Bass Fishing Dec 2016 | Page 89

2017 BUYER’S GUIDE ANOTHER TOOL FOR SAFE FISH HANDLING If you’re culling, you’re having a good day, but the fish that you’re han- dling don’t enjoy the process as much as you. When done inefficiently, culling can force bass to be kept out of the livewell for an extended time, and some culling beams are rough on a bass’ mouth. You need a quick, safe system. One new example is Lew’s Speed Beam Culling System. It’s like a traditional culling beam, but instead of hooks that pierce the mouth to hold the fish, it features wide zinc-plated steel clips that grip the bass’ jaw. The beam costs about $20. lews.com The 10-foot Blade gets updated with a new stronger, more streamlined bracket. New Products from Power-Pole Even better performance from an already proven brand Power-Pole continues to enhance its lineup of shal- low-water anchors by improving performance of existing models and adding more user-friendly controls. The latter is primarily thanks to the Power-Pole C-Monster 2.0 control system, which now provides 10 times faster communication between the pump and controller and a stronger RF signal for extended range. A new iOS and Android app allows the system to be manned from a smartphone and includes a unique theft recovery feature. Elsewhere, Power-Pole has tweaked several of its most pop- ular models with new brackets, new finishes and the like. Of note is a new stronger, low-maintenance bracket design for the 10-foot Blade model and an enhanced hydraulic pump. The pump is more compact, replaces hydraulic tubing with hydraulic hoses, and can provide increased pressure to operate the poles. The pump will come with all hydraulic Power-Pole models. Check out power-pole.com for a complete breakdown of all the company’s shallow-water anchors. Better “guts,” including a new hydraulic pump (shown), improve all Power-Pole models. DECEMBER 2016 I FLWFISHING.COM 87