Page 13 - Crappie NOW - August 2017

ICAST Award Winners

First Runners-Up
A few crappie-related fishing items were highly ranked. For the Boating
Accessories was Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics Talon Shallow Water Anchor
15-foot. Crappie fishermen are in many situations where a deep, easy to use anchor
would be outstanding.
Footwear is always a critical element to enjoy the day. The good-looking Simms
Challenger Mid Boat Shoe is waterproof and looks like a great choice. The Simms
Contender Insulated Jacket is also worth careful consideration.
The runner up for electronics was the Lowrance HDS Carbon 16. If you want
super-size and money isn’t an object, this is one to consider. It has an internal GPS
antenna, extensive mapping options along with built-in charts, InsightGenesis custom
maps, dual microSD card slots, built-in Chirp Sonar, StructureScan 3D dual network
sonar views, optional all-in-one TotalScan Skimmer transducer, DownScan overlay,
and much more.

A ccording to the Boat Owners Association of the United States, crime
rings are responsible for stealing boats, Yamaha outboard engines, Garmin
electronics and other expensive navigation units. Boat dealerships and
boat-storage facilities are two prime locations hit hardest but it can happen
anywhere. It’s difficult to stop a thief but BoatUS offers seven tips.
1. Take a look at where you store your boat. Is it lit? Does it have motion-
lighting or audible alarms? Is it difficult to gain entry? Have signage of
surveillance.
2. Slow a thief down. Lock electronics. Use tamper-resistant fasteners.
Use a special nut with an engine-mounting bolt that requires a special key.
3. Make stealing expensive electronics less appealing by engraving and
posting a warning. Keep an inventory list with serial numbers; and take pictures.
4. Be wary of suspicious questions. Boaters should remain cautious to
questions from strangers. Recognize suspicious activity and people who don’t
belong.

5. Consider adding a boat tracking device that can sound an early alarm.
6. Engine owners may want to investigate programs like Yamaha Customer
Outboard Protection.
7. Help get the word out. If you are a victim share the information with
the National Crime Information Center, a computerized database available to
every law-enforcement agency.

13 Crappie NOW August 2017