Considering how many Americans have been thrown out of work since September, a lot of people are going to have time to go fishing this summer. If you are among the hordes with too much time on your hands, grab that severance—or unemployment—check and get thee to Cabela’s!
-By William Spain
Old Town Vapor 10XT Kayak
The Vapor may not have all the features of a true angling kayak, but it has enough—at half the price. This single-layer polyethylene craft is plenty stable, with adequate cushioning on the adjustable, quick-drying seat, along with thigh pads and foot braces. The paddle holder is molded in, as is a slot for a GPS. The stern well has a hinged cover to keep things dry. It measures a manageable ten feet by just under two feet and weighs only 48 pounds, but it can hold up to 325. ($500)
Penn Captiva Spinning Reel
This solid piece of equipment is somewhat of a throwback to the old days when things were made with an eye toward durability and precision. Good for both fresh- and saltwater fishing, the Penn Captiva Spinning Reel’s tough casing, reinforced graphite frame, and balanced rotor will last for years, while eight stainless-steel ball bearings and one roller bearing mean smooth gearing and performance. An anti-reverse system is always on for fast hooksets. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better, more versatile reel at this price. ($60 to $80)
MotorGuide VariMAX Hand-Control Bow-Mount Trolling Motor
The digitally regulated power flow means more battery life—as much as three to five times longer—but it’s competitively priced with similar offerings. Lots of speed variety and push/pull directional controls help with tight maneuvers around buoys, rocks, or floating mob victims. Keep track of speed, battery life, and direction on an LED monitor that can be read in sunlight or the dark of night. The aluminum shaft resists rust, and it comes with a bow mount. Available in both 12- and 24-volt models. ($500 to $700)
Aqua-Vu Explorer 5
Aqua-Vu’s fish-shaped camera beams out light at the right angle to cut down flashback for evening use; a dozen spectral response lights and a dimmer control make it adaptable to a variety of conditions. The Aqua-Vu gives roughly twice the visibility of traditional infrared lights while displaying a crisp image on its monitor. On-screen displays also register water temperature, and the 12-volt battery can run for eight hours on a single charge. And if the fish are being elusive, you can always make a run by the nude beach. ($300)
Cabela Guardian Series Tournament 3500 Inflatable Personal Flotation Device
It’s not cheap, but this is one life jacket that won’t be sitting in the bottom of the boat getting soggy. Why? Because you’ll actually wear it. It is so small and lightweight, you won’t feel like you have it on. The neoprene collar and back yoke’s padded mesh adjust for a great fit, and the bladders inflate to a buoyancy level twice that of standard foam vests. Best of all, this sucker inflates automatically when you hit the water, so if you fall asleep—or pass out drunk—it’ll save your ass. ($150)
Cabela Prodigy Spinning Rod and Weight Balance System
This lightweight, ergonomic model features split grips made of comfy, high-density EVA foam for better sensitivity. The Prodigy was built on a 54-million-modulus graphite blank, and features guides that are reinforced with high-grade aluminum oxide to resist abrasion, corrosion, and friction. The separate weight-balance feature allows an angler to fine-tune the balance with four weights that can be used together or separately. It’s a pity they don’t make sex toys, too. (rod $100; weights $12)
