Key Captain

Winter Walleye Fishing Tips

February 25, 2021 By DeDee

Walleye can generally be found deep within rivers and eddies in the winter, where there is a reduced current. Some of the best places to catch them are near warm water discharges such as power and water treatment facilities.

However, walleye slow down their movement tremendously in the winter, conserving their energy for food gathering and flight risks. For that reason, you may have to get your bait directly in front of the fish before they bite.

Here are great tips we gathered from Game & Fish, Reel Adventure Fishing, and BestFishinginAmerica.com.

Winter Walleye Checklist

Before you plan your expedition, consider the following factors:

What will be the temperature on that day?
What time of day will you be fishing?
Are you going to a lake or a river?
What is the depth of the water?
What are the general feeding habits of the walleye in that water?

You may need to check in with the local fish and tackle shop, do some research on the internet, or speak to other walleye fishers that have recently been to the area.

Remember, the water will be clear this time of year because aquatic life is dormant. Therefore, use a clear fishing line, drop it down vertically and very slowly. Please keep in mind that the walleye are bottom-oriented fish, so that they will be only a few feet above the bottom.

Because you will have to go deep and due to the low light of winter skies, use lures that stand out. Use one that glows, rattles, or vibrates – this can include crankbaits, jerk baits, and blade baits.

A walleye’s diet consists of smaller fish, so minnows, nightcrawlers, and leeches make for the best bait. Minnows should be 3-5 inches long.

Lastly, don’t forget to have the right winter outwear, including waterproof hat, gloves, coat, and boots so you can stay on the water much longer.

Sarasota Quality Products Has Quality Marine Products for Walleye Boats

Key Captain, Joe Okada, walleye, winter walleye fishing — Joe Okada demonstrating The Key Captain

We Help Boaters Keep Their Boats Secure with a Complete Line Of Marine & Boat Hardware, Including The Key Captain Boat Locking System. Please view our online catalog for more information!

Boating and Fishing with Kids Are Great Activities

January 29, 2021 By DeDee

No matter where you live, boating and fishing are activities the whole family can enjoy! They are also perfect for social distancing as you can easily share the shoreline or stay comfortably away from other fishing boats.

Water is so calming. It’s a great stress reliever, even when the fish aren’t biting,” shared Kelly Kingery, Outdoor Recreation Specialist with the Five Rivers MetroParks.
I remember as a kid, my dad, who was a big fisherman, was so patient with my siblings and me. We didn’t like to handle the nightcrawlers, and he would bait the hook for us. He’d watch out for us when the bobber went under and helped us reel in our catch. Some 50+ years later, I still smile thinking about those memories.”

If you own a bass boat, you can teach your children the importance of teamwork (i.e., getting the boat in and out of the water, bringing in the big catch), communication, and trust.

Fishing with kids helps them learn about ethics and patience. You can take them with you as you buy your fishing license and show the value of waiting several hours to catch a fish!

Before you start on your adventure, here is a checklist of things you will want to do beforehand and on your fishing day to make it a pleasurable experience for everyone!

Before You Head Out Fishing with Kids

Check to see if the waters you plan to fish in require a license.
Not every fishing hole is equal – some rivers and ponds are free game. Also, every state is different in the minimum ages and the fee. If a license is required, take your kids with you to show them you follow the rules.
For younger children, buy basic tackle.
Buy a beginner’s kit that includes a sinker and a bobber. Use small hooks and an 8–10-pound test line. Make sure the reel has a simple push-button.
Decide, as a family, whether you are using live or artificial bait.
You might even want to use brightly colored bait dough balls as they are effortless to apply on the hook.
Practice at home.
With no hooks on the line, have your children practice casting in the backyard. You can help them with their technique and release to be frustrated the day you go out.
If you’re going out on a boat, make sure you have the right-sized life preserver for each person.
There is a good chance that last year’s life preserver will not fit your child this year. Have each person put one on and fit it precisely.

On The Big Day

Have everyone put on their life jacket before stepping onto the boat.
Again, this shows you know how to follow the rules.
Choose the right location.
It’s best to go somewhere close to home for your first expedition. Try to find somewhere you can count on catching at least one fish.
Bring snacks, drinks, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, bug spray, and outdoor toys.
Take breaks.
Your kids will get bored – so take breaks when you see this happening. Go back onshore for lunch, go swimming, or try different fishing locations.
Lock up your boat with The Key Captain if you stop at a fast-food restaurant on the way back home.
At the end of a long day, the family may want to stop somewhere for a quick meal. Don’t worry about things in your compartments, as everything can be remotely locked up with a touch of a button.

These Fishing with Kids Tips Brought to You by Sarasota Quality Products

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

2021 Trends for Fishing, Boating, and Safety

December 31, 2020 By DeDee

While most of us are anxious to put the year 2020 behind us, it has been a stellar year for the fishing industry. More fishing licenses were sold than ever before. More children and women learned how to fish or got better at it. In a year where there wasn’t much to do, fishing became one of the premier social distancing sports.

So, the question is, what will 2021 and beyond bring?

By all indications, there will be growth and awareness in all areas, including safety. Here is what the experts from MarketWatch, Linchpin, and Wired2Fish have to say.

Fishing Facts

North America has the highest demand for fishing equipment (37%), followed by Europe, China, and Japan.
Freshwater fishing accounts for over 64% of all fishing in the world.
Fishing equipment worldwide sales are expected to be the equivalent of USD 13.4 billion by the end of 2021 and USD 16.7 billion by the end of 2026, which is an annual growth of 3.1 percent.

2021 Boating Trends

Fishing boats make up the largest percentage of all boat sales and are expected to grow 2 percent over 2019 sales in 2021, making the number of fishing boats sold worldwide at 285,900. Breaking this down further means 782 boats sold per day, or one boat sold every other minute.
The average boat cost in 2019 was $146,900; however, that includes everything from yachts to entry-level motorboats. New bass boats typically run from $30,000 to $69,000.
Marine fuel will be safer in 2021 because sulfur emissions will be capped at .5 percent of total exhaust volume.
Renewable diesel fuel is 100% renewable as it is made from vegetable oils, and it will dominate the marine fuel market.

Safety Statistics

2021 is expected to be 3-5% safer than in 2020.
Drownings are the number one cause of boating deaths because boaters do not wear floatation devices. The death rate could go down by 150-180 individuals if everyone wore a floatation device.
One hundred seventy deaths are due to head injuries due to propeller strikes. Often there is alcohol involved in these deaths as well.
The number one cause of boating accidents are two boats colliding. While injuries often occur from these collisions, death does not.
Saturdays between 2:30 and 4:30 pm are the most unsafe boating day and periods.

2021 Trends Summary

Since COVID-19 will be with us through at least the first half of 2021, fishing is expected to continue to grow as a sport. More boats will be sold with environmental fuel, suitable for everyone and everything (including the fish). Safety and security need to be on everyone’s mind, both in the boat in the water or when the boat is parked in your driveway or outside your motel room.

Happy New Year

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. Let us know how we can help you.

The Key Captain Is A State Of The Art Electronic Locking System Ideal For Bass Boats and Other Fishing Boats. 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.

10 Great Holiday Gifts for Your Fisherman

November 27, 2020 By DeDee

Whether your fisherman is near or far, a beginner or experienced angler, buying them that special fishing gift may be challenging. Below are holiday gifts to help keep them on the water longer and in more comfort.

Enjoy!

Fishing Lures Set

With different lures and baits, look for an easily transportable kit that includes crankbaits, worms, topwater lures, soft bait, shrimp simulation, and lures that are perfect for all types of fishing, including lakes, oceans, and rivers.

Cost: $29-39

Sun Protection Fishing Cap

Fishing gifts don’t come more practical than this hat with a wide brim and back flap for complete sun protection. It should block 98% of UVA/UVB rays and dry quickly. Look for mesh vents for airflow and breathability.

Cost: $21-32

Water and Wind Resistant Soft Shell

Look for one that is lightweight and comfortable during long hours on the water. Look for features like a polyester/spandex shell that’s highly breathable.

Cost: $50-75

LCD Fishing Scale

If you’re looking for an impressive gift, then this scale may be just what you need. Though compact in size, it can accurately weigh fish up to 110 lbs., displaying the weight on a bright LCD screen. It also features a built-in, three-foot-long measuring tape to measure their catch!

Cost: $10-13

Foldable Fishing Net

Look for a nylon net that’s ideal for both catching and releasing fish, easy to store, and a non-absorbent coating.

Cost: $17-90

Microfiber Bait Towel

Whether the bait is worms, minnows, or shrimp, your fisherman’s hands are going to get fishy when they bait that hook. This quick-drying microfiber towel hooks right onto their belt.

Cost: $4-6

Outdoor Weather Indicator Watch

This watch measures temperature, altitude, and air pressure. A large LCD shows at-a-glance readouts of the data produced in each mode. A high-performance pressure sensor provides altitude readings up to 10,000 meters and automatic air pressure readings every two hours. Measurement results are displayed graphically, which can predict upcoming weather with reasonable accuracy.

Cost: $65

Live Bait Cooler

Serious anglers know that one sure way to attract the big fish is to use live bait. This cooler keeps the baitfish fresh, alive, and flapping.

Cost: $80

Armor Protective Wading Boots

Made from state of the art, newly developed, cut, and puncture-resistant material, these boots make an excellent gift for anglers. They are protected from the top to the bottom, even under the sole, and the rubberized lower makes the most vulnerable areas even more protective.

Cost: $189

The Key Captain

The Convenience of remote-controlled security in the palm of your fisherman’s hand

Our 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.

Cost: $228-$880

Sarasota Quality Products Has the Holiday Gifts

If you are looking for more gift ideas for the fishing or boating enthusiast on your list, check out our full online catalog.

Top 10 Bass Boat Accessories for the 2020 Season

December 22, 2019 By DeDee

If you are still trying to top off your holiday shopping list for bass boat accessories, here are ten items you may wish to consider asking for from your loved ones. This list is not in order of importance, but rather from lowest to highest price point.

Waterproof smartphone lanyard
Invest in one you can keep around your neck and still press the buttons through the plastic. You’ll be able to access your fishing apps and snap a picture or two without any difficulty.
Price range: $8-15
Clamp-on cup holder
With dual clamping jaws and stiff stainless-steel springs, your refreshments will always be within easy reach. They won’t rust or break and are an absolute must-have gadget!
Price range: $20-35
Trolling motor propeller protector
It helps to extend the life of your boat cover with a heavy-duty vinyl protector for your blades.
Price range: $20-50
Telescopic boat hook
This gizmo can hook just about anything you can think of from the water. When it’s not in use, you can collapse it down and store it under your seat.
Price range: $23-45
Onboard marine battery charger
Most chargers are waterproof, saltwater-tested, and rugged. Fully automatic multistage digital charging includes five sequential stages: analyzing, charging, conditioning, auto maintain (energy-saving mode), and a once-a-month storage reconditioning mode that is safe for short- and long-term storage.
Price range: $70-200
Anchor winch
This device makes pulling up the anchor so much easier. Most winches can handle up to 40 pounds in weight. They come in a manual (reel) or electronic forms. The latter allows you to raise and lower your anchor with the press of a button. Most have an anti-reverse internal clutch to prevent free spooling.
Price range: $80-136
Spare deep cycle marine battery
It’s designed to support the electrical demands of trolling motors, fish finders, GPS systems, and radios. Having one on board gives you peace of mind if you are miles out away from the shore, and your primary battery dies.
Price range: $92-300
Keel Protector
This bass boat accessory will keep your boat from scuff marks and damage that are possible by ramps, rocks, and underwater hazards. These protectors come in different sizes, depending on the length of your boat. They are ready to install straight out of the pack.
Price range: $120-185
Marine-grade boat cover
Protect your bass boat from the elements! Find one that is resistant to mildew, mold, and UV rays and will protect your boat when:
1. in long-term storage
2. trailered up and traveling, or
3. moored up at your local lake.
  Price range: $134-300

The Key Captain
Our state of the art electronic locking system is Ideal For bass boats because you can lock and unlock all your compartments AND turn on and off your boat lighting from 50-100 feet away!One other bonus, with our floating key fob, if you happen to drop your keys in the water during a tense fishing moment, you have the peace of mind they are going to float.
Price range: $225-880

Sarasota Quality Products Has Bass Boat Accessories

We can help you deck out your bass boat! You want to keep it secure. We understand. We’ve been assisting boaters in keeping their boats safe and achieving greater peace of mind for 35+ years. Let us know how we can help you by calling us at 440-899-9820 today!