship Trolling Rod in a recent issue of GLA. I was very impressed with it and you can see that review (if you wish) at https://fishgear.reviews/2025/12/08/flagship-trolling-rods-by-fishusa/.

Because of this, I wasn’t so surprised when I put a Flagship Travel Spinning Rod to the test and found it to be an exceptional product. I’ve owned and used a variety of travel rods in the past and the best thing I could say about them was that they could be broken down into three or four sections to make them easy to pack in a large suitcase or to tote them along on other trips where full length or even two-piece rods would be impossible or cumbersome.

A few of the travel rods I’ve previously used were so clunky I could have fished as well with a willow branch. None of the best of them felt or fished like a quality “conventional” rod.

First the “travel” part of this rod. Though it’s a three-piece rod, it comes with four pieces. There are two tip sections, one with a medium action – perfect for walleyes, bass, shore fishing for cohos or browns and similar applications. The other tip turns the rod into a medium light rod, good for stream trout, white bass, bluegills and other panfish.

It comes with a hard sided travel case which will keep the rods secure whether they are being handled by luggage handlers, stowed in an overhead bin or crammed in with other luggage in a car, truck or SUV.

FishUSA says the travel rod is constructed with “a strategic blend of 30 and 36-ton graphite. I’m not sure what that means but I am sure fishing with this rod was a pleasure. At seven-feet long I was able to make long casts if needed to get to the fish and then control fish when I got them close to the boat. I fished with both live bait and lures. Using the medium tip, I could put extra action to the lures on the retrieve. Using live bait, I could detect the lightest bite. There was nothing clunky about the feel, action or look of the rod. Whether fishing on the Detroit River for walleyes, for perch on Lake Michigan or other fish on an inland lake, I wouldn’t hesitate to use this rod whether I needed it as a travel rod or not. Check out the Flagship Travel Spinning Rod and other FishUSA gear at www.fishusa.com.