Mercury Report
Setting drag on spinning reel
If you’ve been fishing for at least a few years, you might think that the easiest way to test your drag settings is to simply pull the line out of your spinning reel with your hand and gauge it by feel.
However, there are flaws in this “pull test” method. For instance, are you really going to be able to feel the difference between 4 1/2 and 5 pounds of drag? Sometimes it’s the slightest amount of extra pressure that can mean the difference between a trophy fish in the net or watching that trophy swim off with your hook or lure.
How the Rod and Line Factor In
The other issue with the pull test method is that it doesn’t account for the rod action and line type you’re using. A heavier rod will apply added pressure when fighting a fish, so your drag may need to be set differently than if you were using a lighter, more flexible rod. Similarly, monofilament line will always give you some additional stretch, but braided line will not. This means that the drag can be set a little tighter when using monofilament, but it should be set looser when fishing with braided lines that do not stretch.
Where Should Your Drag Be Set?
The general rule is to set your spinning reel’s drag at 20% to 30% of the breaking strength of your line. However, you need to keep in mind the rod action and line type, and always err on the side of your drag being a little looser rather than tighter. If a fish takes your lure or bait and then makes a sudden hard surge toward structure, you’re likely to break the fish off if the drag is set too tight. If it’s set too loose, at least you’ll have a shot at landing the fish – plus, you can always tighten the drag knob during the fight.
How to Set the Drag Using a Scale
Get a spring scale and tie your line to the scale coming straight out of the reel. Set your drag and pull on the spring scale to measure the force required to engage the drag. If the scale is showing a weight in the 20% to 30% range of the line’s breaking strength, you’re close to done. To make it simple, if you have your reel spooled with 20-pound-test braid, you’ll want to have 4 pounds of drag pressure. If that feels too low, you can always tighten your drag down a bit. If it’s high, loosen your drag and test it again.
Once you set the drag correctly with the scale, you’ll start to get a feel for how much pressure it takes to engage the drag when you pull on the line with your hand. This’ll help you fine tune the settings and give you the confidence to adjust the drag properly even if you don’t have your scale.
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.
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.
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.
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.
St. Croix Report
St. Croix rod designed for scopers
St. Croix has introduced three spinning rod “minnow shakers” designed specifically for forward facing sonar tactics.
Conceived and executed in science, technique-focused PHYSYX rods increase angler control in every physical act. SCIV+ hybrid tubular carbon fiber blanks, titanium guides, and anthropometric design manifest an evolved lever and conductor of energy. A molded carbon fiber TRIGON handle, DYNAMIX reel seat, and rear trigger afford bionic-level control, balance, tactile feedback, & maximum comfort.
Three all-new extra-fast and fast-action spinning models (PHXS63MLXF, PHXS63MXF, and PHXS66MLF) were purpose-engineered for minnow-shaking techniques expand PHYSYX to 28 rods for 2025.
St. Croix PHYSYX Minnow Shaker Rod
Handcrafted in the USA with a 15-year warranty, you can find more info at www.Stcroixrods.com.