Salt Water Sportsman – August 2018

Page 1

FISH ON THE MOVE: FALL MIGRATION SPECIAL

LE B I S I V IN AN MAUTOPILOT S M L E E H U NE D P. 4 2

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Table of Contents / Features

50

62

68

Mullet Mayhem

Flounder on the Run

Pull the Plug

SILVER MULLET IN THE NORTHEAST AND MIDATLANTIC SPARK THE FALL RUN OF COASTAL GAME FISH

HIT THE MIGRATION ALONG THE GULF COAST FOR THE FASTEST ACTION OF THE YEAR

WINNING TROLLING TACTICS FOR SAN FRANCISCO BAY HALIBUT

By Nick Honachefsky

By Robert Sloan

By Abe Cuanang

56 Get Inside! SWITCH UP YOUR SUMMER REDFISH STRATEGY TO MATCH THE SEASON

ON THE COVER

FALL BACK: Striped bass retrace their steps this time of year, following the bait toward wintering grounds. PHOTO BY: Matt Rissell

4 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

JA S O N ST E M P L E

By Sid Dobrin


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Table of Contents / Departments

TALK ON THE DOCK

FLOAT PL AN

P.12

P.36

12 / Casts + Blasts

36 / Boat Talk No Harm, No Foul

18 / Reader’s Catch

CAPT. DAVE LEAR

TACTICS + TACKLE P.27

19 / Salt Water Kids P.19

P.36 40 / First Look 40 / Sea Born SX281 41 / Invincible 37 Cat 20 / New Gear 22 / Conservation Making Progress RIP CUNNINGHAM

42 / Electronics Invisible Helmsman

32 / Rigger’s Notebook Milk Crate Anchor Storage System SWS STAFF

JIM HENDRICKS

34 / Angler’s Galley Smoked Wahoo Ceviche with Grilled Avocado and Peaches and Jalapeño-Lime Vinaigrette JAMES PETRAKIS

46 / New Electronics

P.20

10 / Editorial Take a Grown-up Fishing GLENN LAW

FISHABILITY P.74

48 / Top Shot PHOTO BY: BRIAN GROSSENBACHER

74 / Fishability 74 / SeaVee 290B 78 / Yamaha 210 FSH 82 / Traveling Fisherman

Mind Your Manners

90 / Backcast Racing the Clock

A little common sense and courtesy make everyone’s day better

DOUG PIKE

GEORGE POVEROMO

P.74

P.78

P.27

SALT WATER SPORTSMAN MAGAZINE Volume 79 Number 8 (ISSN 0036-3618, USPS 478-380) is published monthly, except for combined Aug./Sept. and Nov./Dec., by Bonnier Corp., 460 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 200, Winter Park, FL 32789. Copyright 2018 by Bonnier Corp. All rights reserved. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission of Bonnier Corp. MAILING LIST: Occasionally, we make portions of our subscriber list available to carefully screened companies that offer products and services we think might be of interest to you. If you do not want to receive these offers, please advise us at 515-237-3697. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Salt Water Sportsman magazine, P.O. Box 6364, Harlan, IA 51593. Periodicals postage paid at Winter Park and additional mailing offices. Subscription rates: $24.97 for one year, $41.97 for two years and $53.97 for three years. Please add $14 per year for Canadian addresses and $28 per year for all other international addresses. Canada Post Publications agreement number #40612608. Canada Return Mail: IMEX, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON, N6C 682. Printed in the USA.

6 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

THIS PRODUCT IS FROM SUSTAINABLY MANAGED FORESTS AND CONTROLLED SOURCES.


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THE FISHING AUTHORITY FOR 79 YEARS

ED ITO R- IN - CH I E F Glenn Law SENIOR EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR DESIGNER WEST COAST EDITOR CONSERVATION EDITOR SENIOR COPY EDITOR

Alex Suescun Megan Williams Milena Garces Jim Hendricks Rip Cunningham Nicole Paskowsky

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Dave Lear, George Poveromo FIELD EDITORS

Karl Anderson, Gary Caputi, Nick Honachefsky, John McMurray, Mark Sosin REGIONAL EDITORS Joel Arrington (Carolinas), Ron Ballanti (California), Ric Burnley (DelMarVa), Angelo Cuanang (California), Rick Gaffney (Hawaii), Al Ristori (New York/New Jersey), Robert Sloan (Texas), Dave Vedder (Pacific Northwest) CONTRIBUTORS Carter Andrews, Tim Barker, Richard Gibson, Steve Haefele, James Petrakis, Doug Pike, Robert L. Prince, Steve Sanford GROUP PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Rina Murray ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Kelly Kramer Weekley PRODUCTION MANAGER

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SAL ES A ND MA RKE TI NG VICE PRESIDENT, MANAGING DIRECTOR

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8 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018


Turn Your Passion into Action A minute of your time can ensure clean water, abundant fisheries and the conservation of both. Join us. Be heard.

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Preserve what you love at KeepAmericaFishing.org


Editorial

Take a Grown-up Fishing One of the many joys of our sport is sharing it, and taking a kid fishing is a tradition offering a prime example. They take to it enthusiastically and readily, and it often introduces them to a lifetime By of enjoyment. Or Glenn Law at worst, it leaves them with good memories and a valuable encounter with the natural world. But kids are not the only candidates. Not every fishing trip must be staged with the intensity of a tournament, and sometimes fishing partners can be more than someone who splits the fuel bill. The SWS staff recently returned from our annual retreat, where we plan the next year’s issues, and on the backside we get in a couple of days of fishing, which is something the full team seldom has an opportunity to enjoy together. A few of us spend considerable time on the water and know what’s in store. But to others in our publishing team the actual fishing remains an abstraction. Some of the vital roles in putting out a magazine every month and keeping a website stocked are filled by people who, while experts in their own craft, may not have had the chance to experience the passion others of us have for the sport. Given the right opportunity, that’s easy to remedy, and these rare outings provide the perfect venue. And it’s an easy sell. Fishing holds an innate appeal in the quest and the hunt. Whether or not

you are a hunter, per se, we’re all ingrained with the mandate; it’s in our genes. The expression of that may entail shooting birds or deer, chasing inshore fish in shallow water, plumbing the depths for pelagics, looking for arrowheads along a dirt road, or ferreting out bargains at the mall; it’s all the same drive, regardless of the preferred outlet. Taking an adult out for a remarkable experience doesn’t necessarily produce a driven fishing enthusiast, but it does provide the experience to someone who may have never fully understood what it is that drives us: a genuine feel for the water and the environs where the remarkable and always changing patterns of nature unfold. And once invested in that through experience and understanding, those converts become a constituency for our waters and fish. Initially, it’s the thrill of the catch that enthralls and fascinates, but along with that inevitably

Not every trip must be staged with the intensity of a tournament, and fishing partners can be more than someone who splits the fuel bill.”

comes a sensitivity to the resources that seem to be constantly under attack. And we need all the warriors we can enlist. The conversion also begets the recruiter. As the challenge and wonder — bait schooling, birds wheeling, fish jumping — of our days offshore unfolded, we watched the experience spark a fire in the initiates. We also watched the excitement and encouragement of other team members, who only a year or two ago sat in the novice seat. Now they were the ones giving advice and sharing in the pride of someone else’s first sailfish. Over the course of our venture, nearly everyone caught more fish than I did. But no one had a better or more gratifying time on the water. So, certainly take every opportunity to introduce a kid to fishing. There’s magic in watching their uncertainty and apprehension give way to nascent skills, confidence and accomplishment. Even when they’re full-grown.

Glenn Law Editor-in-Chief glenn.law@bonniercorp.com

10 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018



Talk on the Dock

READER’S CATCH The best way to break in a new boat

CONSERVATION Recreational fishing gains a foothold in management decisions and policy

CASTS + BLASTS

POLITICAL CLIMATE: The influence of government on science widens.

NEWS LINES

NOAA Shifts Focus to the Economy and National Security?

The federal science agency seems now charged with prioritizing “a safe, secure and growing economy empowered through accurate, reliable and timely environmental information.” The New York Times recently reported the details of the policy shift after a slideshow presented by the agency’s acting director at a Department of Commerce meeting, which included descriptions of NOAA’s past and present missions. The past 12 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

mission included “to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans and coasts.” For the present mission, the first line was changed to “to observe, understand and predict atmospheric and ocean conditions.” The word “climate” was gone. The presentation also included a new emphasis: “To protect lives and property, empower the economy, and support homeland and national security.” NOAA had remained relatively

immune from the influence of climate change skeptics. In May, NOAA researchers recorded the highest-ever levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, a historic result that an agency scientist called “a whole lot of bad news” during an interview. More recently, the agency promoted a similar finding on its home page with the headline: “Globe had its 4th warmest May on record.” While climate skeptics have reached positions of continued

C O U RT ESY N OA A

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, responsible for managing the National Weather Service and using its network of satellites to forecast hurricanes and the effects of climate change, recently signaled a change in its mission.


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TOD / Casts + Blasts NOAA Shifts Focus to the Economy and National Security?

LETTERS

continued from page 12

key importance in the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of the Interior, acting NOAA head and retired Navy admiral Timothy Gallaudet explicitly discussed the “warming of waters” and “sea-level rise” while addressing 600 scientists and industry veterans in June. “Understanding these is more important to the administration, because of what NOAA is doing in terms of advancing the blue economy,” he said. Gallaudet diminished any strong reactions to the slideshow by saying it was not intended to create change in NOAA mission or policy, but previous government interventions

into NOAA affairs suggest it would be unlikely for the White House not to intervene with an agency that continues to publicly discuss the potentially devastating effects of climate change. Not all agency scientists appear willing to go along with the new protocol. Andrew A. Rosenberg, previously the northeast regional administrator of NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, described the planned shift in a statement to the Times as a “shocking change in the mission of one of the nation’s premier scientific agencies.” He then added that the decision was “misguided and harmful to our country.”

Master Angler in Training Tanner Bill, 20 months old, from St. Petersburg, Florida, loves being on the boat and fishing in the livewell. He looks to Salt Water Sportsman for tips and advice to improve his catch every time he has a chance to get his hands on the magazine. He loves pointing out the fish and boats by saying “fishies.” As a family, we enjoy the magazine for all of the great articles, tips and tricks. Ali Bill Via email

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TOD / Casts + Blasts NEWS LINES

NEWS LINES

House Approves Bill to Reduce Sea Lion Predation on Pacific Salmon and Steelhead

New Shark Regulations in New York

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill to address the growing threat posed to salmon by sea lions at migratory bottlenecks in Oregon and Washington. According to the American Sportfishing Association, the Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act (H.R. 2083), introduced by Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.), will empower state and tribal fisheries managers to better address the negative consequence of unchecked sea lion predation, leading them to take a more proactive approach to remove problem predators from environmental pinch points

in the Columbia River and its tributaries while still preserving the spirit of bedrock environmental laws. Several amendments, including one developed in consultation with the Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, take into account concerns previously raised about the scope of the bill. “Salmon fisheries in the Pacific Northwest are extremely important to the region’s recreational fishermen and the economy,” said Scott Gudes, vice president

of government affairs for the American Sportfishing Association. “We deeply appreciate the leadership of Reps. Herrera Beutler, Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.), the other authors of H.R. 2083, and the House of Representatives for helping to remove the unreasonable and overly burdensome restrictions that are preventing Northwest fish and wildlife professionals from addressing this significant problem.” Similar legislation to H.R. 2083, as passed by the House, was recently introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho).

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) recently announced changes to regulations affecting all highly migratory species (HMS) permit holders that fish recreationally, retain, possess or land sharks. HMS permit holders are now required to obtain a shark endorsement, which entails completing a short online shark identification and fishing regulation quiz. In addition, anglers fishing in New York waters must also apply for and carry the no-fee Recreational Marine Registry. Anglers should keep in mind that non-offset, nonstainless-steel circle hooks are a must in New York State waters (up to 3 miles offshore) when fishing for sharks with baited hooks, and that NOAA Fisheries also requires the use of non-offset, non-stainlesssteel circle hooks for recreational shark fishing in federal waters (3 to 200 miles offshore) when using baited hooks south of 41° 43' latitude (near Chatham, Massachusetts). NYSDEC reminds anglers the recreational minimum size for shortfin mako sharks in federal waters increased to 83 inches (fork length) in March, and urges them not to target prohibited shark species such as sandbar (brown), dusky and sand tiger sharks. Information about how to identify prohibited shark species and what to do if you catch one can be found on the NYSDEC Shark Fishing Web page.


NEWS LINES

Farewell to a Friend The angling and conservation community lost a true champion with the death of Florida Sportsman publisher Karl Wickstrom, 82, on June 25. For nearly 50 years Wickstrom headed the magazine, which he founded as Florida and Tropic Sportsman in 1969. The publication quickly became the leading source for information on all things outdoors in Florida, but it was Wickstrom’s dedication to marine conservation and angler access to healthy fisheries that continues to influence fisheries and habitat management initiatives far beyond the Florida state line. Through the decades as publisher of Florida Sportsman, Wickstrom fought and won a number of legal battles to benefit Florida marine resources and recreational angling, garnering numerous awards along the way. He was co-founder in 1984 of the Florida Conservation Association (now CCA Florida) and a benefactor of many other marine resource organizations, including the Florida Oceanographic Society in Stuart, the Rivers Coalition, the Martin County

Anglers Club and a long list of others. His magazine voiced the concerns of recreational interests in countless disputes with fishery managers over allocations and access to waters, often winning decisions in the court of public opinion with his editorials in the magazine. Wickstrom also worked to achieve game fish status for redfish, ending commercial sale of the species in the state, and fought ceaselessly for the rights of recreational anglers subject to management policies that often favored commercial fishing interests. Perhaps his biggest victory in the name of marine resources and recreational angling came in the early 1990s, when he mounted the Save Our Sealife Initiative to end the destructive use of gill nets in Florida waters. The movement came to be known as the Net Ban, and Wickstrom was key in the campaign to amend Florida’s constitution to that end. In 1994, the amendment passed with 72 percent of the popular vote. In the years following, Florida’s fisheries rebounded dramatically,

TIRELESS ADVOCATE: Wickstrom fought many battles for anglers and conservation.

and that success provided a model for coastal states around the country. While Florida Sportsman and Salt Water Sportsman may have been viewed as competition in the publishing business, that never eclipsed

the reality that when it came to fisheries, conservation and wise management practices, we were all always on the same team. SWS recognizes and honors his contribution to our sport. His like will not be seen again soon, and his legacy and vision provide an enviable model for the challenges that lie ahead.

NEWS LINES

Changes to Atlantic Cobia Management Approved The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved an amendment to remove Atlantic cobia from the current federal management plan and transfer management to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), an interstate body that manages shared migratory fisheries. Designed to prevent inconsistent regulations in state and federal waters and improve flexibility in the management of Atlantic

cobia from Georgia to New York, Amendment 31 to the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Fishery Management Plan now requires approval from the Secretary of Commerce for ASMFC to solely assume management responsibilities of said species north of the Florida state boundary. The council approved the amendment after reviewing preliminary results from a recent Cobia Stock ID Workshop held in April and considered

recommendations from its Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel. Public comments on the amendment were also considered. An interstate management plan for Atlantic cobia in state waters from Georgia to New York implemented by ASMFC in April 2018 aligns with current federal regulations for Atlantic cobia. Under the ASMFC Interstate Plan, state-specific allocations are established based on the current

federal annual catch limit, with North Carolina and Virginia receiving the majority of the allocation based on previous landings. Individual coastal states have submitted plans for Atlantic cobia (including regulations for a minimum size limit, vessel limit, and season) to the ASMFC, based on those allocations. The state regulations are intended to keep harvest levels below the allocated state-specific pounds of Atlantic cobia.

SEPTEMBER 2018 - SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM 17


TOD / Reader’s Catch

Monster Mahi

READER’S CATCH

It’s clear Erik Rogers made a wise choice when buying a new fishing boat. On his maiden voyage aboard Mary Lou, out of Charleston, South Carolina, he hooked and landed this trophy dolphin, which later tipped the scale at 55 pounds back at the dock. For some sense of scale, consider Rogers is 6 feet 4 inches tall. YOUR CATCH To send in your catch photo, email us at catches@saltwatersportsman.com.

DROP US A LINE Got a piece of good news to share? Want to gripe? Like to see your thoughts on the pages of Salt Water Sportsman? Send your letters, manuscripts and any relevant comments to editor@saltwater sportsman.com or via U.S. mail: SWS Editor, 460 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 200, Winter Park, FL 32789. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcomed but will not be acknowledged or returned unless accompanied by an SASE. We are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES: saltwatersportsman.com/cs or 800-759-2127. Outside the United States: 800-979-6828; Back Issues: 800-464-2819; Bulk Reprints: 877-652-5295, ext. 117.

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TOD / Salt Water Kids

1

William Smith

5, Florida Fishing off Fort Pierce, Florida, with his father, William spotted a large fish chasing bait. He insisted his dad slow the boat down so he could cast. He did, and a few minutes later, William caught and released this snook.

2 Johnathan Burtson 8, Pennsylvania Johnathan has been fishing since the age of 4. His top catch so far is this 36-inch bluefish, which he hooked on 6-pound line using a high-low kingfish/croaker rig tipped with fish belly. After a tough fight, he revived and released the blue.

3 Jackson Polk 10, Texas Jackson loves to fish along the Gulf Coast and caught this blacktip shark near the Pelican Island Bridge in Galveston, Texas. An accomplished angler already, he has even caught a sailfish off Los Sueños, Costa Rica.

NOMINATE A KID: SWS recognizes kids who represent sportsmanship, passion and proficiency in saltwater fishing. To nominate an exceptional Salt Water Kid, email us at swkids@saltwatersportsman.com.

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The Tundra Haul from Yeti takes rolling coolers to a higher level. The StrongArm Handle, engineered with a welded aluminum T-bar, allows pulling the cooler alongside rather than behind you, safely away from your heels. Extra width distributes the weight for stability, and rotomolded construction and 2 inches of pressure-injected PermaFrost Insulation afford Yeti’s famous cold retention in the hottest of conditions. Sturdy wheels never go flat, and the double piano hinge is made to last. $399.99; yeti.com

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Land-and-Sea Kicks The Women’s Yellowtail Slip-On from Xtratuf offers all-day comfort and style, from boat to bar. Featuring the same proven nonslip technology that made the Legacy Boot the choice of fishermen in extreme conditions, the nonmarking soles are kind fishermen to decks. The EVA-cushioned midsole offers exceptional shock absorption on the water, and the drop-in heel allows the Yellowtail to be worn up like a shoe or down like a slide. $70; xtratuf.com

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TOD / Conservation

C O N S E R VAT I O N PA RT N E R BASS PRO SHOPS

Making Progress RECREATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS IN MANAGEMENT DECISIONS FINALLY GETTING SOME RESPECT

Earlier this year a lot of fishing folks gathered near Washington, D.C., to work on issues that are valuable to the recreational fishing industry and to you, the participants in saltwater fisheries.

22 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

FAIR PLAY: In the socioeconomics of management, all users are not created equal.

to interact with them. When you peel back a couple of layers of the fisheries language onion, that is exactly what most folks want. Which road you take to get there is where a lot of the discussion focuses. If we look back at the outcomes from the previous summits, there is reason to be optimistic. At the first summit in 2010, the participants crafted a list of recommended changes and improvements for NOAA Fisheries to implement. Of that list, 90 percent has been completed. During the 2014 summit, additional recommendations were presented to NOAA Fisheries, and 80 percent have been completed to date. More to come. Even if nothing else is done, and I do not believe that will happen, the

recreational fishing community is way ahead of where it was a mere 10 years ago. During the first summit, the head of NOAA Fisheries would say a few words at the beginning and leave. With each new summit, a few more important Washington folks would briefly show up. This year, the head of NOAA Fisheries, Chris Oliver, was there for the entire meeting. His boss, Timothy Gallaudet, the head of NOAA, was there twice. The Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, came and spoke to the summit participants. This event attracted all the right attention, and in D.C., that is the coin of the realm. Of the four major topics discussed, I am going to focus on the first three, since I believe the recreational industry has already made good continued

ILLUSTRATION BY MILENA GARCES

More importantly, there was discussion on how to make sure that our marine resources are sustainably managed By Rip and remain accessible to Cunningham us now and in the future. This is the third in a series of recreational fishing summits organized by NOAA Fisheries and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and was themed “Improving Opportunity and Stability in Saltwater Recreational Fisheries.” Previous summits were held in 2010 and 2014. This one covered four main topics: innovative management alternatives and approaches; socioeconomics in recreational fisheries management; angler engagement in collaborative data collection and reporting; and expanding recreational fishing opportunity through conservation. To many of you, this may all sound like a bunch of bureaucratic jargon, and I get that. You are interested in more fish in the water and more opportunity



TOD / Conservation

Making Progress continued from page 22

strides in the fourth and will continue to do so. It has been obvious to most that managing recreational fisheries is substantially different from commercial fisheries, yet they tend to be

viewed through the same management lens. Yes, both need sustainably managed resources, but the reality is that recreational users need high resource abundance to be successful, because

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we use the least efficient gear. Perhaps alternative management philosophy is the best description. How can managers smooth out the radical swings in seasonal quotas? How do we take advantage of peak stock abundance? How should catch-and-release fisheries be managed where fish purposely left in the water should not be considered unused quota and then susceptible to transfer? Can multiyear or mixed-stock quotas help? All of these were discussed and need to be considered. Consideration of socioeconomics in the decision-making process is not new, but using it when making management decisions about recreationally important species is less prevalent. I have heard managers express concern that if the per-pound value of fish was the main criteria for allocation, then the recreational community would get all the fish. Well, I’m playing the BS card. First, that is not something that will happen, but the law requires managers to maximize the value to the nation. We have the socioeconomic data; use it to make fair decisions. I have said it before, but socioeconomics should be a mandatory part of allocation decisions. One of the constant themes during the summit was the need for better catch and effort data for the recreational users. Probably the area of greatest distrust of fisheries managers concerns the collection of catch and effort data through the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP). There are certainly instances where the catch data is provably wrong. There are real concerns about how to collect and how to verify angler-reported data, but we have the technology to do it. We simply need to have some pilot programs to figure out the best way to use it. Were there any major breakthroughs during the summit? Not really. But the true value is the input from a diverse group of fishing interests and the right government officials listening to the comments. All of those happened and will continue the progress we have made. One final and important thought: We don’t even have to rewrite any fisheries law to get these suggested changes done. 24 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018



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Use milk crates to store your anchors easily

Tasty summertime ceviche

/ONTHEFLY

ANGLER’S GALLEY

saltwatersportsman.com

RIGGER’S NOTEBOOK

ON THE FLY ONLINE Tackle up for the false albacore run

Tactics + Tackle BY

GEORGE POVEROMO

AURORA PHOTOS / AL AMY STOCK PHOTO

CO-OP EFFORT: When the bite is on, cooperation and manners save the day.

Mind Your Manners A LITTLE COMMON SENSE AND COURTESY MAKE EVERYONE’S DAY BETTER

George Poveromo Treat other anglers the way you’d like to be treated.

As more people take to the water, fishingspace infringements rise accordingly. Most etiquette violators are simply unaware of unwritten courtesies. Yet plenty of well-seasoned pros still throw common sense and sportsmanship to the wind. Here is a sampling of common situations and the proper fishing etiquette for dealing with them. continued SEPTEMBER 2018 - SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM 27


Tactics + Tackle Mind Your Manners continued from page 27

WIDE BERTH

TOO CLOSE! > 150 YARDS

Soft Structures, Hard Advice Weed lines, kelp patties, floating debris and birds sometimes bring out the worst in anglers. Should a couple of boats spot such a find, it’s usually best to be the first one there. And if and when you uncover fish, some boats aren’t too shy about mugging your find. When trolling for dolphin along a southern Florida weed line, I’ll give any boat doing the same plenty of space.

If they’re coming from the opposite direction, I’ll angle off and troll out a half-mile before angling back to that line. Plenty of big dolphin are caught in clean water several hundred yards off such weed lines. If someone is first on a piece of debris or working birds, I won’t infringe. My philosophy: If they worked for it, they should reap the rewards. We’ll keep looking.

Anchoring Advice

Wreck Smarts “Wreck etiquette depends largely on the size of the structure,” says veteran Key West guide Capt. Mark Schmidt. “On the larger Atlantic wrecks, there’s generally room for several boats. First rule: Stop shy of the activity and assess. Study boats drifting over it, and those on the hook. If you’re drifting, ease slowly away from the wreck until you’re 28 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

up-current of it. Get in sync with other drifting boats and wait your turn. “If anchoring, don’t run through or drop hook in anyone’s chum slick. I’ll position my boat parallel with another anchored boat, but with enough distance between us to where it’s hard for me to distinguish their brand of fishing tackle. This way, we’ll each have

our own lane to chum and fish, without interfering with each other. “When in doubt over anchoring on a wreck occupied by another boat, cut your motor and drift by to ask them where you can anchor and not get in their way. Back in the day, we all learned to work with each other, and we still can.” continued

ILLUSTRATIONS BY STEVE SANFORD

GET IN LINE

“There are those who anchor in your chum slick, fairly close to you, hoping to pull away our fish,” says Capt. Joe Trainor of Avalon, New Jersey. “These people fail to do the math on how much distance is required to pull anchor using a poly ball. If a boat drops anchor 80 to 100 yards behind one already chunking, that boat must run forward of their anchor for at least 150 yards to free it. I never anchor less than 150 yards in front of any boat, and everyone should show the same respect.”


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Tactics + Tackle Mind Your Manners

Shallow Lessons

BAD IDEA!

CLAIMED WATER

Kelp Patty Blues Greg Stotesbury, a Southern California angler, harbors disdain for structure and fish “muggers.” “We spend considerable time looking for kelp patties,” he says. “Once we locate one, we’ll chum and drift it. We’ve had other boats run right to that patty, once we’ve drifted a few hundred feet away from it. They have no clue that it’s all about chumming for fish along this entire zone.” Another hot topic involves boats encroaching on chum lines. “There are lots of conflicts with small boats getting

into the chum lines of charter and party boats,” Stotesbury says. “A small boat might only hold a couple of scoops of bait, but the bigger boats may hold 50 scoops. The encroachers think it’s OK to poach the chum lines of other boats.” Stotesbury suggests never approaching an anchored boat closer than 150 yards of its stern, or within 100 yards of its bow. “If they hail us on VHF Channel 72 and ask if we’d mind them coming up and fishing off to one side of us, we’d have no problem.”

RESPECTFUL DISTANCE

Jersey Joe’ Tidings Capt. Joe Trainor is an experienced hand at fishing nearshore lumps and canyons along the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. His pet peeve is boats roaring over the top of a small lump for another drift, often behind boats anchored and chunking. “It drives us crazy,” Trainor says.

“I prefer to anchor and chunk. So it’s frustrating when a boat drifts through your slick, then runs back up the same path for another set. This disrupts my chunking

30 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

and the fish. Instead, they should navigate back far outside of the structure and other boats, then make a drift that won’t infringe on anyone.”

The most basic courtesies, not infringing on a boat fishing a bridge span, small flat, creek mouth or schooling inshore fish, are sometimes ignored. Capt. Mike Frenette of Venice, Louisiana, says a recurring issue is anglers moving in on those who have hooked a fish. “When we bend the rod on a bull red, some people feel they’re entitled to motor over, sometimes to within 50 feet, and pitch to the school we worked so hard to find,” Frenette says. “Other than being just plain rude, they have no idea which way the school is moving. When someone is on fish, courtesy dictates keeping a respectful distance and looking for your own.”

Trolling Savvy “We see a lot of the Ocean City boats, where trolling is favored, mixing with the Jersey boats, where chunking is widely practiced,” Trainor says. “All this often happens simultaneously over relatively small fishing areas, so you can imagine the potential conflicts.” A lot of mid-Atlantic and Northeast trollers commonly tow a center rigger bait 150 yards back. When trolling over nearshore tuna lumps, a lot of thought goes into maneuvering to troll the baits over the structure while not fouling the lines of other trollers and chunkers. “I’ll make long sweeps to position the boat to where I’ll be able to get a good trolling angle over the structure and avoid other lines,” Trainor says. “Then I’ll troll a good ways off and gradually work myself into position for another pass.” When trolling over small targets, order is the rule. Observe boats working the structure and pattern your approach accordingly. Don’t cut ahead or troll tight across the back of another boat. Give others breathing room and concentrate on your own swath of water. And when another boat hooks into a fish, never close in for a better look. You have no idea where that fish is. Run over their line and cut off their fish, and you’ll surely be the recipient of a few words of advice minus the cheery spin of a Christmas greeting.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY STEVE SANFORD

continued from page 28


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T+T / Rigger’s Notebook

DIY Anchor Storage IF YOUR BOAT LACKS AN ANCHOR LOCKER, OR YOU CARRY A SECOND ANCHOR, THIS WILL KEEP IT SECURE AND TANGLE-FREE, READY FOR DEPLOYMENT. BY SWS STAFF

1

2

MATE RI AL S A N D TO O L S • • • • •

3

2 milk crates 8 nylon zip ties Hacksaw Coarse sandpaper Tube of marine silicone

A SS E MB LY

2. Cut 4-inch-wide by 8-inch-high hole in center of the adjoining sides, then cut 1-inch notches on opposite sides in the rim of one crate. These notches will hold the anchor stock.

WIN THIS REEL!

Smooth all rough edges with sandpaper.

4

3. Line up cuts and join crates by cinching four zip ties on each side. 4. Coil rope in one crate, the chain in the other, and rest the anchor stock in the notches.

Send us your original ideas, along with a sketch or photo. If we use your tip(s), we will send you a Shimano Baitrunner spinning reel, featuring a fast-retrieve, front-dial drag adjustment and popular baitrunner system, valued at up to $189.99! Submit to Salt Water Sportsman, Rigger’s Notebook, 460 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 200, Winter Park, FL 32789, or send via email to tips@saltwatersportsman.com.

32 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

ILLUSTRATIONS BY TIM BARKER

1. Place crates end to end.


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T+T / Angler’s Galley

Smoked Wahoo Ceviche WITH GRILLED AVOCADO AND PEACHES, AND JALAPEÑOLIME VINAIGRETTE By James Petrakis

A perfect light summer meal, this ceviche requires some advance preparation because the fish is smoked and cooled ahead of time. While this recipe uses wahoo, any firm-flesh fish suitable for ceviche may be substituted, and as always, ingredients may be adjusted for individual taste. Pair Well

Wine: unoaked chardonnay, such as Hanzell Sebella Chardonnay Beer: a hoppy red ale

For video instruction, go to: saltwatersportsman.com

/wahooceviche

Ingredients CITRUS-CURED WAHOO

One 1-pound wahoo fillet • 2 cups coarse salt • 1 cup sugar • zest and juice of 1 orange • zest and juice of 2 lemons and 2 limes • 1⁄4 cup red onion, sliced thin 2 seeded jalapeños, chopped • 1⁄4 cup rice wine vinegar • 3 Tbsp. lime juice • 1 Tbsp. orange juice • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice • 1 Tbsp. sugar • 25 cilantro leaves AVOCADO-PEACH SALAD

1 avocado • 1 ripe peach, 1 blood orange, sliced • 1⁄2 cup gypsy peppers, sliced thin • cilantro to taste • 1⁄2 cup toasted peanuts, crushed 34 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

WAHOO PREP: Once the wahoo is cured, coldsmoked and cooled, slice it into thin strips.

JON WHITTLE (4)

JALAPEÑO-LIME VINAIGRETTE


Recipe CITRUS-CURED WAHOO

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. 2. Bury the wahoo fillet in the mixture and cure for 1 hour, then rinse the fillet and cold-smoke for 15 minutes. 3. Cool completely and slice thin.

James Petrakis Owner of The Ravenous Pig (ravenouspig .com) and four other restaurants in Orlando, Florida, Petrakis, an avid angler, knows his ingredients firsthand.

JALAPEĂ‘O-LIME VINAIGRETTE

1. Combine all ingredients in blender and buzz for 20 seconds ASSEMBLE

1. Halve and seed the avocado, rub with olive oil and salt and pepper, then grill and let cool before slicing. 2. Toss sliced wahoo, gypsy peppers and red onion in three-quarters of vinaigrette. 3. Marinate for 20 minutes, plate, and garnish with peaches, orange, avocado, cilantro, peanuts and remaining vinaigrette.

FINAL MARINADE: Combine sliced, cold-smoked wahoo, gypsy peppers and red onion just before assembling and serving.

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SEPTEMBER 2018 - SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM 35


Float Plan / Boat Talk

4 3 2 1

1 CRITICAL PREP: The bottom is first cleaned of all old growth and residual paint.

3 ALMOST DONE: The initial coat of paint provides a backup beneath the finish coat.

2 FIRST BARRIER: Primer seals the hull and provides a stable base for anti-fouling paint.

4 WRAP IT UP: A second coat of paint adds to biocide longevity and effectiveness.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT ANTI-FOULING PAINT AND APPLICATION TO KEEP HULLS THAT STAY IN THE WATER FREE OF MARINE GROWTH.

Achieving optimum performance from your boat depends on several factors, including hull design, ed surface area. horsepower, propellers, weight and wett wetted

By Capt. Dave Lear

Anything that adds more friction impacts speed, handling and fuel economy. That’s why keeping hulls that remain in the water for extended periods free of marine growth is so critical. The saltwater environment

36 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

is an incubator for algae, slime and barnacles, and all negatively affect performance. Fortunately, the right bottom paint, properly applied, will significantly alleviate this problem. “It’s important to match products to the environment. Bottom paints are formulated to meet different conditions and salinity levels,” says Tom Maellaro,

a technical expert with Pettit Paint. “For example, a Florida or Southeast boater who doesn’t pull the boat annually needs a paint with a higher biocide content. With the right paint, they can probably get 18 to 24 months of service life from a paint job.” Anti-fouling or bottom paint is made from four ingredients. The resin holds the coating film and controls the release of the biocide. Pigments provide the color and thickness, while solvents (or water) help with the application, flow and drying time. Biocides are the active compounds that repel fouling. Cuprous oxide, which contains copper, is the most common. Copper thiocyanate contains less continued

ILLUSTRATION BY TIM BARKER

No Harm, No Foul


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Float Plan / Boat Talk

No Harm, No Foul continued from page 36

38 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

BAIT OF CHOICE: Baitfish decals and stencils are easily applied after the final coat of paint.

bottom-paint themselves. The marina will haul the boat out and do the advance prep work. “We start by pressure washing the hull in the wet slip area,” McDonald says. “That really removes a lot of the growth. We then soda-blast the entire bottom to scour it and remove any old, loose paint. We don’t sand at all anymore because of the environmental concerns. The soda blasting is very effective.” Costs run $45 per foot for larger craft, or $1,500 to $2,000 for smaller boats. Those fees do not include the haul-outs. The next step in the process is the application of a barrier coat of primer,

CALL ’EM IN: Silhouettes on the bottom create the illusion of bait to draw predators.

followed by two coats of the selected bottom paint. Whether done professionally or by yourself, there’s a trend of adding a fishy wrinkle whenever the bottom is painted. Companies such as Sea Hawk Paints, FishRazr and Stencil Ease offer stencils or adhesive baitfish stickers to create optical illusions on hull bottoms. Single fish or schools of squid, flying fish, ballyhoo, mackerel and tuna are available. The jury is still out as far as effectiveness. But since the boat is a giant teaser and the bottom needs attention anyway, it can’t hurt, especially if a few more fish pop into the spread.

COURTESY SEA HAWK PAINTS

copper content but produces brighter colors. Irgarol is an organic algaecide with a slow leach rate, and Econea is a metal-free biodegradable biocide. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates the use of biocides in the paint industry. Biocides are designed to leach out over time so weed and animal growth won’t adhere to the submerged surface. Ablative anti-fouling formulas, the most common and typically with the highest copper content, require boat movement to work, like a bar of soap. As the paint and biocides wear off over time, new layers are exposed. Hard anti-fouling paints leach biocides while the paint mainly remains. Movement isn’t required, but this type needs to be reapplied after dry storage. Hybrid formulas are another type of hard paint best suited for trailerable and dryrack stored boats. As the biocides leach away, the paint film breaks down to expose another layer. “It’s cheap insurance to buy better bottom paint to match your environment,” Maellaro says. “The biggest expense is the prep and application. If you keep a boat in a slip year-round in high salinity and warm water that’s conducive to soft growth, pick a paint with a larger amount of Irgarol. If you want bright colors, go with copper thiocyanate. Eighty percent of painted hulls are black, 10 percent are blue, and everything else is other colors.” Proper prep and applying multiple thin layers are the keys to longer-lasting paint jobs, Maellaro says. He recommends leaving spray application to the professionals. Do-it-yourself rollers can determine the square footage of the boat by multiplying the hull length by beam width by 0.85. Two coats of paint are normally recommended. Painting can take a few days, depending on weather, preparation and hull design. Stepped hulls or numerous lifting strakes may require hand-sanding, which increases man-hours. Linda McDonald with Dog River Marina in Mobile, Alabama, says she’s seeing more customers choosing to


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Float Plan / First Look

Sea Born SX281 Composite Research, builder of Sea Born boats, recently rolled out a new flagship, the SX281 Offshore, a bluewater-ready 28-foot center-console built on a high-performance stepped hull with plenty of freeboard, and packed with numerous fishing amenities and creature comforts. Standard features include a T-top, abundant dry storage, forward and aft lounges, trim tabs, tilt Optimus EPS power steering, multiple USB power stations, Bluetooth-enabled sound system, in-console head with counter, sink and freshwater faucet, and twin twoposition captain’s chairs, behind which sits a tackle storage and rigging center, complete with a large, lighted livewell with clear lid. The Sea Born also boasts transom and side doors, swim platform with telescoping ladder, LED lighting, fresh- and raw-water washdowns, and ample rod storage.

The

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40 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018


Invincible 37 Cat Invincible follows the launch of its highly acclaimed 40-foot catamaran with a second cat, a 37-footer with many of the same design virtues and features. The smooth and stable ride, even in choppy conditions and high speeds, stands out, and so does the extensive rod storage, which includes four holders on the gunwales and five in back of the helm seating, plus horizontal racks for six rods under the gunwales, vertical racks for 10 rods on both sides of the console, and plenty more as options. Dry storage is also generous, even without the additional coffin box up front. There’s a pair of huge in-floor insulated fish boxes forward, and two smaller ones aft. A massive 70-gallon livewell on the transom is supplemented by another 70-gallon in-floor well. And the list of features and optional equipment just goes on.

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SEPTEMBER 2018 - SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM 41


Float Plan / Electronics

Invisible Helmsman PICK THE AUTOPILOT SYSTEM THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUR BOAT AND STYLE OF FISHING

We had fished all day, and spirits were high. Tuna filled the fish lockers. But as the sun sank, dense fog swept across the water. Now it was dark and foggy, and we could not see beyond the bowsprit. By Jim Forty miles Hendricks of ocean lay Once you have an between us the autopilot closest port. system, you Thankfully, will never want to own we had two a boat vital pieces without it. of electronics working in our favor: radar and autopilot. Most anglers recognize the importance of marine radar at night or in fog, but autopilot becomes indispensable when visibility is obliterated. It would have been impossible for any helmsman to maintain a course under such conditions, particularly at the slower speed deemed prudent during limited visibility. So, I put the boat

on a slow cruise and let the autopilot stay the heading while I kept an eye on the radar and chart plotter and listened for the sound of other vessels, aids to navigation and breaking water. It took longer than usual, but we made it home safely. Autopilot is a crucial component for offshore fishing, and not just because it can steer a preset course. Autopilots alleviate human fatigue on long offshore runs and increase fuel efficiency by steering the straightest course possible. For fishing, advanced models execute a variety of complex trolling patterns. An autopilot also takes over the steering duties while, for example, the captain assists the crew with deploying trolling lines, though keeping a sharp lookout at all times while underway remains critical. “Boaters who have not used autopilot don’t think they will use it much,” says Scott Heffernan of The GPS Store, a North Carolinabased online retailer that offers a wide range of autopilot systems. “But once a captain gets used to having an autopilot, he will never want to skipper a boat without it.”

42 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

But how do you select the best autopilot for your boat? It starts with asking some key questions, says Heffernan. The GPS Store website includes an online help center, through which store advisors guide boaters through the selection process. It starts with asking the right questions. WHO’S THE INSTALLER? Will this be a do-it-yourself project or will a professional rigger be handling the installation? While an autopilot installation falls within the realm of competent DIYers, Heffernan recommends a qualified local installer to undertake the job. Autopilot systems have a number of components, including a central processing unit, display, controller,

BUYING DECISION: To choose the right autopilot system for your boat, you need to ask yourself the right questions.

drive unit, hydraulic fittings, wiring, heading sensor and more. The autopilot must also be carefully tied into the boat’s steering system, Heffernan points out. “It’s a complicated installation, and a professional installer ensures it gets done right.” BOAT AND MOTORS Boat size and type of propulsion represent two key considerations, Heffernan says. Nearly all outboard-powered centerconsole fishing boats feature hydraulic steering. The bigger the boat and the more outboards, the more hydraulic fluid continued


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Float Plan / Electronics

Invisible Helmsman continued from page 42

required for the steering system. This in turn determines the proper autopilot pump capacity. Single-outboard boats get away with a system such as the Lowrance Outboard Pilot (about $1,000), which has a pump that handles steering-cylinder displacements up to 14 cubic inches and boats up to 30 feet in length. Larger center-consoles with multiple outboards require higher-capacity systems such as the Simrad AP-44 VRF (about $3,300), which handles boats over 50 feet in length with pump displacements up to 24 cubic inches. EXPECTED FEATURES Another question to ask: What will you expect of an autopilot? All autopilots will steer a preset course, and most will also take you to a waypoint when interfaced with a GPS/chart plotter. Most autopilots also have virtual rudder feedback systems, dispensing with the quirky old-school

mechanical rudder feedback systems. More-advanced autopilots offer expanded features. Raymarine’s Evolution EV200 autopilot (about $2,900) offers the ability to steer the boat in predetermined patterns such as wide circles and figure eights. These prove helpful when you find a productive offshore zone and want to thoroughly cover the area while trolling. “Less expensive systems might not offer these capabilities,” Heffernan says. Many anglers like to slow-troll using live bait or downriggers. If you’re one of them — and you want to use an autopilot at the same

STAY ON COURSE: Garmin’s GHP Reactor 40 autopilot remains engaged at slow-trolling speeds.

44 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

time — make sure the system remains engaged at dead-slow speeds. Some economically priced systems tend to disengage at low speeds, rendering them ineffective for slow-trolling, says Heffernan. Advanced autopilots such as the Garmin GHP Reactor 40 autopilot (about $4,100) remain engaged and active at slow speeds. Thanks to Garmin’s sophisticated heading sensor and Intelligent Rudder Rate Technology, this autopilot keeps the boat on course better than the best helmsman when slow-trolling. PILOT BRAND Next question: What brand of autopilot is right for you? “We like to steer customers in the direction of the brand of electronics that are already on the boat,” Heffernan says. In other words, if you already have a Furuno NavNet TZtouch display, then go with a Furuno autopilot such as the NavPilot 711C, he explains. “Networking the components becomes simpler when you match brands,” he says. With the Lowrance Outboard Pilot, you almost have to match the brand. This autopilot system does not include a stand-alone display/controller. Instead, it uses a panel on a Lowrance

PATTERN MAKER: Raymarine’s EV200 autopilot incorporates a variety of preset trolling patterns.

multifunction display such as an HDS Carbon series to control the autopilot functions. HAVE EVERYTHING? The final question: Do I have everything I need to complete this installation? “The answer is usually no,” Heffernan says. You will almost always need a fitting, cable or electrical connection to finish up, and that might require a trip to the chandlery during the installation to pick up a part or two that you did not anticipate. “So don’t plan to fish on Saturday if you are installing the system on Friday,” he adds. “Give yourself time to get the job done right.” One of the most critical steps is properly bleeding the hydraulic system after you install the autopilot. In order for the pilot to operate effectively, it must be completely free of air, Heffernan points out. “That means you will need to add one or two quarts of hydraulic fluid to the parts list, if you choose to install the system yourself.”


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Float Plan / New Electronics

APOLLO MISSION

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BL ACK OPPS

Fusion’s Apollo marine audio entertainment series includes two new source units: the top-of-the-line RA770 and the more compact SRX400. The RA770 features a one-piece glass touchscreen 4.3-inch display, built-in Wi-Fi streaming, digital signal processing (DSP) and PartyBus audio distribution. Users tap the screen to pause and play, or swipe through a playlist to find their song. The display blends with modern glass helms. The Apollo SRX400 offers a 2.7-inch display, Wi-Fi streaming, DSP and PartyBus. RA770, $649; SRX400, $349; fusionentertainment.com

Spot X offers two-way message capabilities with a keyboard, GPS, social media linking, and direct communication with emergency services in one portable, lightweight device. Using satellite communications, you can keep in touch with family and friends or, if necessary, rescue services. Spot X provides a unique, personal mobile number that allows either party to initiate conversations at any time. It features a 2.7-inch backlit display, rechargeable lithium battery, IP67 waterproof rating and compass, as well as storage for waypoints. $249, plus service fee; findmespot.com

Furuno’s TZT2BB is a black-box version of the NavNet TZtouch2 system, powerful enough to drive two MFDs — such as Furuno 17-, 19- or 24-inch displays — at once. It supports full HD video input in HDMI format for connecting highresolution cameras, sonar and entertainment systems. It comes with a built-in fish finder, and raster and vector fishing charts. It’s also compatible with C-Map and Navionics charts, and networks with virtually all current Furuno radar and sonar systems, as well as instruments and other sensors. Under $6,000; furunousa.com

46 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018


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Top Shot

PHOTO BY BRIAN GROSSENBACHER

Angler Jimmy Kloote from Grand Rapids, Michigan, had already notched plenty of bonefish earlier in the day, fishing out of Bair’s Lodge in South Andros, Bahamas, when this mutton snapper, a rarity on the flats, came into range of his fly rod.

Flats Special


SEPTEMBER 2018 - SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM 49

IN THE TRAVELING FISHERMAN, PAGE 82

FIND THE HOT BITE THIS MONTH


M U L L ET M AY H E M

RUN TIME: Silver mullet pour up the coast, creating a cafeteria for predators.


S I LV E R M U L L E T A L O N G T H E N O RT H E A S T A N D M I D -AT L A N T I C S H O R E S S PA R K T H E FA L L RU N O F C OA S TA L G A M E F I S H

TOM LYNCH

BY N I C K H O NAC H E F S K Y


Match lipped plugs, like the Bomber Magnum Long A, to the size of the mullet.

T

he morning was a washout. Nobody had caught any fish. I sat sipping coffee in the parking lot of a Jersey Wawa about noon when I got the call. “Get down to Seaside, man. Mullet are being destroyed,” said Charlie’s Bait and Tackle shop owner Pete Kupper. I hit the road. As I pulled up to the sand dunes, I saw gannets and gulls diving about and disappearing behind the dunes, a sure sign something was going on out there.

PICK ’EM OFF: Stripers busting bait schools make ideal casting targets.

When I walked over, a vista of the Atlantic opened up in front of me encompassing mayhem the likes of which are the making of legend. Striped bass to 30 pounds and bluefish to 15 pounds were absolutely crushing mullet schools in and outside the breakers. It was an a-thousand-casts-athousand-bass type of day, all sparked by the run of silver mullet in the surf. While more-southern waters have striped mullet crashing about in bombastic fashion, their smaller silver

52 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

mullet cousins run along the Northeast and mid-Atlantic coasts in a more sublime fashion yet attract the same attention from predatory game fish. JERSEY TACTICS During springtime, silver mullet fry about 1 to 2 inches long grow in the ditches of Jersey backwaters. By fall, they are finger-size, while full-grown year-old mullet seem to show up in July,

riding the warmer oceanic currents that bring them inshore. “Mainly, we see silver or white mullet up to 6 inches long; those are the bait mullet in tackle shops,” says Capt. Dave Showell of the Absecon Bay Sportsman. “Occasionally, we also get a few striped mullet, or corncobs, 8 to 12 inches long, but silver mullet are the main species in Jersey.” From June through September, silver mullet stack up in shallow bays: Barnegat, Great Bay, Absecon and Cape May Harbor, where northwest winds keep them pinned against the sod banks as bluefish, striped bass and weakfish hammer the schools. Anglers jump on the chance to fish the schools in the bay before they head seaward. “It’s pretty easy to find schools of silver mullet,” Showell says. “Look for the pods V-waking in the shallow

Topwaters such as the Rapala Skitterwalk Salt Water do the trick on surface feeders.


SWS Planner: Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Mullet Migration WHAT: Striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, summer flounder, redfish, speckled trout WHERE: New York to North Carolina WHEN: September to November WHO: The mullet run provides ample opportunity for DIY anglers, from the back bays to the surf. For a fast track to learning the particulars: Capt. Dave Showell Absecon Bay Sportsman 609-484-0409

NICK HONACHEFSKY (2); ILLUSTRATION BY STEVE SANFORD

BIG DREAMS: The size of a lure matters little to striped bass on the feed.

is to get fresh ones to use as bait.” To acquire the freshest baits, Showell recommends throwing a 3∕8- to 1∕2-inch mesh, 11∕2-pound, 8-foot cast net on top of the schools when they are balled up. With fresh baits in the livewell, Showell employs a rig consisting of a 36-inch section of 20- to 30-pound fluorocarbon leader tied to a 1 ∕2-ounce in-line sinker and a 3/0 to 6/0 Octopus circle hook, to settle the score with bass, blues and weakfish. Hook the mullet through the nose for a natural drift with the current. “Now that you have the right bait, go with your knowledge to find each

Main line

In-line sinker

36 inches of 20- to 30-pound fluoro

Midday Strategy Once the morning lure bite has cooled, turn to live baits. Lay in a supply of mullet with a cast net, then during the middle of the day, work them in the deeper channels and along broken sod banks and points, hooked through the nose, for weakfish, stripers and bluefish.

3/0 to 6/0 Octopus circle hook

SEPTEMBER 2018 - SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM 53


SWS Tackle Box: Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Mullet Migration ROD: 7-foot medium weight REEL: Shimano Stradic 5000 to 8000, or equivalent LURES: MirrOlure Catch 2000, Bomber 16A, Daiwa SP Minnow, Rapala Skitterwalk, D.O.A CAL, Tsunami Talkin’ Popper LINE: 20- to 30-pound Spiderwire braid, 15- to 30-pound Seaguar fluorocarbon leader TERMINAL TACKLE: 75-pound Spro barrel swivel, fish-finder sinker slide, size 3/0 to 6/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hooks, 2- to 5-ounce bank sinkers

species,” Showell says. “Weakfish hang in the deep channels and points of confluence around sedge banks. Bass hold along the broken parts of sunken sod banks,

bluefish will inhale them and bluefish in just about every channel.” Though live bait always seem to work best when the sun is up, low-light hours offer the chance to work offer poppers or twitchbaits in a walk-the-dog style along the sod banks to bring bass off the cover. The first big chill after Labor Day signals it’s time for the mullet to make their exodus into the surf. “Mid-September to early October, look for the full moon and air temps that dip

54 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

Switch to a sinking plug, like the MirrOlure Catch 2000, when fish feed subsurface.

into the 50s at night to spark the mullet movement out of the backwaters,” Showell says. “The trigger that gets them moving is usually the first fall nor’easter that

comes through, which pushes them out of the back and into the surf almost overnight.” When mullet schools start to hug the coastline and choke the surf waters, successful surf fishermen toss Bomber A-Salt plugs and Daiwa SP Minnows along the stretch from Island Beach State Park down through Long Beach Island. CAROLINA CASTIN’ “Silver and striped mullet are the main autumnal forage species for a wide variety of

ILLUSTRATION BY STEVE SANFORD

Shallow diving plugs, such as the Daiwa Salt Pro Minnow, remain a favorite in the surf.

MATCH-UP: Mimic the mullet in size and color, and the rest is up to the stripers.


75-pound barrel swivel

When feeding erupts, try a surface chugger, such as the Tsunami Talkin’ Popper.

coastal species all along the North Carolina and mid-Atlantic coasts,” says Wayne Justice, a naturalist at the North Carolina Aquarium and an avid angler. “The big push in the fall occurs when the winds begin to switch to the northeast and bring cooler temperatures, which push the mullet out of our estuaries and into the ocean.” Down in the Carolinas, the menu has changed to redfish, flounder and speckled trout where shorebound anglers and small boaters hug the coastline to pound the schools. The sheer numbers of mullet also draw speedsters such as Spanish mackerel and false albacore into the surf zone to take advantage of the abundant forage. “Along North Carolina’s southern-facing beaches around Cape Lookout and Shackleford banks, northeast winds lay the ocean down

For mackerel and albacore, a speedy retrieve with a Kastmaster Spoon gets their attention.

Main line 1

∕2- to 1-ounce egg sinker

30 inches, 15- to 30-pound fluoro

Carolina Slider Rig This classic setup provides the versatility to fish a live mullet in a variety of conditions for a range of species. For flounder, opt for a 3/0 Kahle hook; for red drum and bluefish, a 5/0 circle hook. Downsize for trout, which require fluorocarbon leader as light as 15-pound-test.

and offer reverse surf fishing for small boats,” Justice says. “Boaters set up outside the breakers and cast to the backs of the waves where mullet schools stack up. We often stick close to the jetties and piers, which seem to disorient the mullet and provide predators ambush opportunities.” Justice employs a slider rig with a ½- to 1-ounce egg sinker on the running line, against a 75-pound barrel swivel, tied to 30 inches fluoro of 20- to 30-pound fluoro leader. Hook size depends on the target species: a 3/0 flounder, and a 5/0 Kahle for flounder, circle hook for red drum and bluefish. Speckled trout can be more discerning, thus scaling down to 15-pound fluorocarbon leader is

3/0 Kahle or 5/0 circle hook

recommended. When drift conditions are adverse, tip a light ¼- to ½-ounce jig head with a live mullet and cast around the jetty pilings or off the jetty rocks. Artificial lures to mimic Artificial mullet should have a dark back and lighter belly. “I’ll throw a chrome Rapala Skitterwalk when the fish are feeding up top but switch to a black-and-silver MirrOlure Catch 2000 when they are not on the surface,” Justice says. Soft plastics such as the 4-inch D.O.A CAL Jerk Shad or a Fathom Squirrely Tail Grub hit the mark to tempt reds, blues and specks. “Slow it down and hop it along the bottom,” he adds. If Spanish and false albacore are around, switch up to a 1-ounce gold Kastmaster

Soft plastics, like D.O.A.’s CAL Shad Tail Tail, with a lead-head are deadly when bumped along the bottom.

spoon and rip it through the water. Next time you feel the chill on your neck of impending fall kicking in, when oak and maple tree leaves start shifting their colors into reds, oranges and yellows, look for the shimmering, silvery V-waking schools of mullet to spill out of the bays and enter the Northeast and mid-Atlantic surf waters. It’s official: The fall run has begun.

SEPTEMBER 2018 - SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM 55


GET INSIDE! SWITCH UP YOUR SUMMER REDFISH STRATEGY FOR FALL CONDITIONS BY SID DOBRIN


JASON STEMPLE (2)

“R WINTER RETREAT: When the weather cools, redfish move into sheltered inshore waters.

ight here.” My buddy’s words were laden with frustration and confusion. He gestured with his rod in one hand and his empty other hand to the flats surrounding us. “Right here. I’m telling you that for the last three months we’ve found reds right here, and now, nothing.” For several hours of a day that was no longer summer and not yet fall, we had worked the same flats that had produced so many redfish the previous few months. Now the single bulls and small schools we were accustomed to seeing patrol the skinny water were noticeably absent. Clearly, fall was headed our way, and those late-summer reds were already taking up early autumn patterns. We’d need to adjust. I cranked the motor and pointed the bow toward the shore. “Where we going?” my buddy asked. “We’re going inside,” I replied.

COOLER WATER Every place where redfish prowl, when autumn temperatures push water temperatures down to the mid- to low 70s, redfish push off the flats where they’d spent warmer days to find deeper, protected water, often adjacent to river and creek mouths, channels, deep cuts and points. Generally, during the warmer summer months, reds will take to the flats to forage as big loners, in pairs or triples, or in schools of smaller fish. But when they move inside as the water cools, they congregate in more confined areas in anticipation of impending spawning, looking for warmer water in deeper holes. With more fish in a smaller area, you can anticipate patterns in their behavior. Reds congregate around inshore cuts and ledges, letting the tidal flow bring food to them rather than having to search for it. SEPTEMBER 2018 - SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM 57


GET INSIDE! Shorelines and ledges of channels and bars work to funnel forage, like shrimp, crabs, mullet and mud minnows, into confined feeding areas that draw redfish. Fall fish will be more apt to be on the inside of structure, unwilling to venture into shallower, colder water. Tidal flow through cuts and channels often washes out deeper holes along the contours of ledges and shorelines. These deeper depressions provide reds with warmer waters rather

than the cooling waters of the surrounding flats. Thus, locating holes and basins will regularly turn up congregating reds. Strategically, target your fall redfishing as close to shore as necessary. As water temperatures drop, push inside even farther, tracking reds into the creeks, rivers and channels that push into the backcountry. Redfish diets change as the water cools. Lower temperatures slow their metabolism. Fish hiding in warmer holes burn more energy than those in colder water, thus they need to eat more than fish in shallower, colder water. So, when looking for reds, locating warm currents and deeper holes increases the likelihood of finding fish and finding those fish with healthy appetites.

AUTUMN JITTERS When redfish school up as they do in the cooler months, they can also be much more

HIGH AND LOW: Deeper basins offer warmer waters and aggregate big redďŹ sh when the weather turns chilly.

58 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

easily spooked than warmwater reds. For whatever reason, larger schools of reds tend to be jittery. When you locate fall schools, cast around the perimeter of the school. Casts that splash the center of the school or pull lures and baits through the middle of the school tend to spook them. A hooked red that crashes through a school also spooks the

rest before you get a chance for additional hookups. Working the edges of the school increases the odds of leading a hooked fish away from the school.

SWITCH BAITS As redfish move inshore, the baits they feed on may also change. Learning which baits move on the fall tides helps you match the lure

JASON STEMPLE (ABOVE); SID DOBRIN (RIGHT)

The Egret Baits Bayou Chub maintains great action when ďŹ shed slowly in deep and shallow water.


Ultimately, locating fall reds depends upon four key strategies:

Egret Baits Vudu Vixen is rigged to kick along the bottom without hanging up.

The Blakemore Road Runner, with a spinner on the jig head, adds flash for visibility.

Prospect likely water for lurking reds with search baits such as the MirrOlure MirrOdine.

• Locate areas of strong tidal flow. This requires being alert to tide tables and knowing when water will be moving at its strongest. • Locate holes. Use depth finders to mark holes along your route. Even a minor depression of 2 or 3 feet in an area of consistent depth provides reds with the warmer temperatures they seek. Reds will look for holes that range from 2 to 10 feet in fall months. • Work the inside of structure. Even when the tide is flowing out, reds want to stay on the inside of bars, shorelines and rock formations. • Look for warmer water. Use thermometers and electronics to find warmer holes and currents. Even a degree or two fluctuation affects whether fish are feeding or not.

SEPTEMBER 2018 - SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM 59


In shallow waters, soft plastics such as the Bass Assassin Salty Snack offer a quiet presentation.

60 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

The Bass Assassin Paddletail comes in colors to match various forage species.

Plastic tails, like the Unfair Lures Smack Paddle, should be ďŹ tted to a jig head appropriate to the depth.

JASON STEMPLE

GET INSIDE!


to the natural forage. You can also make assumptions about baits relative to the proximity to shore. It is likely that redfish will feed more frequently on mud crabs during the fall because mud crabs reside on oyster bars. Similarly, mud minnows will be more plentiful in fall waters than on the summer flats. Shrimp too congregate along estuarine edges during winter months before spring migrations. Ultimately, when reds take up occupancy in inshore holes, the best bet is ladyfish chunks, with cut mullet coming in second. While ladyfish are abundant along the flats in the summer, like the redfish, when things cool off, they leave the flats for warmer climes. Finding a ladyfish can be tough in the fall. In anticipation, save a few ladies and chunk and freeze them when they are plentiful. A few dozen cut ladyfish baits from the freezer can really push a fall redfish trip to amazing success. Because reds will be holed up in deeper water, add a split shot to your baits to get them to the fish.

WINTER LIGHT: Fewer hours of daylight and lower temperatures keep anglers nearshore, where reds congregate.

SLOW-SINKING AND DEEPER SUSPENDING BAITS ARE EXCELLENT FOR LOCATING FISH.

ARTIE TIME Fall reds also hit artificials. Pitching search baits helps you locate reds in holes. Slow-sinking and deeper suspending baits are excellent for locating fish. Lures like Unfair Lures’ Arrowhead, MirrOlure’s MirrOdine, Yo-Zuri’s 3D Inshore Twitchbait, and Bagley’s Rattlin’ B make great fall search baits. While paddle tails rigged with jig heads are going to

be your best bet, rigging with hybrid jig heads, like TTI-Blakemore’s Road Runner heads, adds a spinner blade to the jig head for greater visibility. Darker colors, like root beer, gold, blacks and blues, will be effective in the fall. D.O.A. shad tails offer dozens of color possibilities and great action, as do Unfair Lures’ Smack softbaits and Egret Baits’ Vudu Vixen bodies and Bayou Chubs. I’m also a fan of Bass Assassin’s Salty Snack, rigged with a weighted wide-gap hook. The benefit of fishing soft bodies is that you can adjust the weight of the jig heads to reach the depths you’ll need for redfish while also having a near-endless array of colors and styles to choose from. Likewise, the soft plastic tends to make less of a splash on the cast, reducing the risk of spooking skittish fish. For anglers devoted to artificials, fall reds demand soft plastics.

RIGHT HERE I steered the boat into the oyster-bar-encrusted mouth of a small creek and set the anchor as the tide swung around, pushing water into the creek. A few casts later, we had the first of a dozen reds we’d catch over the next hour, including a 27-incher with three spots on the tail and a deep ambercolored back. “Right here,” my buddy proclaimed, gesturing with his arms at the shoreline around us. “Right here. I’m not leaving right here until it’s too cold to fish.”

SEPTEMBER 2018 - SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM 61


FLOUNDER ON THE RUN BY ROBERT SLOAN

O

n the south end of Sabine Lake, on the Texas-Louisiana border, the mouth of a bayou creates a conveyor for flounder where it empties into the lake. They ride the incoming tide into the bayou and feed on shrimp, mullet and shad. Then, as the tide turns and begins to move out, Capt. Jerry Norris is more than likely going to be sitting at the mouth of this drain. “When the fall migration of flounder begins, this is one place that I can hit day in and day out and fully expect to reel in several of these tasty fish,” he says. “It’s adjacent to Blue Buck Point, where lots of flounder stage before leaving the bay and heading to the pass and into the Gulf of Mexico.” Norris has been working as a guide on Sabine Lake for over 30 years. He especially likes to target flounder on the fall run. 62 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

HIT THE FALL MIGRATION ALONG THE GULF COAST FOR THE FASTEST ACTION OF THE YEAR

“A lot of people think the flounder is a mysterious fish and difficult to find and catch,” he says. “Nothing could be further from the truth. You just need to know where they will feed on any given day. Throughout most of the summer, they feed at the mouths of the drains on just about any bay. They will also hold along shallow flats. They are basically shallowwater feeders. And like most other game fish, they feed best on moving tides. It’s that simple.” As far as lures go, Norris says that in most situations he opts


FAST FLOUNDER FACTS

The Texas state record weighed 13 pounds, was 28 inches long, and was caught February 18, 1976, on Sabine Lake.

The Louisiana state record weighed 13.06 pounds and was caught near South Pass in June 1998.

The Mississippi state record weighed 10 pounds and was caught March 3, 2007.

The IGFA all-tackle world record southern flounder weighed 20 pounds, 9 ounces and was 33 inches long.

ON THE MOVE: Flounder stack up as they leave the back bays on their way to the Gulf.

ROBERT SLOAN

SEPTEMBER 2018 - SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM 63


FLOUNDER ON THE RUN

SWS Planner: Gulf of Mexico Flounder

WHAT: Flounder WHEN: September and October WHERE: Texas and Louisiana coasts WHO: Anglers on boats fishing the bayous, cuts, ICW flats and the passes. The following charter captains know the spots and tactics to make your next flounder fishing trip a success. Texas Sabine Lake Capt. Jerry Norris sabinelake fishing.com

Louisiana Calcasieu Lake Capt. Buddy Oaks Hackberry Rod and Gun Club captainbuddy@ hackberryrod andgun.com

BOTTLENECK: Outflows, known as drains, serve as ambush points for flounder feeding in the current.

64 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

ROBERT SLOAN; ILLUSTRATION BY STEVE SANFORD

Port O’Connor Capt. Dodd Coffey facebook.com/ Willie-Ds-GuideServices


for a soft-plastic jig worked along bottom. He especially likes swimbaits in red shad, glow chartreuse, and redand-white. The Yum Money Minnow is perfect. “A swimbait with some sort of paddle tail puts out a lot of vibration,” Norris says. “You can scoot it along

Float set to depth

Main line

The Bass Assassin Saltwater Shad sinks slowly and slithers through obstacles.

bottom on a steady retrieve, and flounder will eat it all day long. I’ll usually fish them on a 1∕8-ounce Shad Assassin screw-lock jig head. That allows for a slower drop.” On nearby Calcasieu Lake, about 20 miles east of Sabine Lake in Louisiana, Buddy Oaks with Hackberry Rod and Gun Club says they have one of the best flounder fisheries on the Gulf Coast. “The fall run can be absolutely spectacular,” he says. “We’ll use live shrimp and finger mullet during the migration from the bay to the Gulf. But soft plastics, like a Hackberry Hustler, can be tough to beat. Whether you’re using live baits or artificials, the trick is to be where the flounder lay up. That’s usually somewhere along the Intracoastal Waterway where the shallow flats load up with flounder.” Oaks says that one of the best live bait rigs you can use to catch flounder on the ICW flats is a Carolina rig — the same thing that bass fishermen have used for years. It starts with a 1∕4- to 1∕2-ounce egg sinker. Thread the line through the weight and tie

4/0 to 5/0 Kahle hook

Split shot

SLIDER RIG

Tie a 4/0 to 5/0 Kahle hook on the end of the line. About 6 inches above the hook, add a No. 5 split shot. Two to 3 feet above the weight, attach a small float. This is a good way to fish a mud minnow or finger mullet hooked through the bottom lip. With a live shrimp, hook it through the tail instead.

it to a 20-pound-test barrel swivel. Tie 18 to 24 inches of fluorocarbon leader to the swivel and tie a 4/0 Kahle hook at the business end. It’s a simple rig but a proven winner for flounder. This rig allows a flounder to pick up the bait without feeling the weight, which causes

Paddle tails such as the Yum Money Minnow create attractive vibration.

it to blow the bait out. The trick is to use just enough weight to get the bait to the bottom in a current.

Bill Panto, one of the better flounder fishermen along the Texas coast, specializes in fishing the passes, which hold flounder just about any time of year, but particularly during the fall run. “I have a pretty simple plan to catching numbers of flounder,” he says. “I like to cover a lot of water. This fish more spots allows me to fish that flounder will hold in. “I almost always use a Carolina rig. The trick is to use just enough weight to keep the bait on bottom yet allow it to roll with the current. It’s almost like freelining a shrimp, except you allow the bait to drift along the bottom. When the line tightens up, I set the hook. It’s fun fishing that keeps me busy. I’m not just sitting on one spot waiting for fish to come to me. Instead, I’m

covering lots of water and box some of the tastiest fish in the Gulf.” Another effective way to fish live baits, like mullet and shrimp, is with a slider rig, a small float, and a 2-foot leader with a split shot and hook. Fishing this rig is simple. Slide the float slowly across

The supple tail on the Big Bite Fat Grub allows for versatile presentations.

the surface, then stop and let the bait settle to the bottom. You don’t need to jerk the float; that spooks flounder.

SEPTEMBER 2018 - SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM 65


FLOUNDER ON THE RUN

SWS Tackle Box: Gulf of Mexico Flounder

RODS: 7-foot, 6- to 12-pound-class for 1∕16- to 1 ∕2-ounce lures REELS: Lew’s Speed Spool LFS or equivalent LINE: Braid, 30-pound, with 14-pound fluoro leader

be along the Intracoastal Waterway. The flats along the deep drop of the ICW are bigtime staging areas for flounder. The backwater estuary bayous and marsh areas are good too.” The bayous on Sabine Lake and Calcasieu Lake offer miles upon miles of shoreline structure. Some of it is tall cane, and some is just marsh grass. Regardless of what type of shoreline vegetation you have, there is one proven tactic for ounder. catching lots of fl flounder.

The Berkley Gulp Swimming Mullet offers scent and enticing action.

It involves pitching soft-plastic jigs tipped with a dime-size piece of fresh dead shrimp. Pitch the jig into pockets along

66 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

the shoreline, where flounder wait to ambush mud minnows, finger mullet, shad and shrimp. The best soft plastic for this fishing is a curly-tail jig, such as a 5-inch fat grub made by Big Bite Baits on a 1∕4-ounce jig head. The pumpkin with a chartreuse curly tail is deadly in stained water on places like East Galveston Bay, Sabine Lake and Calcasieu Pass. The fall flounder run starts with just a trickle of movement to the Gulf. During September and October, it really perks up. That’s when you want to fish the lower ends of bays that funnel into a pass. During October, it’s usually best to fish the passes. As the migration slows toward the end of October, shift attention to the rigs from 1 to 5 miles off the coast in 15 to 25 feet of water. That’s where flounder stack up and can be caught while bumping jigs along bottom.

BAITS: Live finger mullet, mud minnow and shrimp; small dime-size piece of fresh dead and peeled shrimp placed on tip of hook behind softplastic jig

VORACIOUS: Another flounder heads for the fish box. In the fall they begin migrating toward open water.

ROBERT SLOAN

Just ease it along. One of the most popular places to catch the fall run of flounder is Sabine Pass, on the lower end of Sabine Lake. Sabine Lake flows into the pass, then through the jetties, into the Gulf. “I’ve been flounder fishing Sabine Pass for decades,” Norris says. “The shallow flats, points, bulkheads, pilings and barges are all flounder magnets. Pylons in 5 feet of water running parallel to the shoreline are particularly good. The flounder hold down-current of flounder the pilings. “If I had to pick one best type of structure in the pass, it would be a long bulkhead, flounder stack up. I’ll fi sh where flounder fish soft plastics and even 1∕8-ounce Road Runner spinnerbaits along the bulkheads. Flounder will hold right up against them. That’s how I’ve consistently caught big flounder, in the 3- to 5-pound class. “If I had to depend on one area to find flounder on any given day and night, it would

LURES: 31∕2-inch Yum Money Minnow in white and chartreuse or red and white; 5-inch red shad Bass Assassin; 5-inch Big Bite curly-tail jig in pumpkinchartreuse tail; Berkley Gulp chartreuse swimming mullet; all rigged on 1 ∕8- or 1∕4-ounce Assassin springlock jig heads


Performance

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SWS Planner: California Halibut

WHAT: California halibut WHERE: San Francisco Bay WHEN: April to early November WHO: Capt. Trent Slate Bite Me Charters 415-307-8582 bitemecharters .net Capt. Christian Cavanaugh Big C’s Charters chasincrust acean.com Capt. Jay Lopes Right Hook Sport Fishing righthooksport fishing.com

SIMPLICITY: There's nothing especially complicated about bagging California halibut. Match the plug to the depth and it's off to the races.

PULL T HE

PLUG W I N N I N G TR O LL I N G TAC T I C S FO R SA N F R A N C I SC O BAY H A L I B UT STO RY A N D P HOTO S BY A BE C UA NA NG

A

s we troll the flats west of Berkeley in nearly wadable water, to our south the newly minted San FranciscoOakland Bay Bridge glints in the morning sun, with the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge to the north. Despite being in the center of a busy urban environment, the fishing is good. Literally within minutes of our gear tapping down we get a violent strike. This fish, no couch potato, streaks off on a spirited run. Luckily, the hooks hold as I ease a 15-pound California halibut toward the net. My brother Julius makes a deep scoop, and from there this thrashing doormat goes into a large cooler. The audible thumping is music to our ears, and it gets louder as we eventually add five more halibut. We played the tides right to limit out, but success also came about because we were using a simple but effective technique: dragging plugs in the bay shallows.

SEPTEMBER 2018 - SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM 69


PULL THE PLUG

THINK SHALLOW: Halibut often hit plugs in less than 10 feet of water.

MOBILE PREDATORS Despite their odd shape, California halibut are in fact mobile predators and will rise well off the bottom to feed. This is especially true from spring through fall as bait schools invade San Francisco Bay. During these periods of abundance, however, halibut can get picky, so you need to trigger their predatory response. That’s when plugs can be deadly. Lipped diving plugs, with their alluring flash and vibration when cast or trolled, take many species of inshore and offshore game fish, and, not surprisingly, they will also take California halibut. Best of all, with plugs there’s no fuss or muss; they’re versatile, and you just plunk them down and they catch fish.

Halibut are Santa Rosa always moving, so plan on covering some water to stay in the action. San Francisco Sometimes I’ll start shallow and San Jose Pacific work deeper, or Ocean vice versa, but once you find that hot depth lane, mark it down. Halibut will also set up along irregular tidal edges, so when you see one developing, troll along its edge. Halibut are Halibut rarely alone and will aggreHangouts gate over a specific area.

San Pablo Bay

Point Pinole

Richmond California City South Hampton Shoals Berkeley Angel Flats Island Crissy Field

Treasure Island

Oakland San Francisco

Halibut Haunts There’s no shortage of halibut habitat, from San Pablo Bay south through San Francisco Bay. Look for firm bottom with some surface topography, in depths ranging from 5 feet to more than 30 feet. Focus effort around the tide changes.

70 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

Berkeley

Alameda Island

Hunters Point Pacific Ocean

San Francisco Bay


Deep divers, like the Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow, get to the bottom of deeper holding water.

The Daiwa SP Minnow maintains action over shallower halibut habitat.

HALIBUT TERRITORY Fortunately, there’s a lot of territory where plugs can be deployed. The waters from San Pablo Bay in the north down to South San Francisco Bay hold prime halibut regions. Here anglers need to search out target zones that will hold halibut consistently. Productive bottom features a mix of firm sand and shell, mud flats and shell banks. And if this material is stretched across gradual mounds, depth changes, or channel edges that hold bait, your odds increase dramatically. Halibut in the bay inhabit depths from 5 to well over 30 feet. Weak to moderate tides are preferred on both the incoming and outgoing, and generally the best action occurs during the short window when the current begins to speed up or slow down. PLUG CHOICES Plugs designed for shallow running, when rigged with a sinker, can be fished in

varying depths. When fish are in skinny water, say 10 feet and less, I’ve had a lot of fun fishing deep-diving plugs minus any weight. When using deep divers, I drop them back until I feel the lure tick bottom and pick up a turn or two on the reel. At times you’ll have to bump up the troll speed a bit more to make them dive down properly. Some of the most effective

plugs include the Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow in the 5 1∕4inch size, Daiwa SP Minnow Floater in the 5 1∕8- and 6-inch sizes, and the 51∕4-inch deep-diving Bagley DB06. All of these plugs produce in natural bait colors, but when the water becomes murky, colors ranging from chartreuse, red-and-white, and bright orange will generate strikes.

DOUBLE DOWN: This pair of husky California halibut fell to plug trolling techniques.

TROLL TIPS Sport anglers can only fish one line each in San Francisco Bay. When you do have extra company, it’s important to stagger the lines properly to minimize tangles and create an effective

SEPTEMBER 2018 - SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM 71


PULL THE PLUG

Braid main line

SWS Tackle Box:

50-pound fluoro

California Halibut

Three-way swivel

ROD: 7-foot rod with a live-bait action rated for 10- to 25-pound line, such as Cousins F270 and F870 REEL: Conventional, such as Penn 320 and 330 GT levelwind

60-pound dropper line Lipped plug

LINE: 200 yards of 50- to 80-pound braid, such as P-Line, Berkley or Tuf-Line

REGULATIONS: Anglers are allowed to fish one line and are permitted to keep three halibut 22 inches or larger per day in San Francisco Bay. Always check local CDFG regulations before heading out at wildlife.ca.gov.

spread. For a four-line system, load the close lines with heavier sinkers and rig the longer lines with lighter weights. I always get more strikes by facing into the current or crossing the current, as opposed to moving straight down with the flow. If I get a short hit or a solid hookup, I get GPS numbers on the spot. You’ll find that other fish can be near this original point of action, and once the

For middepths, choose a moderate-depth runner, such as a Bagley Baits Bangolure.

72 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

bite does kick in, it goes off in short bursts. Keep hitting that section by repeatedly cross-trolling in wide, gradual back-and-forth arcs, or you can swing down-current and then move up-current through that section. Obviously, when the bite dies, troll to a new area. Productive troll speed can vary from about 2 to 3½ knots, particularly when dealing with some uphill chop. Once you’ve determined the hot depth and the amount of weight to use, drop line back until the sinker is ticking bottom occasionally, and then lock up the reel. WATCH TIPS If the rod tip is vibrating consistently, that indicates the plug is working properly. If it’s not, that means it’s loaded with bottom growth or an undersize halibut is hanging on. Check the plug and clean the hooks off.

Depth Charge Connect the main line, dropper line and leader with barrel swivels. Build the dropper line with 21∕2 feet of 60-pound monofilament with the sinker at the bottom. This keeps the plug well off the bottom and out of the gunk. The leader consists of 41∕2 feet of 50-pound fluorocarbon line with a snap swivel to attach the plug. Since productive depths vary, bring cannonball sinkers from 6 to 40 ounces.

In recent years, we’ve had a huge infusion of shaker halibut in the bay, so when you get one on, release it carefully. Traditional baits, like anchovies and herring, will take halibut as well, but when you have those periods when the drone of the engine is putting you to sleep and your current arsenal lacks that needed spark, try dragging plugs. The results can be adrenalin-inducing.

ILLUSTRATION BY STEVE SANFORD

LURES: Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow, 51∕4inch shallow runner and deep diver; Daiwa SP Minnow Floater, 51∕8- to 6-inch; Bagley Deep Diving DB06, 51∕4-inch

6- to 40-ounce cannonball sinker


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Fishability / SeaVee 290B

SeaVee 290B A PREMIUM, EASY-TO-TRAILER OPEN FISHERMAN TAILOR-MADE FOR THE SERIOUS ANGLER. BY ALEX SUESCUN

SeaVee Boats, a heralded Miami builder, again hits it out of the park with the new revamped version of its popular 29-foot center-console, an easy-totrailer offshore and nearshore performer with an impressive list of standard features and a wide range of available options.

S LENGTH: 29'6"

BEAM: 9'

WEIGHT: 5,900 lb. plus power

DRAFT: 20"

MAX HP: 800

74 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

DEADRISE: 25 degrees

FUEL: 251 gal.

PRICE: $148,700 w/ twin Mercury 250 hp Verados

WATER: 34 gal.

SEAVEE BOATS: seaveeboats.com


TEST CONDITIONS

WEATHER: Partly Cloudy LOCATION: Stuart, Florida WIND: NE, 18 knots SEA STATE: 3- to 4-foot chop TEST LOAD: Two adults, 100 gallons of fuel, 20 gallons of water

The Open Fisherman layout trades bow seating for more fishing room and storage.

Integrated console racks hold five rods on each side. The hardtop is notched for rod-tip clearance.

The business side of the console holds two 12-inch MFDs, stereo, gauges, switches and more.

The Captain’s Edition leaning post offers luxe helm seating and a tackle and bait prep center.

SEPTEMBER 2018 - SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM 75


Fishability / SeaVee 290B

Undoubtedly, the 290B has been designed to meet the demands of competitive anglers, and its manageable size and shallow draft afford access to narrow tidal creeks and skinny water, further adding to the boat’s versatility. Meanwhile, the ergonomic layout ensures everything is where one expects it to be and offers ample room to move about while tending lines or following hooked fish, with uncluttered, flush decks and a grippy, nonskid finish for safer footing. Storage on the SeaVee is quite generous. It starts with a dedicated anchor locker complete with windlass at the bow, followed by twin forward compartments, each with a 45-gallon capacity, that double as in-deck lockable rod storage. Between them, a massive 100-gallon insulated fish box has the dimensions to keep big pelagics on ice. The console also offers considerable storage; in fact, the space makes it more than suitable as a head compartment complemented by the optional electric toilet. Moving aft, two hatches provide in-floor storage in the cockpit, bookending a third hatch that provides bilge access, and a fourth that hides a 60-gallon in-deck livewell, insulated to function as an additional fish box when necessary. On the transom, there’s a 50-gallon livewell in the center and a smaller one — perfect for holding live shrimp or crabs — to starboard. Seating aboard the 290B is available in various configurations, ranging from the minimalist to plush lounging. This 29-footer, by the way, is offered in two configurations: the Open Fisherman, a hardcore-fishing platform with maximum cockpit space and easy access to fish boxes

and storage compartments, and the Luxury Edition (LE) upgrade package that adds molded-in forward seats with electronically adjustable backrests and storage underneath. You lower the backrests and add a removable table to create a comfortable seating area to enjoy beverages or lunch alfresco. Several leaning posts with diff erent confi gurations and different configurations features are available for helm seating. The test boat came with the Captain’s Edition, which incorporates a tackle station complete with eight tackle boxes, a fold-down bait-rigging tray, fi ve rod holders, four cup five holders and handrail, plus an optional cooler with a pneumatic actuator to extend and retract at the base of the fiberglass module. For aft seating, the Open Fisherman offers a folddown aft bench that uses the transom coaming pad as the backrest, while the LE comes with a wider, more comfortable deluxe bench with a removable backrest that stows away when it comes time to fish. The dash on the large center console accepts two 12-inch displays side by side, with room to spare for a VHF, stereo, and an array of switches that controls onboard accessories. A splash cover safeguards the electronics from the elements. A console door, located on the front, incorporates a cooler/storage compartment and allows the console sides to house vertical rod racks, which, combined with the in-deck lockers, the holders on the leaning post, and the rocket launcher in back of the hardtop, let you carry up to 21 rods rigged and ready. Other standard features include an integrated swim platform/outboard bracket with a portside transom

76 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

PERFORMANCE FAST AND EFFICIENT The SeaVee 290B is quick, but it can also cover more than 460 miles at 35 mph on a tank of gas. RPM MPH GPH 3,500 28.3 7.8 4,000 35.5 9.4 5,000 48.3 18.7 5,500 52.0 21.7 6,450 63.6 31.1 w/ twin Mercury 350 hp Verados

door, hydraulic steering, high-performance trim tabs, and a large dual-card compass atop the console. Available options include raw- and freshwater washdowns, electric head with macerated pump-out, Armstrong removable ladder, pull-out dive ladder with freshwater flush system, Mercury K planes (an upgrade over trim tabs), kingfish-style rod holders for trolling, Bahama shade, a couple of T-top and hardtop options, and a tower for those who desire a higher vantage point. The high-performance, composite-core hull is now lighter, quieter, more rigid and more efficient. Its deep-V with a sharp entry at the bow and 25 degrees of deadrise at the transom tame choppy seas and make for a stable, smooth-riding platform that proved surprisingly dry, even under the windy conditions encountered during our test. Rigged with twin 300 hp Mercury Verados, our test boat reached a top speed

of 61.4 mph at wide-open throttle and went from zero to 30 mph in an average time of 8.25 seconds. While that’s plenty fast for most anglers, those who feel the need for more speed will be happy to know the 290B was built to accept up to a pair of 400 hp outboards sure to make 70 mph an attainable mark. Despite the bumpy waters inside Stuart Inlet, the SeaVee handled tight turns and sudden changes in course with ease. A brief stint oceanside, first navigating the treacherous, narrow inlet where 6-foot waves stacked up, proved a fitting test for this 29-footer touted as a serious offshore fishing boat, a test it passed with flying colors, without uncomfortable pounding, or any rattling or creaking. There’s a lot to like about the 290B, a versatile centerconsole brimming with fishability. Anglers looking for a highly customizable open fisherman under 30 feet should definitely take a close look at this one.


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Fishability / Yamaha 210 FSH

Yamaha 210 FSH A SEAWORTHY, JET-PROPELLED MULTITASKER THAT EXCELS IN A RANGE OF ANGLING SITUATIONS BY ALEX SUESCUN

T

The Yamaha brand is synonymous with innovation, so fittingly it’s the first to roll out a 21-foot jet-drive center-console, the 210 FSH, designed and rigged to serve the needs of avid anglers and their families in a variety of inshore and offshore situations.

LENGTH: 21'3" WEIGHT: 3,003 lb. w/ power

BEAM: 8'6"

DRAFT: 17"

DEADRISE: 20 degrees

PRICE: From $39,499 w/ twin Yamaha TR-1 HO engines

78 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

FUEL: 50 gal.

YAMAHA BOATS: yamahaboats.com


TEST CONDITIONS

WEATHER: Partly sunny LOCATION: Great Harbour Cay, Bahamas WIND: NW, 8 knots SEA STATE: 1-foot chop TEST LOAD: Two adults, 20 gallons of fuel

The console has room for all the essentials and leaves enough clearance to move about easily.

The boat layout affords seating or lounging up front and provides substantial storage.

Horizontal racks on both gunwales cradle two rods to port and two more to starboard.

The raw-water washdown uses the water pressure created by the propulsion system.

SEPTEMBER 2018 - SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM 79


Fishability / Yamaha 210 FSH

For those unfamiliar, the Yamaha jet drive is a reliable and fuel-efficient propulsion system incorporating a pair of compact and lightweight TR-1 HO four-stroke jet powertrains, and employing internal propellers to pull water and push it out with high thrust and precise direction. Lacking an exposed drivetrain or lower unit, it minimizes the potential for losing hooked fish to break-offs, decreases draft for better shallow-water access, and allows the boat to plane quickly, with minimal bow rise. The internal propulsion system also eliminates the need for a bulky engine hatch, opening up the rear of the boat for crewmembers to relax close to the water or land their catch unobstructed. The word that best describes the Yamaha 210 FSH is “fun,” because the boat combines a number of comforts and conveniences with features for a variety of activities. But make no mistake, when it comes to fishing, this center-console offers far more than the basics. There are rod holders aplenty, a 26-gallon livewell appropriately finished in calming blue, an insulated fish box, a trolling-motor mount at the bow, and lots of storage. There are three versions of this boat; the base 210 FSH; the 210 FSH Deluxe, which adds wiring for dual batteries, a stainless rub rail, head-compartment curtain, trolling-motor mount, and upgraded upholstery; and the 210 FSH Sport that also adds an aluminum T-top with a four-rod rocket launcher. Like many center-consoles, bow seating aboard this

21-footer is provided by raised compartments to port and starboard with cushions on the lids that can be quickly removed to create a platform to stand and cast. There’s substantial storage underneath the port seat; however, its starboard counterpart is an insulated fish box with overboard drain. Just forward of the seats rests a dedicated anchor locker. Abaft, Yamaha placed twin storage pods that provide fixed backrests for lounging, two tabletop surfaces with SeaDek for rigging tackle or preparing snacks, plus dry stowage. Between the bow seats, an in-floor hatch hides a deep compartment to stash bumpers or other large gear, with dedicated space for the essential 5-gallon bucket. The front of the center console with integrated seat is a large door that lifts, providing entry to the sizable storage inside, which doubles as a head compartment with a canvas privacy curtain. Vertical racks hold three rods to port and three more to starboard. At the helm, a sizable glove box stashes valuables below the tilt steering wheel and twin throttle controls. Above sit analog tachometers for both motors, plus a Yamaha Connext, a touchscreen that provides essential system information and integrates the boat’s entertainment features and operation functions, and a panel of waterproof switches, leaving real estate for a stereo, flushmounted chart plotter/ fish finder, and a compact VHF radio. A doublewide seat at the helm enables driving while standing or seated. A folddown footrest enhances

80 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

PERFORMANCE SOLID ALL-ROUNDER The 210 FSH has plenty of pep with a load and surprising range at cruising speed.

the latter, a backrest that flips back and forth lets the skipper and a companion sit facing aft when fishing or relaxing, and there’s enough space under the seat for a 50-quart cooler. Horizontal racks on both gunwales hold four additional rods, while SeaDek coaming pads protect the crew’s hips in bumpy seas. A nifty raw-water washdown system takes advantage of the water pressure created by the propulsion system, making it a cinch to keep the cockpit clean. A four-day sea trial that included a 500-mile round trip from the Florida Keys to Great Harbour Cay, Bahamas, long hours of trolling in blue water, and plenty of reef and flats fishing left no doubt that the 210 FSH is tough and performs well shallow and deep, in varying sea conditions. Takeoffs were quick as

RPM MPH GPH 5,000 11.3 5.7 6,000 27.7 8.0 7,000 35.8 12.1 7,500 39.4 14.4 8,000 43.8 16.8 w/ twin Yamaha TR-1 HO engines

the boat went from zero to 30 mph in 10 seconds. Top speed was 43.5 mph at 7,800 rpm, burning 16.9 gph, but fuel efficiency vastly improves while cruising under 32 mph, wiping away worries of making the 76-mile leg from Bimini on 50 gallons of gas. The articulated keel improves tracking at high and low speeds, and handling is impressive. There’s a feature that maintains constant rpm while turning, and the boat not only turns on a dime, it also backs up with incredible precision. You could easily parallel park the 210 FSH like a car. We did just that, repeatedly, at the dock. If you’re on the hunt for a great all-around boat that won’t break the bank, is easy to run and trailer, will let you fish inshore and off with confidence, and ably tackles many other water-related activities, don’t overlook the Yamaha 210 FSH.


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The Traveling Fisherman 1ST CHOICE

Panama

U.S. Virgin Islands

Australia

Virginia

North Carolina

Guatemala

Mexico

North Carolina

Louisiana

Massachusetts

82 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

2ND CHOICE

COMMENTS

Costa Rica

Pacific Blue Marlin: In Panama, blues remain plentiful enough to compete for forage with black marlin along the pronounced color change 12 to 14 miles offshore. While a few 500-pounders make the scene, most of the blues off Panama’s coast fall in the 250- to 350-pound class. The seamounts off Costa Rica remain a reliable option this month.

Bermuda

Atlantic Blue Marlin: Big blue marlin continue to use the deep waters of the North and South drops, near St. Thomas, as highways, and a smaller drop-off near St. Croix also holds its share of blues. In Bermuda, late summer is a great time to hunt for giant blues. Based on past catches, some of the marlin on the prowl may be bona fide granders.

Panama

Black Marlin: Time for the big blacks to again show up along the Great Barrier Reef, so boats will troll 20- to 40-pound tuna to entice one of the 800-plus-pound girls on patrol. Panama’s Pacific coast offers plenty of 200- to 400-pound blacks this time of year. Many will pounce on small, live bonito or tuna trolled around underwater pinnacles in as little as 300 feet of water.

Maryland

White Marlin: The annual white marlin migration up the U.S. Eastern Seaboard continues as wolf packs of hungry fish push northward off Maryland and Virginia’s shores. Now is when game boats out of Virginia Beach, Ocean City, and neighboring ports get in on the action and put up impressive release numbers.

Virginia

Atlantic Sailfish: White marlin aren’t the only billfish species migrating up the mid-Atlantic coast this time of year. Atlantic sailfish are also on the move. Some of the fish will travel up to Maryland waters, but the greatest concentrations remain widespread off North Carolina’s Outer Banks and Crystal Coast, as well as Virginia waters.

Mexico

Pacific Sailfish: The extreme release numbers in Guatemala moderate in August and September, yet raising as many as 10 fish a day remains an obtainable goal. On Mexico’s west coast, fleets at popular vacation towns like Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Zihuatanejo and Acapulco offer hot action.

Ecuador

Striped Marlin: Fishing for striped marlin off Cabo San Lucas doesn’t peak for another month and a half, but the bite is already strong enough for visiting anglers to count on multiple strikes a day. Waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands are bumpy now, but game boats venturing out still encounter plenty of willing fish.

Bermuda

Wahoo: Avid ’hoo chasers have no trouble finding fish off North Carolina’s Crystal Coast and Outer Banks. Most of the wahoo around said parts are 25- to 40-pounders, but enough fish over 50 pounds make it over the gunwale to spice things up. In Bermuda, the world-class wahoo bite that made the offshore banks of Argus and Challenger famous heats up again.

Panama

Yellowfin Tuna: Schools of aggressive 40- to 75-pound yellowfins seek forage around oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, off southeast Louisiana. Expect the best action in depths beyond 2,500 feet. This time of year, yellowfin tuna also travel along Panama’s Pacific coast, where underwater banks and pinnacles offer the best chances for success.

Prince Edward Island

Bluefin Tuna: Boats out of Gloucester and Rockport, Massachusetts, tap into the consistent fishery available in Cape Cod Bay, Jeffreys Ledge, and Georges and Stellwagen banks. In Canadian waters, a fair number of giant bluefins should already be funneling through the Northumberland Straight, before staging in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

© D I A N E R O M E P E E B L ES

SPECIES


BEST WORLDWIDE FISHING: SEPTEMBER 2018

SPECIES

1ST CHOICE

Bahamas

Florida

Florida

Florida

Louisiana

Massachusetts

Florida

Texas

Massachusetts

Panama

2ND CHOICE

COMMENTS

Turks and Caicos

Bonefish: Bonefish remain both plentiful and aggressive throughout the Bahamas, except during the midday hours, when the heat still pushes them off the flats. The same is true in neighboring Turks and Caicos, so fish the flats in Provo, North, Middle and East Caicos, or Water and Pine cays early or late in the day for best results.

Belize

Snook: Snook season opens in Florida on September 1, when linesiders will still be abundant and widespread in residential canal docks and Intracoastal bridges, as well as mangrove shorelines, inlets and passes, and the adjacent beaches. In Belize, snook fishing quickly improves in coastal rivers and mangrove lagoons.

Georgia

Tarpon: In Florida, resident silver kings turn their attention to mullet, ladyfish and other large forage. Look for some patrolling sandbar edges, deeper mangrove shorelines, river mouths, inlets and passes. In Georgia, tarpon season is in full swing. Live-baiting major bays and the mouths of rivers and creeks flowing from the marshes is the best bet.

Belize

Permit: Biscayne Bay, south of Miami, and the Gulf and oceanside flats in the lower Keys offer excellent permit fishing this time of year, and the best action occurs during the stronger tides, which the fish know to carry more crabs and shrimp. Permit also abound throughout Belize, with Turneffe Islands and the shoals of Permit Alley top options.

Florida

Red Drum: In Louisiana, spawning-size reds gather in large schools and head for open water. Locate concentrations of pogies in major bays and outer shoals, and bull redfish won’t be far behind. Florida’s mature reds follow a similar pattern, so look for big schools of 10- to 20-pounders on the outskirts of grass flats, in 5 to 8 feet of water.

New York

Striped Bass: The last reliable period to catch trophy stripers in the Northeast is now. Soon the fish will make their way to their wintering grounds, but first they’ll look to fatten up in the coastal waters of Massachusetts and New York. All the popular bass hot spots should produce, but pay special attention to rips, inlets and beaches where baitfish congregate.

Mexico

Swordfish: This time of year, night fishing is the way to go for broadbills in South Florida, where veterans of the game use floating lights to draw squid and other common forage near the boat and bring swords up from the depths. On Mexico’s west coast, game boats still encounter some swordfish finning on the surface, and pitching baits to them is the preferred tactic.

Louisiana

King Mackerel: Gulf of Mexico waters from the coast of the Lone Star State through southeast Louisiana offer the most reliable kingfish bites this time of year. Look for fish feeding around the mouths of major passes, oil and gas platforms in less than 250 feet, and behind shrimp boats, either at anchor or trawling.

New York

Bluefish: As long as baitfish congregate in Massachusetts and New York coastal waters, hungry blues will continue to wreak havoc. Known bluefish hangouts like Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, Montauk and Long Island beaches remain productive until waters begin to cool down and the bait schools thin in the Northeast.

North Carolina

Dolphin: In Panama, expect to find dorado traveling outside the Gulf of Panama, as well as in Humboldt and Parita bays, where it’s a great time to tangle with a 50-pounder. Off North Carolina, dolphin seek food and shade under flotsam in the Gulf Stream. Remember, big bulls and cows often lurk 20 to 50 feet below, so keep a jig handy.

SEPTEMBER 2018 - SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM 83


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I LLU ST R ATI ON BY STEV E HA EFE LE

Racing the Clock TOURNAMENT FEVER KEEPS THIS CREW ONE STEP AHEAD OF DISASTER — BARELY BY DOUG P IK E

One thing doesn’t always lead to another. Sometimes, it leads to a bunch of things. Erik Rue is a longtime, big-time charter and tournament fisherman who calls Louisiana’s Calcasieu Lake home. For a major winter redfish event out of Orange Beach, Alabama, Rue partnered with a (nameless, to protect his industry reputation) friend who was a factory rep for the boat Rue drove at the time. Their plan was to ignore the smaller reds in Alabama and Mississippi. Instead, they’d race the clock to plug a 90 SALTWATERSPORTSMAN.COM - SEPTEMBER 2018

couple of Louisiana ponds they knew were loaded with slobs. Long-term forecasts predicted mild weather for their 125-mile ride each way across Mobile Bay, some other bays, a stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Gulf of Mexico. A strong norther arrived early and changed everything. “Temperature dropped hard; it was raining and blowing north at 30,” Rue recalled. “To win, though, we knew we had to go.” That pond full of pigs kept them focused, even if it didn’t keep them dry or warm. “Around Pascagoula,” Rue said, “the oil alarm goes off.”

The rig’s oil reservoir was upside down, uncapped and empty. They limped into a marina for oil and fuel. Rue would shop while his partner pumped gas. Oil was available, the shopkeeper offered, but not oil-reservoir caps. Rue hustled back outside and was met by a strong smell of gasoline. His boat-rep partner, battered and dazed by the ride and weather, had shoved the fuel nozzle into a rod holder and had its handle in a death grip. “Shut it off!” Rue yelled, then added under his breath, “Please don’t start, bilge pump. Please, please don’t start.” Rue raced back into the marina store for dish soap to render that gasoline not quite so combustible. He grabbed a bottle, promised to pay before leaving, and raced to the boat. He soaped up the livewell and then splashed sudsy water across the gas-soaked hull. When the bilge pump finally kicked on — without explosion — water in the marina “looked like an oil tanker had run aground.” If they couldn’t buy a cap, they’d have to take one. The actual plan was to “borrow” one and replace it with $20 and a note. Eventually, although Rue wouldn’t say exactly how, a cap was secured, and the race continued. Finally on the superpond, where the north wind had sucked out 2 feet of tide overnight, they calculated barely 45 minutes to fish. On the end where many fish had been, a quarter-hour of work produced one — and it was undersize. They raced to the other end and, in less time than it took to “find” an oil cap, loaded the not-soaped livewell with tournament winners. Conditions on the return were as bad as on the outgoing leg, except that the misery came from the other side. That oil reservoir couldn’t handle the ride going or coming. Alarm. Again. Repairs and refills were made quickly at the Beau Rivage Marina. Still, with a chance, they raced toward tournament headquarters. Then an intake stuck open and filled half the hull with water. Then something behind them exploded, and smoke poured from a rear hatch. And then they’d had enough. Rue didn’t mention whether he’s partnered with that friend again, but …


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