While it may appear to be along the lines of a cute toy, the BugLit is actually a hands-free flashlight that gives versatility a whole new meaning. The body is made from the INOVA Microlight—a tough mini flashlight that is encased in a durable polycarbonate plastic housing. It has been built to last and will stand strong against the abuse of the elements. Its moldable, flexible legs are made from Nite Ize's Gear Ties and reach to six inches. Twist them, wrap them, or stand them out straight to create the perfect angle for lighting up the next big task. Secure the BugLit onto zipper pulls or backpack straps to light up travel guides, maps, or fishing knots when out on the lake in the dark. Wrap them tightly onto handlebars and ride home from class at night while seeing better and feeling a bit safer. Its compact size and numerous uses means there's no excuse for leaving home without it. The BugLit is equipped with a white LED light with high and low power, strobe, and signal functions, and has an effective range of up to 50 feet while still remaining visible for up to a mile away. The legs are composed of a tough rubber shell that creates the perfect grip without scratching or marking its resting place. Included with the BugLit is a size 0 S-Biner carabiner clip for even more lighting options.  The BugLit lists for $12.99 and can be bought on-line at  www.niteize.com.   Read Full Story

The Sport-Brella is a portable, nine-foot-wide group umbrella that gives you instant protection from the sun, rain and wind with its domed shape, side flaps and 125 Sun Protection Factor (SPF). It ought to work great for setting up when fishing at the beach or on a river bank. Its umbrella action open mechanism allows it to be set up in just three seconds and can cover several people. It includes top wind vents, side zippered windows for efficient airflow and additional visibility, internal pockets for gear and valuables, convenient carry bag and tethers/ground stakes for use when additional stability is called for. The Sport-Brella retails for $69.99 and can be purchased online at sklz.com or via phone at 877-225-7275.  Read Full Story

EUFAULA, AL – Humminbird is expanding networking capabilities for many of its sonar models by adding Ethernet expansion, NMEA 2000 and radar capabilities.  Read Full Story

Alexandria, VA – Last month the Center for Biological Diversity and two other anti-fishing groups petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate the manufacture and sale of lead fishing tackle of certain sizes and uses under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). If approved, such regulation could result in a de facto ban of lead sinkers, jigs and other popular types of fishing equipment.  Read Full Story

BONITA SPRINGS, FL – Leading marine accessories manufacturer SeaSense by Unified Marine introduces another revolutionary product—the SeaSense Solid-State Sensing Bilge Switch. Designed to eliminate the usual problems associated with old-style float switches, it converts any manual bilge pump to automatic, and it works in fresh and salt water.  Read Full Story

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH – ShowSpan, Inc. has announced 2012 dates for its Ultimate Sport Show tour, which includes two shows in the Detroit market and the state’s oldest, which began in 1946 in Grand Rapids. Each year, the Ultimate Sport Show tour attracts about 100,000 anglers, hunters, campers, boaters and other lovers of nature and the outdoors. Patrons come from throughout Michigan as well as Ohio, Indiana, Ontario and beyond.  Read Full Story

Fish Hawk Electronics is providing a TD temperature probe for the person who provides the Top Tip in each issue of Great Lakes Angler Magazine in 2012.  Read Full Story

OK, it looks a lot like a Heddon Tadpolly, but with a realistic eyeball and cooler colors. It’s probably no great stretch to figure that there is a Heddon connection, since both Lindy and Heddon are under the lure giant PRADCO’s umbrella.The lure is going to gain fans among both river steelhead trollers and springtime coho seekers out on big water, and you can see an impressive video of it catching walleyes at River Rocker on Leadcore.  Read Full Story

  Read Full Story