Whether I’m boating, kayaking, or fishing the surf I rely on a go-to wrist watch to wear during my fishing season. Not only does it maximize my time on the water, but it is essential for the fishing I do. Knowing when the tides will turn while making sure I’m home or at work on time is a crucial part of my day. After years of wearing middling dive watches, which fell victim to the salt time and time again, I was ready for a change.
A key part of my search was finding a watch that offered the benefits of a dive watch but was without the oversized bezel that is uncomfortable to wear when wearing layers of clothes and can be bordering on cumbersome. I then came across the Sportfisher Black made by Hook and Gaff.
The Sportfisher Black is lightweight, easy to clean and sharp looking watch that can withstand the saltwater I’ve submerged it in countless times now. It utilizes a mb-microtec technology that provides 24-hour illumination of the dial’s hour markers and hands. The illumination technology allows me to easily check my watch before sunrise and well after sunset.
A subtle but very effective tweak is the unique dial placement of the Sportfisher. The crown was intentionally placed on the left side of the dial, which eliminates any wrist and skin irritation, which happens easily when fishing for many hours. I noticed this the most when tying knots, fighting fish, and packing my gear.
This is a performance-driven watch that offers the benefits of a dive watch, all while having the lean and clean look of a classy timepiece. Whether I am fishing the surf, out with friends, or in the office I feel great with my Sportfisher Black. For $500 this watch is well worth the investment for the hardcore angler. The comfortability, durability, and style checked all of my boxes which ended my search for a new watch.
Crown on left side does not work, watch will have to be off wrist to wind. Have worn watches for 70yrs. and have never had a problem with the crown irritating my wrist. And that is with over 60yrs. fishing the salt.