Archive for January 8th, 2010

Sometimes not knowing how to do certain things can keep one from pursuing a goal or achievement. I know at times, I get discouraged from a lack of knowledge on a subject, and it definitely affects my confidence. This used to be the case for me when using artificial lures in saltwater, but I overcame this with years of practice and instruction. Not all are like me of course, and some just need a little push or edge to get going. Where exactly is this going you say?

I received a Strike Tech reel from the ICAST show. Strike Tech is a company based out of New Zealand that has come up with a pretty great idea when it comes to fishing with artificial baits. ICAST is all about innovation and the newest stuff on the market; Strike Tech reels are definitely fresh and very innovative, an perfect example of what the show is  about.

Geared towards the novice artificial angler, this distinctive reel is said to help with lure presentations, doing much of the work for you; all that is needed is a cast and retrieve. Their reels look like any other, but Strike Tech has designed a unique two piece spool for the reel, what they call a “Live Action Spool”, or LAS. With the spool being a two piece set up, it acts as a cam to alter the action of the lure you are using while retrieving it. The action of the lure is easily adjusted by turning the top of the spool or rotor by hand, to the level of action the angler wants for the lure being presented. The degree of action is clearly marked on the spool base, all one has to do is set it to the preferred amount and cast it out. While reeling in, every turn of the reel provides five pulses or twitches of the line, increasing noise and vibration, escalating the chances of a big bruiser hammering your bait. When a fish strikes, the spool automatically centers itself and all the angler is responsible for is reeling in the fish. Simple enough.

The "base model" ST30GG

Being wintertime, I busted out the arties and gave it a shot on the flats of Tampa Bay. I wanted to see if this reel actually does what Strike Tech claims. The model I tested was the ST30GG, an all graphite model. The reel is fairly light weight and meshed well with my seven foot Calico Jack rod. With the spool rotor turned for use, the reel looked strange and I thought it would be awkward on the retrieve; this was not so due to the two piece design. The spool base stays centered throughout the range of motion, giving a very smooth retrieve. I have to be honest; I was skeptical of the claims, but became pleasantly surprised. Using a variety of subsurface lures, spoons, jigs and deep diving plugs, I could feel the action created and how it varied by a quick twist of the spool rotor. Every time I reeled a different lure to the boat I watched the action. This thing really worked. When hooking into a fish, the spool rotor did center itself as claimed, and the drag was pretty smooth. The only lure that did not work as it should with this reel was a topwater, so newcomers will have to keep on practicing with that.

Three models of reels are currently manufactured by Strike Tech. All models come in four sizes ranging from light to heavy, accommodating five to ten pound test line, and can be used in saltwater and fresh. The entry level reel, the “GG,” is the one I tested. This reel has a smooth retrieve and drag, but leaves a little more to be desired. The “GA,” has a graphite body with aluminum spool, and is lighter than the GG. The “AA,” is the all aluminum, higher end model, the smoothest and lightest of them all. All have a 5:1 ratio, and 5+1 ball bearings except the GG, which has 2+1 ball bearings. All reels carry a one year manufacturer warranty. Pricing is anywhere from fifty dollars for the GG, to one hundred fifty for the high end AA. The reels are available on the company website, www.striketech.net.

Spool set for maximum action

Left without adjustment for standard use

In my opinion this is a great real for the beginner artificial angler, especially children. When all that is needed is a cast and retrieve, fishing can’t get much simpler.

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Capt. Kenny Smith
InshoreNearshore

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Venganza, Spanish for revenge, is an unconventional name for a boat company. Christopher Collier, owner and builder, is an unconventional individual. A 5th generation Floridian and boat designer, his great great grandfather was W.T. Collier a Florida Pioneer and the first to homestead Marco Island. Christopher Collier’s credit includes his tenure as Director of Design and Development for Donzi Marine where his step bottom designs were proven winners. Now he brings his passion and creativity to the small skiff market with the Skimmer 13.

The Skimmer 13 is a true microskiff with a LOA of 12’ 9” and 53” beam. Maximum horsepower is rated at 20HP with a transom height of 20”. The Skimmer 13 is rated for 2 persons or 450lbs. Most notable, it is the first modern microskiff hull ever designed to incorporate Mr. Collier’s stepped hull treatment.

According to Mr. Collier “The Venganza Step Bottom is designed to enhance performance and efficiency. By stepping the hull we reduced the wetted surface making contact with the water, thus reducing the overall drag and will allow it to distribute the load over the length of multiple running surfaces. Using multiple steps we can achieve a more stable running platform when working with non-fixed weights, the shortened running surfaces reduce drag and enhance lift. Multiple running surfaces distribute lift over the length of the bottom thus reducing bow lift and stern drag for a better hole shot.” Intrigued by the science I met up with Mr. Collier and his son, for a wet test.

We started off the morning with a few photos and a good looking over of the Skimmer. The steps in the hull are a bit less aggressive than I had anticipated but as was explained the steps don’t need to be as aggressive for a smaller running surface. They blended very well into the hull. A nice feature is the inverse spray rail incorporated into each hull side. These small, but effective rails are almost hidden when the hull receives a two tone color treatment.

Based as a one or two person backcountry protected water skiff, the unique size and footprint lends itself to the exploration of small back water creeks and canoe/kayak trails. The ride of the Skimmer is solid and comfortable. With it’s narrow beam the skiff will turn on a dime and give you a nickel back in change. It was a little wiry at first. Only the slightest of corrections are needed on the tiller to make the skimmer change direction. I would caution radical course changes as the skiff will turn, but your momentum may not.

Without a non stepped hull skimmer to compare it to, it’s hard to honestly evaluate exactly how much the steps improve the performance on the hull. The test Skimmer has a Mercury 4 stroke 20hp tiller with a stock aluminum prop. Top speed average with myself only was 26.2 MPH. Time to plane was 4.8 seconds.

Poling the Skimmer is a breeze. It will easily and quickly respond to your every command. With two medium build persons on board the draft comes in at 6.75”. The skiff exhibited only a slight crabbing tendency, but glided well. It’s short length allowed for quick and easy turning.

I know what you’re going to ask… “is it tippy?” Honestly, yes it is a bit tippy. Not so much that the feeling is ever present, but when the weight starts to shift around, you’ll feel yourself making adjustments to your balance while up on the poling platform. Standing in the cockpit or on the front deck, I found it to be no more tippy than any other popular short length and narrow beam skiff. In some cases it was more solid.

Storage is surprisingly ample for it’s size and beam. It is easily accessible and dry with access to electronics and drainage at your finger tips. Overall build quality was good on the test skiff, with only a few items that are already addressed in the production model.

The Skimmer is a smart little boat for the person looking for an inexpensive one or two person skiff for protected waters. The small size makes it easy to store and easy to tow. Storage is ample and over all performance is good. If your looking for a small skiff the Skimmer 13′ is one to add to the list.

Cheers
Capt. Jan

For more pictures check out microskiff.com

Venganza Marine
3332 26th Ave East, Unit C
Bradenton, FL 34208

phone: (941) 345-3779
email: ccollier.venganzamarine@yahoo.com

web site: http://www.venganzamarine.com
SPECIFICATIONS AS SUPPLIED BY MANUFACTURER

Specs:
Length: 12’9″
Beam: 53″
Draft: 4.5″
Dry Weight: 210 lbs
Occupancy: 2 people or 450 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 6.6 removable gas tank
Transom Height: 20″
Max Horsepower: 20HP
Max Engine Weight: 115lbs

Standard Features:
5 Year Limited Hull Structural Warranty
Custom Step Bottom Hull
All White Hull, Deck Gelcoat
Custom Full Deck Non-Skid
Vinyl Rub Rail
Bonded Hull and Deck Construction
Wide Deck Walks
3 Pull Up Cleat
Custom Deck Hatch Latches and Hinges
Stainless Hatch Latches and Hinges
(2) Rod Holders
15hp Manual Start
Standard Trailer (galvanized)

MSRP $9,850 Base Price with Standard Features

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