Youth Foiling Gold Cup

Rum Runners’ consistency is potent Another magnificent day of racing on the waters off La Grande Motte as the Finals of the 69F Youth Foiling Gold Cup took place. Though the breeze was quite light in the morning for the first races, the southerly wind gradually strengthened, allowing the sailors to sail fast in full […]

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Electric Reels for Swordfishing

Two components, the reel and motor, combine to create a 12- or 24-volt powered tool that makes deep-dropping easier. The pieces attach and detach quickly using a couple of fasteners. Chris Malbon We hand-cranked swords for a number of years, but the ability to use an electric reel has been instrumental in expanding the fishery,” […]

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The Evolution of Big-Game Fishing Reels

1950s Vintage Fin-Nor: Because of the large diameter of the linen lines of the time, big-game reels, such as this 1950s-era Fin-Nor on display in the IGFA museum, often had spools that measured 7 inches or greater. Adrian Gray You can just about stop a truck with a conventional reel that fits in the palm […]

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Are Gyro-Stabilized Binoculars Worth the Money?

Gyro-stabilized binoculars take the bounce out of the sea, letting anglers use higher magnification binos to search further. Courtesy Gyro Pros Advanced technology creates two conundrums. For one, high-tech carries a high price. Secondly, after experiencing the benefits of technology, you can’t imagine life without it. Both axioms hold true when it comes to handheld […]

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Microscopic Monsters of the Ocean: Swordfish

The swordfish most anglers are familiar with catching look surprisingly different as microscopic larvae. George Poveromo The life history of most game fishes is pretty amazing. Although some species may grow to more than 1,000 pounds, all begin life as one of millions of eggs the size of a small grain of sand floating about […]

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Fish Facts: Are Mako Sharks Dangerous?

The mouth of a mako shark presents a nightmare vision, one that occurs in the deep blue seas around the world. Sam Cahir “Are mako sharks dangerous?” A better question might be: “Are mako sharks capable of harming humans?” To that, the answer would be an unequivocal “yes.” One look at a mako’s mouth would […]

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Selecting the Right Transducer Frequency for Deepwater Fishing

Daytime swordfishing calls for sonar transducer frequencies and wattage ratings that can penetrate the deepest depths. Kevin Dodge Special delivery: Sign up for the free Salt Water Sportsman email newsletter. Subscribe to Salt Water Sportsman magazine for $19 for 1 year and receive 4 bonus digital issues. Today, saltwater ­anglers ply ever-increasing depths to catch fish. California rockfish anglers […]

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SeaVee 420z

The 420z combines efficient handling with fishability. Courtesy SeaVee Boats Special delivery: Sign up for the free Salt Water Sportsman email newsletter. Subscribe to Salt Water Sportsman magazine for $19 for 1 year and receive 4 bonus digital issues. Making its debut at the 2023 Miami International Boat Show, the long-awaited SeaVee 420z features an innovative cross-ventilated step-hull design […]

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Protect the Blue – Islamorada: The Bones Brigade

.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Islamorada is the quiet fishing village with a big nickname – the Sport Fishing Capital of the World. A great percentage of its residents […]

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2023 International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame Inductees

Dania Beach, Fla. – In recognition of their extraordinary contributions to recreational angling around the world, The International Game Fish Association (IGFA)  named five angling greats to the 2023 class of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees include IGFA World Record consummate and tournament champion Roberta G. Arostegui; fly-fishing adventurer and trailblazer, Kay Brodney; conventional and fly-fishing […]

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Fish Facts: Aussie Swordfisherman’s Bycatch

Lovely pink ling taken off southern Australia, where these deepwater dwellers often end up as bycatch among anglers like these, after swordfish. Al McGlashan Salt Water Sportsman reader Al McGlashan (also a contributor and professional fishing journalist) in Australia submitted this photo of a very cool specimen of swordfishing bycatch. While dropping to nearly 2,000 […]

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IGFA Great Marlin Race

The info provided by the tags once they are released provides a map of the fish’s travels, which is often quite extensive. Courtesy IGFA Great Billfish Race Scientists know a lot more about marlin, sailfish, and spearfish than they used to, thanks to tournament anglers who go to the trouble and expense of tagging and […]

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Biden Bans Swordfish Drift Gillnets in US

Eliminating the use of large-mesh drift gillnets will help minimize bycatch in the commercial swordfish fishery. Mike Mazur I’ll be right up front: I’m not a fan of legislative riders, where an issue unrelated to the major piece of legislation gets attached as a way of getting it passed. It is my feeling that the […]

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2023 Boat Buyers Guide: Dual Consoles

Dual-consoles combine saltwater fishing features with family-friendly layouts and comforts for days when angling takes a back seat. Courtesy Grady-White Dual-console boats were once more popular for cruising than serious fishing. Then manufacturers introduced new models with more rod holders, extra storage, insulated fish boxes, advanced electronics and full offshore rigging—everything the serious angler needs—with […]

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2023 Boat Buyers Guide: Center-Consoles

Offshore center-console ­fishing boats ride atop a variety of hulls. Courtesy Regulator The center-console is unbeatable when it comes to effective big-water fishing. The basic concept emerged decades ago, providing 360 degrees of access to the rail, making the timeless design a natural for fishing. Today’s models are more advanced in construction and utility, representing […]

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Sailing to the Galapagos – a land of wonder

Sailing to the Galapagos Islands requires extensive preparation, but the rewards are other-worldly, as Jessie Zevalkink discovered The first morning of passage sailing to the Galapagos Islands I leapt out of my berth at 0600, seeking an hour alone. I’d hoped to rise earlier for a full two hours of dawn and silence, but one […]

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