Altera Alpaca Socks
Everyone has heard how cotton kills, since cotton stops insulating when it is wet. Most outdoor enthusiasts turn to wool as their choice for fabrics, particularly socks. Alpaca wool takes things to the next level. It’s warm, soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking. Altera Alpaca sells socks of all lengths and weights. Try some light weight socks for your summer trips and pack some mid-weight or heavy weight socks for those winter crappie fishing trips. Your feet will enjoy being swaddled in warmth and comfort. Treat yourself to a few pairs of these. MSRP $25-40.
Bobby Garland Head Turn’R Jig
Crappies and crappie anglers have seen a lot of jigs without much for change or innovation. The Bobby Garland Head Turn’R Jig breaks out of the familiarity rut. With a pair of willow blades mounted on each side, this jig will get the attention of any fish hanging in its vicinity. Cast it, jig it, stroll it – you’ll have action, flash, and movement in all directions. This jig is easily dressed with a plastic bait; the hooks are super sharp with plenty of width and the shank features bait keepers for a tight fit that prevents fish from pulling off your baits. Two jigs per pack. MSRP $5
Piscifun Viper-X Reel
Think about all the features you want in a reel. Smooth operation, good drag, light, but strong. You’ll get all of that and more in a Piscifun Viper-X reel. This reel runs fairly fast, with either a 5.2 or 6.2:1 gear ratio. The Viper-X runs smooth through 10 ball bearings. It’s lightweight with a heavy-duty aluminum housing. The drag is strong for its size; it comes with a 8.8-, 22- or 33-pound maximum drag depending on model. You can order a Viper-X with a folding handle, helping simplify storage and prevent reel tangling and locking. Piscifun makes a great reel. For the price, they are a no-brainer and they frequently offer sales discounts. Try out a 500 or 1000 series on a crappie rod; MSRP $80.
Flying Fisherman Cablz Zipz Sunglasses Retainer
Anglers need sunglasses throughout the year. Premium sunglasses help you spend more time on the water and/or spot fish. Throughout the course of the day, you’ll want to take a pair of sunglasses on and off, and not worry that you put them on your head or hat and with one careless move, toss them into the lake and commit a couple hundred-dollar mistake. Most lanyards and tethers bunch up on your neck and create discomfort. The solution is a cabled retainer. The Flying Fisherman Cablz Zipz will stay out of your way when you’re wearing your sunglasses, and make it easy to take them off and rest them around your neck when you need them off. Easy on and easy off. The durable, rubber ends fit on most performance fishing sunglasses. Adjustable for your preferences of enough cable for long or short and plenty of security and comfort. MSRP $15.
CrappieNOW columnist Scott Mackenthun has been writing about fishing since 2005. He is a fisheries professional, father, and avid angler when he’s not writing about his time on the water. He can be reached at scott.mackenthun@gmail.com
