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
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Instant Savings on select models when you buy during this promotion. See your dealer for details.
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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.
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HUNTING & FISHING IN ALABAMA & THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE
FEATURES 8
8
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THREE EXPERTS ON HOW TO BUILD A FARM POND EASILY AND INEXPENSIVELY By John E. Phillips
13 16 20
BUG OUT WITH BLUEGILL FLIES By Charles Johnson HISTORY OF ORANGE BEACH AND IT’S DEEP SEA FISHING By Angelo Depaola PORK RIND FISHING TIPS THAT PROMISE ANGLING ACTION By Frank Sargeant
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FILLETING A COBIA LIKE A PRO WITH CAPTAIN RICHARD RUTLAND By Great Days Outdoors Staff
26 48
DON’T FISH WHERE THE FISH AREN’T By John E. Phillips TIPS ON APPLYING FOR FALL QUOTA AND ALLIGATOR HUNT PERMITS By Tony Young
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IN EVERY ISSUE Bets 6 Best by William Kendy
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New Gear for Outdoorsmen by Great Days Outdoors Staff
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From the Commissioner Fishing License Purchase Pays Large Dividends
38
Hunting Heritage Disturbing Decline in Hunting Continues
40
From the Director Unfortunately, It Can Always Be Worse!
42
Paddle Fishing High Tech Add-ons to Make Kayak Fishing Better by Ed Mashburn
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4 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Camphouse Kitchen by Hank Shaw
FISHING OUTLOOKS 44
Pier and Shore by David Thornton
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Gulf Coast by Mike Thompson
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Regional Freshwater by Alex Granpere
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Prime Feeding Times, Moon, Sun, and Tide Charts
64
Pensacola Motorsports Trophy Room
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Great Days Kids Corner
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Closet Carp-Eaters by Jim Mize
Classifieds & Fishin' Guides Fishing Tips by Captain Richard Rutland
PROPERTY PHOTO HERE
PROPERTY PHOTO HERE
Toms Creek Hunting, Fishing, Timber, and Recreation
PRICE REDUCED! Motivated Seller - Trophy Hunting Property
Sumter County, Alabama, 240+/-Acres Located near the historic town of Gainesville in Sumter Co. & the Tombigbee River w/ great neighbors next to the property. Tract has an old pre-civil war railroad bed that can still PROPERTY TEXT HERE be seen that transverses the property. 4BR & 2BA camp house, w/public water/garbage collection, that has just been painted inside & has all new flooring. Intricate road system throughout; a 2-3 acre lake w/abundant bream, bass and crappie; 9 food plots (food plot have been planted with WMS Alabama Seed Blend) w/7- new 4X6 shooting houses & two other nice houses; 3-year round creeks crisscross the tract; 3 enclosed feeding stations; 20’X24’ detached carport; & locked storage attached to house for ATVs. Intensively managed for wildlife & has hired predator control on an annual basis. Voluminous nice whitetails & turkeys have been seen and captured on game cameras year around. Tract has merchantable hardwood & pine timber. About 45 minutes from Tuscaloosa & about 1.5 hours from Birmingham. It’s just off a paved county road with a nice driveway into the house.
Alabama Listings COUNTY Autauga Autauga Autauga Autauga Autauga Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Barbour Barbour Barbour Barbour Barbour Bibb Bibb Blount Blount Blount Blount Blount Bullock Bullock Bullock Butler
ACRES 535 317.65 116 116 10 1995 551 492 425 116 704 346 200 179 111 98.6 30 60 50 5.46 3.76 2.02 186 80 48.6 395
Butler Calhoun Calhoun Calhoun Calhoun Calhoun Chilton Chilton Chilton Choctaw Choctaw Choctaw Clarke Clarke Clarke Clarke Clarke Clay Clay Clay Clay Clay Cleburne Cleburne Cleburne Cleburne
54 102 100 26.91 25 22.5 636 221 0 107 25 19.37 526 220 54 49 38 160 117 80 42 40 377 80 57 56.48
COUNTY Coffee Coffee Colbert Colbert Colbert Colbert Colbert Conecuh Conecuh Conecuh Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa Covington Covington Covington Crenshaw Crenshaw Cullman Cullman Dale Dallas Dallas Dallas
ACRES 254 6 40 36 36 25 2 85 40 10 440 151 100 62 45 331 43 30 270 134 876.25 289 340 600 463.54 205
Dallas Dallas Elmore Elmore Elmore Elmore Elmore Escambia Escambia Escambia Etowah Etowah Etowah Fayette Fayette Fayette Fayette Fayette Franklin Franklin Franklin Franklin Franklin Greene Greene Greene
140 82.73 2000 450 450 342 264 671.6 40 27 275 167.3 57 260 232 155 133 90 608 563 552 118 104 90 3.5 1
COUNTY Greene Hale Hale Hale Hale Hale Henry Henry Jefferson Jefferson Jefferson Jefferson Jefferson Lamar Lamar Lamar Lamar Lamar Lauderdale Lauderdale Lawrence Limestone Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes
Washington County, Alabama, 480+/-Acres 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.
ACRES 0.72 186 114 96 92 88 200 104.5 400 330 245 125 94 255 192 136 104 92 60 30 80 1.36 1181 790 783 656
Lowndes Macon Macon Madison Marengo Marion Marion Marion Marion Marion Mobile Mobile Mobile Mobile Mobile Monroe Monroe Monroe Monroe Monroe Montgomery Montgomery Montgomery Montgomery Montgomery Morgan
567 930 60 100 772 387 325 250 120 94 1800 260 249 200 192 790 378.49 271.5 129 67 623 430 399 314 275 150
COUNTY ACRES Morgan 41 Perry 604.33 Perry 386 Perry 200 Perry 189 Perry 140 Pickens 837 Pickens 513 Pickens 450 Pickens 430 Pickens 150 Pike 352.8 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 40 Saint Clair 29 Saint Clair 14.28 Shelby 458
Shelby Shelby Shelby Shelby Sumter Sumter Sumter Sumter Sumter Talladega Talladega Talladega Talladega Talladega Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa
253 163.82 43.56 41 740 350 240 213 188 1314 1015 882 723.5 327 163 153
COUNTY ACRES Tuscaloosa 81 Tuscaloosa 72.21 Tuscaloosa 71 233 Walker 65 Walker Washington 1287.41 Washington 1261 Washington 480 Washington 313 Washington 240 2883 Wilcox 2365 Wilcox 2.5 Wilcox 0.5 Wilcox 0.5 Wilcox 84 Winston
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 5
BEST BETS
BEST BETS FOR MAY These are our top targets for hunters and fishermen this month! BY WILLIAM KENDY
GUN CLEANING
By May most of Alabama’s hunting seasons are over but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t opportunities to get back in the field. Now it’s all about “year round season” game like hogs, coyotes and other less glamorous species that you can pursue. but they are still a challenge. But if you’re done with hunting, May is the perfect time to pay some attention to your firearms. That means a “heel to muzzle” cleaning (who doesn’t love the smell of Hoppes #9?) and make sure all the fittings and mounts are snug. Even those little changes may affect bullet impact so some range time sighting in and honing your shooting skills can only make you a better hunter.
VOLUME 23, ISSUE 5 MAY 2019 PUBLISHED BY: Great Days Outdoors Media, L.L.C. PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Joe Baya ASSISTANT EDITOR: Bill Kendy CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Wendy Johannesmann OFFICE MANAGER: Lisa Williams ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Samatha Hester
CONTRIBUTING FREELANCE WRITERS: Chris Blankenship Daryl Bell Alex Granpere Craig Haney Charles Johnson Ed Mashburn Doug Max Greg McCain
POST SPAWN BASS
When it comes to bass fishing in Alabama May is smack dab between the end of spawning but before bass start feeding heavily. The spawn may last a little longer into May but it is basically post spawn fishing. Most of the guides and experts generally agree that top water baits, like the Rapala Skitter Walk, are good choices and anglers should make sure to not forget about the frog bite. A weedless frog tossed into heavy cover may trigger a strike. Buzzbaits, spinnerbaits and swim-jigs with trailers are effective, including a Johnson silver spoons dressed with a pork rind imitations (see Frank Sargeant’s article, “New-Gen Pork Rinds Promise Angling Action” in this issue).
WADING AND FISHING THE SHALLOWS
When it comes to catching large redfish and speckled trout in May, wade fishing in Mobile Bay is the way to go. By donning those waders or, if the water is warm enough, quick drying pants with wading shoes you can effectively cover a lot of water. Captain and guide Richard Rutland of Coldblooded Fishing in Mobile advises anglers to stalk around grass flats and sand bars throwing topwater baits, with his favorite being the Rapala Skitter-V early in the morning then shifting to subsurface baits like The Slick Lure. Read more from Rutland on wade fishing in Mobile Bay in the May GDO Fishing Tips. 6 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
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. 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. 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.
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear GDO Editor Alabama’s artificial reef program administered through the DCNR Marine Resources Division is an overlooked and underappreciated point of pride. The benefits realized from the habitat improvement of our coastal waters is no surprise to businesses along our shores. Should anyone doubt the impact that improved saltwater angling has on our state economy , we would invite them to visit a coastal boat ramp or marina during the summer months and view the various states represented by vehicle and vessel registrations. Those benefits spread along every tourist travel corridor as Alabama becomes a saltwater fishing destination. This wouldn’t be the case without the joined efforts of private charter boat interests, saltwater fishing clubs, local businesses and the Marine Resources Division working in unison to develop an artificial reef program that is unparalleled by other states. DCNR Commissioner Blankenship promises to continue
CCA AL Spring Events APRIL 26TH @ The Wharf Lower Alabama Chapter MAY 2ND Birmingham Chapter MAY 9TH Mobile Chapter
improving Alabama’s reef program. Whereas reef material may be relatively inexpensive, the cost of decontamination, construction, transportation and placement can be costly. On March 22, 2019 the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association deployed the tugboat Jane B and attached barge as a reef in the newly approved near shore artificial reef zone 9 miles off Dauphin Island. Our members felt the expenditure was a sound investment in Alabama’s economy and marine habitat. We encourage other organizations to explore the opportunities to be a part of this successful program. Kevin Dodd Executive Director Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association P.O. Box 681748 Prattville,AL. 36068 334-425-0980 kevin.dodd@aceoa.org
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 // MAY 2019 7
Three Experts on How to Build a Farm Pond Easily and Inexpensively BY JOHN E. PHILLIPS Photos by John E. Phillips
Build the best farm pond with advice from these three experts. So, you want to build a farm pond. You probably think that all you have to do is get a bulldozer, dig a hole in a low spot and let the rain fill it up. Wrong! We’ve researched what’s required to build the best farm ponds by talking with two outdoorsmen who know plenty about this subject, Barry Smith of Pike Road, Alabama, and Trey Montgomery of West Greene, Alabama. We’ve learned about funding a farm pond with Michael Williams of Alabama Ag Credit. HOW TO GET STARTED BUILDING A FARM POND WITH BARRY SMITH Barry Smith has a master’s degree in fisheries science from Auburn University and was the chief of fisheries for Alabama’s Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division and the co-founder and co-owner of American Sport Fish with his partner, Don Keller. These two men created the popularly-stocked Tiger Bass, using a female Florida bass that weighed 12 pounds or more and a super-aggressive male northern bass to produce these bass that grew faster and would attack lures and bait much more aggressively than the pure Florida strain of bass. Keller and Smith also created the Gorilla bass, a northern strain of black bass genetically engineered to bite and grow faster than most northern black bass. Smith, who has been a farm-pond consultant too for many years, emphasizes that, “The best and the least-expensive way to build a farm pond is to work with three types of professionals, including: • “a contractor who has a good reputation and years of experience of building successful farm ponds that have withstood the test of time, have provided recreation and have increased the value of the property; 8 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
• “a pond-management service with a reputation for helping landowners manage their ponds to reach whatever goals each landowner has – perhaps providing water for livestock, a recreational fishery for the landowner, his family and friends and/or a source of income from catch-and-release ponds where anglers may catch their biggest bass ever or enjoy a commercial catfish pond; • “a financial advisor who can loan the landowner the money required to build and maintain a pond. After gathering information from the contractor and the pond-management service, the landowner should know almost to the penny the cost to build and maintain that pond. The landowner also needs to consider asking for an extra 10-20 percent more money for unexpected expenses. He needs to work with a financial company that has experience in loaning money for farm-pond construction. That company also can estimate how building a farm pond improves the value of the property.” Smith advises that if you’re in a pond building mood, you need to acquire the advice and help from these three professionals to determine if building a pond is feasible on the property you own before you ever start thinking about: • where the pond will be located; • how big the pond will be; • what type of fish you want in the pond; and • how much money you’ll need to spend to build the pond. WHAT THE CONTRACTOR WILL KNOW
Three Experts on How to Build a Farm Pond Easily and Inexpensively
“I recommend you work with these three kinds of professionals, since they have plenty of knowledge and know where to go to get answers quickly on questions that may come up,” Smith explains. “The contractor will know: • “whether the land you own is suitable for a pond or not; • “what amount of excavation will be required to create the pond, and what other expenses like spillways, drain pipes and dirt moving you’ll encounter; • “whether or not you’ll need a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before construction; • “what watershed requirements will be needed to fill up your pond with rainwater but also continuously replenish the water in the lake as it evaporates or if floods or droughts take place; • “what correct soil types will hold water in your pond once it’s built; • “what degree of slope the banks of the pond must have to prevent creating too-many shallow- water areas, since if a drought occurs, it may cause aquatic weed growth that may damage the lake’s environment; • “how to correctly build your dam and determine its size; • “what impact the pond will have on your property and/or other lands; • “what effects overflow water may have; • “how much dirt will have to be moved to create the pond, and how that excess dirt will be used; • “what the slope of the dam’s backside needs to be to enable you to mow it to insure trees don’t grow there; • “what size the spillways on either side of the dam need to be to carry out excess water from floods; and • “what will be the estimated price of borrowing the amount of money required to build the pond of your dreams.” WHAT OTHER CONSTRUCTION HELPS TO CONSIDER Smith also recommends you contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/ nrcs/site/national/home/ that has technicians in some counties, that can provide information for you and suggest a group of contractors for you to interview who have been building ponds in your region. Smith suggests you look at some of the ponds that any contractor you’re considering has built and that you talk to the landowner about how satisfied he is with how the construction on the pond has been carried out. As Smith mentions, “A typical mistake a landowner often makes when he decides to build a pond is to hire a friend or a relative with no experience in building farm ponds to build the pond. Although the landowner may think this person he knows will save him money, in the long run that person actually may cost the property owner more money than the landowner will spend hiring a professional pond builder. Usually, the County Extension Service in each state will have compiled a list of experienced pond builders too that you can talk with and interview.”
reputable pond management service before construction starts on the pond,” Smith emphasizes. “A pond management service understands how to structure your pond to include sections in the pond that will concentrate bass and bluegills. First you want to consider creating spawning areas that both bass and bluegills can utilize. You can elevate these regions made up of underwater islands with pea gravel on them to about three feet deep to create productive spawning places for both bass and bluegills on the upper end of the pond, within casting distance from the bank.”
If trees have to be cleared out to create the pond, save them to make brush piles about 50-75 yards from each other in the pond. When the bottom of the lake is cleared, you may want to put in a trench that’s a bulldozer’s width wide, running from the deepwater portion of the pond up to the shallow-water part. These ditches or trenches provide easy access for bass and bream to move from the deep water of the lake up into the shallow water where they can feed. You can use big limbs, logs or stumps too in the bottom of the lake to create structure. A company that makes concrete sewer pipes may have some cracked and broken ones, that will make productive bass habitat. Sometimes you can get them for free or at a minimum charge, if you’ll haul them off. Other people sink metal like old cars, refrigerators and other metal structures. However, metal will rust, deteriorate and have sharp edges that cut fishing line.
WHY YOU NEED A REPUTABLE POND-MANAGEMENT SERVICE AND WHAT IT MAY RECOMMEND Before any construction is started on the pond, you need to meet with and get advice and suggestions from a quality pond management service, especially if you want to raise fish in that pond for recreational fishing, commercial fishing or fish farming.
Barry Smith reports that, “That’s why I suggest using either wood or concrete structure when you’re building recreational or commercial fishing ponds. Of the two, I consider wood the best structure for building fish attractors. The pond-management company can help you with all these decisions before you start constructing your pond.
“If your pond is to provide fishing opportunities, whether recreational or commercial, you need to talk to and work with a
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN STOCKING A POND “The cost of stocking and maintaining your pond is a figure you 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 9
Three Experts on How to Build a Farm Pond Easily and Inexpensively
need before construction ever begins and then you’ll have a more accurate cost to discuss with your financial advisor,” Smith mentions. “You don’t have to wait until the pond is full of water to start stocking. If you stock 1,000 to 1,500 bluegills per acre, your estimated cost will be about 30 cents for each bluegill, or approximately $300 per acre. “Bass will cost about $1 each, and you may stock as many as 50 to 100 bass per acre. If you’re interested in managing the lake for bass, you must stock threadfin shad too in five acre or more ponds. So, the cost will be about $2,000 to stock.”
willingness to bite) than the Florida strain of bass. “We’ve seen a Tiger Bass grow from two inches to two pounds within a single year,” Smith reports. “The Tiger Bass can weigh as much as five pounds in only three years.” WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING FEEDERS For maximum growth from sunfish and bass, Smith recommends putting up one feeder for every three to five acres in a pond. “You should feed the fish in your pond three to four times per day, using an automatic spin feeder. The fish should consume all the food that the feeder throws out each time you feed within five minutes after the feeder stops. If all the feed is gone within the five minute period, you’re feeding the right amount. But if all the feed that’s put out at one feeding is gone within 60 seconds, then you’re not feeding the fish enough supplemental food.” Smith likes a battery operated feeder with an attached solar panel to keep the battery charged. Although you can buy inexpensive feeders for about $150 each, they don’t tend to be very reliable. Smith recommends you spend about $700-$800 to each feeder for reliability and less maintenance. These feeders go off every day they’re programmed to, no matter the weather or your schedule.
Smith recommends to stock first into a pond the sunfish, bluegills and shellcrackers, that don’t need a full water pond for stocking. “Once four or five feet of water is in the deepest part of the lake, or the water’s that depth and is stained, bluegills and shellcrackers can be stocked successfully. “If you build your pond in the late fall, and it begins filling with water, you can stock bluegills and shellcrackers when the water depth’s right, although the pond may not completely fill until June, after all construction is completed on the pond. That way, the sunfish can start growing before the bass are put into the lake, perhaps in June with this timeline, and depending on the size of the pond.” Historically Smith has recommended stocking coppernose bluegills, because they show somewhat faster growth and take supplemental feed better than the common bluegill. “If you stock bluegills in the fall or winter, and feeders are set-up on your pond, you may have harvestable-size bluegills, weighing 1/4- to 1/3-pound each, in a year. An active supplemental feeding program may mean the bluegills are even larger. After three years of this feeding program, the first stock of bluegills may weigh as much as one pound each.” Barry Smith likes three varieties of bass, the Gorilla Bass, an aggressively-feeding northern bass; the pure Florida strain of bass that grows quickly but can be difficult to catch; and the Tiger Bass that’s very aggressive and is a geneticallyengineered bass that crosses the northern and the Florida bass. Smith explains that the Tiger Bass exhibits quicker growth than the northern strain of bass and exhibits more aggression (a 10 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
A consistent supplemental feeding program helps your fish grow bigger and faster than not having one. Be sure the feeder has a way to lock the lid down after it’s empty, because a storm can blow the top off the feeder if not and ruin the fish food inside. Also, people who come to fish will open the top to throw some feed out into the water to get the fish to actively feed and forget to put the top down. “I like a fish food that’s about 32 percent protein,” Smith says. WHAT YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR CAN DO TO HELP YOU HAVE THE LAKE OF YOUR DREAMS Unless you’re a farmer or a rancher, you may not be acquainted with an Agricultural Federal Credit Union https://www.agfed. org/, but you may have heard the words Federal Land Bank, known today as Farm Credit https://farmcreditbank.com/. Farm Credit lends money to farmers, ranchers and individuals who want to buy and/or improve land or create a business or plant a crop on the land. Some advantages of working with a state Agricultural Credit Union is that it will understand the needs of farmers, ranchers and other people who make a portion of their livings or have an interest in using the land. They understand the needs for credit, if you’re buying a large ranch of maybe 1,000 acres or more or a five acre tract in the country. An Agricultural Credit Union is a lending institution that also pays dividends, and when you borrow money from one, you become a member of that credit union. These institutions understand how building a farm pond definitely increases the value of the land and can be used to generate more income from that property. To get a better understanding of Agricultural Credit Unions, we talked with Michael Williams, the relationship manager for Alabama Ag Credit https://www.alabamaagcredit.com/, an agricultural lender for regions of Alabama. Farm credit organizations are located all over the United States.
Three Experts on How to Build a Farm Pond Easily and Inexpensively
“One of the advantages of having a local Ag Credit Union is that we better understand the wants and needs of the people who buy or own land in our area,” Williams says. “We finance every kind of property, business or interest and everything related to agriculture like tractors. We provide lines of credit for farmers, and we also loan money for the construction, stocking and maintenance of farm ponds, boat docks and piers. My Alabama Ag Credit appraiser estimates that a pond or a lake increases the value of land by $4,000-$5,000 per acre. “We can offer a loan too that’s like a construction loan in that you don’t have to borrow the total amount of money you’ll need to build a farm pond, and you don’t pay interest on any money you already haven’t borrowed. You either borrow exactly what you think you’ll need for the farm pond construction, or you can get a line of credit that allows you to borrow as you build. One of the advantages of a line of credit is that often construction projects like building a pond may exceed the estimated costs. If you need more money, you can draw it out of the agricultural credit union. An advantage of having a term loan is an Ag Credit Union often will fix a rate of interest over 20 years, rather than 5-10 years, and you’ll have a longer time to pay back the loan. “Alabama Ag Credit does a wide variety of recreational loans that relate to the land. Besides loaning money for the construction, the stocking and the management of the pond, we do rural-construction loans for houses too.” You can contact Williams at 800-579-5471, 251-743-3560 or michael.williams@alabamaagcredit.com. HOW EROSION CREATED TROPHY BASS FISHING Trey Montgomery and his wife, Pam, the owners of Leavellwood Lodge and the Lakes of Leavellwood, have been in the pay-to-bass-fish business for over 20 years. What started out as a conservation project has resulted in their fishing business. “One of the reasons we decided to build a lake was due to the erosion on our property,” Montgomery recalls. “Because of poor farming practices in the 1970s and 1980s, a piece of the land we’d bought was facing some serious erosion problems. To stop
the erosion, we built our first lake and then a chain of lakes to slow down the runoff on the property. One lake wouldn’t hold all the runoff from our land. Building lakes that flowed into other lakes enabled us to stair-step the rainwater down and stop the erosion. “Currently we have 107 acres of water on this property, Leavellwood Lake with 35 acres, 42 acre Sleepy Hollow Lake and 24 acre Sawgrass Lake. When I built my first lake, a friend of mine, Paul Bracknell, already had built and managed several trophy bass lakes called Dream Lakes in central Alabama. He shared with me his years of experience of building, managing and growing numbers of big and trophy bass. He also shared with me why he had put structure in the lake and the type of structure before he filled the lake with water. I learned from Paul how to manage hot water, cold water and the effects of shadow and shade. I also learned why structures of concrete and wood seemed to hold up the longest and provide the best habitat for bass. I listened to his advice and began to build my lakes from his recommendations. “I also took the knowledge I’d learned from fishing on Alabama’s Gulf Coast about how artificial reefs could attract and hold red snapper. We discussed the type of structure we wanted to put into our lakes even before construction began. I had a friend in the dirt moving business, who had built cattle-watering ponds and commercial catfish ponds. I hired him, and we sat down and discussed my goals and hopes for building lakes for trophy-bass fishing for a fee. I was convinced he was the man to build my lake. “I visited the lake site every day. We built underwater mounds and put pea gravel on top of them as bedding sites for bass and bluegills. We also dug ditches and drains from what would be shallow water out to what would become the deepest part of the lake and left some trees in the lake. We used a bulldozer to move around and place some concrete structures and brush. “Back then, we relied heavily on the Fisheries Section of Alabama’s Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, and if 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 11
Three Experts on How to Build a Farm Pond Easily and Inexpensively
you built a pond or a lake on your property, the state would stock that water for you with fish, free-of-charge. But eventually when the state stopped doing that, I sought advice and purchased fish from pond management companies, and other people who had built fish ponds or lakes on their properties.” Before the Montgomerys got into the fishing business, they had farmed corn and soybeans. Then when the market for corn and soybeans bottomed out, they started raising hay and cattle. Although the Montgomerys began building lakes to stop erosion, they discovered that lake building could become expensive very quickly. Trey Montgomery decided to begin selling weekend fishing trips to try and help defray the cost of building the lakes. “As people came and paid to catch bass and bluegills, we realized this could be a very-good business for us,” Montgomery remembers. “I guess you’d have to say that we more or less backed into our fish-for-fees program.” What Leavellwood Lakes Charge and Learning About the Bass There
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According to Montgomery, “Today our rates are $325 per person to fish for the day, which includes a boat and a motor and lunch at our lodge. For our overnight packages, we charge $450 per day which includes three meals, lodging and the use of a boat and a motor. All you need to bring is your fishing tackle and overnight bag. “If you want to hire a guide, our rates are an extra $100- $175 per day, if the guide furnishes his own boat and tackle. Our guides have fished these lakes for a long time, and they’re familiar with what the bass are doing, and where the bass like to hang-out at certain times of the day.
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“When I’m asked how many bass can a person catch in a day here, I ask, ‘What’s your experience level in bass fishing, and what type of tackle do you have?’ If an angler is a fair bass fisherman and has pretty-good equipment, he or she can catch and release 40-50 bass per day. Even catches of 100 bass per day aren’t uncommon. An angler who catches 40 bass in a day will pull in some good-sized bass, generally several three to five pound bass. “Our lake record on numbers of bass caught is one boat catching and releasing 247 bass in one day. Our biggest bass was a 15-pounder caught on Sleepy Hollow Lake that was released back into the lake. Leavellwood Lake’s record bass weighed 13 pounds, 4 ounces, and Sawgrass Lake’s record bass was a 12-pounder, with both bass released back into the lake.” When the Montgomerys first built their lakes, they wanted to provide a place where anglers could come and have one of their greatest days of bass fishing ever, anywhere, and have the possibility to catch the biggest bass of their bass-fishing careers. Leavellwood doesn’t promote its bluegill fishing, but their lakes home numbers of good-sized bluegills. Often, a customer may start out bass fishing, and then once he or she sees the size of bluegills available, he may choose to finish off his day fishing for bluegills. To learn more about Lakes of Leavellwood and Leavellwood Lodge, go to www.facebook.com/leavellwoodlodge and the webpage at www.leavellwood.com, or call 205-372-2323. 12 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
ENCAPSULATION
Bug Out with Bluegill Flies
Yellow is a top color for popping bugs to catch spawning bluegills.
Anglers choosing artificial flies will see plenty of bluegill catching action. BY CHARLES JOHNSON May is a magical month in the world of bluegill anglers. Many will circle the full moon date on their calendars and prepare their tackle. They tie on a small hook and attach a float a few feet above. Old cricket boxes are dusted off and cleaned out.
Flies and bugs for bluegills are generally delivered to the fish via a fly rod. There are many different types and weights of fly rods on the market and each is designed for a specific purpose. Since most bluegills weigh in under the one pound , a light weight or action rod is all that is needed.
Most anglers will opt for live bait when fishing for bluegill and other sunfish and traditionally, crickets and redworms are at the top of the list. Carrying live bait out to the lake or pond requires some extra prep plus there’s always a chance the live bait can be depleted quickly when the bite is on.
“A #3 or #4 weight rod will work fine for bluegills,” mentioned the late Bill Weaver of Eastaboga, Ala. “These type rods are easy to handle and cast any size fly with little effort.” Weaver loved fishing for any type of freshwater fish, but I think bluegill and bream where his favorite. In his later years a bad shoulder forced him fish with ultra-light spinning tackle. But, once-in-awhile on a good day he would break out his fly rod.
However, some anglers will choose a different type of bait or lure and see plenty of action catching hubcap-sized bluegills. Artificial flies and bugs come in a plethora of styles, shapes and sizes. And when the gills are hot, more time can be spent catching fish than baiting hooks. GETTING STARTED
Tackle stores may offer fly rods with reels already spooled with the correct line. These combos can be had for under $100 dollars. Usually, the rod will be two-piece and around 8 to 9 feet in length which is perfect for delivering a small fly or bug 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 13
Bug Out with Bluegill Flies
Anglers should place their bluegill bugs under and close to overhanging branches.
to a hungry bluegill. While trout anglers try to match-the-hatch for the perfect nymph or fly, bluegill anglers don’t have to be picky. Small stones flies, popping bugs and wet flies all will catch their share of bluegills on any pond or lake. In most cases it will be a personal favorite of the angler. “I like to start off with a popping bug,” Weaver commented. “A yellow or white bug with a short hackle works great when they’re bedding,” Weaver wasn’t really particular about his leader. He preferred his leader to be about half the length of his rod which was around 4 to 5 feet. The leader was monofilament in either 6 or 8 pound test. Weaver said the lighter weight line on leader would give more action to the fly. Sometimes the paint would wear off the popping bug Weaver was using but if the fish were still taking the bug he would keep fishing it. After many hits and catches from big bluegills, the popping bug would come apart and he would tie on a new one. LOCATING BLUEGILLS In most lakes and ponds, bluegills along with other species of sunfish, are usually the most common fish. The fish will usually spawn along or near the shoreline. Grass or weed patches at the shoreline are other places to search for bluegills. Low, overhanging limbs will have bluegills hanging out waiting for insects to hit the water’s surface. When it comes to spawning, bluegills will clean out a roundish spot on the lake bottom to lay their eggs. There are usually several beds together in one location. Individual bed will be about the size of a small dinner plate or saucer. “Bluegills will bed in the same spot each time they spawn,” Weaver said. When you find them the first time, they will be back again to bed there the next month.” Weaver has caught bluegills spawning in the same spot throughout the summer months. Of course, there are many different bedding locations around the lake. Bluegills like to spawn in about 2 to 3 feet of water depending on the lake location, weather and water conditions. 14 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Sandy to semi-hard bottoms are the preferred areas for bluegills to fan out their beds and pea size gravel bottoms are also another good spot to search for bluegills. A quality pair of polarized sunglasses will help anglers see the bottom and locate the beds. Anglers shouldn’t limit themselves solely to shoreline areas in search of bluegills. Offshore spots like bars, points or humps can also have bluegills setting up spawning areas. Always approach the bluegill bedding area quietly. And do not move in directly over the spawning beds. Bluegill, like all fish
Bug Out with Bluegill Flies
are a little spooky, especially in clear water. A good rule of thumb it not to get any closer than needed to make a cast. POPPING BUGS AND DROWNING FLIES Every fly angler has a certain technique they use when fishing their lures. Bluegills aren’t super picky and will generally take almost any type of bug or fly on the surface. But there are times when a little finesse with the rod tip can move a bug in the right position. “Let the bug sit for a few seconds before moving it, Weaver mentioned. “Sometimes the fish will come up right under the bug before sucking it in.” Weaver would pop the bug with a few short twitches of the rod tip and then let the bug lie still for a few seconds before popping again. The key is keeping the bug over the bluegill’s beds. Once outside the area he would make another cast.
detect the strike. The hook-set with bug or fly doesn’t have to be hard and heavy. A quick, soft snap of the rod tip is all that is needed to stick a big bluegill. Another trick Weaver used when the mayflies were hatching, was to use a bug or fly totally different. His thought was the odd bug stood out more among the hundreds of the live mayflies and the bluegill would focus on that one oddball. If the action slowed since the fish had gorged themselves on the abundant mayfly hatch, Weaver would keep a plastic worm rigged on a casting rod and cast it into the overhanging bush. A couple of shakes and more mayflies would hit the water triggering another feeding frenzy by the bluegills.
Anglers should try to place the bug directly over the bed if possible. A little trick Weaver would use is to fish the outer edges of the spawning area and gradually cast to the center. This helped from spooking all of fish when one was hooked. If the action slows on top and bluegills are still around the beds, a wet fly may be in order. Small nymphs will sink down slowly toward the bed. The different looking bug doesn’t matter to the bluegills and they will suck it in. Sometimes the strike on a wet fly can be very light, especially if the fish are a little edgy from others being caught. Anglers will want to watch for very slight twitch in the leader line to
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Bluegill anglers will want to switch to nymphs or wet flies if the bite on top slows down.
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History of Orange Beach and it’s Deep Sea Fishing
Orange Beach has always had good fishing, and this line-up of big bull reds proves it.
BY ANGELO DEPAOLA A LITTLE REGIONAL HISTORY Native Americans lived in what would become Orange Beach, Alabama for the abundant seafood and especially oysters. The primary tribes were the Creeks, Alibamas, and Seminoles. These natives saw the earliest European explorers who largely passed by the area in their ships.
shrimping and commercial farming have always been big industries in the Orange Beach area. The first tourist hotel was built in Orange Beach in the 1920s. When the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) was first developed in the region, some locals rented boats and served as guides for charter fishing trips.
Early settlers faced some real hurdles when living in the Orange Beach region. Roads were practically nonexistent, and supplies and gear had to come by water, if they came at all.
Just how undeveloped was early Orange Beach? The first paved road to Orange Beach came in 1947. Electric service arrived in Orange Beach in 1948 followed by phone service in 1956.
Large orange groves were planted by early settlers and were productive until the freeze of 1920. The big groves were the origin of the name, of course. Commercial
For a long time, Orange Beach was a pretty wild, unpopulated place. But this has certainly changed.
16 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
FISHING STEP ONE - ACCESS TO THE GULF AND EARLIEST CHARTER BOATS When the ICW was built in 1936, Orange Beach residents had much easier access to Pensacola in the east and Mobile to the west. However, access to the open Gulf waters and the fish that live there was very limited. The first man-made pass was dug by hand, we’re talking shovels and buckets, before 1906. This first hand-dug pass was located where the Flora-Bama Lounge stands now. This narrow pass was quite difficult to navigate as tides and currents constantly shifted sandbars and made life hard for boaters. Hurricanes have always been and continue to be major players in the development of Orange Beach. The hurricane of 1906 created a new, bigger pass to the west of the original hand-dug pass and created Alabama Point. The old pass was very narrow and dangerous with tide rips and bars, and it was not usable by larger fishing boats.
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Although Frederick brought a great deal of destruction and death to the Orange Beach area, it also brought better roads, more access, more traffic, and many more people..
With the opening of the new pass, though, captains and anglers could venture out into the Gulf a bit easier. It was still a challenging pass to navigate and captains had to be very cautious because of the changing bars and currents, but the storm-created pass showed great potential as access to the open Gulf. And the fishing boats in the early days of Orange Beach charter fishing? Well, we’ve come a long way since then. In 1913, Herman Callaway was the first Orange Beach charter boat captain. He had a 24 foot long boat with a six horsepower engine. He could run at nine miles per hour. In the early 1900s the first “fishing for hire” operations began in Orange Beach. The Customs House in Mobile issued a “fishing for hire” license to the Callaway family. Visitors to the Orange Beach area would arrive and then want to take fishing trips offshore, mainly trolling for redfish, cobia, and king mackerel, and locals with suitable boats would take them fishing. The Orange Beach area was disputed territory at this time. The border dispute between Florida and Alabama over the Orange Beach area was finally settled in 1953 in Alabama‘s favor and dredging of Perdido Pass began. Dredging is a constant operation at Perdido Pass since
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History of Orange Beach and it’s Deep Sea Fishing
bodies, culverts, bridge rubble, and barges were put on the bottom, along with ghost fleet Liberty ships, old World War II transport ships, were sunk. In 1987, offshore permitted areas for creation of artificial reefs whose combined permitted area is 1,260 square miles of bottom were allowed. In 1994, obsolete Army tanks were deployed on the bottom. And of course, the offshore gas and oil drilling rigs have proven to be superb reef structures for reef fish. And all of the reef building in Orange Beach has produced the best red snapper fishing in the world.. STEP THREE - AFTER HURRICANE FREDERICK Of course, the path of Orange Beach’s deep sea fishing has not been easy. In particular, the coming of Hurricane Frederick in 1979 challenged all aspects of Orange Beach life.
The new bridge over Perdido Pass gives easy access to cars above and big boats below.
then, and it is being dredged to maintain a good channel and safe access. In 1962, the first bridge over Perdido Pass, a small two lane bridge, was built. Sea walls and jetties were built along the sides of Perdido Pass during the 1960s to help stabilize the channel. Hurricane Frederick, we’ll hear more about this important occurrence, damaged the old bridge to the extent that a new stronger, higher bridge was built in 1989.
After the wind stopped blowing and the storm surge receded, Orange Beach residents came back and got started rebuilding, and how they did rebuild. Roads to the Orange Beach areas were rebuilt and greatly improved. The first modern Orange Beach condo came in 1979 after Frederick. A new and much larger and higher bridge over Perdido Pass came after Frederick damaged the old small bridge. Although Frederick brought a great deal of destruction and death to the Orange Beach area, it also brought better roads, more access, more traffic, and many more people.. In fact, everything in Orange Beach might be described
STEP TWO - THE BEGINNING OF REEFS Orange Beach anglers and captains have known for a long time that there are some great fishing in the Gulf, but getting to the fish was difficult, and the nature of the Alabama parts of the Gulf of Mexico bottom doesn’t fit the needs of many important reef fish. Specifically, the natural bottom in the Orange Beach area doesn‘t have much solid bottom structure which occurs naturally. And if there’s no structure, there won’t be many reef fish, like red snapper. So local Orange Beach captains decided to do something about this. The first official and permitted artificial reefs were deployed in 1953. The Orange Beach Charter Boat Association deposited 250 car bodies in Gulf waters. And the rest is history. It became immediately apparent that artificial reefs were effective magnets for important game fish, especially red snapper. After that first effort at reef creation, the Orange Beach area has seen lots of public and private reef structures sent to the bottom to attract red snapper and other popular game fish. In 1974-75, more car 18 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Dropping new offshore reefs is a big part of the job for Orange Beach deep sea fishing charters.
History of Orange Beach and it’s Deep Sea Fishing
The star of Orange Beach deep sea fishing, the best red snapper fishing in the world.
in time terms as “BF” or “AF” which stand for “Before Frederick” and “After Frederick”.
TM
AND FOR THE FUTURE At present there is an ever increasing number of charter boats for deep sea fishing and more than 100 charter boats dock in the various marinas around the area of Orange Beach. There is constant public and private reef building activities going on, and all charter boats and crews spend much of the off-season building and deploying private reefs to attract more and more red snapper and other reef fish. Looking forward, the state of Alabama has assumed more control and power over red snapper fishing regulations. Things such as season start and stop dates, days of the week open for red snapper fishing and closed days because of storm conditions which are much more realistic and accurate than federal regulations are coming in play. The continuing deployment of artificial reef structures by the state and private interests show that the red snapper population in particular has never been better. There are more and bigger red snapper now than ever before. So, even though the old days of Orange Beach deep sea fishing were pretty good old days, the true “Good Old Days” of Orange Beach deep sea fishing is right now.
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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
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Pork Rind Fishing Tips that Promise Angling Action
BY FRANK SARGEANT A whole generation of anglers is growing up unaware of the potential of pork rind as an added attraction for a wide variety of artificial lures. The undulating strips worked a strange magic on generations of both freshwater and saltwater fish, but recently disappeared from the market. That’s a shame, because short of dressing your offering with a live shiner or sardine, there’s no better way to increase the effectiveness of many jigs and spoons. Uncle Josh, venerable supplier of the best rinds for nearly 100 years, has posted an “Officially Sold Out” on their website. Company officials cite rising cost of obtaining and properly preserving prime pork skin as the issue. (The company continues to offer other fish attractors, however.) Still, that does not mean that the ability of the swimming strip design to catch big fish has ended. In fact, when it comes to bass fishing, the “allure of the lure” has never been greater, because not only has a generation of bass anglers grown up unaware of rind, so has a generation of bass. Largemouths, which are primarily a catch-and-release species these days, as a result are notorious for becoming “lure-shy”. When a hot new bait hits the water, it destroys the fish for a season or two, then the effectiveness fades as the majority of bass become wary of it. 20 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
That gives the rind, fished on another old favorite now nearly forgotten, the weedless spoon, a big advantage. In fact, at the right time of year, February through April, and in the right places such as lily pad fields and bulrush flats among others, there’s not much short of a live shiner that gives you a better shot at putting a trophy-class Florida largemouth in the boat than hanging one of these big, squirmy trailers on a weedless spoon. They’re also deadly when slowrolled through scattered hydrilla, milfoil and coontail. And fortunately, there are a few sources of plastic rinds that are turning out trailers very close to being as functional as the original pork and they’re made in a wide variety of colors and shapes. There are several advantages to the “spoon-n-rind” over most lures. First, it’s a big mouthful and big bass like big mouthfuls. Add a four inch rind to a three inch spoon and you’ve got what appears to be a half-pound shiner or shad flashing through the water but one that you can still cast easily on standard bass tackle.
Pork Rind Fishing Tips that Promise Angling Action
Secondly, you can pull these rigs through practically anything, even lily pads, without sticking. In fact, they work best in the thick stuff, weeds where you’d normally be confined to flippin’ a heavy jig or hopping a weedless frog. Anywhere there’s any open water at all over heavy weeds, it’s worth trying the spoon-n-rind.
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Standard retrieve with this setup is simply to heave it out there on fairly heavy gear, 20 pound test mono or braid heavy enough to work well on your baitcaster. In terms of the retrieve, crank it back at the speed that makes the spoon wobble and flash, hook up, without sinking. The wobble of the spoon puts a snake-like flutter into the tail. The hook on these spoons ride up, helping to make them weedless, and most models have a wire guard.
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The Johnson Silver Minnow is the classic weedless spoon and it is still in production after nearly 80 years. It provides a great rolling action but for these best results the hook needs touching up with a file before use. The Bass Pro Shops XPS Laser-Eye Weedless is also outstanding, and has a better hook that’s sharp right out of the box. The Bagley in ¾ ounce is also very good and casts a mile. The H&H Weedless Redfish Spoon is also a good one with a quality hook, and comes with a swivel attached as well as a plastic weedguard over the swivel. Best sizes for me have been the ½ and ¾ ounce models, with the larger one preferred for lunker bass pre-andpost-spawn.
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TIPS AND TRICKS The better weedless spoons will usually land hook up if you thumb them to a stop over a target, rather than just flinging them as far as you can. There are subtle paths and holes in most weedbeds and learning to see these and guide the spoon over them is part of having success with this tactic. Scattered maidencane, bulrush, duckweed, hyacinths and lily pad fields are all prime, though you have to learn to steer your line away from pad “crotches,” because even a spoon-n-rind will stick occasionally in these. Holding the rodtip high will cause the lure to skitter over stuff that might stick it, like thick hydrilla or coontail. Dropping the tip and slowing the retrieve will allow it to flutter down into the occasional pothole. The idea is to constantly stay focused on what the lure is doing and stitch it in and out of the cover throughout the retrieve. Setting the hook can be a bit of a test with a weedless spoon. The strike is usually at the surface and often spectacular, which means your tendency is to take the lure away from the fish. Wait until you feel the strike and you’ll rarely miss one. TUNING THE SPOON The standard weedguard on a Johnson Silver Minnow and most similars is straight, it runs from the hook eye to just above the point of the hook, and in fact this is a good position for it if your main concern is getting through the thick stuff. But, this position on a stiff wire weedguard seems to prevent solid hookups in some cases, and when you’re fishing for that one giant bite, you don’t want to miss any fish. One good way to improve on the guard is to put a bend in it about an inch in front of the point of the hook, leveling it off on the same plane
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Pork Rind Fishing Tips that Promise Angling Action
as the point. When a fish chomps down on this, the guard will for sure deflect downward and expose the point giving you a very good shot at a hookup. Keep the hook point dead sharp, of course. It’s also essential to add a split ring and swivel, or a snap swivel, to prevent the spoon from twisting your line, and also to allow it to swing freely for best action. MODERN PORK RIND REPLACEMENTS Though “real” rind is gone, some of the replacements offer the same action with a lot fewer issues. One is the Otter Tail from Captain Bruce Millar, a New England striper guide. He thinks that the 6.5-inch and 3.5-inch sizes in curly-tail are likely to be the winners for the bass market. (www.otterlures.com) Zoom’s Swimming Chunk is a three inch twin tail that can also function as an effective spoon trailer, as is the Strike King Rage Tail Chunk and the Twin Tail Menace. Each of these is soft plastic with a twist that makes them more or less swim like the curly rind used in Uncle Josh. BETTER FISHING THROUGH CHEMISTRY But maybe the best synthetic rind is from Fishbites, with the quirky name of “Bob’s Your Uncle” Scented Bait Strips. Fishbites is a company well known to saltwater anglers—they make one of the most effective pompano baits on the market, their E-Z Flea, as well as one of the best whiting baits, the E-Z Clam. Their pork rind replacement is a four inch curly-tail strip made of fiber-infused synthetic material combined with what Michael Carr, VP of Marketing, calls a “hydro-gel”, a substance designed to absorb water and spread the built-in scent, all based on the company’s original Fishbites prepared baits developed by his father Dr. William Carr, a marine researcher at the University of Florida. 22 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
While discovering how marine species detect odors in the water, Dr. Carr began noticing that chemical compounds could stimulate feeding behavior, even in the absence of any real food. He then perfected many recipes, also known as feeding stimulants, that to fish smell like shrimp, crab, clam, squid and a variety of other prey species but have little or no odor to humans. When Carr Specialty Baits was founded in 2000, Carr also developed the water-soluble base that allows the smell and taste to slowly release into the water. Added to the shaped fabric of the lures, the formula allows anglers to carry packaged baits that are equally effective as naturals, but much more durable, do not spoil and can be molded into fishattracting shapes and colors. They require no refrigeration, and can last a year or more when stored properly. It’s this compound that’s molded into the Bob’s Your Uncle bait strips. The strips look like pork rinds, and run with the same fish attracting wiggle when attached to spoons, jigs and spinnerbaits. They attract bass, naturally, but also are proving themselves as great additions to spoons and spinners cast for redfish, snook and trout, as well as jigs fished for flounder. According to Michael Carr, these baits are non-toxic, biodegradable, environmentally friendly and they don’t “stink” in the way that some scented lures do, as evidenced by a walk into the powerbait aisle of a tackle shop. Each jar contains eight ready-to-go baits with a suggested price of $8.99. Visit www.fishbites.com for details. And that quirky name? It was developed by company chemist Bob Buzzi, who had visited England regularly and picked up the phrase which means “you’re all set” or “you’ve got it made”. Add these durable bait strips to your spoons, jigs and spinners and that may very well sum up your fishing day.
FISHING
Filleting A Cobia Like a Pro with Captain Richard Rutland BY GREAT DAYS OUTDOORS STAFF Hooking and landing a Cobia isn’t an easy thing. They are strong, hard fighting fish that are a challenge to catch, net and boat. After all of that effort when you do land that Cobia, you want to make sure that you prepare it for the table the right way. Captain Richard Rutland of Cold Blooded Fishing in Mobile, Alabama has been fishing the local waters for over 15 years and, as a fishing guide he has professionally filleted thousands of fish. Cobia are one of his favorite species to target, and after cleaning hundreds of them, he’s identified a few tricks of the trade that will help you the next time you bring home a Ling.
It’s very important that you make your outline cuts on both sides of the fish before removing the first filet. Cobia have a thick body and wide head, if you remove one filet before making your outline cuts, fileting the second side will be a challenge due to the severe angle created by the sagging spine. At this juncture you should have the filets outlined and ready to be removed. STEP THREE Detach the rib bones from the spine
If goes without saying that in order to slice through a Cobia’s tough skin, you need a sharp sturdy but flexible knife and a honing steel to touch it up as you go through the filleting process. The images in the tutorial below came from, “Filleting a Cobia Like a Pro”. You can access the video at www. greatdaysoutdoors.com. STEP ONE Start behind the pectoral fin and cut downward to the backbone and then move the knife down the backbone and outline the fish.
Insert the knife so that the filet lies on top of and across the blade and cut horizontally towards the tail and freeing the filet. Having a strong, razor sharp knife is important to be able to break through the strong rib bones. STEP FOUR Cut down past the ribs to remove the fillet from the skin
STEP TWO Flip the fish over and repeat this process on the other side. Once you have the filet free make a vertical cut down the middle of the filet (cut the filet in half) down to the skin, but not through it. Flip the blade flat so one side is sitting on the skin and, and with the blade pointing away from you, cut horizontally to free the skin. Repeat the process for the other half of the filet. Now, you should have four filets, two of which will be belly sections. The belly sections of the filet can be a little bit challenging as you have to cut around the rib bones. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 23
Filleting A Cobia Like a Pro
STEP FIVE “DIVIDING THE FILET” To remove the top loin slice from the belly sections, slice the filet horizontally from front to back
To get the best cuts of meat from the belly, first flip the belly meat so that the skin (removed) side is up. Make a cut down the lateral line until you hit the rib bones. Next, “filet” the meat from the rib bones like you would from the back bones. This is the most challenging cut, but done correctly it will yield a boneless, skinless belly cut that is excellent eating. STEP SIX “THE PAYOFF” To remove the top loin slice from the belly sections, slice the filet horizontally from front to back
24 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Your result for each fish should be six different cuts, All DELICIOUS!! Enjoy and be sure to come down and check out the Great Days Outdoors - Killer Dock Fish cleaning Station at the 86th Annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo scheduled for July 19-21st 2019 on Dauphin Island, AL. Founded in 1929 the three day tournament attracts over 3,000 anglers and 75,000 spectators and will award almost a million dollars in prizes and cash. A project of the Mobile Jaycees, the ADSFR has donated over $275,000 to the University of South Alabama Department of Marine Sciences and annually funds academic scholarships. For information call the Mobile Jaycee Office at (251) 4710025 or online at www.adsfr.com. Important Contact Info: Captain Richard Rutland has been fishing the waters around Mobile Bay for over fifteen years. For more information contact of Cold Blooded Fishing at (251) 459-5077 or online at www.coldbloodedfishing.com.
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3475 Ashley Road, Montgomery, Alabama 36108 www.jmwood.com 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 25
Don’t Fish Where the Fish Aren’t BY JOHN E. PHILLIPS Photos by John E. Phillips
The world of crappie fishing, like bass fishing, also has changed drastically since side-scan imaging, down-scan imaging, GPS and better lake maps have been introduced. 26 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
FISHING Side-scanning technology, better mapping systems, GPS and all the new bells and whistles in modern-day depth finders have enabled more anglers to find more fish in a shorter time. However, there’s still one thing that the new depth finders can’t do - make fish bite. But if you understand and learn how to use your side-scanning and down-scanning depth finder better, you’ll catch more fish. The professionals of most sports have helped develop and learned how to use new and better techniques and then have shared that information with the general public. That’s what the nation’s top bass-fishing pros, including Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Michigan, who has won four Bassmaster Classics, along with one in Birmingham, Alabama, have done. BETTER BASS FISHING WITH A SIDE-SCANNING DEPTH FINDER WITH KEVIN VANDAM “I use a Humminbird (www.humminbird.com) side-imaging unit, which is an unbelievably helpful tool for fishing ledges and much more,” VanDam explains. “I get a detailed picture of not only what’s under the boat, like most depth finders have done in the past, but also what’s off to the side of the boat. With my side-imaging depth finder, I can look at about 200 feet of bottom at once, although the older depth finders only showed about 10 feet of bottom at one time. “The new side-imaging depth finders enable me to use down-imaging GPS to mark spots I want to fish, using very-sophisticated maps. Although most depth finders have maps of lakes they get from different companies, Humminbird has its own mapping company, Lakemaster (https://www.humminbird.com/learn/mapping/lakemaster) that produces high-definition maps of bass lakes across the nation. The Lakemaster crew goes to these lakes with side-imaging sonar and creates a 1 foot differential contour map of the lake’s bottom that shows all the structure as well as drop-offs, ledges and holes in the bottom.
the edge of the woods, you probably even can see what kinds of trees are in that woodline. That’s how side-scanning depth finders work. Although you may be able to see 200 feet on each side of the boat, you’ll see more if you only look at 50 feet on either side of the boat. Most bass fishermen easily can pinpoint obvious places to fish like points, main-river drop-offs, creek-channel junctions and easy-to-find ledges. However, those spots probably have been discovered by every bass fisherman who fishes that lake and have been fished hard. VanDam uses his side-scanning depth finder to search for drop-offs and ledges that generally aren’t on any lake maps. “I’m looking for very-subtle one to two foot drop-offs. I spend a lot of time looking for those little drop-offs with my side-scanning depth finder and crankbaits, experimenting with various crankbaits and running them at different depths to try and get bites. When I get a bite, then I’ll know how the bass are positioned on that bottom break by using my side-scanning depth finder, even if the bass change their holding position during the day,” VanDam said. “By having a GPS built into my Humminbird, anywhere I locate a school of fish holding on top of or suspended over the lip of break or just under the lip of the break, I can use my GPS receiver to mark that spot,” VanDam said. “I also like to drop a pin (mark the spot) where I want to hold my boat to make a cast to that school. I try to hold my boat in the same place where I’ve caught a bass or gotten a bite. Even if I don’t catch a bass or many bass off that site, I can return to that location, put my boat in the same spot it was when I caught a bass and fish
“For instance, when you’re fishing the Tennessee river, underwater shell banks are often where bass like to hold, especially when current’s running. With my Humminbird, I can identify the underwater shell banks and the bass holding there. Also if you’re fishing a lake you don’t have a map for, you can create your own maps by using the side-imaging feature of the depth finder. Technology certainly has changed the way we all bass fish,” VanDam said. VanDam is probably best known for ledge fishing. VanDam says, “I don’t try to get information off the internet on the lakes I’m fishing. I look at a lake map to try and determine where the bass should be, according to the weather and water conditions at that time of year. Next, I look at a topo map of the lake to pinpoint ledges and drop-offs and also graph the region with my side-imaging unit. Then I have a detailed picture of the 200 feet of bottom underneath the boat, as well as what’s on the bottom on either side of the boat.” One mistake that many fishermen make when they first start using side imaging is they’ll try to look at as much bottom as they can on either side of their boats. However, then they’ll see less detail. Imagine that you shine a flashlight out into the edge of the woods 100-yards away. You may be able to see the woodline, but if you move to within 50 yards of the woodline, you can see more detail in the woods. If you’re only 25yards from
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 27
Don’t Fish Where the Fish Aren’t
Jonathan Phillips, pictured here, finds crappie out in the middles of lakes and rivers where most crappie fishermen never will fish.
that same area with a variety of different lures.” SIDE-SCANNING DEPTH FINDERS MEAN PRODUCTIVE CRAPPIE FISHING Tournament crappie fishermen, like tournament bass fishermen, have been quick to learn the advantages that side-scanning depth finders provide for them. Two of the nation’s top crappiers, Billy Williams and his son Scott of Cochran, Georgia, also use a Humminbird side-scanning depth finder to identify the structure and to learn the depth where the crappie are holding. “We can see if the crappie are suspended above of or to the side of or down in the underwater structure with our Humminbird unit,” Billy says. “If no current’s running, we’ll put a buoy on the spot where we’ve found the crappie. Then we’ll vertical jig for the crappie or fish with live minnows.” “Generally with down-scanning sonar, you only can see the bottom at a 20-degree angle from the bottom of your boat. But a side-scanning depth finder enables you to pinpoint more brush piles, drop-offs and ledges and spot more crappie holding on these sites than when we only used down-scanning sonar. If Scott and I see a place we want to fish off to the left or the right side of the boat, we can move our cursor over to that spot, mark it as a waypoint and return later to fish there. Also once we’ve marked a site where we’ve found crappie holding, when we return there, we can shut down our big motor and approach the spot we want to fish with our trolling motor, 28 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
without spooking the fish. By knowing exactly where the fish are holding, we can fish all the way around that cover or ledge as well as fish right down in the cover.” HIDDEN CRAPPIE OFFSHORE AFTER THE SPAWN After the spawn ends, many crappiers roll up their poles and quit fishing for crappie. However, guide Jonathan Phillips of Wetumpka, Ala., fishes offshore in a main lake or on the main part of the river where jet skiers and pleasure boaters create waves then. “Instead of using multiple poles and spider rigging during the summer, I’ll fish with a single pole and either a double or a single minnow rig right on top of the crappie that I’ve found with my Humminbird Helix 10 HD side-scanning depth finder,” Phillips pointed out. “I also use the Lakemaster maps in my depth finder to search for bottom contours and bottom changes around underwater structures to learn where crappie are grouped-up.” “Once I locate a school of summer crappie in deep water with my Humminbird, I’ll fish the school like you pick cotton. I’ll start with the fish on top of the school and catch as many as possible before fishing deeper in the school. Then the crappie I catch won’t spook the others in the school.” “One of the big advantages that my Humminbird side-scanning depth finder gives me is that I usually can tell the difference between crappie and other species of fish. Although I can’t always
HOG RUSH
Don’t Fish Where the Fish Aren’t
catch the crappie on the places I fish, I do know I’m fishing where the crappie are because of my Humminbird,” Phillips said. Phillips also fishes humps out in the middle of rivers that he pinpoints with his Humminbird. “When I find a particular hump that’s about 14 feet deep and may drop off to 30 or 40 feet, I’ll use my side-scanning depth finder to scan all the way around the hump to locate where the crappie are schooledup. On cloudy days, the crappie often will be concentrated on top of the hump. On a bluebird day with a bright sun, the crappie usually will be schooled up on the shady side of the hump, since the sun rises in the east. The east side of the hump will concentrate crappie when the sun’s going down. With my side-scanning depth finder, I not only can locate where the crappie are holding when I reach a hump, I can determine where they are at different times of the day in the main river or lake.”
“THERE WILL BE BLOOD”
For more information, contact Phillips at 334-391-9735 or jphillips10482@yahoo.com, or go to his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Team-Phillips-Guide-Service-935028296557829. No matter if you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater, or what species of fish you’re targeting, the real value of a side-scanning depth finder enables you to identify where the fish are and not waste time fishing all the places not holding fish. To learn more about bass fishing, check out Phillip’s book in Kindle and in print “Bass Pros’ Season by Season Tactics” at https://www.amazon.com/Bass-Pros-Season-Tactics/ dp/1987482832 and on Audible at https://www.audible.com/ pd/B07FT48H8S/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-122837&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_122837_rh_ us. WHAT’S THE FUTURE OF DEPTH FINDERS? Mark Gibson, the director of research for Humminbird, the company that first was started in Eufaula, Ala., almost 50-years ago by famous fisherman, Tom Mann, and some investors and still is headquartered there today, explains, “Humminbird has a MEGA side image and a MEGA down image depth finder. Humminbird first developed side-imaging depth finders in 2005 that operated in the kilohertz range. After several years, we developed side-scanning depth finders that would go to the megahertz range and give incredible picture-like detail. Humminbird always listened to its customers. Many anglers had told Humminbird, ‘We want to be able to identify the fish we see on our depth finders, whether they’re crappie, bass, carp, bluegills and/or catfish.’ “With MEGA-type imaging, you can look at the screen and know what fish you’re seeing on your side-scanning depth finder. One of the big advantages too with these side-scanning units is that you can tell a hard bottom from a soft bottom. Fishermen have learned they often find good numbers of fish where there’s a transition between soft bottom and hard bottom. For walleye anglers, this fact is extremely important, because the mayfly hatch occurs in these transition areas where soft bottom becomes hard bottom.” Humminbird launched MEGA side imaging in 2018, and today it’s in both the Helix side-imaging units and the Solix
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www.HOGRUSH.com 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 29
Don’t Fish Where the Fish Aren’t
high-imaging units - in 9, 10, 12 and 15 inch screens. The size of the screen determines the price of the unit, with the smaller screens the least expensive.
People want to see more detail not only on their depth finders but on the maps that can be loaded into depth finders too. They want to see every fish in the lake.
Gibson points of that, “Time has been the major factor in why these new units are in such high demand. Most people have very little time to fish like they once did. They’re purchasing these high definition side-scanning units to have the best chances to find and catch the most fish in the shortest time. Something else these units do is show you a school of baitfish, and you can see the sport fish off to the side of the school in open water.”
As Gibson mentions, “A sister company of ours is Minn Kota Trolling Motors (https://www.minnkotamotors.com/), that feature a new feature called Spot-Lock. When you’re catching fish and want to stay right where you are, you can hit the Spot-Lock feature. That trolling motor will hold you right on that same spot, because the trolling motor has a GPS receiver built in it.”
“With the high-definition side-scanning depth finder in salt water, you can even see the ripples in the sand on the bottom. One of the strangest things I’ve ever had happen was when I was backing out of my boathouse to go look at an alligator. I turned on my depth finder and right under my boat was a huge bream bed. On these HD Humminbirds, bream beds look like waffles and are round and tightly packed together with the fisherman having the ability to see the bream sitting above the bed. “We’ve also heard of bream beds being found at public boat ramps with these HD side-scanners. When a boat backs off a trailer, it washes the bottom toward the bank. By turning the boat around, pressure washes the bottom and cleans the silt off it. So, the bottoms of boat ramps often contain large bream beds that nobody fishes, but that anglers can see on their Humminbirds.” WHAT’S THE NEXT FRONTIER FOR DEPTH FINDERS, TROLLING MOTORS AND MAPS?
“You can use the new Minn Kota Ultrex and the new MEGA side-imaging with Humminbird’s Lakemaster maps to make a contour line on the Lakemaster map. Then this trolling motor will keep you right on that contour line as you fish down a ledge. “We also offer some new features in our Lakemaster maps. For instance, if the lake is down by four feet, the contour lines on your topo map will be off by four feet. Contacting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to find out exactly how much the lake is up or down enables you to put that information into your Lakemaster maps. The maps automatically will adjust the contour lines to be the right depths, depending on the water levels on the lake the day you’re fishing. Then you can set your Minn Kota Ultrex to follow that contour line, and it’ll keep you on the line, although the lake levels are up and down. Depth finders, trolling motors and maps are changing to fit the lake conditions at the time the angler is fishing, showing structure in more detail and giving better resolution of the fish,” Gibson concludes.
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30 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
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Don’t Fish Where the Fish Aren’t
In this view, you can see a tree top hanging over the river channel with crappie suspended out on the end of the tree top.
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 31
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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
Contact your local CO-OP store for all of your farming, hunting, or gardening needs! 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 // MAY 2019 33
NEW GEAR BY WILLIAM KENDY
Nikon Introduces PROSTAFF P5 Riflescopes
The Nikon PROSTAFF P5 incorporates fully multi-coated anti-reflective lead-and-arsenic free glass optics for bright images in all lighting conditions. The one inch tube scope features an all-aluminum zoom ring, focusing eyepiece and ¼ MOA knurled turrets for easy handling. All P5 models are waterproof, shockproof and fogproof with generous eye relief for quick target acquisition. All scopes come with Nikon’s NO FAULT Lifetime Repair/Replacement Policy. Suggested Retail Price: $229.99 - $449.99 www.nikonsportoptics.com
Frabill Nets Give Anglers Leverage Over Trophies
A good fishing net can make or break a day and cost you a trophy. To make sure that doesn’t happen Frabill is offering a new advanced series of nets in three variants, the Standard Trophy Haul, the Power Extend, and the Bear Claw. Constructed from anodized stainless steel each variation is built tough and made to withstand use in both fresh and saltwater. Suggested Retail Price: $69.99 - $129.99 www.frabill.com
Savage’s New Model 64 Takedown is Accurate, Dependable and Easy to Use Savage’s Model 64 Takedown is an easy to disassemble semi-automatic .22 rimfire rifle sporting a 16 ½ inch barrel with open sights, 10-round detachable box magazine, black matt synthetic stock and a drilled and tapped receiver for scope mounts. The lightweight 4.5 pound Model 64 comes housed in an Uncle Mike’s Bug-Out Bag in both right and left hand models. Suggested Retail Price: $249.00 www.savagearms.com
34 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
NEW GEAR FOR OUTDOORSMEN
Koola Buck Now Offering Premium Game Bags
These quality, durable and thick, yet lightweight, breathable game bags stretch to fit game and help keep out bugs and meat harming debris. The bags are washable for repeated use and available in three different sizes, ranging from smaller bags for deer quarters to the largest bags designed for elk and moose. Available singly or in four packs depending on the size. Suggested Retail Price: Singly from $9.00/Four packs from $19.99 www.koolabuck.com.
Plano Offers New KevinVanDam Signature Series Tackle Bags
Available in two sizes, the special KVD waterproof fabric tackle tote features a molded top that can hold one StowAway secured by an elastic bungee, 34 accessory attachment points, plus tie-down slots, a pliers holder and room for five (six for larger model) StowAways. Additional features include a large mesh back pocket, a compartmentalized front pocket, an elevated waterproof base, waterproof cell phone pocket and more. Suggested Retail Price: $69.99-$89.99 www.planomolding.com
Shimano® Stradic CI4+ Spinning Reel
The Stradic CI4+ Spinning Reel offers strength, power, advanced technology and other features in a lightweight rust proof package suitable for both freshwater and saltwater angling. CI4 reinforced carbon fiber construction results in a reel that is significantly stronger and lighter than Shimano’s normal graphite reels. The X-Ship gearing system combined with the cold-forged aluminum Hagana gear insures smooth powerful reeling even under a heavy load. Suggested Retail Price: $229.00 www.shimano.com
ATN Announces New ThOR LT Thermal Scope
The ThOR LT is designed for the hunter who wants to expand his hunting opportunities with an affordable thermal scope. The ThOR LT offers a “one shot zero” feature to quick sighting-in and an improved internal battery providing 10+ hours of power for all night use. Hardened aluminum alloy construction is recoil resistant and its streamlined design allows the use of 30mm rings. Suggested Retail Price From: $1,199 www.atncorp.com.
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 35
Fishing License Purchase Pays Large Dividends Funds from license sales allow DCNR to provide best fishing access possible
BY CHRIS BLANKENSHIP Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
When it comes to deals, buying a fishing license is an investment that can be priceless, considering the quality of fishing Alabama has in freshwater, inshore waters and the Gulf of Mexico. For pennies a day, anglers can enjoy fishing the 132,000 miles of river and stream channels or the world-class fishing for bass, crappie, bream and catfish in the many reservoirs and lakes throughout the state. About 10 percent of the freshwater resources in the entire continental United States originate in or flow through Alabama, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Inshore waters feature 390,000 acres of estuaries that include Mobile Bay and Wolf Bay on our beautiful Gulf Coast. As we try to explain as often as possible, a significant portion of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) budget that deals with fishing depends on license sales. Those license sales determine the amount of funds we receive from the Sport Fish Restoration Program. In most cases, we get a three-to-one match on every dollar in license sales. The Sport Fish Restoration Program levies an excise tax on manufacturers, producers, and importers of sportfishing equipment as well as small engine and motor boat fuel taxes paid by recreational anglers and boaters. Those levies include 10 percent on sport fishing equipment, three percent on electric (trolling) motors, tax on motor boat and small engine fuel as well as import duties on boats and a variety of fishing equipment. Fishing license sales generated more than $700 million across the country
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in 2018. The good news is fishing participation across the nation has been fairly consistent in recent years. According to the most recent U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Survey, which was done in 2016, more than 39 million people fished across the nation, spending $46.1 billion while enjoying 459 million days on the water. That license sales number held up in 2018 with the USFWS estimate of 39.1 million anglers with a total expenditure in license sales of more than $724 million. As we try to recruit and retain as many anglers as possible, one obstacle that can deter participation can be access to those prime fishing waters. That is why the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division and the Alabama Marine Resources Division (MRD) spend a great deal of effort on building, expanding and renovating public boat ramps. Here’s an update on some of that work on boating access. WFF completed Phase II of a major boat ramp expansion project at Leesburg Public Boat Ramp located on Weiss Reservoir in 2018. The first two phases of the project included a new 60-footwide, four-lane launching slab, a new paved parking lot that can accommodate up to 215 truck and trailers – including make-ready/tie-down areas – and two new 50-foot floating access piers. In 2020, Phase III of construction is scheduled to start and will include the construction of a large wharf-style pier to accommodate more boaters during periods of high use, including most local
FROM THE COMMISSIONER and regional bass tournaments as well as other recreational boaters. As usual, we depend on partners to make a great deal of these projects happen. The town of Leesburg, which will be responsible for ordinary maintenance and upkeep, is assisting in this project at the property leased to ADCNR by Alabama Power Company. WFF recently completed Phase I of a major boat ramp expansion project at Smith Lake Park Boat Ramp located on Lewis Smith Reservoir. Phase I of the project included a new 90-foot-wide launching slab and a reconfigured parking layout to accommodate up to 113 truck/trailers and 10 cars. Associated tie-down and make-ready areas are included in the work. Phase II of the Smith Lake project is currently under construction and is scheduled to be completed early in 2020. It will include a paved overflow lot that will accommodate up to 68 truck and trailers, three new large floating access piers, a pedestrian footpath bridge that will connect the overflow lot to the launching slab and new security lighting. After Phase II is completed, the facility, which is also designed to accommodate local and regional fishing tournaments, will have paved parking for 181 truck/trailers and 10 cars. Cullman County is our partner in this project, leases the property to ADCNR and will maintain the facility. The other major WFF project is in Shelby County with a large parking lot expansion at Beeswax Creek Public Boat Ramp on Lay Reservoir. The expansion will increase the number of paved truck/trailer parking spots from 71 to 155 to be able to accommodate local and regional fishing tournaments. The property is leased to ADCNR from Alabama Power Company, and Shelby County will handle maintenance at the facility.
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
All WFF facilities will be fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 2010 when work is completed. On the Alabama Gulf Coast, improvements to the Fort Morgan boat ramp were completed last summer. Those improvements included the construction of two doublelane launch ramps to allow up to four boats to be launched simultaneously and expanded finger piers to assist with the launching and retrieval of vessels. The work also added new shoreline bulkheads and dredged the immediate basin at the launch site. Repairs and construction at the Boggy Point Boat Ramp in Orange Beach should be completed soon. Although we were not happy about having to close the ramp this spring, MRD had no other option. An inspection of the pier and pilings showed significant degradation, which made the facility unsafe. With funds from the aforementioned Sport Fish Restoration Act, the upgraded facility at Boggy Point should be ready for summer’s abundant boat traffic. Take a second and go to www.outdooralabama.com and purchase the correct license for the body of water you’re planning to fish. By buying a license, you are making a significant contribution to ensuring that Alabama waters will provide quality fishing and recreational opportunities for generations to come.
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 37
Disturbing Decline in Hunting Continues
ALMOST CUT IN HALF SINCE LATE70S The front-page Sunday Montgomery Advertiser article bore the headline, “Where are all the hunters?” The two-page 2019 article, by Advertiser USA TODAY NETWORK writer Marty Roney laid bare the decades-long decline in hunting participation. “A years-long slide in the number of hunters across the country is having a ripple effect on everything from the economy to conservation efforts,” the Alabama capitol-city article began. Roney reports, “In 2011, there were 13.7 million hunters in the country, compared to 11.5 million in 2016, according to a survey conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.”
BY CORKY PUGH Executive Director, Hunting Heritage Foundation
The survey referenced by Roney is the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, conducted every five years by the Service and the Bureau of the Census. Roney continues, “In Alabama, the numbers are also falling. The 2018 license year saw 175,531 total hunting licenses sold in the state according to data from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. That compares to 181,581 licenses in 2017 and 186,581 in 2016. “The heyday of hunting in the state was the late-1970s, with 336,991 licenses
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sold in 1977 compared to 342,831 in 1978 and 344,777 in 1979.” DISBELIEF AND DENIAL Unfortunately, many hunters tend to be in denial about the decline. Some were incredulous when yours truly pointed out the decline many years ago. Unable to fathom that others did not share their own characteristics, they looked far and wide for reasons that the decline was not real. “All my friends hunt.” “I see lots of other hunters at the camp.” “What do you mean, only 7% of the people hunt?” “That can’t possibly be correct.” All kinds of rationalizations about the numbers were concocted. “Well, the numbers must not account for Lifetime Licenses.” WRONG. Lifetime license buyers are counted actuarially in the license totals, and if anything, slightly inflate the numbers. “The National Survey numbers are not the same as the license numbers, so something is wrong with the numbers.” WRONG. The National Survey is a statistically-valid measurement of participation by hunters sixteen years-of-age and older. License statistics capture licensed hunters. Although the two are not the same, both reflect the same disturbing decline. WHO ARE WE LOSING? The hunters we are losing are not the avid, committed, advantaged hunters. Common
HUNTING HERITAGE sense would tell us that the first to go are the least-committed and those who face the most obstacles in terms of access or financial ability to participate. Extensive demographic research exists about Alabama hunters, and the vast majority are hard-working, middle-class people. Most are only occasional participants; one-third do not even hunt as frequently as every year. This reality must be at the core of efforts to reverse the downward trend in hunter numbers. Programs built around avid, advantaged hunters will only dig the hole deeper. License sales figures and survey statistics reveal that only around eight percent of Alabama hunters come from out of state. The overwhelming majority are residents of Alabama, and because of time constraints and financial limitations, will not travel more than one county away from where they live for the purpose of hunting. WHAT ARE THE GROWTH SECTORS? Female participants in hunting are on the increase nationally. And a growing number of millennials are entering the ranks of hunters as a part of the locavore movement, with a focus on locally acquiring their own food free of preservatives and other additives. While focusing on these participants is good, the reality is that most people are introduced to hunting by a family member or friend. And for it to stick, hunting must become part of the family culture, or at least a group of close friends. In the same way, youth recruitment efforts depend on parents or friends of parents to transport the youth to and from hunting, and ideally, to participate along with the youth. Retention of present participants is easier than recruitment of new participants. Both are necessary, and more often than not,
recruitment depends on a present participant as a mentor. Recently-lapsed hunters are most likely to re-enter the license-buying roles. NO EASY ANSWERS Those in positions of responsibility face the unenviable task of turning the tide on declining numbers. One single focus will not work. Multiple strategies based on the best available research are necessary. And the stakes are high, as funding for wildlife management depends on license sales. Among the things within the control of those in decision-making roles are rules and regulations. Substantive research has existed for many years clearly showing that complex rules and regulations negatively impact hunting participation. Decision-making based on what the majority of people do is treacherous, and bodes poorly for all but the stalk gun deer hunter. Fall turkey hunters, rabbit hunters, squirrel hunters, and other hunters all deserve to have the opportunity to hunt at times when conditions are good. Product-driven hunting regulations are a slippery slope, failing to recognize that most hunters cannot afford to go out and buy the latest fad or waste money on bait or feeders. The success or failure of efforts to reverse the downward trend in hunting will depend on strategies that are correctly focused on meeting the needs of the masses of rank and file hunters.
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 39
Unfortunately, It Can Always Be Worse!
Whenever you think things can’t get any worse…..they can! I’m writing this article mentally and physically exhausted on March 8, on a plane from Denver to Birmingham, so please forgive me if I go astray. I have just completed the week-long North American Wildlife Conference. At this conference, more than 700 wildlife, fisheries, and other natural resources professionals from state, federal, tribal, and international governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations and industry gather to discuss all levels and types of natural resource issues.
BY CHARLES “CHUCK” SYKES Director of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF)
As if my head hasn’t been spinning enough from all the high-level discussions and business meetings, I will be attending the first Conservation Advisory Board (CAB) meeting of the year in the morning. I have been getting texts, calls and emails from staff, legislators, and CAB members all week asking questions about possible issues that will arise at the meeting tomorrow.
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Of course, we hear various dog hunter vs. stalk hunter issues at all of the meetings and there are rumors of several more hot topics that will be brought to the attention of the board. Unfortunately, with every decision the CAB or the department makes, someone is going to get upset. That just comes with the territory of being the managers of the state’s resources and we all knew that going into it. We must take the best available science we have and make recommendations that we feel are best for the state’s natural resources while trying to accommodate the wishes of as many hunters and anglers as we can. Yep, you guessed it, it’s a no-win situation! One of the benefits of coming to meetings like the North American Wildlife Conference is the chance to discuss issues impacting the state of
FROM THE DIRECTOR Alabama with professionals from other states. I was having dinner with several directors from around the country one evening. None were from the southeast. They were either from the northeast or western states. We all took turns telling war stories of battles in the legislature, dealing with unhappy employees, misleading propaganda spread by special interest groups, and many other topics that we all have had to deal with during our tenure as directors. As the old saying goes, “misery loves company.” The dinner conversation confirmed for me that many of us share variations of the same issues, and it’s extremely helpful to hear how others have dealt with them. As we try to do in most every situation, we don’t make decisions based on knee-jerk reactions. We work through a process in order to make the best decisions possible, and hearing what has worked or not worked in other states is very beneficial.
We basically were flooded out the last six weeks of the season. And, just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, it did. I listened to one director explain how he had applied for a permit for six consecutive years to hunt elk, deer, and turkey in his home state and was unsuccessful. That sounds eerily similar to me applying for our alligator tag drawing. However, one glaring difference is apparent. This guy didn’t get to hunt any big game on his own property in his home state! Despite the fact that I’d like to alligator hunt, it’s not the end of the world because I am still able to hunt many other animals in the state. This makes me wonder if any Alabama hunters ever think about things like this? I brought up our Special Opportunity Areas (SOA) during that dinner discussion because the idea was based on how many western states utilize a random selection process to decide who gets to hunt in areas with limited access. I was asked how much it costs for someone to apply for a hunt on one of the SOAs. When I said it didn’t cost a thing, he thought I was crazy. In his state, you must purchase a license in order to apply for a tag, and if you aren’t successful, you don’t get your money back. Alabama hunters are fortunate to have very liberal seasons and bag limits compared to other states, and they also have some of the cheapest license costs around. There’re quite a few other perks as well; for example, resident hunters over 65 don’t have to purchase a license to hunt in Alabama. Most other states don’t have this exemption, nor do they allow exemptions for residents who hunt on their own property. These were just a couple of discussions topics that made me happy to be from Alabama. We may have a few issues, but things could definitely be much worse.
The week before I left coming to Denver, many parts of Alabama were experiencing record-breaking flooding. I know for me, the water was as high as I’ve seen it in more than 30 years. We always miss a week or so of deer hunting due to high water each season, but this year was just plain awful. We basically were flooded out the last six weeks of the season. And, just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, it did. The latest flood event not only flooded the hunting property, but it also flooded the camp. The first weekend in March, I was almost up to my knees in water inside the camp. We spent most of the weekend putting furniture up on blocks, moving freezers, and doing multiple other things to try to lessen the water damage. Many times I thought how awful this was and it couldn’t get any worse. I can vividly remember standing there cleaning guns that had gotten wet when the safe flooded before I could get there, feeling sorry for myself, worried about all of the clean-up that was to come and how difficult it was going to be then I got a call from my law enforcement chief about the Lee County tornadoes. He informed me that we had many officers assisting in the search and rescue in the aftermath of the storms. Suddenly, the flood didn’t seem quite so bad. None of the things that had happened to the camp were a matter of life and death, only an inconvenience. The events of the last two weeks have taught me several things. But, the most important thing is to be grateful for what you have and make the most of every day because things could always be worse.
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4500 Hwy. 77 · Southside, AL 35907 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 41
High Tech Add-ons to Make Kayak Fishing Better
To be honest, I’m not much of a tech person. That’s why I like kayaks, the basic low-tech boat and fishing system. However, to be honest again, there are some very cool and effective electronic devices which make kayaking and catching fish from a kayak much more efficient. Tim Perkins, veteran kayak angler and successful kayak bass tournament angler, employs a number of recent high-tech devices on his fishing kayaks, and he shares some information with us about these tools which he finds very effective when it comes to catching more fish.
BY ED MASHBURN Photos by Ed Mashburn
TORQUEEDO ELECTRIC MOTOR AND SYSTEM We’ve seen and used various trolling motors on our kayaks, and most 12volt trolling motors will work for kayak use- up to a point. But loading and hauling around a traditional 12-volt battery is hard work, and most 12-volt batteries just aren’t up to the task of moving a kayak and angler around for extended fishing trips.
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The German-built Torqueedo system is different. The battery system is incredible. The Torqueedo battery weighs only ten pounds, and it floats. And this lightweight powerhouse will move a kayak, or two, round all day and still have plenty of power left to take the kayak back to the launch area at the end of the day. The Torqueedo System is easy to rig and de-rig on most kayaks, and this electric motor will push a kayak along quite briskly. It has pedal-cable steering, and it is simple to use. As I mentioned, Perkins fishes a lot of big-time kayak bass tournaments, he’s very successful, and he uses a Torqueedo system. “What’s not special about this motor? The whole unit weighs about fifteen pounds, and the battery alone weighs ten pounds. It offers so much distance and speed. I can cover so much more
PADDLE FISHING water. The Torqueedo is my best friend on a windy day,” Perkins said. ANGLR-HIGH TECH FISHING LOG This little high-tech tool is an app that kayak anglers can use to track their day’s fishing and which will provide specific details on where, when, and how fish were caught. The whole system including app and Bull’s Eye, this little button Blue Tooths to a phone, and it costs $30. The app tracks the whole trip by GPS, includes weather and everything else about the trip. An angler can mark every fish caught, and the Anglr shows location and conditions. At the end of the day, the angler can summarize the trip. The Bull’s Eye button also takes photos and the information can be shared with others, if the angler wants to share. Perkins says, “I can use just the app on my phone, but with the Bull’s Eye, I can provide full information about my day’s fishing to a buddy or a tournament partner.” The Anglr app and Bull’s Eye Button are the perfect high-tech log for anglers who need to keep up with their fishing results but who don’t have the time to write down and maintain a physical log. RAYMARINE ELEMENT FISH FINDER To call this high-tech tool a fish finder is not really accurate. It does a lot more. We like tools on our fishing kayaks that perform more than a single function, and this electronic system does a whole lot more than just show fish. “The Element puts me at a real advantage when I’m
LONE
tournament fishing. It can split screens, and this allows me to stay on top of a school of bait or fish and follow them as they move,” Perkins noted. With the 1.3 megahertz sonar fish finder function, the Element system shows a kayak angler down vision, side vision, and even 3-D vision of what’s below the surface. This unit has very high definition and resolution to make finding fish from a kayak easier- this would be a priceless tool for serious kayak tournament anglers who fish larger waters with deep structure. The Element also has a superior charting and mapping function. This could very helpful for kayak anglers who are working unfamiliar water. There is also a GPS system included with the Element system, and this can be literally be a life-saver for kayak anglers who fish big water or get caught in bad weather or wave conditions. The Element mounts easily to almost all kayaks, and according to Perkins,setting up the system on a kayak takes less than an hour. Basically, there’s a transducer to mount on the kayak and the power and screen unit is mounted which can be relocated to other spots on the kayak very easily. Then hook up the 12-volt power source and we’re in business. HIGH-TECH, BUT NOT OUT OF REACH These three tools are just a few of the many devices which are being brought on the market to make kayak anglers more successful. And the best thing about all of these tools featured here is that they are all super-easy to install and use, even for a non-tech person like me.
WOLF
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Pier & Shore Fishing Outlook
Lure fishing offers even more chances for success to the mobile anglers, willing to walk and wade.
BY DAVID THORNTON Photos by David Thornton
By the time May comes up on the calendar, spring is in full swing along the Emerald Coast beaches. This month brings more days with light breezes and calmer, clearer gulf waters that are generally warming to 80 degrees or more by Memorial Day. Baitfish like “cigar minnows” (round scad), “herring” (Spanish sardines), and “LYs” (scaled sardines) gather in large numbers near the gulf beach piers for protection from hordes of predatory gamefish. These native and pelagic fish species (mackerel, jacks, red drum, etc.) take advantage of this easy food source and gorge themselves on the spawn fattened forage species. The resulting foray provides ample catch opportunities for pier anglers from Panama City Beach Florida to Gulf Shores in
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Alabama and beyond. BY DAWN’S EARLY LIGHT Many days in May begin with pier patrons arriving prior to dawn to get out to the end of the pier and set up for action in a likely spot. Usually just prior to sunup, a ‘blitz’ of large mackerel and other gamefish may provide an hour or so of practically non-stop fishing action. Most anglers use a 7 to 9 foot rod with a medium heavy spinning reel (5000 to 7000 size) loaded with 250-300 yards of 15 to 20 pound line. Mackerel are fast swimmers when initially hooked, and a decent sized king (even 15-20 pounds) might take nearly that much line in their first run. But they wear down quickly after that. So a ‘tired’ king can subsequently be led to the
FISHING OUTLOOK rope gaff without too much problem. But a ‘green’ fish, or one that is foul-hooked (not in the mouth) can give the angler and gaffer fits. Additionally anglers should be aware of prowling dolphin or sharks that may try to take their fish. Sometimes ‘free spooling’ will allow the fish to evade the predator. Sometimes not, and you have to ‘pay the tax man’. It’s all part of pier fishing. Once the early flurry of activity tapers off, the catching may be ‘spotty’ for a while as the sun gets higher in the sky. Still occasional small schools or stragglers may provide some welcomed action. This is a great time to fish live bait on a light wire leader to try and get these wary fish to bite your offering amongst the thousands of other baitfish swimming around. At times a little extra action you may impart to your bait might just be enough to trigger a strike from nearby fish. Especially if the bait is struggling on the surface or acting like it is ‘getting away’. The same is true for those casting lures like jigs and plugs which seem to elicit ‘reaction’ strikes from otherwise ‘tightlipped’ mackerel. MID DAY IN MAY The mid day, or early afternoon high tides this month offer a subtle change in the water that can trigger fish to feed even as the sun is high in the sky. The water is still well within the ‘comfort range’ for all gamefish. So any slight change of water movement in the form of tide, current, wind direction or speed can be the catalyst that sets up the next assault on the baitfish schools. These afternoon ‘seabreeze frenzies’ are often filled with multiple strikes for anglers properly equipped with plenty of spare tackle. Missed strikes, cut-offs and chewed leaders are all part of the package for pier fishers, as are the occasional tangles and crowds. Still, everyone wants the same thing and that is to catch fish and most are eager to assist each other in that venture, knowing their turn may come next! MID PIER AT MID DAY IN MID MAY Possibly the most fun to had on the pier this month is the almost endless action from mid-sized gamefish (spanish mackerel, bluefish, ladyfish and blue runner) in the central region of the beach piers, just over and out side the longshore sandbar. It can be almost non-stop fun as these one to three pound fish slash and grab at most any lure or bait. While spanish mackerel are the primary target species, the others are edible as well, although they suffer from a lot of bad publicity as to their palatability. But each to their own, as some retain what they catch and some catch and release. Either way a LOT of fun to be had and the mid regions of the piers offer great light tackle fishing! Closer to the beach, the fishing focus takes on a different character as some anglers bottom fish set lines with pieces of shrimp or sandfleas intended for pompano and whiting. Some anglers prefer fishing with jigs instead of bait to sightcast passing pompano in the clear water. There could
be some slot redfish in the mix, or even speckled trout at the Gulf State Park Pier in Alabama. There anglers mostly use live shrimp on light line to tempt the temperamental trout into biting. But some of these fish can top 5 or 6 pounds, so it will be a memorable battle on light tackle.
The mid day, or early afternoon high tides this month offer a subtle change in the water that can trigger fish to feed even as the sun is high in the sky. ON THE BEACH Surf anglers as well have a plethora of options to pursue from the beaches in May. The pompano bite is still fairly strong, though usually less action than the previous month. Setting out several rods on bottom with pieces of fresh shrimp and Fishbites is still a pretty good bet to catch some of those great eating pompano, whiting, redfish and drum. But there are a lot more fish in the surfzone now. Ladyfish can be particularly bothersome for these anglers intent on catching ‘grocery’ fish. But they, plus bluefish can offer a sporting alternative to simply casting out a line and waiting for a bite. Lure fishing offers even more chances for success to the mobile anglers, willing to walk and wade. Strolling along a secluded stretch of beach like the Gulf Islands National Seashore or West End Beach of Dauphin Island while casting jigs on light tackle for pompano and other fish can be a really relaxing and productive way to get some exercise and dinner too! The Alabama beaches offer the addition of stalking speckled trout in with other species. Some anglers, like Chris Vecsey at Sam’s Stop-n-Shop in Orange Beach have a passion for trout fishing with artificials in the Alabama surf. With just a handful of plugs and lures, an angler can walk for miles along the Fort Morgan peninsula, or from other public access venues in pursuit of speckled trout. There is something really special about hooking and playing a three to five pound trout on light tackle when you are down on their level. Topwater plugs, slow-sinking ‘twitch’ baits, shallow diving plugs and even spoons and soft bodied plastic swim-baits work well at times on these great gamefish. How can anyone make a decision on where to go and what to fish for this month? With so many fishing options and great weather, May just might be one of the best months for fishing the Emerald Coast. But no matter which you choose, there should be some great days outdoors! 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 45
Gulf Coast Fishing Outlook
BY MIKE THOMPSON Photos by Mike Thompson
Gorgeous weather is more the norm this month and that allows Gulf Coast anglers to plan their trips with confidence. Conditions are setting up right for success, so let’s look at a few places to try. ALABAMA Things should be very active along the man-made reefs of the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. By mid-May the live shrimp supply should be ample. Nice catches of both redfish and speckled trout should be available at Zundel’s, Grey Cane and the Point Clear reefs. Float a live shrimp under a cork to entice the fish. If no live shrimp are available, substitute a Vudu Shrimp or D.O.A Shrimp under a cork. Both lures are great at fooling aggressive fish. There should also be good wade fishing action along the beaches of Gulf Shores. Toss MirrOlures in the troughs along the beach. Be sure to carry along steel leaders in case Spanish mackerel or bluefish are already roaming the beaches in May. Also effective in the
surf is the Mr. Champ spoon. You can cast the one ounce version into the wind with minimal fear of a backlash. May begins the appearance of good schools of white trout around the rigs in Mobile Bay and Mississippi Sound. The hungry whites will take fresh dead shrimp, cut squid or cut mullet fished on the bottom. Once you have the school worked up, you can switch to plastic grubs to catch the frenzied whites. Chartreuse or white are proven color choices in this situation. Plenty of whites and ‘schoolie’ specks should be on the man-made reefs toward Dauphin Island’s west end. Live shrimp, free-lined over the reef, should entice the small specks, while the ravenous white trout will readily hit cut baits Bama Offshore May can be considered a transition period for offshore angler’s, but FloraBama Fishing Rodeo President Angelo Depaola says warmer weather can
46 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
influence the transition greatly. “Dolphin can show in great numbers in warmer spring weather. The speedy fish should be within 30 miles and can be caught along rips or grass-lines. Trolling ballyhoo with a skirt is a great way to put fish in the boat,” Depaola said. “If you get a visual sighting on the dolphin you can entice them with live ly’s, finger mullet or hardtails.” Wahoo should be around the Ledge in May. “Try trolling high speed lures such as the Cowbell or Black Bart lures in pink/black or pink/purple combinations,”Depaola advised. For those seeking yellowfin tuna, Depaola had these comments. “You can target nice yellowfin around the floating rigs off Alabama and Mississippi this month. “One of the best ways to catch the tuna is by fishing up-current of the rigs and
FISHING OUTLOOK using the ‘bump troll’ method, with a butterbean hardtail as bait. You can also tempt the yellowfins using naked ballyhoo,” Depaolo said.
Spanish, bluefish and sometimes even pompano. We also catch bull reds too, but they prefer the Gulp! Minnow in the new penny color, Conner explained.
MISSISSIPPI May is a great month to fish the saltwater in the Magnolia states coast. Lots of families head to the coast to enjoy the hospitality, fine food, casinos and of course; the fishing.
For Conner and other anglers…May is a great time to fish!
Captain Bill Mc Donnell, of Dominator fishing in Biloxi, escorts lots of families off the coast to enjoy the multiple fishing opportunities.
CONCLUSION May is a wonderful month to enjoy the bounty of the Gulf Coast. Great weather and willing fish make trips very enjoyable. Get out and enjoy this time of the year. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
“We normally start out close to shore to catch plenty of croakers and white trout. We spend about an hour, so any kids or novice anglers can get a feel for holding the rod. We toss all the eating size whites in the cooler and we put the smaller fish in the live wells for bait,” McDonnell said.
Important Contact Information
The next stop is at one of the many reefs off the coast. There, depending on depth, you can run into multiple species.
Dominator Fishing Charters Captain Bill McDonnell Biloxi, Miss 228-209-3838
“If the water is 20 feet or less, you can catch speckled trout, big redfish and black drum. All can be caught on live croakers. The bite can be hot on all three species in May,” McDonnell explained. “If we got out a little deeper to fish wrecks, we will use a lot of chum to attract larger fish. There we catch big bull reds, sharks, king mackerel and jack crevalle.” On the way back in the anglers are usually pretty tired. However, the trip is not over. “On the way back in we will troll smaller baits to pick up a few Spanish mackerel. A chrome Clark Spoon is deadly in this scenario,” McDonnell said. FLORIDA Down in Navarre, Florida, the fishing can really be special during May, according to Captain Mike Conner of Coastal Life Fishing Charters. “The beginning of May is the tail end of my ‘gator trout’ season. We catch some real trophies using a different technique than most others. We will troll soft plastics near the grass beds. We use mainly Matrix Shad in white or green hornet colors. We troll very slowly with multiple rods out till we zero in on the fish. During May, these grass flats come alive,” Conner explained.
Angelo Depaola-The Coastal Connection (Realtor) Orange Beach, Alabama 850-287-3440
Coastal Life Fishing Charters Captain Mike Conner Destin, Navarre 860-218-6909 Z-Man Lures
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Once it gets warmer in May, Conner starts encountering more toothy species, as well as nuisance bites from croakers and pinfish. Then he switches over to a different product. “I like to use the Z-Man products when it gets hot. They are made from a substance the company calls ElaZtech. It is super tough and stands up well for multiple fish. When it gets hot the Spanish mackerel move in and will cut other swim baits to pieces,” Conner said. When the warmer weather moves in, Conner likes to hit the beaches and troll for Spanish. Often times the fish can be seen before you catch them. “On the beach you never know what to expect. We catch
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Tips On Applying For Fall Quota And Alligator Hunt Permits Bryan Brown, Tony Young, Jon Harper and Bob Brown teamed up to harvest this 10’ 5” bull gator from local waters during last season’s recreational alligator hunt.
BY TONY YOUNG
The FWC’s Quota Hunt Program is designed to provide quality hunting opportunities while meeting conservation objectives. A quota, which is the maximum number of hunters allowed on a particular wildlife management area (WMA) during a hunt, prevents overcrowding and helps manage game harvests. The FWC’s Division of Hunting and Game Management sets quotas based on an area’s size, habitat, game populations and hunter preference. The FWC’s Office of Licensing and Permitting also plays an important role by administering the quota and limited entry hunt application process, including conducting random drawings and issuing permits. Their mission, under Director Tindl Rainey, is to connect people with opportunities to experience Florida’s fish and wildlife. “Application periods give hunters an opportunity and reasonable timeframe to apply for hunts, and random drawings provide a fair and equitable way to award permits,” Rainey said. A standard lottery process gives all applications a random number. Then, beginning with random number one, the lottery process evaluates the application with the hunt choices selected, starting with choice 1. If the choice is available based on the allotted quota for each hunt unit, the lottery will assign the application a successful status for that choice. If choice 1 is not available, the lottery will move on to evaluate choice 2, and so on. This happens until the application is assigned a successful status for a choice or is instead assigned an unsuccessful status due to no choices having available quota. “Applicants who put the same hunt for all choices do not increase their odds of getting drawn,” Rainey said. “So there is no benefit to listing a choice more than once on an application.” Once a random drawing process is completed, the results are posted on a customer account at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Any limited entry/quota permits with a claim deadline must be obtained by the last day of the claim period. More information on random drawings including how preference points, group applications and pre-authorizations and special-opportunity 48 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
lotteries work can be found at MyFWC.com/License. FALL DEER AND HOG QUOTA HUNT PERMITS The phase I application period for archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun, wild hog, youth, family, track vehicle, airboat and mobility-impaired quota hunt permits is May 15–June 15. Hunters may apply for each of the hunt types, and there is no fee to do so. But unless exempt, applicants must have an upto-date $26 management area permit (or a license that includes one) when applying for a quota permit. The system won’t accept an application without this, and applicants will be prompted to purchase one first. The FWC offers youth deer hunts on Camp Blanding WMA in Clay County and on Andrews WMA in Levy County. If you have children between the ages of eight and 15 and you want them to have a chance to experience one of these hunts, apply for a youth quota hunt permit. During these hunts, only the youngsters may hunt, and they, along with their adult supervisors are the only people allowed on the area. And please note that applications must be submitted under the child’s customer account. There will be family quota hunts on 29 WMAs this season, and if drawn, the permit allows one adult to take one or two youths hunting. The adult may not hunt without taking along a youngster. Hunters certified by the FWC as mobility-impaired may apply for Mobility-impaired Quota Permits, which allow exclusive access to general gun hunts on 10 of the state’s public hunting areas. To get the jump on one of these hunts, apply May 15–June 15 at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, or have a license agent or tax collector’s office apply for you. To find out if you’ve been selected, log onto your customer account at that same web address after 10 a.m. on June 19. Those who don’t get drawn for a particular quota hunt in phase I will get a preference point for next year’s drawing, which will
HUNTING TIPS improve future chances of being selected. Those unable to use their quota permit can return it at least 10 days prior to the hunt once phase III opens. Preference points plus one additional point are restored to hunters who return a permit issued in phase I. SPECIAL-OPPORTUNITY FALL HUNTS Another great option is applying for special-opportunity fall hunt permits. These hunts offer large tracts of land with an abundance of game and low hunting pressure. All deer hunts allow you to take only mature bucks with at least one antler having four or more points, 1 inch or longer. Wild hogs also are legal to take during the deer hunts, and there is no size or bag limit on hogs. These special-opportunity deer and wild hog hunts take place in central Florida on Fort Drum, Lake Panasoffkee, Triple N Ranch and Green Swamp West Unit WMAs. Camping is legal on all areas. There is one seven-day general gun deer and hog hunt on the 20,858-acre Fort Drum WMA in Indian River County. The hunt costs $50 for those drawn. Lake Panasoffkee, in Sumter County, has eight four-day archery hunts for deer and hog on 8,676 acres. The permits are $100 for each hunt. There are two seven-day general gun and one four-day muzzleloader hunt for deer and hog on the 16,295-acre Triple N Ranch in Osceola County. The permit costs $175 for each of the hunts. Pasco County’s Green Swamp West Unit, where the state’s highest-scoring deer on record was taken, has two archery hunts for deer and hogs on its 34,335 acres. There are also three general gun hunts for deer and hogs. All are four-day hunts costing $100. All special-opportunity permit holders may bring one nonhunting guest during the deer and hog hunts. Special-opportunity hunt permits are transferable by simply giving the permit to another person. Permit holders under age 16, or those who are certified mobility-impaired, may have a nonhunting assistant accompany them during all special-opportunity hunts. Hunters who would like to take part in one or more of these hunts, may apply beginning at 10 a.m. on May 15 at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or at county tax collectors’ offices or most retail outlets that sell hunting and fishing supplies. The application period runs through midnight of June 15. Applicants may apply for as many special-opportunity hunts and dates as they’d like to increase their chances of being selected but must include the $5 nonrefundable application fee for each one. Hunters are limited to drawing only one permit per hunt area, though. Special-opportunity results are available in rounds, with payment for the cost of the selected hunt available at GoOutdoorsFlorida. com or at any license agent or tax collector’s office. Those who don’t claim a permit by paying for it in full by the claim deadline for each round, forfeit it, and it’ll be available to the next customer waiting in line in the next round.
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE HUNTS There are also several fall hunts on five national wildlife refuges that hunters may apply for during the same phase I application period of May 15 – June 15. These National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) hunts offer another opportunity to hunt on well-managed habitat with healthy game populations and low hunting pressure. However, no guest permits are available for any of these hunts. Those drawn must pay for the permit by the claim deadline, or it is forfeited and made available during the next application period which is first-come, first-served. On the 21,574-acre Lake Woodruff NWR in Volusia and Lake counties, hunters may apply for archery and muzzleloading gun hunts for deer and hog. There is no fee to apply, but if drawn, the permit costs $27.50. Hunters may apply for archery hunts on Brevard County’s 140,000-acre Merritt Island NWR. There is no cost to apply, but if drawn, the permit is $27.50. Just south of Tallahassee, hunters may apply for archery, general gun and mobility-impaired hunts on the 32,000-acre St. Marks NWR. Each of these hunts cost $5 to apply for and if you get drawn, the permits are $27.50. Lower Suwannee NWR, in Dixie and Levy counties, has a $15 permit that allows you to hunt the entire fall and spring season on the 53,000-acre refuge. Hunters may purchase this permit anytime between May 15 and up to the last day of spring turkey season. Because St. Vincent NWR’s sambar deer hunt was canceled last season due to Hurricane Michael, those who were awarded a permit last year will be provided a new permit by mail for the Dec. 5-7, 2019 primitive weapons hunt by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. If you have any questions, you may contact the refuge at 850-925-6121. ALLIGATOR HUNT PERMITS Since 1988, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has offered hunters the opportunity to take part in its annual statewide recreational alligator harvest, which always runs Aug. 15 – Nov. 1. Alligators are a conservation success story in Florida. The state’s alligator population is estimated at 1.3 million alligators of every size and has been stable for many years. “Before you apply for alligator hunt permits, be sure to coordinate with everyone you plan to hunt with, regarding where you want to hunt and which harvest weeks work best with everyone’s schedule,” said Steve Stiegler, FWC’s alligator program hunt coordinator. “The application process is a random drawing, so the more choices you make, the better your chances of getting drawn. You also can increase your odds of being drawn by choosing more areas during the fourth harvest week,” Stiegler said. “However, you shouldn’t apply for any areas you feel are too far away or during the weeks you’re unable to hunt.” And if you’re still undecided on where to hunt, check out harvest data from past seasons at MyFWC.com/Alligator under “Statewide Alligator Harvest Program.”
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Tips On Applying For Fall Quota And Alligator Hunt Permits
PHASE I APPLICATION PERIOD The application period for the phase I random drawing begins May 17 at 10 a.m. and runs through May 27. More than 6,000 alligator harvest permits will be available. Hunters may submit their application for a permit that allows the harvest of two alligators on a designated harvest unit or county. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by Aug. 15 and have a valid credit or debit card to apply. Applications may be submitted at any county tax collector’s office, license agent (most retail outlets that sell hunting and fishing supplies) and at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Applicants must provide their credit card information when they apply. If changes to hunt choices or credit card information are needed, applicants are able to make updates until the application period closes. LICENSE/PERMIT COSTS The alligator trapping license/harvest permit and two hide validation CITES tags cost $272 for Florida residents, $22 for those with a Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License, and $1,022 for nonresidents. The cost for applicants who already have an alligator trapping license is $62. PHASE II AND III APPLICATION PERIODS Any permits remaining after the first phase will be offered during the phase II application period May 31 – June 10. Those who were awarded a permit in phase I may not apply during phase II. Remaining permits will be available in phase III to anyone who did not draw a permit in either of the first two phases, and they may be applied for June 14-24.
LEFTOVER APPLICATION PHASE If any permits remain after phase III, there will be a fourth-phase issuance period beginning at 10 a.m. on June 27 until all permits are sold. Anyone may apply during phase IV, even if they were awarded a permit in one of the earlier phases. Hunters who get to purchase additional permits will be charged $62, regardless of residency or disability. WHAT TO EXPECT IF YOU GET DRAWN Within three days of an application period closing, applicants can expect to see an authorization hold on their credit card, verifying there is a sufficient balance to cover the cost of the permit. However, this does not mean they were awarded a permit. Once the credit card authorization process is complete, the lottery drawing will be held. All successful applicants will be charged, while those who were unsuccessful will have the authorization hold lifted from their credit cards. Successful applicants should expect to receive their alligator trapping license/harvest permit and two CITES alligator tags in the mail within six weeks of payment. Alligator trapping licenses are non transferable. All sales are final, and no refunds will be made. For more information on alligator hunting or the application process, see the “Guide to Alligator Hunting in Florida” by going to MyFWC.com/Hunting and then “By Species.” Whether it’s an alligator permit you want, or a fall quota, specialopportunity or refuge hunt you’re after – or all of the above – don’t forget to apply in May! DIVISION OF CLUTCH PRODUCTS INC.
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Smaller boats properly equipped and handled can catch plenty of fine red snapper.
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How to Hold Your Boat Position
But equally important, or maybe more important, is the ability of a boat handler to keep a boat in proper position so that wind, wave, and current don’t move the boat away from the structure.
Wind and current are the main factors. I definitely find it easier when the wind and current are in the same direction.
I’ve been running the Escape since 2005 and that equates to a lot of reef fishing trips. During that time I’ve seen a lot of different wind and tide conditions out in the Gulf. I was taught how to hold a good position on a reef by my dad, Captain Mike Thierry. Once you’ve learned the basic principles, including the way the numbers move on a GPS and other elements, the only way to get good at holding a boat in position is through practice.
By Skipper Thierry
So knowing how and why to position a boat, whether it’s a boat like the Escape or a small private fishing boat, is crucial for success in red snapper fishing.
Finding and catching red snapper, those beautiful and hard-fighting fish of the Alabama Gulf waters, is fun for the anglers who book trips on the Escape out of Dauphin Island, but it’s my business to know where the snapper are to be found and to be able to put my anglers on the specific location where they can catch fish. Knowing where the fish should be takes a long time to learn. Just because a particular spot in the Gulf has a reef or good natural bottom doesn’t guarantee that red snapper will be there. Some places are just better, day in and day out, than other places.
HOW IT’S DONE- YOU HAVE TO FIND THE FISH FIRST There are many printed and online guides to the artificial reef system off the coast of Alabama. Alabama anglers and the state of Alabama have done a better and more productive job of placing bottom structure of all kinds, including bridge rubble, barges, old military tanks, and even sunken ships which attract and hold red snapper.
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How to Hold Your Boat Position
However, these bottom features are not permanent. They can be moved by storm currents and storm surges, and some of the artificial reefs like old car bodies and such will disintegrate over time. So the first job for anglers who want to hold up on some good snapper reef bottom is to find it. Modern GPS systems on any size boat will allow anglers to go out in the Gulf with confidence that they can find where the artificial reef is supposed to be, but there’s nothing like a good sonar fish finder to locate where the structure, and the fish, actually are. Once I determine where I’m marking the most fish on the sonar, I use the GPS to stay in as close to that location as I can.
For best results in holding position, determine the direction the wind and currents are pushing you, then point the bow into the wind or current. AND THEN YOU HAVE TO STAY IN POSITION Of course, holding a boat in position on the deep blue water of the Gulf of Mexico is not much like parking a car. That car once it’s parked and locked is not going anywhere. But a boat which is subject to wind and wave action can move in a number of ways, and once the boat moves from directly above the reef, the catching will stop.
And “close” is the important word here. It does an angler no good to be fishing from a boat that is almost on the fish-holding reef structure. The angler and the bait being presented must be right on the mark.
Wind and current are the main factors. I definitely find it easier when the wind and current are in the same direction.
Holding stationary over a reef is of greatest importance to catch reef fish. Fifty yards away from the reef may as well be a mile!
In my opinion, the worst conditions for trying to keep a boat in position over a reef for good fishing happens when the wind and current are running 90 degrees from each other. Say a west current is running so that you have to
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Capt. James Bertrand uses his equipment to keep his clients on the reef and in the fish.
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How to Hold Your Boat Position
Captain Skipper Thierry takes a short break to watch the red snapper action.
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How to Hold Your Boat Position
point the boat west, but then a south wind with waves is present. This can really cause the boat to rock! Trying to keep a boat of any size in position is probably the real test of a captain’s skill. Let a boat load of anglers who have paid to catch red snapper find that their lines are continually tangled and their bait is continually pulled off the reef and the fish from a boat which is not held in position and those anglers will probably start complaining and complaining loudly. The captain must determine what the wind is doing and then what the current is doing. Then the captain has to determine which of the two factors is the strongest and which is most likely to affect the boat being able to hold position correctly. Determining exactly where and how much the boat is being moved can take a bit of time and attention. It doesn’t matter whether you’re running a small outboard boat or a large multi-engine boat, the principle remains the same. For best results in holding position, determine the direction the wind and currents are pushing you, then point the bow into the wind or current. Make small adjustments on the engine or engines to keep in position. Captains trying to hold a boat in position over a reef need to keep adjustments small and only enough to counteract the wind and tide. Trying to keep a boat in position with strong engine thrusts doesn’t work well. Be gentle with the power and steering. A good GPS unit can help greatly when it comes to holding a position. Most good GPS units will display a track which shows the boat’s position and where it has been. By reading this track and seeing where the boat is moving, a captain can do a much better job of keeping the boat in position over the reef. And by the way, keeping a boat in position over a reef and trying to fish at the same time is very, very difficult. It always works best to have a driver whose only job is to keep the boat in position for the other folks on board. AND FOR SMALLER BOATS- THE GPS TROLLING MOTOR According to Captain James Bertrand of Bluewater Charters in Orange Beach accurate productive holding of position is not just a consideration for big boats. Bertrand fishes for red snapper over reefs quite often, and he uses some high-tech tools that are available for smaller boats. “We operate multiple boats that are equipped with GPS trolling motors from various manufacturers
including Minn-kota and Motor-Guide. Both of these manufacturers produce a quality product that gets the job done each and every time for the charter operation,” Bertrand said. “We utilize a chart to navigate to both public and private reefs/wrecks. Once we have arrived at the waypoint we intend to target, we use sonar to scan the water column for the presence of fish. It is very important to have a high quality heading sensor/GPS antenna such as Lowrance Point Baja. This device provides extremely accurate vessel heading and potion data at any speed for your chart. Without it, your chart will rotate/spin when moving over a reef at a very slow speed.” “Modern trolling motors equipped with GPS technology
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 CS 7
How to Hold Your Boat Position
are very effective at holding boat position over a reef or wreck. These GPS trolling motors are very powerful and are able to stand up to considerable amounts of current and wind offshore. They are a real game changer as they increase the effective amount of fishing time for my charter clients. The GPS trolling motor is controlled with a hand-held remote which allows the captain to lock in on a position and then make incremental adjustments as needed,” James concluded. Important Contact Information Captain Skipper Thierry 251-861-5302 www.captainmikeonline.com Captain James Bertrand 251-753-4129 www.bluewatercharters.biz
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CAMPHOUSE KITCHEN
BY HANK SHAW
Photos by Holly A. Heyser and Hank Shaw
Smoked Pork Chops I have a thing for really thick pork chops. It’s one of the few farmed meats I miss, and I almost always order them when I see them on a restaurant menu. So I decided to do something about it. My friends Christian and Kate of Ham Sweet Farm in Michigan raise really good hogs of all varieties, including Ossabaw crosses. Ossabaw is a classic Southern pig that lays on a fair bit of fat. They had a hog available, and shipping was surprisingly cheap, so I bought one.
I asked for real pork chops. No less than two fingers thick, and ideally three. Double bone chops. Chops that make you shout, “America!” This is what you want for smoked pork chops. Keep in mind this is a recipe for smoked pork chops, not barbecued pork chops. That’s another recipe. This is a straight up smoke, no sauce. And it… is… amazing. See all that fat? First off, it’s so unsaturated that when you eat some, the heat of your mouth melts it. So good. Second, what you don’t feel like eating, you put in a pan to render. If you have never cooked with smoked lard, your life is incomplete. Trust me on this one. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 51
Camphouse Kitchen
As for how to eat your smoked pork chops, you can simply eat them for dinner right out of the smoker, or you can let them cool and slice off bits to eat as a kneebuckling snack. No mustard needed, although I won’t think ill of you if you do. Render the fat and cook some potatoes or greens with it, or add a spoonful to your rice. Or use it as the fat in cornbread. Yes, do that… And do not toss the bones! They are too good for your dog. Even if you have a very good dog. Use the smoked bones to make a quick stock to cook beans in, or collard greens. You’re welcome. Can you make smoked pork chops with thin pork chops? Yeah, I suppose. But they won’t be as nice. Also, you need the curing salt to get the full effect. The chops get a little hammy, and stay a rosy pink. You can of course skip it. You will get a grayer meat, though, more porky and less hammy. Both are good, but I prefer a fully cured smoked pork chop. You can buy curing salt here. You will also need a kitchen scale because this method of curing works by weight — it also keeps your pork chops from getting too salty, so it’s worth it. I like this scale, but anything that can measure to 1 gram works.
Smoked Pork Chops
Prep: 10 mins • Cook Time: 4 hours • Total: 4 hrs 10 mins This recipe is designed for domestic pork, but you can of course use wild hog chops, too. I just like the extra fat I get with farmed pigs. You can scale this recipe up if you’d like. Ingredients • • • •
2 thick pork chops kosher or sea salt (See instructions below) Instacure No. 1 curing salt (See instructions below) 1/2 cup sugar (optional)
Instructions 1. Weigh your pork chops in grams. Yes, you need a scale for this recipe because I have no idea how heavy or thick or large your chops are. Once you have your weight, measure out 1.25% of that weight in grams of sea salt, or kosher salt. Now measure out 0.25% - that’s one-quarter of one percent - in curing salt if using. If you are not using curing salt, sub in more regular salt. 2. Mix the salts and the sugar, if using, together and massage that into the pork. Ideally, you then vacuum seal the pork. If you don’t have a vacuum sealer, put the pork chops in heavy freezer bags. Set them in the fridge to cure. You will need to cure these chops for a minimum of 2 days, and 52 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
for chops as thick as mine, up to a week. Don’t worry, this method of salting them prevents the pork from every getting too salty. You can leave the chops in there for 10 days if you wanted. 3. When you are ready, get the smoker going. Any wood you like works, but I prefer apple or cherry. Rinse the pork chops in cold water and pat dry. You want them still damp. 4. Smoke at 200F for at least 4 hours. You want them to be fully cooked inside, about 150F to 160F. Serve hot or cold. NOTE: Recipe time does not include cure time.
Turkey Tacos You can slow-cook the legs and thighs and coat them in a sauce, like my Yucatecan turkey, or you can brine and sear the breast meat, then chop it, which is this recipe. My turkey taco recipe is a hybrid of American and Mexican influence. Traditionally seared turkey breast, but with jack cheese. Mexican roasted poblanos, but nothing unusual beyond that. Avocado, cilantro, maybe some green onions, that’s it. I made my own corn tortillas, but you could use whatever tortilla makes you happy, corn or flour, even hard shells. I won’t judge. I also use a wild turkey here, a Rio Grande I hunted in the nearby Sierra Nevada. You could use any species of wild turkey of course, and there is no reason you can’t use a store-bought one, too. Only thing is you won’t need to brine the store-bought turkey. To brine the wild turkey breast, cut it into three pieces. You’ll notice a turkey breast is shaped like a teardrop, with a thick end and a thin one. Slice off the entire thin end, which will look like a triangle. The remaining breast will be thick. Slice this in half crosswise to make two pieces roughly the thickness of the end piece. Dissolve 1/4 cup of kosher salt in 1 quart of water (I use Diamond Crystal) and submerge the turkey breast. If you need more brine, make more in that ratio. Brine the turkey in the fridge overnight. Remove and pat dry before proceeding with the recipe. An alternative to brining is to marinate your turkey breast. I really like a marinade of tequila and lime. It definitely adds something to the tacos.
Turkey Tacos
Prep: 20 mins • Cook Time: 15 mins • Total: 35 mins
Camphouse Kitchen
Ingredients MARINADE • 1/2 cup tequila or mezcal • 1/2 cup lime juice • Salt • 1 to 1 1/2 pounds turkey breast • TACOS • 2 to 3 green chiles, poblanos, Anaheim, chilaca or green bell • 2 tablespoons canola, sunflower or grapeseed oil • 1/2 pound shredded Monterey jack cheese • 1 or 2 avocados, sliced • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro • 3 tablespoons chopped green onions or scallions • lime wedges to serve • 12 to 20 tortillas • Instructions 1. Cut the turkey breast into four or five pieces of about the same width and salt them well. Mix the tequila and lime juice and submerge the turkey breast in this. I do this in a Ziploc bag. Refrigerate overnight, or at least 1 hour. 2. Roast all your peppers, seed and remove the stems and cut into strips or chop coarsely. This can be done a day or two ahead. If you are doing this ahead, toss the roasted chiles with some lime juice and salt and keep in the fridge.
3. Get a comal or skillet very hot over high heat. Get a tortilla warmer or some kitchen towels ready. Heat the tortillas for a minute or so on each side, until they char just a touch and puff up. Keep them warm in the tortilla warmer or in the towels. 4. When you are ready to make tacos, pat the turkey breast dry. Cut the marinated turkey into about 10 pieces of roughly equal size. Coat with the oil. 5. Sear the turkey pieces on the hot skillet for about 2 minutes per side. You want a nice sear, but without overcooking the meat. Set aside as they are finished. 6. When the turkey is ready, chop it into pieces you want to eat in a taco. Put it back in the skillet with the poblanos and the jack cheese. Toss for a minute or so to melt the cheese and mix well. Serve immediately in the tortillas with the toppings. NOTE: This recipe doesn’t include the brining time, if you are brining the turkey breast.
Fresh Mint Ice Cream
Fresh mint leaf ice cream sounds redundant, but it’s not. Most mint ice creams you eat are made with mint extract, not real mint. There is a reason for this, aside from the fact that it’s a helluva lot cheaper for a corporation to use extract than buy tons of mint. The reason is because extracts give you a pure mint flavor, which I find nice, but, well, shallow and rather one note. Using actual fresh mint leaves gives you several advantages: •
First, it’s a way to use up all that mint that has invaded 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 53
Camphouse Kitchen
•
•
your yard and is threatening your children. If you grow mint, you know what I am talking about. Second, you get a nicer color with the leaves, which lend some of their chlorophyll to the cream. If you use an extract, you need to use food dye to get that pretty celadon green. Third, you get to revel in the wildly variable world of mints. Mints are notoriously fickle, and will hybridize and morph grandly into sweet or spicy strains. Chocolate mint, anyone? And with wild mints, you have an even larger palette of flavors to work from.
Keep in mind that any mint — really any aromatic herb — works here. Spearmint, water mint, yerba buena, peppermint, young oregano, marjoram, lemon verbena, sweet Melissa, lavender and monarda are some of the herbs that would be nice in an ice cream. I am sure you can think of others. Can you make this with dried herbs? Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different, a bit less “green” and a bit more musty. Can you add chocolate chips? Yep. Do it right after you churn your ice cream, when it has the consistency of soft serve, so you can fold in the chips before you freeze the ice cream hard.
Fresh Mint Ice Cream
Prep: 20 mins • Cook Time: 20 mins • Total: 40 mins I am indebted to my friend David Lebovitz for the method in this ice cream. He is a master ice cream maker, and his trick for leaving aside a cup of cream to quickly cool the hot custard really works well. Ingredients •
1 cup whole milk
54 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
• • • • •
Pinch of salt 3/4 cup sugar 2 packed cups of mint leaves 2 cups of heavy cream 4 egg yolks
Instructions 1. Put the milk, salt, sugar and 1 cup of the heavy cream in a pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring often, until everything combines. Add the mint leaves and stir to get them all wilted in the hot milk. Turn off the heat, cover the pot and let the milk return to room temperature. When it hits room temperature, chill overnight in the fridge. 2. The next day, strain the mixture through a fine-meshed sieve. It’s OK if a few tiny mint leaf specks get in there. Reheat the mixture over medium-low heat. Whisk the egg yolks in a bowl. In another bowl, pour in the other cup of heavy cream and set the fine-meshed strainer over it. 3. When the mint-cream mixture is hot, about 150°F, you are ready to temper your eggs. With one hand whisking the eggs, slowly pour in a ladle of the hot cream. Do this three times total, whisking and pouring the whole way. Then pour the egg-cream mixture into the pot and stir to combine. 4. Cook the mixture slowly, stirring often, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 160°F. Pour it through the strainer into the bowl with the other cup of heavy cream; doing it this way cools the mixture quickly. Chill everything down and churn according to your ice cream maker’s directions. NOTE: Prep time does not include the time it takes to churn or chill the ice cream.
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OrangeBeach.com / 877-475-1534 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 55
Regional Freshwater Fishing Outlook
BY ALEX GRANPERE Photos by Ed Mashburn
FORIDA WATERS
LAKE TALQUIN Jeff DuBree of Whippoorwill Lodge on Lake Talquin said that the bream fishing will be very good as the bream really get going on the spawning beds in shallow water. For both bluegill and shell crackers, anglers who throw Beetlespins on light tackle will have success. Live crickets always work for bream here. Working the bream on full moon times can be very effective. “The bass will be post spawn in May,
and there will be some schooling action. Bass anglers will want to fish main lake points early and late. The bass will move into deeper water in May, and anglers can catch them on crank baits and jigs if they work the sandy points,� DuBree said. The white bass in Talquin will still be scattered, and anglers can look for diving birds which will show where whites are chasing shad in open water. Make a quick run to the birds and throw shad-look lures into the feeding
56 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
area, and the whites will respond. Catfishing on Talquin will be good in May. Using stink bait and pond worms, anglers can expect some good eating size catfish. Work water in six to twelve foot depths for best catfish action in May. APALACHICOLA RIVER SYSTEM Tony Poloronis of Outcasters Bait and Tackle in Apalachicola gives us some good tips for May fishing in the river system there.
FISHING OUTLOOK According to Poloronis, a lot of the saltwater fighters such as redfish, trout, and flounder will be making their way up the river past the town of Apalachicola, and freshwater anglers should not be surprised to find these fish taking lures and bait sent for freshwater fish. Poloronis points out that bass anglers will find some good bass near cover using soft plastics, spoons with some flash, and especially Snagless Sally spinners. These should be worked close to the cover. If an angler can find some large minnows or shiners, the bass will jump all over them. Shellcrackers will still be on the beds in places in the backwaters, but many of the big bream will have pulled back to deeper open water. Live worms are good when fished near the bottom. SEMINOLE LAKE Catfish anglers can fish drop off sand ledges where the catfish will collect in 10 - 12 foot water after their spawning is complete. All kinds of live bait and prepared stink bait will work on the cats in May. ”Bass fishing is good. The fish are mostly post-spawn with some fish still spawning. There is also a shad spawn going on all over the lake. Target main lake grass lines with a ½ oz. Buddha Blade in sexy shad, the new one with serrated blades, puts out more flash and seems to attract more strikes,”explained professional angler and Seminole Lake fishing guide Matt Batty “Also, a 3/8 oz. Buddha Bait buzz bait in white with silver blade works well for early morning top water shad spawn bites.” There are also fish suspended in the timber in Spring Creek. Use a Lowrance Down Scan to locate schools of bass suspended next to stumps in the creek. A good bait to catch the suspended bass is a five-inch Big Bite Baits Suicide Shad in pearly shad pattern.
ALABAMA WATERS
LAKE WILSON/PICKWICK LAKE Up in Muscle Shoals, Captain Brian Barton believes that May is a great time to catch catfish.
“May is my favorite month of the year water areas downstream of the dam are to catch catfish. Water temperatures likely to be holding cats. range from the low to mid 70s, and the passage of cold fronts and heavy spring ”A favorite spot of mine this month rains are gone by this time,” Barton is to fish the knees of cypress trees said. from Seven Mile Island downstream to the Sinking Creek area. Channel Catfish will be feed heavily in the days cats will often load up in droves under leading up to their spawning. Fish can these trees for spawning. I cast worms, be caught from 2 to 70 feet of water prepared baits, or chicken livers this month depending on where you underneath the trees to catch the fish,” want to fish. To locate shallow fish, Barton added. check out logjams in cuts along the main river bank on both sides of the SIPSEY FORK river. Logs stack in the backs of these Randy Jackson of Riverside Fly Shop pockets and cats seek their cover for points out that the trout bite at Sipsey Fork will, as always, be weather related, and if typical spring weather occurs, a caddis fly hatch will come off in May, and also lots of terrestrial bugs, especially ants, will be on the trouts’ menu.
For the top water bait, anglers can try buzz baits or Spooks. Throw over emerging grass or along weedlines for good top water action
Jackons feels that toward the end of May going into June, the first large mayfly hatch should come off, and these will be larger mayflies. Dry fly fishing should be quite good.
spawning. “I fish these areas by rigging spinning tackle with 14 lb Vicious mono and a 3/0 Mister Twister Keeper red worm hook. I place a 1/16 or 1/8 oz sinker about 8 to 10 inches under the hook creating a dropshot rig,” Barton said. “Cast your bait up against or just under the floating logs and hold steady keeping a tight line. Worms, shrimp, shad, and skipjack all work well with this application. For larger fish, I seek out 15 to 40 feet of water in the mid to rear potions of sloughs on the south end of the lake,” Barton added. McKiernan Creek, Wilson Lake Shores, and Steenson Hollow among others will have cats this month. Pickwick Lake, like Wilson, will be hot for cats throughout the month. Fish will be on top of and along river ledges as well as the tops and backs of humps and mounds in the river channel. Blues will be staging heavily at the base of Wilson Dam this month. It’s not uncommon for local anglers to catch 50 to 75 fish each day along the tailrace. Eddy pockets and any slack
Anglers can target the size of trout they seek by focusing on different parts of the river. Up close to the dam, the oxygen levels are higher and there are lots of smaller bugs, and the trout tend to be smaller and somewhat easier to catch. As anglers move downstream away from the dam, the trout tend to get larger, more like wild trout, and they eat larger bugs. At any point along the river, anglers can expect to catch trout from nine to sixteen inches long, with the bigger fish farther downstream. If the skipjacks come up to the dam in good numbers this year, they should still be around in May, and they are loads of fun to catch on flashy, fast-moving flies. To make trip planning easier for anglers, the generating schedule for the Smith Dam is posted every day on the Riverside Fly Shop website, or a call to the shop will provide current conditions. LAKE EUFAULA Hawks Guide Service Captain Sam Williams said that all kinds of shoreline cover such as weedbeds, lily pads, and other grass should be coming along well in May. The topwater bite for bass at Eufaula should be very good in May. The frog
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 57
bite in particular should be good. Fish around the grass and other growing structure. Don’t be afraid to throw a weedless frog into the roughest cover possible as some big bass will be up in the shallows.
by fishing very shallow water. The bass will be found in water much shallower than most anglers think possible. When the trolling motor starts throwing up mud, the angler is getting in good territory for Weiss Lake bass.
In general at Eufaula in May, bass anglers need to start each day with gold colored lures. For whatever reason, Eufaula bass seem to prefer gold colored lures.
LAKE GUNTERSVILLE “In May, you’ll have post-spawn bite, and the top water bite will really start to fire up,” said Mid-South Bass Guide Service Captain Jake Davis.
Crappie can be very good in May at Eufaula. Anglers can find the slabs with small jigs in a wide range of colors. Start with chartreuse, and then work other colors to see which color the crappie prefer on particular days.
In the middle and later parts of the month, the shad will start their spawn, and this really gets the bass feeding. Throwing light colored willow leaf spinner baits over the flats where the shad gather to spawn is a good bet. Bass will be found on the main channel docks, and emerging grass beds will be places to find bass on the feed.
It’s always a good day to go catfishing at Eufaula, and May is one of the best months for catfish. Big chunks of cut bait fished on the bottom where feeder creeks run into the main lake are great spots to find some big cats. WEISS LAKE “May is about the tail end of crappie spawning and this means that we’ll be shooting deeper docks as the crappie pull off their shallow water spawning waters and head out toward deeper open water.” said Weiss Lake guide Captain Lee Pitts For about two weeks in May, the crappie will be stacked up under certain docks. Anglers may have to look around a bit to find the best deep docks, but when located, the crappie will be thick. For bass anglers at Weiss Lake, May is a great time to be on the water. Pitts points out that May is the kickoff of a great spinner bait bite. Also, the top water bite will really get going. In addition, Pitts said that the bank grass at Weiss along the shallows will hold lots of bass, and that anglers can catch bass just about anywhere on topwater lures, especially soft plastic frogs. But wait, there is more. Pitts said that there will be hot jig and trailer bite on the grass, and recommends the Gene Larue Wheeler Punchout Craw as a trailer on jigs. In May, bass anglers can’t go far wrong
For the top water bait, anglers can try buzz baits or Spooks. Throw over emerging grass or along weedlines for good top water action. The middle sections of the lake should be very good. The Goose Pond area can be hot in May. Crappie will be back in the deeper creek mouths, and anglers looking for some real light tackle fun can find big shell crackers bedding up on deeper hard bottom areas and shell banks. MILLER’S FERRY Joe Dunn from Dunn’s Sports in Thomasville advises anglers that the fish will have completed their spawn and moving out into deeper water and into a more summer-like pattern. Dunn points out that the crappie will be out of bedding areas and in five to twelve feet of water. Crappie can be caught on Road Runners and tube jigs vertically jigged around stumps and other wood cover. Many of the crappie will be taken on drop-shot rigs baited with live minnows out on the main river channels. Trolling the larger creeks will produce crappie in May if the angler uses live minnows and jigs. Bass at Miller’s Ferry will be off the beds by May, and anglers should look around shallow grass with spinner baits. Major lake channels will be hot for bass when fished with crank baits
58 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
and soft plastics on Carolina rigs. A key point for Miller’s Ferry anglers looking for success is to try and plan trips around moving water. When the dam is releasing water and there’s some current in the lake, the bass just bite better. Anglers can call the Miller’s Ferry powerhouse at 334-682-4896 to get water release schedules for each day.
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 Captain Matt Baty 229-726-0153 bassinboots@yahoo.com Tony Poloronis Outcasters Bait and Tackle 631 Hwy 98, Apalachicola, Florida 850-653-4665
LAND SALES TIMBER SALES HOME SALES SELLING PROPERTIES IN ALABAMA, FLORIDA & GEORGIA FOR FIVE GENERATIONS. MUNFORD, ALA • Talladega County
FLOMATON, ALA • Escambia County, AL
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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
MOON & FEED TIMES
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©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.
64 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
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Check out Rodney Free with this 1.3lb Shell Cracker
PHOTO of the MONTH Way to go Mack Herrin and Mackenzie Tobin
Dalton Dalrymple called up this hoss for Joe Blackburn. Joe is also a retired colonel from the Army. Congratulations Joe!
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 65
KID'S CORNER
TROPHY ROOM 1
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King Mackerel
1
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Buck
Jameson Norris, 12 and friend with his 1st buck
Cooper Garmeson, 5, with his first King Mackerel
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Deer
Marissa Anderson, 10, Bay Minette// with her 1st Deer 66 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com 877.314.1237
1
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Mason Williams 1st buck
Paul Norris, 10, with his large mouth Bass
Jacob Thierry dropped this Black Belt Buck in his tracks!
Hunter Williams and Broc Brooks with a prehistoric looking gator gar.
Lucas Hall and his father Luke Hall
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FISHING TIP
Wading Mobile Bay for Redfish and Specks BY CAPTAIN RICHARD RUTLAND
When I think about May Mobile Bay redfish and speckled trout fishing I think about fishing shallow water. By stealthily wade fishing around grass flats, sand bars and oyster shell while avoiding a mud bottom, I have a good chance of landing a trophy sized speckled trout or slot redfish. In early morning I typically start out throwing topwater baits and my favorite in calm conditions is the Rapala Skitter-V and in a little chop I fish a Heddon Super Spook. A topwater lure is a great search bait to start out with because it may help you get a blowup or two and find a school of fish quickly. After the sun starts to come up I switch to subsurface baits like The Slick Lure or live croakers. For The Slick Lure, which is a soft plastic jerk bait, I like to use a 7’3’’ medium fast to extra fast casting rod with 20-30 lbs braided line tipped with a 4-5 foot section of 15-20 pound fluorocarbon leader. I twitch it very slowly on the retrieve and my favorite colors are Cool Beans, B-Cat,
Pink/Chartreuse and Goblin. For fishing live croakers I use a short section of 20 pound fluorocarbon leader with a 2/0 Khale hook on 7’6’’ casting rod spooled with 12 pound monofilament. I like to toss and slowly retrieve my bait back to me before making a cast. I feel you have a better chance of a fish seeing your bait while slowly retrieving it rather than soak it in one spot. Wade fishing is great because you don’t even need a boat or you and your partner can spread out and help lead each other to better catches. Keep Em Tight Capt Richard Rutland Cold Blooded Fishing 1-251-459-5077 www.coldbloodedfishing.com
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // MAY 2019 69
A GREAT DAY OUTDOORS
Closet Carp-Eaters Since I’ve been sensitized to this possibility, I’ve been watching for clues and found plenty. Call me paranoid, but I’m starting to think we indeed are consumers of carp, diners of dirt fish, ingesters of the indigestible.
BY JIM MIZE
Flipping through some food consumption statistics the other day . . . OK, I admit it was a slow day . . . I stumbled upon one that stopped me colder than a June bug on a Peterbilt windshield. The freshwater fish with the highest per capita consumption worldwide appears to be the carp. That’s right, carp. For this to be true, one of two things must be going on. First, it’s possible a lot of people in other parts of the world eat carp, are ashamed of it, and therefore don’t tell anybody except fishconsumption statisticians. Otherwise, word would get around. The second possibility, which scares me, is that our fishing buddies are serving us carp without telling us. Think about it. You and I might be closet carp-eaters. Proof of this possibility hovers around us thicker than shad under a floating headlight. Our own government documents it. For example, one agency, probably the same one that measures methane emissions from cattle, conducted a carp taste test. Really. Evidently hoping to keep the test covered up, it took place in Arkansas. Probably behind a filling station. In this test, they asked consumers to choose between canned carp and canned tuna. More than 60% chose the carp. Food technologists will confirm that taste is an acquired preference. This means that unless Charlie the Tuna was caught and canned, these people were used to eating carp. Without knowing it. Fed to them, most likely, by their fishing buddies.
In case this thought scares you like it does me, I’ve pulled together clues that suggest you’re being fed carp by your buddies. Watch for these telltale, or maybe tell-tail, signs if you’re the least bit suspicious. For starters, observe carefully when your buddy brings the fish to the dinner table. You can bet it’s carp if it’s still nailed to the board. Likewise, it’s a good practice to look underneath the serving platter when dinner is presented. That’s because most garbage can lids have handles. Serving platters don’t. You can try asking your buddy what kind of fish he’s serving, hoping to catch him off-guard. You can even carefully watch his eyes when he responds. But don’t expect much. Remember, he’s a FISHERMAN! Expect an answer that not only skirts the truth but dodges it entirely. For instance, if he tells you it’s a French dish, get a translation. Have your stomach pumped if it means, “Food for Stupid Friends.” He may even make up some obscure name for the fish. Ones that should make you nervous are bugle-mouthed bass, pucker perch, or golden grub-eater. Another approach is to ask him to tell you how he caught dinner. If he mutters and fumbles for words, expect the only real whopper to be the story that follows. He may cook up something that implies spinnerbaits and plastic worms, when in reality, your main course fell prey to a strawberry Jell-O-flavored dough ball. Sometimes your host will give you other clues. If he merely watches you eat, become immediately suspicious, even if he claims just that afternoon to have turned vegetarian. Few fishermen will subject their families to the sorts of miseries they’ll offer their
70 MAY 2019 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
friends. Take it as a definite clue if the rest of your buddy’s family missed dinner because they had someplace to go . . . like McDonald’s. An experienced fisherman can tell fish species apart even when they’re cooked. You should become suspicious of a fish baked with fruit in its mouth, especially if it is a grape. Battered fillets may mask the identity of the fish. If that’s the case, closely inspect the batter, particularly if the fillets appear to have been fried in a fine coating with the color, texture, and flavor of Tums. Buddies who pride themselves on their cooking skills may tip you off with their choice of accompanying dishes. You might balk at dinner if your host brings the fish out with bowls of corn and dough balls. Even after dinner, no matter how crafty the host, he can slip up for one brief instant, such as when you realize all the dinner utensils were disposable. It probably should be noted that carp eating is not terminal, except possibly for your buddy once you find out. The only known side effect is an occasional tendency to pooch out your lips. Supposing you build a case against your carp-cooking cohort, take plenty of time to cool down. Consider his motives and temper your actions with the appropriate measure of forgiveness. In other words, not much. Personally, I’d lean toward the old adage, “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,” except a slicker-mouthed fish never lived. So instead I’d recommend inviting your buddy over for a feast of my own special dish, something I call “Possum Cordon Ol’ Blue.” Allow me to share my recipe. It goes like this. “Start with a possum the dog dragged up. JIM MIZE has eaten carp and thinks it may be the one food that doesn’t taste like chicken. You can find his award-winning books on carp and other outdoor subjects at ww.acreektricklesthroughit.com.
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