Category Archives: General Info

What’s on Your Christmas List?


It’s that time of year again. Time for everyone to start thinking about what kind of gifts we’re giving to loved ones, and equally important — what kind of gear we’re dreaming of receiving!

I know different anglers will be looking at different types of gear, but for some fresh ideas be sure to get over to YakAngler.com to check out the Christmas Wish List 2012 ezine!

Coleman Comfort No Matter the Weather


Coleman camping, Instant Tent, Sleeping bags, Quad 4 lantern, Stainless Steel CoolerA few months ago I won third place in the Coleman® Heritage Essay Contest hosted by the Outdoor Blogger Network. My prizes included the Coleman®  Instant Tent 4, two Adjustable Comfort Big and Tall Sleeping bags, a Quad 4 LED Lantern, and a stainless steel 54-quart cooler. Needless to say, I am thrilled and honored to have had my essay chosen by the fine folks at Coleman®.

I recently took a week-long vacation to the Bitteroot Valley in MT. I packed my old Coleman® tent since it packed flatter than the new tent (and the airlines wants a small fortune for each piece of luggage checked). I did however, take one of my new Adjustable Comfort Sleeping bags.

Coleman® got it right on this sleeping bag, just as they do with all of theirColeman Adjustable Comfort Sleeping Bag gear. They included a sheet for an inner liner and zippers that give you several options to configure your bag for different levels of warmth. The Adjustable Comfort Sleeping bag boasts some of the widest comfort ratings in the industry with a range of 30°F to 70°F.

The layering features of this sleeping bag made it very comfortable even for the changing conditions as the night progressed. When I’d first lay down at night it would be too warm for anything except a sheet.  Then just like adding blankets throughout the night, as the temperatures dropped I would simply pull another layer on to stay toasty warm.

  • Coleman® comfort range, 30°F to 70°F
  • Adult big & tall size, up to 6 ft 4 in, 36 in x 84 in
  • The sleeping bag for any weather condition – multiple layers so you can make yourself comfortable
  • Divided cover makes layering easy
  • Divided so you can cover just your feet and legs, or just your torso
  • Unzip divided cover completely, lightweight sheet for warm nights
  • Integrated pillow pad design keeps head on bag and bag off face
  • All weather sleeping
  • No snag patented zipper
  • Roll Control™ system makes storage easy
  • Five year warranty

On a scale of 1 to 10 I will rate the Adjustable Comfort an 9.5.  Don’t get me wrong, for my uses this bag deserves a 10. I’m giving a slightly lower score for backpackers and others who need a very small rolling sleeping bag because it’s not that. However, I’m sure the pack-ability could be greatly improved with a good stuff sack to cinch the rolled bag down tighter.

 

 

 

I will be providing reviews for the rest of the fabulous gear I won, and I’d like to again say Thank You to Coleman® and the Outdoor Blogger Network for providing us with the wonderful contest.


Gallery

Coleman Gives Everlasting Memories


Like many little girls born to outdoors men, I grew up with a love of adventure. My dad wasn’t quite as adventurous as I, but he sure loved to fish. Getting up before dawn to chase some crappie or staying up … Continue reading

Introducing the Hobie® Mirage® Pro Angler 12


Just when I thought they couldn’t get any better, Hobie® has unveiled the newest addition to their fleet of angling kayaks. The new Mirage® Pro Angler 12 is possibly their most versatile fishing craft to date. No matter what type of water you fish, the Pro Angler 12 is ready to handle it, and boasts more features than you can swing a graphite rod at.

The Essentials:

MirageDrive:   The always-popular pedal-driven propulsion system is still key to the maneuverability of the Pro Angler 12. With self-centering pedals and the included turbo fins, the Mirage Drive is the proven leader of a stealthy and efficient approach to fish.

Vantage Seating:  With the new Vantage seat, Hobie has raised the
bar. Boasting both fore/aft reclining action and a five-inch up or down adjustment, you can count on comfort that fits your style without getting out of your chair. Made from Hobie’s new comfort mesh, the Vantage Seat includes
the Boa® System for lumbar support. When you are ready to do some sight fishing the chair folds neatly out-of-the-way.

Boa® Adjustment:  Located on the back of the seat is a one-handed dial that provides a full range of adjustment to provide lumbar support.

Transducer Mount:   Hobie has included a Lowrance®-ready, built-in
transducer mount with pre-installed through-hull cable plugs. Mounting your fish finder this time takes no glue or marine grease and no need to drill holes in your yak.

Other Important Features:

  • Pivoting Tackle Management System
  • Port/Starboard Dual-steering
  • Horizontal Rod Storage with Tip Protection (for six rods)
  • Brass Inserts for Anchor Trolley Installation
  • Replaceable Mounting Boards for Electronics and Rod Holders
  • Anti-skid Floor Mats

 

Specs:

  • Length: 12’
  • Width:  36”
  • Weight: 120 lbs. (fully rigged)
  • Capacity: 500 lbs.
  • Projected Availability: June 2012
  • MSRP: $2549

Made in the U.S.A.
www.Hobiefishing.com

Note:  In Kentucky Canoe KY is a Hobie Dealer! Stop by and check them out!


Disclaimer: I am not offering a review of the Pro Angler 12 at this time because I haven’t been in one at the date of the article. I am a member of the Hobie Pro Fishing Team, but have received no compensation for sharing this information.

Aside

Yes, you’re reading it right. Fishing without water! As addicted as I am to all things fishing, especially fishing from my kayak, there is a season of the year when I have to make a choice. This season only lasts … Continue reading