Start the new boating season off right with the Ultimate 4-Stroke Outboard from Suzuki. Buy during our Spring Sales Event and get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Extended Protection at no extra charge.There are Instant Savings on select models, and Low-Rate Financing is also available. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details.
3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection
Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.
INST
ANT SAVIN GS SAV
E RIG SELECT H SUZU T NOW O KI OU TBOA N RDS
REPOWER FINANCE
Instant Savings on select models when you buy during this promotion. See your dealer for details.
REPOWER FINANCE Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]
To learn more, visit www.suzukimarine.com.
251.968.2628
6940A HIGHWAY 59 | GULF SHORES, AL 36542 HWY 59 @ COUNTY RD. 8 Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19 in accor-dance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledge-ment letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine. com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. (Suzuki will, in turn, credit Dealer’s parts account.) There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2019 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
SZ_Q2 Promo_1PGDlr_WIP.indd 1
3/5/19 11:11 AM
THE SOUTH’s METAL ROOFING HEADQUARTERS 7 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU
20
Troy Meridian 65
DIXIESUPPLY.COM Eight Mile, AL Theodore, AL Meridian, MS Summerdale, AL
BAKERMETALWORKS.COM 10
Eight Mile
Theodore
Baker
Summerdale
Fountain
Troy, AL Baker, FL Fountain, FL
METAL ROOFING & SIDING | 20 COLORS | 29 & 26 GAUGE | 5 PROFILES
FINANCING NOW AVAILABLE
A-Team Fishing Adventures I N S H O R E G U I D E S E RV I C E Mobile Bay + Mobile Delta + Dauphin Island
3 TIME ALABAMA INSHORE TRAIL CHAMPION MULTIPLE REDFISH TOUR WINS
USCG LICENSED
Capt. Bobby Abruscato
(251) 661-7696 www.ateamfishing.com
35 YEARS EXPERIENCE
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 3
HUNTING & FISHING IN ALABAMA & THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE
FEATURES 8
8
30
16
48
FAVORITE SUMMER BASS LURES FOR MARK DANIELS JR. By Charles Johnson
13 16
BEACH FISHING HOT SPOTS FOR ANY BUDGET: SUMMER By David Thorton
20
HUNTING WILD HOGS AT NIGHT TOOLS AND TACTICS OF THE TRADE By Rhett Hooper
24
STATE RECORD SHEEPSHEAD FOR ALABAMA A LIFETIME IN THE MAKING By Patric Garmeson
27 30
GETTING THE EARLY MORNING BITE RIGHT By Ed Mashburn
34
BUYING HUNTING LAND: HOW HUNTING LAND LOANS ARE DIFFERENT By Great Days Outdoors Staff
QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BUYING WATERFRONT PROPERTY AT THE BEACH OR INLAND By John E. Phillips
IN EVERY ISSUE
HOW TO FIND AND TAKE A BIG BUCK THIS FALL By John E. Phillips
51
Bets 6 Best by William Kendy
FISHING OUTLOOKS
36
New Gear for Outdoorsmen by Great Days Outdoors Staff
56
Pier and Shore by David Thornton
40
The Gun Rack Coyotes and Cartridges
58
Gulf Coast by Mike Thompson
42
From the Commissioner Gulf Red Snapper Headed Toward State Management
60
Regional Freshwater by Alex Granpere
44
Hunting Heritage Don’t Let The Old Man: An Inspiring 91 Year Old
64
Prime Feeding Times, Moon, Sun, and Tide Charts
46
From the Director Are You a Biologist or Did You Simply Stay at a Holiday Inn Express Last Night?
68
Pensacola Motorsports Trophy Room
70 72 73
Great Days Kids Corner
74
Late Bait by Jim Mize
Fishing 48 Paddle Be Quiet! Noise on the Kayak is the Enemy by Ed Mashburn
51 4 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Camphouse Kitchen by Hank Shaw
Classifieds & Fishin' Guides Fishing Tips by Captain Phillip Criss
PROPERTY PHOTO HERE
PROPERTY PHOTO HERE
Seven Bridges Road Farm
PRICE REDUCED! Motivated Seller - Trophy Hunting Property
The Seven Bridges Road Farm is located in Alabama’s fertile Black Belt soil region along the Catoma Creek drain basinHERE that consists of thousands PROPERTY TEXT of acres of bottomland hardwoods and joined by very productive farm land and is considered to host some of the best trophy deer, turkey, and waterfowl hunting in the Southeast. As you ride through the property you see a very diverse wildlife habitat from mature bottomland hardwoods that provide a great source for mast bearing trees for maximum wildlife growth, mature natural pines, and fallow farm fields for wildlife bedding.
Lakefront lodge, trophy deer, turkey, quail, & dove hunting, plus convenient isolation... less than an hour from Mobile and 45 minutes from I-65. Mature whitetail here rival some of the largest in the PROPERTY TEXT HERE country. Game fenced for over 10 years, stocked w/strong genetics, intensively managed for trophy bucks. Improved road & trail system, including a full perimeter road along the high fence, large established game fields, strategically placed stands & shooting houses throughout the property. 3.5 acre fishing lake w/covered pier is stocked w/ bass & bream, steps from the waterfront lodge, w/ wrap around porches, 3BR & 2BA (including a master suite), fireplace, lg den w/cathedral ceiling, & renovated kitchen. Abundant storage in the lodge along w/the double carport & nearby barns and sheds. The timber value is strong, consisting of a mixture of mature, merchantable hardwood & pine, & a year-round creek crosses the property, providing an ample water source for wildlife.
Montgomery County, Alabama, 858+/-Acres
Alabama Listings COUNTY Autauga Autauga Autauga Autauga Autauga Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Barbour Barbour Barbour Barbour Bibb Bibb Blount Blount Blount Blount Blount Bullock Bullock Butler Butler Calhoun
ACRES 535 317.65 240 116 116 3636 1995 492 425 159 346 200 179 111 98.6 30 60 50 5.46 3.76 2.02 80 48.6 395 54 102
Calhoun Calhoun Calhoun Calhoun Chilton Choctaw Choctaw Choctaw Choctaw Choctaw Clarke Clarke Clarke Clarke Clarke Clay Clay Clay Clay Clay Cleburne Cleburne Cleburne Cleburne Coffee Coffee
100 26.91 25 22.5 221 269 216 107 25 20 526 520 220 54 49 160 117 80 42 40 377 80 57 56.48 254 6
COUNTY Colbert Colbert Colbert Colbert Colbert Conecuh Conecuh Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa Covington Covington Crenshaw Cullman Cullman Cullman Dale Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Elmore Elmore Elmore
ACRES 40 36 36 25 2 40 10 440 151 62 45 331 43 134 876.25 289 170 340 600 463.54 140 82.73 64 450 450 342
Elmore Elmore Escambia Escambia Etowah Etowah Etowah Fayette Fayette Fayette Fayette Fayette Franklin Franklin Franklin Franklin Franklin Greene Greene Greene Hale Hale Hale Hale Hale Henry
264 213 671.6 27 275 167.3 57 260 232 155 133 90 608 563 552 165 118 90 1 0.72 186 114 96 92 88 200
COUNTY Henry Jefferson Jefferson Jefferson Jefferson Jefferson Lamar Lamar Lamar Lamar Lamar Lauderdale Lauderdale Lawrence Limestone Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes Macon Macon Madison Marengo Marengo Marion
Washington County, Alabama, 480+/-Acres
ACRES 104.5 400 330 245 125 94 192 136 104 92 80 60 30 80 1.36 1181 1013 790 783 656 930 60 100 772 264 387
Marion Marion Marion Marion Mobile Mobile Mobile Mobile Mobile Monroe Monroe Monroe Monroe Monroe Montgomery Montgomery Montgomery Montgomery Montgomery Morgan Morgan Perry Perry Perry Perry Perry
325 250 215 120 1800 260 249 200 192 790 378.49 271.5 129 67 858 697 623 500 430 150 41 604.33 386 200 189 90.5
COUNTY ACRES Pickens 837 Pickens 513 Pickens 450 Pickens 430 Pickens 150 Pike 352.8 Pike 80 Randolph 407 Randolph 329 Randolph 78 Randolph 60 Randolph 52.4 Russell 1403 Russell 711.35 Russell 692.31 Saint Clair 296 Saint Clair 100 Saint Clair 29 Saint Clair 14.28 Shelby 458 Shelby 253 Shelby 163.82 Shelby 93 Shelby 43.56 Sumter 740 Sumter 350
Sumter Sumter Sumter Talladega Talladega Talladega Talladega Talladega Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa
240 213 188 1314 1015 882 723.5 327 163 153 81 72.21 71
COUNTY ACRES 233 Walker 65 Walker Washington 1287.41 Washington 1261 Washington 480 Washington 313 Washington 240 2365 Wilcox 2.5 Wilcox 0.5 Wilcox 0.5 Wilcox 84 Winston
INNOVATIVE LAND PROFESSIONALS
855.NLR.LAND
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 5
BEST BETS
BEST BETS FOR JUNE These are our top targets for hunters and fishermen this month! BY WILLIAM KENDY
DOCK SHOOTING ON WEISS LAKE
According to Weiss Lake Crappie Guide Captain Lee Pitts (256-390-4145) by June most of the crappies have moved out of the channel water and headed towards the main lake but may make a detour to “heal up a little and feed up” by docks, rafts or even deeper water brush piles and this is when “dock shooting” comes into play. Pitts favors the Bobby Garland Slab Slay’R or the Baby Shad in a 1/24 or 1/32 ounce size because the light head and streamlined body shape allows it to skip well over the water and on a slow fall it still has good action. He also recommends using four to six pound test high visibility line.
VOLUME 23, ISSUE 6 JUNE 2019 PUBLISHED BY: Great Days Outdoors Media, L.L.C. PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Joe Baya ASSISTANT EDITOR: Bill Kendy CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Wendy Johannesmann ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Samatha Hester
CONTRIBUTING FREELANCE WRITERS: Chris Blankenship Daryl Bell Alex Granpere Craig Haney Charles Johnson Ed Mashburn Doug Max Greg McCain
GETTING YOUR HOGS IN A ROW
It has been said that the definition of luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Successful night hog hunters knows that the harder and smarter they prepare for the hunt, the luckier they seem to get.
John E. Phillips Corky Pugh Chuck Sykes Mike Thompson David Thornton Jim Barta Jim Mize Deneshia Larson
Patrick Garmeson Hank Shaw Joe Baya Don Green Babe Winkelman Bobby Abruscato J. Wayne Fears
Great Days Outdoors (USPS 17228; ISSN 1556-0147) is published monthly at 951 Government Street B, Mobile, AL 36604. Subscription rate is $24 for one-year, $40 for two-years, and $55 for three-years. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stapleton, Ala. and additional mailing offices.
Rhett Hooper in his article “Hunting Wild Hogs at Night: Tools and Tactics of the Trade” in this issue covers many of the things you need to consider when preparing for your night hog hunt ranging from caliber and bullet selection, to rate of barrel twist, types of rifles, suppressors, night vision and thermal devices and even suggestions on time of the year and time of the day to hunt.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Great Days Outdoors 951 Government Street B, Mobile, AL 36604 SUBSCRIBERS: All subscriptions begin the first issue for the month following receipt of payment, if payment received by the 15th. Great Days Outdoors assumes no responsibility for delivery after magazines are mailed. All delivery complaints should be addressed to your local postmaster.
ALABAMA COASTAL FISHING BUFFET
June Alabama pier and shore fishing offers anglers the chance to catch a variety of fish, including king and Spanish mackerel, redfish, jack crevalle, ladyfish, flounder, whiting and even pompano. The highest success comes from fishing early and late For pier fishing mackerel, seven to nine foot rods with some backbone and reels spooled with a 250 yards or 20 pound line and a wire leader are the ticket but lighter gear works for other species. For surf fishing, use rods capable of casting three to five ounce weights with medium large capacity reels or lighter rigs for lure sight casting. See Beach Fishing Hot Spots for Any Budget: Summer and Pier and Shore Forecast in this issue.
6 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
CONTACT US: EDITORIAL | JoeBaya@GreatDaysOutdoors.com ADVERTISING | SamHester@greatdaysoutdoors.com SUBSCRIPTIONS | Accounting@GreatDaysOutdoors.com Great Days Outdoors Media c/o Container Yard 951 Government Street B, Mobile, AL 36604 877. 314. 1237 info@GreatDaysOutdoors.com www.GreatDaysOutdoors.com All rights reserved. Reproduction of contents is strictly prohibited without permission from Great Days Outdoors Media, LLC.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GREATDAYSOUTDOORS WWW.TWITTER.COM/TEAMGREATDAYS WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/GREATDAYSOUTDOORS
86th Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo
www.ADSFR.com
86
Dauphin Island, AL
July 13th
61st Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament
July 18th
Live music following the Liars Contest
July 19th-21st
86th Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo
Over $500,000 in Cash and Prizes 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Prizes Awarded for 30 Species King Mackerel and Snapper Jackpots • Multiple Cash Prize Divisions Weigh-in an ADSFR legal fish for a chance to win a Contender, Yamaha motor, and trailer package.
4 DAYS OF FREE MUSIC!
5
FAVORITE SUMMER BASS LURES FOR MARK DANIELS JR.
Bass Pro Tour angler discusses his favorite bass lure for summer fishing. BY CHARLES JOHNSON
8 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
FISHING
I will stick with basic colors that will allow me to fish most any situation I encounter. Growing up in southern California, Mark Daniels Jr. learned about fishing from his dad. Daniels now calls Tuskegee home. When not on the BPT Tournament Trail, Daniels can be found fishing Lake Martin and the Coosa River lakes where bass can be caught year-round. In 2013, he won The Bass Federation National Championship where he competed the next season on the FLW Tour. Daniels qualified for the B.A.S.S Elite Tour in 2017. He took the firstplace Elite trophy on Lake Oahe in SD in 2018. “Summer bass fishing on any lake can be tough,” comments Daniels. “But, during the summer months that’s a tough time of year. Bass can be finicky and sometimes a challenge to locate.” After the spawn and the weather heats up, bass fishing on many lakes gets tough. Early morning can offer a brief period of some action and a short reprieve from the heat. However, certain lures and techniques can help anglers fill out limits of bass during the summer doldrums. GETTING ON TOP EARLY The start of a new day on the lake in the summer is the perfect
time for some topwater action. Daniels mentions that every bass angler needs a couple of topwater baits for early action. Bass will school up shallow and feed in a frenzy creating plenty of surface action. “A topwater stick bait, popper or buzzbait is a good choice for action early in the day,” reports Daniels. Main lake points near deep water are areas to target first. Long flat points are other areas for topwater action. Bass will push shad and other baitfish up on the point to make them easier to ambush. Look for gulls or other birds that may be diving to the water to feed on the shad. A medium-heavy rod with a fast-action tip is prime gar for topwater lures. A quality casting reel spooled with Seaguar braided line is the choice for Daniels. The braid transfers hook-setting energy to the lure, especially on long casts. On large reservoirs, small, quiet shallow pockets can hold bass early. Fish your way to the back while looking for any baitfish activity. Lure color is generally not critical in topwater baits. Shad or perch colors are common choices for anglers on most lakes. In clear water Daniels usually will cast a solid white stickbait or shad colored popper. SHAKE, RATTLE AND CAST One lure Daniels always has tied on for summer bass catching is the original Rat-L-Trap, which is the original lipless crankbait. He says the lure is versatile and can be fished using several
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 9
Five Favorite Summer Bass Lures for Mark Daniels Jr.
different methods. Common sizes for Daniels are a or ½-ounce or ¾ ounce but sometimes he will drop down to a ¼ ounce Tiny Trap depending on the water clarity and baitfish size.
“I like the old-style colors of the chrome/blue back or chrome/ black back,” Daniels reports. ‘When the bass are schooling keep the traps moving.”
“Anglers don’t need a ton of colors in the Rat-L-Trap,” advises Daniels. “I will stick with basic colors that will allow me to fish most any situation I encounter.”
Daniels mentions there are different models of the Rat-L-Trap. The original model has several BB type rattles embedded in the body. Also, there is thumper model that has only one rattle. The stealth model has no rattles inside the lure and runs silent.
Shad colors in the silver or gold chrome are good choice for almost any lake. Perch or bluegill patterns are the ticket for lakes where bream are the dominant baitfish. Crawfish patterns in orange, red and brown hues work well in stained water. There is more to fishing a Rat-l-Trap than casting and reeling back to the boat. Although that is an effective method, Daniels takes it one step further. He will “burn it”, retrieving the lure super-fast on a high-speed casting reel. Holding his rod tip high, the lure will skim along just underneath the surface. This is a productive method, especially when bass are schooling. Another method employed by Daniels during the summer months, is to cast the lure out, start the retrieve and after a few turns of the reel handle, pause for a few seconds. The lure will stop and begin to sink. This action emulates a dying or injured baitfish. On deeper points and along creek and rivers ledges around 20to 30- feet deep, Daniels recommends allowing the Rat-L-Trap to sink for several seconds before starting the retrieve. A slower, more constant retrieve will draw strike from bass suspended in deeper sections of the water column.
GO GIANT SIZE Bass love cover anytime of the year, and this is especially true during the summer. Rock piles, stump rows and brush tops are prime locales to find bass in the summer. Daniels advises you need a natural looking bait that can get in the face of the bass. “You’ve got to have a big worm fishing for bass in the summer,” Daniels explains. “This is especially true when fishing brush piles.” Soft-plastic worms around 8 to 10 inches long are a top choice. Daniels usually rigs these Texas style with a large Owner hook with a ⅜ ounce tungsten weight. He advises to cast beyond the target and allow the worm rig to fall to the bottom and slowly hop the worm into the brush pile. He also recommends fishing the brush pile at different angles. The bass can hold in different spots around the brush and are not always facing the same direction. Dark colored worms usually perform the best around brush tops. Purple, black or green pumpkin colors are at the top of the list. In clear water Daniels will opt for Seguar fluorocarbon line.
EASY APPLICATION!!! Unlike many liquid fertilizers, Clark’s Plot Nutrients: • Will not settle out in your tank or application equipment • There are no particles large enough to clog spray nozzles • It is readily absorbed by plants because it is a foliar application. Therefore, within one hour 80-90% of the fertilizer is already absorbed into the plant and working • Heavy rain will not wash away the fertilizer See what a difference it can make on your place!
CALL FOR PRICING & QUANTITIES DISTRIBUTED BY:
Liquid Food Plot Fertilizer Plus Calcium
Clark’s Plot Nutrients is a true liquid fertilizer that is designed to not only provide fertilizer to your food plot, but also supply calcium. Calcium is vital to the development of deer antler growth and egg shell strength in turkeys. 10 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
ENDORSED BY:
Chris & Kelley Grantham Elba, Alabama
334-233-2687 ALFandSupply@gmail.com www.alfandsupply.com
Five Favorite Summer Bass Lures for Mark Daniels Jr.
This line allows for a good hook-set, is invisible to the fish and is abrasive resistant. FINESSE WITH NED RIG AND DROP SHOT Another lure Daniels likes for summer bass fishing is the Ned Rig. This is a finesse bait consisting of a mushroom shaped head jig and a short, cigar shaped soft-plastic worm. “The Ned rig is light weight with ⅛ to 3/16 ounce head and a 2.75 inch TRD worm from Z-Man,” Daniels reports. “I’ll fish it on spinning gear with Seguar braid down to a fluorocarbon leader.” Daniels mentions for finicky summer bass to fish the rig slow with a small twitch of the rod tip to hop along the bottom. He prefers natural colored lures in watermelon or green pumpkin. If the fishing is really slow and the bass are suspended, Daniels will drop in a drop shot rig. He uses 6 to 8 pound-test fluorocarbon line. His weights will vary depending on water depth but ⅜ ounce is a starting point. He usually has his weight around 14 inches below his 1/0 Owner hook. Daniels will fish the drop shot vertically down to around 20 to 30 feet in the water column. A slight twitch or light bounce of the rig will help trigger strikes, which are usually very light. He will also cast the ring across a deep point and drag it slowly back to the boat. Lipless crankbaits like the Rat-L-Trap are one of the top summer lure favorites for Mark Daniels Jr.
DIVISION OF CLUTCH PRODUCTS INC.
& POWERTRAIN
Time to Get Your 4x4 Ready for Hunting Season Cables · Transmission Parts · Ring & Pinions, Axles · 4X4 Drive Shafts & Differentials Custom Built Control Cables · Complete 4WD Services · All Types of Parts Specializing in Agricultural Clutches and Drive Shafts
www.clutchproducts.com
OUR LOCATION 1159 South Broad St. MOBILE, AL 36603 1-800-239-2191
251-433-3696 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 11
J
1 Sa Fri 9 th u l y BJ S u t u r d a y - 2 CC nd da 3p 1 st • ay y 1 m Bi 1 0 - 9 r m 0a am pm Brought to you by in m - - 9 p gh 6 p m am m
36 Annual th
,A
15
Hunt
L
Giveaways
Buy Discounted Tickets Online! www.worlddeerexpo.com DOWNLOAD OUR NEW FREE APP 12 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
205-678-4141 info@worlddeerexpo.com
Beach Fishing Hot Spots for Any Budget:
Summer
BY DAVID THORNTON Photos by David Thornton
Summertime fishing options in lower Baldwin County offer shorebound anglers a myriad of species and locations. This compact area (30 miles) from the Florida State Line westward to Fort Morgan provides something special for just about any fisherman, local or visitor, experienced or novice. So much about fishing success is knowing the options of where to go, when to be there and what to tie onto your line.
is even a bathroom and shaded breezeway on the middle platform to allow anglers and walk-on visitors a respite if need be. And it has a fish cleaning station, fresh water spigots, electrical outlets, benches, a snack bar, tackle shop and even a pier side restaurant for their convenience. More can be found @ https://www.alapark.com/Gulf-State-Park-Fishing-andEducation-Pier
A wide variety of public access venues are scattered intermittently along the coast of Baldwin County. Many simply offer the public access to get the beaches with few or even no amenities. But some, like the Gulf State Park venues are truly “gems” of the Emerald Coast. Stretching across 6,500 acres of coastal dunes, lakes, marsh and forestland the main body of the Gulf State Park also offers anglers two miles of Gulf beaches to fish and explore.
But the fishing is the big draw for the pier, and over a half million people visit yearly since it was opened in 2009. During the summer months a plethora of fish species provide anglers hours and hours of fun and quite a few meals too. Spanish mackerel are probably the most sought after species. Most of the these “spotted speedsters” are in the one to two pound range, but they commonly exceed three pounds. They come equipped with razor sharp teeth and an innate ability to bite a lure or bait and run away so quickly, an unprepared angler might not even get a good look at it. Essential equipment for pier anglers includes a wide brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses to shade their eyes and get better viewing into the water. Sunscreen and water are good ideas too! They also will need some sort of de-hooking device or needle-nosed pliers, and 30 or 40 pound clear monofilament line for leader material to protect their lures from getting bit off by sharp mackerel teeth.
In addition, the 1540 foot long Gulf State Park Pier is one of the longest on the entire gulf coast, and boasts “2,448 feet of fishing space along the rails”. It is 20 feet wide and 20 feet above the water, with two fishing platforms outside the longshore sandbar. Just about any of the hundreds of species of fish that swim in the nearshore waters of the gulf have been hooked there, and LOTS of them at times. Plus the extensive “turtle-friendly” night lighting offers 24 hour fishing access to beat the heat, if the weather is too hot during the day. There
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 13
Beach Fishing Hot Spots for Any Budget: Summer
King mackerel are also a very much sought after species on the pier, though not nearly as plentiful as the spanish. Most are hooked from the end octagon by anglers employing one of several methods. Live bait fishing is very popular from the end of the pier and that method doesn’t require expending a lot of energy. The angler simply catches a scaled sardine (locally called an “LY”) or other small live baitfish, and lets it do most of the “work”. The angler puts a larger hook in the baitfish, attached to an 18 to 24 inch long steel leader to ward off the sharp teeth of the larger mackerel. The bait is then cast out and “free lined”, or “free floated” or even “trolled” into the likely strike zone. Other methods of catching king mackerel (especially the smaller “schoolies”) is by “snobbling” frozen cigar minnows or casting medium to large sized plugs. But double digit weight king mackerel are 10 times bigger and stronger than their spanish cousins, and just about as fast. Sometimes at the strike they run so fast the trailing line cuts through the water leaving a vapor trail of bubbles, lending to their nickname as “smokers”. That first run can be a long one too, sometimes 300 yards. So it’s a good idea to have about that much 15-20 pound line on a reel with a smooth drag. The rod should be medium heavy power with a fast action tip for throwing the lighter baits and capable of getting good casting distance (50-70 yards). But midsummer is prime time for the ‘king of kings’ on the Gulf State Park Pier, the Alabama State Saltwater fish: Atlantic tarpon. These are strictly gamefish in Alabama, and nowadays a $61 Tarpon Tag is required to harvest one. Still, many are hooked incidentally (or intentionally) every summer
from the pier, mostly in July through early August. Many of the tarpon hooked are on live bait intended for mackerel. But they also strike artificial lures. And the large plastic paddletailed swimbaits are a very popular and effective lure for tarpon. Most tarpon get off by themselves, either during their acrobatic leaps from the water, long runs or simply breaking the line. Most anglers fishing equipment is simply not up to the rigors of fighting a fish that commonly exceeds 100 pounds. Occasionally an angler keeps the fish on throughout the fight (which may be hours), and intentionally ‘breaks off’ the fish at the pier. This counted as a ‘coup’ of sorts. Only rarely are these magnificent gamefish actually killed from the pier. But the venue offers “once in a lifetime” opportunities to hook one. Other large fish catches include the popular red drum and jack crevalle. Both species are common catches from the pier in summer and often occur in large schools. When a “jack attack” or “bull red blitz” occurs on the pier, anyone wishing to hook one only has to throw out a bait or lure. And there is even an opportunity to fish for sharks (two nights a week) during most of the summer. https://www.alapark.com/sharkfishing However the vast majority of fish hooked from the pier are much smaller and much less glamorous. Throughout the summertime, the common species of jacks provide endless hours of fishing entertainment to thousands of anglers with little or no saltwater fishing experience. Blue runner (called “hardtail”) and ladyfish (called “skipjack”) are two very numerous species that can be caught on even light tackle (6 to 12 pound line). And they are very sporting to catch on commonly used ‘freshwater’ tackle suited for bass or walleye. These fish (plus spanish mackerel and bluefish) strike a wide variety of natural baits and artificial lures; pretty much anything that moves. But one of the most popular and effective lures is the locally made ½ ounce leadhead jigs called “Looney jigs”. They are very durable and cost much less than hard baits and Gotcha plugs. There are several other State Park venues that offer much of the same types of fishing, but from the beach. The State Park Pavilion, Cotton Bayou Beach and Alabama Point East sites offer parking, enclosed bathrooms and outdoor showers. Romar Beach access offers only portolets as amenities. Of these venues, the Pavilion and Alabama Point East have much more room for anglers to find a quiet beach for a few hours of fishing in the early mornings and afternoons after 5pm. There can be a LOT of swimmers in the water during the middle of these summer days. Plus the predominant hot, sunny conditions are not very conducive for fishing. Besides the gulf beach and the beach along Perdido Pass, the Alabama Point East park has relatively easy access to the east jetty and weir. A great place for fishing, snorkeling or to just relax and watch the waves, the bird life and the boats.
Pier fishing can get fast and furious as summer approaches. 14 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
The City of Orange Beach maintains the parking lot under
Beach Fishing Hot Spots for Any Budget: Summer
the west end of the Perdido Pass bridge. This popular spot allows anglers to park and walk just a few feet to the seawall overlooking the north side of Perdido Pass. Also the lot is well lit, so at night there is pretty good fishing as well. A great way to beat the daytime heat! There anglers can cast plugs, spoons and jigs for a variety of saltwater species such as bluefish, ladyfish and mackerel. The wall is about five feet above the water though, so a long handled landing net is a handy tool to aid anglers from losing bigger fish.
Stretching across 6,500 acres of coastal dunes, lakes, marsh and forestland the main body of the Gulf State Park also offers anglers two miles of Gulf beaches to fish and explore.
Westward from the southern terminus of Highway 59, the city of Gulf Shores offers several public parking and beach access locations along West Beach Boulevard at West 2nd, 4th, 5th , 6th, 10th, 12th and 13th Streets. But most of these are marked as ‘NO FISHING’ areas (around the lifeguard towers) and considered “swimming beaches” during the summer months. Only Little Lagoon Park (three miles west of Hwy 59 on West Beach Boulevard) offers full time fishing. Consequently, this is a popular spot, and the parking lot (pay to park) often stays full during the mid-day hours. Finding a place to park there is generally not nearly as difficult in the early morning and late afternoon hours. Besides fishing is much better at those times anyway this time of year. The parking lot has a covered bathroom, vending machines and outdoor showers to rinse the sand and salt off. During the summer months, anglers might fish in the gulf on either side of the seawall cut, or from it. Castnetting, crabbing, and snorkeling are popular pastimes at this venue as well as wadefishing. Anglers catch a lot of ladyfish here, but bluefish, redfish and speckled trout are common catches too. On the Lagoon side, anglers can wade along the edge of the pass and cast live bait or plugs for speckled trout, redfish, flounder and even spanish mackerel. And there is even a pier in the Lagoon a couple of hundred yards east of the parking lot that offers easier access to these fish. The Fort Morgan peninsula (west of Gulf Shores along Highway 180) has several public access venues to the west end of Little Lagoon and the gulf beaches to the south. The Jeff Friend Trail (about six miles west of Hwy 59 on Hwy 180) is a kayak launch and nature trail that can put you on some fine wade fishing for speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and more along the northwest shore of the Lagoon. And Pine Beach Trail a few miles farther west, offers more of the same at the west end of Little Lagoon as well as access to Gator Lake. Yes, it is named that for a reason! Public parking at the south end of Mobile Street (nine miles
west of Gulf Shores along Hwy 180) can provide beach anglers with access to two miles of undeveloped shoreline in the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. This is a popular location for surf casters trying their luck for pompano and redfish. Wade fishers can plug for a variety of fish species including speckled trout, bluefish and ladyfish. Better get there early though, because the small parking lot (free) can fill up quickly during the summer months. Farther west, Burgoyne Road (formerly known as “No Name Road”) is just outside the boundary to Fort Morgan. It also has limited parking and amenities, but does offer public access to the gulf beach. The area provides plenty of room for surf casting and wade fishing. Speckled trout, ladyfish, redfish and bluefish are common catches, and even sharks and spanish mackerel can be caught there. Anglers walking westward from the westward end of Highway 180, can access Fort Morgan Point. Though remote, this is a very popular fishing location. Mainly because it is situated at the end of the peninsula where Mobile Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico. This venue offers fishing for sharks of various sizes as well as ‘bull” reds and jack crevalle. All large, hard-fighting fish that require heavier tackle. So it is easy to see the Baldwin County may occupy a relatively short distance along the gulf coast. But it offers a LOT of from-shore fishing options for the summertime anglers in such a small area.
TM
Bayou Blues 260 (Deep Runner)
Greenie 280 (Shallow Runner) Jacko 290 (Weedless)
P’Mint Jan. 20, 2019
All 3 riggings equal
BIG TROUT
A versatile lure that is very effective in different water depths and conditions. Mark H, “GATOR” Trout on Pink Chartreuse 111 (Shallow Runner) Dec. 28, 2018
theslicklure.com 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 15
Questions to Ask Before Buying Waterfront Property at the Beach or Inland
BY JOHN E. PHILLIPS Most everyone dreams of having a house at the beach where he or she can go out his front door, surf fish, swim in the water and pick up treasures on walks. Or, perhaps we imagine having a place at a lake or a river where we can build a house, spend hours fishing and watching the boat traffic passing in front of our yard and home and invite our families and friends to fish, fellowship, swim, hike and lay out on the deck.
property isn’t created equal.”
However, when you consider buying waterfront property or a home near the water, there may be hidden costs you’re not aware of until after the papers are signed, the mortgage is set-up, and you’re ready to move. Buying waterfront real estate isn’t the same as buying a plot in a subdivision well away from water. You must consider numerous issues that may impact your land.
• Whether or not wetlands are on that land, and what amount of wetlands you’ll be allowed to delineate on that property. Delineating wetlands means you’ll have to invest in a wetlands bank, buying wetlands from someone who owns wetlands, like the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Those wetlands you purchase from them never can be used for anything but will give you the permission to destroy the wetlands on your property.
To help our readers be better informed of the issues facing waterfront-property buyers to know about before putting down earnest money, we’ve talked with two, very knowledgeable resource people about buying or building your dream house on or near the water. WATERFRONT SPECIALIST ANGELO DEPAOLA Angelo DePaola is a realtor in Orange Beach, Alabama, with Coastal Connection (https://www.facebook.com/ AngeloDePaolaTheCoastalConnection/) that’s brokered by eXp Realty. DePaola focuses on buying and selling waterfront and boating properties along the Gulf Coast in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Ala., and Perdido Key in Florida. When we asked DePaola to name the number-one item a person should be aware of before investing in a lot on waterfront property, he answered, “A buyer must determine what the cost may be to get that waterfront property in a condition to build on, probably something you haven’t considered. All waterfront 16 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
DePaola Names Important Considerations Before Buying a Waterfront Property According to DePaola, “You need to know: • What the setbacks are in that community;
You only can delineate the amount of acreage that’s absolutely necessary to put in a driveway and a house. For instance, if 75% of that land is designated as wetlands, you only may be able to delineate 25% of that property to build a house and a driveway. You may not be able to use the rest of your parcel, since it may have to remain in wetlands. That’s generally very expensive and will add to the cost of the land you want to buy where you want to build. • How much dirt you may have to bring onto the parcel you’re hoping to buy to have a buildable foundation; • What shape the seawall and the dock pilings are in, if you’re buying a plot that already has a house, a pier and/or a seawall on it. Remember that just because there’s a seawall, it still may need restoring. That seawall may be 20 years old, constructed of wood and have a lot of worm rot. You may have to spend an average of about $50 per square foot to put in a new seawall. The dock
Questions to Ask Before Buying Waterfront Property at the Beach or Inland
pilings also may be eaten up with worms and have to be replaced. You need to pay attention to all the structures on the property you’re hoping to purchase. Some or many of those structures may need to be overhauled immediately after you buy the parcel; • How deep and wide is the place where you can put your boat on your property. If you have or are planning to buy a big boat, perhaps a 70 foot sport-fishing boat, certain places in some coastal communities may not offer the water depth you’ll need in front of the lot or the home to dock your boat. Perhaps the pier already on the land doesn’t have enough beam (the width of the boat) to put your boat in, and some properties may have a current so strong that docking your boat there may be difficult. An unforeseen cost may be having to dredge out a portion of the bottom, so that that area is deep enough for you to park your boat; • What to do with the dredge material pulled up from the bottom. Generally you’ll have to put that dredge material on your lot and pay someone to haul it off and dump it; • How long your pier must be to reach deep water where you can float the boat. You may have to lengthen your dock to park your boat next to deep water; • How much difficulty you’ll have getting building materials to that lot. If you buy a lot on Ono Island, let’s say, there’s a limited amount of weight that a truck can carry to go over that bridge to the island to move truckloads of dirt and/or building materials. Instead of hauling one truckload of materials to your building site or to remove dirt from your building site, you may have to hire two or three trucks, due to the bridge’s weight restrictions;
(251)753-4129 • Orange Beach, Al
www.bluewatercharters.biz
DON’T BE LEFT AT THE DOCKS!
Snapper Season Starts June 1st Book Your Trip NOW, Spots Are Going FAST
• Whether there are problems with wildlife that’s protected. On the Alabama/Florida Gulf Coast and especially in Alabama’s Baldwin and Escambia counties, the habitat of the beach mouse is protected. If the real estate you’re considering purchasing doesn’t already have a beach-mouse take permit in place, then you may buy it and learn you can’t build on that land for three years after your purchase; • What the insurance costs will be with waterfront property at the beach or inland on fresh water. You need to explore the costs to insure the house and the land before purchasing them; • “what materials have been used to build any house on the land. On waterfront property, building materials weather much-more rapidly than building materials not near the water. Is the house built out of concrete board or wood that’s been painted? Those two building materials weather at different rates; • What the riparian rights (a system for allocating water among those who possess land along its path) are. If your land is in a bend of a river, a creek, a bayou or a lake, and you draw straight lines from your neighbors’ lands on either side of your plot out into the water, their property lines may restrict the size of the dock or the boathouse you can build on your land; • What if any restrictions an HOA has placed on the size of a house and the size and height of a boathouse. On Ono Island, you only can build a certain size of boat dock. In Terry Cove where I live, no one can have a covered boathouse or a covered dock; • What you can do with the water in front of the lot you hope to purchase. Is that land in a no-wake zone? Or, can boats go past your land running 50 mph? You may want to know too if you can swim off your dock, especially if you’re not in a no-wake zone;
s of trip y t e i r a huge v y suited to a r e We off re perfectl ilities b a d n a a that l ages l a f o rs angle
Packages Include
Inshore and Offshore Fishing Dolphin Cruises Day Trips to Robinson Island Flora-Bama and Pirate’s Cove Excursions Chillin’ & Grillin’ with Friends & Family
ONE OF THE BEST SALTWATER EXPERIENCES IN THE GULF OF MEXICO!
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 17
Questions to Ask Before Buying Waterfront Property at the Beach or Inland
• What type of fill material you can use. In Orange Beach, you only can use white, washed sand for fill material if you’re building on the water. That type of sand is considerably more expensive than bringing in red clay. If you want to bring in 50-60 truckloads of white, washed sand to build up your lot high enough to make your house equal to the height of your neighbor’s house and avoid water run-off, you’ll incur quite a bit of expense getting the lot prepped with the correct material before you build your house; and
the cost of the land. Once you find your dream waterfront house, you need to evaluate whether the cost of rehabbing that house is more than you want to spend. You may be better off to tear the house down and rebuild to specifications on that lot.
• What’s the history of the shoreline on the parcel you want to purchase. You may buy a house right on the water and then due to the beach moving, several years later, your house may be 1/2mile from the water. Or, if that area experiences beach erosion, your house may be in the water in only a few years. All these items factor into the value of the property and its costs.” YOU NEED AN INFORMED LOCAL REALTOR These reasons are why you need to use a realtor from the region where you’re looking to buy waterfront property to point out some of the expenses that may be involved and that may add more expenses to your dream lot or dream house. “A knowledgeable waterfront realtor will know the answers to these questions and others besides understanding restrictions before he or she even looks at the property you want to buy,” DePaola reports. “For example, a friend of mine bought a lot on Alabama’s Gulf Coast on Ono Island for what he considered a fantastic price. However, 75% of that lot was in wetlands. Before he even could use the lot, he had to pay $18,000 for delineation. “Often someone may purchase a waterfront lot and then learn that the cost to get it permitted or mitigated may be higher than
“I had a client who bought a $1.4 million lot and house last year. After talking to contractors, my client decided that tearing the house down and rebuilding a new house there was less expensive than trying to rehab that original house. The price to tear down this house was $50,000, and the price to rebuild was $100,000. “If you buy a lot without a dock, but you want a dock, you must go through a permitting process. I use a company, Wetland Sciences (https://www.facebook.com/pages/WetlandSciences/154357377932647), in Pensacola, Florida, that does work all over the Southeast. This company determines whether you can put in a dock on specific land and tells you what permits you’ll need, and what amount of property is in wetlands, before you purchase it. “The problems I’ve mentioned so far aren’t unique to coastal waterfront property. You’ll find many of the same problems associated with waterfront land on rivers and lakes. Permitting always will be an issue on any kind of waterfront property. You’re far better off to know what those issues may be before you purchase the property rather than after buying the land.” To learn more, email Angelo DePaola at Angelo@EXPSeaside. com, call 850-287-3440, or visit his Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/AngeloDePaolaTheCoastalConnection/. PROBLEMS UNDERNEATH YOUR WATERFRONT HOUSE Mike Hayes of MDH Construction Inc. in Daphne, Ala., deals in problems associated with waterfront houses and says, “You
HUNTING LAND LIABILITY INSURANCE 2019-2020
Protect yourself and your family today! The Quality Deer Management Association offers the most comprehensive and affordable liability insurance coverage available.
Don’t risk your personal assets or your family’s financial security. For as little as a few cents per acre, landowners or hunters can receive: • $1 million per occurrence general liability coverage • $100,000 fire legal liability coverage • Member-to-member coverage • Guest liability coverage
• No deductible on general liability • No hidden exclusions for claims involving firearms, tree stands, ATVs, limited watercraft, and more • Policies underwritten by Outdoor Underwriters, Inc.
Download Full Brochure and Application at QDMA.com or call 800.209.DEER or Complete the Online Application and pay by credit card at qdma.outdoorund.com
18 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Questions to Ask Before Buying Waterfront Property at the Beach or Inland
may not notice when you’re looking at waterfront property what’s happening under the house you’ve bought like: shifting soil; cracked foundation; doors and windows that don’t open and close; unstable ground where the house may have been built; the need for support and lift devices to help the house be level; crawl space mediation under the house where there’s a high concentration of moisture; floor supports needed for sagging floors; and encapsulation systems to solve moisture problems underneath houses. Most houses built near the water have problems with humidity underneath them. The crawl spaces and houses on pilings are drawing in hot, humid air during the summers and cold air during the winter months. “With foundation issues, our company will inspect the house for free and tell the potential buyer what problem(s) they may have to deal with if they purchase this waterfront or near-waterfront property. Our company makes this type of inspection after a home inspector has completed his/her inspection and has spotted some type of problem that may be an issue for a potential buyer. Then our company gives advice and our opinion on what the problems are, and how they can be rectified.” Hayes mentions that one of the worst problems his company ever dealt with was a house built on a waterfront lot that had such a moisture problem underneath the house that it had caused the floor joists to sag two inches. On that house, MDH had to do an encapsulation and then some supplemental piering foundation work. “The moisture was so bad that in-between the original piers, we had to install new piers,” Hayes explains. “In the old days, when boats were built of wood, to get the wood to bend, people had to use water and pressure to make the wood pliable enough to get the wood in the shape to build the boat. When a house is built on or near water, moisture gets into the wood and often bends and reshapes the floors and the pilings or piers on which the floor is built.” Hayes reports that this problem is especially prevalent on beach front houses due to the tremendous amount of moisture they pull into them called the stack effect. When you run an air conditioner, you share 40% to 60% of the air inside the house with the air from the crawl space. This very-humid air is sucked up under the house and introduces moisture throughout the house. Hayes says, “If our company is dealing with a house that has a crawl space under it, we first seal-off all the places that allow air to get into the crawl space under the house. We place a 20 Mil fabric on the ground, bring it up the walls and put in a drainage system to take care of ground water from rains and storms. Then we install a dehumidifier to condition the air, making that crawl space under the house almost like a room underneath the house. This procedure can cost as little as $3-$4 per square foot up to $8 per square foot.” “Many of the crawl spaces on the coast and along waterways are so tight (small) that our company has to charge more for our labor to get into those places and do the work, whereas in crawl spaces in a place like Birmingham, Ala., you just about can walk in the crawl spaces in that section of the state, making encapsulating much easier.” So, when buying waterfront property, you must use a knowledgeable company that understands the impact of moisture in these types of regions on foundations and especially wooden houses. These problems are ones that most people who buy
Photo submitted by MDH Construction
waterfront property never see or consider, until they encounter major problems. On new construction on waterfront property or near waterfront, MDH Construction recommends building on a slab and having plenty of drainage away from the house. But often on the beach or in flood zones, houses generally have been built on some type of piers. “So, make sure you use a good engineer who understands water problems that can occur under houses that may not be seen or felt for several years,” Hayes emphasizes. “Also you must conduct a soil test before you build. People generally don’t spend the money to have the soil tested before building to know what problems they’ll have to deal with later after the house begins to settle.” To learn more about how to prevent moisture problems, floor sags, difficulties with windows and doors opening, go to www.mdhfoundationrepair.com. MDH Construction also has a Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ MDHConstructionServiceInc/, or you can call 251-333-9355. QUICK LIST OF FACTORS IMPACTING WATERFRONT PROPERTY 1. Price 2. Lot dimensions 3. Zoning 4. Restrictive covenants 5. HOA 6. Wetlands 7. Permits: beach mouse, pier, bulkhead 8. Direction of the lot 9. Water depth 10. Current 11. Wind 12. Neighbors 13. Shoreline history 14. Insurance 15. Taxes 16. Condition of the property: pier, bulkhead, home 17. Water and sewer 18. Weathering materials 19. Property lines 20. Riparian rights 21. Building restrictions: set back height restrictions, boat houses, docks 22. Cost/ appraisal 23. Survey/ property lines 24. Activities on the water: no-wake zones 25. Supply and demand 26. Knowledgeable realtors very important 27. Fill material 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 19
HUNTING
Hunting Wild Hogs at Night Tools and Tactics of the Trade
BY RHETT HOOPER “I bought a 300 Blackout AR15 so I can kill some Hogs”.
sion inside the animal.
That is a phrase I have heard weekly, sometimes daily, since forming my wild hog hunting business, Hog Rush, LLC. I cringe when I hear this, time and time again.
In my experience, the faster the rifling twist on projectiles that impact above 2000 feet per second, the smaller the temporary wound cavity. A faster rifling twist will stabilize heavier bullets. Heavier bullets are slower. My goal when setting a rifle for hunting is to achieve the best accuracy and the most velocity I can so that when the bullet impacts the target, it is traveling at least 2000 fps and is barely stabilized enough to remain accurate. This way the bullet will transmit most of its energy on the target, not pass through.
Often when asked what caliber I use in my business, the question likely ends with a “300 Blackout?” What I am hearing is that the person has listened to the local gun shop counter expert who usually is repeating what he read in a sponsored gun magazine article or on the internet, both of which are only backed up by manufacturer hype and advertising campaigns in an effort to enhance sales, not actual field data. Will a 300 Blackout kill a Hog? Sure. However, it lacks the required velocity to consistently create a temporary wound cavity large enough, and penetration deep enough on a wild hog. In this article, I’d like to go over some mistakes I have made in caliber selection and other gear features that proved to be not up to what I read or heard about. Hopefully, my mistakes can be used to help you choose the right gear for the most efficient wild Hog harvest. BARREL RIFLING TWIST RATE: When a projectile enters an animal, the forces and velocity create a shock wave that opens the tissue up temporarily much larger than the projectile diameter, which causes excessive blood loss, trauma, and shock. This temporary wound cavity can be 6” or larger. So even though the actual bullet does not pass through or touch an artery or organ, the temporary wound cavity that is created by velocity, may cause damage to the artery or organ and cause instant incapacitation of the animal. Picture a mini explo20 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Think of sticking a needle into soft tissue vs. a writing pen. The overstabilzed bullet acts as the needle and the writing pen acts as the bullet that is barely stabile. The needle will poke on through easily where the writing pen will impact and yaw sideways leaving a larger hole and most likely taking a different route once inside. A wild hog is a dense animal. Larger boar hogs have calcified fat surrounding their chest commonly called their “Shield”. This shield is similar thickness and density to a commercial 18 wheeler truck tire. To penetrate deep enough and achieve the desired 12-14 inches of penetration, you need a projectile that is traveling above 2,000 fps upon impact and has a bonded jacket and high sectional density. In other words, the bullet needs to retain most of its weight and velocity upon impact. Unfortunately, the 300 Blackout does not meet this criteria, and
Hunting Wild Hogs at Night
Think of sticking a needle into soft tissue vs. a writing pen. The overstabilzed bullet acts as the needle and the writing pen acts as the bullet that is barely stabile. with the common .30 cal 110 grain ammunition available, most 16” barrels achieve a dismal 2100 fps muzzle velocity. Most 300BLK rifles also have a barrel with a twist rate of 1/8 to stabilize the heavier projectiles for subsonic use as well. So a lighter bullet over spins. In the field, this combination has a 50-75 yard effective range on wild hogs. Past 50 yards you will see more hogs, if knocked down, get up and run off. Why? Because the velocity upon impact did not create the temporary wound cavity large enough to incapacitate the central nervous system. Nor did the round penetrate deep enough. My 300 Blackout example might not sit well with those who purchased a rifle chambered in that particular caliber and bought into the gun shop and magazine hype. I have seen that most occasional hunters who spend money and buy into their gear choices, cannot allow objective reasoning to override their EGO. I too was in that very position years ago and spent thousands of dollars on the 300 Blackout trying to get the caliber to live up to the hype. I had read about the caliber being the ultimate hog hunting caliber. Over 4500 wild hog rifle kills later...the 300BLK is NOT the ultimate hog hunting caliber.
Book Online at: Charter Boat Fleet
Deep Sea Fishing Inshore / Bay Fishing Private Charters & Per Person Trips Professional Captains
RIFLE AND CALIBER SELECTION: When selecting a rifle caliber for wild hog hunting, look over the available ammunition and inspect the advertised velocity ratings and bullet composition. Calibers suited to deer hunting, might not perform well on wild hogs. Deer and other thin skinned animals, require a bullet that will expand upon impact to avoid a pass through. Wild hog ammunition needs more penetration and to expand slower. A .243 Winchester would be a good selection if you wanted to use a traditional bolt action deer hunting rifle for wild hog hunting. Most commercially available ammunition has a high velocity and low recoil to help follow up shots. A heavier .243 bullet selection would enhance the instability upon impact causing a yaw effect, creating a larger temporary wound cavity. AR15, WHICH CALIBER?: As wild hog hunting becomes more popular, more people seem to gravitate to military style rifles. Since wild hogs are seen as a nuisance by most states, the weapon regulations are not as strict as other game animals. Alabama does not have a weapon or a magazine capacity restriction on wild hog hunting. Therefore, people, including myself, choose “America’s Rifle”, the AR15. The AR15 can be built to be as accurate as most bolt action rifles and can be chambered in numerous calibers including the before mentioned 300BLK. In my experience, the 6.5 Grendel is the best overall performer in the AR15 platform in terms of energy on target and remains supersonic and accurate out past 800 yards using the Hornady 123 grain AMAX. The 6.8 SPC is a decent round as well but does not have the ballistic coefficient like the Grendel to reach extended ranges, but out to 300 yards it is a solid choice.
www.dauphinislandmarina.com Marina Services
Wet Slips Dry Storage Slips Trailered Boat Storage Marine Grade Fuel
Pontoon Boat Rentals
Several Models Available 1/2 Day, Full Day, and Multi-Day Rentals Available for 8-10 passengers 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 21
Hunting Wild Hogs at Night
Photo by Rhett Hooper
I have found that the 5.56x45mm, commonly called the .223 Remington, is a great choice if the right ammunition and barrel twist rate combination is used. Barrel twist rate you ask? Remember back when I spoke about velocity? Well the 5.56mm has velocity. With a 55 grain projectile and a 16” barrel, muzzle velocity is over 3100 fps. With that comes low recoil, a flat trajectory, and accuracy. However, if you over stabilize the bullet using too fast of a barrel twist rate, the bullet will tend to “pin cushion” or pass through the hog leaving behind a small hole instead of that temporary wound cavity I spoke about earlier. This surely will allow the h,og to run off and die a slow miserable death. For an AR15 chambered in 5.56mm, a 1/9 twist barrel using a 55 grain bonded bullet seems to be the sweet spot for accuracy, stability, energy upon impact, and muzzle velocity. By 1/9 twist, I mean the bullet spins one complete revolution in the barrel every nine inches. If you have a 1/7 twist, the bullet spins one complete revolution in seven inches. Since most manufacturers use a 1/7 twist to stabilize bullets heavier than 69 grains, you may need to change out the barrel to a slower twist rate such as 1/9 when using lighter bullets. Heavier bullets will be slower. Remember, velocity incapacitates. The 5.56mm will also have a relatively flat trajectory out to 250 yards as well. So those longer coyote kills will be easier to take. Just put the crosshairs on the top of the animal’s back and squeeze. Also, on running shots past 100 yards, the 5.56mm will be more likely to connect vs. a slower running bullet. Suppressors: Commonly called “Silencers”, even by the governing body ATF, are not actually as quiet as you see in movies. Far from being silent. Unless you are shooting a .22 Long Rifle , a rifle with a silencer usually sounds similar to a .22 LR without a silencer. High velocity ammunition defeats the speed of sound, therefore the bullet flight will still have a crack sound as it travels through the air. Subsonic ammunition can be used to further reduce the sound to that of a nail gun, but it is not recommended 22 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
to use for hunting as the velocity is reduced to that of a pistol and effectiveness and range are drastically reduced. The benefits of using a suppressor, are lower recoil, reduced hearing damage, and can possibly disguise your shooting position. Hog Rush, LLC. is a silencer manufacturer and uses silencers while hog hunting. Titanium silencers are almost half the weight of a comparable stainless steel version. Since each silencer requires a $200 registration tax, I always advise my customers to spend the extra money for a Titanium silencer. The benefits are a more balanced rifle for faster and more accurate free hand shots. If you have ever walked around in the field with a rifle on a stalk, you can appreciate the lower weight as well. THERMAL CAMERAS: The very first night I went wild hog hunting at night, an older friend had invited me over. He wanted to demo one of my silencers and had some night vision equipment. He had a couple of farms he helped control the wild hogs on. I drove over one night and we went out on his golf cart in search of them, with suppressed rifles of course. The company “FLIR” had loaned out a small thermal spotter to him. The first of its kind. It was a pocket sized thermal monocular called the FLIR SCOUT RECON 320 resolution. We called it the “Golden Egg”. It was slightly larger than an egg and oh so precious. Out to 300 yards average, you could see white dots out in a field if there was something breathing out there. Good enough to make everything more efficient. It allowed you to scan with standard night vision and then identify the object. That year we managed to harvest over 370 wild hogs using that system. Thermal to spot, night vision on suppressed rifles to shoot. It became an obsession. FLIR also had a new to the market thermal weapon sight but military only. It took some hoops to jump through, but I was able to acquire three of those units the next year and started HOG RUSH, LLC. as a night wild hog hunting guide service.
Hunting Wild Hogs at Night
Through the years I have used most every form of night vision and thermal device on the market. As competition has grown, prices have dipped enough for the occasional hunter to acquire these items. These are good times. That same weapon sight I paid $12,000 for years ago can be bought for thousands less today and still as effective. My goal here is to help aid the prospective buyer on their decision in future articles. Look for future articles aimed at thermal and night vision specifics. WHEN TO HUNT “Outfitter (you fill in the blank), put us in a deer stand during the day and we didn’t even see a Hog.” Often times when speaking to people interested in a hog hunt with my night hunting outfit, HOG RUSH, LLC., this exact phrase is repeated. These individuals had been on a hog hunt during daylight hours as you would hunt for deer in Alabama. The frustration in their voice tells me that the guide did not understand wild hog movement patterns and/ or was lazy and simply put them out as they had done with their deer hunters. Early on, before thermal scopes came along I hunted during the day, Most of the time if I saw a hog it was in a swamp and I happened upon it while it was trying to stay cool in the shade. Hogs are similar to humans. Close enough in fact, for medical researchers to perform tests on them to help advance medicines and surgical procedures. I don’t know about you, but I like to stay cool in the hotter months. So do hogs as they do not have the ability to sweat. They tend to stay hidden during the day and feed at night when temperatures cool off.
When a pastime becomes a passion.
Some don’t get it, but we do. Looking for your own place to hunt, fish, enjoy 4-wheeling—even a building site for a cabin or home? Alabama Ag Credit is the original land lender and your local expert in recreational real estate financing. We understand the unique requirements of long-term rural real estate lending, and can custom build loan packages with competitive rates and flexible terms. So you can enjoy the great outdoors for years to come!
In my experience, once the dew point hits, and the ground is wet, the chances of coming across a wild hog go way up. In Alabama, that can range anywhere from 9 pm to 3 am. During that time the hogs are looking for food and usually a farmer’s field is their dinner table. Even around cotton fields, grub worms and nut grass will draw them in. It is cooler out in the open air as well. Hotter months from May thru October sees more consistent wild hog movement. Temperatures are more leveled out and the ability to pattern hog movement becomes easier. You might still have great movement during cooler months, but when it averages out, the better nights will be in late spring and summer. MOON PHASE AND WEATHER: I could sit here and try and describe what moon phase and weather is best, but I can only say that consistency is the key. I have had great nights in every moon phase, weather, and barometric pressure. I have also had not so good nights in similar conditions. I have data books full of what I thought would be helpful information. Unlike other animals, wild hogs seem to get out when they feel like it. Hopefully you will be there with the right gear when they show themselves. I hope this article has been helpful and will allow you to open your mind when it comes to rifle caliber and specification selection. Remember, accurate but barely stable. Try and turn your bullet into double or triple its size inside the animal by forcing it to turn sideways once it impacts. Heavier bullets are not always better. Look for future articles where I discuss in detail each and every aspect of tradecraft, equipment, marksmanship, and mindset. All from the perspective of a non-sponsored mind with real-world field experience. Get out there! Hoop
AlabamaAgCredit.com Call 800.579.5471
MEMBER
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 23
State Record Sheepshead for Alabama A Lifetime in the Making BY PATRIC GARMESON
My dad introduced my brother and me to sheepshead fishing at a young age (exactly when I’m not sure). We targeted sheepshead at the causeway fishing bridges, both from the bridges and from a boat. We also fished the Dauphin Island pier, Gulf State Pier, the Dauphin Island Bridge and the Daphne pilings. Our favorite location during the spring migration was the Dauphin Island pier. Our trips to the pier usually included several stops to scavenge for bait. Our first stop would be to try to catch some fiddler crabs. Then we would try to stock up on shrimp, especially seed shrimp, in canals, using either a cast net or tip net. Our final bait stop would be the East end and near the D.I. airport looking for hermit crabs. Sometimes we would have to buy live and or dead shrimp but for the most part we would catch our own bait. Targeting sheepshead from the pier as a child was always a little difficult due to not being tall enough to lean over the railing while standing on the pier planks. Since my brother and I were too small to fish like the adults we had to become really good at locating the fish quickly. We would walk the entire pier looking through the rail and peering down each and every piling to try to spot fish feeding on barnacles. Sure there were some common areas that held fish better than others but we always felt better if we could see some fish. For the first several years, the Dauphin Island pier was just that, a pier with no bottom features to attract or hold fish. At some point they added rip rap along the base of the entire pier and this additional structure really helped to increase the 24 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
sheepshead numbers each year. It was around this same time that the gas rigs began to pop up in the gulf near our coastline. I’m not sure about the timeline but I remember people blaming the rigs for attracting more sheepshead and other pier species away from the pier. Each day we found that the fish would always move to different areas of the pier. The water current would usually force us to fish on the down current side in the eddy behind the pilings, which is actually where we could best present our bait and use the lightest weight possible. While we were rarely successful in catching the fish we would see, we learned that the fish we could see were usually accompanied by other out of sight fish. My early accounts of sheepshead fishing bring me to my latest and most memorable sheepshead fishing story. On March 29, 2019 I had a single client fishing trip scheduled. This was a special trip to me because the client John had worked with my wife for many years and wanted me to help him catch a big fish. I believe his exact words were “take me out to catch a big fish for me to take a picture with.” The first thing that came to my mind was to go in the Gulf and target bull reds, snapper and sheepshead. Since the sheepshead bite had been really good leading up to this trip I moved sheepshead fishing to the top of my list. The morning of our trip the wind was blowing between 8 to 10 miles per hour out of the East- Southeast. This was a perfect wind for running from Dauphin Island toward the East of the channel Gulf rigs where I had experienced recent success. The ride was nice in my 2400 Pure Bay and as we ran Mobile Bay to Dixie Bar I scanned the horizon for bull
FISHING redfish activity but nothing stood out to me so we proceeded toward the East. We arrived at the rig we had last laid the “smack down” on the spawning sheepshead. One large boat was already tied to the rig on the downwind side. We approached the upwind side and I deployed the Motorguide xi5 trolling motor to use as our anchoring device. As I maneuvered the boat near the rig my eyes were fixed on my 12” Raymarine Axiom. On this trip I was forced to look for the fish using my electronics and I used the unit’s downvision, sidevision and chirp sonar screens to locate the schools of hungry spawners. On that day the sun was not high enough for me to physically see the fish under the water’s surface. On days when the sun is high enough, I like a green mirror, amber tinted sunglass lens. I use Breakline sunglasses, but really, any good polarized lenses in this color configuration will help you.
mouths and are very strong. We were also fishing near barnacle covered gas rigs which can easily cut line. Once most anglers get a feel for the bite and how hard sheepshead fight they then begin to land more fish. John and I were fishing side by side and we were hooking a sheepshead on nearly every cast. John broke a line and I handed him the rod I was using and I took his with the broken leader. This time instead of tying on another Owner K-hook I decided to try a hot pink colored 1/4oz Bomber jighead with a white Gulp shrimp that had been rigged up the day before and I spotted sitting on the console. The interesting part of this is that the Gulp shrimp looked as good as the day before when I removed it from its juice container.
I began to mark and identify fish in the 10 to 20 foot range with the downvision and chirp sonar screens and I felt these were likely sheepshead. Once I locked in on an ideal gps location, John chose a fish battling weapon. All of our weapons are Lews CI400 reels paired with 7’ and 7’6” Lews inshore rods. Each of the reels is laced up with American Tackle Company Nano X 20 pound braid with 20 pound Silverthread fluorocarbon line as our leader. All the rods were set up basically the same with braid tied to an approximately 24” fluorocarbon leader using the very slim and strong Alberto knot. We use #2 Owner K-hooks, a #3 to #7 spit shot, the lighter the better, and, on this day, our offering was live shrimp from Shirleys Bait and tackle. When sheepshead fishing I prefer to use smaller shrimp. You can horn hook your shrimp, tail hook but my favorite way is to bite the tail fin off and thread the hook up the tail meat of the shrimp and out the belly. A typical cast will be cross or up current/wind about 15 to 25 feet and close the bail. This will allow the bait to swing slowly through the water column and, in this instance, kept us in the zone where I saw the suspected sheepshead on the fish finder. On Johns first cast his rod loaded up with a heavy fish. This first fish broke or pulled the hook, either way it didn’t make it in the boat. Cast after cast John is hooking up and landing some and losing others.
On this trip I was forced to look for the fish using my electronics and I used the unit’s downvision, sidevision and chirp sonar screens to locate the schools of hungry spawners.
Losing fish on 20 pound line is not uncommon but we get plenty of bites. I tell people to expect to lose five fish before landing one because sheepshead have weird shaped toothy
I tied the jighead-Gulp combo on the end of the leader line and cast it into the middle of the rig about 25 feet out and closed the bail as soon as it landed in the water. The line became tight when the bait was about 15 feet below the surface and almost underneath the boat but then it became slack and seemed to be moving, so I wound down and set the hook The fight felt equal to that of about a seven pound sheepshead. While I was playing this fish, John hooked and landed a smaller sheepshead and then asked if he should net my fish. I said no big deal I got it. I worked the fish toward the surface but when I saw that I had hooked a giant sheepshead I changed my tune and asked for John’s assistance. I was convinced this would be my personal best. After the sheepshead came to the surface a few times and dove back down, it began to lose strength and was fairly spent when John netted it and lifted into the boat. I took a look at this fish and I told John “Holy S$%&! that might be the state record!” I used the hook on my digital scale to lift the fish from the floor of the boat. It was hard to get an accurate reading because every time the boat went over and down a wave, the weight on the scale bounced from 13 pounds, 8 ounces to 14 pounds, 4 ounces. John was way more excited than I was at this point. I focused on the proper photograph layout for what was, in my opinion, the new state record. Even though I had never tested the validity of the digital scale, I knew I had the winner.
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 25
State Record Sheepshead for Alabama A Lifetime in the Making
fish. “John there they are, your big fish!” I said. John made a cast that fell short so I launched a jig into the middle of the school and then quickly handed the rod over to John and told him to set the hook! Fish on baby! John got a big bull red, the Dixie Bar specialty. We circled back and caught a few more then headed toward Billy Goat Hole. We arrived at the dock and we were greeted by an Alabama Marine Resource Division employee who was conducting fish and anglers surveys. She asked if she could survey John and take a look at our fish. I told her “I’m pretty sure we have the state record sheepshead.” She got her scale out and weighed the fish.
Branden Collier had the current record of 13 pounds, 9 ounces which he set on April 1, 2015. From the time the report came out about Branden’s fish I always had that record on my mind. Of all the records in the record book I always felt like sheepshead was an obtainable record for me. I’m not sure why, I just did. People don’t go out and catch 13 pound sheepshead all the time, not really anywhere, so I’m not sure why I thought I could put my name above Brandens. The whole moment was surreal to me. I looked at the fish and just knew it was the record. I put the fish on ice. At this point we had not kept any fish. We were strictly catching, photographing and releasing fish. This fish was huge, unlike anything I had ever laid my eyes on. Once I placed the fish on ice John and I went back to fishing and we continued catching sheepshead. The wind had increased quite a bit and was up to 13-15mph and the swells and wave action were working the Xi5 trolling motor too hard and making things a little challenging so we decided to pull the plug on sheepshead fishing. On the way back toward Dauphin Island I navigated in a zig zag fashion to look for redfish activity and the things I look for which include birds diving, chirp sonar, slicks, or even copper colored water. As we neared Dixie Bar I saw a flock of birds diving in about 18 feet of water and we went over to take a look. As I slowed down we saw some fish on the side vision. I grabbed a couple seven foot rods rigged with ½ ounce jig heads threaded with some old torn up Slick lures. The wind quickly pushed us out of the area where I thought I saw fish. I was about to circle around when I noticed a dark patch of water about 60 yards to the west. The dark patch turned copper in color as we approached and then in the waves we could see the individual 26 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
The official, but not certified hand scale, read 14 pounds exactly…exactly. The surrealness was running deep at this point. John thought there was something wrong with me because I was so calm and emotionless. We loaded the boat and headed to the marine resource office on Dauphin Island. I placed the fish into a tournament bag and packed ice around the fish. We arrived in the front office the lady at the window asked if we had the state record fish. I said, “Yes ma’am!” Craig Newton, an AMRD Biologist, whom I’ve known for over a decade, met John and I at the door and invited us to the back. The official scale was set to hundredths and displayed the fish’s weight as 13.90 pounds which was certainly more than the existing record. Craig then switched the display to pounds and ounces. The new displayed numbers were 13 pounds, 15 ounces and 13 pounds, 14ounces. Craig waited till the scale settled on 13 pounds, 14 ounces which was officially 5 ounces heavier than Branden’s 2015 record of 13 pounds, 9 ounces. Craig had biologist Kevin Anson agree that the fish was a sheepshead and then to assist him in the official length and girth measurements. It’s “official but unofficial” that I have the new state record sheepshead. The surrealness had fully set in now. John was excited and asking me what is wrong because I was basically speechless. I carried the fish back to the boat and buried it on ice and then made my official statement through my business Facebook page. The excitement grew with each and every phone call, text message, email and message that through Facebook and Instagram. Now I am waiting on my official paperwork stating I have the record. I plan to have the fish skin mounted and, per Craig Newton’s recommendation, I am keeping it frozen for 30 days. The record should be safe till at least next year when the sheepshead spawn begins again.
Getting the Early Morning Bite Right
How much nicer can a sunrise be? Inshore at Orange Beach gives anglers great surroundings for great early fishing.
BY CAPTAIN JAMES BERTRAND Here’s a nice picture for you. The soft warm darkness of the late spring night is slowly giving way to a gorgeous sunrise. Off toward Pensacola, there’s a line of light just starting to color up as the sun rises. But I’m not looking at the sunrise. I’m paying full attention to the blasting, gurgling sound of big redfish as they make a final night time meal on pogies, shrimp and other small delicious tasting stuff that has been attracted all night long to the bright lights of a private dock up Wolf Bay just north of the ICW at Orange Beach. And I really pay attention when my wobbling topwater plug that I cast past the feeding fish moves slowly toward the action. And when my plug disappears in a non-subtle crash and smash of a big redfish, I am totally unaware of the sunrise and its beauty. The only thing on my mind on this early Orange Beach morning is keeping this big fish out of the dock pilings and firmly attached to my line. Here’s another nice picture for you. At the very same time of the big redfish strike, just a few miles offshore in the Gulf, other anglers are slow trolling some large pogies behind their center console boat. As the light grows a bit stronger with the coming day, both anglers’ rods suddenly bend way over, their reels make loud screeching sounds, and a double hook-up fight begins.
Line is ripped from the reels against the drag and big, very fast fish head toward Mexico at a high rate of speed. King mackerel are a blast to encounter at any time, and sunrise kings tend to be the biggest fish of the day. Both inshore and offshore, Orange Beach anglers have daily opportunities to hook and catch some great fish. INSHORE FROM DARK TO SUN-UP As we move from spring into summer, the best fishing of nearly every day happens when the day moves from full darkness into early morning. Besides offering great fishing, these early morning hours are the most comfortable conditions of the day. In the early morning in the Orange Beach inshore area, we like to fish around dock lights in the late evening to early morning for redfish and speckled trout. The fish are attracted to the lights and often times the larger trophy-sized fish will lurk in the shadows just outside of the lights. Fishing around warm weather lighted boat docks can produce some memorable fishing trips. Early morning can be the most productive time for top water baits. The bigger fish tend to be active as the night turns into day, and the bigger fish seem to want to make just one more 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 27
Getting the Early Morning Bite Right
a short wire trace is critical. It’s important to have all gear in good shape and everything stowed away and ready for action as the sun comes up. This is truly the time when some monster kings are encountered, and everything, including the angler, needs to be ready. But big kings are by no means the only game in town when the sun comes up. Anglers who make their offshore runs in the dark and find the best readings on the fishfinder before the day begins can load up the fish box with great fish.
Redfish are very active at dawn, and anglers who rise early to meet them will have great luck.
meal before the day arrives with increased boat traffic and other disturbances put the big fish down for a while. Watching a speckled trout or redfish blow up on a topwater bait on the flats can be one of the most exciting hookups ever. In early morning situations I like to fish over shallow water grass flats using a top water bait. We also like to fish deeper water inshore around rock jetties or bridge feet for targeted species such as redfish, sheepshead, mangrove snapper and flounder. By working this deeper structure early in the day, we can avoid most of the boat wakes and other people caused noise which can kill a hot bite. When there’s good tide movement early in the morning, things are set up for a really hot bite. Moving water always helps produce better fishing so if possible, anglers would plan their early morning trips on those days when the tide will be moving strongly. OFFSHORE EARLY, EARLY By leaving Orange Beach backwaters and running through Perdido Pass before sunrise, anglers can put themselves in touch with some of the finest big game open Gulf fishing to be found anywhere. Running out before sunrise puts anglers in the best spots before there is much competition from other boats. In particular, the biggest king mackerel tend to be very active just at sunrise, and anglers who have lines in the water and bait put before the big kings as the early morning light grows can often find some super-fast action. The king mackerel bite at dawn can be explosive and is one of the most productive times of day to land a big smoker king. Anglers need to make sure they have high quality bait and are in place for this early opportunity. King mackerel can make a long, explosive first or second run, so it is critical to have a spinning reel with enough capacity to withstand the initial burst. Most anglers use 15-17 pound monofilament line which provides stretch to absorb the shock. King mackerel have a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth, so using 28 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Early morning offshore fishing can provide a number of different species to target as well. Fishing techniques such as bottom fishing, trolling, live baiting, drifts lines all can work in the early morning hours. Vermillion snapper, lane snapper, mangrove snapper, red snapper, gag grouper, triggerfish, cobia, amberjack, kings and Spanish mackerel are all commonly encountered offshore in early morning hours. As with kings, all of these game fish tend to feed actively at sunrise, and some big fish are often found at sunrise. Besides offering great fishing for the biggest fish, getting an early start for an offshore fishing trip also has other advantages. After the sun gets up and “normal” folks get stirring around, the waters of Orange Beach and in particular Perdido Pass can get crowded. When a bunch of boats of different sizes are transiting Perdido Pass, there can be some difficult chop and wave conditions created, and anglers making their way to the Gulf may have to slow way down and exercise even more vigilance and caution than usual.
HOG RUSH
Getting the Early Morning Bite Right
So, a very important element of offshore early morning fishing at Orange Beach is to set your alarm clock and plan to be put on the water by 6:00 am, and get through the pass before all of the boat traffic begins. With spring break and summer months nearing, boat traffic is extremely high, and it is best to hit the water early. BE CAREFUL OUT THERE! One of the very first things that anglers on the Gulf Coast generally, and Orange Beach specifically, learn is that the weather can and will change. Just because an early morning starts flat calm with no wind, there’s no assurance that the entire morning will stay that way.
“THERE WILL BE BLOOD”
In fact, most days will show considerable change in wind and wave conditions, so anglers need to be aware and take steps to deal with changing weather. And for anglers who like to fish from full darkness into daytime hours, this can be a challenge to know what’s developing weather-wise. At night, anglers don’t have the benefit of seeing the sky with their eyes in order to observe approaching weather patterns. It is critical that anglers check the weather before heading out and this includes checking the NOAA buoys. At Bluewater Charters, we make every effort to keep current with weather and any possible challenging conditions. We want to be sure that our clients have a good, safe trip with minimal stressful weather conditions. On our charter boats, we have invested in Sirius XM Marine Weather Antennas so we have constant weather overlay on our charts which allows us to receive real-time weather information while we are out on the boat. This service has proven to be invaluable on many occasions. Although knowing that rough weather is building is a very good thing for inshore and backwater anglers to know at all times, it’s absolutely crucial for offshore anglers to have good advance warning of thunderstorms and other developing weather factors.
THERMAL NIGHT
HUNTS
IN ALABAMA
Specifically in the Orange Beach area and in general for the entire Gulf Coast, spring time can tend to be a windy time of year. So understanding that those winds can increase is very important as they affect safety on the water. Also, during the summertime with day-time heating, afternoon thunderstorms can pop up almost without notice, so it is important to always keep an eye on the sky as the day moves from early morning into full day.
For More Information Bluewater Charters 5749 Bay La Launch Avenue Orange Beach, AL 36561 251-753-4129 www.bluewatercharters.biz
334-430-8111
www.HOGRUSH.com 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 29
HUNTING
How to Find and Take a Big Buck This Fall BY JOHN E. PHILLIPS Photos by John E. Phillips
You can take a big buck this year if you plan ahead. There are primarily two types of deer hunters – meat hunters and big-buck hunters. However, you’ll find that defining a big buck isn’t easy. For some outdoorsmen, a big buck is an eight pointer, regardless of his antler score. Other hunters consider a big buck one that weighs more than 200 pounds. Still others define a big buck as one with antlers that will score more than 150 inches gross on the Boone and Crockett or the Buckmasters scale. Several ingredients are required for a deer to become a big buck, including: • a living area with very good, fertile soil. These soils most likely will be found in agricultural regions, since the kinds of soil that produce big bucks also are the soil types that yield great crops; • an abundance of high quality food to produce massive antlers and a heavy body weight. This reason is why supplemental feeding of deer all year long often is necessary to produce biggerthan-average male deer. Supplemental feedings either can be achieved by growing highly nutritious crops for deer year-round or by using pelleted deer food; and • a long life, usually four to six years, to reach his genetic potential. WHAT A BIG BUCK LOOKS LIKE “There’s a good one,” I told my guide once as I grabbed my rifle and prepared to take the shot. But my guide said, “Let’s wait a little while, and see what other bucks show up.” When I asked him if he thought we’d see bucks bigger than that one, he answered, “Oh, yeah, we may have the chance to see several bucks bigger than that one before you hunt ends.” 30 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
During that hunt, I saw three more bucks bigger than the buck I wanted to take on the first day of my hunt. I learned then that areas in the U.S. have histories of producing bucks that weigh over 200 pounds and have antlers scoring 150+ on Boone and Crockett. WHAT ABOUT BIG BUCKS IN THE SOUTH In many sections of the South, farmers and landowners are now managing their properties to produce mature bucks for hunters to take. The reason is simple: hunters pay big bucks to lease or to hunt on lands where their chances of taking a buck of a lifetime are the greatest. But some sportsmen prefer to grow their own big bucks on the properties they lease or own to hunt by farming for mature animals and having restrictive bag limits on the sizes and/or the ages of the bucks they’ll harvest each season to enable their deer to reach the older-age classes. Other hunters will designate perhaps the first week or the last week of deer season as a time that no one hunts deer on their properties to provide sanctuary for deer from surrounding lands. Or, they may try to locate and bag older-age-class bucks in their own states or in other states by hunting seasons that the majority of deer hunters don’t hunt. For instance, in most states bowhunters and blackpowder hunters have longer deer seasons with more days to hunt, or they’re assigned a time to hunt when the odds of taking a big deer are greater. Realizing that a growing number of deer hunters want to have the chance to take a mature, big buck, many states limit the number of hunters and the number of deer that can be harvested by them
How to Find and Take a Big Buck This Fall
on some public lands in their state. To be able to hunt these states and these lands, hunters must apply early and go into a lottery and hope they’re chosen to hunt deer during these special seasons. Other hunters may join hunting clubs and leases to be able to hunt larger acreages where they also can plant green fields and manipulate the habitat and the harvest of bucks to increase the numbers of older-age-class big bucks available. But also some groups of hunters are leasing small properties, from 5-50 acres, that are surrounded by agricultural fields, lands that aren’t hunted or properties in-between heavily hunted areas to set up sanctuaries for big bucks. Although there’s been a tremendous emphasis on planting food plots and using supplemental feeding, one of the most overlooked types of property that can and will hold big deer that can reach their genetic potential are sanctuary areas. Older-ageclass bucks have learned that once deer season starts in most states, their only chance of survival is to remain during daylight hours where no hunters hunt and only feed and move after dark. The hunters who set up sanctuaries can get trail camera pictures of these mature animals and watch the bucks grow until they reach the sizes the hunters want to harvest. That’s why small properties that are sanctuaries often produce some of the biggest bucks taken in many states. On almost every property, there are some places that no one hunts, perhaps the land that’s too thick with vegetation or too steep or has too many briar patches. It may be by the gate going into the land, a small plum thicket next to a major highway, a small island in the middle of a river or a creek. It may even be a little thicket close to a campground and picnic tables on public lands, a thicket behind a dog pen, a trash pile of logs, limbs and brush in the middle of a cow pasture and other out-of-the-way spots.
Pictured is Purina’s AntlerMax that has been formulated after more than 30 years of deer nutrition research to produce healthier deer of both sexes, bigger body weights and larger racks.
Purina wanted to know what we needed to add to our deer food to correlate to larger antler scores. Based on Varner’s research, Purina developed a proprietary blend and concentration of minerals that we use in our AntlerMax deer food (https://www. purinamills.com/).” Purina offers regional formulas of AntlerMax to make sure that the deer in various sections of the U.S. have, “Deer food appropriate for their region,” according to Schlegel. “Because the buck is only one half of the genetic material in fawns, our feed also increases the overall health of the does by improving
WHY FEW DEER ON A PROPERTY OFTEN EQUALS BIG BUCKS Most deer hunters want to hunt sections of land with large populations of whitetails, believing that the more deer they see, the more likely they are to encounter a big buck. However, often the biggest bucks harvested are taken off public and private lands that have the fewest number of deer on them. The fewer number of deer a property homes, the less likely that hunters will be wanting to hunt there, resulting in less hunting pressure and increasing the odds of older-age-class bucks living there and becoming bigger bucks. But to take these bucks in low-density deer places, the hunter will have to spend more time scouting and using trail cameras to learn if any big bucks live there, where and when those bucks travel, how to get into and out of that region without spooking the buck he wants to take, and how he can get a big buck out of that area if he harvests him. HOW HUNTERS CAN RAISE BIG, STRONG DEER WITH THE RIGHT NUTRITION Several companies today have researched what deer need to eat to be their best and have developed deer rations to address those needs. I spoke with Dr. Michael Schlegel, who has a Ph.D in animal nutrition from Michigan State University, who told me, “Purina Mills, the company I work for, has been studying deer nutrition and feeding deer for more than 30 years under the direction of Dr. Larry Varner, another animal nutritionist. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 31
How to Find and Take a Big Buck This Fall
(251) 333-9355
www.mdhfoundationrepair.com Courtesy of the Sanctuary Ranch: This photo came from the Sanctuary Ranch (http://sanctuaryranch.com/) in Michigan where some of the early research on deer nutrition was performed by Dr. Larry Varner, an animal nutritionist for Purina Mills.
reproduction and lactation and supports the growth of fawns. The AntlerMax 20 is used from the time the buck’s antlers drop until their antlers harden. Purina also has AntlerMax Advantage Rut & Conditioning that’s fed in the fall and winter when deer don’t need a lot of protein for antler growth but do require fat to get the animals through the winter, ready the does for breeding and help the bucks regain weight and body conditioning they’ve lost during the rut.” Schlegel also mentions that Purina is always searching for ways to improve the overall health of deer herds by aiding their immune systems and digestive systems to be strong and to utilize the feed well.
FOUNDATION REPAIR
CONCRETE REPAIR
When asked about the future of supplemental deer rations, Schlegel explains that, “We know that animal nutritionists all over the country are working to help hunters learn more about supplemental feeding and how to use that supplemental feed to grow bigger bucks and healthier deer.” WHY TO LET SOMEONE ELSE RAISE YOUR BIG BUCK Throughout the South and the Midwest, many hunting lodges and outfitters manage the lands they either lease or own to produce mature bucks and charge hunters to hunt there. They often plant green fields, build sanctuaries and manipulate the deer’s habitat and the buck harvest to drastically increase the hunter’s odds of seeing and possibly harvesting the biggest buck of his or her lifetime. The greater the odds for taking the buck of a lifetime, usually the higher the fee to hunt. WHAT ABOUT HUNTING DEER IN ENCLOSURES Because the demand for older-age-class bucks with big racks and heavy body weights has increased so much over the last 10-20 years, research has focused on how to raise big bucks quicker and protect those bucks inside enclosures. Many of these deer enclosures buy genetics from some of the largest bucks raised in breeder pens and artificially inseminate their does. In recent years, some deer breeders have used these super genetics to produce bucks scoring 200+ inches in only two years. Today when hunting enclosures, you can decide what size buck you want to harvest, and whether you want that buck to sport a typical or a non-typical big rack. Then you must balance that dream with the amount of disposable income you have to pay 32 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
ENCAPSULATION
How to Find and Take a Big Buck This Fall
In recent years, some deer breeders have used these super genetics to produce bucks scoring 200+ inches in only two years. for the opportunity to take that buck from an enclosure. There are good arguments for not hunting enclosures, as well as good arguments for hunting enclosures. Each hunter has to make his own decision on free-range hunting versus enclosure hunting. You can contact the game and fish department in the state you’re planning to hunt to learn contact information for reputable deer hunting enclosures, hunting lodges and the public lands that produce the most big bucks. To learn more about hunting big deer and some of the hunters who have taken them, check out John E. Phillips’ books: “Whitetail Deer and the Hunters Who Take Big Deer,” available in Kindle and paperback at http://amzn.to/2bYwYOK; and “How to Hunt and Take Big Buck Deer on Small Properties, available in Kindle and paperback versions at http://amzn.to/1vIcj4m. and the Audible version at https://www.audible.com/pd/B01M4JCO2U/?source_ code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-070988. WHERE AND HOW SOUTHERN HUNTERS HAVE TAKEN THE BIGGEST FREE-RANGE DEER SINCE 2013 When you study the biggest deer taken in southern states since
2013, you’ll notice some interesting facts, including: 33% of these deer were taken in November and approximately 20% of them harvested in December; the highest number of the biggest deer were classified as irregular or non-typical racks with only 13% categorized as typical; and most of the southern states, except for Georgia and Kentucky, had big deer harvested in various counties. In this list of big bucks, I’ve included Jon Moss of Mississippi who took a huge 261 6/8-inch buck (283 7/8-BTR) on November 24, 1989, in Perry County, Alabama, in the Black Belt region. I interviewed Moss then, and that was one of the largest deer ever taken in Alabama. When Moss harvested this huge buck, it became at the time the largest buck ever taken in North America since 1982. Two hunters I interviewed harvested their big bucks on small, 22 - 40 acre-sized parcels. Wade Johnson of Bradford, Arkansas, bagged a 200 4/8-buck in White County, Ark., on September 29, 2018, with his bow. Johnson had trail-camera pictures for three years of this buck he named Lifetime that lived on only 40 acres a friend owned. Dr. Frank Sullivan of St. Francisville, Louisiana, first spotted his 210 3/8-buck named Under Armor, so named by Sullivan’s son because the buck’s antlers were shaped like the Under Armor logo, holding in a hollow in the downtown area. Sullivan owned 22 acres where the hollow was and had his dental office there. The town allowed hunting with bows and arrows, and Sullivan took this fine buck on October 6, 2017.
THE 2019 RED SNAPPER SEASON IS HERE! FRIDAY-SUNDAY, JUNE 1st – JULY 28th THE MANDATORY REPORTING PROGRAM WILL CONTINUE FOR THE 2019 RED SNAPPER RECREATIONAL SEASON. ONLY ONE REPORT IS REQUIRED PER FISHING TRIP WITH RED SNAPPER. ANGLERS CAN REPORT USING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: • SMARTPHONE APP (iPhone or Android)* • ONLINE AT OUTDOORALABAMA.COM • PAPER FORMS AT CERTAIN COASTAL PUBLIC BOAT LAUNCHES App Icon
*MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE CURRENT OUTDOOR ALABAMA APP! You can complete a report while offshore
ANGLERS MUST REPORT CATCH BEFORE FISH ARE REMOVED FROM THE VESSEL OR THE VESSEL WITH FISH ONBOARD IS BROUGHT ONSHORE. REQUIRED REPORT INFORMATION INCLUDES: • VESSEL REGISTRATION • COUNTY OF LANDING • VESSEL TYPE – CHARTER OR PRIVATE • NUMBER OF ANGLERS • NUMBER OF RED SNAPPER HARVESTED AND DISCARDED DEAD • ACCESS TYPE USED - PUBLIC OR PRIVATE
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 33
Buying Hunting Land:
How Hunting Land Loans are Different
BY AMANDA RYAN Alabama Ag Credit Relationship Manager in Spanish Fort, AL
Throughout my experience with buyers purchasing hunting land, there are usually several motivating factors involved that vary in any given situation. However, I would say the overall theme is that land buyers are making an investment in their future. Alabama is lucky to have many options for state-run wildlife preserves where the general public can use the property for hunting purposes. However, they are not allowed to make major changes to the infrastructure or other land improvements. Those who are fortunate enough to find the few and often inherited leases may have more control, but still have to make accommodations for the landowner. This would include moving stands and fields during the off season and dealing with a lack of easy access roads. People here want a property that over time will be a good investment, like the return they will get on the timber, but will also have a nice recreational benefit during that time. While many people come to me to buy hunting land we often talk about the value property improvement can have on their land value. Most recognize that timberland and cropland are assets that they need to take care of too. HELP FOR FIRST-TIME LAND BUYERS We have found that the interest in land loans can be seasonal. But regardless of what time of the year it is, the majority of our inquiries are from people who may have gone through 34 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
the home mortgage process but are basically first-time land buyers. The “just land” concept is all new to them, and they aren’t sure about the steps needed to get approved for a rural homesite or how to get a loan for hunting land. One of the biggest misconceptions prospective borrowers have is that their regular banking sources will be able to loan money to purchase recreational, hunting or rural homesites and acreage. Many people find that banks either aren’t able to do it, or if they do, will require a larger down payment or offer terms that could be restrictive. Traditional home loans normally require a relatively low down payment and a standard fixed- rate 30-year mortgage. But that isn’t the case with a recreational land loan or homesite. A land loan’s terms and down payment may vary. A typical Alabama Ag Credit land loan will involve a down payment of cash or can be in the form of unencumbered eligible property and will carry a term of between 15 and 20 years, depending on the intended use and the size of the property. The term for a rural homesite loan with smaller acreage will normally be for 15 years, while the larger agricultural, timber and hunting land purchases may be for a longer period. Alabama Ag Credit has nine locations serving 40 counties in central and south Alabama. We provide a full array of financial instruments for farm, timber and forestry operations,
Buying Hunting Land: How Hunting Land Loans are Different
rural real estate, agribusiness and recreational property. That includes assistance in how to get a loan for hunting land. THE COOPERATIVE ADVANTAGE Alabama Ag Credit is affiliated with the over 100-year-old nationwide Farm Credit System and we are a stockholder owned cooperative. That means that when you obtain a loan with Alabama Ag Credit you become a stockholder of the association and a portion of those earnings is returned to you through our patronage program, as determined by our board of directors. At closing you make a one-time Alabama Ag Credit stock purchase — and that stock ownership entitles you to share in the co-op profits, lowering your loan’s total interest cost. When your loan is paid off, the cost of the stock is refunded to you. Alabama Ag Credit doesn’t sell its loans on the secondary market like a lot of other financial institutions. When you have a 20-year loan with Alabama Ag Credit, we own your loan for 20 years and we’re going to take that risk for the complete term. Your loan stays with us. Terms of a land loan, such as interest rate and down payment, depend on the applicant’s unique underwriting factors. The size or type of the property isn’t the overriding factor. Most recreational and hunting land loans are provided on a fixed interest rate where they can pay over time They do not want to worry about a changing or increasing interest rate and want to make sure they can keep the property in the family. BUYING PROCESS ON THE SHORT TRACK
LONE
One of the most important benefits of working with Alabama Ag Credit is that once the borrower’s loan application is approved, the buying moves quickly. That is because we have our own appraisers on staff and partner with attorneys and title companies in the local area where our customers are purchasing the property. The bottom line for people who don’t know how to get a loan for hunting land, a rural homesite or land for other uses is that Alabama Ag Credit will work closely with you and walk you through all of the steps of the process. Alabama Ag Credit is the ideal solution for folks looking to purchase their own land. Right now with competitive interest rates, customers are finding that their ideal hunting parcel is more affordable than they imagined. With terms that can be tailored to our customer’s specific needs, we can help facilitate the ownership of the land where the buys are able to facilitate personal stewardship of the property and preserve it for future generations. As a lender we are unique in the Alabama land loan market because we provide specialized financing at competitive rates and the service that makes for successful closings. That cultivates and results in a great relationship with our stockholders. Amanda Ryan is a relationship manager with Alabama Ag Credit (Spanish Fort, Ala.). Amanda’s role is in a lending capacity offering all products including land, rural home, rural homesite, equipment, operating and agribusiness loans.
WOLF
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 35
NEW GEAR BY WILLIAM KENDY
Tapplock Introduces New Digital Firearm Lock
The Tapplock lite is a smart fingerprint padlock that features anti-shim and anti-pry technologies for extra protection. The lock can store up to 100 fingerprints to share access with other adults and users can utilize the Tapplock app to track who opened the lock as well as grant mobile access via a remote Bluetooth unlock feature, along with three ways to unlock. Suggested Retail Price: $59.00 www.tapplock.com
New from Rumpl - Puffy Down Blanket
Constructed of 20D Ripstop nylon and polyester fabric with a DWR shield, the Rumpl Realtree camo Down Puffy Blanket is durable and water, odor and stain resistant. Its 600 fill down insulation provides comfort down to 40°F. The 50 x 70” Puffy Down throw weighs only one pound and fits into a compact 5” x 6” stuff pack (included). Machine washable Suggested Retail Price: $199.00 www.rumpl.com
Tightlines Announces New UV Hy-Brid Craw Bait (79)
The new Tightlines UV Hy-Brid Craw combines striking UV fish grabbing colors, a “Whisker crawl’n” action, is scent specific to a natural crawfish and has a clicking craw sound from a rattle positioned in the craw tail. The result is a flipping and pitching designed bait that provides excellent visibility in murky or dirty water conditions from spring and summer rainfall. Suggested Retail Price - $9.99 for a 4 pack www.tightlinesuv.com
36 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
NEW GEAR FOR OUTDOORSMEN
Outdoor Edge Introduces New Survival Tool
The all-in-one 1.8 ounce ParaSPARK survival bracelet features a 1.3-inch patented sheepsfoot blade and a brightly marked liquid-filled compass. The buckle houses a 110-decibel whistle as well as a fire-starting ferrocerium rod. The large bracelet is hand tied from 17 feet (14.4 feet for the medium bracelet) of reflective black seven-strand nylon paracord plus one strand of wax-coated firecord and a monofilament fishing line. Suggest Retail Price: $33.99 www.outdooredge.com
The New CZ BOBWHITE G2
With a straight English-style grip, checkered Turkish walnut stock, lightweight CNC receiver, double triggers, five screw-in choke tubes and a tough black chrome finish, the light and rugged CZ Bobwhite G2 mounts quickly, swings well and brings home birds. It is available in 12, 20 or 28 gauges, a 28 inch barrel, chambered in 2 ¾ to 3 inch and weighs between 5 ½ to 7 lbs., Suggested Retail Price: $655.00 www.cz-usa.com
Delta McKenzie Wedgie™ Offers Easy Archery Practice Shooting Option Featuring a freestanding bag design, the Wedgie set up in almost every location and stands without additional support and remains stable and upright at arrow impact. It offers one-handed arrow removal, up to 36 pounds of shotstopping fill, high-contrast graphics printed on both sides, is available in 20” and 24” sizes and accomodates high speed vertical bows and crossbows. Suggested Retail Price: $40.00 & $55.99 www.dmtargets.com
Pigs-Dig-It™ Pulls Hogs in Close for Hunting Success
Pigs-Dig-It is a granular super affordable, long-range attractant that boasts a powerfully intense aroma that will bring wild pigs running. Pigs-Dig-It comes in five pound bags. It is easy to apply to any area and the pungent stinky-cheese aroma, when applied to and slightly worked into the soil in areas with good air circulation and thermal currents draws pigs in from long distances. Suggested Retail Price: $10.99 www.bigandj.com
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 37
Monroe Tufline Flip Disc Designed for 250 to 400 cc ATVs. 52” cutting width. Weight tray for additional weight if needed. 16” notched disc blades with cast iron greasable bearings.
$729.97
AFC #403558
Ridiculously Cold. Seriously Tough. 22 qt. #CC22 AFC #CC22OUT
$129.99
Free Pool and Spa Water Testing • Sanitizers
35 qt. #CC35 AFC #CC35OUT
$219.99
• Shocks
55 qt. #CC55 AFC #CC55OUT
$289.99
• Algaecides
Golden Stag Deerskin Gloves - Deerskin economy - thinner leather for better feel - Keystone thumb - Shirred elastic back.
• Balancers Sizes: XS - XXL
• Specialities • Residential • Commercial
AFC #606001
Sandstone Color
Tarter Raised Bed Planter
Allows you to create an instant raised planting bed. Open on the bottom for proper drainage. RBGP318 - 96” x 36” - AFC #302181 RBGP216 - 24” x 12” - AFC #302179
Carpenter Bee Cottage Trap Features angled entrance holes. Unique funnel directs bees to bottle. Weather-proof roof & hanging wire. Includes small bottle. Larger standard plastic bottle may be attached. AFC #606001
38 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food 8 oz. AFC #7000160 1 lb. AFC #7000161 1.5 lb. AFC #7000162 3 lb. AFC #7000163 4 lb. AFC #7000164 10 lb. AFC #7000166
Chapin® Sprayers
Poly tanks. Adjustable spraying nozzles. Poly Pro 2 Gal.
1 gal. Sprayer
in-tank filter.
Anti-clog filter.
AFC #624052
AFC #624014
Water Soluble Tomato Plant Food 1.5 lb. AFC #7000175 3 lb. AFC #7000176
Hessaire Evaporative Cooling Fan Cool your shop, stables, or barn. 950 sq. ft. cooling fan. MC37M AFC #407824
$315.97 Other sizes cooling fans available. 500 sq ft. AFC #409779 1600 sq. ft. AFC #407825 3000 sq. ft. AFC #409777
Contact your local CO-OP store for all of your farming, hunting, or gardening needs! Thermacell Brown insect repellent Appliance w/1 TE Refill
Thermacell Pink Realtree insect repellent w/1 TE Refill
• Emits earth scent - the smell of musky dirt and decaying leaves masks human odors up to 4 hours per mat.
• 15x15 foot zone of protection against bugs. • Cordless, pocket-sized, portable and lightweight appliance
• Uses the same effective mosquito repellent as original ThermaCELL mat.
• Silent and virtually odor-free operation.
• Repels mosquitoes, black flies and flying insects. Creates an efffective insect-protection zone of 15x15 feet.
$20.99
#TMRBJE AFC #408098
SS22-MBE
#TRMPTJ AFC #414754
$20.99
M-40i Invisi-Flash 16MP Game Camera • 16MP Resolution •PIR Motion Sensor - 80’ Range • Motion Trigger Speed • 32-LED invisible IR flash
AFC #407600
AFC #493614 MCG-13181
$499.99 22 gun. Electronic 2-way locking system with 1” live action locking bolts. Adjustable Shelves. Fully carpeted interior. Black textured finish. Patented barrel rest and standoffs.
Lieutenant 42 Gun
$135.99
M-40 Infrared 16MP Game Camera • 16MP Resolution •PIR Motion Sensor - 80’ Range • Motion Trigger Speed 0.3 sec • 32-LED Nighttime IR flash AFC #493614 MCG-13181
$119.99
AFC #409552
Spy 2 Plus 9MP Game Camera • 9MP Resolution •PIR Motion Sensor - 50’ Range • Trigger Speed 1 second • 12-LED IR Flash - 50’ range
$824.97 12 gauge steel door with Tru-Lock internal hinges. Uses 4” locking bolts to protect the bolts from prying. 2 adjustable shelves and an organizational panel on the door provide additional storage capacity.
AFC #493672 MCG-13200
$54.99
WEDNESDAYS • 5 P.M. CENTRAL Sunday, Central Time
Alabama Stations and times
T E L E V I S I O N S H O W
Market Montgomery Mobile Dothan Birmingham Columbus, GA Huntsville
Station WSFA-TV 12 WPMI-TV WTVY-TV 4 WBMA-TV 33/40 WLTZ-TV 38 WAFF-TV 48
Time 6 AM 6 AM 6:30 AM 6:30 AM 6:30 AM 9 AM
Albertville Andalusia Arab Ashford Ashville Athens Atmore Blountstowon, FL Centre Columbiana Courtland Crossville Decatur Demopolis Elba Elberta Enterprise Faunsdale Fayette Florala Florence Frisco City Geneva Goshen Greenville Haleyville Hamilton Hartford Hartselle Hazel Green Headland Holly Pond Jacksonville Jasper Jay, FL Leighton Leroy Lineville Live Oak, FL Luverne Lynnville, TN Madison, FL Meridianville Moulton Northport Notasulga Oneonta Opp Pell City Piedmont Pulaski, TN Rainsville Rogersville Scottsboro Selma Stevenson Talladega Troy Tuscumbia Wedowee Wetumpka
256-878-3261 334-222-1851 256-586-5515 334-899-3263 205-594-7042 256-232-5500 251-368-2191 850-674-8194 256-927-3135 205-669-7082 256-637-2939 256-528-7188 256-353-4663 334-289-0155 334-897-6972 251-986-8103 334-347-9007 334-628-2681 205-932-5901 334-858-6142 256-764-8441 251-267-3175 334-898-7932 334-484-3441 334-382-6548 205-486-3794 205-921-2631 334-588-2992 256-773-6832 256-828-2010 334-693-3313 256-796-5337 256-435-3430 205-387-1142 850-675-4597 256-446-8328 251-246-3512 256-396-2097 386-362-1459 334-335-5082 931-527-3923 850-973-2269 256-828-5360 256-974-9214 205-339-8181 334-257-3930 205-274-2185 334-493-7715 205-338-2821 256-447-6560 931-363-2563 256-638-2569 256-247-3453 256-574-1688 334-874-9083 256-437-8829 256-362-2716 334-566-3882 256-383-6462 256-357-4743 334-567-4321
www.SimplySouthernTV.net
www.alafarm.com
MID STATE STOCKYARD 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 39
COYOTES AND CARTRIDGES One man’s caliber choices for hunting coyotes
BY CRAIG HANEY Photo submitted by Craig Haney
Remember a specific brand and bullet weight of ammo will shoot differently in different rifles.
The campfire felt as good as the elk stew tasted that was cooked over the fire in the ancient black pot. After filling our bellies, the conversation turned to the hopes and expectations of the next day. We had been hunting for several days and the four of us were halfway toward our goal of a mule deer and antelope each so we were talking over the next day’s plans with our two guides. Once we got filled in on how and where on the 37,000 acre ranch we would hunt the next day, I asked our guides what their jobs were when they weren’t guiding hunters. Arnie spoke up quickly and said they both worked for the federal government as coyote hunters and trappers. The conversation then proceeded to numerous entertaining stories of their misadventures as they did their job hunting and trapping ol’ wiley coyote. Before we headed for our sleeping bags, Arnie asked if we had a large “ky-oat” population down south. Andy quickly spoke up and said we did not but that answer wouldn’t be true today. Thirty five plus years later, they are everywhere throughout the Deep South. The good news is that they provide some hunting challenges after deer and turkey season for hunters so
40 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
inclined. My buddy Andy caught the coyote hunting bug several years ago and hunts them here in Alabama with three rifles he already owns. None of the three are a dedicated varmint gun but they work for Andy and that’s what counts. He has shot all three rifles quite a bit and knows the performance of each intimately. Let’s take a look at Andy’s choices when he has coyotes on his mind. .308 WINCHESTER The .308 Winchester has long been at or near the top of the best selling hunting cartridges in this country. The .308 is really hard not to like, after all, it is accurate, versatile and is chambered in every rifle action you can think of including AR-10 semiautomatic platforms. Since the .308 Win/7.62 NATO is a standard military round, brass for hand loading is easily found and inexpensive. Andy loads his own ammo and uses the same load, including 150 grain Nosier Partition bullets that have worked well for him on either side of the Mississippi River for deer and antelope. He has thought about loading 110-125 grain bullets for his
THE GUN RACK .308 just for coyotes but has decided to keep it simple with the 150 grain load that has never failed him for mid-sized big game. The Henry Long Ranger lever gun that Andy hunts with offers excellent accuracy with 3-shot groups under one inch at 100 yards. 7MM-08 REMINGTON The popular 7mm-08 introduced almost 40 years ago is based on the .308 Winchester and has been highly successful in the marketplace and in the woods. The moderate muzzle blast and recoil appeal to many hunters also. In working up loads for his 7mm-08, Andy likes the 100 grain Speer HP for the way it performs in his rifle on coyotes and mid-sized game. Andy has long been a fan of the Remington Model 7 rifle because of its size. The receiver is ½-inch shorter than the Model 700 Remington and 2⅜ inches shorter overall which makes it easier to use still-hunting in the woods he favors. .223 REMINGTON The .223 Remington has become the best selling rifle cartridge in this country thanks to the popularity of the Modern Sporting Rifle. There are more bullets and cartridges available for coyote hunting for the .223 Remington than any time in the past with bullet weights up to 80 grains available. The round is flat shooting enough
that you can take coyotes out to 400 yards if you do your part. Since Andy hunts coyotes for predator control and not hides he prefers bullets designed for hunting varmints and predators rather than full metal jacket ammunition. He says the traditional Hornady 60 grain HP bullet to be very accurate in his Remington R15. RANDOM THOUGHTS The three examples of coyote cartridges and rifles for them I have mentioned should not be construed as to what are ideal coyote hunting combos for anyone but my buddy Andy. Myself, I would probably choose a rifle chambered for .204 Ruger, 223 Remington or .243 Winchester. Your choices would probably be different than mine. If you don’t handload like Andy, no problem since there is the greatest selection of factory ammunition available for hunters of all species that there has ever been on dealers’ shelves. Take the time to research the different styles of bullets available and what type may work best for you. Remember a specific brand and bullet weight of ammo will shoot differently in different rifles. Take the time to try different brands of ammo in your rifle to maximize your rifle’s potential. Time at the range is very important. Know how your rifle and its favorite load perform at different ranges and from different shooting positions. You will become a much more successful hunter from spending quality time at the range.
Show Your Support for Alabama’s Coastal Fishing & Marine Resources. All proceeds from your TAX DEDUCTIBLE purchase are used for marine conservation in Coastal Alabama.
For more info on the events or CCA Alabama www.ccaalabama.org 251-478-3474 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 41
Gulf Red Snapper Headed Toward State Management
Gulf Council votes to give states control of snapper fisheries in 2020
Hopefully, saltwater anglers are having a great 2019 red snapper season. Those who enjoy Alabama’s unparalleled snapper fishing will be happy to hear that state control of the snapper season will continue into 2020 and beyond. After three years of effort, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council passed Amendment 50 at its April meeting. The amendment gives the five Gulf states the ability to manage their own red snapper fisheries under certain parameters. If the amendment hadn’t passed, the Gulf states would have reverted to federal management and its extremely short seasons for the private recreational fishermen.
BY CHRIS BLANKENSHIP Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
Alabama’s 2018 and 2019 snapper seasons were implemented under an exempted fishing permit (EFP), which gave Gulf states the ability to set seasons with certain allocations of fish in mind. The season dates were the only parameters allowed to be set by the states under the EFP. Amendment 50 changed that. The Council also voted to give the states the authority to establish or modify the bag limit, minimum size limit within 14-18 inches total length, and a maximum size limit. These suggested management changes will now go to Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross for approval and
42 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
implementation. When Amendment 50 was introduced in 2016, it was designed to include management for both the private recreational sector and the federal forhire (charter) sector. As the amendment progressed, the sentiment among the federal for-hire sector across the Gulf was that the majority of those charter boats preferred to stay under federal management. The Council decided to move forward with state management for the private recreational sector and leave the for-hire under the federal season. Should the federal for-hire sector change its mind, the Council can address that with an amendment in the future. The federal for-hire sector 2019 season is set for 62 straight days, starting on June 1. Therefore, if you don’t have access to a private boat or you are visiting our beautiful Gulf Coast during the week, Alabama has a wide variety of charter boats to accommodate your fishing needs. Visit alabamacharterfishingassociation. com for a directory of Alabama charter vessels. Alabama’s 2018 season proved to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) that the state had a system in place to effectively manage
FROM THE COMMISSIONER allocations closely. Initially, the 2018 season was scheduled to last 47 days. However, ideal weather and a renewed enthusiasm for catching Alabama’s signature saltwater species enabled fishermen to catch the quota quicker than anticipated. In order to manage the quota responsibly, Alabama Marine Resources Division (MRD) ended the season after 28 days. Final numbers indicated Alabama managed our 1-million-pound quota to almost exactly the allowed amount of pounds. Alabama was able to monitor the snapper fisheries through our mandatory Snapper Check system. MRD estimates the compliance with Snapper Check was not where we would like for it to be. We need anglers to comply with the Snapper Check requirement to provide the best available data to ensure that our anglers have the most fishing opportunities possible. Complying with Snapper Check is extremely easy through the Outdoor AL smartphone app. You can also report your red snapper catch at outdooralabama.com or you can fill out the information on paper forms at select boat ramps. I am confident Amendment 50 will be a success for the fishery and for the anglers in the five Gulf states. The states can now tailor the seasons, size limits and bag limits for the benefit of their anglers. Under Amendment 50, Alabama will receive an increase in the percentage of the total allowable catch, slightly higher than under the EFP. Under the plan for Amendment 50, the allocation for each state was based on different factors like biomass, historical landings and the time frame of historical landings.
A Must Read for Turkey Hunters. “Any information that came from outside was highly suspect. Anything that came from inside, even from members of your own family was, in many cases, tarred with the same brush. Nobody and by that I mean nobody, gave away a thing. The “boy” in this story is blessed with an honest and benevolent grandfather who learned the hard way. Alan covers very well what has come to be called “The bad old days” when you mostly made it on your own or you didn’t make it at all.” TOM KELLY
Under the initial EFP allocations for each state, the total did not equal 100% of the total allowable catch. Florida received the leftover 3.78%. Under Amendment 50, Alabama’s Council representatives insisted the extra percentage should be allocated differently, and that is what happened. Alabama and Florida split that 3.78% because our states historically catch the most red snapper. The other states saw that distribution as fair and did not object. Alabama’s plan under Amendment 50 includes a 10% buffer as opposed to the 20% buffer under the federal system. The federal for-hire sector has not exceeded its quota for several years, and its buffer was reduced to 9%, thereby increasing the number of days those federally permitted charter boats could fish.
First Edition
Alabama’s allocation of red snapper for the 2019 season under the EFP is 1,079,765 pounds. Alabama’s allocation for the 2020 season increases to 1,122,661 pounds if the private recreational sector stays within its quota this year.
NOW AVAILABLE!
When you get ready to put your boat in the water to enjoy our great snapper fishing, remember that our world-leading artificial reef system is the reason we have such great fishing. Alabama has only 3% of the Gulf coastline, yet our anglers will receive 26.298% of the total allowable catch of red snapper for the 2020 season.
at www.oneseasonbook.com
Hard Cover or Paperback
Order Online
That’s something to brag about. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 43
Don’t Let The Old Man In
An Inspiring 91-Year-Old
Jack McQuinn was sitting in a rocker on the porch, with his trusted canine companion Wiley laying at his side when my friend Boyd and I arrived. The pine plantation across the woods road was still smoldering from a controlled burn.
BY CORKY PUGH Executive Director, Hunting Heritage Foundation
When we inquired about the fire, Jack told us he had burned 57 acres that morning. When I asked if he had anyone helping him, the response was a simple, “No.” McQuinn is 91. He drove the tractor and disked the firebreaks. He set the fire with a drip torch. He monitored and managed the burn… by himself. The retired Navy Captain and construction contractor drives from his home in Huntsville to his property in the Paint Rock Valley near Scottsboro almost ev-
44 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
ery day, and works on something there. Or if the notion strikes him, he spends the night. Boyd and I have been invited by Jack to come turkey hunting each spring for years. What a treat it is to chase turkeys on such a well-managed property! The lodge, constructed by McQuinn, is an incredible place to stay, and we always leave inspired by Jack. A RENAISSANCE MAN At 91 years of age, Jack McQuinn is in better shape physically and mentally than most people half his age. He reads the Wall Street Journal and other publications, and sends me clippings. He attends a local civic club every week. He travels to Montgomery with a local delegation to call on legislators at the state house. The last day Boyd and I were there, Mc-
HUNTING HERITAGE Quinn went out by himself and killed a turkey. We heard him shoot early, and by the time we eventually made it back to the lodge later in the morning, he had dressed the turkey. Staying active and engaging in a wide range of activities characterize McQuinn’s lifestyle. Being around him calls to mind the Toby Keith song “Don’t Let the Old Man In”: “Get up and go outside, don’t let the old man in…Ask yourself how old you’d be, if you didn’t know the day you were born… Toast each sundown with wine…Don’t let the old man in.” The music video of the Toby Keith song features Clint Eastwood, and it could just as easily be Jack McQuinn. The man is tough as nails. Several years back, with a broken hip, he dragged himself on the floor, out the back door, across the long porch and down the steps onto the gravel, and climbed into his vehicle, driving himself to the emergency room. Yet, you are apt to find him tending his flower garden when you arrive at the farm. He is a true renaissance man, a master of many fields of work, charming, witty, well-educated, well-mannered, physically-fit, and self-controlled. In response to a question about his extraordinary mental and physical fitness for his age, McQuinn replied, “I haven’t thought much about it. Just taking one day at a time, I guess. When I go, I want to go out like a light.” A GOOD STEWARD OF THE LAND McQuinn’s passion for being a good steward of the land is evident at every turn on the Jackson County property named Little Nashville. He and his lovely wife, Mary have won many awards, including the highly-prestigious Helene Moseley TREASURE Forest Award for their work at Little Nashville. In 2013, McQuinn was named Wildlife Conservationist of the Year by the Alabama Wildlife Federation.
point for family, and hunting and other nature-based recreation is central to their activities there. Prominent signage marks trails and other features dedicated to grandchildren, with names like Katie’s Cove, Jordan’s Fern Trail, Ethan’s Turkey Trot, Christina’s Nature Trail, and Camp Laurel. The walls of the house at Little Nashville are adorned with photographs of grandchildren with special deer, and vestiges of family involvement are everywhere, McQuinn has the personal satisfaction of knowing he passed along the hunting heritage and the conservation land ethic to two more generations of McQuinns.
The Hunting Heritage Foundation is an Alabama non-profit organization established in 2011. To see what HHF stands for go to the website at www.huntingheritagefoundation.com. You can write to us at: P. O. Box 242064, Montgomery, AL 36124, or corkypugh@mindspring.com. * The opinions expressed in this column are solely that of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff and management of Great Days Outdoors Media, LLC.
In 1984, the McQuinns purchased 126 acres of bare ground between the Paint Rock River and Jacob’s Mountain. Through the years, additional acquisitions have brought the total acreage to upwards of 1,000. The farm is named after the ghost town, Little Nashville, an 1800s settlement on the Paint Rock River in Jackson County. All that remains of the town are chunks of concrete beside the bridge over the Paint Rock. Little Nashville Farm consists of a flat, fertile plain surrounded by the river and adjacent mountains. Now the farm is primarily forested, with all kinds of wildlife practices incorporated throughout. Signage identifies the various practices: Wildlife Corridor, Prescribed Burn, Thinned Loblolly Pine, various species of mast-producing trees, Wildlife Opening, and on and on. DEDICATED TO CONSERVATION EDUCATION Conservation education has been central to Little Nashville from the beginning. Through the “Classroom in the Forest” program, the McQuinns provide field trips and hands-on learning opportunities for fourth and fifth-grade students.
PRO-Grade 12 cu. Lift-Assist and Swivel Dump Cart with Run-Flats. Last cart you’ll ever buy. Exclusive hydraulic-assisted tub lift and swivel design. Load-tested to 1100 lbs. – all-squaretube steel frame. Multi-terrain commercial-grade pneumatic tires and zerks with run-flat technology. Ideal for hauling big loads of seed or feed. Makes a great deer cart – see Realtree model. Attaches to any ATV, mower, or ZTR. Couplers mount easy for ball hitches. Converts to a farm cart / wheelbarrow in seconds. Also makes a great firewood hauler.
www.OxCart.com
“Little Nashville Farm will constantly seek to provide the county’s youth with the environmental education needed for overall timber and wildlife management,” McQuinn says. The McQuinns enjoy having the farm and lodge as an anchor 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 45
Are You a Biologist or Did You Simply Stay at a Holiday Inn Express Last Night?
The last time I checked, Facebook wasn’t an accredited institution of higher learning! How did we ever function without social media? What a double-edged sword it really is. The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) can and does utilize Facebook to deliver massive amounts of credible information in almost real-time to hundreds of thousands of hunters with a push of a button. But, Facebook also provides those with personal agendas a public platform to disseminate their thoughts and propaganda. It can be incredibly confusing to many trying to decipher what is really the truth.
BY CHARLES “CHUCK” SYKES Director of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF)
For example, the week before turkey season, WFF staff conducted an hourlong seminar through Facebook Live on wild turkey biology and management. I was busy in meetings when the live broadcast took place but I was able to look at it the following week. Good grief at some of the comments that were posted.
46 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
You’ve either heard me say or read where I stated, before I took this job, I was a happily self-employed wildlife consultant. I made a decent living traveling around the country providing wildlife management advice to private landowners. Today, reading comments on Facebook, you’d think I don’t have enough sense to walk and chew gum at the same time. Just because I have a .gov behind my email address doesn’t automatically mean I’ve lost my mind. Thankfully, I had enough friends before I took this job, so what the Facebook biologists think about me is of no consequence. Although my staff did a masterful job conveying scientifically sound information, some people only heard what they wanted to hear and kept asking the same questions. I would like to address two of those questions in this article, relating
FROM THE DIRECTOR to 1.) conducting prescribed burns during the turkey nesting season and 2.) devising a bounty system to encourage people to trap nest predators. This one masterful quote sums the two up, “Why do y’all burn on WMA’s during nesting season? Also, why not spend all this Auburn Research Money that hasn’t done much of anything at all and put it towards rewards for trapping nest predators? Mr. Sikes has no idea the decrease in the turkey populations across the state due to him hunting properties that have been loaded and will continually to have birds while I have seen many property’s populations dwindle over the past couple of years despite the Research Money that has been wasted.”
Most hunters understand that burning is good for turkeys. However, what is debatable among hunters is the timing of the burn. ‘ Before I start addressing these two questions, I want to make a couple of things clear. First, many people made positive comments and understood the issues. I don’t want it to sound like everyone was obstinate on these two topics. Second, just because I’ve diagnosed indigestion and taken a couple of Rolaids for it, that doesn’t qualify me as a gastroenterologist. Similarly, just because you’ve killed a few turkeys, that doesn’t make you a turkey biologist. Please don’t get your hackles up I’m not saying a good turkey hunter with common sense and woodsmanship doesn’t know what habitats turkeys thrive in. Simply try to look at more than what impacts your personal happiness. Growing season burns on WMAs have always been a hot topic, pardon the pun. Most hunters understand that burning is good for turkeys. However, what is debatable among hunters is the timing of the burn. In a perfect world, we would never have to burn during the spring and summer growing months, but we don’t live in a perfect world, and to reclaim some timberlands from unwanted species, we must conduct growing season burns. Some of the comments didn’t seem to grasp that concept. If you have a mature pine stand that has a sweetgum understory that is more than an inch or two in diameter, a dormant season burn (winter fire) will not kill them. We must perform a growing season burn (late spring and summer) to kill the sweetgum and reclaim that landscape. We understand that a turkey or quail nest may be consumed by the fire, but the overall benefit to the species is far more important than saving one individual. WFF must make long-term management decisions that provide productive turkey habitat for the next ten years, not just for today. That is far more important than losing one or two nests. Most turkey hunters also believe that nest predator removal is beneficial to turkeys. I agree that removing raccoons and opossums just prior to the turkey and quail nesting seasons will allow hens a greater chance of hatching a clutch of eggs. What I totally disagree with is the delusion that bounties will solve
anything. Placing bounties on predators seems like a viable solution at first glance, but in the history of wildlife management, there has never been one case where it accomplished the mission. Take coyotes for example. They were targeted with bounties for decades in western states, and now many eastern states have chosen the bounty approach. As far as I know, coyotes remain a problem in every state with a bounty program. So why should we take money from our budget that was placed there by people buying hunting licenses, to pay bounties? We shouldn’t. We provide technical assistance, teach trapping workshops, and provide the opportunity for landowners and managers to trap year-round if they choose to. That should be sufficient. I’m betting the author of that Facebook quote isn’t a wildlife biologist and probably didn’t even stay at a Holiday Inn Express the night before this gem was penned. Considering the turkey project referenced hasn’t been completed and findings haven’t been published, how did that writer determine that the research money has been wasted? I’ve been hunting for more than 40 years and have managed hundreds of thousands of acres in Alabama. Like all of you, I love our great State and its natural resources. WFF values your input, even constructive criticism. However, I would greatly appreciate your support as my staff and I continue working to best manage Alabama’s wildlife and freshwater fisheries resources for us all, even if you don’t agree with every aspect of our process. Your hunting license dollars are hard-earned, and we ensure those funds are spent wisely on proper resource management for this generation of Alabamians and those to come.
BUCK’S ISLAND a division of MarineONE Corporation
Don’t Buy a Boat ‘til You Get a Buck’s Quote!
G3 Pontoon V18 G3 Rebate Now!
$222 Monthly (wac) Call 256-442-2588 or email bimarina@bucksisland.com
1-800-I’M-READY (467-3239) www.bucksisland.com
4500 Hwy. 77 · Southside, AL 35907 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 47
BE QUIET!
Noise on the Kayak is the Enemy
Quiet is good and noise is bad. Big fish are aware of noise and the things that create the noise.
SOURCES OF NOISE Yesterday I was paddling down Graham Creek, a gorgeous little coastal brackish flow in Baldwin County. I didn’t expect to catch many fish and that’s how the trip played out, but it was still a wonderful day on the water. In the spirit of experimentation, and since the fish weren’t biting, I made some observations as I moved along the small stream. As I moved down the creek, I paid particular attention to the noise that I made in my kayak. One of the prime benefits of fishing from a kayak is that a kayak allows an angler to be very, very quiet. But, if the angler is not careful, this big advantage can be lost. As I floated down the creek, I tried to identify the primary sources of noise that could kill a bite or put a feeding fish on alert.
BY ED MASHBURN Photos by Ed Mashburn
At the end of the day, I was able to state that the two main sources of noise on a kayak are both angler controlled and angler caused. The main sources of noise? The paddle and the stuff in the kayak, and this
48 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
includes the angler.. FIRST, KEEP THE PADDLE DRY AND STILL When the paddle is in the water, it makes noise and creates vibrations that fish can sense. Even if the paddle is not being actively used to propel the “yak”, just the flow and movement of the water against the blade will create enough disruption to put shy fish on the alert. There’s not much to be done to eliminate paddle noise when the boat is being actively paddled from location to location or when the kayak is moving through flowing water. However, by paying attention to the paddle stroke and the angle of the paddle’s entry into the water, a lot of noise can be controlled. In particular, all kayak anglers allow the shaft of the paddle to contact the hull of the kayak from time to time, and these paddle-caused bumps and thumps can really make a lot of noise. By carefully controlling the placement of the paddle and the angle of the paddle’s thrust in the water while under movement, many bite-killing noises can be eliminated. And it turns out that paddle strokes that are controlled and which don’t impact
PADDLE FISHING the kayak’s hull are more efficient strokes and they move the kayak faster and under more control. And when you get to the fishing location, if you make sure the paddle is balanced across your lap or securely placed in a holder, there won’t be any paddle-produced noise to put the fish on alert. As I drifted down Graham Creek, I experimented with paddle blade left in the water and paddle blade removed from the water, and I found that any time the paddle is allowed to have water flowing over it, it creates a certain amount of noise and vibration. The indication: when not being used to propel or control the kayak, keep the paddle blade out of the water. Don’t have too much stuff One of the best things about kayak fishing is that it forces anglers to limit the amount of gear that goes along on fishing trips. There’s just not much room on most kayaks for a bunch of tackle boxes and other gear. Of course, lots of kayak anglers go to great lengths to increase the amount of stuff that they take along on paddle fishing trips. The problem with having lots of gear on the kayak is that moving all of that stuff, whether it’s sliding tackle boxes or battery cases or electronic connections along the bottom makes noise. Even the shifting of the angler’s weight to reach far back behind to grab a piece of gear creates sound and disruption in the water. One of the surest ways to kill a bite in quiet conditions is to drop a sinker or heavy lure and have it “whop” on the bottom of the kayak. It’s not as noisy, of course, as doing the same thing in an aluminum boat, but kayak plastic hulls do transmit a good bit of impact noise to the water. There are some things kayak anglers can do to control “gear” noise. One is to use soft-side and soft-bottom tackle bags instead of traditional hard-plastic or metal tackle boxes. The fabric tackle bags don’t produce nearly as much noise as the hard stuff. Of course, the best way to control gear noise on a kayak is to control the amount of gear on the boat. By cutting the number of tackle bags from three to one, an angler automatically reduces the probability of something falling out of the bag or being dropped on the bottom to create noise. Anglers themselves can eliminate a lot of potential kayak noise by being slow and deliberate in movements on the kayak when on the water. Instead of jumping up to stand and make a cast, just a slow, controlled, less disruptive stand-up will be less of a fish scaring movement. Instead of a twisting and torquing movement to reach around behind to pull a big, heavy tackle box forward just reaching below the seat and pulling out a slim, plastic bait box will be much quieter. In fact, the biggest cause of kayak noise is the angler. By moving fast and with little concern for how we’re disrupting the water, we can miss good fish that we might have had a chance to catch in quiet water. Even in how we cast, we make noise and disruption.
For example, I love to cast along the length of kayak when I’m casting for distance. But I have found that if I cast straight down the length of the kayak, I almost always hit the bow with my rod tip. This is hard on the rod tip, and it also creates a very loud “pop” which puts all fish on alert that something is not right. Fly anglers in particular have to exercise control and restraint when trying to lay a long cast on the water from a kayak while still being stealthy. As a general rule, fly anglers in kayaks will have better results by getting closer to the spot where they cast should go so they can use slower, less violent backchats to reach the fish with the fly. Trying to make a long distance fly rod cast in a kayak is tough, and it always creates a lot of water disruption. TRY SOME SOUND DEADENING MATERIAL Of course, we can’t be totally still and silent in a kayak, but there are some products which help us control the noise we make. Since impact with the kayak hull, whether by rods, dropped gear or just standing up is a major noise producer, it just makes sense that some sort of impact control surface would help make things quieter. The Harmony Silent Traction System is an adhesive backed abrasion reducing EVA foam which can be cut to fit particular edges and bottoms of kayaks where noise often occurs. Just put the pads where there is potential for contact, and the foam helps deaden the impact noise when paddles, rods, tackle boxes and other gear bumps into the hull of the kayak. This product looks like it might be very good at helping control and limit paddle-shaft impact on the kayak hull, or when the paddle is placed on the kayak top when the angler makes a cast. Each package of the Harmony Silent Traction System foam contain two large rectangles which can be easily trimmed to fit. The adhesive backing appears to be stout enough for a good, long lasting hold in place on the kayak. The sound deadening foam also helps provide some non-skid surface for kayak anglers who stand and fish. QUIET WORKS While I drifted along the narrow twisting creek, I found proof that kayaks can be super quiet fish catching machines. As a came around a bend, I saw a great blue heron paying attention to a school of small mullet in the shallow water. I didn’t paddle and I didn’t move. I simply let the gentle tidal current take my kayak downstream. When the blue heron finally noticed me, I could have touched him with my fly rod tip. That was one upset blue heron and he squawked bad heron words at me when he flew away but what I learned was this: if a kayak can be quiet and stealthy enough to sneak up on a blue heron, which are extremely alert and aware birds, they can probably sneak up just about any fish that might be in the water, too. It’s all about controlling movement and noise. Important Contact Information Harmony Silent Traction system www.yakangler.com www.harmonygear.com 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 49
LAND SALES TIMBER SALES HOME SALES SELLING PROPERTIES IN ALABAMA, FLORIDA & GEORGIA FOR FIVE GENERATIONS. MUNFORD, ALA • Talladega County
FLOMATON, ALA • Escambia County, AL
Whoever stated that “Money doesn’t grow on trees” never looked at the Wawbeek Tract. This tract is one of the finest timber investments to hit the market in many years.
Settled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, sits the Lake Mary Tract that features hunting, fishing, a home, and a guest house. LAKE MARY TRACT – 410 ACRES – $1,250,000 280 Lake Mary Lane < UNDER CONTRACT > MCDAVID, FL • Escambia County, FL
WAWBEEK TRACT – 684 ACRES – $1,599,995 Sam Jones Road CASTLEBERRY, ALA • Conecuh County
Nestled in the mature longleaf pines sits a rustic 2 bedroom 1 bath cabin that looks like it was stolen from a Thomas Kincade painting. HICKS & HORNE TRACT – 360 ACRES – $1,099,995 3450 Tungoil Road
FLORIDA ESCAMBIA COUNTY Corley Road Farm 200 Acres $1,699,995 Hwy 99 Tract 125 Acres $499,500 Barrineau Park Tract 33 Acres $247,500 Brown Foundation Tract $59,995 Myrick & Suedeshoe Tract 460 Acres $849,500 Hicks & Horne Cabin & 360 Acres $1,099,500 SANTA ROSA COUNTY Hutto Tract 200 Acres $275,000 WALTON COUNTY Watson Tract 200 Acres $599,500 Sandy Creek Tract Acres $199,500
ALABAMA BALDWIN COUNTY Bushy Creek Tract 275 Acres $478,000 Mrs. Weekley Tract 352 Acres $552,800 Smith Tract 55 Acres $109,500 Coleman Tract 110 Acres $148,500 Dyas Creek Tract 212 Acres $212,000 Barbarrow Tract 150 Acres $350,000
BUTLER COUNTY N. Mt Zion Road 81 Acres $169,900 Aztec Road 91 Acres $150,000 Shows Tract 26 Acres $59,995 < SOLD > Pigeon Creek Tract 75 Acres $119,500 < UNDER CONTRACT > McClure Tract 15 Acres $37,500 < UNDER CONTRACT > Ancient Oaks 112 Acres $299,500 < SOLD > CHEROKEE COUNTY Dobson Tract Cabin and 40 Acres $72,500 < UNDER CONTRACT > COFFEE COUNTY Cr 407 Tract. 213 Acres $595,335 County Road 522. 27.5 Acres $108,500 Highway 87 Tract 96 Acres $237,500 CONECUH COUNTY Carr Tract 258 Acres $550,000 Dewberry Tract 95.3 Acres $317,500
The Joe Reeves Road Tract is a turn key recreation and timber property that is set up perfect for hunting, fishing and timber investment. JOE REEVES ROAD TRACT – 352 ACRES – $867,000 1483 Joe Reeves Road Provitt Road 96 Acres $211,200 Mothershed Road Tract 109 Acres $189,900 Tomlin Mill Creek 80 Acres $144,000 Dicks Road Tract 274 Acres $625,600 Mayberry Gulley Road 39 Acres $46,800 Mayberry Gulley Road 32 Acres $44,800 Smith Co. Road 77 Tract 386 Acres $868,500 Little Horse Creek Tract. 99.26 Acres $223,335 County Road 4 Tract 86 Acres $162,540 < UNDER CONTRACT >
<SOLD > Sizemore Creek Tract 135 Acres $350,000 Wild Fork Creek Tract 253 Acres $875,000 < SOLD > Pineview Tract 160 acres $360,000 Strength Tract 80 acres $120,000 Mable Leigh Tract 80 acres $168,000 Wawbeek 660 Acres $1,599,995
GENEVA COUNTY River Road Tract 1077 Acres $1,287,015
DALE COUNTY Concord Road 45 Acres $109,500 Dean Church Road 22 Acres $77,000 Hurricane Creek 23 Acres $70,000 Ariton Tract 18 Acres $49,500.00 < UNDER CONTRACT >
LOWNDES COUNTY Stallworth Tract 320 Acres $400,000 MOBILE COUNTY Russell Road 394 Acres $630,000 WASHINGTON COUNTY Sacco Tract 160 Acres $247,000 Saccojawea Tract 160 Acres $200,000 Fruitdale Highway Tract 390 Acres $877,500
CRENSHAW COUNTY Faulk Road Tract 194 Acres $368,600 < SOLD> BIBB COUNTY Centreville Tract 144 Acres $699,500 < SOLD > Hudson Settlement Tract 120 Acres $299,500 ESCAMBIA COUNTY Hartwell Tract 68 Acres $169,995
MOBILE OFFICE 800-704-0645
WWW.BUTLERLANDANDTIMBER.COM
PIKE COUNTY Warrick Tract 218 Acres $572,220 WILCOX COUNTY Tri-County Tract 134 Acres $480,000
GEORGIA CLAY COUNTY The Old Grimsley Place. 361 Acres $599,500 Cotton Hill Road 131Acres 255,725.00 Hidden Lagoon 19.77 Acres $52,500
LUVERNE OFFICE 334-335-6784
COASTAL SPORTSMAN
TRIGGERFISH
Tastes like Crab- Fights like the Devil 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 CS 1
Triggerfish frequent almost all Gulf reefs.
CS 2 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Triggerfish- Tastes like Crab- Fights like the Devil
with either catch.
We get into some good triggerfish action on chicken coops, tanks, and shipping containers.
By Skipper Thierry After I have the Escape in position above the reef below, I call over the boat’s communication system and tell my eager anglers for the day to “Drop ‘em down" and see what’s there. On all sides of the boat, anglers drop their baited hooks and sinkers down, and it doesn’t take long for things to start happening. Almost as quickly as the bait went down, hooked and fighting fish are coming up. Some of the landed fish are the bright red of snappers, but some fish are a solid, dark, almost black color. These dark fish have big heads and snapping little beaks for mouths, and the anglers seem to be pleased
TRACTOR
PARTS AND EQUIPMENT All Makes and Models
LAWNMOWER
PARTS AND BLADES
Not so long ago, catching one of those dark triggerfish would have been considered a bad thing. In fact, they were considered “trash” fish and rarely kept. It could have been because they have skin like sandpaper-covered leather that makes cleaning a challenge or they can do some serious damage to fingers with their strong teeth. But times and things have changed and totday, these hard fighting and good eating fish have gained in stature and popularity. WHERE WE GO TO FIND THE TRIGGERS Triggerfish are true reef fish, and they prefer deeper water. In fact, triggers and red snapper seem to find the same kinds of reefs and the same depth of water very attractive. In general where we find snappers, we find triggers. Although triggerfish can be caught in large numbers once they are located, folks who want to catch the biggest and best triggers will need to get a ways offshore to find the best triggerfish.
Ron Davis 3766 Airport Boulevard Mobile geico.com/mobile-al | 251-445-0053
SAVINGS AND SERVICE THAT WILL FLOAT YOUR BOAT
Equipment Sales Company 2505 US Hwy. 31 S • Bay Minette AL, 36507
(251) 937-5313
Limitations apply. See geico.com for more details.©GEICO & affiliates.©Washington, DC 20076 © 2018 GEICO
toddlong1964@att.net
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 CS 3
Triggerfish- Tastes like Crab- Fights like the Devil
others for some reason, but triggers are found on almost all spots where red snapper are. We get into some good triggerfish action on chicken coops, tanks, and shipping containers.
They fight pretty hard, and they make strong, fast circles as they fight against the pressure of the hook. You can catch triggers after you get in around 60 feet of water. This depth will be about ten miles south of Dauphin Island. Again, when the keepingsize red snapper start showing up, we generally will find triggers. And if a really hot school of triggers is occupying a certain reef, they can clean out baits offered to the snapper before the snapper ever get a chance to bite. Triggers can be very aggressive feeders, and a big school of sub-legal triggerfish can make catching red snappers almost impossible as they clean off bait sent down for snappers. This eager triggerfish bite can frustrate anglers who are set on catching red snapper. Some spots always hold a few more triggers than
HOW WE RIG FOR THEM Triggers are not massive fish, and a ten-pounder is a really good one. They are strong fighters, and when they turn broadside to the pull of the hook, they can be a struggle to get in. They fight pretty hard, and they make strong, fast circles as they fight against the pressure of the hook. We use a standard two hook “chicken rig” when we are seriously targeting triggers and that entails rigging a bank sinker and two small circle hooks on short leads. Editor's Note: We've written about how to tie a "chicken rig" or "two hook rig" before. For a video tutorial, see https://greatdaysoutdoors.com/2018/05/ how-to-tie-a-two-hook-rig/ Triggerfish are not picky when it comes to bait and they will eat just about anything. Squid is good and it stays on the hook better than most other natural bait. Cigar minnows and cut bonito also work well. Triggerfish will bite just about anything that
Why settle for this? Most fishermen don’t have a place to clean fish that they are proud of or enjoy.
Killer Drains Follow Like Share
We make the greatest fish cleaning stations known to mankind. CS 4 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Killer Tables Killer Shade Wa n n a s e e m o r e ? W i p e t h e d r o o l f r o m y o u r c h i n a n d g o v i s i t o u r k i l l e r w e b s i t e .
WWW.KILLERDOCK.COM
Any angler will be proud of a big trigger like this one.
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 CS 5
Triggerfish- Tastes like Crab- Fights like the Devil
Miss Ann’s West Indies Triggerfish Salad- this is some very good stuff, folks.
WE SERVICE ALL BRANDS OF GUN SAFES BUT...
WE PROUDLY SELL ONLY HOLLON GUN SAFES
(251) 479-5264
457 Dauphin Island Parkway “At the Loop” Mobile, AL 36606 CS 6 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Triggerfish- Tastes like Crab- Fights like the Devil
they think is edible, and triggers can be caught on artificials as well as natural bait. With triggerfish, the tougher the bait, the better it works because a school of hungry triggers can strip a two hook rig clean in a matter of seconds if the bait is too soft and easy to remove from the hooks. CATCHING THEM The hardest part of catching triggerfish is not finding them- they’re on all deep water reefs. The hardest part is detecting the bite and allowing the circle hook to do its job. For such aggressive feeders, triggerfish can be tough to hook. Just look at the face of a triggerfish. They have small mouths and some very sharp teeth, and their preferred feeding technique is to nip and nibble until the bait is gone. Rarely does a triggerfish just inhale a bait for an easy hookset. And it seems that the bigger the triggerfish, the lighter their bite is.
• • • • • •
1 lb. cooked triggerfish fillets (bake or microwave until the grain opens. Do not overcook) 1 small finely diced yellow onion ½ cup Wesson oil 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar ½ cup ice water Salt and pepper
Layer fish and onions until all are used along with salt and pepper. Pour oil, vinegar, and water over top. Refrigerate and let marinate at least a few hours, but overnight is best. Serve cold with Saltine crackers.
The angler will feel just a little tap. It helps to keep a good tight line and not let any slack develop as the bait is sent down. If the line is tight, a trigger is much more likely to hook itself on the circle hook than if the line is loose and slack. Consistently hooking triggerfish is a developed skill, and some folks have a lot of trouble getting with the system. Triggerfish can be found anywhere in the water column. They go where the food is, and that can be from the very surface all the way to the reef below. I recommend fishing your way down. Let the baited hook fall ten seconds. Let it sit, if no bites occur, drop it five more seconds. Somewhere in the drop the triggers will find the bait and bite. Try to keep the line tight, and start reeling when the first nibble is felt. Anglers will need to be patient once a hot reef is located because wherever triggerfish are found, there will be red snappers there too. And sometimes, those red snappers will take the bait intended for triggerfish. Isn’t it funny how things can change? Red snapper can be the undesirable fish and triggerfish can be the target instead today. FOR A SPECIAL TREAT - MISS ANN THIERRY’S WEST INDIES TRIGGERFISH SALAD Once we have our triggerfish caught and cleaned, we have some of the very best eating fish of the Gulf. Ann Thierry (Captain Mike’s wife and my mom) has a wonderful recipe for triggerfish and it is some kind of good, I promise.
BAY TRANSMISSION
FREE ESTIMATES
• Transmission Specialist • High Performance Transmission • Expert Electronic Diagnostics • Automatic, Manual & Clutch Repairs • 4x4 Transmissions • General Repair • AC Service • Brakes Credit Cards Accepted • Radiators Fleet Accounts • Starters
251-626-3540
4935 Battleship Parkway Spanish Fort, Al 36567 • Mon - Fri • 8-5 20 Years at Present Location • Jake Jordan , Manager
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 CS 7
Triggerfish- Tastes like Crab- Fights like the Devil
The 2019 Requirements for Gulf Triggerfish Triggerfish in the Gulf have very specific regulations that anglers must be aware of.
• • •
15 inch nose to fork length minimum 1 triggerfish per angler per day Triggerfish are part of the 20 fish aggregate creel limit per angler for reef fish. (Note - 1 fish bag limit within 20
•
Triggerfish may not be kept during the months of January, February, June, and July. (annual closures are
reef fish aggregate – NOAA – SAME )
January through February and June through July – NOAA)
All Regulations are subject to change and should be confirmed with regulating authorities.
Important Contact Information Captain Mike’s Deep Sea Fishing 251-861-5302 www.captmikeonline.com
A box of triggers means that someone is going to be eating well.
CAMPER CITY TRUCK ACCESSORIES
Specializing in Truck Toppers + Accessories • Spray-in/Drop-in Bedliners • Bug Shields • Gooseneck & 5th Wheel hitches
• Vent Visors • Running Boards • Warn Winches • Bed Covers
And MORE! Mobile 1051 N. Schillinger Rd. Mobile, AL 36608 (251) 633-9004 1-800-431-6692
Pascagoula 1340 Denny Ave. (Hwy 90) Pascagoula, MS 39567 (228) 762-6082 1-877-732-8782
hattiesburg 7166 Hwy. 49 N. Hattiesburg, MS 39401 (601) 296-1800 1-888-730-0432
CS 8 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
CAMPHOUSE KITCHEN
BY HANK SHAW
Photos by Holly A. Heyser and Hank Shaw
The Imperative of Protein My life is governed by the Imperative of Protein. Rare is the week when there is not some sort of freshly killed meat in our house. One week it might be herring from the San Francisco Bay. In late spring, there’s usually a wild boar to butcher. In summer, an endless school of fish. Autumn brings deer and bear and maybe even an elk or moose. The cycle never ends. As soul-satisfying as it is to be self-sufficient in protein — such a lifestyle requires commitment. Ducks do not pluck themselves, nor do fish shed their scales. And deer do not magically explode into roasts and steaks and shanks. All of this requires work. Most hunters and almost all anglers know what I am talking about. The rapture of slamming a limit of shad or a giant keeper sturgeon is soon tempered by the realization that long hours of scaling, gutting and filleting lie ahead. And every deer hunter, flushed with the joy of bringing down a big buck or a fat doe, has had his bubble broken by someone pointing out that “now the work begins.” The vast majority of Americans, Canadians, Australians and Europeans have no idea what it is to live like this. If you buy your meat at supermarkets, shrink-wrapped and already cut into pieces ready for the pan, meat for you is just something to cook; you get it at the last stage in the process. This is not altogether a bad thing. Having others process their meat absolves people from the Imperative of Protein. Holly and I spend long hours plucking, skinning and butchering fish and game, hours that could be spent on useful work elsewhere. But having others do the dirty work of processing meat also divorces people from the reality of where their protein comes from — and, most disturbingly, engenders a sentiment that those of us who face that reality are barbarians, Neanderthals who revel in the blood crusted under our fingernails. A few months ago I was on the road, tired, buying a bottle of water at a convenience store in Ohio. I was wearing a Delta Waterfowl hat, which happens to be camouflage. “Are you a hunter,” asked the woman standing in line behind me. I should have detected her tone, but like I said, I was tired. Yeah, I am.
Photo by Charlie de la Rosa
“That’s disgusting,” she responded, her voice rising. “How can you kill those poor fish and deer and ducks. You must love blood.” I should have just walked away. But I didn’t. Instead, I asked her if she was a vegetarian. “Of course not. I buy my meat in the supermarket, like everyone else.” This time I did walk away. There is no reasoning with some people. One of my dearest hopes is that there is a special place in Purgatory for those who will happily stuff their maws with ground-up old dairy cows and then turn around and call me a monster for facing a reality they dare not. Thankfully, in recent years exchanges like the one in the Ohio convenience store have become more rare. The Cellophane People are either changing their ways, or are realizing that they are clinging to a fantasy and are keeping quiet. More and more I hear curiosity, not disgust, in the voices of the Cellophane People. A few want to know how I do what I do. Most, however, just want to know why: They have no intention of ever ordering sides of pork or buying 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 51
Camphouse Kitchen
whole chickens, but they’re curious about why someone else would want to do that.
Fried Turkey Nuggets
Sometimes I ask myself the same thing. It’s not about meat per se. If you think about it, while I live under the Imperative of Protein, a vegetarian lives under an equally strong imperative. After all, a vegetable, unlike a fruit, comes from a part of a plant that did not want to be eaten. Stalks, leaves, roots — most vegetables require processing to become food, just as animals do — sometimes processing that is just as intense.
I use wild turkey breast here, but you can use storebought, too. You can also use regular breadcrumbs or panko, although I like the Saltines. And any sauce that makes you happy will be fine here. Or no sauce at all.
I do what I do because I choose to. I chose to acquire the skills to process and butcher animals and fish, and I continually choose to exercise those skills. I would rather spend two hours plucking and gutting ducks than sitting in front of the television playing “Halo.” I would rather hone a deep understanding of the intricacies of deer anatomy than mow the lawn.
Prep: 25 mins • Cook Time: 25 mins • Total: 50 mins
Yes, processing your own meat and fish saves money, and it does open up huge vistas of opportunity for the cook: Think stocks and broths, giblets and charcuterie. But at its core, I choose to live under the Imperative of Protein because it requires me to understand — and accept — the full karmic cost of eating meat. Every time I shoot a deer or hook a salmon, I watch, at close range, that animal go from individual to corpse to carcass to cut of meat. It is sobering. There is a way at least to approach what’s like to live under the Imperative of Protein: Buy whole chickens or rabbits, and break them down yourself. Is it the same as killing, plucking and gutting one? No. But even the baby step of taking a knife to a whole bird will at least force you to understand that this was once a living, clucking, walking chicken. That, I think, is not too much to ask.
Fried Turkey Nuggets Ingredients
COMEBACK SAUCE • 1 cup mayonnaise • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 shallot, minced • 2 tablespoons ketchup • 1/4 cuo Heinz chili sauce • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 1 teaspoon mustard powder • 2 teaspoons hot sauce • Salt TURKEY NUGGETS • 2 pounds turkey breast, cut into chunks • 2 cups flour • 1 tablespoon spice mix of your choice (Cajun, Cavender’s, Old Bay, etc.) • 4 eggs, lightly beaten • 1 cup buttermilk or regular milk • 1/4 cup yellow mustard • 2 sleeves Saltines • oil for frying Instructions 1. To make the sauce, put everything in a food processor or blender and puree. Set it aside. 2. Mix the flour with the spice mix; I use Cavender’s mostly. Mix together the eggs, buttermilk and mustard. Mash the Saltines. I do this by putting them in a heavy freezer bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. 3. Dredge about 1/4 of the turkey chunks in the flour, then the egg wash, then put them in the freezer bag with the crushed Saltines and shake well to coat. Before you take them out, press the crushed Saltines into the meat. Set the chunks on a baking sheet, and do the rest of the turkey, 1/4 of it at a time. 4. In an ideal world, you would rest the breaded turkey nuggets in the fridge for 1 hour. Do this if you can, because it will make the coating stick to the turkey better. If you are rushed for time, you can skip this.
52 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Camphouse Kitchen
5. When you are ready to fry, put enough oil in a large frying pan to come up about a finger’s worth (about 1/2 inch) and bring it to somewhere between 325F and 350F. Set a cooling rack over a baking sheet and put that in your oven. Set the oven to “warm.” 6. Fry the turkey nuggets in batches so you don’t crowd the pan. Set the finished turkey nuggets on the rack in the warm oven while you do the rest. Serve with the comeback sauce.
Chinese Salt and Pepper Fish The quality of your ingredients matters here more than the specifics: If you don’t like cilantro, use parsley, and any fresh hot chile will work - or leave it out. And use whatever nice, fresh fish you can find.
Chinese Salt and Pepper Fish
Prep: 15 mins • Cook Time: 20 mins • Total: 35 mins Ingredients The quality of your ingredients matters here more than the specifics: If you don’t like cilantro, use parsley, and any fresh hot chile will work - or leave it out. And use whatever nice, fresh fish you can find. • • •
Oil for frying (I use peanut oil) 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger 2 tablespoons sliced fresh garlic
BATTER • 1/2 cup flour, cake flour if you have it • 1/2 cup corn or potato starch • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 2 egg whites FISH • 1 1/2 pounds fish, cut into chunks • 1 heaping tablespoon coarse sea salt • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper • 1 to 3 small hot chiles, like serranos, Thai or cayenne. sliced thin (optional) • Cilantro or parsley for garnish Instructions 1. Heat up enough oil to deep fry the fish, about 3 to 4 cups, depending on what sort of pot or wok you use. 2. While the oil is heating, make the batter. Mix the flour, starch, baking soda and salt together in a bowl. In another bowl, beat the egg whites into soft peaks. Add about 1/2 cup of ice-cold water (or cold seltzer) into the flour bowl, then fold in the egg whites. 3. Fry the ginger and garlic until the garlic just starts to brown, about 45 seconds. Use a skimmer or slotted spoon to remove it to a paper towel. Set it aside for now. 4. When to oil hits about 360F, coat a few pieces of the fish in the batter and deep fry them until golden brown, about 2 minutes. As they are frying, turn your oven to “warm” and set a cooling rack with a baking sheet underneath it for your fish. Move the finished fish to the rack and continue frying the rest. 5. When all the fish is ready, toss it with the salt and pepper, the reserved ginger and garlic, and the sliced chiles. Serve garnished with the cilantro. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 53
Camphouse Kitchen
Southern Fish Stew
I made this with sheepshead, but you can use any fish that is firm, freshwater or saltwater. If you can’t find Conecuh, use whatever smoked sausage you like.
Southern Fish Stew
• • • • • • •
Prep: 15 mins • Cook Time: 45 mins • Total: 1 hour
•
I made this with sheepshead, but you can use any fish that is firm, freshwater or saltwater. If you can’t find Conecuh, use whatever smoked sausage you like.
•
Ingredients
• •
•
3 tablespoons bacon fat or vegetable oil
54 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
•
1 large yellow or white onion, chopped 1/2 pound fresh okra, sliced (or 1 cup dried) 2 teaspoons Cavender’s seasoning (optional) 1 quart chicken or seafood stock 1 quart water 1 cup crushed tomatoes 2 cups cooked hominy or other corn (canned or frozen is fine) 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas or butter beans (canned or frozen is fine) 1 pound Conecuh or other smoked sausage, sliced 2 pounds sheepshead or other fish, cut into 1-inch chunks 1/4 cup chopped chives or parsley Saltines (optional)
Camphouse Kitchen
Photo by Joe Baya
• Instructions 1. In a large soup pot, heat the bacon fat over medium-high heat and saute the chopped onion, stirring often, until it just begins to color around the edges, about 5 to 8 minutes. 2. Add the okra and Cavender’s seasoning and stir well. Saute this for 3 minutes or so if you have fresh or frozen okra. If you are using dried, just mix it around a bit. 3. Pour in the water, stock and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and add salt to taste. Add the hominy, beans and sausage. Simmer, don’t boil, for 15 minutes. 4. Add the fish and simmer another 10 minutes. Stir in the chopped chives and serve. If you want to bulk this up a bit, crush Saltines into the soup while eating. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 55
Pier & Shore Fishing Outlook
Sunup on the end of the gulf piers is a time of great anticipation for a bite.
BY DAVID THORNTON Photos by David Thornton
Most years, by the time June rolls around on the calendar summer-like weather is already entrenched along the north central Gulf of Mexico. Water temperatures have usually reached the lower to middle 80s, and a host of fish species are in spawn mode. The coastal pelagic species (mackerel and jacks) are schooling up and feeding heavily on the abundant forage species of smaller fish (sardines, herring and scad). Hoards of these small fish darken the waters around the gulf piers along the Emerald Coast and ring the dinner bell for the hungry predators that abound. Morning bites are often triggered by
56 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
changes in the amount of sunlight filtering through these clear near shore waters. And afternoon bites are often triggered by seabreezes that ripple the surface. Early or late in the day can bring a bonanza of fishing opportunities to pier and shore anglers poised to take advantage of the situation. Dawn patrol on the gulf beach piers means being out on the pier, rigged up and in place before the eastern sky even turns pink. King mackerel have large eyes that can see well in low light conditions. And they readily strike dead cigar minnows â&#x20AC;&#x153;snobbledâ&#x20AC;? by eager pier anglers in the deeper, dark green waters off the ends of
FISHING OUTLOOK
Just about any jig, spoon or small lure will garner interest from ladyfish, which at times seem to take turns grabbing, jumping and throwing a lure on practically every cast. these piers. All the king fisher needs is a short steel leader (40 to 60 pound) and a 3X treble hook from size 2 to 1/0. Mackerel are “slash and grab” feeders that accelerate quickly after grabbing a bait, using the water pressure to help push the meal down their gullet. After feeling the strike, it is best for the angler to give the fish several seconds in order for it to turn and run away. When the bail is tripped the line quickly comes tight and the running fish practically sets the hook on itself. Still most anglers add a few short upward ‘jabs’ of the rod to be sure the hook is well seated. Despite all their razor sharp teeth, mackerel have a rather soft inner mouth and the hook can easily tear out if too much pressure is applied. So mainly for that reason king mackerel are allowed to run against a light drag setting. Their initial runs often exceed 200 yards in just a few seconds. So it’s a good idea to have at least 250 to even 300 yards of 15 to 20 pound line on the reel with a smooth drag system. The rod should be 7 to 9 feet long with plenty of backbone, but a soft tip so the bait does not sling off. Or the angler may prefer to cast 6 or 7 inch diving plugs like Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow or Rapala X Rap on slightly lighter outfits. Very few “off the rack”’ rods meet these specifications, so many pier anglers prefer to have a professional rodbuilder make them, or make it themselves. As a result it is not uncommon to see a wide variety of rod sizes and wrapping colors for regular pier anglers to “personalize” their big game tackle assortment. NOT JUST BIG FISH Pier fishing in June isn’t just about the ‘big game’, because there are many more opportunities for smaller sport fish along the rest of the pier. Spanish mackerel are likely the most sought after (and caught) small game fish on the piers from March through October. They are miniature versions of king mackerel that readily strike a variety of baits and lures. Though they average only a pound or two, they may reach five or six pounds beginning in June and that’s about as much as most light tackle anglers want to handle on their 7 foot medium action rod with 200 yards of 8 to 12 pound line. In fact many pier patrons commonly carry a basket net to aid in landing larger fish on such relatively light tackle. Of course the majority of fish these anglers tangle with
(such as bluefish, ladyfish and blue runners) weigh only one to three pounds. Still they are very strong fighters and put up a good account of themselves. They are even quite good eating, though some folks may cast doubt on that. Like my dad used to say: “Don’t knock it till you try it” ;-) Other panfish available on the pier in June include pompano, flounder, redfish, black drum and spadefish. Scrappy spadefish school around the pier structure and make for great entertainment for kids (of all ages) when other species are not cooperative. Just a small single hook (#6 or #8) with a split shot or two is all that is needed to be successful. The bait can be a tiny piece of shrimp, squid, cut fish or even Fishbites. The spadefish put up quite a tussle for their size, like a striped saltwater bream on steroids. And they are just as good eating either filleted and fried, or baked whole with a bit of olive oil and seasoning. AND NOT JUST ON THE PIER There are plenty of opportunities for June shore anglers as well. The prized pompano are still available, though not in the numbers of April and May. But “whiting” are still in periodic abundance this month. Pleasing beach anglers as a common consolation when pompano are not around. What is VERY common however, are the ladyfish and blue runners which often dominate the bite in the surf zone this month. These will strike baits on set lines intended for pompano, but are especially easy to locate and fish using artificial lures. Just about any jig, spoon or small lure will garner interest from ladyfish, which at times seem to take turns grabbing, jumping and throwing a lure on practically every cast. Consequently an angler can find hours of easy entertainment with these miniature tarpon. They are great catch and release candidates (no teeth) and even make a decent meal if you are so inclined. Ladyfish posses a series of ‘Y’ bones that render the conventional ‘fillet and fry’ method impractical. But by using a spoon to scrape the flesh away from the skin, the meat is boneless and ready to shape into fish cakes for frying. Farther west along the gulf beaches of Alabama, speckled trout are fairly common in the surf during June as long as the waves are not very large. On calm, clear-water mornings specks often school in the depressions just off the beach. They are susceptible to being caught on topwater lures like Heddon Spook and Rapala Skitterwalk in low light conditions. These early fish typically run 16” to even 20” and occasionally bigger. As the sun gets higher they can still be caught on slow sinking MirrOlures and similar twitch baits like the Unfair Rip-N-Slash. At times they will strike artificial shrimp and even spoons along the west end beaches of Dauphin Island or near the point on the Fort Morgan peninsula. And in the evening, just before dark the bite may again get ‘hot’ as that warm June sun slips to the horizon. With school finally over and so many families on vacation during June, is there any reason the Emerald Coast should not be a favored destination for so many people. Yet with all these options and venues available there still seems to be plenty of fish to go around as all these folks enjoy their great days outdoors! 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 57
Gulf Coast Fishing Outlook
Red snapper will be on all offshore angler’s lists in June. BY MIKE THOMPSON Photos by Mike Thompson
With both water and air temperatures rising, fishing becomes the main focus on the Gulf Coast. The kids are out of school and are anxious to hit the water. There are multiple species just waiting to bend your rods and stretch your line in June. Let’s look at a few places to try. ALABAMA Fish will be abundant along the beaches this month and so will the anglers targeting them. Speckled trout will be in the surf just waiting to slurp up your bait if you pick the right section of beach. Look for ‘chopped off’ edges of the beach. This usually indicates a deeper trough or gully near the beach where the trout can crash baits.
MirrOlures are a great artificial option in June. Green back/silver sides is a good color, followed by chrome versions of the old standby. Team up the hard baits with a short black steel leader to deal with toothy species such as bluefish and Spanish mackerel. After the sun comes up above the horizon, you will probably have to move to deeper water around gas rigs or the man-made reefs in Mobile Bay. Live shrimp will be the best bait selection there. Fish them under a slip cork, just off the bottom for best results. OFFSHORE Red snapper will be the offshore star
58 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
in June. Everyone will be attempting to put a few fish up in the freezer during the chopped up, limited season. With so much pressure on the snapper, the fish get wise pretty quick. When that happens, Angelo Depaola of the Coastal Connection, has some advice. “When chasing red snapper on public numbers or oil rigs, I like to anchor upcurrent of the spot and start chumming the area. Nothing beats an oily old pogey for chum to attract fish. We typically use a 10-15 foot fluorocarbon leader and a small hook baited up with a pogey. We use as little weight as possible to allow our baits to float at the same pace and depth as our chum,” Depaola explained.
FISHING OUTLOOK The beauty of this method, according to Depaola, is that the chum pulls in a variety of fish. “The chum-line attracts cobia, amberjacks, triggers and king mackerel. You can catch a variety of fish and not be hampered as much by today’s strict fish limits. The cooler gets filled with fish and your boat is filled with smiling fishermen and women,” Depaola said. After the morning’s excitement, you and the crew can troll a little bit on the way back to entice Wahoo, dolphin and kingfish on the ride back in. According to Depaola, the fun is still not over in June. “Gosh, I love this time of year when the fish cooperate so well. On top of that I like to add a stop at Robinsons Island to cook a few burgers on the boat’s grill, washed down with a few frosty beverages. You just can’t beat it,” Depaola insisted! FLORIDA FOCUS June offers many opportunities to anglers in the form of multiple species. Redfish probably tops the list on available species. Redfish are cruising the waters of Panama City in search of an easy meal. The reds will hit a multitude of live baits, but sow a fondness for crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp. Floating either of these two baits under a cork around the various structure can result in serious action. The reds also will crash lures too. Gold spoons, MirrOlures and grubs will all entice the reds. For quick and steady action, many anglers head to St. Andrews Bay for smaller aggressive reds. For bull redfish, it’s hard to beat Panama City Pass. Spanish mackerel make a big move in June around the Panama City area. Large schools of the fish can be revealed by frantic gulls and sea-birds hovering over the schools of Spanish, looking to pick off crippled or injured minnows. Trolling on the edges of the Spanish with small silver spoons, such as a Clark Spoon, coupled with steel leader, can cause your cooler to swell in no time. While normally targeted during early spring, pompano are still available in June. They really prefer the shallow water edges of beaches and can be caught by wading anglers. Pompano love a small section of a shrimp’s body on a very small hook. The pompanos will also slurp up sand fleas, which can be found along the swirling shoreline with a sand flea rake. And course the pompanos love pompano jigs, in white or yellow.
cobias! Along the barrier islands there can be good fishing action in the surf this month. Cat, Ship, Horn and Petit Bois are all great places to start out. Casting out plastic jigs in deeper troughs off the beach can produce line thumping action from redfish, speckled trout, bluefish and Spanish mackerel. Chartreuse is always a good color to start off with, but white, smoke and root beer colors should be in your arsenal too! CONCLUSION June is a great month for all sorts of salt water action. With the red snapper population so large…and the target time so small…be sure to bring along a camera to record the fish of a lifetime that must be returned due to restrictive limits. See you on the water!
Important Contact Information Angelo Depaola-Coastal Connection 850-287-3440 MirrOlure www.mirrolure.com Clark Spoons www.clarkspoon.com
call o t e m Ti
Professional Fiber Glass Repair Since 1974
FIBER-PLASTICS INC www.fiber-plastics.com
• Custom Fabrication • Premier Repairs • Expert Finish Work • Estimates & Supplies • 14’ Ultralight Tunnel Boats
MISSISSIPPI COAST Red snapper will be a popular target along the Mississippi coast this month. Gas rigs and underwater structure, in the form of man-made reefs, get a lot of attention this month. Dropping down on the structure with a frisky croaker, finger mullet or pinfish can usually get your fishing party started. You can also expect a few bee-liners to crowd your ice chest as well. Small pieces of squid will get the bee-liners attention One of the bonus species this month can be cobia. Cobia are a very curious fish and can sometimes be drawn to the surface by the rumble of the boats engine. Making tight circles around even the smallest structure can cause the cobia to reveal themselves. Be sure to have a rod ready to cast out an offer to the inquisitive fish. Cobia can also be intercepted on the ends of barrier islands. A live eel or catfish is like crack to the
Look Familiar?
We can help...
2100 Halls Mill Road • Mobile, Alabama 36606
251-473-3176 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 59
Regional Freshwater Fishing Outlook
There’s not much more fun than a big bream on a fly rod- June is prime bream month. BY ALEX GRANPERE Photos by Ed Mashburn
ALABAMA WATERS
LAKE WEISS “After a great springtime top water bite, bass will still be found in shallow water. The first wave of bass, both largemouths and spots, will be moving off the shorelines and out into deeper water,” says guide and captain Lee Pitts “Weiss is known for open water bass fishing. Anglers should use their electronics to locate old house foundations and other hard material structures in deeper open water.”
For crappie fishing, anglers will want to work docks. There will still be few late spawners holding under docks, and anglers will have good luck shooting docks with jigs. Crappie will be breaking up from their spawning schools and going into a less concentrated pattern. The big crappie are still there, but they’re not found in big schools now.
the bass should be on shell beds in June and that here will be a good top water bite along the grasslines.
LAKE GUNTERSVILLE Captain Jake Davis from Mid-South Bass Guide Service pointed out that
A very good bite for anglers on Guntersville in June will be shellcracker bream. They’ll be spawning in two to
60 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
“Anglers can use jigs, crank baits, and swim baits on these shell bed bass,” Davis said. Spinnerbaits will be good early in the morning on Guntersville.
FISHING OUTLOOK four feet of water. These extra-large bream will respond well to worms fished close to the bottom. White bass, stripers and hybrids will be busting on shad in open water in June. Anglers can throw shad-look top water plugs to attract these hard-pullers. “The whole lake should be really good in June and there’s no bad spots to look for fish.,” Davis said. LAKE EUFAULA “Look for bass in and around cover. Hydrilla patches will be very good. After winter, the water is back up to full pool level, and the grass is holding bait. Look for grass and you’ll find the bass,” said Hawks Guide Service Captain Sam Williams. Anglers can find fish on early morning top water lures and then use shallow running jerk baits. Frogs and buzz baits will be good in June. The Eufaula crappie will be on ledges in June around brush piles. The crappie don’t leave the brush. Trolling for crappie in open water around the deep brush piles can be very good for big crappie in June. Catfish will be red-hot in June. “I like jug fishing using cut bait for big catfish in June,” said Williams. Anglers need to be aware that in June in case of stormy and heavy rainfall weather, the south end of the lake clears faster because of its sandy bottom, but the whole lake should be quite good. “Shellcracker bream will be bedding, so get some pink worms, and find the big shell cracker bream. You’ll stop fishing when you’re too tired to pull them off the hooks,” Williams added. MILLER’S FERRY Joe Dunn of Dunn’s Sports in Thomasville, points out that in the month of June, water movement is crucial for fishing success on the lake. The water is going to be clearing up from spring heavy flows, and when the dam is pulling water and making current in the lake, anglers can do some real good. ”Bass anglers will want to work major
creeks and out in the main lake in June. Crankbaits, Carolina rig soft plastics, and shaky head worms will work well. There will be a good top water bite early in the mornings around grass and on the points. Look for green trees down in the water on the main lake- bass will always be around these,” Dunn said. For crappie, anglers will want to look out in the main lake in deeper water. Most anglers troll for crappie using jigs, Road Runners and other weighted jig type lures tipped with live minnows in June. Jigs can be a bit larger in June than were used in early spring.
hatched shad minnows. We filled a 120 quart cooler with cats and were home by 9:00. That was a day that every cat angler dreams of,” Barton recalled. There will be lots of white bass, stripers and hybrids gathering below the dams when water is being pulled through, and anglers can use live shad or large minnows in the live water below the dams to have a ball catching these hard-pullers. Smallmouth bass will be holding along steep rocky shores and along the sheer rock bluffs. Soft plastics in crawfish patterns can be deadly on these north Alabama brown bass. Panfish anglers who work any of the major feeder creeks which empty into Wilson and Pickwick can fill up an ice chest in short order by working worms and crickets close to the bottom where the bream will be holding on their beds.
Shellcracker bream will be bedding, so get some pink worms, and find the big shell cracker bream. You’ll stop fishing when you’re too tired to pull them off the hooks Bream anglers should have great luck on Miller’s Ferry in June. They’ll be bedding, and they will be eating the huge willow fly hatches that will start in June. In fact, anglers won’t go far wrong on Miller’s Ferry in June by using bream pattern crank baits when the willow flies start their hatches. The big bass love to eat the bream that are too busy eating willow flies to pay attention to the big bass coming up below them. WILSON LAKE According to Captain Brian Barton, June can be a dynamite month for anglers looking for major catches of catfish below Wilson and Pickwick Dams and he feels it is one of the best months for catching lots of eating size and bigger cats.
SIPSEY FORK “We’re going to see more hoppers by then. and when they’re flying around, hopper flies are really good. Also, beetle flies are good, even the big Japanese beetles will be eaten by the trout,” points out Brandon Jackson of Riverside Fly shop. Another good point of planning trout fishing trip to the Sipsey in June is that by then, the generation schedule of pumping water through the dam will have usually settled down and will be in the normal pattern. This means that during the week, water will be running hard in the afternoons, but water won’t be pumped hard on the weekends. For anglers who want to get started in the fly fishing game for trout, Brandon Jackson recommends the Boost rod from Echo which sells at Riverside for $89.99, and is a good quality rod that is pack able and easy to travel with.
“I like big chunks of cut skipjack or shad. Worms, chicken livers and even shrimp will work well for smaller catfish,” Barton said.
Spinning gear anglers should be able to catch all of the trout they want in June by using small single-hook Roostertails in small sizes as well as Trout Magnet lures in 1/16 oz sizes.
” My most memorable fishing trip was in early June about ten years ago. I pulled to the wall of Wilson Dam, and the catfish were schooling on the surface along the dam feeding on newly
MOBILE DELTA Over in the Mobile Delta, Captain Wayne Miller tells us that the water should be down to normal levels, and that means all of the rivers will be tid-
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 61
al-influenced in June. The tide affects the river waters far up on the Alabama River and all of the other rivers which feed into the Delta. Miller also advises bass anglers to look at the main rivers since the lakes off the rivers will be getting quite shallow with the lower water levels in June. Most bass tournaments on the Delta are won by anglers fishing the middle and upper areas of the Delta, and the lower Delta is just not as productive now. In June, anglers can expect a good early morning top water bite on big spooks and big buzzbaits. As the day moves on, heavy spinnerbaits worked deep on wood cover in the main rivers will be best. Big soft plastic and crank baits worked near wood cover will be good, too. Bass anglers need to find deep treetops and work the entire sunken tree structure carefully. These “tops” will require lots of casts to cover correctly to find the fish. ”June can be a grind for catching fish.” However, the bass are still there and just need a little persuading to bite,” Miller said.
FLORIDA WATERS
APALACHICOLA RIVER SYSTEM Tony Poloronis of Outcasters Bait and Tackle in Apalachicola points out that down toward the mouth of the river, anglers should not be surprised if several kinds of saltwater game fish show up on any fishing trip. Reds, specks, and flounder are commonly found in the same waters that bass and bream inhabit. In June, anglers on the Apalachicola system should be able to find some great bream fishing for both bluegills and big shell crackers. These fish will still be bedding, and places on the main river and the smaller streams will work. Look for lily pads, and the bream on beds will be close. Anglers who fish the fingers of the river where it meets the bay will have good luck on bass in June. Soft plastics, crank baits, and spinner baits, especially Snagless Sallies, worked around reed beds will find plenty of bass in June.
For some serious hard pulling, anglers might want to run up the river to the point where the Pinhook River enters the Apalachicola. Both hybrid bass and the big saltwater stripers often hold here, and they can get very big. Live bait including shrimp and flashy artificial lures will attract the attention of the big striped bass. LAKE TALQUIN Jeff Dubree of Whippoorwill Lodge on Lake Talquin tells us that June will probably be the last month for anglers to get after the fish in anything like comfort. It gets pretty hot in full summer. In June, anglers can do very well on catfish using cut bait and stink bait in the creeks and ledges of the main lake. Bream anglers will find lots of bedding fish in shallow water all over the lake, and throwing a dark colored Beetlespin is a good way to find the hungry bream. For best luck, fish the full moon. Bass at Lake Talquin will be moving from shallow spawning waters to deeper points and ledges in the main lake. Depending on how hot the weather gets, there can be a very good early and late top water bite. As the month goes along, DuBree says that anglers fishing at night can have very good results for bass around lighted boat docks using lipless crank baits. Crappie anglers do well fishing at night using lights attached to their boats and letting bait congregate below the lights. LAKE SEMINOLE “It’s going to be good in deep water in June on soft plastics, and early and late throwing top water frogs. Fish over hydrilla, lily pads, anything you can throw over will hold fish.” said Jody Wells, who guides out of Seminole Lodge and Marina. Bass at Seminole in June will average four pounds, with larger and smaller fish. The bream will be on the beds in June and all through the summer. Crappie, known as speckled perch at Seminole, will be very good all through the summer. June anglers can use live minnows or other minnow-look artificials to catch plenty of crappie.
62 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Anglers can find some good hybrid and striper fishing in June, but visiting anglers need to be aware that certain areas of the lake are marked and set off limits for fishing because these are spring areas where the big stripers congregate for water temperature protection. Hefty fines will occur for anglers trying to catch stripers out of these areas. Jody Wells recommends anglers start their trips at Seminole Lodge and Marina (850-593-6886) which is right on the water, is clean, and has good dock facilities for anglers.
Important Contact Information Joe Dunn Dunn’s Sports 334-636-0850 33356 Hwy 43, Thomasville, AL Captain Sam Williams Hawks Guide Service 334-687-0400 Brandon Jackson/ Randy Jackson Riverside Fly Shop 17027 Hwy 69N Jasper, AL 256-287-9582 Riversideflyshop.com Captain Lee Pitts 256-390-4145 www.leepittsoutdoors.com Captain Brian Barton 256-412-0960 brianbartonoutdoors.com Captain Jake Davis Mid-South Bass Guide Service 615-613-2382 msbassguide@comcast.net Jeff DuBree Whippoorwill Sportsman’s Lodge Lake Talquin 850-875-2605 fishtalquin@gmail.com Jody Wells 850-209-2420 Tony Poloronis Outcasters Bait and Tackle 631 Hwy 98, Apalachicola, Florida 850-653-4665
MOON & FEED TIMES
64 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
ALABAMA TIDE CHARTS
GET YOUR SUBSCRIPTION TODAY!
Hunting & Fishing in Alabama & the Florida Panhandle
PRINT, DIGITAL OR BOTH! SUBSCRIBE... 1) CALL 877.314.1237 2) ORDER ONLINE AT GREATDAYSOUTDOORS.COM 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 65
FLORIDA TIDE CHARTS
Pensacola Bay S 1 09:48 AM / 1.43 08:02 PM / -0.12 Su 2 10:13 AM / 1.57 08:50 PM / -0.25 M 3 10:48 AM / 1.69 09:47 PM / -0.36 T 4 11:32 AM / 1.78 10:48 PM / -0.44 W 5 12:21 PM / 1.83 11:49 PM / -0.48 Th 6 01:12 PM / 1.81 -F 7 02:03 PM / 1.73 12:43 AM / -0.46 S 8 02:54 PM / 1.55 01:28 AM / -0.38 Su 9 03:42 PM / 1.29 02:03 AM / -0.21 M 10 04:27 PM / 0.97 02:21 AM / 0.03 T 11 10:12 AM / 0.84 02:14 AM / 0.29 W 12 09:08 AM / 1.02 01:12 AM / 0.49 -06:06 PM / 0.30 Th 13 08:55 AM / 1.25 06:52 PM / 0.02 F 14 09:07 AM / 1.47 07:39 PM / -0.18 S 15 09:34 AM / 1.62 08:28 PM / -0.29 Su 16 10:09 AM / 1.70 09:18 PM / -0.35 M 17 10:48 AM / 1.73 10:08 PM / -0.35 T 18 11:30 AM / 1.71 10:55 PM / -0.33 W 19 12:11 PM / 1.67 11:36 PM / -0.29 Th F S Su M T W
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Th F S Su
27 28 29 30
12:48 PM / 1.60 01:21 PM / 1.50 01:47 PM / 1.36 02:01 PM / 1.20 01:26 PM / 1.00 10:01 AM / 0.91 08:47 AM / 0.98 -08:21 AM / 1.12 08:22 AM / 1.29 08:40 AM / 1.46 09:13 AM / 1.61
-12:09 AM / -0.24 12:33 AM / -0.15 12:47 AM / -0.04 12:52 AM / 0.09 12:43 AM / 0.23 12:11 AM / 0.36 10:29 PM / 0.42 06:25 PM / 0.26 06:41 PM / 0.05 07:20 PM / -0.13 08:09 PM / -0.28
66 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
MISSISSIPPI TIDE CHARTS
Share highlights from your great days outdoors with us! photos@GreatDaysOutdoors.com
FISHING
REPORT ALABAMA SALTWATER
DO YOU WANT THE AlABAMA SALTWATER FISHING REPORT 24/7 AND AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON?
Check it out at www.alabamasaltwaterfishingreport.libsyn.com
New Podcast Every Thursday
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 67
Pensacola Motorsports
TROPHY
Brenton Godwin caught these beauties at the Gulf Shores pier
ROOM
Jonathan Armstrong is all smiles after taking this Tom with 1 inch spurs and a 9 inch beard. The gobbler...not so much.
You didn’t see it coming. Neither did the fish.
Introducing the all-new FISH PRO™ The world’s first personal watercraft designed for fishing will bring you closer to the action for an experience like never before.
Discover yours at our dealership
Pensacola Motorsports
618 N New Warrington Rd. Pensacola, FL 32506 (850)456-6655
©2018 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. Carefully read the operator’s guide and safety instructions. Observe applicable laws and regulations. Always wear appropriate protective clothing, including a personal flotation device and wetsuit bottoms. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. See your authorized BRP dealer for details.
68 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Sea-Doo.com
Michael DeGroat with his 10 pt buck
PHOTO of the MONTH Lisa Kirkman caught this black drum in her cast net at Paradise Beach on Perdido Bay.
WIN A FREE ONE-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION TO GREAT DAYS OUTDOORS WHEN YOU
GIVE US YOUR BEST SHOT
Dustin Cook took this 32.06 pound Eastern Wild Turkey in Wilcox County Alabama. It was only 5# shy of the World Record!
VX
®
SERIES A true family favorite
IT'S EASY TO ENTER POST: To Facebook @GreatDaysOutdoors
Photo of the Month! Simply share your great day outdoors with us!
[ OR ]
EMAIL: info@GreatDaysOutdoors.com
When Submitting Trophy Room photos, be sure to include as much information as possible about the person and the trophy. Please include you address so that we can send you a free subscription if you are "Photo of the Month" winner. Final Decision is made by the editorial Staff of Great Days Outdoors Magazine. Submitting a photo does not guarantee it will be published.
PENSACOLA MOTORSPORTS 618 N NEW WARRINGTON RD PENSACOLA FL, 325064245 850-456-6655
www.pensacolamotorsports.com ©2017 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Ride responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always ride within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and ride. WaveRunner® is a Yamaha brand personal watercraft and not a generic term. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT YAMAHABOATS.COM OR CALL 1.800.88.YAMAHA
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 69
KID'S CORNER
TROPHY ROOM 1
1
ST
ST
Buck
Wood Duck
Luke Aplin, 13, with his 1st wood duck.
Peter Muller, 8, with his 1st buck Gosport, AL.
1
1
ST
ST
Bream
Andrew Eiland, 8, got his first taste of a big bream bite on artificials. 70 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Gobbler
Brodie Morgan, 9, killed this 8pt in Baldwin Co. AL.
David Watts, 12 of Thomasville AL killed his 1st gobbler.
Judson Gardner, 14, caught this 25.5â&#x20AC;?, 7 lb redfish with pretty spots wading near Steadmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Landing.
Parker Moye with a 165lb buck in Lowndes Co. AL.
Wyatt Harrison, 9 with a beautiful bass
Justin Patton lipping a big bucketmouth.
Give us your best shot!
Featured kids receive a gift! Send your submission to info@greatdaysoutdoors.com. Submitting a photo does not guarantee that it will be published. We cannot give any guarantees on when a photo will be published. Please include: child's full name, age, mailing address, and any details, like if it's a first time, when and where animal was caught/killed, how much it weighed. If it's a buck, include points. NOTE: You must include a mailing address in order to receive the gifts!
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 71
Advertiser Index A-Team Fishing Adventures . . . . . 3 ADCNR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Alabama Ag Credit . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Ala Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo . . . . . 7 Alabama Farmers CO-OP . . . . 38-39 Alabama Liquid Fertilizer . . . . . . 10 ASWF Podcast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Bluewater Charters . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Buck’s Island Marine . . . . . . . . . 47 Butler Land & Timber . . . . . . . . . 50 CCA Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Clutch Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Dauphin Island Marina . . . . . . . . 21 Deep South Crane . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Dixie Building Supply . . . . . . . . . . 3 Fiber Plastics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 First South Farm Credit . . . . . . . 31 Flora Bama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 GS/OB Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
WITHOUT ADVERTISING A TERRIBLE THING HAPPENS
Hog Rush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
NOTHING!
Hydraulic Crane . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Lone Wolf Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Long Beard, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 MDH Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 National Land Realty . . . . . . . . . . 5 OxCart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Paradise Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Pensacola Motor Sports . . . . . 68-69 QDMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Sealy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Slick Lure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Southeastern Pond Management 55
Ever wish that handling your advertising was a little less time-consuming? Discover how Great Days Outdoors Media can make that happen. We can help you skyrocket your traffic and increase your revenue. Whether it’s through print, digital, podcast, or design we will create a campaign to meet your needs.
Test Calibration Co. . . . . . . . . . . . 64
War Eagle Boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 World Deer Expo. . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 72 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Call today! 877-314-1237 or email us at samhester@greatdaysoutdoors.com
FISHING TIP
Lake Guntersville Fishing In June BY CAPTAIN PHILLIP CRISS
Let’s get right to the point - the bass will be “post spawn” which means they are on the move. Does that mean they all will go deep? Some bass will always remain in shallow water. So let’s define shallow and deep on Lake Guntersville in June. Most anglers will say fifteen feet or more is the right depth for deep and some will say fifteen feet or less is the right depth for shallow. My opinion is the shallow water pattern on Guntersville in June works best. In my 38 years of experience guiding I would say 99% of all Big Bass come out of shallow water in a depth of four to eight feet all year long. With this water depth in mind let us look at what areas are better to fish. The humps and channels in Seibold Creek, the humps off the channel going into Browns Creek from the river to the bridge, the ridges, humps and flats close to the channel across from the mouth of
Honey Comb Creek to the dam are all good areas for June. With depth and areas in place it is time to discuss tackle to use to catch them. I always start shallow with buzz baits, poppers, frogs, flukes, and depending on the cloud cover, these should work all day. If you have bright sun go to shakey heads in 1/8. to 1/4 ounce weight. If you have heavy current change to 1/2 to 3/4 ounce wobble heads These heavier heads will hold your bait in place. Jigs in the 1/2 to 3/4 ounce range, with a Fish Bite trailer can provide extra action in current waters. Crank baits fished in 10 to15 feet of water work, as will divers, not so much for the depth but for the bottom contact and bouncing off objects can get that reaction bite. All of the above will catch fish but only IF you “GO FISHING”. Call me if you want an “only for bass” guided fishing trip on Lake Guntersville. 205-4615549 or pdcriss@hotmail.com
LAND CLEARING, TRACTOR WORK AND BRUSH MULCHING Bushogging • Disking • Box Blade Work Finishing Mower Work • Food Plot Prep and Planting
NO JOB TOO SMALL FREE ESTIMATES REASONABLE RATES CALL LONGBEARD, LLC 251- 423-1857
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // JUNE 2019 73
A GREAT DAY OUTDOORS
Late Bait BY JIM MIZE
Night fishing can lull a person’s mind to a level of contemplation void of stress and obligations. Thoughts percolate like camp coffee on a low burner, dark, bubbling, and never totally clear. But you should be careful what you’re thinking of when you settle into your boat for the evening. I was thinking of bait vending machines. Having launched at a public landing, I’d noticed in a row of vending machines one that looked out of place. A giant walleye cavorted across the front, green and wild-eyed as it leapt across the machine’s face. A largemouth sulked among other fish at the bottom, visibly upset at having less than top billing. Each button on the machine triggered a different bait to drop out once money was deposited. The insides of this machine writhed with life. I could imagine the whole, plastic-looking box quivering as if it were one large can of bait. The image burned itself into my mind like a camera flash at a surprise party. So as the night dragged on, the gentle lapping of waves rocked and slapped the boat. Cicadas droned, caught their breath, and droned again in overlapping hums. And I forgot about work, bills, and where I had to be next. Instead, I thought of bait. First, I wondered if bait in a vending machine was really something fishermen wanted. Normally, before I purchase bait, I ask the shop owner what’s biting. Since these businessmen rarely have time to fish, they tend to be honest sorts. How can you get similar advice from a bait machine? Inherently, I mused, there must be
problems with buying bait after hours. I could just picture two fishermen back at the landing, showing up at 1 a.m. needing bait. They would start by going through their pockets trying to find change for a can of red wrigglers. Between the two of them, they would come up twenty-five cents short. Finally, after digging through their truck-seat cushions, they would find another quarter and drop it into the machine. I could imagine their ensuing conversation. “Hey, Ralph, I can’t read these buttons without my glasses. Which one was the wrigglers?” “Second from the top, I think.” “Oh, shoot.” “What’s wrong?” “I pushed the third one.” “Uh-oh. That’s the crickets.” As they talked, the machine whirred. No cup fell into place. But the machine didn’t stop. From above, a tube began dispensing crickets. By tens and twenties they fell, on and on, until a hundred crickets bounced around the parking lot like popcorn erupting on hot pavement. And the fishermen jumped on them like brown thrashers in a locust plague. Swooping on them with their caps as nets, they finally capture enough crickets to go fishing. Has bait come to this? Have the bait farms of the world learned from the beverage companies a better way to sell bait? Are we going to see bait-vending brands on a NASCAR hood at Daytona? Will the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile line up to drag race a nightcrawler funny car? Will I be popping the lid of a worm cup, looking underneath, to see if I won a free can of grubs or an all-expensespaid trip to a cricket ranch? Are we going to get dishwasher-safe bait cans in a collector series to put on the mantle? Maybe Roland Martin smiling back at me from a meal worm cup? And what about the commercials? Kermit the Frog might be unemployed; who better to promote the eating qualities of grubs? He would only need
74 JUNE 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
minimal training since grub is a one syllable word. Maybe competing bait companies would even chip in to sponsor their own festival. I can see hot air balloons shaped as crickets, lizards, and leeches, drifting across the countryside scaring small children and throwing household pets into a state of panic. Though bait vending sounds foolproof, imagine all the things that can go wrong. For instance, I’d like to know who’s responsible for the confusion that occurs in the wee hours when some groggy fisherman realizes halfway through dinner that he’s not eating extra-meaty beef noodles. Even if nightcrawlers do taste better warm and the cans are microwavable. Worse yet, what about power outages? Who gets to restock a bait vending machine in mid-August four days after it sat idle in a stinking hot parking lot? And where will this all stop? With takehome fillets if you had a bad day? With pre-mounted lunkers for those special occasions? Or with a spurt of cologne, maybe Eau-de-Fins, if you wanted to claim a successful day of catch and release and needed to smell like it really happened? Bait vending must be just the first step for this mushrooming industry. Why not mail-order minnows? Maybe L. L. Bean can overnight-ship some blueback herrings my way so I don’t have to get up in the middle of the night to catch my own. Convenience has finally struck fishing full force. I’ve gone from digging wrigglers in the tomato patch to dropping quarters in a bait machine. I guess it’s not so bad, except next time I night fish, I’m going to pay a lot more attention to which machine had the microwavable noodles. JIM MIZE prefers eating fish rather than bait, though in a pinch anything fried works for him. You can find his awardwinning books of humor at www. acreektricklesthroughit.com.
itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about so much more than fish.
Orange Beach Grand Slam June 13-15 Fish some of the richest fishing grounds in the world along the Alabama Gulf Coast. And with so much to do onshore, the fun and adventure never end.
Blue Marlin Grand Championship July 10-14
OrangeBeach.com / 877-475-1534