Ben Brown, Presenter of his own fishing show 'Built To Fish TV' & J.A.F Angler. Ben is a talented angler and adventurer and knows how to get on to some trophy-sized snapper, kingfish & Marlin. We thought it would only be fitting that we get Ben to go over the five salty essentials that he can't go without when it comes to being on the water, chasing moochers.
JAF 4-WAY STRETCH CREWMAN SHORTS
I’ve been living in my trusty crewman shorts all season. From North Cape to Kona they have been the perfect fishing short - with 4 way stretch combined with their quick-drying properties ensures all-day comfort and they are hard wearing and easy to clean, perfect for multi-day fishing adventures. I’m a big fan of the magnetic closures on the pockets which I’m sure has saved my phone on more than one occasion! They’re not out of place at the game club either, my favourite piece of apparel!
GO PRO HERO8 BLACK
GoPro has continued to raise the bar in the action camera market and their latest addition to the stable is no exception. Don’t be fooled by its small size, these cameras are packed full of broadcast-quality features. I never leave shore without my GoPro and have captured everything from stunning sunrises to underwater Marlin meatballs with it.
GARMIN QUATIX 5 WATCH
Up until owning a Quatix, I have never been much of a watch wearer but now I wouldn’t be without it. Not only is the Quatix a stylish timepiece it also gives me full boating functionality at my fingertips. I can get realtime boat data, control my Garmin autopilot and even change songs on my Fusion Marine Stereo all from my watch! Definitely adds a James Bond feel to my fishing!
BONZE RAMBO LURE IN ANGRY SQUID
I think every game fisherman has one lure that always has a place in their spread, for me its the Bonze Rambo in Angry Squid colour. This little lure has been responsible for more Marlin captures on my Surtees than any other and will always have a spot behind the boat. During last year NZ Sportfishing Nationals we had a dream day landing three Striped Marlin in a day, the Rambo accounted for two of them. If there’s one lure I would recommend above all others the Bonze Rambo in Angry Squid is it.
YETI HOPPER FLIP 18
Not all coolers are created equal and Yeti has cemented themselves as world leaders in the cool storage game. The Yeti Hopper Flip 18 has been a total game-changer for me - constructed with a comfortable, hard wearing soft exterior is light and portable making it perfect to transport in boats and cars as well as being the ideal companion for those weekends away camping. Its ice storing capabilities are almost mystical and easily out perform other hardshell coolers on the market. With enough capacity for 11kg of ice or 20 cans of beer, it has enough volume to carry a big day's refreshments or enough lunch for a hungry boat crew without the weight and bulk normally associated with chilly bins.