The 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!

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.

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!

The Differences Between Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

August 27, 2020 By DeDee

When anglers head for their respective tournaments, it is essential to know what type of bass they will likely run into in the waterways. It turns out, even though smallmouth and largemouth bass can live in the same freshwater waterway and they can often be the same size, they are quite different species.

Let us take a closer look at each.

Smallmouth Bass

The smallmouth bass is in the sunfish family. They are often known as “Brown Bass.” It is a popular game fish sought by anglers throughout the temperate zones of North America.

Smallmouth does not get large, often topping out around ten pounds.

They are usually more acrobatic in the water, often seen trying to throw a hook when caught.

You can find smallmouth bass in cold, northern waters like the Great Lakes. They like the cover, hunting around it. However, they swim in clear waters and are found in challenging currents.

They stick to shallow water during the spring and fall. When the weather turns hot, they migrate to deeper waters. They are rarely in groups.

Largemouth Bass

The largemouth bass is a carnivorous freshwater gamefish in the sunfish family, generally native to eastern and central United States and northern Mexico. They are often referred to as a “Green Bass.”

They have a large mouth with an upper jaw that extends past the eye and can weigh in at twice the poundage of their smallmouth cousin.

They are not jumpers and prefer warmer waters, like Lake Okeechobee.

Largemouth bass loves the thick cover, making it optimal to fish for them in murky water. They avoid strong currents.

Largemouthers spend their summers in shallow bays and creeks.

Brought to You by Sarasota Quality Products

Whether you are fishing for smallmouth or largemouth bass, it’s essential to have the right reels, rods, and lures on board. And of course, you want to make sure everything is locked and secure in your boat. For the best remote locking system around, order the Key Captain!

How to Secure Your Bass Boat in 8 Easy Steps

January 27, 2020 By DeDee

Whether you’re headed to a tournament, vacation, or even a day trip of fishing, it’s essential to keep your boat and equipment always secure. It’s especially true if you’re carrying hundreds, if not thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment on board.

While working with professional anglers in the past, along with our own experience, we garnered eight great ideas about keeping your bass boat safe at all times – here they are.

An Eight Point Secure Your Bass Boat Checklist

Before Your Trip

Make sure your boat insurance is up to date.
Your insurance should cover not only the boat but also all the contents on the vessel and the trailer. If you have recently purchased a new boat and new equipment, send an email or stop by your agent’s office to share with them the changes.
Inventory all your equipment.
Put together an Excel spreadsheet of all your equipment, including its make, model, and the date you purchased it. Take a photo of the more expensive stuff (that will be covered under insurance). Send the spreadsheet and photos to your agent and keep a copy on the cloud.
While inventorying, label your gear.
Write your name and phone number on every piece of tackle and electronic gear in waterproof ink. Throw away broken equipment: sell or giveaway your duplicate gear. Check our list about the top 10 things you should have on your boat to ensure you aren’t missing critical equipment.
Inspect your boat and trailer.
A day or so before your trip, check the trailer lights, turn signals, and tire pressure. Please make sure they are all in the best working order. Once the boat is on the trailer, ensure it’s snug against the jack stand roller. Inspect, and potentially replace the transom-tie down straps if they are too worn.
When booking your hotel or motel, make sure they have adequate parking for your truck and trailer.
You’ll also want to check on lighting and onsite security. The last thing you’ll want after a long day on the water to come back to the venue to find you need to park your boat in a remote, unlit part of the parking lot. Also, get recommendations from other fishers who have stayed or are staying in your area.

When on The Water

You finally arrived and launched your boat in the water. It’s still important to be vigilant about security. Here are more tips by bass anglers.

If you must leave your boat for a short time, ask someone to watch it.
It doesn’t matter if you have to use the restroom, return an urgent call, or get something out of your car; leaving your boat for 10-15 minutes is enough time for a thief to steal your equipment. Find a friend and establish a buddy system, so you can trade off watching each other’s boats when you need it.
Get in the habit of locking up your compartments.
With The Key Captain, you can remotely lock and unlock all compartments from 50-100 feet away with your waterproof key fob. With our flushed locking system, you won’t trip on the locks as you’re fish on the deck of the boat.

Before Heading to the Hotel or Motel

Cover your boat with a tight-fitting tarp.
Adding one more layer for potential thieves to get through can be a real deterrent to stopping them.

Sarasota Quality Products Can Help Secure Your Bass Boat

With the press of a button, our time saving remote control system can lock and unlock compartment latches, turn on and off deck and cabin lights, and trim up and down your boat engine while trailering. Call us today at 440-899-9820 to learn more about our Key Captain and catalog of products.