From One Angler To Another

Women are Making a Big Splash in the Bass Fishing World

September 29, 2021 By DeDee

Over the last few years, several women have proved to be great anglers in the bass fishing world, especially when catching smallmouth and largemouth bass.

At this time, women don’t compete against other men but rather join the Lady Bass Anglers Association and sign up for one or more of their tournaments.

Today, thousands of high school and college young women are competing on their predominantly male school teams.

Today, we will focus on three professional bass anglers and share how you or someone you know (i.e., wife, daughter, or girlfriend) can start their angler journey.

Michelle Jalaba

She began tournament fishing in 2014 after a local angler approached her in a tackle shop and convinced her to give tournament fishing a try. She showed up with no idea what she was doing aside from knowing she could fish for 9 hours straight from a boat instead of the bank.

Michelle, a Michigander, has now competed in eight professional tournaments and continues to fish local events. She is currently an MLF Tour co-angler.

“The reality is you are out there to catch bass; you aren’t competing for face to face with another man. So I zoom in and focus. I’m an observer, a researcher, and a learner,” Michelle says when it comes to being a better angler.

Christie Bradley

Christie started her career in 2005 and has competed in 46 tournaments. She is an extremely dedicated angler by fishing from daylight to dark and spending non-water time on her tackle.

“You can quickly ruin your reputation and damage your brand on how you conduct yourself off the water. Also, it puts me at a disadvantage without a network of competitors to compare notes, like the men have,” Christie tells women, newcomers, into the sport.

Melinda Hays Makes History

Melinda Hays of Hot Springs, Arkansas, became the first woman in MLF history to win the 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship. She has competed in 53 tournaments.

Hays grew up in a fishing family as the daughter of two bass pros, her mom and dad. She’s the fourth female angler in MLF history to qualify for or compete in the All-American.

“Bass fishing is for anyone. You can go to these tournaments, and you’ll have so much fun, so enjoy fishing the day and meeting new people,” says Melinda.

How to Get Started in the Bass Fishing World

The pros recommend the following five steps:

First, join a local bass club.
If your family has connections in the fishing world, form relationships with other anglers.
Sign up for tournaments as a co-angler.
Seek out and learn from other women anglers.
Regarding equipment, go to a local Bass Pro Shop, Cabela’s, or something along this line, and head straight to the reel counter. Ask for advice as most of the associates are experienced anglers.

Brought to You by Sarasota Quality Products

We have been selling marine hardware, locks, latches, and stainless steel hinges since 1983.

Our boat products are found on many recreational boats built in the United States, including bass boats, pontoon boats, runabouts, ski boats, deck boats, offshore fishing boats, flats boats, aluminum fishing boats, and center console boats.

Please give us a call at 440-899-9820 for more information!

Stainless Steel Boat Locks for 2.5″ Mounting Holes

September 28, 2021 By Jim Schilens

Stainless steel component boat locks for 2.5″ mounting holes, get them here!

These have been a staple in the Sarasota Quality Products marine hardware line for years.

Sarasota Quality Product’s SL 1000 Lock Latch.

Dependable, high quality always in stock. Dealers: Eliminate angry customer service calls!

The SL 1000 is a dual function lock and latch for 2.5″ mounting holes. The open end grip is excellent for storage compartment hatches and doors. When not in use the handle snaps into place over the keyway and lies flush with the surface of the lock. The SL 1000 is made of engineered plastic composites and stainless steel materials.

Black plastic body, color matching is available

Surface mounted

Stainless steel operating handle arm

Positive open and closed feel on detent positioned operating handle

Lock with 2 double bitted keys

Shuttered keyway and rubber seal offers additional protection from the elements

For smooth, upholstered or carpeted

Installs into a 2-1/2” mounting hole

For mounting surfaces 1/8” to 3/4” thick

Straight and offset cams available

Lock and cam rotate 180°

Call us at 440-899-9820 to place your order or to have us answer any of your questions.

How to Make Homemade Fishing Lures

August 31, 2021 By DeDee

There are many creative ways to make fishing lures. This blog post will focus on the three most common ways to make them and what you need to succeed. This can be a great family project, especially if your kids are getting into fishing as a hobby.

Wooden Fishing Lures

Here is your step-by-step guide.

First, obtain a nice piece of softwood (i.e., balsa or pine). The wood needs to be larger than 7″ long and 6″ wide.

Second, measure your wood to be 5″ long by 4″ wide—Mark where you will cut the wood with a pencil.

Third, find some lure images from the internet and mark your design on the wood into the shape you want.

Fourth, using a sharp knife, follow the pencil markings. It doesn’t have to be perfect but follow the lines as closely as you can.

Fifth, purchase three different types of sandpaper to smooth out your carving. Grit sandpaper is under #100, the medium is between #120-150, and the fine is around #220. Please start with the grit and work your way down until the lure is how you want it.

Sixth, mark with the pencil where the eyelet screws, ballast weight, and rattle will go. Use a micro drill to put the holes into it.

Seventh now is the time to add your creative touches. Start by using a colorless sealer on the wood. Then, paint the wood with colors like green, red, blue, gold, or yellow. Lastly, add a clear waterproof coat to keep your color or colors vibrant.

In the eighth and final step, drill two eyelets, one for attaching your lure to the fishing rod and the other for attaching the hooks to the lure. The eyelets should be 2-3 cm apart. Use stainless steel for the eyelets to prevent rusting. Once the eyelets are in, attach your hooks. Now you are ready to go fishing!

Spoon Fishing Lures

First, use a hacksaw to cut off the spoon bowl.

Second, use a metal file to smooth off the edges of the bowl.

Third, drill one hole on each end of the long side of the spoon.

Fourth, use needle-nose pliers to attach split rings to these holes.

Fifth, use the same pliers to attach a hook to the larger side of the spoon and a swivel to the smaller side.

Cork Fishing Lures

First, take a piece of cork from a bottle of wine—screw eyes into the horizontal ends of the cork and one screw on its underbelly.

Second, use needle-nose pliers to attach hooks to the underbelly eye screw and one end screw.

Third, attach a swivel to the other eye screw.

Brought to you by Sarasota Quality Products

Your boat is more than a hobby. It’s an expression of who you are. And you want to keep it secure. We understand. We’ve been helping boaters keep their boats safe and achieve greater peace of mind for 35+ years. So let us know how we can help you.

Speed Up Launch Procedures With The Key Captain Nitro Boat Option

August 31, 2021 By Jim Schilens

Speed up boat launch procedures with the Key Captain, Sarasota, our remote locking & control system.

The Nitro Z Series from Tracker Marine has quickly become the most talked-about boat on the market. Groundbreaking technology is the reason, and nothing is more groundbreaking than the new remote locking system called The Key Captain. The Key Captain makes the new Nitro Z-Series not just good-looking, fun boats; it makes them the smartest boats on the water. The complete security time saving remote control system provides you with the ability to operate the following functions from outside the boat:

Key CaptainBenefits & Features Flyer(Click To View)

-Lock/Unlock Compartment Lockable Latches

-Trim Down/Trim Up (trailer position)

-Turn Deck or Cabin Lights On/Off

-Turn Bilge Blower On/Off (or anywhere you need 12 volts)

The Key Captain System’s control panel is a permanently sealed and tamper-proof unit with a coding technique that protects the unit from unwanted interference. The transmitters are designed for marine use, and additional transmitters are available that can be added and programmed by the user. In addition, the system’s unique sleep mode results in low power energy-saving operation, which saves battery life.

The components of the Key Captain A.K.A.Sarasota Electric Lid Latches Nitro Custom Option.

The Key Captain control panel coordinates with digital keypad systems in all boats. The Nitro Z-Series combines the latest technology with good looks, speed and is a superb fishing platform. They have just taken the quality of Tracker Marine boats and raised the bar.

Direct link to the Tracker Marine Nitro Z9 Custom option, The Key Captain, called Sarasota Electric Lid Latches on the Nitro Boat dealer website:

http://www.nitro.com/boat/features_options.cfm?boat=3765

Go to www.nitro.com to learn more about the Tracker Marine Nitro Z-Series, then go to your nearest dealer and get your hands on one equipped with the Key Captain remote locking multi-purpose system – you’ll never let go!

Give us a call for order information at 440-899-9820.

Everything You Need to Know About The Key Captain

July 30, 2021 By DeDee

The Key Captain offers every angler the convenience of remote-controlled security in the palm of your hand.

The one-of-a-kind patented remote control locking system with a key fob will lock and unlock a boat’s storage compartments from up to 100 feet away. It can also control auxiliary functions such as engine trim up and down, boat lighting, and live wells.

Listen to Joe Okada explain more in these brief videos.

What Else Can the Key Captain Do?

Remote Lighting

Trim Up and Down

Who Needs The Key Captain?

Any angler who has to leave their boat for a while wants the convenience of remote locks, lighting, and trim. We offer many installment options, including DIY, sending The Key Captain to your dealership, or OEM distributor.

How Can You Order One?

If You Need Someone To Walk You Through The Options, call us at 1-440-899-9820. Or let us know if you’d like to have it installed on a new boat or retrofitted onto your boat through a dealer near you.

Summary

The Key Captain™ Remote Locking System alleviates the hassle of launch preparation for most fishing boats. The total time saving remote control system features the ability to operate the following functions from outside the boat:

Lock and Unlock Compartment Latches
Trim Engine Up and Down when on the trailer
Turn Deck or Cabin Lights On and off
Turn Blower or Live Well or Auxiliary on and off

We are proud of our patented system, and as a USA company, we are even more proud to recognize and serve all the fishermen in North America!

Please Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel

We have many more videos about The Key Captain for your review! Check them out today!

For more information about The Key Captain and our other array of products, please visit our website to view our complete catalog.

Remote Locking System Tracker Marine Factory Installed Custom Option for your Nitro Z Series Boat

July 29, 2021 By Jim Schilens

Remote Lock systems for boats have arrived!

The Nitro Z Series from Tracker Marine has quickly become the most talked about boat on the market. Groundbreaking technology is the reason, and nothing is more groundbreaking than the new remote locking system called The Key Captain(called Sarasota Electric Lid Latches custom option on the Nitro dealer site. The Key Captain custom option provides anglers with a level of convenience and security that has only been dreamed about in the past. The Key Captain makes the new Nitro Z-Series not just good looking fun boats; it makes them the smartest boats on the water. The complete security time saving remote control system provides you with the ability to operate the following functions from outside the boat:

Key CaptainBenefits & Features Flyer(Click To View)

-Lock/Unlock Compartment Lockable Latches

-Trim Down/Trim Up (trailer position)

-Turn Deck or Cabin Lights On/Off

-Turn Bilge Blower On/Off (or anywhere you need 12 volts)

The Key Captain System’s control panel is a permanently sealed and tamper-proof unit with a coding technique that protects the unit from unwanted interference. The transmitters are designed for marine use, and additional transmitters are available that can be added and programmed by user. The systems unique sleep mode results in low power energy saving operation, which saves battery life.

The components of the Key Captain A.K.A.Sarasota Electric Lid Latches Nitro Custom Option.

The Key Captain control panel coordinates with digital key pad systems in all boats. The Nitro Z-Series combines the latest technology with good looks, speed and is a superb fishing platform. They have just taken the quality of Tracker Marine boats, and raised the bar.

Direct link to the Tracker Marine Nitro Z9 Custom option, The Key Captain, called Sarasota Electric Lid Latches on the Nitro Boat dealer website:

http://www.nitro.com/boat/features_options.cfm?boat=3765

Give us a call for order information at 440-899-9820.

Five Accessories That Belong on Every Bass Boat

July 2, 2021 By DeDee

When adding items to your bass boat or fishing collection, you can become consumed with new lures, lines, rods, reels, and electronics. However, there are a few underrated necessities that help out during pivotal times.

Save time with these bass boat must haves

Rod Sleeves

The days of fighting with tangled rods in the back of your truck are officially over. Effortlessly slide the rod out, slip the cover off and fire a cast in a matter of seconds to score a couple of extra keepers is a fantastic option.

Lure Retriever

A small, compact, efficient lure retriever – or “plug knocker” – pays for itself the very first time you use it. Snap it onto your line and watch it zip down into the water to knock your plug free, usually on the first drop.

Tool Holder

Keep pliers, side cutters, braid scissors, markers, dyes, and glue in a tool holder to get to all essential tools quickly and efficiently.

Be sure to customize your tool station and find one that securely fastens to your craft.

Glass Cleaner

There is so much glass in a boat, from big-screen electronics to phones to sunglasses. A combination of water, sweat, sunscreen, and road grit always seem to find a way to these devices, leaving behind spots and grime that distort visibility.

Glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth can give you a whole new perspective on your fishing day.

The Key Captain

The Key Captain Is A state-of-the-art Electronic Locking System ideal for bass boats. Call us at 1-440-899-9820. or let us know if you’d like to have it installed on a new boat or retrofitted onto your boat through a dealer near you. We are open Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm EST.

PS – Here is a list of 45 additional items, if you want to splurge!

Looking for a Fun Summer Activity? Teach Your Kids to Fish!

May 28, 2021 By DeDee

If you are a regular angler, you know all about the benefits of fishing. But do your children? If not, this summer is the perfect time to teach them to fish. It will keep them busy and encourage good stewardship of our waterways.

Here are the basics to get started.

Equipment, Baits, and Licenses for Kids to Fish

They only need four pieces of equipment – a rod, reel, line, and hook. Depending on the age of your children, you may want to add bobbers and a sinker or two for the line. Many department stores and online retailers sell a complete kit for a reasonable price.

You will need nail clippers for line cutting, needle-nosed pliers for removing hooks from the fish, and sun safety equipment for both you and your children.

If you are on a boat, it’s essential to have the appropriate PFD for every person.

Live bait is popular. You can take the time to dig up worms or catch minnows or buy what you need at a bait shop.

Fishing license requirements vary from state to state. In Ohio, people 16+ years need a license.

Where to Fish

Ponds are a great place to get started for several reasons: 1) You and your kids can fish from the shoreline, 2) the waters are usually calm, and 3) Ponds have various species, including bluegill, bass, and perch.

Small lakes and shallow rivers are also fine choices.

They Caught One…Now What?

Nothing is quite as exciting as reeling a fish in! Once it is onshore or near the boat, you have two options: Release the catch or keep it. If you are planning on releasing it, be sure to hold the fish in the net or with your wet hands while removing the hook. Then, gently place the fish back into the water.

If you keep your catch, you need either keep it alive in a basket next to the boat or put the fish on ice if you are onshore. Once you are through fishing and everything is put away, clean your fish right away.

Be sure you know the limit on species, size, and how many fish you may keep before starting your adventure! You don’t want to overfish an area or keep fish that are too small.

Create a Fun Fishing Challenge

If you have multiple children or want to get friends and family involved in a contest, it could be a great way to introduce many kids to fishing.

Here’s a contest from Go Fish BC that’s particularly interesting.

Everyone has to fish on five different waterways over the summer.
This can be fun on many levels – the kids can choose ponds, rivers, and lakes they want to fish. Some can be near while others farther away. The excitement of trying different places can keep them interested in fishing!
When out fishing, they have to catch at least one fish and take a picture of them with their catch.
Have a grand prize or many prizes. For those that complete the contest, offer a reasonably priced but valuable gift. If everyone agrees to only one winner, pull a random name among those that are eligible.

The point is that every child experiences different places for fishing and hopefully learns to love fishing as much as you do!

These Tips Brought to You by Sarasota Quality Products

We want more kids to fish! We help boaters keep their boats secure with a complete marine and boat hardware line, including The Key Captain boat locking system! Give one of our account representatives a call at 440-899-9820 for more information