The Angler Video Magazine | May 2021 Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine

@CAMTAMagazine

GO FLY A

KITE! WATCH VIDEO

PERFECT YOUR FAST CAST

BIG FISH SMALL LURES

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELLE DALTON INSTAGRAM: @BOMBCHELLE_FISHING

VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 10

F R A N C H I S E

MAY 2021

O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

W O R L D W I D E

WORLD RECORD

SAWFISH WATCH

VIDEO

WC sawfish biologists responded to sawfish hotline reports of two large smalltooth sawfish that died in the Florida Keys this week. One was a mature 16-foot female that weighed an estimated 800-1000 pounds and the other was an immature female 12 feet, 4 inches long and weighed an estimated 400-500 pounds. The 16-foot sawfish (pictured) is the longest measured by scientists since research began on the species. There was no obvious cause of death for either sawfish; however, valuable life history information was and will continue to be collected from both carcasses due to the swift response from Keys-based FWC staff and MCSO - Florida Keys to secure the carcass for study. Sawfish biologists are working to learn as much as possible from samples they collected. For example, the vertebrae will be used to determine the ages of both sawfish, the DNA will be sequenced to compare to other sawfish that have been studied throughout Florida, and the length at maturity for females will be fine-tuned based on these data.

Build a Bombproof

GROUPER RIG By Capt. Randy Cnota

olks are ramping up for grouper season. If you’re not geared up and properly prepared, you might be one of the many people at the dock talking about the one that got away. Here are some tips that work well when grouper are the target. Grouper are notorious for shattering an angler’s hopes of a fresh grouper dinner. Often, bait must be presented very close to the reefs grouper inhabit, and the reef is where they run the second they eat your bait. If they get back in their hole, it’s often game over! I try to up my odds of landing grouper by building leaders that can withstand the linegnawing reefs. My grouper rig is simple; it consists of a 6- to 8-foot long leader of 300-pound-test monofilament with a 9/0 to 11/0 circle hook. Above that, I have a 4- to 8-ounce slip-sinker on a 12-inch leader of 300-pound monofilament. These two pieces are connected by a 250-poundtest barrel swivel. All swivels and the hooks are attached to the line using 1.9 mm crimp sleeves. Start your leader production by cutting the desired length of line for the hook leader.

MAY 2021

Crimp your hook to one end and a swivel to the other. Next cut a 12-inch piece of line and crimp a swivel to one end. Slide your weight onto the line, and then attach the opposite end to the swivel on the long leader. Be sure to crimp the center portion of the sleeve and then work your crimping tool toward the edge of the sleeve, but leave a slight flaring on the edges. If you crimp the edge of the sleeve, it can cut into your line. A fighting rod of 5’8” or longer, rated for line up to 200-pound test will do in most cases. My reel of choice is the Shimano Torium 30HG spooled with 65-pound-test braided line. The 6.2:1 gear ratio makes it fast and powerful enough to move big grouper in a hurry. The goal is to keep them out of the reef, but if they do get back to their hole, you’re prepared with a leader that can survive the fight. When I hooked the gag grouper in this picture, he immediately ran back into his hole in the reef. For a few minutes he wouldn’t budge. I simply held pressure on him for a while and bounced the weight up and down. Then I just let the line go slack for a few minutes. Suddenly, he came out and it was game on again! I think when this happens the fish have forgotten they

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

were hooked and decide to come back out of their holes. Other times, I’ve literally yanked these bruisers right out of their lairs. Either way, you need gear that will withstand the power of the fish and the perils of the reef.

Required Items To Build Your Own Grouper-Busting Leader: • • • • •

9/0 to 11/0 circle hook Two 250-pound-test barrel swivels Four 1.9 mm crimping sleeves 10 feet of 300-pound-test mono Crimping tool

Bow and pray.

Tarpon season in The Florida Keys is all about timing, skill and luck of the draw. Hook up and be ready to bow to the king. Stay tight and pray all those hours in the gym weren’t for naught. Whether you come just for thrills or to top your personal best, don’t miss the opportunity to experience true piscatorial bliss. fla-keys.com 1.800.fla.keys For the latest protocols on health & safety in The Florida Keys, please visit our website.

THE BASICS OF

FLYING KITES

By Michelle Dalton

orn and raised in South Florida, I’ve been privileged with the widest diversity of fishing opportunities in the country. From flats snook and deep-drop swordfish to trophy canal bass, I love it all. But there’s something about kite fishing for big pelagic gamefish that really gets me going. Kite fishing is highly effective because the bait presentation appears natural and it allows you to cover lots of water for higher catch rates. The technique also provides the ultimate adrenaline rush, as you frequently get to watch the strike happen. For those unfamiliar with kite fishing, let’s go over some of the basics. Heading offshore, captains consider everything from water color and clarity to the presence of baitfish and birds to determine where to start fishing. I like to fish along an edge, where water color turns from green to a deep blue, usually somewhere in 100 to 300 feet of water. There are different kite styles designed for different wind velocities, and these kites are typically launched and retrieved with an electric reel. Launching kites is by no means a piece of cake, but with the right equipment, patience and steady winds, a beginner can practice and perfect this skill. Attached to your kite line are three release clips. Each clip is assigned to a rod. An experienced crew will fish three live baits off one kite, with each reel’s line clipped to the main kite line. Although it seems like this might create a big tangled mess, it’s actually rather organized. Tackle typically consists of highcapacity baitcasting reels with ultrasmooth drags, spooled with 20- or 30-pound monofilament. Attached to your mono, above your leader, there are a few terminal tackle items that make up your rigs. First, a ceramic ring is attached to the kite line using release clips. Next, a foam neon float or marker dangles in the sky above each of your baits to help track them from a distance. From there, you have a small egg sinker to help maintain a vertical drop and keep the baits at the water’s surface. Finally, a bead separates the sinker from your leader. Your leader depends on the targeted species. For the toothy critters, I use an 18inch wire leader connected to fluorocarbon with an Albright knot and a 7/0 live bait hook. For sailfish, I use 10 to 12 feet of 60-pound flourocarbon leader with a 7/0 circle hook. Thin circle hooks allow easy hook-ups and safe

releases, and they are now required by most sailfish tournaments. There’s no “setting the hook” with these; however, I do enjoy making fun of my bass fishing friends when they make the mistake of trying! By paying close attention and adjusting the line, you can keep baits on the surface, making the slight commotion predators find irresistible. Instead lying in the water, your rigs are suspended in the air above the bait, completely out of sight of the fish. When it comes to bait, I prefer goggle-eyes, threadfin herring and sardines. It’s important your baits have a hardy layer so their scales remain intact and their skin isn’t abraded. Healthy bait is far more likely to be eaten. Sailfish, in particular, know something is wrong with a lethargic bait; they likely won’t eat it. Weeks before kite fishing tournaments, my team and I routinely feed and nurture bait to keep it healthy and hardy. If you’re fortunate enough to hook a sailfish, don’t immediately clear the other lines. Sailfish often travel in groups. Leave those other baits in the water for a better chance of getting additional bites during your drift. Traditionally, when the wind starts to die down toward the end of spring, the number of boats trolling offshore grows. However, there is no shortage of boats kite fishing in South Florida year-round. Even with very little wind, a kite will fly with the help of a helium balloon. Next time your friends want to troll around offshore, tell them to “go fly a kite!” Michelle Dalton books charters through her social media pages: @Bombchelle_fishing.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: @BOMBCHELLE_FISHING

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Suzuki-Powered Hell’s Bay Wins Florida Skiff Challenge

acing a small skiff around the entire Florida coast—without sleep and in all kinds of weather—requires endurance, stamina, planning and a dedicated crew. It also requires a tough, dependable and powerful outboard, like Suzuki Marine’s DF70 4-stroke. The team from Hell’s Bay Boatworks recently won the 2021 Florida Skiff Challenge, covering the grueling 1,300 miles in 44 hours and 4 minutes aboard their 16’ 4” Hell’s Bay Biscayne skiff powered by a Suzuki DF70. Along the way, they battled cold, wind, waves and weather of all types, along with the exhaustion that comes with running flat out for almost two straight days. Each team runs a skiff no longer than 18 feet powered by an outboard motor up to 70hp. Boats can only carry 22 gallons of fuel and must plot fuel and food stops along the way. In addition to two boat drivers, each team has a support crew that follows over land. This years’ victorious Hell’s Bay Boatworks team included company owner Chris Peterson and his son J.C. Peterson, who drove and navigated. Al Keller and Dan Hunt, of Hell’s Bay, served as the land-based support crew. Hell’s Bay has now won three of the five annual Florida Skiff Challenge races. Hell’s Bay recognized the Suzuki DF70’s

in-line 4-cylinder powerhead with 1,503cc displacement as an important advantage. “The motor ran strong in all kinds of conditions, without missing a beat,” said Chris Peterson.

In addition to ample displacement and power, Hell’s Bay chose the DF70 for its strong 27-amp alternator. “The Suzuki DF70 provided more charging power than other options,” said Keller. “We were running all night, with lights and a full array of marine electronics for safety. With the Suzuki, we never had to change out batteries during pit stops, which definitely saved us time.” This race is a battle for bragging rights among skiff builders and also an annual event that highlights Florida’s water issues, spearheaded by manufacturers and the non-profit organization

Captains For Clean Water. The event draws attention to water issues and promotes ways everyday people can help protect and restore Florida’s water quality. These goals are in harmony with Suzuki Marine’s activities on behalf of the marine environment. Suzuki recently debuted the world’s first microplastics filtering device designed for use on outboard motors, as part of its global Clean Oceans Project. With this device, boaters become part of the solution to microplastic pollution just by driving their boats. “Suzuki understands the importance of protecting our waters and coastal environments for future generations,” said George “Gus” Blakely, Vice President of Suzuki Marine USA. “This is why we clean up beaches and innovate things like the new microplastics filter for our engines. With Florida as our new home, we’re especially appreciative of all the efforts of Captains for Clean Water, not just for this annual event, but all year long,” To learn more about Suzuki Marine’s full line of Ultimate Outboard Motors from 2.5 to 350 horsepower, visit www.suzukimarine.com. Visit Captains for Clean Water at www.captainsforcleanwater.com.

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

MAY 2021

SOUTH FLORI DA’S E XOTIC

ALIEN FISH By Ryan Izquierdo

PHOTO CREDIT: @RYAN_IZQUIERDO

PHOTO CREDIT: @ESTRADA_ART

he clown knifefish over it. When you looks like it escaped asked the guy at the from a mad scientist’s counter what they laboratory. Originally caught it on, the from tropical Asia, it is one of response was always the non-native species that have the same: a Gambler taken hold in Florida waters. red shad worm, With its long knife-shaped because that’s all you body and black spots, it is a fished if you weren’t beautiful species that anglers using live bluegill. from all over the world travel “It took another to target in south Florida. 15 years or so before Clown knifefish are I finally got my hands powerful and agile. They on a real clown myself. offer explosive thrashing Unfortunately, it was Capt. Pa trick Sm jumps similar to tarpon, during the freeze of 2010, ith hold s the w for Mich and are nearly impossible when the canals were full ael Don orld-record 14.5 vito, the client w -pound clown k for most anglers to land of dead ones, along with ho caug nifefish ht it. without a net. I caught my first clown dead peacock bass, shad PHOTO knifefish when I moved to Palm Beach also be caught and just about everything COURTE SY OF SW AMP TO County 10 years ago. My biggest clown on artificials and fly. Small SEA GUID else. E SER VIC E. knifefish weighed more than 12 pounds. I white swimbaits, bladed baits and small hair “Everything has made a caught it while fishing with my buddy Capt. jigs all work, and you’ll likely catch peacock complete rebound since then. We’ve learned Bill Lepree. It ate the last shad in the livewell and largemouth bass, along with many other to catch them consistently on bait, artificials as we were eating Publix subs. After some exotic species when targeting clown knife fish. and even a few on fly. I’ve managed to build a drag screaming runs, it got wrapped around I reached out to my buddy Capt. Patrick successful guide business with clients calling bridge pilings and broke the line as it swam Smith, a world-record holding clown knifefish from around the world to target clown knife backward into the net. I once made a “Catch guide, of Swamp to Sea Guide Service, in fish. & Cook Clown Knifefish” Youtube video. Let’s south Florida to talk about his history with “In 2018, I was lucky to have a client catch just say they’re not as tasty as they are fun to this amazing species. Here’s what he wrote: the current IGFA record at 14.5 pounds. I’m catch. “I remember over 25 years ago when my sure that record will fall any day, as we are Any of the ponds and canals connected mom would drive me around to the local seeing some absolute giants out there.” to Lake Ida in Palm Beach County are good tackle shops so I could speak with shop hands places to target clown knifefish. I use light and check for new pictures on the wall. On Follow Ryan Izquierdo on Youtube fluorocarbon line, a small octopus hook occasion, we would see a Polaroid tacked up (RyanIzFishing) and Instagram @ryan_izquierdo to check out his fishing adventures. and live shiners, shad or bluegill. They can with a giant silver alien fish with black dots all

MAY 2021

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

PHOTO CREDIT: @RYAN_IZQUIERDO

BIG FISH E

ach spring, inshore anglers are greeted with big winds, big tides and small baitfish. There is no time where the size of your lure can make or break your trip more than the spring season. With the abundance of small baitfish in the water, it can be difficult to get the attention of your target species, especially when you are fishing with artificial lures. It is also very common to find gamefish gorging themselves on tiny glass minnows. This is routinely evident when you land a fish and they spit up these miniature meals. As anglers, we have two obstacles here: the sheer amount of forage in the water competing with your lure and the small size of the lure required. What I have found to be the most successful tactic is to use the smallest lure I can cast and appropriately present to the fish. Both hard and soft lures can be effective. Another key to success is color. I prefer a white-and-silver combination that closely matches the natural forage. I like to fish these lures on the edge of large bait balls when possible. I try to keep my lure on the edge or under the school to let the fish focus on a single target rather than a large mass. Using a slow-sinking lure is an advantage at

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

this time of the year. A lure that will suspend or slow-sink is ideal. This allows the predator time to target your lure, and it also gives the appearance of a wounded baitfish, which is always a plus. When the bait is this thick, your lure needs to stand out, but you still need to match the forage in size and color. The use of tandem rigs allows for a couple of advantages. Casting two smaller lures could equal the weight of one of your typical offerings. This allows you to cast farther and still have the appropriate size lure. Rigging two small silver spoons with white bucktails is a great combination when fishing glass minnow schools. I also like to use a small floater/diver with a small spoon trailer. The diving action in conjunction with the added weight of the spoon is a unique combination of action to entice strikes. Downsizing your lure presentation in spring can definitely up-size your catch. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES

SMALL LURES

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

MAY 2021

SHRIMP: THE BAIT OF ALL BAITS

Tim Barefoot

ears ago, I was obsessed with live bait of all kinds. I kept livewells with mullet, shrimp, pinfish and cigar minnows. I spent a lot of time tending to bait and battling the otters at the marina. My inshore bait of choice was the live shrimp… hands down. Live mullets will get the bite, no question, but the shrimp is simply irresistible. I would spend hours and hours catching, housing and feeding bait. I was just about at the end of my inshore live bait road when along came the DOA shrimp. I love everything about that soft plastic shrimp body. It’s pretty tough, looks just like a real shrimp and can be made to work in every single situation including depth, grass/ roots and current when used with the correct hardware. I have to admit there are times when I may catch a few more fish with live shrimp, but I can carry my entire inshore tackle box now in just a few small trays of jig heads, DOA shrimp colors and a bottle of Pro Cure shrimp scent. It’s extremely easy to just plug a DOA body on the jig, apply a liberal amount of Pro Cure shrimp scent on the

MAY 2021

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

legs and underside, and start fishing. I have so much faith in this combination. It’s just a given; they will eat it when properly presented. I could write several pages of this article regarding the different applications, but I’ll be brief.

I keep four rods rigged with shrimp: 1) Shrimp body on a 3/8-ounce Barefoot Jig. 2) Shrimp under a fixed cork about 20 inches deep on a 3/8 oz. Barefoot Jig. 3) Shrimp under a sliding cork on a 3/8-ounce Barefoot Jig (to suspend over shell beds). 4) Shrimp (weedless, or as it comes out of the package) without a jig head. I can go anywhere there are

shrimp and catch trout, drum, snook and more with a very small tackle box. It’s the universal bait. My favorite is just the shrimp on the Barefoot Jig without a cork, but under the fixed and sliding cork is sometimes just the ticket. You can use the sliding cork around docks and snags at an irresistibly slow speed. The reason it works so well is the jig head is balanced and will maintain a perfect horizontal position with or without a cork. The key is to make the shrimp look like a real shrimp. A live shrimp does not move around sternor bow-heavy. A live shrimp moves through the water slowly in a perfectly horizontal position. Just look at them in the livewell or at a tackle shop that sells live shrimp. That’s the reason the DOA catches so many fish: it swims horizontally. The weedless version of this shrimp can be extremely effective for fish tailing in the grass or around mangrove roots. This is one reason to keep one rigged and ready and always moving around quietly. For videos of these variations, visit my website and click on “videos.” For more from Capt. Tim Barefoot, visit barefootcatsandtackle.com.

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On the Swordfish Ledge

off Marathon

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

f you’ve ever been swordfishing out of Marathon, Fla., chances are you were deep dropping in the same place I was early last month when the U.S. Coast Guard ticketed us for fishing in Bahamian waters. Dropping for swordfish can be more exhausting than running around a deck catching fish all day. You stare mindlessly at one single rod tip, waiting for it to either tighten down or stop bobbing, as the fish may be swimming toward the surface. It’s easy to lose your mind with this type of fishing and question if every other wave was a bite. It is also not uncommon to spend an entire day doing the crazy-eyed swordfish rod stare and never get as much as a nibble. During a slow uneventful sword drift along the ledge in 1,800 feet of water, our luck finally changed. A massive flock of diving arctic terns slowly approached us and crossed conveniently behind the boat. We opened the bails on the flat lines and let live pinfish swim out toward the commotion. We immediately hooked up, stole the school of mahi from under the birds and had fish stacked around the boat. With four mahi hooked up along the port side, we had just begun the stickand-swap assembly line from hook to killbox when we were alerted that we were about to be boarded by the U.S. Coast Guard. The voice on the radio informed us

MAY 2021

they would be boarding on the port side, and we responded with a request that they come to the starboard side instead, since we had lines out and were actively fishing. They accommodated, and three “Coasties” boarded to conduct a routine safety check. We continued fishing. After about half an hour with our official guests on board, we had already finished with the school of mahi and decided to reel up the sword line, because we couldn’t maintain an efficient drift. We activated the lazy fisherman button on the electric reel and continued the routine with the Coast Guard. Half distracted by our unexpected visitors, it took us a moment before we realized the reel wasn’t fluidly gaining line. We were definitely hooked up to something, and these Coasties were going to have to put a pin in it. “Hang on fellas, we’re hooked up!” We spent the next half hour without hearing a word from them as they allowed us to land our catch. The fish began to surface, the line scoped out behind our boat and was coming straight underneath the Coast Guard cutter raft. We radioed asking them to move. After a lot of chaos and tight circular boat maneuvering, we landed the 150-pound swordfish with three Coasties on board. They even took the photos of our catch. It was all high fives and celebration until they then

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decided to ask us for our Bahamian fishing licenses and informed us we were illegally fishing in Bahamian Exclusive Economic Zone. Later on, extensive research by Steve Steenstra, owner of Blue Magic Charters in Marathon, revealed that the Bahamian EEZ line runs about 24 miles from land, straight across the U.S. sword ledge. None of us, not even our GPS mapping, knew about this line. A law enacted some 40 years ago had just been enforced for the first time. We were the first vessel to be cited. As I understand it, after an early morning visit to the Coast Guard Station in Key West, the EEZ line was drawn straight down the middle by default, with no discussion of the matter between the two countries. Now that they appear to be enforcing it, recreational swordfishing from the Florida Keys is threatened, along with the tourism it brings and the local livelihoods it supports. With the situation rapidly unraveling and with major decisions to be made in coming weeks, be sure to stay up to date before venturing offshore in the Keys. Capt. Quinlyn Haddon and Blue Magic Charters are following this situation closely. Contact her at (504) 920-6342 or through Instagram @CaptainQuinlyn and @BlueMagicCharters.

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MAY 2021

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SALTWATER FLY FISHING 30

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE

love this time of year. With the warming Pacific water temperatures and the arrival of pelagic species like bluefin tuna, I know mako shark season is only a few weeks away. There is not a better saltwater game fish on the west coast for the saltwater fly angler than the shortfin mako shark. These apex predators are big, fast and aggressive, which makes them a prime sight-fishing target with the fly. However, it’s a lot like hunting, and to hook one of these amazing fish, an angler WATCH VIDEO must have lots of patience. Chumming for mako sharks can be boring. Sometimes it takes a few hours for the first mako to show up in the chum slick. So, what do you do when you’re waiting THE ART OF CHUMMING for Mr. Grinner to swim up the slick? You play with blue sharks! The art of chumming for sharks is more about the time invested PASS TIME WITH THE BLUES chumming; sometimes many hours than actually catching the shark. The blue shark has helped me pass many boring hours bobbing Three things I’ve learned over the years fishing for Mako sharks around in my skiff waiting for a mako to show up. In fact, it’s the blue is: shark that got me started in saltwater fly fishing. 1) Have good, fresh chum I remember it well. The year was 1993, and I was looking for 2) Find a spot where there is plenty of current some adventure in my life. Bored with casting to bluegill and bass at 3) Find a good temperature break the local lakes, I wanted something bigger, more extreme, a greater And… be patient. The longer you stay, the bigger the payoff. As challenge. I discovered the blue shark. my shark-fishing mentor once told me many years ago, “Stick and I don’t cast to blue sharks much these days. I would rather stay, and make it pay.” appreciate their beauty and companionship, sort of like a pet dog. Sage advice. MAY 2021

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CASTING A

BIG FLY ROD A

tarpon fly rod is a different tool than a trout or bass rod. The important part of a 10- to 12-weight tarpon rod is the ability to lift the fish at the end of the fight and try to break its spirit. So it’s not surprising to say the butt section is very, very stiff! Only the tip section of a tarpon rod can be loaded. In other words, only the tip bends. That is the “action” of the rod. There are a few important points to make when casting a tarpon rod. I know most of us think we have to learn to cast a long way when going tarpon fishing, and yes, it is important to know the essentials necessary to cast a long way, but more often it is a short, 40- to 60-foot cast in windy conditions. When casting a tarpon rod, you need to understand the construction of the rod so you can cast narrow loops into the wind. Simply stated, the butt of the rod is very stiff to give it lifting power. Only the tip section of a tarpon rod bends. I call this tip 32

MAY 2021

By Rene J. Hesse

casting, because the rod is designed to only bend at the tip, as I’ve said at least three times now. The most common casting error in this case is the angler doesn’t make the necessary adjustment to the casting arc with a tarpon rod in his hand. More to the point, to form a tighter loop, shorten the casting arc. If the rod arc is too wide (45-90 degrees), the rod tip path will be convex, causing the loop size to be very large. Although it may be counterintuitive, try a shorter stroke length and arc (30 degrees) during the acceleration phase of the cast, and you will start to get that tarpon rod under control. Try it. Check out the Federation of Fly Fishers website. If you don’t know these terms, it will help you understand the following: To cast the heavier tarpon rods and achieve

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the straight line path of the rod tip (SLP) on the back cast, stop the rod a little sooner in an upward direction and then drift. On the forward cast, after translation and during the rotation, don’t drop the rod tip down much below the oncoming line. A few other tips: Remember to use the 180-Degree Rule, and the cast will perform much better. Here’s how it works. If you are casting into the wind, remember to use a back cast with a high trajectory, like the angle on the roof of your house. Then on the forward cast, aim low at the water. One last thing about the line, tarpon fly lines have specialty tapers. They have a short belly (fat part), so you don’t have to have a lot of line out of the rod tip to make those short casting strokes and load the rod like it should be. Try these tip casting tips. The next time you are in front of a tarpon coming at you with a 15 mph wind, stay calm. Good luck!

WASHES UP IN FLORIDA WATERS WATCH

VIDEO

ou’ve got to feel bad for the angler who lost this fish. In February, a dead arapaima washed up on the rip-rap at a park on the Caloosahatchee River in Cape Coral, Florida. The big fish still had an angler’s hook in its mouth. Chances are the fish put up a heck of a fight before breaking off. In their native range in the Amazon and Essequibo basins of South America, arapaima are prized as game fish and food-fish. They are among the largest freshwater fish in the world, growing to lengths longer than 10 feet and weighing in excess of 400 pounds. In order to reach that kind of size during a 15 to 20 year life span, arapaima grow quickly. They feed ravenously on other fish, and they also rise to the surface to pick off birds and small mammals. The other reason they rise to the surface is because they breathe air. Arapaima have gills, but they also require surface air, which is why they rise and gulp every 5 to 15 minutes. To an angler, huge, surface-feeding fish that give up their position by regularly rising might sound pretty exciting. But you’ll have to go to the Amazon to chase them. Experts suggest the one that washed up in the Caloosahatchee was a released pet that might have succumbed to a February cold snap. Arapaima are a warm water species that does not survive water temperatures below about 60 degrees. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) Commission issued a statement saying there’s no evidence of arapaima reproduction in the wild in Florida. Of course, Florida is full of non-native fish species that thrive in its warm, hospitable waters. Many of these freshwater species, like peacock bass, clown knife fish and mayan cichlids, have become angler favorites despite being invasive and detrimental to existing ecosystems. If arapaima were to take hold in Florida waters, it could be pretty bad. They were accidentally introduced to Bolivian waters, where they have reaped havoc among the native fish. State wildlife officials ask anyone who catches or sees an arapaima or other nonnative freshwater fish species in the wild to call the Exotic Species Hotline at 1-888-IVE-GOT1 (1-888-483-4681), report it through the FWC’s I’ve Got 1 App or report it online at I’veGot1.org. The FWC said to make sure to take a photo, if possible, and provide the location, date and time of the sighting. Non-native fish should be humanely killed and never released alive back into the water.

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Yamaha's New 252 FSH Sport and 255 FSH Sport E The Most Capable and Versatile Center Console Boats in Their Class

ew for 2021 is the exciting 25-foot Yamaha 252 FSH Sport and 255 FSH Sport E center console boats that are the most capable and versatile boats in their class. These larger models of Yamaha’s popular FSH Series are designed with the size, power, and fuel range for serious offshore adventures. The 252 FSH Sport features twin, Yamaha 1.8L High Output engines. These normally-aspirated engines are powerful, reliable, and virtually maintenance-free. Acceleration is instant, bow rise is minimal, and more deck space is available for fishing and fun. For buyers who want the most performance available, and the premium features that come with Yamaha's E-Series drive-by-wire features, the 255 FSH Sport E gets twin 1.8L supercharged Yamaha SVHO® marine engines for a combined 500-horsepower. Zero to 30 mph acceleration is a blistering five seconds with a top speed of 55 mph. In addition, the 255 FSH Sport E feature push-button start, dual throttle lever syncing, and more. Both models come with 111-gallon fuel tanks, the highest capacity fuel tanks Yamaha offers in a jet boat. Paired with Yamaha's fuelefficient engines, there is plenty

of cruising range for boaters who want to explore beyond the harbor surf break. Under the water line is an all-new deep-V hull design that responds immediately to steering input at all speeds and comes on plane instantly. The bow seating area is wide and long, providing ample space for taller passengers to stretch out. And of course, there is plenty of storage available under the hinged bow seats, stainless steel beverage holders in all the right places, and an expansive anchor and bow ladder locker for easy access. Moving into the spacious cockpit interior, there is a transparent live well located portside and a large storage pod topped with padded marine mat adjacent on the starboard side. There is a comfortable bench seat in the front of the center console that lifts up to reveal an extra deep, large storage area that can also serve as a changing room or a head compartment thanks to the curtain enclosure that is standard on all models. Both models are fitted with finished fiberglass hard tops with LED lighting and integrated audio speakers. Completing the tower are five rocket launcher rod holders mounted to the T-Top frame, and there

are eight additional rod holders located under the port and starboard gunnels. The helm is thoughtfully designed with a glass windshield, stainless steel sports steering wheel, locking glove box, and 12-inch Simrad® marine electronics. Also included is Yamaha's Connext® 3.0 helm control system with a 7-inch touchscreen that controls the entertainment and vital system functions of the boat, a mobile phone holder, and USB/AUX ports. Behind the helm is beam width bench seating, a starboard side live bait well, and a low walkthrough transom for easy access to Yamaha's signature stern lounge area. This is the place to be when hanging out at your favorite cove, and a great open access place to cast from. Completing the stern area are stainless steel beverage holders, high-quality padded flooring, a stainless-steel tow eye, and a telescopic reboarding ladder. They also feature underwater lights. From bow to stern, there is nothing cookiecutter about Yamaha's new 25-foot center console boats. From their striking good looks to industryfirst innovations, Yamaha's 252/255 FSH Series models let you do it all on the water, in style and with peace of mind. Learn more at YamahaBoats.com

WATCH

VIDEO

PERFECT THE

FAST CAST FOR EXPEDIENT ACCURACY By Stu Apte

EDITOR’S NOTE: Legendary fly fisherman Stu Apte has fished worldwide for anything that swims for more than 70 years. Here he shares some tips on sight casting.

ow would you like to go after an elephant armed with a BB gun? In theory, that is what we attempt to do when we go after 100-pound-plus tarpon—or any other fish you can see and must quickly cast to before they see you— with a fly rod and a comparatively light leader tippet. The difference is, you can’t get an elephant with a BB gun, but you can catch all kinds of 100-poundplus fish with a fly rod using a comparatively light tippet. All you must do is learn to implement the proper fish fighting techniques, and how to get your cast to the fish with speed and accuracy. I started developing and teaching this back in the late 1950s and early 1960s when I was a backcountry guide in the Florida Keys. I will try to describe how to do the fast cast: If you are right-handed, you will have the fly rod in your right hand and carefully hold the fly by the hook pointing away from you in the first finger and thumb of your left hand. I generally fish at least a 12foot leader, so this is a little easier for people with a shorter leader. You should have approximately 8 or 10 feet of fly line out of the rod tip.

Do a forward roll cast in the air, without letting the fly or line hit the water. Abruptly stop it before it reaches its zenith, and then shoot a little line on your back cast, once again stopping it before it reaches the end of the cast. This should load your rod enough to make a 50- or 60-foot presentation, sometimes even a 70-foot cast without even a full false cast. Yes, this is something you must practice for accuracy, but once you get it down and it is not difficult, you will catch more fish by doing a fast cast than anything else I can teach. Now, it is important to dress your line with Line Speed so it will flow through the guides easily. Depending on where I’m fishing and the quality of the surface water, I might have to dry and redress my fly line four or five times during the day. So I keep Loon Outdoors Line Speed or Stream Line nearby so I can use it in my Loon Outdoors Line Cleaning Tool. Reprinted with permission from Loon Outdoors: www.loonoutdoors.com.

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MAY 2021

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Spring Striped Bass Run the Hudson River WATCH

VIDEO

By Nick Carter

ach spring, through the Hudson River’s mouth at bustling New York Harbor, a massive spawning migration of Atlantic stripers pushes some 150 miles upstream to the Federal Dam at Troy, N.Y. In this long stretch of tidally influenced river, striped bass show up when water temps reach the 60s. Dave Maneri, of Tivoli, N.Y., said the trick is to keep up with the migration and put yourself in the right place at the right time to intercept pods of transient stripers. “They move in big schools,” Maneri said. “Some days they’re there and you can catch them; other days they’re not. You gotta stay on the reports. They’re running the whole river, so you could travel to where the fish are or wait until they’re where you are.” Smaller schoolie striped bass show up first. They come with the spawning alewives, which are baitfish commonly called herring. Schoolies remain in the river for a couple months some years, and there’s also a year-round resident population. But Maneri said the big cows remain only for a week or two each season. They are always on the move, and connecting with them can lead to unbelievable action with big fish measuring past the 40-inch mark with weights heavier than 30 pounds. Fishing bait is generally the most productive tactic. The best bait is herring pulled right out of the river, either live or chunked. Most locals use a scap net to catch herring. A scap net is essentially a 4’x4’ dip net. The schooling herring will follow a swimbait right up to the net where they are captured. Maneri fishes his herring off the bottom using medium and medium-heavy rods with baitrunnerstyle reels that allow fish to run with the bait on free spool before the angler strikes to set the hook and engage the drag. He employs a main line of 30-pound braid with a 1 ½-foot leader of 15- to 20-pound fluorocarbon. A 7/0 Gamakatsu Octopus should be hooked through the bait’s mouth, and the whole

rig is kept down with a 2- or 3-ounce slide swivel teardrop sinker. Maneri said stripers don’t relate to any kind of structure on their spawning run, so the good spots are the drop offs, channels and shallows where baitfish might be funneled. Obviously, a boat gives anglers the ability to move and seek out fish. But fishing from shore is also productive. When he fishes from the shore, Maneri uses rod holders made from PVC pipe and rebar. They can be wedged into rip-rap to free up the angler while waiting on a bite. And the bite can be a tricky thing. Maneri said these stripers have a knack for spitting the bait. One thing is for sure, though; when the hook sets solid and the drag is engaged, a big striped bass in heavy current is a formidable opponent. Dave Maneri is a team member of Catskill Outdoors. Look them up on Facebook. THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

MAY 2021

FISHING FOR A

WWII PLANE WATCH

PHOTO CREDIT: @RYAN CLAPPER

VIDEO

World War II-era plane taking part in the Cocoa Beach Air Show made an emergency landing in the ocean near Patrick Space Force Base beaches Saturday afternoon. No one was injured, emergency officials said. Thee plane descended low in a controlled fashion before coming to a skidding halt in the ocean, sending up spray and foam. The plane’s single propeller was seen no longer spinning as it glided toward the shallow water. Dozens of people in the water look up as it passes close overhead and bystanders express shock as they watch the small aircraft make its descent. The plane landed safely on the surface of the ocean. But in the days ahead the question remained. How would this WWI era plane be fished out of the surf and into safety. On the following Monday morning a crane was able to retrieve it from the Atlantic waters of Cocoa Beach, Florida.

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he inflatable 350fx Fishing Explorer from Sea Eagle is a rugged, ultraportable kayak designed to take anglers to fish, wherever they may be. This kayak is virtually bulletproof. It is constructed with 1000 denier reinforced PVC and beefed up with 2000 denier reinforced PVC on the side of the tubes where it’s most needed. Combining the proven design of the Sea Eagle Explorer series and the fishing prowess of the FastTrack Angler 385fta, the new 350fx has everything an angler needs to turn a good day on the water into a great day on the water. Large tubes provide extra buoyancy and superior stability when standing to cast or fight a fish. Sixteen open-and-close drains keep you dry in calm waters and let the water out if you go for a fun run down some rapids or hit some chop. There are also six builtin rod holders; spray skirts with Sea Eagle’s accessory belts that hold tools, lures and tackle; a built-in 40-inch fish ruler; anchor trolley d-rings on both tubes; adjustable foot

braces; EVA foam non-slip foot pad; multiple d-rings to secure gear and seats; and a large removable skeg. The 350fx Fishing Explorer can be used with a double-ended kayak paddle or with an electric motor. The optional motor mount takes up to a 34-pound-thrust electric motor. You can paddle quietly to ease up on the fish, or you can cover water or troll under power. Using the optional Sea Eagle Swivel Seat Fishing Rig allows you to sit higher for a great view into the water. The seat also gives you

two additional Scotty rod holders. At 11’6” long x 39” wide, there is plenty of room for an angler and all their gear. The 350fx weighs only 51 pounds and holds one person or up to 575 pounds. This kayak folds down to just 31” x 19” x 10”, so it can easily be transported in your trunk or stowed away in your camper. When you’re ready to launch, it inflates in just seven minutes. There are four amazing packages available starting at just $1,099 with free ground shipping to the continental U.S. To learn more about the new inflatable 350fx Fishing Explorer, go to SeaEagle.com or call 800-748-8066 M-F from 9-5 EST.

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Troll & Watch Bottom for

Spring Grouper By CAM Staff

t’s a lot more fun to fill fish boxes when the various Gulf and Atlantic grouper seasons open in spring. These days, advances in electronics have made finding good grouper bottom easier than ever. There is, however, a trade-off. In the good old days, captains precisely timed their courses out of the pass in hopes of coming off throttle near a fish-producing rock pile. Before GPS and sonar, the best indicators of productive bottom were boats already there and catching fish. Successful anglers even welcomed new boats to the party, reasoning that more baits in the water served to excite fish into feeding. In case you didn’t notice, that’s not the way things work any more. Now any yahoo with a boat can plug coordinates into their navigation system and sleepwalk straight to a ledge or wreck. Community holes and artificial reefs are crowded and sometimes picked clean of fish. To avoid this, a good set of numbers is a jealously guarded secret. Camaraderie on the open sea is officially a thing of the past when picking up and moving off productive bottom is a logical step to avoid being marked in the mapping system of a passing vessel. We’ve traded open sharing of information for technological advancements the old salts couldn’t have dreamed of. With advanced radar, sonar, mapping and GPS, it’s up to the angler to spend time on the water to locate their own magic numbers. With grouper seasons opening in state and federal waters off the southern states, most species have finished with the peak of spawning. They have begun moving to deeper water and are hungry to feed-up and regain what was lost to the rigors of the spawn. However, grouper are also spread out more thinly right now than they are when they group up on deep-water structure in summer. You might not have to run as far to reach productive bottom, but you will likely have to do more spot-hopping to fill the boxes. It’s a good time of year to troll. Some fish will still be shallow enough to target with deepdiving lures. Using planers and downriggers, it’s possible to get lures down to 60 feet or deeper, and some very deep-diving plugs can get down to 40 feet on their own with the right braided line. This allows you to cover ground on and around those ledge coordinates you have marked. It’s a throwback to the olds days, when trolling up a grouper was the method for finding an area to stop and drop baits. If you keep an eye on the 46

MAY 2021

WATCH

VIDEO

PHOTO COURTESY OF CRYSTAL LAFOSSE

bottom machine, you might even spot a small formation you didn’t know was there. These small blips are the honeyholes that produce when the larger reefs and structure succumb to constant fishing pressure. Don’t care for boat rides and watching rods? Traditional bottom fishing may still be the best method. Check your shallower coordinates as you head out this time of year. Many boats ride right over good structure on the way to their

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deeper summer spots. Reefs or rocks as shallow as 40 feet will hold fish before they head out to their mid-summer haunts. Just be sure to drop some chum down upstream of the structure to bring them out of their hidey-holes. See your state’s saltwater fishing regulations to determine which species of grouper are open for harvest where you fish.

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THE PERFECT WAY TO FILLET By CAM Staff

very blade-handy angler has their own techniques and tricks for peeling the perfect fillet off a fish. But anyone who has spent enough time around a cutting board knows the perfect way to fillet is a combination of three crucial elements: technique, tools and practice. Whether it’s a 15-pound red snapper or a 6-ounce bream, the basics of filleting a fish are the same. The idea is to remove the meat along the fish’s flanks, while leaving behind the head, bones and guts. Step 1: Make a vertical cut just behind the fish’s gill plate and pectoral fin. This cut should go all the way down to the bone and extend from back to belly. Step 2: Run the blade from the first cut all the way down the top of the fish, along the backbone to the tail, making a shallow incision as close to the backbone as you can get it. Step 3: Using that long cut along the backbone, utilize smooth, light strokes to work the fillet away from the bones moving from the back to the belly. The other hand can be used to peel back the meat as you go. Cut around the ribcage when you arrive at it. Step 4: With step 3 completed, you should have a beautiful skin-on fillet. To remove the skin, place the fillet on the board skin side down. Start from the tail and insert the knife through

PHOTO BY JEA

the meat down to the skin, leaving a tab of meat and skin at the tail to hold onto. Turn the knife horizontal and run the blade up the skin to remove the meat. Step 5: Use tweezers to pick out any pin bones left in the fillet. The technique seems simple enough, but if you don’t have good, sharp, flexible knives that are sized correctly for the fish on the board, you’re going to make a mess out of your fillets. Havalon has come up with an all-in-one solution for this issue with its Talon system. With five styles of high-quality blades that all fit on the same handle, switching from a 7-inch blade down to a 5-incher or even down to a 3.5inch utility blade is as easy as pressing a button

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with their Quik-Change II blade replacement system. The blades can be resharpened as well as replaced to make sure they are razor sharp when you need them. Also, with a handle that opens up, clean-up is both thorough and easy with the Havalon Talon system. Rinse your tools down and roll them up in the included canvas kit so they’ll be ready the next time you need them. And next time should be soon, because practice is the final and most important element in the perfect way to fillet. Go fishing enough, and you’ll be peeling off perfect fillets for the table in no time. Check out the Havalon Talon System at www.havalon.com.

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MAY 2021

DA • BO

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BUCSKTET

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By TAM Staff

A E R, C

Bow River Bullets W WATCH

ithout a doubt, Alberta, Canada’s Bow River is a world-class trout fishery. Glacier-fed and flowing more than 350 miles from the Canadian Rockies through the foothills and prairies of Alberta, it is big and scenic by the time it reaches the 50-mile section southeast of Calgary that author Jim McLennan called “the Blue Ribbon Bow.” It is here in this blue ribbon stretch that anglers flock to get in on some of the best brown and rainbow trout fishing in the world. Stephen Laurie considers the Bow his home water. Although most guide operations fish the river from drift boats or rafts, he prefers fishing it from a kayak most of the time. He said it’s a good way to access smaller runs that larger, less-maneuverable vessels can’t reach. Some of his best days of fishing have occurred in back channels that don’t receive much fishing pressure. When speaking of good days on the Bow, one must consider that the river holds 2,500

MAY 2021

rainbow and brown trout per mile. Laurie said fish average about 15 or 16 inches, and that large fish longer than 20 inches eat lures and streamers daily. He has a fondness for what he called “Bow River bullets,” which are big rainbow trout renowned for their fight. He said visiting anglers are often surprised by how hard these big-shouldered rainbows pull. Early spring to late fall offers a long window when the Bow fishes well. Either end of that time frame can present huge snow banks and bitterly cold temperatures, though. The best fishing can be found following the subsidence of the spring runoff in May and early June. Trout remain hungry and susceptible to a variety of tactics through the summer months. Laurie said fly anglers should bring boxes loaded with streamers like Clouser Minnows, Rubber Buggers and Crystal Zonkers. Nymphs are also very productive, and patterns like Hare’s Ears, Rainbow Warriors, Frenchies and worms are a necessity. And it is definitely worthwhile to stop in at a local fly shop to ask

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VIDEO

about what hatches might be coming off. The dry fly fishing can be spectacular during heavy caddis or mayfly hatches. “I have always taken a spinning rod when on the river, as the winds can pick up any time and cause some real fly casting issues, especially when fishing from a kayak,” Laurie said. “Having a spinning rod with me has saved a few wind-filled days. Most common lures would be Rapala CD7 and typical spinners in varying colors.” Although it is possible to access stretches of the Bow to wade, float trips are by far a better option because access points are spread out. A floating angler could bite off between three and eight hours worth of fishing or even an overnight trip depending on the put-in and take-out points and how long is spent stopping to wade fish the more productive stretches. With summer vacations coming up, now is the time to start planning a trout excursion to the Blue Ribbon Bow to experience some of the best fishing on the planet.

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WACKY RIG WATCH

By Tyler Woolcott

VIDEO

FOR THE STAGES OF THE SPAWN W

hen bass flock to the banks this time of year, it draws in a lot of anglers. Many times, it’s possible to locate big bass in the shallows, but it can be tough to make them bite because of pressure on heavily fished lakes. A wacky-rigged Senko is one of my favorite techniques in this situation. I slow down, stay farther off a spawning area and pick it apart with a finesse approach some anglers won’t try. A wacky worm flat out gets bit. Whether it’s a Senko-style bait or a Trick Worm, the size of fish I’m targeting and water clarity play a huge role in the decision. On a clear body of water with spotted and largemouth bass, I throw a smaller 4- to 5-inch worm. When the target is primarily largemouth, I throw a larger 6-inch Senko or a Magnum Trick Worm. Throwing the wacky worm is a more finesse approach, and it’s also versatile. A wacky-rigged worm is easy to throw and

skip around docks, wood, grass, open water or any bank bass are attracted to. You catch fish spawning around the cover, those about to spawn and those finished up and looking to feed. People get overwhelmed in over-thinking color choice. I stick to more natural colors like green pumpkins and baitfish colors because, at the end of the day, you are trying to use finesse and present something natural. I often stick a nail weight in the larger end of the worm to get the bait into the strike zone faster and keep it there. Depending on depth, I use a 1/32- or 3/32-ounce WOO! Tungsten Nail Weight. Whether you’re fishing a tournament for $100,000 or just out fun fishing, getting a bite on a tough day can boost confidence and tell you you’re in a good area. I keep a wacky worm rigged at all times, and I throw it anywhere from Florida to the Great Lakes when I’m struggling for a bite, especially on a highly pressured fishery.

WACKY WORM GEAR A wacky worm calls for a spinning rod. Lighter line and a rod you can use to skip the bait helps put it where the guy fishing the bank ahead of you couldn’t with his baitcaster. I use a 13 Fishing Omen Black 7’1” Medium Fast action rod paired with a 3000size reel. This rod is ideal. It is short enough to make accurate casts and skips. It has a medium action to reel into a fish and keep him on without pulling the hook. The fast tip helps you feel bites and work the bait appropriately. I use between a size 2 and a 1/0 Hayabusa Spin Muscle guard hook, depending on the size of the bait. My line of choice is a 10-pound Seaguar Smackdown braid in lime green. Depending on water clarity, I fish an 8- to 12-pound Seaguar Tatsu leader. Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at tylerwoolcottfishing.com.

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MAY 2021

Eastern America’s Highest Town

eech Mountain is the highest town in Eastern America and an ideal vacation spot in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Our elevation (5,506 feet) sets us apart 12 months a year. A visit to the Town of Beech Mountain offers exciting outdoor recreation and mile-high relaxation. In summer, adventure seekers flock to the Emerald Outback at Beech Mountain, a trail park which features more than eight miles of gorgeous trails near the top of the mountain. Hiking, mountain biking and trail running are prevalent in the Emerald Outback, as well as on several other miles of in-town trails maintained by the parks & recreation department. Downhill mountain biking trails, complete with lift service, are available during the warmer months at Beech Mountain Resort. Those trails range from beginner to advanced. The most challenging trails at the resort have twice hosted USA Cycling’s Mountain Bike Gravity National Championships. Families and seniors also covet summer vacations on Beech – hiking to waterfalls, enjoying 100-mile mountain vistas, visiting the animal habitat at nearby Grandfather Mountain and taking in a round of mini-golf in mild temperatures that average in the low to mid 70s. Fly anglers enjoy finding hidden trout streams across the mountain, while recreational fishing is available at Buckeye Lake and Coffey Lake, both of which are stocked annually. The Mountain Heritage Trout Water (MHTW) program is all about convenience. It allows North Carolina residents and non-residents to fish in MHTW streams simply by purchasing a three-day license for just $5. Anglers who already have a statewide fishing license do not need the special

MHTW three-day license. Trout Fishing Buckeye Creek is a hatchery-supported stream (open first Saturday in April through last day of February) that flows out of Buckeye Lake, with nearby parking available at the town’s Buckeye Recreation Center. Buckeye Creek has some nice pools and riffles as it flows out of Buckeye Lake, and further downstream are several good fishing areas below a waterfall. It is stocked annually with brown, rainbow and brook trout. Pond Creek is designated catch-and-release single hook artificial lures only by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Parking for Pond Creek is available off Lakeledge Road at Lake Coffey. Pond Creek has a longer stretch of available water than Buckeye Creek. It is inhabited by native brook trout. Other options on Beech Mountain are Lake Coffey and Buckeye Lake, two small lakes stocked annually by the Wildlife Resources Commission. Lake Coffey is designated as delayed harvest trout waters, while Buckeye Lake is designated hatchery supported. Both receive a large annual infusion of brown, rainbow and brook trout. Anglers need a regular North Carolina inland license to fish in those lakes. Beech Mountain Guided Fishing presented by Beech Parks and Recreation. Get in the back country of Beech Mountain’s streams and secrete fishing holes. Learn to read water, bait selection, fly casting and how to approach mountain fishing. Call 828-387-3003 for more info and RSVP.

Trout Anglers Have Multiple Options on Beech Mountain... Buckeye Recreation Center A fabulous indoor facility for residents and visitors with a full-size gymnasium, indoor tennis court, pickleball courts, meeting areas, fitness area with state-of-the-art equipment, kid’s playroom, living room area, and indoor walking track.

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Beech Mountain Resort The premier winter ski resort in North Carolina, providing skiers and snowboarders with upscale amenities, superb terrain, and learning center. In summer, the slopes convert to downhill mountain biking trails, making it the highest lift-serviced mountain bike park east of the Rockies.

828-387-2011 beechmountainresort.com

Beech Mountain Club A private club offering activities and facilities for visitors to enjoy year-round. Most lodging rentals include use of the Club and entitle visitors to amenities such as the 18-hole mountaintop golf course stretching 6,099 yards with a spectacular view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

828-387-4208 beechmtn.club

Beech Mountain Visitors Center 403-A Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mountain, NC 28604 (828) 387-9283 • (800) 468-5506

Tips For Catching

Picky

Trout By Charlie Warfield

he upper end of the Delaware River, and more specifically the West Branch of the Delaware in the Catskill Mountains, is a favorite of many fly anglers in Pennsylvania and Upstate New York. It can also be frustrating place, as it holds some very picky trout. The river has a reputation for crystal clear water, and because it is a bottomrelease tailwater, it has a very consistent temperature, which makes for great hatches and healthy fish year round. It is known for being very technical, and this is 60

MAY 2021

just a nice way of saying it will sometimes make you want to pull your hair out. The first time I fished it, I was tested, even frustrated by this beautiful waterway. But besides the beautiful mountain setting and endless hatches, it is in part the challenge that drove me to go back time after time. I persisted and figured out ways of tricking the beautiful native fish. I learned lessons there that have made me a better angler. The following are some insights that will give you a leg up when you go fish the Delaware or any other technical stream.

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DOWNSTREAM PRESENTATION Many anglers learned to cast upstream and let the fly drift down. But when fishing for spooky or educated fish, this method can sometimes leave you frustrated. It’s harder to get a good, long drift with a downstream presentation, but many times it is your best bet. Next time you’re having a hard time getting a take, cast out at about 90 degrees to the bank, and quickly give an upstream mend, this will help you keep a drag free drift for as long as possible. Keep

mending as often as needed, letting the fly swing to its full downstream position.

rather than pulling it up and away from the fish.

SWEEP-STYLE HOOK SET

SLOW DOWN YOUR HOOK SET

The downstream presentation should be matched with a sweep-style hook set. To use this technique, swing the rod downstream and strip the line at the same time, this will pull the line through the water, creating tension and giving a good hook set. By swinging the rod downstream, you are also pulling the hook into the corner of the fish’s mouth

Ok, we have all done it before. It’s a tough day on the water and all of the sudden you get a strike, BAM you set the hook… and nothing. I have heard people say things like, “Next time, set the hook faster.” But most of the time the opposite is true. A good technique is to wait one second and then give the rod a gentle lift or sweep.

PHOTO BY JOHN WINKLER, REDHOUSEFLYFISHING.COM

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MATCH THE HATCH Picky fish know what they want to eat. There can be significant variation in color, size and body shape in the same species of fly from region to region, and there are many subspecies for each type of fly we fish. So do your homework. I suggest hiring a local guide or at least stopping in at the local fly shop. It is good to support the community, and you can never beat local knowledge. For more trout catching tips, visit coastalanglermag.com

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MAY 2021

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE BITE Berkley Saltwater Gulp! Continues to Outshine Live Bait for Coastal Anglers

ll along the coast, as the highways near the busiest launch ramps, the bait shop signs announcing what’s for sale reinforce what most anglers already know: natural bait does a good job of catching fish. Live baitfish and live shrimp are almost always on the bait shop menu as they present the most natural food source. But even the frozen slabs of baitfish and chunks of cut bait that are also widely sold—baits which have no action to them whatsoever—are eaten by saltwater species if presented the right way. But why?

The answer is simple, as it all pertains to one of the most misunderstood senses in fish biology: a fish’s sense of smell. It’s this sense of smell that inspired the development of Berkley Saltwater Gulp!, the line of baits that has transformed saltwater fishing with their effectiveness, ease of use and value. For as effective as live or cut bait can be in saltwater fishing, it’s far from the perfect solution. Live bait can be very expensive and difficult to keep alive. Unused bait becomes a treat for pushy pelicans or gets dumped into the water. Presented with a problem, the scientists at

Berkley set out to find a solution. Fish smell on the parts-per-billion level, the equivalent of a single drop of water in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. This powerful sense of smell is extremely important to a fish’s ability to feed. Fish rely upon their sense of smell because they live in an aquatic environment filled with particles and debris that can look like food. Their noses tell fish the difference between food and other organic compounds. Berkley scientists set out to make the first artificial bait that really appealed to a fish’s sense of smell. The first step was getting scent to disperse from a soft bait. While fish attractants and scents are nothing new, all of the competitive versions were oil-based. And just like the old adage reminds us, oil and water don’t mix. An oil-based scent that is smelly to a human has no effectiveness on fish since it is not soluble in water. That’s why Gulp! scents are water-based.

The water-based scent formula, now known as Berkley Gulp! and which has since become synonymous with saltwater fishing across the country, caught more fish than live bait in head-to-head tests. This scent, combined with the proprietary material used in Berkley Gulp! baits, disperses scent 400 times more effectively than any other soft bait, meaning it creates a scent field that is easily detected by fish and which continues to expand as the bait is retrieved. “I started really using Gulp! in about 2007, a few years after it came out,” said Capt. Jot Owens, who operates out of Wrightsville Beach, N.C., where he specializes in putting his clients on big redfish, flounder and other species. “And from the first year I started fishing with Gulp!, we were catching more and bigger flounder than we had ever caught before—and we were fishing in the same areas we had always been fishing. I don’t know what the magic formula is, but it really wakes fish up.” Capt. Owens said he prefers Berkley Saltwater Gulp! for a host of species, but

especially for redfish and flounder. His go-to set up for flounder varies slightly depending on whether he’s fishing inshore or farther out. The set up consists of a 6-inch Saltwater Gulp! Jerk Shad (Chartreuse/Pepper/Neon or Firetiger) on a 3/8-ounce long-shank jig head. Because Gulp! baits are wet inside and out, they can come unrigged, so Capt. Owens relies on a Berkley Fusion19 jig that has lead

lips and a wire hook to keep his Jerk Shad rigged properly. When fishing inshore, he uses a medium-fast Fenwick HMG Inshore paired with a Size 2500 or 3000 PENN Battle III DX spinning reel, which is spooled with 15-pound braid and a 30-pound fluorocarbon leader. Farther out, he will increase the line size to a 20-pound braid mainline and a 40-pound fluorocarbon leader spooled onto a Size 3500 PENN Spinfisher. “Just make sure the bait is bouncing on bottom; I’m typically jigging with the rod tip pretty high,” Capt. Owens said. “It’s not that you won’t get bit dragging it on the bottom, but the bait is more effective bouncing up and down.” For redfish, Capt. Owens has his clients using 3- or 4-inch Gulp! Shrimp (Sugar Spice Glow or Chartreuse) on a 1/8- or 1/4-ounce jig head, increasing the weight of the jig based on fishing depth and current. The rest of his redfish set up is similar to that of his inshore rig for flounder: medium-fast Fenwick HMG Inshore paired with a Size 2500 or 3000 PENN Battle III DX spinning reel, which is spooled with 15-pound braid and a 30-pound fluorocarbon leader. “The best retrieve is a hop-hop; let it sit for a second or two then give it another hop-

hop,” Capt. Owens said. “Redfish are really bottom feeders, so they’ll almost always hit it on the drop or while it’s sitting on bottom for the brief pause. The way the Berkley Saltwater Gulp! Shrimp is putting out scent, redfish pick it up with the same excitement as they would a hunk of cut bait even though it’s not moving.”

GULP! PADDLESHAD ®

YOUR FISH. OUR SCIENCE.

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FISH SMELL 1000X BETTER THAN WE DO. Underwater. In current. And even in nutrient-dense saltwater, fish can pick up a scent at the parts per billion level. Think that’s impressive? How about a bait with the ability to trick that sense of smell into believing it is even better than real food. In scientific tests, Gulp!® proved so effective on saltwater gamefish, it actually outfished real bait time and time again. Not only does the scent outperform real and artificial bait, it has 400 times the scent dispersion of the best competing soft plastic bait. Now, Gulp! is available in all of the most popular sizes, colors and actions, including the new Firetail options. Berkley® Gulp! We’ve done the science, now you catch the fish. berkley-fishing.com ©2020 Pure Fishing, Inc.

GREAT STREAMS—AND SPIRITS—AWAIT IN

HENDERSONVILLE, NC

f you’re an angler who enjoys following up a day on mountain trout streams with a refreshing craft beverage or two, cast your attention to the Blue Ridge mountain town of Hendersonville. This North Carolina town, about 22 miles south of Asheville, offers miles of stocked trout waters, as well as the popular Hendersonville Cheers! Trail. The two resources make it possible to spend the day catching three types of trout – rainbow, brown and brook – while spending an evening exploring three types of craft beverages – beer, wine and hard cider. First, the fishing part. North Mills River is the prime trout stream in the Hendersonville area. The river’s 4-mile section of delayed harvest waters receives an annual infusion of 11,000 trout from N.C. Wildlife. Spring is a great time to fly fish the delayed harvest waters of North Mills River because no trout have been harvested since Sept. 30. Another hot spot for trout fishing is just across the Henderson County line toward Brevard. The Davidson River offers miles of public trout waters that receive annual stockings of 16,500 fish. Other lesser-known fishing spots near Hendersonville include three streams on the eastern side of Henderson County, about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown. Rocky Broad River has a 1.2-mile stretch of hatchery support waters, while Cane Creek, near the Fletcher community, has 1.5mile stretch of hatchery supported waters.

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For those who really want a unique experience, Little River in DuPont State Recreational Forest provides a scenic setting for trout fishing. Delayed harvest waters flow through undisturbed mountains and over several notable waterfalls. Those waterfalls were immortalized on Hollywood’s silver screen in The Last of the Mohicans, as well as the backdrop for the exploits of Katniss Everdeen in the original Hunger Games movie. When the fishing is done, the Cheers! Trail awaits. The trail is one of North Carolina’s best, featuring 16 craft producers offering a variety of

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experiences. Beer fans love Sierra Nevada’s tasting room, which is one of the largest on the East Coast and features an expansive patio and outdoor amphitheater, while Bold Rock Hard Cider has emerged as a national leader in the hard cider industry and regularly hosts live music (indoors and outdoors), along with cidery tours and a food truck. Several craft producers on the trail create small-batch beverages prized for their quality and originality. Three breweries – Southern Appalachian, Triskelion and Guidon – are within a few blocks of each other in the Depot District, while Sanctuary Brewing Co. is only a few blocks away on Main Street. Three wineries produce highquality wines from European varietals. The newest – Point Lookout Vineyards – is located atop a 3,000-foot mountain with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards is on farmland that’s been in the family for more than nine generations. And two miles from Saint Paul, Burntshirt Vineyards offers tastings in its renovated farmhouse overlooking rolling hills of vines. For complete Hendersonville information and lodging details, call 800-828-4244 or visit www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org.

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Sometimes Simple Is Better By Chris Beardsley

imple for me means dumbing down my gear and dumbing down my approach. There are endless articles surrounding what bait to use, which rod is the most sensitive or casts the farthest and which reel provides the smoothest or strongest drag. Everyone has their favorite and my recommendation is to use it. For most inshore fishing a 7- to 10-foot medium to medium-heavy rod and a good reel that will hold 200 yards of 15-pound monofilament fits the bill perfectly. There are many other options regarding hook shape, leader material, line weight, rod constructions, etc. It can get complicated and overwhelming. Use what you’re the most comfortable and confident with, and go fishing. My favorite is a 7-foot mediumheavy rod and a 5000 series reel spooled with 15-pound Trilene Big Game mono. The business end consists of a 2-foot fluorocarbon leader and 2/0 circle hook rigged below a swivel and a 1- to 3-ounce barrel or pyramid sinker. Tipped with a live shrimp, this simple fish-finder rig can

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be left to soak or dragged slowly across the bottom. I have found this to be very effective around oyster bars or grass flats and also extremely deadly fishing in the surf. One of my favorite techniques is to tip my fish-finder rig with a live, whole shrimp. I’ve used bits and pieces of shrimp, sand fleas, assorted cut bait with varying and sometimes very good success, but it seems the whole shrimp is just too much to pass up for most fish. It’s like that house you go to on Halloween that’s giving away the large size Snickers bars; you just have to get one. The whole live shrimp is like that Snickers bar, and fish just have to have one. Another simple addition is a popping cork. The ubiquitous bobber is familiar to anyone who has soaked a worm. Besides, the visual of a bobber disappearing below the waves is great fun. For pelagics in the surf or bull reds in the bay, the popping cork is a great addition to any tackle box. Artificial baits are hard to beat when

fishing at daybreak or just before the sun starts to make some heat. A trusty gold spoon is by far the best lure for getting the attention of virtually anything that swims. It produces in salt and fresh water and is a common denominator in most tackle boxes. Trout love them, and it is my preferred method for putting one or more of those beautiful fish in the cooler. Granted, I have enough Gotchas, Gulps and Goofys to float a battleship, but some of my most successful days have been with the most basic setup. While it’s easy to get caught up buying the latest and greatest gear, it isn’t necessary. I love looking at and sometimes buying something new and shiny, but I often find myself going back to the old standbys because sometimes simple is better. Chris is a freelance writer from Wisconsin with an obsession for all things saltwater. Though growing up hunting and fishing in Wisconsin, an introduction to Florida’s Forgotten Coast provided a new outlet and exciting new challenges for anything with a forked tail.

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MAY 2021

RICA, P

BUCSKTET

IC • C O

C • CO

PHOTOS BY FRANCISCO MEJIAS

RIC A, P

IF I

2021

Central Costa Rica’s

Pacific Sailfish By Pro Staff Costa Rica

RICA, P

RIC A, P

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BUCSKTET

IC • C O

C IF I

2021

he Pacific sailfish is one of the most sought after offshore game fish in Costa Rica. Growing larger than their Atlantic counterpart, sailfish in Costa Rica average 60 to 80 pounds, but big ones can surpass 200 pounds! They are migratory, with the main concentration of fish arriving in our area of the Central Pacific as the dry season sets in the end of December. They move away as the wet season kicks in during early May. Even though this is the main migration, there are always sailfish present in our waters year round. We fish from smaller boats, so we use the traditional five-rod setup. A combination of natural baits and lures are used, and our main baits are ballyhoo. Our lures of choice are the Magna series from Santos. Variations of pink, lumo and blue combined with a Trokar hook are deadly combinations. If the bite is slow, we often sew a belly flap or strip bait into the lures for a more enticing bait. On the outriggers, we use teasers. A squid chain in pink on one side and a bigger lure like a Santos Carolina Seastalker on the other is a good start. The shotgun gets a Santos lure as well as the long rigger. The short rigger and the two corners are set up with naked swimming ballyhoos on Trokar 7/0 circle hooks. It is also handy to have a mullet, horse ballyhoo or tuna rigged and ready to go as a pitch bait in case a marlin decides to crash the party. Once the fish is caught it is time for a few photos. This is a critical part of the process, as

it involves fish handling. Even though some boats still bring up a sailfish for a photo, it is highly recommended to not do so, as it can be extremely harmful to the fish. It is the process of pulling the fish over the rail of the boat that causes problems. The protective mucus covering is scraped off, leaving an area of skin exposed to bacterial and fungal attack. This can result in death of the fish at a later time. Leave the fish in the water, and with a good pair of AFTCO gloves, grab the outer part of the bill and push the fish as far out from the boat as possible. Keep the head of the fish in the water as much as possible, and lift it briefly

for a good photo. Take the shot from the tail end of the fish looking forward or from above if possible. Alternatively, grab the front part of the sail, pull it up and hold the bill with your other hand. Make sure the bill is always pointing away from you and not at you. Take the photo from the front of the fish. If you have never been to Costa Rica fishing, it is definitely worth it and you will be hooked! Search out Pro Staff Costa Rica on Facebook for more great photography, videos and fishing content.

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allyhood International has been producing custom big game trolling lures since 1992. Darrell Primrose, former owner/operator of the Finisterra Tortuga sport fishing fleet in Cabo San Lucas, brings years of experience and first-hand knowledge to the design and manufacturing process of Ballyhood lures. Specializing in big-game trolling lures for tuna, marlin, shark and wahoo, Ballyhood’s custom lures are sold manufacturer direct, although you’ll also find their lures at some of the better offshore outfitters. The list of tournament wins with Ballyhood lures is expansive. The high trolling speed available with the majority of Ballyhood lures gives an angler a real advantage. Covering more ground and enticing bigger fish is the reason these lures are sought out and preferred by experienced Tournament Anglers. Check out these bonafides: • 47 Tournament Wins • 32-oz. Banchee (cowbell) – 27 Tournament Wins • Wahoo Express – 14 Tournament Wins • Wahoo Payback – 2 Tournament Wins – Puerto Rico • 1st place — Red Rum Shoot Out – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • 1st place — Fish Heads Tournament – Panama City, Panama

Ballyhood Hi-speed Wahoo Lures are designed to troll fast and below the surface to attract really big fish. All lures come professionally “tournament rigged.” If you’re an offshore angler and haven’t tried a Ballyhood Lure, you owe it to yourself to see first-hand how these lures give an advantage to your trolling efforts. If your results are like everyone else’s, you’ll be trolling faster and catching bigger! Learn more at www.ballyhood.com.

Surf Fishin’ WITH A SABIKI RIG By Chris Beardsley

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ishing the surf is a grab bag when it comes to tackle and whatever is biting. I’ve been fishing the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico for more than 20 years, and I try to be prepared for virtually anything. My tackle box is like so many others. It holds DOAs, various swimbaits and paddletail combos, drop rigs, assorted jigs and weights and some twitch baits and poppers to shake things up. Like I said, I like to be prepared, and my attack is varied. I like to throw cut bait on a big rig for drum and sharks using a 2/O or 3/O circle hook on a fish-finder rig or a drop shot tipped with live pinfish. This is a great setup and can lead to some exciting rod bends. A cast net is great for gathering baitfish by the bucket, but a Sabiki tipped with a marblesized piece of frozen shrimp is a great alternative. It’s no secret that Sabiki rigs are excellent for catching baitfish. Vertical jigging them is a common offshore tactic that can be equally

MAY 2021

effective inshore and from the beach. Pinfish, and the like, are small, so keeping the bait small is ideal. A side note, fishing a Sabiki can make fishing a lot of fun for kids since pinfish, croakers and catfish—oh, the catfish— are quick to strike and within easy casting distance from the beach; typically no farther than the first cut. Keep in mind, however, that they are also excellent bait stealers. Be prepared to rebait often. I like the smaller Sabiki rigs with size 14 hooks and just enough weight to keep it anchored. The colors of choice are hot pink and chartreuse with metallic matching skirts. Likely, most color combinations will work; just remember to keep the hooks relative to the size fish you’re after. The action can be fast and furious, and once discovered the Sabiki rig will fill your pinfish quota quickly. Surprisingly, the Sabiki catches more than just pinfish and other bait. Bluefish, flounder,

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small jacks, shark, slot trout and whiting are all eager diners. Whiting, in particular, fall for this diminutive offering, and it’s a great way to fill a cooler. Since first trying Sabiki surf fishing, the variety and sheer volume of fish we’ve caught has left an impression. It could be argued that some days the bite is on, and an old boot would be equally effective… maybe. On the other hand, some of the largest whiting I’ve seen have been pulled from the surf using a Sabiki. Fishing the surf is a grab bag when it comes to tackle and whatever is biting, and I like to be prepared. With that said, I have no intentions of replacing my DOAs, swimbaits, etc. with a box of Sabikis. Instead, the Sabiki is now a permanent fixture in my surf fishing arsenal and something I’ll be sure to have on hand whenever I go. For more surf fishing tactics from Chris Beardsley, visit coastalanglermag.com.

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MAY 2021

G o to An ch or Pu lle ri st he W ay or Be lo w ,E -Z D ec k Ab ov e Above-deck on the 3025 GFX or below-deck inside the rope locker of the 35’ Sea Chaser HFC, the Rebel drum anchor winch is included as the standard or optional upgrade feature on these and other 2021 models. The compact design and 316 stainless steel components ensure E-Z Anchor Puller drum anchor winches can be retrofitted into tight spaces and perform in harsh, saltwater environments.

E-Z ANCHOR PULLER MFG. CO. America’s Anchor Winch Since 1990 Call 1.800.800.1640 | ezanchorpuller.com E-Z Anchor Puller’s drum anchor winches are complete 316 stainless steel with patented motors. This jam-free, hands-free solution neatly stores any diameter rope and chain right on the spool - no more tying off to a cleat!

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The 2021 Must-Have Anchoring System

“T

he easiest way I can explain ‘boat position’: if you’re at the baseball game, you’re either playing—which is fishing—or you’re watching the game, which means you’re not…” Capt. Mickey Brelsford decided he’d rather be in the game than on the sidelines, so installing the Rebel EZ-5 became a nobrainer after researching product information and helpful documents on the company website, then calling the drum anchor winch manufacturer’s technical support team for additional pointers. In the past, using a windlass yielded poor retrieval results and left no room for customization, like adding special attachments or splicing rope and chain. Now, Capt. Brelsford says his Rebel free-fall unit is the perfect fishing tool, providing him a “good, solid anchoring position.” “I don’t know how many times I’ve been on boats where [the line is] hanging up, snarling, getting knotted up in the windlass or shredding line.” Brelsford said. A retired policeman, Capt. Brelsford enjoys his time fishing near the coast of St. James City, Fla. on his 37-foot “Nostalgic Lady”: a 1981 Hatteras Sportfish that carries 300 feet of ⅝-inch rope and 20 feet of heavy-duty chain. After adding a pulpit to his vessel, Capt. Brelsford used to pull up all his rope by hand, wasting time and energy on multiple retrieval and deployment attempts as he tried to find the perfect “boat position.” Unlike E-Z Anchor Puller Mfg. Co’s two direct drive series (the Hero and Patriot series), the Rebel drum anchor winch has a clutch and friction

plate design that allows the drum to free-spool when the clutch plate is disengaged. To get that “ good, solid anchoring position,” press and hold the “raise/power up” side of the button for about five seconds: this will cause the clutch plate to once again rotate, but this time clamping down on the drum and holding the boat at anchor. “Once I deploy my anchor and it goes into a free-fall, it’s straight down to the bottom as quick as it can go…” Brelsford said. “And then, once I set the anchor, I can freeline out as much anchor rode as I need: that’s what I call ‘boat position’.” As an added bonus, the Rebel drum anchor winch is compatible with an E-Z Anchor Puller wireless longrange remote, which controls your drum anchor winch from anywhere on the boat. Capt. Brelsford purchased his on the company website, ezanchorpuller.com. “This [unit] here—don’t worry about it—it just rolls right on and keeps on rollin’. That’s what it is: E-Z!” To learn more, call 1-800-800-1640 or visit ezanchorpuller.com.

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

MAY 2021

STAINLESS STEEL PLIERS

6.5"

The Bubba Stainless Steel Pliers bring a new level of strength and durability to fishing pliers. Developed with premium, high-carbon stainless steel and a titanium nitride coating, these pliers are purpose-built to withstand extreme duress and resist corrosion. They come equipped with carbide cutters, crimping cutouts and are spring-loaded, so they are always ready to go. The 80

MAY 2021

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8.5"

Stainless Steel Pliers also provide a high-end, molded polymer sheath with belt clip that allows for easy one-handed access and secure storage. On top of all this, they are engineered with our iconic, non-slip grip for maximum control. These are the last set of fishing pliers you will ever need. Featured in both 6.5” and 8.5” sizes.

BUBBA BUBBA BLADES BLADES BUILDS BUILDS THE THE ULTIMATE ULTIMATE FISHING FISHING SHEARS! SHEARS!

Blades has made a name for itself designing high-quality purpose-built knives and tools for anglers. Blades has made a name for itself designing high-quality purpose-built knives and tools for anglers. Their latest offering has blades, but it’s not a knife, and it might be the handiest tool on the boat. It’s Their latest offering has blades, but it’s not a knife, and it might be the handiest tool on the boat. It’s tough to beat a good pair of shears for snipping line, chunking bait or about 1,000 other uses. BUBBA tough to beat a good pair of shears for snipping line, chunking bait or about 1,000 other uses. BUBBA Shears are specifically designed with anglers in mind and come with an array of features that will make them an Shears are specifically designed with anglers in mind and come with an array of features that will make them an invaluable piece of equipment for any angler. They come in three sizes to handle any job, on freshwater or salt. invaluable piece of equipment for any angler. They come in three sizes to handle any job, on freshwater or salt.

LEARN MORE AT WWW.BUBBA.COM THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

MAY 2021

TIPS FROM A PRO 82

LEARN CONFIDENCE IN NEW TECHNIQUES

brandon Lester

rowing up in southern middle Tennessee, I was fortunate to have a lot of really good fisheries within a couple hours of my house. I had my choice between the Tennessee River lakes like Guntersville, Wheeler and Wilson or the typical highland reservoirs located in the hills of Tennessee. I spent many days fishing club events and absorbing every bit of knowledge I could. It helped me become a versatile angler and to stay in tune with the seasonal movements of bass. These things helped prepare me for the situations I would later face on the Bassmaster Elite Series. I remember my very first Elite Series event. It was at Lake Seminole. I had never been to the lake and didn’t know a thing about it. After a tough first day of practice, I ran way up the Flint River to see if I could find something up there all to myself. What I found was a couple of small backwaters with clear water and fish that were setting up to spawn. These places had been completely overlooked, and I finished 21st in that tournament. I caught almost every fish on a floating worm, something that is very popular during the spawn around my home waters. That tournament and many others since have taught me that no matter where you go in the country, or what body of water you’re on, there will always be something that fits your fishing style. It may

MAY 2021

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not always be the winning pattern, but more times than not, I would rather be fishing for fewer fish with more confidence. The very best lure in any tackle box is confidence. But this doesn’t mean I stubbornly sticking to the same techniques I’m comfortable with. Successful tournament anglers must keep up with the latest trends. Lures, line, rods, reels and everything else are constantly evolving. It helps to stay on the forefront. As I travel the country, I learn a lot of new techniques and about new baits that work in particular regions. Every time I go to a tournament and a new technique arises that I’m not familiar with, the first thing I do when I get home is take it to a nearby lake and try to learn it. When trying to learn something new, it’s best to do it in areas you know hold fish. A good example of this was at an Elite Series event at Lake Cherokee. Cherokee is in east Tennessee, but it is much different than my home waters. There was a hot new trend among the locals there called the “Damiki rig” that is dynamite for catching smallmouth relating to baitfish. It is a small fluke-style lure rigged on a Lake Erie-style jig head that allows for precise placement of the lure at depth. I had heard about the rig leading up to the tournament and tried it in practice, but I never could figure it out. Our tournament was actually won on that rig, and several of the top guys were doing it. After that tournament was over, I spent the next day on my home lake with nothing but that rig. I wanted to learn everything there was to know about it. I went on to catch some big smallmouth on my home lake with it, and although I still don’t consider myself an expert, I feel like I can catch them on it next time the opportunity arises.

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MAY 2021

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888-800-9794 | info@vidmag.com www.VidMag.com The Angler Video Magazine connects fishing and boating enthusiasts with industry news and shared community interests in a unique, industry-first format — a video magazine. Sent to over 1,400,000 licensed anglers, The Angler Video Magazine is provided to its readers for FREE. No subscriptions or payments are required for viewing. Support The Angler Video Magazine's mission to provide FREE content to the recreational fishing and boating communities and industries throughout the world by sharing, subscribing and advertising.

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