“Aird” is Daiwa’s latest most feature packed reel Daiwa has ever developed in this price range. Built on a solid corrosion resistant graphite frame and side plate, Aird uses many of our innovations like Digigear, ABS, Airbail and Twistbuster in the Aird to deliver class leading performance without breaking the bank balance. Aird is unique amongst Daiwa reels as each comes with an alternative sized spool so you can expand your fishing horizons with optional line weights.

Often while fishing a flat or stream you are limited to what you can physically carry. The Plano "3700 Lumbar Fishing Pack" allows a kayak fisherman to take the necessities from his kayak and easily wade or hike to a remote fishing location. With included ProLatch StowAway utility boxes, multiple zippered pockets, waste belt, water bottle holder and more. The 3700 Lumbar Fishing Pack is sure to provide angers with the secure fishing tackle storage and management system they are looking for.

I have struggled lately transporting my rod arsenal, either in cars stuffed full of paddling gear or vacationing with the wife, dog and all accoutrements. My car has vertical cradles and a set of Yakima rails, so it is always chosen as the primary carry vehicle for big floats. Cramming in gear, rods, tackle, paddles, seats, and accessories for two invariably leaves my rods at the bottom of the pile and at the mercy of Murphy's Law.

Next time you are fishing in Louisiana, take a walk into a local tackle store. Peek in the tackle boxes of any angler. Ask every fisherman you meet what was the first artificial lure with which they caught a fish. I am willing to bet that in every bait shop, in all those Plano boxes, and those Cajun fishermen will tell you the bait everyone in Louisiana has multiples of is the H&H Lure Company “Sparkle Beetle”.

I try not to take “too much” stuff when I'm kayak fishing – and I fail. I need a place for my safety line, tow bungee, flashlight(s), Fish Grip, anchor, etc., both when not in use and transporting from the garage to the trunk to the launch and back. I, too, have driven past the back of the convenience store, eyeing the stack of milk crates. YakAttack has introduced the “BlackPak” – perhaps the ultimate gear management solution for your kayak tankwell.

Many people customize their lures after they buy them. They swap out the hooks, rings, and even do some paint work to make it what they want. Whether you like to tinker with your baits or not, if you want something customized for your area and target species check out Kentucky-based Beaver Creek Custom Lures. They hand air brush and paint crankbaits to meet your specific needs.

Now I'll be the first to admit it - I don't know that much about freshwater fishing. I did some as a kid, but that was a long time ago. Today's bass fishermen have a whole range of lures at their disposal, and the YUM “Shakalicious™” finesse worm is just one of those weapons. According the Yum website: “Created to be used as a shaky head worm, this plastic can be used in any finesse worm situation or rigging.” Finesse worm? Shaky head worm? What are they talking about?

Bullfrog Baits recently came out with the “Twig Worm”, a style plastic worm targeted specifically for the wacky worm rig. The big feature that attracted me to this bait is that you can have it with an O-ring poured into the bait, put on the outside, or not have it at all. They come in 4" or 5.75" long styles with a choice of many scents and 14 different color patterns.

Several weeks ago, I received two bags of very odd-looking freshwater baits from YakAngler.com co-founder Mark Watanabe. Enclosed was a letter thanking me for my efforts in the past year writing for YakAngler. I thought, “What the heck am I going to do with these?”

Shortly after ICAST 2012, the manager at my neighborhood Charleston Angler came to me and started telling me all about this great reel that he saw at the show. Jonathan proceeded to tell me about the Penn “Spinfisher V” series. He was pumping up the sales pitch on how this will be the ultimate reel for a kayak angler.