AS SEEN IN THE SUMMER 2003 ISSUE

In our blue water arena, when you come face-to-face with a marlin, giant bluefin tuna or a mako shark, you better have your game face on!

All serious sports from the pee-wee to the professional level require serious commitment, preparation and safety considerations. Big game fishing is no exception and for whatever reason, has not always been recognized as an extreme sport. Those unaware of the dangers involved in battling or wiring big powerful fish need to be informed and educated by the professionals.

Over the last eight years and to the best of our knowledge, at least three of our own have lost their lives by being snatched over the side while leadering, wiring, or fighting a big, powerful fish. This is especially dangerous when you consider that an angler is literally strapped to a rod while tethered to a mad, adrenaline-filled, monster of the deep.

We know these unfortunate fishermen’s tragic stories and that of the families they’ve left behind and I am sure that there have been even more deaths in third world countries where news just doesn’t seem to travel as fast. However, there have been countless occurrences of mates and anglers who were pulled overboard and survived to tell their tales.

These are the fortunate ones. These past deaths and near death experiences were the inspiration that led Capt. Vinnie Donato to create the MateSaver® and AnglrSavr® Safety Fishing Harnesses which both meet the safety needs of mates and recreational anglers worldwide.

The concept of the MateSaver® and AnglrSavr® is very clear — to keep the mate or angler from being snatched overboard. To us, this concept is much like wearing a seatbelt or a helmet — you have a choice. This is what happens when you do — this is what happens if you don’t. The same theory applies to the MateSaver® and AnglrSavr®. Again, these fishing harnesses were designed to keep you in the boat, not to prevent all injuries so a variety of safety precautions should always be considered when big g a m e fishing. Good q u a l i t y marine footwear and a pair of wire/mono cutters should also be worn. Also make sure that everyone in the cockpit knows where a set of backup cutters are in case a guest needs to get you out of a tight spot. Ensure that all baits and lures are cleared from the cockpit and other equipment is cleared from the deck to avoid careless accidents from occurring. In addition, don’t wear jewelry.

It is up to you to take the necessary precautions. Personally though, when it comes to considering these safety harnesses, I know I would rather have a crushed hand or dislocated shoulder and still be in the boat, as opposed to being snatched into the water and facing almost certain death while strapped to an 80 or 130 and being dragged straight down. Let’s also not forget that incurring serious injuries by the boat or propellers should also be of great concern. Unfortunately, the most recent footage of home videos showing anglers or mates being violently pulled into the water should be a wake-up call to all who are involved with standup fishing and big game angling. How many more crew members do we need to lose before this sport wakes up and realizes that safety must be a part of every fishing trip.

Tragedy does not discriminate. Since the inception of MateSaver® & AnglrSavr® , the feedback from customers and retailers has been so positive that Donato decided to design a product line of stand up harnesses, inshore & offshore gimbal pads and various accessories that can be worn in tandem with these same safety harnesses. The entire product line falls under the umbrella of GameFace Gear®, The black belt of big game fishing. A new day has dawned in the big game fishing world. Just as all professional sports now require safety equipment, big game fishing should be no exception. With the introduction of MateSaver® and AnglrSavr®, safety in the cockpit is now an easy decision. Marlin magazine’s “Marlin University” recognizes MateSaver® as essential gear for all of their students during all aspects of instruction. MateSaver® is now considered standard equipment for any level of fishing instruction in their curriculum.

Danger in the cockpit is a reality. Accidents happen, be prepared. Make safety part of every fishing trip. Safety is a choice. Make the right decision and don’t leave the dock without your GameFace Gear!

For more information, call 1-877-600-3837
or write to:
GameFace Gear®
2234 N. Federal Hwy. #479 PMB
Boca Raton, FL 33431
or simply visit www.MateSaver.com

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