The GoPro and other miniature video cameras are becoming as commonplace on bass boats as Power-Poles. These cameras capture live action video of fishing action that you and your friends and family can enjoy for years to come.
The biggest drawback with mini cams is that their batteries die after a few hours of recording. That usually happens just before you set the hook and land the heaviest bass of the season.
YOLOtek has put an end to that perplexing problem with their PowerStick. This device plugs into any 2- or 3-pin navigation light port and provides constant power to a mini cam from your boat’s battery.
The top of the PowerStick is fitted with a sturdy ball-and-joint camera mount, which lets you easily angle the camera wherever you wish. Plug the camera into one of the two USB ports located just below the mount and you’re good to go.
You have two models to choose from, both of which are constructed from aircraft grade anodized aluminum. The longer PowerStick extends from 32.5 to 53 inches. It comes with twist lock and threaded locking collars to ensure a proper fit in any standard navigation port. (T-H Marine markets this product as the YOLOtek AquaStick.)
The twist lock will hold the PowerStick rigged with a GoPro up to 50 mph on smooth water. The threaded collar will hold securely at speeds up to 70 mph.
The smaller 12-inch PowerStick comes with a mount for a smart phone. This lets you charge your phone on the water and use it to shoot videos. The 12-inch PowerStick does not extend, nor does it come with a twist lock or threaded collar. It should not be used while the boat is on plane.
Because the top of either PowerStick’s ball-and-joint mount is fitted with a standard 1/4-inch, 20-thread tripod mount, it lends itself to holders for a smart phone, a variety of mini cams and YOLOtek’s PowerLight-Solo. When fixed on the 53-inch extending PowerStick, the PowerLight-Solo is bright enough to light up the deck of your boat. It has high, medium and low settings, plus a strobe setting that sends a continuous SOS signal in case of an emergency.
The price varies depending on where you buy a PowerStick. Expect to pay around $50 for the 12-inch model and $120 or more for the 53-incher.
