FISH LOCATORS

Originally published in our Fall 2000 edition

Every October we make a 3-day trip down to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, or St. Cloud, Minnesota, to plan our tackle stocking purchases for the following summer. We talk to dozens of reps from the major lure manufacturers about their new models, sizes, and hot colors. After we meet with Rapala, Mepps, Daredevle, Berkley, Blue Fox, and the others, we move on to the non-tackle reps. We buy rope from Crowe, lifejackets from Sterns, stoves and fuel from Coleman, and on, and on, and on.

Towards the end of our "male's idea of power shopping," we stumbled into a rep from Vexlar: the "fishfinder" company. We chatted a moment, and he wanted to show us his line of equipment. We explained that as a canoe trip outfitter, we didn't really get into those items because of their weight and bulky size. Because of our ultra-lightweight outfitting philosophy, every ounce counts. "Gee, that's too bad" he replied, "for your customers, I mean. I'll bet there's more than one fella that's paddled right over spots you've told him about and never gets a bite."

"Sure, it happens all of the time." As soon as I said it, I instantly knew he had us!

"Well, we are introducing a new product that weighs less than two-and-a-half pounds. and is smaller than some CD-players. One set of batteries lasts about a week. The unit is totally sealed and waterproof. The shortest scale is 0-5 feet and goes down from there through four steps. Think this would help out some of your folks?"

He had us! We ordered on the spot.

Our new Vexilar loactors rent for $10/day or $60/week (includes a fresh set of batteries). Just make the notation on your reservation form under "Tech Rentals."