The tape tells: Fish tales just got a little tougher to embellish when the tape to measure your catch is built right into the net. The retractable Handi-Measure attaches to an adjustable strap to fit all net handles and pulls out to size up fish up to 36 inches. It also swivels to measure another angler's catch. $13.95 at fly shops or at Web site.

Lotion glove: Just because you have a green thumb doesn't mean you deserve dirt-stained fingernails spring through fall. Cincinnati's UpCountry Products has whipped up 4-ounce tubes of YardGlove, a non-greasy natural mixture barrier lotion (no silicone or petroleum) with a light cucumber scent. We tried just a dollop on hands (with and without gloves), feet and knees and came away clean after a day of digging and soap-and-water wash-up. About 100 applications per tube. $8.95 at Benkens, Bloomin' Garden, Burger's, Curious Garden, Delhi, Hader Hardware, Mariemont Garden Center, Meyer Hardware, Moeller Nursery, Nann's Florist, Natorp's and White Oak or Web site.

Flying gear: Spring winds are at their best for launching a good old-fashioned kite. But the new-fangled gear punches up the fun quotient considerably. There are no tears or tangled string with the Skywinder's 350 feet of 50-pound string in an easy-wind case. $14.99. And the frameless ripstop nylon Konvertible Kite folds into its own 6-by-6-inch carrying case with belt loop for portable flight paths. $9.99. Both at King Arthur's Court, Oakley. 531-4600.