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 the bag back, 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.

SCOTTY GIMBLE DOWNRIGGER MOUNT

Reviewed by: CAPT. MIKE SCHOONVELD

A friend of mine fished area inland lakes and trailered his my boat to Florida each winter to spend time fishing for sea trout and redfish. The boat was well equipped for these activities, handled fine in moderate waves so he decided to rig it for Great Lakes fishing, as well to get in on Indiana’s great salmon and steelhead fishing. 

He loved it and soon found himself fishing on Lake Michigan as much or more than on inland lakes. He fished without downriggers, relying on divers and lead core during the summer months, but he was reluctant to add downriggers since he thought that would require drilling holes for the downrigger mounts or installing a track system. He wouldn’t mind doing that but he plannedi to upgrade his boat in another year or two. A boat with tracks or holes in the gunwales would either limit the market for potential buyers or degrade the resale value.

I noticed his boat had flush mounted rod holders built into the gunwales and so I suggested he find downrigger mounts that would slide into these rod holders. After checking around on the Internet, he found some Scotty 1028 Gimbal Mounts at Amazon.com that would fit his rod holders perfectly. I told him Scotty products have been around for decades and always get great reviews. So he bought a pair.

Now he’s set for another season on Lake Michigan and I know the addition of a pair of downriggers will up his game and increase his enjoyment. Perhaps he’ll even learn his current boat will do just fine for more than another year or two.

BAZUKA PRO ROD TUBE BY FLAMBEAU

Reviewed by: Capt. Mike Schoonveld

The Great Lakes covers so much territory it’s often more convenient to travel from one lake to the next – or from one end of one lake to the other end – by plane rather than over surface roads. Or, if you are like me, you have a wanderlust to head for far away fishing adventures where travelling by air is mandatory.

If those flights require travelling with any of your personal fishing gear – in this case, fishing rods – you’ll need some way of ensuring those rods show up on the baggage carousel unscathed by their adventure. Over the years, I’ve seen or used several ploys to get my rods to far off places with me, but these days, the friendly skies aren’t so friendly to most travelers and especially to those that show up at the gate with fish a fishing rod.

The Bazuka Rod case doesn’t make travelling any friendlier, but it does make it less worrisome.  Made from a tough, rugged plastic, it won’t bend or splinter. If it shows up on the rod carousel crushed or looking like something ran over it, something has run over it. It wasn’t damaged on the plane or when being stowed.

I like the way it telescopes so I can adjust the size to fit the length of the rods I’m toting along with me. Nearly any two-piece rod will fit inside, and it will hold one-piece rods up to 8-feet. I’ve not crammed it full, but the interior diameter will easily hold four or more.

It’s not just for air travel. When I’m heading to a remote location with my boat, I use the in-boat storage. But when I’m not towing a boat, I pack my rods in the Bazuka so I can stow them over, under or beside any of the rest of my gear in the back of the truck or SUV.  Bazukas are widely available at retailers or you can check them out and other Flambeau storage options at www.flambeauoutdoors.com 

TWO TOO-COOL TUMBLERS

Reviewed by: CAPT. MIKE SCHOONVELD   

I’m not sure which manufacturer invented the 20-ounce insulated tumbler, but they are standard on my boat. I load one up with hot coffee knowing that by the time I get to where I plan to fish, get the lines set and maybe have the first fish or two of the day in the cooler, my coffee will still be hot. One of my best friends has a similar cup filled with iced tea that usually still has ice left in the bottom at the end of the trip.

These stainless steel, vacuum-sealed tumblers are now made by several companies and other than different colors and minor variations of lid design, one brand seems nearly identical to the next. Recently, however, I came across a couple that set them apart from most of the rest.

The “coolest” of these has a feature is one available from TOADFISH. It’s the one I always bring along when I’m hopping on someone else’s boat. Many boats are short on cup holders and when I show up with my 20 ounces of hot coffee, the Toadfish Non-Tipping Tumbler solves that problem. Just set the tumbler down on any “slick” surface, like a fiberglass gunwale or a painted aluminum dashboard and its suction cup bottom will stick it there like a lamprey on a laker. It won’t tip over. Want to take a slurp, just lift it straight up and it easily releases. It seems magical more than logical. Available in several colors; I chose the “Toadfish Teal.”  Check it out and other unique Toadfish products at www.ToadFish.com. You can purchase it there, at Amazon.com and other sources.

If you have plenty of drink holders on your boat and the tip-less tumbler isn’t appealing, how about bottle openers? Sure, it’s possible to pop the top on a chilled Corona or Heineken with the same pliers you use to rip hooks out of the fish you catch, but how easy is that? My Wyld Gear 20-ounce tumbler solves that problem.

Look at it from the side or from the top and it looks like most any other steel vacuum drink container but take a look at the bottom, and you’ll see a built-in bottle cap tool. Brilliant! Well, at least it’s novel place to mount a bottle opener. Once you’ve popped the top, slide the bottle inside the tumbler and it becomes a koozie. Check out this multi-tasking tumbler and dozens of other Wyld Gear products at www.wyldgear.com.

BIGEYE BOOT BY STRIKE

Reviewed by: Capt. Mike Schoonveld                

What if you want something that’s more than a deck shoe but not a traditional high-top deck boot? Try a comfy product made by Strike Footwear that is working merger of shoe and boot as well as style and function. 

Deck shoes are built to work on wet decks in warm weather. A bit of slop or spray that overtops the low profile of the shoe makes little difference. It’ll dry and may even feel pleasant. 

But I’m busy on the Great Lakes from early March to late November most years and only about three of these months are warm weather, warm water months. The rest of the season I want my feet in footwear that are warm and dry on the inside and impervious to wet decks and spray on the outside.

In March and April, then again in late fall, I’ll be wearing some sort of hi-top boot. The rest of the “cool” weather/water season I don’t need a full “boot.”  The Bigeye Boot by Strike Footwear isn’t a tall or even a medium tall boot. It covers my feet to just above my ankle.

That’s the perfect height most of the time and the design makes even that much “boot” deceiving. The “rubber” part of the Bigeye is like a shoe. However, the “shoe” part transitions to a stretchy neoprene “upper” that fits over the ankle. The neoprene ankle material extends into the boot as an inner lining so when I’m only wearing a thin sock or no-socks my feet aren’t rubbing on the inside of the rubber shoe. A padded insole cushions the bottom of my foot for “walking on a cloud-like” comfort.

Okay, these boots look good, feel good and work good. They also include interesting extras not often included on other deck boots or shoes. One is a molded on lip at the heel making the shoe easy to slip off and a pair of pull loops – one at the rear, the other ahead of the ankle, to make pulling the Bigeye Boots fast and easy.  

Bigeye Boots are endorsed by the IGFA for Strike’s reliance on eco-friendly materials in their construction. They come in black, white or navy. Look for them and other Strike Footwear at: https://www.strike-footwear.com/.