Dean Travis Clarke

The North Rip 21 allows you to fish nearshore in tough conditions, and look good in the process

Seven Marine introduced its 557-hp outboard at the Miami Boat show. The engine is beautiful, an engineering and design marvel and is the product of an amazing cooperative of people and companies. It has taken Seven Marine awhile to get the in the water and pushing a boat, but it appears that this package is now a reality. You can see the promotional video for the engine at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60YqcCBtBuU. These sleek, black monsters retail for somewhere in the neighborhood of $70,000 apiece.

Today's Big Launches

As Capt. Peter B. Wright said to me this morning, the Lauderdale show is misnamed… it should be the Fort Lauderdale Ship Show. I have never seen more mega-yachts in any single place at one time! Those of us more interested in fishing vessels will appreciate several new hulls introduced just today.

New Innovation at IBEX

This marks the 21st year that the International Boatbuilding Exposition (IBEX) has been held. Unlike a consumer boat show, this event offers a venue for all the vendors who supply materials and technology to the boat building industry to show their wares. Seminars abound and if you love the process of building ad equipping boats, this show represents the best continuing education opportunity you ccan ever find.

Feel the Need for Release?

Over the years I've used more than a half dozen methods in an effort to release bottom fish unharmed. But venting and squeezing and stabbing all seem way too invasive! I mean, I wouldn't feel better after someone did those things to me. It always seemed that there should be a better, gentler, and more reliable way! Thanks to West Marine's annual Green Product competition, now there is.