My patient, much put-upon wife finds it somewhat odd that month after month, year after year, there are untold numbers of new, or at least upgraded or improved, outdoor products on the market. More to the point, she’s incredulous I don’t already own one of every cast- and-blast product available and is very skeptical that I actually need “Another Toy.” I patiently explain, once again, that any outdoor item which contributes to success, enjoyment or safety is worth investigating.

My better half glowers at me and nods but doesn’t speak. As a last resort I revert to a golf analogy, hoping a reference to her favorite pastime will sway the argument. I remind my pious partner how that set of new, high-tech Ping irons elevated her performance on fairways and greens. She softens a bit and, while she’s considering, I dance a little sidestep and disappear outside to field test a new product. Oh, the sacrifices I make to keep my faithful readers updated and abreast of new gear. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

Fishgillz float

Quite a few years ago I was sitting second seat in the stern of a salmon canoe on the Restigouche River watching my fishing buddy cast while standing in the bow. All of a sudden on a long cast, a loop of fly line went astray, caught on his sunglasses and snapped them right off his face and into the river. In a split second an expensive set of polarized shades sank out of sight never to be seen again.

Another time, a fishing partner had his sunglasses actually slip off his face and disappear into the depths of a lake while he was leaning far over a boat gunnel trying to net a big fish. Without exaggeration I’ve seen a dozen sets of shades lost in waterways while angling, canoeing or waterfowling, and in most cases there’s no replacement pair at hand.

Aside from their main purpose of protecting the eyes from bright sun, glare on the water and UV rays, sunglasses are essential when flies, lures and shotgun pellets are whizzing through the air. Polarized sunglasses allow the sportsman to actually see fish and spot boating obstacles below the water’s surface, improving fishing success and safety. Also when motoring along at a good clip, my shades keep insects out of my eyes. All of these necessary functions are lost when the glasses go overboard, and while wearing a lanyard or neck cord may help, they are inconvenient and obtrusive.

Fishgillz Sunglass Co. has the answer. They produce a high-quality, stylish line of lightweight, polarized sunglasses that float! A unique polymer blend is used for the frame, producing a light, strong and flexible unit that floats with no straps, cords or bulky pads. Special Micro-Fiber lenses produced by 3M Corp. offer a multi-layer, distortion-free view through the clearest yet strongest nonglare lens on the market today. The nature of these lenses also aids in flotation.

Thanks to a wraparound design, these models offer superior peripheral vision as well as extra protection from the elements and other foreign objects flying through the area. Polarization in these sunglasses produces increased visual acuity with decreased eyestrain, allowing wearers to see past the water’s surface glare and distortion to spot objects below. Frames are resistant to saltwater and sun fade, and the sunglasses weigh less than an ounce, offering light wearing comfort over long hours outdoors.

Eight varied frame styles and lens colors are available for $49 to $59, and every pair comes with free shipping and a one-year, no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee. All models come with a floating, padded case and a micro-fiber lens-cleaning cloth. Frame styling ensures that the frame will strike the ground before the lens if the sunglasses are dropped, lessening chances of scratching. All models have rubber temple tips to assure a secure fit.

Fishgillz float so you’ll never lose another set of sunglasses in the water. Any sportsman who fishes, waterfowls, canoes, kayaks, water skis or Jetskis will benefit from these unique shades. Contact info: www.Fishgillz.com; 1-760-771-9145.

Water sandals

After all these years, I’ve finally found the perfect footwear for boating and fishing adventures. The final straw was during a sailfishing trip a year ago when my sneakers and stockings got soaked on three consecutive mornings within the first hour by waves coming over the stern as the boat backed down while playing a fish. When this happens, you either spend the next several hours in soggy shoes or go barefoot, which can be dangerously slippery on wet, shifting boat decks.

Regardless of what size boat or canoe you’re using, sooner or later there are going to be weather and water conditions that bring waves over the bow during travel or trolling. Perhaps it’s going to be a downpour. Either way, not only is your footwear wet, but your feet are in standing water until the boat can be drained. Like myself, I’m sure most sportsmen can’t count the times they have had to shed shoes and stockings and roll up pant legs to launch or load a boat due to high water, shallow water, high winds or poor ramp conditions. Invariably I either stub a toe or step on a sharp rock.

Thanks to Simms Deck Sandals, my feet are protected when I work or play around water. Wet footwear is no longer a problem, and my feet have support and traction regardless of what’s underfoot. Manufactured by Keen footwear, these hybrid deck shoes have a soft, contoured sole called Aqua-Grip that actually rolls up over the front end of the sandal to cover and protect the toes. This patented feature is called toe bumper construction. Open-toed sandals are never great choices around anchors, fishhooks, gaffes and other hard or sharp fishing and boating paraphernalia.

Unlike ordinary sandals that use only a couple of straps to secure to the foot, Simms deck sandals use four-toe and instep nylon-webbing straps and a wide heel band. An elasticized, neoprene-backed mesh joins all the bands together and a single adjustable, quick-snap buckle assures a snug fit.

Simms also offers a similar product called the River Sandal made especially for anglers who plan to wade streams or ocean shorelines while casting. These sandals come with an anti-slip felt sole that not only offers support and protects the bottom of the foot but lessens the chance of a slip and dunking on uneven, slick rocks and ledges. The river sandals also tout an antimicrobial treatment on the inner foot bed which prevents odor. I used to wear sneakers to wade local brooks on hot summer days and cast for trout, but Simms sandals offer me more comfort and surefootedness.

Both styles of Simms/Keen sandals come in men’s and women’s sizes and a variety of colors for a suggested retail of $79.95. I bought mine at L.L. Bean, but your local sporting goods store may also carry them or be able to order them. Contact info: www.simmsfishing.com or www.keenfootwear.com; Simms at 406-585-3557 or Keen at 1-800-509-5336.

The reel deal

I’m a real spinning reel fanatic. In fact, encompassing spring trolling, bass casting and muskie fishing, I’m probably using a spinning rod and open-faced reel as often as a fly outfit. I’ve tried a lot of baitcasting reels and closed-faced spincast rigs but keep coming back to the open-faced version. Unfortunately, due to the innate bait-roller line retrieval systems, all spinning reels tend to twist the monofilament as it’s reeled in.

To add to the line-twist problem, crank baits, shallow-diving trolling lures and many styles of spools tend to spin and shimmy as they move through the water and this puts more twist in the line. Quantum Co. has developed a spinning reel with a novel line seating system from the line roller to the spool. The Quantum Energy PT spinning reels guarantee decreased line twist and increased casting distance thanks to their patented Line Management System. The reel also comes with extra full aluminum line spool.

Energy reels come in four sizes, LSi 10, 20, 30 and 40, where the 10 is perfect for brooks and ponds and scrappy panfish and the 40 will handle large Pacific salmon, muskie and moderate-size saltwater species like stripers and blues. Each model features 10 hybrid polymer-stainless “Performance Tuned” bearings yielding a fast, quiet retrieve and full corrosion protection.

Energy’s bail system is TiMAG III, a third generation titanium bail with magnetic bail trip which yields a quicker trip point, a 30 degree greater bail opening for decreased line slap and improved bail trip reliability. Add a thin-line aluminum body and side cover, extra hardened PT gears, magnetic continuous anti-reverse, and a multi-stack ceramic drag system and these reels do everything but drive the boat.

A multi-chromic color scheme is truly eye-catching and has a tough, scratch-resistant surface. The machined aluminum handle is angled to offer quick, comfortable reeling with minimal pressure and hand fatigue. For a matching outfit, Quantum also offers 14 models of Energy graphite rods. One- and two-piece rods from 6-7 feet in length are constructed of million modules graphite with Fuji reel seats and Fuji Hardloy guides.

Energy reels have a suggested retail of $149.95 and the rods cost $99.95. I’ve used both this past month for trolling and can’t wait for bass season. It’s going to be my go-to outfit. Www.quantumfishing.com offers an online overview of these products, and they should also be available at local sporting goods stores and fishing shops. They are also in major fishing supply catalogs. For more info or to locate your nearest dealer, call 1-800-444-5581.

Open water fishing season is finally in full swing. Get out early, get out often and be fully equipped. If one of these products makes an outing better, all of them might just get you your own fishing show.

bgravesoutdoors@ainop.com