Reviewed this week
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GERBER
Principle
fixed blade knife
The Gerber Principle fixed blade represents a return to essential outdoor competence. Measuring 7.5 inches overall and weighing just 3.7 ounces, this knife achieves a proper balance between capability and packability that users will immediately appreciate.
The Principle's defining feature is its zero-edge Scandinavian grind - a single-bevel geometry that creates an extremely robust cutting edge. This design choice is invaluable in remote environments where knife failure isn't an option. The Scandi grind excels at controlled woodworking, from carving tent stakes to fashioning improvised tools, while remaining fairly easy to resharpen with even basic field stones.
Complementing the blade geometry is a precisely machined 90-degree spine designed explicitly for fire-starting with ferro rods. This feature transforms the Principle into a reliable ignition system, allowing users to generate sparks consistently even in adverse weather conditions. Combined with the versatile blade shape, the knife handles everything from shelter construction to slicing heavy mono to food prep.
The full-tang construction features rubber overmold scales engineered for comfort during prolonged use. Whether you're processing firewood or performing detailed carving work, the multi-grip handle ergonomics accommodate various hand positions without causing fatigue. Integrated lashing holes add versatility, enabling users to extend the handle or lash the knife to improvised spear shafts for specialized tasks.
The innovative triple-mounting sheath system ensures the Principle remains accessible regardless of your gear configuration. MOLLE compatibility integrates seamlessly with modern tactical packs, scout carry positions the knife horizontally for comfortable seated wear, and drop leg mounting provides quick access during active movement: the knife stays where you need it, whether you're hiking, paddling, or setting up camp.
Purpose-built to run the long haul, the Gerber Principle doesn't chase flashy features or tactical aesthetics. Instead, it delivers empowering functionality designed to overcome whatever circumstances the outdoors present. For serious outdoors persons seeking a dependable fixed blade that accomplishes tasks of all shapes and sizes, the Principle embodies exactly what its name suggests - fundamental utility refined through purposeful design.
Other things we liked:
At 3.7 ounces, it won't burden your pack.
Robust, lightweight polypropylene sheath that's very configurable.
Hits the sweet spot between a compact and full-sized knife.
The blade steel resists corrosion exceptionally well in saltwater environments, making it ideal for coastal fishing and marine applications.
Rinses clean quickly after saltwater exposure, and the rubber handle maintains excellent grip even when wet from ocean spray.
Highly recommended.
GRUNDENS
CrossCurrent
boat shoe
The CrossCurrent Boat Shoe demonstrates Grundéns’ understanding of what anglers truly need on the water. Priced at $99.99, this versatile shoe bridges the gap between dedicated fishing footwear and everyday wearability.
The lightweight mesh upper is the standout feature, drying rapidly so your feet won't stay waterlogged during long days on the water. Anyone who's suffered through soggy shoes on a boat knows how miserable that can be, and the CrossCurrent addresses this problem directly. The stretch-mesh tongue makes for easy on-and-off access, which is particularly convenient when transitioning from deck to dock. Comfort is a priority. The high-rebound midsole and sockliner work together to provide exceptional cushioning and support for marathon fishing sessions, and the ultra-soft lining allows for comfortable barefoot wear throughout the day.
The razor-siped gum rubber outsole delivers superior grip on wet surfaces without adding bulk, ensuring stable footing whether you're navigating slippery docks or moving around a pitching deck. Bonus: the non-marking sole won't leave scuffs on your boat's gelcoat.
For anglers seeking a comfortable, quick-drying shoe that performs on the water but doesn't look out of place grabbing lunch afterward, the CrossCurrent delivers solid value.
Other things we liked:
blood and dirt rinse off quickly
light weight
high quality construction
excellent ventilation makes this shoe a great choice for tropical fishing destinations
Highly recommended.
A Passion for Bonefish
by Ian Davis
In A Passion for Bonefish, Ian Davis delivers what can legitimately be described as the bonefishing bible. I think that one of his Eureka! moments came when he determined that true insight requires consulting experts - and he has assembled dozens of them.
A Visual and Literary Feast
Published by Wild River Press, this is a visually spectacular production. High-quality photography, including drone shots, offer an "osprey's view" of the flats, transporting readers to the warm, turquoise waters where bonefish thrive. Detailed illustrations enhance its value as an instructional tool, covering everything from knot-tying diagrams to reading water in varying conditions.
Davis writes with the authority of someone who has spent countless hours wading the tropics, scanning for telltale shadows and nervous water. His prose balances practical fishing wisdom with lyrical observations, never becoming overly technical. What distinguishes this book from other angling memoirs is Davis's genuine reverence for his subject - bonefish aren't merely quarry but worthy adversaries deserving admiration and respect.
Collective Wisdom
The book's true strength lies in contributions from dozens of top saltwater fly fishers, veteran guides, and scientists from the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT). This multi-contributor format offers a global perspective incorporating science, culture, and personal experiences.
Readers will find practical information on:
Where bonefish live and what they eat
Selecting the best tackle and flies (with images of specific patterns)
Reading flats in different light and wind conditions
The secrets of tides and moon phases
Effective teamwork with guides
In terms of material considered for the book, Davis leaves few (if any) stones unturned, as evidenced in chapter 25: Dressing and Packing for Success.
These digestible sections make it ideal as a reference guide for planning trips or refreshing knowledge before hitting the water.
Beyond the Catch
What elevates this book beyond a how-to manual is its deep conservation ethic. Davis's work with the Yellow Dog Community and Conservation Foundation (YDCCF) is highlighted, showcasing efforts to improve local communities through projects like school renovations and hurricane recovery. The book connects the thrill of the chase with the critical need to protect fragile ecosystems.
Through vivid descriptions of explosive takes and blistering runs, Davis conveys the addictive thrill that transforms casual anglers into devoted bonefishers. His accounts capture both the frustration of refusals and the pure joy of a perfect presentation - authentic stories of victories and defeats on the flats.
Universal Truths About Fishing
This book will resonate with anyone who understands that fishing becomes a lens through which we view the natural world and our place within it. A Passion for Bonefish captures something universal: the pursuit matters as much as the catch. Bonefishing is about the meditative quality of the stalk, communion with remarkable ecosystems, and the stories we gather along the way.
Whether you're a seasoned angler with decades of experience chasing "bones" or a newcomer dreaming of your first tropical flats trip, this book will fuel your obsession. It successfully balances technical aspects with the passion and artistry that define the sport - comprehensive, inspirational, and a beautiful testament to one of the ocean's most electrifying and elusive species.
One of my favorite lines appears as a subtitle on page 271, where, as usual, Davis generously shares information, but doesn't let anglers off easy: "The best days to catch those really big fish were the nastiest, coldest, windiest days out there." Interested in stalking bonefish?… some work and effort will be required.
Ian Davis has delivered a monumental work.
