ALL-NEW HARDY MARKSMAN Z FLY ROD - Pure Fishing Press Release 5 July 2023

 I received a new press release from the folks at Hardy this morning!  Looks like they're introducing a new line of Saltwater Fly Rods!  I hope they'll have them at ICAST, I can't wait to check these out!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW HARDY MARKSMAN Z FLY ROD Redefining Performance in Saltwater Fishing   COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 5, 2023) – Just in time for those saltwater flats trips, the Hardy Marksman Z Fly Rod is a groundbreaking addition to our premier saltwater rod range. This innovative rod leverages the latest in performance materials to deliver a level of strength, reduced weight, and durability unmatched in the market. The Hardy Marksman Z Fly Rod is designed to be an angler's ally in the unpredictable and varied challenges of the saltwater environment. From calm, early morning runs to windy afternoons, the Hardy Marksman Z ensures an optimal cast, even from an unstable platform.  This rod is designed with a unique blend of feel, power, and recovery, resulting in a product that promises an unrivaled fishing experience. As a hundred pounds of chrome goes airborne, or as six pounds of silver leaves the flat as if fired from a gun, you can be confident that the Marksman Z in your hand can do the job and, of course, the adrenaline rush is guaranteed.  This exceptional blend of characteristics was brought to life through a collaborative design process. In partnership with some of the world's finest saltwater guides, seasoned anglers, and industry legends, we've crafted the Hardy Marksman Z to be the perfect tool for your perfect moment in salt. Built with Sintrix FLT that is applied to an updated mandrel design, the Marksman Z was created with a strong butt section that gives you increased lifting power in the lower section of the rod making it strong enough to pull big fish from cover yet extremely light in the hand. The Hardy Marksman Z Fly Rod stands up to the most demanding saltwater conditions, offering the reliability needed for everything from Gold Cups to Grand Slams and a thousand different challenges in between. Regardless of the changing tides or shifting winds, the Hardy Marksman Z is your steadfast companion in the saltwater world. "We're delighted to introduce the Hardy Marksman Z, the newest addition to our superior range of fishing rods," said Jim Murphy, Director of Fly Fishing for Hardy. "Our goal is to provide anglers with the best possible equipment that can stand up to any condition, and we believe the Hardy Marksman Z Fly Rod exemplifies this commitment." Features:  Sintrix FLT on an updated mandrel design Increased lifting power in the lower section  Reduced overall in-hand weight Easy to load yet fast tip recovery for more accurate casts under pressured situations Hybrid ring specification that blends durability and practicality using both Cerecoil and recoil stripper guides Aluminum uplocking reel seat with easy to grip locking nuts to ensure a solid reel fit MSRP: Starting at $995 Available:  September 2023   Experience the strength, agility and durability of the all-new Hardy Marksman Z Fly Rod and feel the difference in every cast. To learn more about Hardy Fly Fishing, click here. ### For an exclusive look at the Hardy Marksman Z and the entire lineup of new fly fishing gear from Hardy, please consider joining Hardy and the rest of the Pure Fishing brands for an exclusive preview of its New Product Showcase entries at On the Water from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) North Building Ponds. Also join us at the Pure Fishing press conference in Room S310 A-B of the OCCC, at 3:30 p.m. to hear directly from some of the biggest brands in the fresh and saltwater fishing industries. And finally, please consider voting for the Hardy Marksman Z at the ICAST New Product Showcase starting Tuesday, July 11. For more information about Hardy, click here.   About Pure Fishing Pure Fishing is a collection of the world’s favorite fishing brands. Every day, all around the world, someone experiences the joy of catching a fish with one of our products. From gear for epic battles at sea to a relaxing day with family at the lake, our portfolio includes the most recognized and admired brands in fishing tackle, lures, rods, reels and storage. Abu Garcia®, Berkley®, DAM®, Fenwick®, Fin-Nor®, Frabill®, Greys®, Hardy®, Hodgman®, Johnson®, JRC®, Madcat®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Pflueger®, Plano®, Prologic®, Savage Gear®, Shakespeare®, SpiderWire®, Stren®, Ugly Stik® and Van Staal®.

New Features and Quest Technology for Minn Kota Trolling Motors -- Johnson Outdoors Press Release 26 June 2023

 Good morning folks!
    I just received a Press Release from the folks over at Minn Kota regarding the introduction and upgrades of the trolling motor lineup and thought I'd share it in its entirety here.  Let me know your thoughts on the updates, and if you like seeing the full press release.  I think I'm going to try to post them like this more often.  
  Hope you're all doing well,
    Have a great day and Tight Lines!
       -Nick

Minn Kota Announces New and Upgraded Line of Trolling Motors to Fit Every Angler

Minn Kota’s trusted line of bow-mount trolling motors have been re-designed to help anglers get more out of their time on the water - including QUEST, a powerful new brushless technology platform.

RACINE, Wis. (JUN 26, 2023) – Since 1934 Minn Kota has been known for developing real, fishable features that help anglers explore new water, go further, and put more fish in the boat. The best trolling motors available just got even better with a complete restage of Minn Kota’s bow-mount motor lineup and the introduction of QUEST technology. New and upgraded Ultrex™, Ulterra®, Instinct, Terrova®, Riptide Terrova®, PowerDrive™, and Riptide PowerDrive™ bow mount trolling motors are being reintroduced with a brand new look and updated technology suite full of angler-friendly enhancements.

In addition to all the GPS navigational features anglers have come to expect from Minn Kota like Spot-Lock and Follow-the-Contour, all of these new additions to the motor lineup will feature enhanced boat control tools for anglers – no matter their preferred species. Whether fresh or saltwater and regardless of skill level or pursuit, Minn Kota’s redesigned line of trolling motors has an option for any angler looking for bulletproof reliability and unmatched performance on the water.

New Features for All Bow-Mount Models:

• NEW Enhanced GPS Suite Including Drift Mode to allow anglers to spend more time fishing and less time on boat control 

  • Drift Mode: combats current and wind by automatically adjusting speed and direction to keep the boat on a true drift. Drift Mode acts as a gps drift sock eliminating the need for cumbersome ropes or shallow water anchor paddles

  • Improved Follow-the-Contour functionality: allows for better LakeMaster and CoastMaster integration to stay on the desired course.
     
  • Dodge Mode: allows anglers to quickly leave auto navigation mode to manually steer through waves and around structures and then resume navigating without resetting their route.

• Out of the Box connection to Humminbird via the One-Boat Network by including all necessary adapters required for networking without additional need for setup

• One App for Everything – the One-Boat Network App can control everything on the boat from the trolling motor and shallow water anchors to the Humminbird head units

• Enhanced Built-in 2D Sonar with Dual Spectrum CHIRP adds Humminbird’s unrivaled sonar clarity to every Minn Kota motor

Minn Kota QUEST Technology

Motors with QUEST technology might resemble some of Minn Kota’s most popular and trusted models, but have been completely redesigned from the ground up to tackle the toughest environments.  QUEST motors feature a dual 24 or 36 volt brushless lower unit, a carbon fiber-infused upgraded shaft and reinforced brackets and pivot points. Boasting 30% longer runtime and up to 50% more torque*, these motors are built for the most demanding anglers, helping them get out earlier, stay out later and fish in wind, waves and current that others can’t.

Minn Kota Ultrex, Ulterra, Instinct, Terrova, and Riptide Terrova motors will all now be available with QUEST technology.  With available shaft lengths up to 100”, Riptide Terrova and Instinct QUEST motors were made to tackle the toughest offshore environments on bigger boats than ever before. With improved and upgraded components such as mounts, brackets, shafts, and pivot points, the motors are built to handle the increase in power in the harshest environments. QUEST motors include an upgraded lift assist assembly for effortless stow and deployment, carbon fiber shafts with increased lengths, Auto Park to automatically turn the motor when stowing, new propellers to cut through heavy vegetation while maintaining peak power output and fewer moving parts to prevent unnecessary wear over the life of the product.

New Features for QUEST Models: 

• Dual 24 or 36 volt Brushless Motor with up to 30% longer runtime and 50% greater torque*
  • Up to 30% longer runtime on a single charge provides anglers more time on the water
  • Up to 50% greater torque means more precise control in wind and waves and the ability to shed weeds more effectively

• Redesigned and Upgraded Mount to accommodate the additional thrust and torque of the lower unit

• Carbon Fiber Infused Shaft for enhanced durability while maintaining flexibility to protect the bow of an angler’s boat

• Peak Performance and Efficiency from Updated Propellors which maximize torque throughout the speed range

• New lift-assist assembly to make getting the motor in and out of the water effortless (select models)

• Real-Time Battery Monitoring System lets anglers know time until empty at a given speed setting and prompts users to enter a power saving eco mode when batteries reach 20% charge

• No Loss of Power: constant power throughout the day with no drop in motor performance as battery voltage decreases of the length of a fishing day

• One-Boat Network Programmable Button: customized presets to include stow and deploy Minn Kota shallow water anchors, mark a waypoint, or engage autopilot

• QUEST Technology availability: Ultrex, Ulterra, Instinct, Terrova, Riptide Terrova 

Click HERE to see the new and upgraded line of bow-mount trolling motors in action.

*Compared to 24 volt brushed motor when run at maximum speed setting

About Johnson Outdoors

JOHNSON OUTDOORS FISHING is comprised of the Humminbird®, Minn Kota® and Cannon® brands. Humminbird is a leading global innovator and manufacturer of marine electronics products including fish finders, multifunction displays, autopilots, ice flashers, and premium cartography products. Minn Kota is the world’s leading manufacturer of electric trolling motors, as well as a complete line of shallow water anchors, battery chargers and marine accessories. Cannon is the leader in controlled-depth fishing and includes a full line of downrigger products and accessories.

JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation company that inspires more people to experience the awe of the great outdoors with innovative, top-quality products. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Fishing, Diving and Camping.

Visit Johnson Outdoors at www.johnsonoutdoors.com 

Ogeechee River

 Had the opportunity to enjoy a very nice dinner along the beautiful banks of the Ogeechee River. Hopefully I'll find a spot without one of these pesky signs before the trip is over!

MCFF Fly Tying Night -- 19 June 2023

 Mid-Coast Fly Fisher's monthly fly tying meeting had a great group of varied skill-level tiers working on some new techniques with the Po Boy fly as tied by Carl Sanders. Consisting of craft fur with backing, rubber legs and dubbing brush tied to a jig hook with a barbel eye, should make for very lifelike movement in the waters of Central Florida! As always, all are welcome and I'll be glad to save a seat for you!!

Mid Coast Fly Fishers -- 12 June 2023

 The Mid-Coast Fly Fishers June General Meeting tonight ushered in the Summer Season as the snowbirds' northern migration left the core group of locals to continue on. The free form discussion saw excellent fishing reports spanning from the Tomoka River basin all the way down to the Keys! The fish were big, though some of the tales were likely bigger, but, as always loads of tips, tricks, warnings and information were shared. As always, all are welcome and I'll be glad to save you a seat. 

Casting Practice

 Felt good to get some casting practice in tonight! Wind was pretty steady off the water, so it was a good time to work on some rusty tension casting. Also, worked on a high-angle back cast for obstacle avoidance. Never a bad time to cast a fly rod!

MCFF Fly Tying Night - 15 May 2023

 Another great night of casting practice and fly tying with the Mid-Coast Fly Fishers! Capt. Frank Brownell shared his interpretation of a classic Gurgler which demonstrated multiple techniques like dealing with bucktail, stacking thread, wrapping chenille, and, most notably, introduces folks to tying flies with craft foam! As always all are welcome and I'll be glad to save a seat for you!