Oh baby, it’s cold outside. Perfect day for a boat ride…. or show. While the snow and cold may have kept the crowds down the first few days of the show, the Javits Center was hopping with activity over the weekend. New models from multiple manufacturers like Grady White, Regulator, and Hobie, along with a slew of products and seminars had the 2014 show live up to its reputation.
New Regulator 23
The household name for high end center console boats, Regulator has redesigned its calling card 23 foot model. The biggest difference in the new design is the lack of a step as walking up to the bow. New configuration of storage, fish boxes, and head allow for a sleek deck of this sure to be classic. The boat show circuit model was supposed to be ready for NY, but will debut at the Miami Boat Show in mid February.
New Grady-White 251 CE (Coastal Explorer)
The new 251CE has the comforts of an inshore boat, yet can handle the range and conditions needed to get offshore. One of the lowest profiles in the Grady-White family, low gunwales make for easy access to fish and casting nets. A generous 8’6” beam and 10 passenger capacity make this one of the perfect family and friends fishing vessels on the market.
Improvement on a Classic
For those that don’t need an engine to get on the fish, Hobie’s Mirage Pro Angler 14 has enough standard features and add-ons to make it feel like a 32’ with triple screws. The MirageDrive allows for forward motion with each stroke of the foot pedals and smart engineering furnishes just about every need of the kayak fisherman at an arm’s length. Vantage seating with lumbar support makes for a comfortable angling session. One of the cooler features I noticed is the optional battery powered livewell. Who’s ready for a Nantucket sleigh ride?
Something’s Rattling
It was more than his years chasing stripers, knowing the structure on his home fishing ground, and just that sixth sense fishermen have that gets World Record Holder Greg Meyerson on big fish trip after trip. In his recently formed venture, Fish Call Company with Captain Frank Crescitelli (Owner of Guidessecret Fishing Gear), Meyerson is now offering his patented rattle sinkers, floats, and soon bucktails with stinger hooks. He’s perfectly replicated the sound of lobsters walking on the rocks by listening from his stethoscope to crayfish in his home aquarium. On the norther coast of Connecticut where his 81.8 record was caught, the cows choice of baits are lobster. The experience of Crescitelli and his background in being one of the top charter captains and lure designers in the game is bringing anglers some really exciting choices for the 2014 season.
The off season shows are really a fun distraction during the winter months. For those in the market for a boat there are truly some amazing deals if you’re ready to pull the trigger. The seminars, giveaways, and discounts on a wide range of gear are well worth the ticket price.