DALLAS (Feb. 16, 2011) - HydroWave is a new fishing electronics company, with professional anglers Kevin VanDam and Jeff Kriet among its business partners. Both men will have a HydroWave on their boats and in use at this week's Bassmaster Classic.
The easy to install and user-friendly HydroWave unit incorporates patented sound-emitting technology that effectively imitates the audible underwater sounds of baitfish and fish-feeding activities, of which research has proven to stimulate feeding impulses in game fish. The unit emits sound waves that predatory fish feel, hear and sense as natural baitfish activities, to "ignite a feeding frenzy."
HydroWave is the brainchild of successful Dallas businessman and competitive bass angler Gene Eisenmann. He introduced the concept to Robert Palmer, an engineer with extensive background in electronic product engineering and development, and owner of RHP Industries located in Aubrey, Texas. Together they designed and built the HydroWave.
Eisenmann contacted Kriet, a longtime fishing friend with electronics savvy, and VanDam, who has a known history of how fish react to sound, to team in the venture.
"I've always paid attention as to how fish seem to feed and respond to each other while in competition for food," VanDam said. "Like most bass fishermen who spend a lot of time on the water, I've witnessed situations where a school could be fired up by getting just one fish to bite. Igniting those kinds of flurries during a tournament day can be a huge advantage. HydroWave is about providing that stimulus for that first response to get things going."
With HydroWave, all of the sounds and sound loops come programmed into the unit's software; there is no loading of programs and/or sounds required. The unit measures approximately 4" x 4.5" x 1.5", and can either be mounted using a bracket or Velcro, both of which are provided. Construction features a durable injection-molded housing that is 100-percent waterproof. Ease of operation was a must-have from the beginning.
"Most electronics have way more choices than what a fisherman would ever need, much less remember how to use," said Kriet. "When fishing, I want to be able to push a button or two and get right back to casting. Trust me, HydroWave is built for simple operation."
HydroWave installation was also designed with simplicity in mind. The only wires involved are the power cord and speaker wires. Power comes from a 12-volt source on the boat and simply plugs into the unit. The unit mounts easily in the boat's bow area with the bracket or Velcro. Whatever the mounting choice, set up and takedown requires only a few seconds of time.
The HydroWave speaker is a true omnidirectional speaker. That means it outputs sound in all directions in an even pattern and wavelength, regardless of the trolling motor's direction. And HydroWave features a patented Frequency Amplification System that is specifically targeted to the volumes and frequencies of the proprietary Tactile Sound Transmissions that make this unit so unique.
The HydroWave's speaker mounts on the underside of a trolling motor's lower unit, fitting all models of trolling motors. The speaker housing is shaped so that it snugs up smoothly against the lower unit for a perfect fit, using the provided clamp. The front of the speaker housing is beveled and tapered to a front edge, enabling water flow down both sides and providing a deflective surface should it encounter underwater obstructions. The speaker housing, like the unit, is made to withstand all of the rigors of serious fishing. An optional transom mount is also available.
HydroWave is making its public debut at the 2011 Bassmaster Classic, Feb. 18 - 20, an appropriate venue since business partners VanDam and Kriet will be fishing head-to-head again at it, after finishing first and second, respectively, at last year's Classic. Both anglers will have fully functioning HydroWaves on their boats, and VanDam says the Louisiana Delta is a prime spot for the product.
"Delta bass have a tendency to school anyway, relating to tidal current and moving baitfish," said VanDam. "The February timeframe should have these fish on the move and I'm confident that when I hit pockets of fish, I'll be able to get them quite excited with my HydroWave."
"Kevin and I have been friendly rivals for years, so it's only appropriate that we go into this Classic as not just competitors, but also business partners with the same HydroWave advantage. I win this one and you'll hear me emitting my own sound waves from coast to coast."
The HydroWave is expected to be available on the market by late May, retailing for around $389.99 each. It will be sold through fishing dealers, sporting goods chains, boating and marine stores, and the HydroWave web site. Pre-orders are being accepted in advance of the product's availability.