When it comes to the equipment on my boat as a Professional Fishing Guide, my motto is always "The best equipment produces the best results." Some people say that spending more money on a product that does the same thing as another product for the 1/2 the price is pointless. But little do most people know that the reason one product is more expensive is because its a better made product, resulting in performing better and lasting longer, when the product for the 1/2 the price wont even compare. When your on the water 4-5 days a week, or simply just a weekend warrior, having the best equipment is the key.
The right boat is always the number one impact on any fisherman. As a fly fisherman I run a 17' Scout Costa Tournament Edition Flats boat thats light, fast, well built, and drawls only 8 inches of water, desighned to fly fish out of and sight cast in very shallow water. Powerd by a 90 Yamaha 4-Stroke motor that runs like a train while also being very quiet, fast, and is also fuel effeciant. My boat is set up to fish shallow water, so the upgrades I have for it allow me to do just that. A Hydrolic Jack plate that allows me to run my boat in mere inches of water at full speed. The 20ft Carbon Fiber push pole to pole the boat around on shallow water flats sight casting. And also a 6ft Signature Series Power Pole which I use as a shallow water anchoring system for holding the boat in place without have to deal with setting the anchor, saving time and allowing more fishing.
Rods and Reels are always one of the most important peices of equipment for a fishing guide. I carry Orvis, Sage, and G-Loomis fly rods, which are all the flagship rods of the fly fishing industry. Anywhere from 7-12wt rods, all having a different purpose for different situations here in Beaufort, SC. Some of the favorite rods on my boat include the 8wt Orvis Helios, 9wt Sage XI3, and the 11wt Orvis Hydros which is a Cobia magnet. I use all Orvis fly reels including the Battenkill and new Hydros reels, which all hold up great in saltwater, and offer a smooth drag on a nice redfish. In the world of spinning rods I carry Falcon and G-loomis, all equipted with Shimano Stradic Reels, and power pro braided line. All of the rods and reels on my boat have great warrantys that are true to what they offer.
When it comes to tackle, always make sure its new to date, and not worn out. Losing a fish to failed tackle is never a good feeling, and something you dont want to experience. All of my fly lines are either Orvis or Rio, all replaced at the necessary time. A fly line that is too old will coil up which makes it hard for casting, and also has the risk of breaking under a lot of pressure. My light tackle lines are all power pro braided lines which hold up great in our salt water, and also are very abbrasion resistant in the grass and on oysters.
All of the equipment on my boat holds a warranty. Whether it is a 1 year, 5 year, or life time warranty, thats always something to look for when buying new equipment. Because if the company can back up there product that always means its built well, and will last a long time. For example the Orvis Helios costing $775.00 brand new which is a pricey fly rod, but has a 25 year warranty on it. So if your dog bites it in half, breaks on a big fish, or you slam it in your car door, orvis will always repair or replace it for those 25 years of owning it. So really spending the extra money is worth it in the long run, and kind of an investment for your fishing equipment, and also having the best equipment in the industry. Warranty's help me out tremendiously as a guide, and save me quite a bit of money every year. Boat problems, engine problems, broken rods, reels, and so many more problems that are invloved with your equipment happen, so make sure you buy the best and you wont be dissapointed. Companys like Orvis, Sage, G-Loomis, Tibor, Simms, Scout Boats, Yamaha, Power Pole, Falcon, shimano, Columbia, Patagonia, Chaco, Costa Del Mar, Power Pro, Rio, all have great warrantys.
