National Fisherman

March Spotlight:

Gear and Apparel

Presented by:

Gear & Apparel

West Marine files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but plans restructuring. Photo courtesy of West Marine

West Marine files for bankruptcy, plans restructuring

NF Staff

When Starlink Marine came online in late 2023 or early 2024, commercial fishing vessels ranging from freezer trawlers to lobster boats took advantage of the comparatively cheap satellite connectivity. Photo by Network Innovations

Satellite connectivity shifts rock the marine industry

Paul Molyneaux

The Garmin quatix 7 Pro is built for the marine environment and possesses a number of features useful to commercial fishermen, including connectivity to Garmin electronics, auto-pilot control, and engine alerts, to name a few. Photo by Garmin

Built for the boat: Garmin’s quatix 7 Pro

Paul Molyneaux

A pair of young fishermen aboard the scallop vessel F/V Freedom out of New Bedford choose the Showa 477 gloves for comfort and dexterity, but the fastest shuckers on the boat stick with Maritek and Hycron. Photo by Asher Molyneaux

Showa 477 gains popularity among scallopers

Paul Molyneaux

White Glacier believes it has made a superior extreme cold immersion suit that meets and exceeds the polar code, the Arctic 10+. The suit utilizes three layers to provide thermal protection, has a splash tent. Photo by White Glacier

Going to extremes with the Arctic 10+ immersion suit

Paul Molyneaux

Lake fishermen in Finland seining vendace (cisco) from under the ice can be seen using the Jokasafe mittens, which are popular due to their warmth and durability. “We’d like to get into the North American market,” says company manager Ville Sulkakoski. Ph

Jokasafe brings durable cold-weather gloves to North America

Paul Molyneaux

Garmin’s newly introduced Force Pro trolling motor is already making waves in the sportfishing world but could be just as beneficial for working fishermen navigating tight harbors, choppy waters, or shifting tides. Photo by James Kirkikis on Shutterstock

Power and precision for commercial fishermen’s skiffs

Carli Clancy

Lee Fisher International has brought a new 12-inch boot to the shrimp boot market, with the addition of a 16-inch-tall version, both at a price it believes will attract value-conscious fishermen. Photo by Lee Fisher

Lee Fisher International’s new Cajun Reeboks

Paul Molyneaux

Fishing boats in Seattle, WA. Photo by Ian Dewar Photography

Kongsberg and Viam bring AI to sonar fish finding

Carli Clancy

Never worry about your safety gear again with REDDE. Photo courtesy of REDDE Marine Safety

REDDE Marine: Taking the stress out of fishing safety

Carli Clancy

Knowing how to don and doff a survival suit and enter the water can make a difference in an emergency. Fishing Partnership is one of several organizations around the US coast that offer fishermen free training on how to handle themselves in a survival sui

The gear fishermen can’t afford to leave behind

Paul Molyneaux