Sarasota Quality Products

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

6 Time-Saving Tips When Entering Your First Bass Fishing Tournament

March 26, 2021 By DeDee

A good fishing tournament allows you to test your angling skills, provide an environment for friendly competitions, and, if you are lucky, even win a cash prize!

If fishing in a one- or multi-day tournament has always been your dream, this is a perfect time to set your sites on making tournament participation a reality.

Here’s what you need to know.

Six Fishing Tournament Tricks

Start by asking around at your local bass club.
Chances are members of your organization have been in tournaments and can recommend the best ones for first-time participants. If your club isn’t meeting face-to-face yet, put out your question on social media or an email thread.
Once you have a few tournaments in mind, check out the area’s website and obtain a waterway map. You want to understand how big and deep the waterway is, what accommodations are available, and things your family can do while you are fishing (if this is a family outing).
See if there is going to be a tournament at one of your regular fishing spots.
If so, you will have the upper hand because you have fished there often.
Once you have made up your mind, register early.
Tournaments fill up fast, especially this year. Most registrations can be handled online via secure websites or PayPal.
As the tournament approaches, pack the right gear.
Here’s a list of what you will want to have on your boat:
1. Tacklebox
2. Braid scissors
3. Pointy nosed pliers
4. Two rods – one stiff spin rod and the other a lighter one
5. A wide selection of lures, including spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, lipless crankbaits, jigheads, and tail spinners.
6. A net
7. Long-sleeved clothing that has SPF protection.
8. Waterproof rain gear
9. Hat
10. F.D.
11. Phone in a waterproof sleeve
12. Waterproof boots or shoes

Overall, stick with rods and tackle you are familiar with and have used often. Tournament fishing is often about speed in catching the big fishes, so you don’t want to be fooling around with untried tackle.

On tournament day, be sure to give yourself extra time to get your boat in the water.
If you check-in the day before, find out the earliest you can enter the water and see if there are multiple launching sites. If there is only one or two, give yourself enough time to get your boat safely in the water.

Two National Tournaments You Might Want to Consider

The Big Bass Bash
There are three separate tournaments in April, May, and October in Missouri and Oklahoma. Amateurs are welcome to join in, and it only takes one prize-winning fish to win big.
Bassmaster Opens
You do need to be a B.A.S.S. member, but it is open to anyone. The tournaments take place in Florida, Tennessee, and New York.

Conclusion

Competitive bass fishing is a fantastic way to test your angling skills against amateurs and professionals. Don’t delay – sign up for a tournament today!

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. Let us know how we can help you.

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.

How to Fish for Bass in the Fall

October 30, 2020 By DeDee

The days are shorter and colder. However, there will still be days full of sunshine where you are just itching to get your boat in the water one more time.

It turns out autumn is still a good time to bass fish. Here are the five most common questions about it, as it’s different than spring or summer fishing.

Is fall a good time to bass fish?

Yes, however, you have to think like a fish to be the most successful. First, remember they are feeding all the time, filling up their bellies for a long winter. Second, they are continually moving, so you have to as well.

How do you fish for bass in the fall?

Use spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and top-water baits. Vibrating, rattling lures like a crankbait are productive when water temperatures are falling. Spinnerbaits work well in the wind. Top-water baits work when you are fishing along the shoreline without a boat.

For more the lures, check out this YouTube video.

Provided by Wired2Fish

What do bass feed on in the fall?

They feed on anything that resembles a shad or shiner.

Where do bass go in the fall?

Boat docks can also be a great place to target bass this time of year. Look for wood docks, on which algae grows below the waterline. Other areas include coves, bays, and creek arms. But remember, they are continually moving, so you must do so as well.

What is the best tip?

Autumn is a time when patience wins out. You will have to try several baits. What works one day might not work the next. Be ready to fish fast, and by all means, please be versatile!

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. Let us know how we can help you by calling us at 440-899-9820, Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm EST.

The 4 Best Bass Boats of the Year

September 29, 2020 By DeDee

Now is the best time to start shopping for bass boats as the 2020 models are being retired, and the 2021 ones are making their introductions. Here are the four bass boats in 2020, as ranked by TripSavvy.

Please remember if you want to install The Key Captain remote locking system on your boat while at the dealership, we’ll coordinate your installation with your dealer.

Here are the best bass boats.

Best Overall: The Puma FTD

The Puma FTD continues its legacy as one of the most popular models in the Bass Cat Premium category. At 20’4″ in length, it carries the necessary footprint for maneuverability in tight areas. The forward recessed foot pedal positions anglers for pinpoint accuracy and efficiency at all times. When it’s time to head offshore, the 94″ beam will give you the confidence to span waves without sacrificing stability. Twin 26-gallon fuel tanks provide the range to make it out there and back with no worries.

Price: $69,000

Runner Up: Nitro Z21

Bred to be a champion, the NITRO® Z21 is our most advanced bass boat, designed with Bassmaster Classic Champions Kevin VanDam and Edwin Evers. The Z21 is our biggest performance bass boat, but doesn’t it doesn’t sacrifice speed and performance for size. It’s got room at the console and the bow for flush-mounting 12″ fishfinders, plus a heavily-insulated cooler under the step up to the bow deck. Low-profile gunnels feature integrated nav lights, and advanced deck drainage keeps your gear dry in the roughest conditions.

Price: $45,600

Best Under $30,000: Ranger Z175

The Z175’s tournament-inspired design is evident from bow to stern and is complemented by spirited, economic performance. An 8-foot rod box and gel-coat-lined, insulated step cooler, massive starboard storage, and integrated tool holders highlight the front deck. At the same time, power is provided by 115 horses hung on an integrated setback for peak performance. The cockpit features premium seats covered in marine-grade vinyl for sharp looks and all-around comfort, while the cantilevered console delivers more space and houses standard Lowrance® electronics. The timed, aerated livewell is flanked by a pair of oversized storage boxes in front of easy-to-reach battery access. Complementing the on-water performance of the Z175 is a hand-built Ranger Trail® trailer that’s custom made for years of peace of mind off the water. The swing-away trailer tongue makes this compact rig even shorter for more storage options. Each time you back it down the ramp, the Z175 boasts prominent features and a big attitude.

Price: $30, 500

Best Aluminum: Crestliner 1750 Bass Hawk

Whether you’re angling walleye, muskie, or bass, this multispecies Deep-V hull fishing boat can take you where you want to go. You can easily navigate from the dock to the main lake basin, and then over to your favorite shallow water fishing hole from the new, premium console, which features multifunction chrome gauges, space for 12″ flush mount electronics, and much more.

The all-welded wide beam hull adds extra stability, and the variable degree deadrise allows you to make tighter turns and still feel in control. In addition to massive casting decks at the bow and stern, the amount of accessible storage is incredible. The 1750 Bass Hawk comes standard with a large 28-gallon livewell and an illuminated center rod locker that can hold up to 15 rods up to 8′. It all adds up to a zero-compromise, multispecies-catching machine.

Price: $30,700

About 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 achieve greater peace of mind for 35+ years. Let us know how we can help you by calling 440-899-9820 today!

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!

Introducing Our Newest Stainless Steel Compression Lock & Latch

August 1, 2018 By Jim Schilens

Looking for a Stainless Steel Boat Lock and Latch?

Then you are looking for our latest 2 inch compression lock and latch which are watertight, so liquid won’t get in. Polished stainless steel, with a mirror finish, gives it an updated look. It also makes it more durable. CL318SS was designed specifically for those heavily used hatches.

An exclusive feature of this product is the adjustable cam with set screw that saves you production time unlike bulky dual lock nuts.

It’s also easy to use. The lift handle operates compression motion of cam. Pull up to allow handle to seat in vertical position and cam shaft extends down to ease tension on the cam and framework. Push handle down to seat flush and horizontal in housing and the cam shaft pulls upward to tightly position the cam against the framework.

Description

Surface Flange Outside Diameter: 2.40″
Drilling Hole: 2″ and is secured from backside with 2 S.S. screws
Smallest Install Thickness: 1/4″minimum to maximum 3/4″
Mirror Polished
Stainless Steel Solid Cast Marine Boat Compression Latch

Do you have questions about either CL316SS or CL318SS or need OEM pricing? Give us a call at (440) 899-9820 or email us at [email protected]