I have been using the new Power-Pole for over four months now. I have it mounted on a stainless bracket as not to be drilling holes in my new boat, just to the starboard of my engine. I run a Mako Inshore series 2000, a 20 foot flats skiff that draws less than ten inches and a hull weight of just over 1050 pounds and I have to tell you I didn’t think this rig would stop me in a 20 knot wind, but it does. The weight of the whole system is 54 pounds with the stainless bracket and runs on a Bennett Trim tab hydraulic unit. It is almost silent during operation, goes from top to fully extended in less than 10 seconds and has a definite place in the larger flats boat market.

The greatest advantage is, the pivot point is so close to the transom your bow doesn’t swing around like when you stick a poling pole. I have two switches mounted, one on the poling tower and one on the console. When bonefishing you sometimes have only seconds to position yourself for the shot, but if you see a tailer, or an oncoming school of fish you can drop the Power-Pole and still have your poling pole ready to swing the bow for the optimum angle. This is a real advantage when flyfishing with the wind up a little, you know like all winter.

Fishing Flamingo with the Power-Pole is the best! Soft mud makes for a silent stop for that cast at a pothole or a tailing red on the flats. The smaller diameter spike is also less intrusive on the grasses and will also stop you on hard coral like we have on the outside Elliot Key flats.

You can check out this new product and get specks on their web site at http://www.power-pole.com I can tell you it has enabled me to catch quite a few fish that I would have missed without it. Come on out for a day on the bay and I will demonstrate the Power-Pole for you.

I have been lucky enough to be allowed to give a few suggestions on the design of this new jig that is being made right here in Homestead. The designer Dave Keiser couldn’t find a weedless jig or the right style jig head to drag through the grasses of Flamingo and Biscayne Bay without becoming snagged up or fouled right away, so he made his own. Mr. Keiser is the first to use more detailed fly tying methods rather than just bucktail and a feather, and a new style of jig head as well. He has added chenille and crystal flash and WOW what a difference. "I use only the very best materials to be found on my jigs and the results have proven to me it is definitely worth it" say’s Dave. "Top grade hooks, powder coated jig heads, Genuine Whiting hackles are just some of the materials that make these lures stand out from all the rest, say’s Dave, I say that’s what makes a Grasshopper the best jig on the market.

I have been fishing these jigs for almost a year know and have found them to slay the redfish, snook and trout of Florida Bay, and have caught over 20 bonefish using the Grasshopper. This jig is responsible for my two anglers winning Top Female Angler (Julie Sutton) and Top Junior Angler (Andy Rodriguez) and winning the Top Guide Award during the "A Day on the Bay" tournament sponsored by the So, Florida Chapter of the FNGA Assoc this year. Go to your favorite tackle shop and ask for the Grasshopper, and if they don’t have it, ask them to get some. You can buy direct if you prefer, just call Grasshopper Lure Co. at 305-245-1744 and ask for Dave. You won’t believe the difference.

All of you fly tiers out there have been looking for a product that has the qualities of polar bear fur but just can’t seem to get it just right? Well you don’t have to look any more; the real thing is here and can be found at Biscayne Bay Fly Shop.

On my last trip to the I-Cast Tackle Retailers Show this past July in Las Vegas I meet a real life Eskimo. He has permits to sell authentic polar bear fur and I said I would try it. Well I’m here to tell you this stuff is bonefish and tarpon candy. The properties of the fur are outstanding for light refraction and buoyancy. This stuff makes great crabs, bonefish critters, clowsers, crazy charlies or use it on whatever your favorite patterns are but you need to try this fur. It comes in five subtle colors and lengths up to eight inches long for you offshore guys.

My tarpon flies this year will be almost all polar bear fur from the response I have been getting from the juveniles and the bonefish have been eating them up. So give Franco a call and check out some of this newly available fur before its all gone.

Look for my next Water Test "Kick Boating the Everglades" where I will give you a hint of a great new way to fish those little ponds and canals as well as the back bay’s of Flamingo. Also Cortland’s new "555" fly line and Old Florida Reel Company and their new saltwater pliers. Till then, Tight lines & Quick Releases

Capt. Dave Sutton