Proof Ball
Tired of hauling that tape measure and bump board, or embellishing the length and weight of your catch? Well, there’s a new product out there to keep you honest: the Proof Ball by Fishtechy. Utilizing the latest in AI technology along with a simple ball, when you take a picture of your catch it returns the length, girth, and estimated weight in seconds. It’s done through the Fishtechy app, which you can download from the App Store or Google Play. After you set up your profile all you need to do is go fishing. Then, with your catch in your kayak or boat, just lay the Proof Ball next to the fish and snap off a photo. The app will do the rest, it’s as simple as that. The app also includes Fishtechy Contests (set up your own tournament of sorts), Smart Log (keep track of all your catches), and Citizen Science (opt in to share anonymous catch data with fisheries management organizations) functions. Best of all Fishtechy is a way to limit the time a fish is out of the water. Whether you’re holding the fish horizontally while a friend snaps the photo, or while the fish is still in the net, just snap the photo and the fish can go right back into the water. Price: Starts at $30. Visit Fishtechy and you’ll never lie about the size of your catch again. (Wait, what?!?) - By Eric Packard
Cobra Bluebound 650 VHF Radio
If you’re on the lookout for a new handheld VHF radio, the Cobra Bluebound 650 is one you need to check out before making any decisions. This model is GPS-equipped, so you can activate Digital Selective Calling. Then, should you ever need to hail the Coast Guard in case of an emergency, they’ll automatically know your exact GPS location in an instant. The radio boasts a 12-hour battery life via its internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery; floats and sets off a strobe light if dropped into the water; and has Bluetooth capabilities so you can use it hands-free with a headset or connect it with your phone. The Bluebound 650 is waterproof to IPX7 standards and when we tried it out we found it comfortable in hand and easy to use. Price: $249.95. Grab one to seriously boost your safety margin. Bonus Cool Factor: the Cobra folks donated a Bluebound 650 to our 2026 Fish For a Cure auction—thank you, Cobra, for helping people in the battle against cancer!
Drag Set Go
Have you ever wondered about setting the drag on your fishing reels? Scale-setting them is the best way to stop guessing, but it’s also difficult and time-consuming. Until now, thanks to Drag Set Go. Their calibrated smart digital tool does all the work for you. Simply turn the unit on, set to the pound test line that is on your reel, and pick one of the percentages of drag (the preferred is 25 to 33 percent). Then attach the line to Drag Set Go and start the pull test. You can test the reels’ drag by placing your rod in the rod holder on your boat, or simply test the reel itself without the rod. Price: $129.99 to stop guessing and start setting. - By Eric Packard
American Snakehead Customs Apex Blade
The American Snakehead Customs 3/8oz Apex Blade catches fish. Period. With its 5/0 Extra Wide Gap Hook I’m calling the bait a must-have for your tackle box. I’ve used this chatterbait to catch largemouth bass and best of all, snakehead. The Gold Mine color works great in stained conditions, giving off a vibrant gold flash as it vibrates through the water. The bait comes in eight different colors and features a wire-tied skirt that stays in place even after the fish chew on it. Price: $12.99. Mine for gold at American Snakehead Customs. - By Eric Packard