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Published: 19 September 2024

Striker Report

Striker Float Vest

Fishing apparel company Striker announces the addition of the new Shield Float Vest. This versatile and lightweight piece can be worn as an outer layer or insulating mid-layer and gives consumers increased peace of mind and comfort around open water or ice. 

It doesn’t serve as a substitute for a life vest, but does offer another safety tool and warmth.

Featuring Striker Brands’ proprietary Sureflote flotation assist technology, the Shield Float Vest provides essential flotation support, ensuring that angler’s safety is a top priority in its design. For added safety benefits, a kill switch D-ring is fixed to the inside hem for responsible boat operation. During blustery days on the water, the Shield Float Vest offers incredible wind-blocking protection via the center front zipper’s interior storm flap and a zipper garage at the chin to lock out wind and add next-to-skin comfort. In addition to 40 grams of warm yet lightweight Thermadex insulation, the pocket and collar are lined with high-quality fleece.  

It’s available in three distinct color patterns, Gunmetal, Duckwood, and Dark Olive, and sizes ranging from S to 4XL. Suggest retail price is $129.99-$149.99.

For more information on the Shield Float Vest and Striker Brands' complete lineup of fishing apparel, visit StrikerBrands.com.

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Published: 19 September 2024

Sunline Report

Line bag

Many people ask, “How long will fishing line last?”

The answer is dependent on how the line is stored, but in most cases fishing line can last a very long time in storage and maintain optimum strength. The three main types of line are nylon (monofilament), fluorocarbon and braid. Nylon can be the line most impacted if not stored properly, while braid and fluorocarbon will maintain performance the longest in proper storage.

There are three main suggestions to keep your extra line performing at the highest levels for years to come.

• Store your line out of direct light
• Keep your extra line at room temperature
• Protect the spools

Line comparison

#1- The top suggestion is to keep your line out of continuous exposure to light. This means sunlight, but also includes fluorescent light. UV rays can have a big impact on line and affects nylon the most. The diagram below shows nylon and fluorocarbon that have been exposed to 500 hours of UV light. While, 500 hours sounds like a lot it would only be approximately six weeks of daylight. These images show the exposed lines viewed under an electron microscope. The nylon is greatly impacted by this much exposure with fractures developing inside the line that cause premature breakage and prevent the line from performing at the maximum rated lb test.

Read more …

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Published: 17 September 2024

Mercury Racing 200R

Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) and Mercury Racing launched two new Racing outboards and introduced a new mid-range Jet outboard engine.

The new 150R and 200R are all about torque. Displacing 3.4 liters, these V6 outboard engines are designed to deliver exceptional hole shot and acceleration without the weight of a V8. Transient Spark Technology electronically adjusts ignition timing as needed, producing additional torque for faster hole shot and acceleration. At full throttle, the 150R develops up to 6000 RPM, while the 200R tops out at 6400 rpm.

These outboards come with the full suite of the Mercury Marine’s V6 platform features, including Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS), which gives drivers precise, seamless engine control. Fuel economy also is optimized through built-in, GPS-enabled features like Mercury’s Active Trim, Adaptive Speed Control, and Advanced Range Optimization, which delivers precise fueling throughout the operating range. Where other performance outboards require 89 octane fuel, the 150R and 200R are designed to operate on 87 octane, saving money at the pump.

The 150R and 200R also are equipped with a larger, 85-amp alternator, versus competitor engines’ 44- to 55-amp output. Mercury’s built-in battery management system ensures that even with a full suite of electronics on board, owners have enough electrical power for their needs.

“With the new 150R and 200R, we are bringing Mercury Racing DNA to our V6 outboard range. When it comes to bottom-end torque, these engines are best-in-class,” said Jeff Broman, category director, Mercury Racing.

The 200R is offered with two different gearcase configurations. Weighing just 469 lbs., the 200R Torque Master is designed for competitive bass boats and other performance craft in the 80- to 85-mph range. The 200R Sport Master, at 489 lbs., is built for high performance boats running at speeds of 85 mph to well over 100 mph. The 150R is available with shaft lengths of 20 and 25 inches, while the 200R Torque Master and Sport Master have a 20-inch shaft.

New 105 HP Jet

Mercury FourStroke 105hp Jet

Also expanding Mercury’s mid-range lineup is the all-new FourStroke 105hp Jet. This jet outboard engine, built on the FourStroke 150hp platform, delivers 105 horsepower. This puts it at the head of the Mercury jet family, which also includes the Jet 25-40hp and Jet 60-80hp. The new FourStroke 105hp Jet is the ideal solution for boaters and anglers who want to navigate safely in shallower water while still enjoying the intuitive operation and reliability of Mercury FourStroke technology.