From binoculars to new electronics, here are seven smart upgrades for anglers.
Anyone who has fished or owned a boat for years knows how quickly gear piles up. There’s tackle boxes overflowing with old lures, functional electronics that lag today’s tech, and rod-and-reel combos that have seen a few too many seasons.
While much of it still gets the job done, it’s often outdated, worn or simply outmatched by what’s now available. Whether you are chasing bigger fish, fishing smarter with new electronics, or just looking to lighten the load onboard, a new generation of products is out there to improve the experience.
See Ya!
SI-TEX, known for its rugged marine electronics, launched the Sirius 12 Gyrostabilized Binoculars. Designed for serious anglers and boaters, the Sirius 12 combines high-end performance with a compact, seaworthy build. Made in Japan, these binoculars offer 12x magnification, a wide field of view, and advanced internal components, including a 6-axis electronic gyro sensor for rock-steady viewing in rough conditions.
Ideal for spotting distant boats, diving birds, bait balls, or kelp paddies, the Sirius 12 excels in both navigation and offshore fishing. The lenses minimize light transmission loss for a clear, bright view in a range of conditions. The $699 binoculars feature an IPX7 waterproof rating, textured grip, water- and oil-repellent coatings, and a built-in tripod mount.
Weighing just 15.4 ounces and measuring 4.6” x 5.1” x 2”, the Sirius 12 lasts up to 12 hours on a single AA battery.
Light it Up
The innovative Yacht Beam Performance Series searchlight will help make nighttime boating less stressful. Yacht Group’s searchlight LED light array features an industry-leading 750,000 candle power spotlight with an 80-meter beam diameter with a range over 1,000 meters. In floodlight mode, the Yacht Beam has 250,000 candle power, a range of 200 meters with a 75-meter beam diameter.
An innovative feature in the LED-PS series includes an array of 12 dual beam optical LEDs that allow the captain to operate the spotlight and floodlight separately or simultaneously. The light includes distress signaling for help in emergency situations.
A joystick provides precise control, and color-coded buttons allow for easy switching between modes. Other features include the ability to select multiple rotation speeds, auto-dimming and Instant-On Centered Forward Beam that automatically centers straight ahead when on.
Constructed from marine-grade aluminum, IP-65 rated for water and dust resistance, the Yacht Beam High Performance Series light is ideal for boats from 25’ center consoles to 100’ yachts and larger.
Wide World
Anglers looking to replace an old chartplotter might look at Garmin’s new 15-inch ultrawide premium display. The GPSMAP 15×3 chartplotter has edge-to-edge glass and a stunning high-resolution display to optimize any helm.
Garmin’s chartplotter offers the advantage of dual screens without requiring two separate units, making it easy to display data and frequently used applications. The GPSMAP 15×3 chartplotter has built-in sonar and preloaded mapping and detail with Garmin Navionics+.
The GPSMAP 15×3 can be integrated with a Garmin Force trolling motor. Anglers can create tracks for the trolling motor to follow while fishing. The unit allows for seamless connection to compatible sonar, autopilot, radars, instruments, stereos and more by using NMEA networks or the Garmin Marine Network. All boat operations can be controlled via a single screen.
The GPSMAP 15×3 can be mounted to a bracket or a rear mount for a flush helm. The chartplotter retails for $4,500.
Precision Hand Control
FLIR has released the new JCU-4 remote control for use with its marine thermal and visible cameras. Compatible with FLIR’s M232, M300, M400/M400XR, M500 series, and legacy models, the JCU-4 offers full pan, tilt, zoom, and function control.
It features a rugged three-axis joystick, a 2.9-inch dimmable color LCD, and a backlit keypad to support low-light operation. The unit connects easily with marine monitors and chartplotters, allowing intuitive camera pairing. Three customizable keys can be set for quick access to frequently used functions.
Designed with feedback from marinerst, the JCU-4 improves usability for those navigating with thermal imaging and needing reliable camera control. Its low-profile design suits a range of helm configurations. The controller supports camera adjustments and menu access directly from the keypad. Built for durability in harsh marine environments, the FLIR JCU-4 retails for $1,699.
Smooth Seas Ahead
When the seas are rough, Shockwave’s D5-SS stainless-steel suspension base delivers a smooth ride. Designed for saltwater environments, the suspension base is easy to install and can be paired with most seats.
Fitted with a FOX Rhythm air spring and shock with adjustable rebound and compression, suspension travel is 4 inches vertically and 1.5 inches forward, mitigating deceleration associated with wave impact. The design allows for on-the-fly adjustments, offering a smoother ride with less fatigue.
Electropolished and welded using 316 stainless steel, the suspension base uses a four-link design to increase lateral stability and reduce flex under high loads. The seat base weighs 30 pounds and can support up to 300 pounds. Shockwave backs it with a limited five-year warranty.
Shockwave says the D5-SS is compatible with Shockwave accessories and seat bases. The Canada-based Shockwave includes a pump with a pressure gauge for the suspension base, which retails for $1,990.
Spin Central
Shimano expanded its Exsence B spinning reel lineup with a new 2500-size option, perfect for light-tackle anglers. The flagship model in Shimano’s MagnumLite series, the heart of Exsence 2500XGB is the MGL Rotor. Constructed from lightweight carbon-infused C14+ material, the reel has ultra-responsive control, allowing for longer casts and improved accuracy. The rotor’s asymmetrical design slashes rotational inertia to give anglers instant startup and agile bait control with each handle turn, Shimano said.
Shimano’s InfinityLoop enhances spool oscillation and line for longer, more accurate casts. Infinity Drive provides effortless reeling under load and InfinityXross gear design for improved durability. Exsence B features Rapid Fire Drag to enable fast and precise drag adjustments in the heat of the fight, while the DuraCross drag system delivers silky-smooth resistance with added durability. The Anti-Twist Fin further enhances line management by maintaining consistent tension and reducing slack.
The lightweight Shimano Exsence 2500XGB retails for $599.99.
Cooling Trend
If the center console needs to slim down, put it on a diet with an Engel UL60 Injection Molded High-Performance cooler. Engel’s UL60 is lightweight and delivers stellar cooling to preserve fresh catch, food or beverages.
Thanks to cutting-edge insulation technology, the 60-quart cooler can hold ice for up to seven days. Silicone gaskets ensure an airtight seal to maintain the cooler’s internal temperature. A drain plug makes for easy cleaning and drainage. The hanging wire basket, built-in bottle opener and tie-down slots set the hard-shell cooler apart from other brands.
Engel, which has been building coolers since 1962, backs the UL60 with a five-year warranty. Engel offers an optional SeaDek nonslip cooler topper for the UL60. The UL60 is offered in five colors and retails for $239.99.
