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Cast Off and Log On With Incredible Fishing Tech

by Caleb Johnson on July 27, 2010 at 01:25 PM

Fishing Gadgets

When the days are long and the weather is warm, there's nothing like spending some time down by the lake, river or ocean. We're not expert anglers, but, as it has many other hobbies, technology has made fishing easier and more accessible. In fact, if you're willing to spend the cash, you can catch some fish without any expert knowledge or fly-fishing blood in your veins. For the first-time fishermen (or, maybe, old pros looking for a new edge), we've compiled a list of eight essential pieces of technology that will get you well on your way to snagging that record-breaking catch. But, trust us, we have our digital scales handy, so we'll know exactly how big your miracle snag actually is.

Daiwa Power Assist Reels (From $630 to $3,150)

Daiwa Power Assist Reels
Daiwa makes a whole line of reels specifically designed for deep-water fishing. With an electronic display telling how deep your bait is and how much line you have out, the Power Assist Reel will also reel in your line for you, so you won't even break a sweat. Just sit back, relax, and swat the flies away. Now, that's what we call fishing.

Rocket Fishing Rod II ($34.95)

Rocket Fishing Rod II
Fishing is the perfect activity for a father (or mother) and child, but it can be tough for this hobby to compete with other digital distractions – unless you have a projectile, rocket-powered fishing rod. The Rocket Fishing Rod II can launch a safe, hook-hiding bobber as far as 30-feet with the push of a button. If your kid doesn't like fishing with this explosive pole, he or she will most likely never take to the sport.

Garmin Fishfinder 140 ($119.99)

Garmin Fishfinder 140
There are thousands of fishfinders on the market, but we recommend this one from Garmin because it's affordable and accurate, as are its more well-known car GPS devices. From shallow shores to deep waters, the Fishfinder 140 indicates depth, the presence of underwater structures and the locations of fish on a crystal-clear sonar display. Using this device, you can find hotspots in a lake or river without bothering the locals at the bait shop.

Optromics Submersible Neon Green Fish Lights ($22.99-$29.99)

Optronics Fishing Lights
No, fish aren't attracted to neon light, but the microorganisms that they love to eat sure are. Each one of these Optromics fluorescent tubes can be dropped to depths of 20 feet, and has a bulb life of 2,500 hours. Just turn it on, and wait for the fish to come feast. When you're done, you can use these lights to find your way home, too. (Or lure some extraterrestrials, which is probably why they adore fishermen so much...)

Cabela's Advanced Anglers Underwater Camera ($114.99)

Cabela's Advanced Angelers Underwater Camera
At depths of up to 50 feet, Cabela's Advanced Underwater Camera will give you an up-close view of what's going on underwater via a 5.5-inch, black-and-white monitor. If you're like us, you assume those fish are pulling some 'Looney Tunes' pranks on your jig or bait. Well, now, you can have video evidence that those jokesters are having a laugh at your expense -- or know exactly what kind of massive shark just got away.

Radio-Controlled Feed Boat ($664)

Radio Controlled Feed Boat
Who needs to cast in 2010? The Radio-Controlled Feed Boat will personally place your bait wherever you want. It has a range of 948 feet, and, along with delivering a payload, the controller has a temperature gauge and depthfinder to alert you to the perfect spot to place your line. No more winding up and letting go, just to see your lure languish mere feet away.

Carp Fishing Bite Alarm ($52.28)

Carp Fishing Alarm
Fishing is a leisurely hobby, and, let's face it, sometimes we doze off while our line is in the water. The Carp Fishing Bite Alarm, which will work for any type of fishing (despite its name), flashes and wails when your line is tugged through its sensors. So rest easy, friends; you can nap, and never miss out on a nibble.


Bass Pro Shop: The Strike With Rod & Reel ($59.98)

The Strike with Rod & Reel
We know some of you fear the bugs, the water and the squirming, wiggling bait, but don't fret, nerds. There's a virtual option for you. This fishing pole peripheral, which comes with the 'Bass Pro Shop' game for the Xbox 360, might be the most absurd gaming accessory we've ever seen. But, for those who don't enjoy the great outdoors, this is as close as one might get to the real thing.

Tags: BassProShops, cabela, CarpFishing, CarpFishingBiteAlarm, Daiwa, DaiwaReels, features, FishFinder, fishing, Garmin, GarminFishfinder, outdoor, Radio-controlledFeedBoat, RocketFishingRod, top, underwater, UnderwaterCamera, Xbox360

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