Gear Reviews

Miya Epoch Electric Reels

This review is about a product line that is not newly released but also not commonly known amongst Hawaii’s fishermen. This is an electric reel made by Miya Epoch that I have found to be very capable for bottom fishing. The main attraction of this reel is the obvious size difference compared to Electramates and Chings. The key is that it is designed to fish using braided lines, which as you know are much smaller in diameter compared to mono or dacron. The braided line, because of less resistance, also aids in keeping your line hanging straight down rather than blowing back due to a strong current or drift. The reel pictured is the CX-4 and it will hold 500 plus yards of 100# test braided line. The Miya Epoch model lineup ranges from CX-4 to CX-15 and a new AD-3 auto drag reel. These computer driven  reels will level wind the line on the reel at step less variable speed and stop automatically. It will also auto stop on the drop at any determined depth. Talk about easy!!! It also is waterproof and is equipped with a lever drag and crank handle for manual retrieval. I have used this reel for two seasons and I really think it has allowed me to catch more fish, which is the bottom line (hahaha). Check out the website for more info.

SOG Knife

How many of you have struggled to gill and gut your fish while out on the ocean? Not an easy job, but the right tool can help to ease the effort. I was searching for such a tool when I ran across this knife/saw made by SOG. The model is called the Seal-Revolver and was designed by Robbie Roberson and Spencer Frazer. As you can see in the photo, this is quite an innovative design and provides you with a tool that is as beautiful as it is functional and custom made to get the job of gilling and gutting done with less effort. It also can saw through bills and tails which would allow you to fit a marlin in a fish bag. An added feature is a slot in the case that exposes the blade allowing you to cut the line without removing the knife. A very useful feature in an emergency. You can check out all the features and specifications on the SOG website. There is even a  You Tube video to watch. Priced at $26.95 from amazon.com.

Shimano Evair Sandals

We have all heard the stories of ono’s sliding across the deck and slicing up the toes of unsuspecting fishermen. Well these Shimano sandals are a super comfortable solution. The 100% waterproof construction features a non-slip, non-marking sole and is ultra-light, weighing less than 6 oz. per sandal. The one piece EVA material provides heel shock absorption and the ergonomic arch reduces foot fatigue for those long days on the boat.

Fujinon Techno-Stabi Binoculars

Ahi season is upon us once again and locating birds is top priority for those of us in search of the “big yellow guy”. To aid us in this quest for “bird piles” is this image stabilized binocular from Fujinon. The Fujinon Techno-Stabi 14x40 is definitely a top performer in this category. It has a tough black rubber armor coating with a polycarbonate case. It is waterproof and filled with nitrogen and argon gas . The IS system is a combination of two piezo gyro vibration sensors, one for vertical and one for the horizontal axis to detect cyclical and repetitive motion, plus a pair of gyro sensors to detect binocular direction. These inputs are then sent to a micro processor that controls a pair of direct drive motors that react instantly and will correct up to an astounding 5 degrees of motion. The anti reflective coated lenses provide distortion free images and outstanding light transmission. To top it all off, it comes with a custom fitted Pelican hard case. These are not inexpensive, but if you catch two more ahi’s with the help of these binoculars it was all worth it!!