Well, here we have my review of the Dakota Angler II Watch.
With all this talk of minimalism in fishing I thought it would be interesting to see what this little gadget can do. For the most part it is a fancy watch and this is essentially why I wanted one. I don’t like wearing a watch when I am fishing, not that I don’t like knowing the time – I just don’t like anything on my wrists, i am funny that way. Consequently to find out the time I have got to take my mobile phone with me – this means I am contactable – I don’t like that. This is the watch details
Award Winning Dakota Design!
Considered by many to be our flagship outdoor design, the Angler II has everything the avid fisherman could want in a timepiece.• Integrated Hook Sharpener
• Attached Stainless Steel Nippers
• 100 Feet Water Resistant
• Domed Mineral Glass Crystal
• Solid Aluminum Construction
• Champagne Sunray Dial
• Titanium Finish Solid Aluminum Case
• Miyota Analog / Digital Movement
• Alarm / Stopwatch / Date
• Lighted Digital Display
• Luminescent Hands
• Luminescent Hour Markers
• Integrated Aluminum Carabiner
• Ultra Bright L.E.D. Microlight
• Precise Japan Compass
• Integrated Celsius / Fahrenheit Thermometer
First Impressions
It was slightly bigger than I expected, the photos on the Dakota site make it look a lot smaller – my initial impression when I saw it was “this thing is going to be heavy†I was pleasantly surprised when I held it in my hand. The watch comes in a waterproof plastic box which the packaging claims can be used for storing items such as keys and…..wait for it….Cigars. I think it gets an extra point for that one. To be honest though I doubt I will use the box as it is a little big for my tastes – it is one of those things that will sit around in my spare tackle box until one day I will find a use for it.
It sits comfortably in the palm of my hand and my earlier worries about the weight were unfounded. I weighed it on my digital scales and it came in at 88g.
Your waders or waistcoat will probably have an attachment that the watch can be easilly fisxed to. On my waders I never attach anything but if you are going to be fishing without a waistcoat then the little clips can be useful. My wader clips have been crying out for something for a while now and the watch sits comfortably and does not get in the way. If you are not wearing a waistcoat and keeping tackle to a minimum then the watch is a handy little tool to have. The watch is attached with it s own little clip (shown in picture at bottom of page)This brings us on quite nicely to the actual features of the watch.
The Features
- Integrated Hook Sharpener - I thought this was pretty pointless, that was until I seen where it was placed.It sits out the way and yes, I can see myself using it.
- Attached Stainless Steel Nippers - This means I you dont have to attach your nippers to a Lanyard freeing up a space. Great!
- 100 Feet Water Resistant - Duh - it has got to be. If it was not then it would last around 10 min
- Titanium Finish Solid Aluminum Case - It looks classy - My waders are now “pimped” - it goes with my classy reels.
- Lighted Digital Display - I thought the light was pretty poor. To be fair though if it was pitch black you would make out the time with it.
- Ultra Bright L.E.D. Microlight - This little red light can be seen around a km away seemingly. A useful little addon - especially if someone is looking for you. It is not a substitute for a decent light though.
- Precise Japan Compass - I have always wanted a compass - my sense of direction is hopeless - it will be good to know what direction the wind is blowing from for the diary. Or when I listen to the weather forecast i will be able to work it out on the river.
- Integrated Celsius / Fahrenheit Thermometer - Another neat little addon. I used to carry around a thermometer that I can now ditch.
There are severel places you can pick one of these watches up.
Dakota Angler Watch Company - you can buy direct from source.
Ebay UKÂ - has them every now and again.
Ebay US - usually has a good amount.
