I’m 100 percent happy to be a woman, but I must admit that there are certain advantages to being a man. I mean, you have no “time of the month” and, as my husband says, “the whole world is your urinal.” I’ve always wondered what it would be like to (as Elaine said on Seinfeld) “walk around with one of those things.”
Before my recent trip to Guatemala, I wondered about something else: How was I going to reel in a 100-pound fish when many times a 4-pounder kicks my butt?
I knew that it could get uncomfortable and wasn’t sure where to hold the fishing rod -- Under my arm? Against my side? Or perhaps jammed into my hip? I feared that I might botch my turn and potentially have the rod torn from my hands. I didn’t want it to end up at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.
When it was my first turn to fight a sailfish, one of the mates offered me the Arena Fighting Belt (by Aftco) and he strapped it on. I was a bit self-conscious, because although I had previously wondered what it would be like to have something between my legs full-time, I never thought I’d actually attempt this, in front of people, and especially on camera.
Then the fish hit and my blood flowed. Suddenly, they put the rod in place and the thing between my legs grew from a few inches to six feet long. I landed the fish, and many more, using that belt. Yes, in this case, strapping one on served a tremendous purpose.
The ladies of AFTCO are passionate about their fishing and cold weather won’t keep them off the water. I interviewed four of them from different fisheries and different climates to find out the key gear that keeps them warm when they plunge into a cold weather fishing adventure.
Two-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year Gerald Swindle is always quick with a one-liner. Thanks to his humble beginnings he’s likely more appreciative of the little things than many of us. We asked him to give us four relatively low-cost stocking stuffers for bass anglers and he didn’t disappoint.
I technically don’t need to purchase another item of anything but I’m going on another Half Past First Cast adventure to Guatemala and of course I’ve added a few new retail therapy efforts to make the trip even more memorable.
The great thing about trolling for sailfish is that you can be as involved as you want. The captains and mates at Casa Vieja Lodge are happy to instruct you, and also to let you take control of the “bait and switch.” Alternatively, you can just reel in one sailfish after another. In all likelihood you’ll probably live somewhere in between those two extremes.
OK, Mother’s Day is just about here, and if you’re like most of the other forgetful and occasionally ungrateful anglers out there you’ve probably forgotten to get her something. Big mistake, Junior. Assuming she likes to travel and fish, here are some gift ideas that are tailored to some of our favorite destinations.
The captains we’ve fished with in places like Guatemala and Panama have a device in their boats specifically aimed at keeping big bait fresh – so whether you’re chasing marlin, big tuna, roosterfish or some other salty creature, you’ll always have the proper temptation.
Historically, each new fishing trip has an opportunity or perhaps an excuse to go a little bit crazy at Tackle Warehouse. Even when I don't need ANYTHING, there's still an opportunity to shop productively for fishing clothing and accessories.
I have well over 50 fishing-related t-shirts, but through years of mixed weather I’ve learned that they’re not all the same, and your standard-issue cotton tee is often a bad choice.
Despite having spent a lot of time on boats over the years, I’ve only been seasick once, and it was a feeling I hope never to experience again. At the same time, there are plenty of big water species I want to chase, and I know that at some point I’ll be in position to get ill again.
I HATE the winter so I spend lots of time dreaming of warm-weather fishing travel — and want to make sure that I’ll be properly outfitted. The AFTCO women angling pros can lead you to the proper choices and colors.