Gear Reviews

Release Tool

Most of us use a dehooker when we catch akule, but what about when we catch big fish? The Offshore Angler Release Tool saves your fingers from razor sharp ono teeth, deep hooked mahimahi, or those nasty hapu’upu’u gills. You can also use it while the fish is in the water for a less traumatic tag and release. It is constructed with 420 stainless steel and an ergonomic rubber coated handle. It comes in 14-1/2, 21, and 36 inch lengths. Another excellent tool to throw in your gaff tray.

The M-Y Wedge solves your Outboard Motor trailering problems by supporting your motor without the use of the inconvenient transom saver. You simply slide the M-Y Wedge over the hydraulic rams and tilt down until snug. It is so easy and convenient in addition to being small and easy to store. They make the M-Y Wedge to fit virtually all makes of engines and will work on any boat. The product is made in the U.S.A. and comes with a 1-year limited warranty. All I can say after using it for a while is “it is an awesome product”. Check out the website: www.m-ywedge.com for more info and compatibility to your specific needs.

V Series Okuma Reel/Shimano Trevala Rod

As some of you fishermen have already found out, butterfly or deep jigging is a great addition to your arsenal of fishing techniques. Whether you are at the FADs or the ahi koa, fishing the water column just makes sense. After all, the fish aren’t always at the surface. The technology of braided lines has allowed us to fish for “da big guys” with smaller reels and lighter rods, even spinning reels. I am reviewing two products that are designed for this method of fishing.

The first is the V Series spinning reels by Okuma. These reels are the result of a multi national development project and feature a patented EOS elliptical oscillating drive gear system. The oscillating action causes superior line lay while maintaining stability because the gears are constantly engaged during the two stroke oscillation. The V Series also sports a twin drag system. One large drag washer under the spool and the traditional multi disc one on top of the spool. The dual system results in a much smoother and stronger drag. These reels contain up to 16 bearings and are all double shielded stainless steel and high density ceramic balls for excellent corrosion resistance and durability. They also come with a folding handle, spare spool, cloth bag, and an unprecedented 5 year warranty. So in conclusion, if you find it difficult to fork over the $800 for a Shimano Stella, give this reel a spin.

The Shimano Trevala Series of rods are specifically designed for butterfly or deep jigging. They are built for power and strength to handle braided lines and yet they are lightweight. The rod blanks utilize Shimano’s TC 4 Construction, triple wrapped new concept Fuji Alconite or Hardloy guides, and a Fuji reel seat. They also sport an ergonomic grip, after all when you’re fighting “da big one”, you need all the help you can get. I personally fished the TVS58XXH on the Big Island at the C Buoy and the Hookena ahi koa and I can definitely attest to all the claims that Shimano makes about these rods.

For more info about butterfly jigging check out Mike Hill’s “Butterfly Jigging 101”.