HOOKED ON THOUGHTS
Well , aren ’ t you lucky ? You get to take a break from all of the political drama and sit back with your tablet and check out your new favorite mag . We really packed this one full for you . In fact , it ’ s our thickest book yet , so it ought to keep you busy looking and learning for a while . Not only is it heavy on content , but it also marks the inaugural edition of our boat review issue . Boat review issues are always fun to work on , for obvious reasons . It means we get to go to boat shows , scrutinize all of the boats , talk to the movers and shakers in the boat-building industry , and occasionally , even take their boats out for a spin . Many people would consider that a pretty decent day at the office . And the purpose of it all is to bring our findings back to you . Now , we realize that for many people the most exciting part of buying a boat is the hunt . The weeks and often months of visiting marinas , reading reviews in various magazines , watching videos , wrestling with the pros and cons of different models , and going on sea trials can be all consuming – but when you love boats , it ’ s a freakin ’ blast . However , the research , the learning , the fantasizing about where you could fish if you had this boat or that one is all a very big part of doing your due diligence , before dropping such a big wad . As fun as it can be , it still takes a lot of intelligence gathering and time to end up with the right boat for you . And that ’ s where we can help . In this issue you ’ re going to get the low-down on 17 different boats . Many of which we had the pleasure of sea-trialing , others were closely examined at shows or during tours of their manufacturing facilities , but all of which we found to be impressive in their niche of the market . From first-time buyers looking for an ease-to-tow skiff that will take them where their waders can ’ t , to big-budget pros who will spare no expense to win their next tournament , there ’ s likely a boat in here for you . Of course , we couldn ’ t fill the entire magazine up with new boats – a sensory overload like that can ’ t be healthy . Instead , you ’ ll find that about half of our girth consists of entertaining editorials by the writers you ’ ve come to know as regulars in Hooked Up . For example , Capt . Jim Klopfer shares how you can catch more than a dozen different species of fish in a day , if you know where to go and what to use for bait . John Felsher explains the topwater tactics used by the pros to land lunker sea trout , including which topwater lures work best and how to work them . Another piece we ’ re especially proud of is by our own Bob Theriault , in which he introduces you to the gentleman who founded Overseas Fishing – a nonprofit that provides a free guided day of fishing for the men and women who serve our country in the armed forces . Bob invites us aboard , as they join Capt . Bouncer and three very deserving guest for a fun-filled day of offshore fishing . As always , there ’ s still much more . So please dig in ... and happy hunting !
Cheers ,
President John Robert
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Consulting Editor & Advisor Matt Draper
Art Director John Theriault
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Advertising Sales Consultants Brain Turner Bob Theriault Sue Redford Alex Rice Adam Nolin Carolyn Papak Brent Theriault Thadeus Simpson
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Associate Editor Sue Redford
Associate Designer Kalin Riley
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Accounting Carolyn Papak
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Photographers Capt . Jimmy Nelson John Theriault Bob Theriault
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Contributing Writers Dustin Catrett John N . Felsher Joe Piscus Jim Klopfer Bob Theriault Lauren Swoboda Peter Miller
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Hooked Up is published bimonthly . Subscriptions available for FREE . Sign up online at hookedupdesigns . com ____
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Matt Draper
4 HOOKED UP MARCH / APRIL 2017
© 2016 , Hooked Up Designs is published bimonthly and welcomes articles and photography about saltwater fishing throughout the State of Florida . Hooked Up reserves the right to edit in consideration of content and space available . Article and content herein represent observations and opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views of publishers . The use of excerpts or reproduction of this material is prohibited . Articles , questions , opinions and address changes should be directed to Hooked Up Designs by visiting the website at hookedupdesigns . com . All submitted articles , photos and other materials become the sole property of Hooked Up Designs , can be used at the editor ’ s discretion and will not be returned .
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