Page 3 - Crappie NOW - August 2018

Opening Cast

I just returned from ICAST 2018 in
Orlando Florida. It was a great show, lots
August 2018 EDITOR/ SR. WRITER of vendors and new products including
items for crappie fishing.
The Live Shot’N, by TTI-Blakemore,
IN MEMORIAM is a standout jig. I’ve caught a lot of crappie
on it during testing.
Bobby Garland has a new bait called the

WRITERS Slab Hunt’R. It’s a 2.25-inch, minnow-shaped body with ribs
and a newly designed tail.
Darl Black Garmin won “Best in Show” for its new Live Scope
Vic Attardo System. It takes Panoptix to a new level. With five power
Ron Presley beams from the transducer, it produces live movements plus
Vernon Summerlin fish identification and separation up to 200 feet ahead of the
John Phillips boat. You can tell panfish verses other species, see their
Greg McCain positions on and near cover, and see distinct structure. It
John Felsher also covers 130 degrees of water side-to-side. Priced at
Ron Wong $1499 for the system, it will be the big seller for 2018 into
2019.
For safety, a new wireless engine shutdown device by
AutoTether Marine is my new pick. This new device does
not require ignition installation and does use the kill switch.
The small unit can be attached near the existing kill switch
using Velcro. The wireless FOBs can be placed in a pocket
or clipped to clothing. Up to four FOBs can be wirelessly
connected to the base unit. Passengers are protected if
accidentally thrown out of the boat. The cost is about $240.
The RTD line threader, which seamlessly threads your
line through your rod guides, is a must for any crappie angler.
Cuda Brand tools has released several new tools
including a boat caddy, braid cutter, Titanium pliers and a
foldable fillet knife.
Engel Coolers has a great bait bucket with rod holders

© Copyright 2018 on both ends, good for shore or boat fishing.

BnM Poles’ Steve Dana jigging pole has a new
concept rod handle, sensitive rod blank and a stiff backbone
for flipping crappie into the boat. Also, a new Russ Bailey rod
is dual purpose for both casting and jigging.
It’s important that fishermen be aware of new laws and
regulations, and be environmentally aware, including our
Tip of the Month....26 invasive species. Yamaha Social Media Summit included

ways to disperse and inform these important issues.
CrappieNow will be one of the sources.
Cover Photo:
John Harrison trolls cranks in God Bless and Take a Child Fishing
MS for summer crappie. photo Dan Dannenmueller, Publisher
by Ron Wong
Crappie Calendar....33

3 Crappie NOW August 2018