TUNA TIME
@CAMTAMagazine
IN TUNA TOWN!
PERMIT THE ULTIMATE FLATS CHALLENGE PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTIAAN PRETORIUS INSTAGRAM: @ CHRISTIAANPRETORIUS
WATCH VIDEO
VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 4
F R A N C H I S E
NOVEMBER 2020
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
WATCH
VIDEO
IT'S
PHOTO COURTESY OF WEST PALM BEACH FISHING CLUB
Sailfish SEASON! By CAM Staff
S
ailfish are a target year-round off the Atlantic Coast of Florida, but the best action should kick off this month and improve progressively with each passing cold front as more migratory fish arrive to spend winter off the coast of central and south Florida. November is the traditional start to the season, when sailfish from the north follow migrating baitfish into Florida waters to join the resident population. By December and January, it is estimated that more than a million sailfish arrive to overwinter, and that’s when top sailfish boats report dozens of releases in a single day. It sparks a mini tourism boom when anglers—rather than beachgoers— descend upon central and south Florida. Charter boats book up in a hurry this time of year. If you haven’t already planned your trip, it might be too late.
2
NOVEMBER 2020
Booking a jam-up sailfish trip is made more difficult by the specialized conditions it takes to bring out the best action. Everyone is looking for tailing conditions after the passage of a cold front. Sailfish move high in the water column and feed aggressively when a north wind clashes with the prevailing current to kick up swells in the Gulf Stream. Some say that the rougher the conditions are, the better the fishing is. It’s a good time of year to have a big boat, but even smaller vessels can get in on the action where the Gulf Stream swings closest to shore. Carefully watching the weather and timing a trip to get out as soon as conditions begin to subside strikes that fine balance between safety and catching sailfish. Tactics differ depending on conditions and location. Some troll a spread of teasers and dead ballyhoo.
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
Slow-trolled or drifted live baits can also be remarkably productive in some situations. The preferred method for many is kite fishing with live baits, because it is effective and exciting. A kite is deployed trailing live baits, typically bridled goggle-eyes, threadfin herring or other hearty baitfish. The kite keeps baits near the surface, and most of the leaders and tackle are suspended above the water. On approach, anglers might see the fin or bill circle the bait. On the take, everything goes into overdrive with the legendary speed and aerobatics of a hooked sailfish. This time of year, it is a scene that takes place multiple times a day, and sometimes with multiple fish at the same time. Rough weather is a good time to be on the water when the sailfish descend on the Florida coast.
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2020
3
57th
Islamorada Sailfish TOURNAMENT
DECEMBER 3rd Thru DECEMBER 6th
Dec. 3rd - Kickoff • Dec. 4-6th - Fishing • Dec. 6th - Awards Over $60,000.00 in prize money paid to winners in 2019
Hosted by Whale Harbor Restaurant & Marina Islamorada / MM83 / Oceanside
The Islamorada Sailfish Tournament is the primary fundraiser for the Islamorada Charter Boat Association, a 501-C-3 corporation. For more information, please visit us on the web or call Dianne Harbaugh 305.522.4868
www.IslamoradaSailfishTournament.com
Islamorada Sailfish Tournament Launches Dec. 3!
I
t’s tournament time off Islamorada! As sailfish push south with winter fronts, anglers with the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament will be there to meet them during the kick-off event of the 2021 Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship. The 57th Islamorada Sailfish Tournament opens at Whale Harbor’s banquet facility on Thursday, Dec. 3. Fishing will take place Dec. 4-6, with an amazing awards feast on Sunday night. Last year’s fantastic Friday night party at Tackle Center of Islamorada has convinced organizers to do it again this year! The tournament will be 20-pound-test with up to six lines in the water and is the primary fundraiser for the Islamorada Charter Boat Association. Last year over $55,000 in cash was paid to the winners! New anglers and old friends come to Islamorada every year to participate in this prestigious event. The Islamorada Sailfish Tournament is the first leg of the coveted Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship. Other events include the Islamorada Fishing Club’s Sailfish Tournament on Wednesday, Jan. 20, followed by the Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament on Jan. 23-24. If you intend to fish in the Gold Cup Series, you must register for the Gold Cup Tournament to be guaranteed a spot in the Cheeca and Fishing Club’s Tournaments. Whale Harbor will once again be the tournament headquarters and home of the
Committee Boat. Friends and family are invited to stop by for up-to-the-minute tournament results, which will also be available online. Become a Facebook fan and find all the information you need on the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, as well as the Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship. The Islamorada Sailfish Tournament would like to thank major sponsors: Caribee Boat Sales, Yamaha Outboards, Mangrove Mike's, Tackle Center of Islamorada, the donation
of non-offset circle hooks from VMC, and the splendid parties put on by Whale Harbor Restaurants and Marina. With your help and theirs, the Islamorada Charter Boat Association will continue the fight to preserve and protect the fabulous fishing in the Florida Keys. You don’t want to miss the action this year. Don’t delay. Register early and save on entry fees. For more information, go to islamoradasailfishtournament.com.
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2020
5
Permit The Ultimate Challenge on Flats of the Keys
WATCH
I
f it’s farther away, it must be better. While there’s truth to this concept that sends anglers around the globe seeking out remote and spectacular fisheries, there are also flaws to this way of thinking. It’s like the bank fisherman who strives to chuck baits as far offshore as possible only to cross lines with the boater casting tight to shoreline structure. While you’re at home dreaming of Indo-Pacific atolls, there’s an angler on the other side of the world flipping through magazine images of the Florida Keys. It’d be a shame to forget that geography gifted North Americans with some of the most productive and gorgeous flats habitat on the planet. Nobody knows this better than Capt. Luke Kelly of Key Flat Charters. Kelly has spent his life fishing the Keys. He operates year-round backcountry and flats charters out of Sugarloaf Key Marina. It’s about 20 minutes north of Key West on A1A, slap in the middle of the mangrove islands and vast crystal-clear flats of the Lower Keys. This is a place where anglers watch from the casting deck of a small flats boat as tarpon, bonefish, permit and other species cruise and hunt in knee-deep water. A flats slam of all three species is possible any day of the year, and while the power and aerobatics of a big tarpon might be the ultimate thrill in angling, permit are the ultimate challenge… especially with fly tackle. “Permit are highly sensitive and can sense the slightest vibration. It’s the challenge of this hunt that makes it all worthwhile,” said Capt. Luke. “With little room for error, anglers must be precise and stealthy during their first attempt, as second chances rarely exist when targeting permit on fly. Considered by many as 6
NOVEMBER 2020
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
By CAM Staff
VIDEO the ultimate catch during a fly-fishing career, permit demand the best from anglers and guides.” Kelly said convincing a permit to take the hook is the most difficult aspect of the pursuit. They are abundant in the Lower Keys, especially during the late February through April prespawn, when 10- to 40-pounders invade the flats. The easiest way to hook one is to accurately present a live crab with light spinning tackle. Permit feed aggressively when they feel comfortable, Kelly said, but they spook easily. “Once alerted by boat or angler, that’s it, the jig is up,” he said, “and the permit never gives second chances.” The odds of a hook-up reduce dramatically for anglers who take up the challenge with an 8- to 10-weight fly rod. A good double-haul is required to achieve the long accurate casts necessary to put a shrimp or crab fly in front of a permit. From there, it’s up to the angler to give life to the fly during a short time-window of opportunity. “Proper technique found successful in hooking permit on fly varies greatly with any given situation,” Kelly said. “Permit eat a variety of different things, all of which act differently in the wild. Anglers must be willing to think outside the box at times when trying to fool this ultimate gamefish into eating something artificial… It boils down to a challenge, and should be viewed in no other way.” Contact Capt. Luke Kelly and Key Flat Charters for light tackle and fly fishing trips for tarpon, bonefish, permit and more. (305) 304-3152 / email: keyflat@icloud.com www.lowerkeysflatsfishing.com
Follow host Joe Woody as he takes you on the adventure of a lifetime searching for wild trout along the long forgotten, and sometimes never fished, streams of Appalachia! The Lost Streams of Appalachia is an Adventure Angling series that will take you to some of the wildest and toughest terrain the mountains of Appalachia has to offer. We will hike, climb and rappel to some of the most remote locations in search of wild trout.
Joe Woody is Co-Publisher of The Angler Magazine WNC with his wife, Debra. He is a U.S. Army Veteran, an avid woodsman, and a self-proclaimed “adventure angler.” Twenty-one years ago, Joe and his family moved to Asheville, North Carolina, where he and Debra live, work and play among the Appalachian Mountains. Over the last two decades, Joe has hiked, rappelled and climbed the mountains of Appalachia, developing his “river legs” and honing his fly fishing skills in those lost streams, searching for undisturbed, wild trout. Follow Joe as he takes you on a wild, unforgettable adventure on the Lost Streams of Appalachia.
Order Your Passport Today!
800.828.4244 Che e rsTrail.org
HENDERSONVILLE, NC: Great Streams (and Craft Beverages) Await
I
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 1.5-mile stretch of hatchery supported waters. 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 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 high-quality 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.
Destinations For
By Nick Carter
Winter Trout F
or trout anglers, the next few months offer some of the best catch-and-release fishing of the year. Delayed harvest (DH) waters are regulated by the states to carry us through to spring with heavy stockings and catch-and-release, artificial-only fishing geared toward fly fishers. Here’s a look at a couple good DH options.
CHAUGA RIVER, SOUTH CAROLINA
The Chauga River is one of several good backcountry streams in Upstate South Carolina. It features some 20 miles of remote, lightly pressured water known for brown trout. This time of year, the Chauga’s 3-mile-long DH stretch is where it’s at. About an hour and a half west of Greenville, the Chauga flows a ridge east of the well-known Chattooga River. That’s part of what makes the Chauga such a great option during South Carolina’s Nov. 1-May 14 DH season. The Chattooga draws most of the fishing pressure, allowing the Chauga to fly under the radar. The Chauga fishes just like the Chattooga, only a little smaller, said Karl Eckberg of Chattooga River Fly Shop. The river’s ledges, drop-offs, deep river-bend holes and an abundance of riffle water hold rainbows, browns and brookies. There are only two access points to the DH stretch. Despite a good trail, Ekberg said the middle portion of the specially regulated water hardly gets touched. Early in the season, freshly stocked trout are suckers for the “big flashy and rubbery stuff,” said Ekberg. Load your box with Mop Flies, Y2Ks, Squirmy Worms and Gummy Worms. Micro streamers become more important as the season progresses, but fall and winter also offer hatches of midges, blue-winged olives and little black stoneflies.
Karl Eckberg with a delayed harvest trout from South Carolina’s Chauga River.
NANTAHALA RIVER, NORTH CAROLINA
The upper Nantahala River’s 4-mile DH section is like a high-elevation trout stream without the hike. About 20 minutes southeast of Bryson City, Wayah Road hugs the upper Nantahala, giving no-hassle access to miles of riffles and pocket water, big bridge holes, gorges and deep plunge pools. The drawback to this situation is fishing pressure. Roadside pullouts fill up when the weather is nice during the October into June DH season. Stocked trout learn to spot a fake pretty quickly, so the fishing can be challenging. There are good numbers of standard hatchery-sized rainbows, browns and brook trout. Big fish are known to stake claim to the best holding water. For a few days after a stocking, the usual flashy “junk food” flies are effective, but Nantahala fish switch to more natural behaviors in a hurry. Fall and winter bring out winter stoneflies, blue-winged olives, midges and maybe even a few small caddis. Spring ushers in a riot of bug life and excellent dry fly fishing.
12
Nick Carter is the author of “Flyfisher’s Guide to North Carolina & Georgia.” It is available on Amazon.com, and autographed copies are available by emailing author atTHE nsc8957@gmail.com. NOVEMBERthe 2020 ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
WATCH
VIDEO
LEDGE HOG FISHING
Tournament quality tackle for everyone. The Original Year round blade bait! Fish it shallow like a lipless crank bait or deep like spoons, or anywhere in between! Even wakes on the surface! At Ledge Hog Fishing Supply we innovate to fill gaps we have found in today’s lure market for premium quality, tournament ready tackle made in the USA. Starting with our Ledge Hog Blade Bait, we offer products that have been custom designed by an angler with a lifetime passion for fishing. Rethinking lure design is what we do.
Professional Bass Angler Buddy Gross Ledge Hog Fishing Prostaff Team Member
Ledge Hog Fishing Supply, LLC 313 E Meeting St, Dandridge, TN 37725 • 423-438-4559
www.ledgehog.com THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2020
13
Cherokee County, situated in Western North Carolina encompasses the communities of Murphy, Andrews and Brasstown, where forested mountains seem to touch the sky, lakes sparkle like jewels in the sun and the air is crisp and clean. It is a quiet area located in the south western corner of North Carolina and has come to be known as the “Gateway to the Smoky Mountains.�
Visit Cherokee County
One can never get lost here visitcherokeecountync.com
Celebrate the Holidays
with the gift of Sunburst Trout Farms www.sunbursttrout.com
SUNBURST TROUT FARMS Waynesville, NC • www.sunbursttrout.com • 828-648-3010 16
NOVEMBER 2020
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
Looking to celebrate the Holidays with family and friends, or do you need the perfect corporate gift box? Be sure to give the gift every Angler loves, Sunburst Trout! From award winning Trout Caviar, to fillets, smoked products, and more, you are sure to delight the most discerning of tastes. Order online 24 hours a day or visit our on site farm store, the Sunburst Market.
Fishing a Fairytale in
By Nick Carter
Bristol Bay, Alaska A
rguably the best salmonid fishing in the world exists in the system of waterways that feeds the Bering Sea on Alaska’s southwest coast. The region is a vast, sparsely populated web of streams and rivers, lakes and wetlands that weave through open tundra to Bristol Bay. The wildlife is astounding. To be there is like stepping into a documentary film, with bears, moose and bald eagles going about their business unconcerned by human visitors. On a July afternoon, I watched in terror as a brown bear crashed from the brush, bluff charged my wife and stole the sockeye salmon from the end of her line. It’s that kind of place. From fancy lodges or tiny riverside fishing villages, human anglers are nothing special. They are just one of many species taking advantage of the great salmon migrations that drive the ecosystem. All five species of Pacific salmon spawn in the Bristol Bay watershed. Coho, chum and pink salmon all make runs up the rivers that feed the bay. But king and sockeye salmon are the reason anglers should book passage to the area. The Nushagak River boasts what might be Alaska’s best king, or Chinook, salmon run. Back bouncing egg sacks on heavy casting tackle, anglers regularly do battle with big kings in the 20to 40-pound range. Just a short puddle-jump down the coast, the Kvichak River hosts the largest sockeye salmon run on the planet. Sockeye pile into the river by the millions and push up into the headwaters to spawn and then die. For thousands of years, this transmission of nutrients from the sea inland has fueled the region’s wildlife, tundra and forests of alder and spruce. An angler with a fly rod can stand on the bank and cast streamers to huge pods of sockeye as they run past. Hooking one is no problem; it’s like collecting meat. The fight, however, is that of a creature determined to achieve its sole remaining purpose on earth.
WATCH
VIDEO
These massive salmon runs feed all of the wildlife in the Bristol Bay region, and that includes rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, arctic grayling and others. Some area rivers are places where mouse patterns streaking across the surface draw aggressive strikes from rainbows 30-inches and longer. I can’t count the number of 25-plus-inch rainbows and Dollys we caught in a single day swinging big streamers. During and after the salmon runs, fish key in on salmon eggs and chunks of dead salmon adrift in the rivers. This is when egg patterns and flesh flies lead to unbelievable numbers of big fish. It’s the kind of fishing that only occurs where humans have yet to make a pronounced impact on systems designed by nature.
And that’s where the Bristol Bay fairytale is in danger of ending. In 2005, gold, molybdenum and copper deposits were discovered underground near the headwaters of the Nushagak and Kvichak rivers, just a few miles from the banks of Alaska’s largest lake, Lake Iliamna. Ever since, conservation groups, sporting groups and locals have been waging a legal battle against greed to save this pristine landscape and fishery. As proposed, the Pebble Mine would be an enormous scar on the landscape. According to The Wild Salmon Center, it would destroy an estimated 10,000 acres of wetlands and more than 330 miles of streams at the head of the most productive salmon fishery in the world. Annually, an estimated 10.6 billion gallons of mine-polluted wastewater would be sent downstream toward Bristol Bay. For anyone who has ever fished or hopes to fish in a place as unspoiled as the Bristol Bay drainage, it’s unconscionable such a project is even being considered. For more information, visit www.savebristolbay.org.
PHOTO BY TRAVIS WISE
Fishing the Shadow Line PHOTO BY JASON JACOBS/FLICKR.COM
By John Saporito
WATCH
P
VIDEO
redatory fish are masters of finding lucrative feeding opportunities, which occur at the intersection of food availability and an easy way to capture prey. One of the best examples of this is when shadows are present in the water. The darkness of a shadow makes a perfect ambush point for predators, which usually wait just inside the shadow to lunge out at prey swimming in the lighter water or wait for prey to enter the darkness and pounce on the free meal. Sometimes, gamefish will be found in the lighted water itself. These fish are positioned to intercept bait that emerges from the darkness and is temporarily stunned by the transition from dark to light. But shadows are more than just an ambush point. The predators themselves like cover for their own protection; the darkened water offers them shelter where they are not so easily spied by even larger predators. Shadows are found in both freshwater and salt and create feeding opportunities day and 18
NOVEMBER 2020
night. Their best application in fishing, however, is when they occur at night in conjunction with artificial light. Light from a roadway, bridge, or dock will carve a deep shadow in the water where it is interrupted by a solid object. And not only is the transition between shadow and light profound, but baitfish and other small creatures are attracted to light, as they hope for their own opportunity to feed. This is a win-win for predators and anglers alike. The icing on the cake is a moving current that sweeps bait near the structure that is creating the shadow. This is the ticket to locating concentrations of both predator and prey, the critical ingredient in the recipe for productive shadow fishing. There are two places in the water column for fish to be in a shadow line situation: just below the surface and at the bottom. Subsurface fish give you the chance to see exactly where your quarry lies and where your casts should land. Fish on the bottom won’t be visible to you, but
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
they are less wary and more likely to strike at your offering. Both natural bait and artificial lures work on shadow feeders, although lures really perform well once you have learned what predators are looking for in a target. The key is that a lure can be manipulated to do what its user wants more effectively than both live bait—which has a mind of its own—and dead bait, which does not move as well as artificials do. Strikes often take place when the offering is maneuvered parallel to the shadow line itself, in the lighted water just beyond the darkness. Natural presentation can be learned from firsthand observation wherever shadows and fish are found. Watch how prey moves between the light and dark; study how and when predators make their attack. Experience is the best way to improve your approach. John Saporito is a lifelong fisherman and student of the seas. Visit him online at guerillaangling.com.
Now available:
LEARN CUSTOM ROD BUILDING ONLINE! It's never been so easy to learn how to build your own fishing rod!
• Get all of the tools & supplies shipped right to your door! • No travel required • Personalized instruction • Social-distancing friendly
MUDHOLE.COM/VIRTUAL-CLASSES THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2020
19
SAVOR THE SEASONS inUpcountry South Carolina
Discover majestic waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and spectacular mountain vistas in Upcountry South Carolina.
SAVOR THE SEASONS inUpcountry South Carolina
Discover majestic waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and spectacular mountain vistas in Upcountry South Carolina.
UpcountrySC.com
864-233-2690
Upcountry South Carolina
The Best Place to Drop a Fishing Line
Y
ou don’t need a formal invitation to have fun in Upcountry South Carolina: Come kayak in our crystal blue lakes, hike to our rushing waterfalls, dig into our local cuisine, attend our family-oriented events and festivals, and breathe deep our fresh mountain air any time you want to feel refreshed. But when you hold a valid South Carolina fishing license, it feels like an official ticket to enjoy the great outdoors. Fishing is an activity that anglers of any age can enjoy and whole families can do together. Whether sitting on a boat or standing on shore, you can relax into the simple pleasure of holding a rod surrounded by beautiful green mountains and blue water. There’s a jolt of excitement with each pull on your line and you spring into action to reel in your catch. Only minimal equipment is needed and no specific skills are required, so fishing appeals to novices as readily as pros. Fish are biting year round in the lakes, rivers and streams of Upcountry South Carolina, located in the state’s northwestern corner in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountain. Try reeling in a worldclass catch at Devils Fork State Park in Salem, where Lake Jocassee holds state fish records for rainbow trout, brown trout, redeye bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, and yellow perch. Or try your luck in Lake Hartwell, at Lake Hartwell State Park in Fair Play and Sadlers Creek State Park in Anderson, three-time host of the Bassmaster Classic (2008, 2015 and 2018). The Chattooga River, ranked as one of the nation’s best wild and scenic rivers, boasts healthy wild trout populations plus is regularly stocked by Oconee County’s Walhalla State Fish Hatchery. You can fish for brown trout, rainbow trout, redeye
bass, catfish, bluegill, brown brook and bream in the Chattooga River. The Whitewater River above Lower Whitewater Falls is another great option for wild trout fishing. Lake Keowee at KeoweeToxaway State Park in Pickens County swims with largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass as well as crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, catfish, brown trout and rainbow trout. Pick up everything you need to ensure a great angling experience—including advice—at local fly shops or book a guided fishing trip. Sam Jones of Jocassee Charters knows the best locations on Lake Jocassee to hook trophy trout year round. Buster Green’s Guide Service reels in stripers, hybrids and largemouth bass on Lake Hartwell and Lake Keowee. Chattooga River Fly Shop leads catch-and-release fly fishing trips for trout and redeye bass on the Chattooga and Chauga Rivers. Of course you can get out on the water even if you don’t plan to fish. Jocassee Lake Tours offers tours of the 9,000-acre Lake Jocassee and of the Jocassee Gorges, which National Geographic ranks as a “Destination of a Lifetime.” Some of the most amazing spots can only be reached by boat. Several different tours are offered, so you can learn from a naturalist while riding on a pontoon or paddling a kayak through quiet coves and under waterfalls. Some tours boat then hike to remote swimming spots, South Carolina’s highest point, or other surprises. If you prefer to stay on solid ground, some road vehicle tours are available, too. Prefer to captain your own boat? No problem! Several rental companies, including Tri-County Boat Rental, operate on Lake Keowee, Lake Jocassee, Lake Hartwell, and other lakes to make it easy to get out on the water. Whether you prefer
kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, water skiing, or tootling around in a pontoon boat, it’s invigorating to navigate clear water while surrounded by great mountain views. If you’d rather be under the water than on it, go scuba diving in Lake Jocassee—that’s right: You can scuba dive in the mountains! Lake Jocassee is a world-renowned freshwater diving destination that boasts visibility of more than 50 feet at depth on warm clear days. Dive down to see the “wall” created when the side of the mountain was blasted during construction of the dam. You can also swim through a 40-foot wooden sail boat. Lake Jocassee Dive Shop offers lessons if you’re a novice or hope to refine your diving skills. From fishing to boating, hiking to camping, biking to bird watching and more, the Upcountry’s South Carolina State Parks are a great place to come and play. Dip into the swimming hole at Oconee State Park. Hike past mountain streams to the tops of Pinnacle and Table Rock mountains at Table Rock State Park. Explore the 13,000-acre Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area at Caesars Head State Park. Scuba, swim or fish at Devils Fork State Park. Or create your own adventure at any of the Upcountry’s 13 state parks, with enough fun to fill a trip of any length. There’s so much to explore, it’s best to plan to stay awhile. Upcountry South Carolina is packed with a range of comfortable overnight accommodation options. Stay in a rustic mountain cabin, at an upscale bed and breakfast, a lakefront villa, a city hotel in Spartanburg or Greenville, or even a treehouse. Visit UpcountrySC.com to learn more.
LIFE'S TOO SHORT TO WEAR CHEAP SUNGLASSES...
We have one of the largest collections of sunglasses in the country. Save up to 50% on Quality Sunglasses. Located near Downtown Greenville on Laurens Road
1908 LAURENS RD, GREENVILLE, SC 29607 866-944-9144 (Toll Free) • 864-288-5905
www.fowlerspharmacy.com 22
NOVEMBER 2020
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
AMAZING WHITE SHARKS
T
wo white sharks have been making the rounds on social media recently. One of them, a great white shark weighing in at more than 3,500 pounds, is amazing because of its size. The other one, a tope shark caught off Britain, is amazing because… well… because it’s white.
s
FISH OF A LIFETIME
Although not nearly as large as an adult great white shark, the allwhite tope shark caught by an angler off the coast of Britain might just be the first of its kind ever captured. According to news reports, Jason Gillespie was fishing off the Isle of Wight when he caught the 3-foot-long shark. Its all-white appearance is due to a condition called leucism, which renders the animal unable to produce pigment. Leucistic wild animals are rare, and they seldom grow to adulthood because they lack camouflage and stand out to predators. What makes this catch even more amazing is tope sharks are listed as critically endangered, despite widespread distribution throughout Earth’s oceans. Gillespie released his fish of a lifetime after snapping a few photos.
WATCH
VIDEO
s QUEEN OF THE OCEAN
At more than 17 feet long and weighing 3,541 pounds, the white shark recently captured, tagged and released by researchers off of Nova Scotia is about as large as they come. The non-profit organization responsible for the capture, OCEARCH, named the big female Nukumi for “the legendary wise old grandmother figure” of the Indigenous Mi’kmaq people native to that region of Canada. Researchers estimated the shark is more than 50 years old. For more information, see the OCEARCH website at www.ocearch.org.
ENTER TO WIN A BAIT PEN THIS NOVEMBER!
To be the Best, You need to use the Best
Enter to win a bait pen in the month of November by visiting:
coastalanglermag.com/contest THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2020
23
BahamaS STELLAR
FISHING IN THE NORTHERN
By Justin Lewis, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust
L
ast year, Hurricane Dorian devastated Grand Bahama and Abaco. The most destructive hurricane to ever hit The Bahamas, it destroyed homes and businesses and displaced thousands of people. After the dust settled, I got a lot of questions about how the marine environment and the fishery fared after such a powerful storm. As Bahamas initiative manager for Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT), I keep an eye on such things. After several surveys, getting out fishing and hearing reports from other anglers, it appears the inshore and offshore fisheries weathered the storm well. There are plenty of big bonefish and permit on the flats, the reefs are full of snapper, hogfish and grouper, and the offshore tuna and mahi bite is great. The northern Bahamas remains one of the world’s foremost destinations for anglers. With lodging and charters recovering from the storm and Covid-19 restrictions beginning to ease, now is a good time to plan a trip. Fishing pressure is down, and the islands could certainly use an economic injection from anglers. One of the great things about these islands is there’s no need to travel far or break the bank for incredible fishing. The main islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama sit on the Little Bahama Bank
24
NOVEMBER 2020
picks up. Blue and white marlin are also popular spring targets around Abaco, and bonefish and permit can be phenomenal on the flats. Summer is time for multi-day trips targeting tuna, hogfish, grouper, snappers, bonefish and permit. Deep dropping and spearfishing are particularly good in summer. and give access to more than 5,700 square miles of reefs and flats with an easy run to productive offshore waters. For a quick weekend or family trip, you can’t beat access by air or sea. Commercial flights are 45 minutes from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, and a boat ride is just two to four hours, depending on your destination. Fishing the northern Bahamas offers some of the greatest variety of sportfish anywhere in the world. In the same day, you can catch bonefish on the flats, spearfish the reefs for hogfish and lobster, and then head offshore after dolphin and tuna. SEASONS: Right now, the winter bite is on. High-speed trolling the drop-off is producing big wahoo. Spearfishing is also good for hogfish and lobster. Come spring, late-season wahoo will be around, and the dolphin and yellowfin bite really
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
MANGROVES: While the fishing remains stellar, mangroves were heavily impacted by Dorian. Mangrove habitat is an important nursery for many fish species, and it is vital to protect the coast from erosion and storms. BTT found that 70 percent of the mangroves on Grand Bahama and 40 percent on Abaco were lost to the storm. BTT is collaborating with Bahamas National Trust, Friends of the Environment and MANG to restore mangroves on Abaco and Grand Bahama. Check out www.bonefishtarpontrust.org for info on this project. Before making a trip to The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com for current information on access and checking in with customs. Fishing regulations are available at www.myoutislands.com.
It’s Epic OUT Here
300
$
BOATING FUEL CREDIT
Out here, all you need is a boat and a thirst for adventure. From Bimini to The Abacos to Eleuthera to Harbour Island, our $300 fuel credit powers epic fishing experiences across The Out Islands.* For details visit OutIslandsAnglers.com
ABACOS
ACKLINS
ANDROS
BERRY ISLANDS
BIMINI
CAT ISLAND
ELEUTHERA
EXUMAS
HARBOUR ISLAND
LONG ISLAND
SAN SALVADOR
*One instant $300 fuel credit per stay at a certified and participating marina combined with a 4-night minimum consecutive stay at a participating BOIPB member hotel. Not combinable with any other credit promotions.
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2020
25
RING THE COWBELL We’re Serving Up
WAHOO
A
nglers who target wahoo know that wahoo have very specific and unique preferences. Yes, it’s true that from time to time, most offshore anglers will invariably attract a wahoo into their spread, but targeting and actually catching wahoo is not happenchance. Wahoo are some of the fastest swimmers in the ocean. Anglers know these speedy predators prefer attacking faster-moving baits. Wahoo are also more attracted to baits pulled beneath the surface rather than right at or above the surface. With more than 50 wahoo tournament wins, Ballyhood Cowbell lures are specifically designed to attract and catch wahoo… Big Wahoo. They come rigged and ready to fish with stainless steel cable leaders. The sheer weight and design of Ballyhood Cowbells allows you to troll them at fast speeds, from 14 to 23 knots depending on the model. These lures troll beneath the surface and put off a bubble trail that drives big wahoo crazy. Go ahead. Ring the Cowbell. It’s dinner time!
For more information on Ballyhood Big Game Trolling Lures visit Ballyhood.com or call Darrell Primrose at (714) 545-0196. 26
NOVEMBER 2020
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
TOURNAMENT WINNING ‘TOP GUN’
SALTWATER TROLLING LURES WAHOO “COWBELLS’’
47
TOURNAMENT
WINS
$79.95 ea. or 3-Pack for $199
TUNA ‘P’NUT
3” FEATHERS W/ CONCAVE HEAD LOOKS LIKE AN ANCHOVIE BOUNCHING ACROSS THE WATER SCHOOLIES - ALBACORE
BANCHEE A-SALT WEAPON 32 OZ - NO WEIGHT REQUIRED! TROLLS 6-10 OR UP TO 20 KNOTS WAHOO CHAMPIONSHIP FAVORITE!
DEEP DROP LIGHT RIG
SWORDS - TUNA - GROUPER DOUBLE LIGHTS - DOUBLE HOOKS TWIST LIGHTS ON/OFF ADD YOUR WEIGHT AND GO!
‘’SNAGGER’’ DOLPHIN LURES
14
TOURNAMENT
WINS
WAHOO “WACKO”
6 OZ. -O-10 KNOTS • 300# S.S. CABLE HOOK W/SPINNER BLADE ATTRACTOR!
ALBACORE ALLSTAR
4-1/2” HEX HEAD FEATHER OR DOUBLE VINTL SKIRTS
DOUBLE VINYL SKIRTS OR FEATHERS TROLL AS IS OR ADD STRIP BAIT
SOFT IRON “SQUID DOGS” CAST - JIG - BOUNCE - DRAFT “EVERYTHING EATS
“SNAGGER DAISY CHAIN” CREATE YOUR OWN BAIR SCHOOL! CENTERLINE DEEP OR OUTRIGGERS
4” or 6” CEDAR FEATHERS
CROSS BETWEEN COMMON BAITFISH AND HIGHLY DESIRED SQUID.
ALL LURES RIGGED & READY TO GO!
EE SHIPP
I
NG
(714) 545-0196
FREE SHIP PING FR
H Y O L O L D A B
FR
E
E
G
6-Pack Special $69.00 w/ FREE Case
SHIPPIN
www.BALLYHOOD.com
Professional Grade Saltwater Fishing Products
To be the Best, You need to use the Best
1-800-543-5942 • BEACHMARINEPRODUCTS.COM
BEACH MARINE BAIT PENS ENGINEERED WITH PASSION
T
eddy Beach grew up racing and fishing. Teddy’s dad was a drag racer, manufacturer, farmer and entrepreneur. As such, Teddy grew up in the tool and die shop down the hill from their house. Mike Zimmer was their engineer at the time. He would run Teddy out of the drafting room because he got tired of the boy destroying erasers and asking too many questions. Engineering and manufacturing are in the family’s blood. Fishing is a passion, and they have fished all over Florida since Teddy was born. From bottom fishing for grouper and snapper off Fort Myers to sailfish and mahi in the Keys and marlin and tuna in the Bahamas, if they weren’t racing, they were fishing. Out of the combination of those two passions, Beach Marine Products was founded to provide the market with
innovative and professional saltwater fishing products. Beach Marine’s live bait pens are industry changing. With a sloped-bottom design and industry changing false bottom, these bait pens were engineered to reduce stress on baitfish. Heavy duty all 6061 aluminum construction with zinc anode assures a durable and long-lasting product. All hardware is stainless steel and doubled up, so there is no single point of failure. They are powder coated with no sharp edges to hurt or red nose baits. The Beach Blue color gives the pens a unique clean appearance as well as a calming atmosphere to decrease stress on the bait while holding. Large oversize doors allow access for cast nets and large dip nets. Beach Bait Pens come in many different
shapes and sizes ranging from a 30Gal round, to a monster 400Gal oval. Beach Bait Pens are tough just like the Anglers who use them every day. If you fish live bait, there is only one bait pen you should own. That is a Beach Marine Products.
beachmarineproducts.com
d T e o Last n g i s e D Wa
r ra nted for Lif e
SeaCatBoats.com
.
228-206-4042
Mono-Hull Vs. “Cat” Dual-Hull Performance T By Thatch Maguire
he debate over which hull design is preferable (mono-hull vs. dual-hull) has been battered around for decades. Most cat-hull owners are very familiar with mono-hulls. My suspicion is that many mono-hull enthusiasts may not necessarily be familiar with the attributes of a dual-hull vessel. Forrest Munden and Charlie Henderson are very familiar with dual-hulls. They’re the people behind Sea Cat, one of the smoothestrunning, most fuel efficient and versatile boats on the water. This boat thrives in a 3- to 5-foot chop. Sea Cat owners share the experience of often being the only boats on the water during choppy bad weather days. Dual-hull boats, and Sea Cat in particular, do not pound… ever! Remove pounding from your boating experience, and you’ll see how much more enjoyable your time on the water becomes. You’ll also be out there running comfortably when conditions are too rough for most boats. Before you allow your position on the mono-hull vs. dual hull debate to be etched in stone, I strongly recommend you take a ride, preferably on a rough day, in the legendary Sea Cat. I predict you’ll be instantly convinced of its benefits. The thing most first-time Sea Cat passengers do is to hold on to a railing and brace for a pounding that never occurs. You can see it in the tense position of their feet, legs and arms as they hold on to the rail. It’s a fairly standard mono-hull position. They are accustomed to the pounding. They’re prepared for it, anticipating it... but on the Sea Cat it never occurs. Never. It’s actually pretty funny to see the look on a Sea Cat passenger’s face when they finally realize there’s no need to brace. That’s also when a smile spreads across their face. They’ve settled the debate.
32
NOVEMBER 2020
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
BUBBA MULTI FLEX KNIFE By Brett Cannon
PHOTOS BY BRETT CANNON
serrated and then core it with the 9-inch stiff. As for freshwater, when the first cold front hits of the year, I like to go to Lake Okeechobee and catch crappie. The 8-inch Ultra Flex helps me get every inch of meat off of the bones of the smaller crappie. Here is a list of the fish I target each year, and the blades I like to use for each.
T
he ultimate knife for the multifaceted angler, the Bubba Multi-Flex Knife is my new go-to knife. For me, I love to fish all seasons of fresh and saltwater. Since the knife has four interchangeable blades, it fits my lifestyle. Living in South Florida, we are able to target all kinds of species. In the summer time we chase mahi, kingfish, deep drop for rosie, and go yellow-tailing. Having multiple blades makes it convenient because, for instance, I can use the 7-inch tapered flex on smaller mahi’s and yellowtail. I like to filet my
kingfish into steaks, so the 9-inch stiff or serrated is perfect for cutting through the bone. I like to use the 8-inch Ultra Flex on more delicate fish, such as rosies. When fall comes around, I like to get out to the sword grounds and go deep dropping. Having this knife on board is a total game changer! When catching fresh mahi or bonito, I like to cut the belly to make a fresh bait. The 7-inch Tapered Flex is perfect for this! Another great use of these knives are for when we catch swordfish over 200lbs. We have to cut off the swordfish bill with the 9-inch
• Yellowfin Tuna: 9-inch Stiff • Blackfin Tuna: 9-inch Stiff (over 20lbs), 7-inch Tapered Flex (under 20lbs) • Mahi: 9-inch Stiff Blade on bigger bulls, and 7-inch Tapered on shoolies • Kingfish: 9-inch Serrated (for steaks) and the 7-inch Tapered regular filets on smaller fish • Wahoo: I like to use the 8-inch Ultra Flex, depending on the fish size and since this is a very soft meat • Swordfish: 9-inch Serrated (to cut the bill) and the 9-inch Stiff to core and steak the meat. Snapper- 7 inch tapered • Grouper: 7-inch Tapered or 9-inch Stiff (depending on the size) • Blackbelly Rosefish: 8-inch Ultra Flex • Snook: 7-inch Tapered Flex • Redfish: 7-inch Tapered • Trout: 7-inch Tapered or 8-inch Ultra Flex • Crappie: 8-inch Ultra Flex I’ve been fileting fish since I was a child and have never come across a knife set that fits my every need like the Multi Flex. I like it so much that I have two sets that never leave my truck or boat! Learn more at www.bubba.com.
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2020
33
Go on a power trip with
Get Hooked. More power to find the birds that get you on the fish.
NXT level performance with the most powerful Solid-State Radars on the market. Exceptional short and long-range performance
Target Analyzer™ alerts you to hazardous targets
NXT Bird Mode finds birds faster and farther
Simultaneous dual-range capability
Get the whole story at NavNet.com
Rain Mode provides precise detection in any weather
TOTAL CONTROL AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
F
uruno’s NavNet TZtouch, TZtouch2, and TZtouch3 deliver a huge step forward in touch screen technology. LED backlighting pushes light through every pixel for remarkable brightness and clarity. Anti-reflective glass coating makes your display viewable in any lighting conditions. Configure your system with a wide variety of sensors, and build a navigation suite that meets all of your needs.
Nothing Is Faster Than TimeZero NavNet's TimeZero™ technology delivers chart processing like you’ve never seen before – seamless chart handling, zooming and panning without the screen disappearing. TimeZero™ technology will completely transform the way you navigate. Scroll, pan, and zoom in/out with a smooth, fast and seamless graphics engine - TimeZero technology updates the information
on your screen with virtually no redraw. Timezero also facilitates simplified route planning, because Navigating in a fully 3D environment offers you a true perspective and wider area of view around the ship.
Multi Touch Control NavNet TZtouch, TZtouch2, and TZtouch3 deliver intuitive Multi Touch capability for the most intuitive navigation experience. You'll have full control of each component connected to the network right at your fingertips. As soon as your fingers touch the display, taps, pinches and swipes are instantly transformed into action. You will learn your controls so quickly that you'll be up and running in no time.
For more information, visit furuno.com. THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2020
35
TRIM
SAFETY
GERBER CONTROLLER FOLDING FILLET KNIFE
Extreme Portability, Excellent Function
G
erber was thinking of kayak anglers and pack-in anglers when they designed their new Controller Folding Fillet knife. But the functionality and feel of this sweet little knife make it a useful addition to any angler’s tool kit in freshwater or salt. This compact addition to Gerber’s Controller series of fine fillet knives folds down to a little longer than 7 inches. It is absolutely the solution for anglers who need a good blade that is easily stowable. In the space-limited confines of a kayak or tucked into the inside pocket of a chest pack, it is there when you need it but safely folds down out of the way while you’re fishing or paddling. It is compact and portable, as promised, but what Coastal Angler noticed when we got our hands on one of these knives is the hand feel. The large locking mechanism is easy to operate, and it is solid. Folded out, this knife might as well be a fixed blade. It delivers with the same smooth cuts and just the right amount of flexibility as the fixed blades in the Controller saltwater series. With a 6-inch blade, it is perfect for lopping beautiful
36
NOVEMBER 2020
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
fillets off small- to medium-sized fish, and for safety reasons it’s probably the best knife to keep on deck for chunking cut bait and chum. It has the same high-quality cutting edge of the fixed blades in the series. Guide fins on the handle provide superior control. The grip is super sticky under wet and slimy conditions. Unless you just need a longer blade for bigger fish, there is no drop-off in functionality to the folding blade. “Love this fillet knife! Ultra compact and fits with my gear perfectly. Very grippy and has a great feel in the hand,” wrote one 5-star reviewer. We are in total agreement. There’s a spot for Gerber’s Controller Folding Fillet knife in your beach or pier buggy, in your fly vest, your backpack, on the center console or anywhere else you might need a highquality fillet knife on the go.
www.gerbergear.com
SAFETY
Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Annual premium for a basic liability policy not available all states. Prices vary based on how you buy. *Available with comprehensive and collision coverage.
There’s a reason they say, Curse like a sailor. That’s why we offer basic plans starting at $100 a year with options that won’t depreciate your watercraft and accessories*. 1.800.PROGRESSIVE | PROGRESSIVE.COM
INTELLIGENT DESIGN ON EVERY HORIZON
JOYSTICK CONTROL SYSTEM Optimus 360 gives your boat a whole new dimension of control. By developing the joystick function to be intuitive, Optimus 360 allows you to move your boat not only forward and back, but also sideways, a dime, all with a simple twist of the joystick.
Take command at dometic.com
TAKE COMMAND OF YOUR VESSEL WITH DOMETIC'S OPTIMUS 360 ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM Optimus 360 gives your boat a whole new dimension of control. By developing the joystick function to be intuitive, Optimus 360 allows you to move your boat not only forward and back, but also sideways, by pushing the joystick to the left, or to the right, and even, rotate on a dime, all with a simple twist of the joystick. Optimus 360 is designed for low speed maneuvering, and really excels in the marina, when pulling in and out of your slip, or when docking. Intelligent programming minimizes the amount of shifting required to complete a maneuver. With progressive throttling, the joystick becomes a natural extension of your hand. A light push on the joystick provides minimal thrust while more thrust can be applied by pushing harder on the joystick. The boost mode increases the RPM to give you more thrust when needed.
SUZUKI DEVELOPS WORLD’S FIRST MICRO-PLASTICS COLLECTING SYSTEM FOR OUTBOARD MOTORS
Innovative Device Removes Micro-Plastics, Other Pollutants From Engine Cooling Water Before Returning to Ocean
S
uzuki has developed the world’s first microplastics collecting system designed to be installed on outboard motors. The device is designed for easy installation under the cowling of selected Suzuki outboard models 40 HP and up. It works by filtering water after it has passed through the engine’s cooling system and before it is returned to the ocean. Because of its innovative design, the system does not impact the driving performance or cooling efficiency of the engine. This system has been tested extensively aboard Suzuki-powered boats in Japan, and has proven to be highly effective. Research has been expanded abroad and further improvements will be made based on these findings. The filtering system has already demonstrated its ability to collect a wide variety of micro-particle pollution, including urethane, nylon and wood chips, among other materials. Marine biologists and the scientific community have long recognized the dangers these microscopic bits of pollution—known collectively as micro-plastics—pose to fish, marine mammals and other aquatic life. It is worsening problem that doesn’t recognize national borders and is negatively impacting oceans around the planet. Combating this problem will require a cooperative effort by industry, the scientific community and outdoor enthusiasts around the world. Suzuki sees this new technology developed for its outboard motors as a positive first step in such a collaborative effort. The unveiling of this device coincides with the launch of Suzuki’s Clean Ocean Project—a 40
NOVEMBER 2020
new, broad based initiative focused on reducing plastic waste and its harmful effects on the marine environment. As part of this effort, Suzuki is now reducing the use of plastics in the packaging materials of its outboard motors and parts— changes that should reduce plastic waste from business activities by approximately 2.3 tons annually.
Suzuki micro-plastics collecting device installed on motor.
Suzuki has a long-standing tradition of working to protect the aquatic environment. The company has long been conducting voluntary cleanup activities in seas, rivers, lakes and ponds where outboards are being used. The first such activity was initiated in 2010 in Hamamatsu, Japan, and subsequently held globally as Suzuki’s Clean Up The World campaign from 2011 to
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
present. To date, more than 8,000 people from 26 countries have participated in a variety of cleanup and habitat restoration projects around the world. These efforts will continue and strengthen in the future with new programs like the Clean Ocean Project. This new filtering technology, together with Suzuki’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and participation among outboard users, dealers, boat builders, business partners and other industry stakeholders, is part of an ongoing campaign to benefit the environment. “We are excited about taking this significant step, where our motors can actually be part of a solution for a critical environmental issue,” said Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. President Max Yamamoto. “We have long recognized that Suzuki customers are avid fishermen and boaters who care about the environment. This is something we can do together to protect our oceans, lakes and rivers so that future generations can enjoy them,” added Mr. Yamamoto. This new device is scheduled to be available as an optional accessory beginning in 2021, with plans to make it standard equipment in the future. To learn more about this new micro-plastics collecting device for Suzuki outboard motors or the company’s complete line of clean-running 4-stroke outboards from 2.5 to 350 horsepower, visit www.suzukimarine.com or call (714) 996-7040.
ULTIMATE
INNOVATION
Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix. Always wear a USCG-Approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. Suzuki, the Suzuki S and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. © 2020 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
You didn’t see it coming. Neither did the fish. Discover the unique FISH PRO™. The world’s first personal watercraft designed for fishing will bring you closer to the action for an experience like never before.
Discover yours at Sea-Doo.com
®
© 2020 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. , TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. Carefully read the operator’s guide and safety instructions. Observe applicable laws and regulations. Always wear appropriate protective clothing, including a personal flotation device and wetsuit bottoms.
SEA DOO FISH PRO:
DOES IT FISH? S
hort answer: a resounding yes, but to really appreciate the fishability of this fun and efficient vessel, you’ve got to give one a try. We did, and fishing on this sleek powerful personal watercraft is more fun than you can imagine. Everything about this little vessel is fun, fun, fun and user friendly. We trailered it with a Honda Civic and launched at a “kayak ramp.” The detachable rear cooler easily converts to a great livewell, and the positioning of the rear rod holders enables a nice spread for trolling. And everything’s within easy reach of the driver or passenger. While the recommended navigational depth is officially 3 feet or deeper, the actual draft of this angler-friendly vessel is only 11 inches. We had no problem drifting and poling through very shallow water chasing bait. Yes, you can definitely cast a net from this vessel, which we did, and there’s ample storage for your net in one of the front hatches.
The modifications on the Sea Doo Fish Pro are definitely angler intuitive. As early owners of Sea Doos pioneered its use as a fishing vessel, the standards required became somewhat universal. The Sea Doo Fish Pro is the result of careful attention to the details these innovators added to their early Sea Doo models. If there are two words that sum up this sporty little vessel, they are “fun” and “efficient.” The Garmin electronics screen is easy to view and access while driving, and the achievable speeds on this powerhouse personal watercraft will blow your hat off. With a suggested retail price of only $14,999, the Fish Pro is a lot of vessel and years of fun on the water for the price. Another important attribute of this class of personal watercraft
By CAM Staff
is access. Its small footprint give you access to launch spots that would not be accessible by most traditional motorized watercraft. Again, if you really want to know how much fun this vessel can bring to your fishing endeavors, just test drive one for yourself. We did, and we’re convinced the Fish Pro fishes! To learn more, visit: www.sea-doo.com.
HAVALON TALON:
By CAM Staff
CUTTING EDGE INNOVATION
A
ny surgeon or taxidermist will tell you the best tool for cutting flesh is a scalpel. And that’s where knife-maker Havalon got its start. Their parent company, Havel’s, is a medical device company that supplies scalpels for surgical use. When the idea arose to bring the same incredibly sharp blades to the outdoors, it gave tools to outdoorsmen that are more precise than any hunting or fillet knife ever invented. The first Havalon Piranta was a blade modeled after an autopsy scalpel that folded into a sturdy handle. It offered all sorts of outdoorsmen the benefits of an ultra-sharp scalpel blade in the form of a pocketknife. But the blade itself was not built to handle the rigors of everyday use. That’s when Havalon began tinkering to find the best combination of sharpness and strength. The resulting innovation has made Havalon one of the top-selling knife companies in the country and the leader in the hunting industry. “We have always felt—that a sharp blade does not need to be used with any excessive force,” said Havalon Marketing Director Ryan Cull. “This is still a core belief of our company, but we know there is a segment of consumers that want to have sturdier blades.” The need for a sturdier blade that retains Havalon-level sharpness launched the Talon project. Designers set out to create a knife handle that accommodates an entire collection of different ultra-sharp blade styles. With a 3-inch serrated
blade, a 3-inch gut hook combo blade and fillet blades of 5, 7 and 9 inches, it is the only knife you’ll ever need at the cutting board or skinning pole. This all-in-one precision cutting tool was three years in the making. Designing a handle mechanism to swap out blades quickly and easily was achieved with the ingeniously simple push-button Quik Change II system. Finding the sweet spot between scalpel sharp and durable was the next step, and the blades also needed to be tailored to their particular uses. Through more tinkering and testing, Havalon landed on AUS-8 steel—the gold standard—which offers the best combination of edge retention and strength. Thickness and shapes of the different blades were custom designed. Fillet knives require flexibility; gut hooks do not. Each blade type was carefully considered and rigorously tested to achieve optimal performance for its intended use. The final result is a single knife kit that outperforms a whole cutlery set of traditional knives. Extreme sharpness is something Havalon users have come to expect with blades intended for replacement when they lose their edge. Talon
blades are different. They are scalpel sharp, yet they are strong enough to be resharpened. “So long as users don’t pry on the blades with extreme force or damage them in some other unforeseeable way, they should be able to go years without buying replacements,” said Cull. “The versatility of the blade styles along with the strength and sharpness of the blades make the Talon one of the most innovative products to come out in the industry in years.” To see all the features of the Talon and all of Havalon’s other scalpel-sharp knives, visit www.havalon.com.
46
NOVEMBER 2020
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
While the early success of Realtree was rooted in the hunting industry, three decades later the company’s influence now reaches into virtually every corner of the sporting world. Of course, the same sportsmen and women who trade their bows and guns for fishing rods are drawn to the Realtree brand, and that’s why Realtree fishing was created. So get out and enjoy the outdoors with some great products from a brand you trust, no matter the season.
FOLLOW BAIT AND WATER TEMPERATURE
N
Tim Barefoot
ow is truly a transition time for a number of things including the number of daylight hours, water temps and the mass migration of baitfish. The number of daylight hours is a major signal to all species of fish from mullet to marlin and everything in between. Daylight hours decline by a minute or so a day until Dec. 20. Fish and bait understand this. They react accordingly by putting the feedbag on. Another important piece of the puzzle is dropping water temperatures. Every species in the ocean, from nearshore and offshore waters to the shallow marshes, reacts by working temperature breaks. Areas with dramatic thermal change will concentrate fish. When the cooler north/northwest winds start howling, distinct water temperature breaks will become more defined. Pelagics, bottom fish and the bait they pursue will all be affected. Bait like cigar minnows and sardines will gather in large schools. Everything we fish for looks forward to this buffet. Some of the best grouper bites I’ve ever encountered were on or near structure where huge stacks of baitfish were consolidated. But the bait is the most important part of the equation. As a matter of fact, I’ve been on some crazy good bites that were on slick flat sand bottom that held big stacks of bait. It’s pretty simple… find the bait; find the fish. Once gags, reds and scamps start their true spawning rituals, the bait becomes less important, but for right now, I’d focus on the food rather than simply the structure. It’s a given that the big spawning gags will key in on the best bottom, as long as it holds bait. However, grouper certainly follow these huge schools of bait around wherever they go. This is especially true for red grouper. They will follow the bait
and almost disregard the ledges and structure. Granted, a live cigar minnow is one of the most desirable baits of all time for grouper and big snapper, but a big live sardine is absolutely irresistible! It must be the oil content or the taste, but I’ll take a large live sardine on a Crab Decoy Jig over anything out there. I’m not discounting a live vermillion snapper (beeliner), though. Speaking of a live beeliner, don’t ever hesitate to put out a live beeliner on the light line for a smoking hot wahoo bite when anchored up bottom fishing. Bottom fishing and light lining or kite fishing is almost at the apex of the year, with December and the first few weeks of January being the best. Get out there and get after it!
For more tips and tactics from Tim Barefoot, go to:
BAREFOOTCATSANDTACKLE.COM
An Average Tow is $750
LET US PICK UP THE TAB
UNLIMITED TOWING $85/$159* Don’t get mad, get an Unlimited Towing Membership from BoatU.S. That way breakdowns, running out of fuel and soft ungroundings won’t throw you for a loop. For a year of worry-free boating, get towing before you get going.
JOIN TODAY! BoatUS.com/Towing | 800-395-2628 *One year Freshwater/Saltwater Membership pricing. Details of services provided can be found online at BoatUS.com/Agree. TowBoatU.S. is not a rescue service. In an emergency situation, you must contact the Coast Guard or a government agency immediately.
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2020
49
It’s Tuna Time In Tuna Town
By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
V
enice Marina is the jumping-off point to some of the best fishing in the world. Known as “Tuna Town,” this southern Louisiana meeting place of the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico features endless branches of bayou waterways that give way to a Gulf peppered with oil rigs and other world-famous offshore structure. It is an incredible ecosystem for fish to thrive in. There are also very few marinas with easy access to this fishery, which means a phenomenal array of fish species are plentiful, oversized and underfished. It is truly like going back in time. This time of year, Tuna Town is aptly nicknamed. Autumn is shrimp-boat season in Venice, and it is arguably one of the best times to fish for tuna. In the summer, you might run many miles offshore in search of yellowfin tuna, bouncing from rig to rig or finding prime schools breaching under frigate birds in open water. With a 24-mile run down the Mississippi River just to reach Gulf waters, the summertime gas-bill can definitely take a bite out of your wallet. In fall, when these yellow-sickled beasts school behind shrimp boats, you will find yourself in a “Nat Geo” type situation within 300 feet of water, which out of Venice is only a few miles from the shore. At the shrimp boats, you must convince the shrimpers to give you bycatch. Trade is king in this situation, but not all the crews are after the same thing. Bringing a case of cheap beer is standard practice, but sometimes they request something different like soda, energy drinks or even hooks and monofilament. Sometimes, you will get lucky and the shrimpers will toss bags of stinky gold onto your boat. But more times than not, your mate will have to board them. The captain will pull up right behind their 50
NOVEMBER 2020
vessel, and the deckhand has to leap from the bow and grab the tires that hang off the back of the shrimp boat and scurry aboard to avoid being pinned between the boats. Once the deckhand has filled a few sacks of bycatch, they make the leap back onto your boat. I have personally done this many times, and all I have to say is, please don’t forget to tip your mates! The idea is to pull up next to a shrimp boat and chum so hard that you pull up a school of fish as you drift back. As you continuously throw chum in the water, you will see yellowfin tuna rolling out from underneath your boat to devour each piece. Your lines will be out of the water as you hand-feed the tuna and take inventory of fish collected under the boat. When you see the one you want cycle through the feeding pattern, that’s when you toss out bait with a hook in it. It sounds easy enough, but tuna aren’t the only fish that school behind shrimp boats. Buckle-up, because you’ll have to land that fish in the midst of a sharknado. The sharks can be so thick, that as the crew we’ve had to ask clients if they wanted to fight fish or eat fish and had to land a few tuna for them. This type of fishing is incredible to witness for anyone, but is truly better suited to a more seasoned anglers. Shrimp-boat season is completely worth the trip to Venice, but the weather can get a little nasty in the fall. You are likely to encounter a few days in a row that are unfishable offshore this time of year, so allow yourself a few extra days of availability. You can always check out the equally epic inshore fishery if you have to wait it out. Capt. Quinlyn Haddon now fishes out of St. Petersburg, Fla. with Reel Lucky Fishing Charters. Their charters are available for offshore, nearshore, inshore and customizable from anything in between. Call or text the owner, Capt. Joseph Dephillips, at (727) 557-7829.
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
WATCH
VIDEO
Catch More Fish with Happy Bait! • Cylindrical, Bait Won’t Hurt Themselves Swimming Into a Corner • All Plastic, No Corroding Parts • 1/4″ Netting is High Density Polyethylene, UV Resistant, Semi Rigid and Extremely Durable • Frame is Solid (not flexible conduit) 1/2″ PVC Pipe and Fixtures All Solvent Welded • Lid Opens on a PVC Hinge • Elastic Lanyard Keeps Cover Securely Closed • Collapses to 8″ High for Easy Storage
1/4” mesh net, Extra-Tough High Density Polyethylene, UV resistant
4’x4’x2’
4’x2’x2’
BaitBaskets.com twlack@baitbaskets.com • https://baitbaskets.com BaitBasketsHalfHorizontal.indd 1
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
2’x2’ 9/19/20 7:34 AM NOVEMBER 2020 51
IN THIS BATTLE, YOU NOW HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OF SHOCK AND AWE.
The next generation of our workhorse spinning reel, the new PENN ® Battle ® III now features our proprietary CNC Gear ™ Technology for ultimate durability, and the proven HT-100 ™ Carbon Fiber Drag System for ultimate control during the fight. Available in nine different sizes, from 1000 to the new 10,000, and in select high speed models, it can handle any situation. The new Battle® III. Fish won’t know what hit them. PENN. LET THE BATTLE BEGIN.
Best Saltwater Reel ICAST 2020 ©2020 Pure Fishing, Inc.
Pro Topwater Strategies for Redfish & Seatrout
P
ENN Fleet Capt. Chris Condon fishes the shallows around Charleston, South Carolina, where redfish are suckers for topwater lures. Low-light is the best time to throw a topwater, but Condon also employs the technique any time of day when fishing over oyster bars. “Topwater is the only way to fish without getting snagged,” he explained. He especially likes topwater fishing in calm conditions with no wind, when the lure has the best chance to get a fish’s attention. Condon’s favorite application is when a school of reds is crashing shrimp along a marsh bank. Condon will toss a Berkley J-Walker 100 a few feet ahead of the pack and wait for them to get close to start twitching the lure. For increased accuracy, Condon likes a 7-foot, fast-action, medium power Fenwick HMG Inshore. The rod is well suited to heavier lures and allows him to walk the dog with a tight pattern. Condon matches the rod to a PENN Clash II 2500 reel. The reel is
lightweight, with a full metal body to reduce flex. He said the HT-100 drag picks up smoothly, without sticking or surging, which could pull the hook. 700 miles away, Capt. CT Williams, a PENN Fleet Captain from Shell Beach, Louisiana, turns to topwater lures for gator trout. Williams likes a Berkley J-Walker 120. He fishes reflective lures—such as the blue and chrome “Blue Bullet” color—in low-light, and he’ll switch to Bone colored bait during the brighter part of the day. Williams said the biggest challenge to topwater fishing is hooking the fish. A big trout strikes with a violent explosion, shaking its head, and throwing water everywhere. It can be tough, but anglers should wait for the fish to start pulling the lure away before setting the hook. A trout’s paper-thin mouth requires a delicate touch. Williams suggested letting the tackle do the work. He likes a softer, parabolic rod with a long, slow bend. The rod absorbs the shock of the strike and prevents the angler from jerking the
lure out of the fish’s mouth. Once the fish takes off, Williams relies on a PENN Clash II with super smooth drag. With trout, the lower end of the drag pressure is more important than maximum drag. “Smooth drag through the range applies steady pressure through the fight,” Williams said. A lighter drag setting keeps the hook from pulling, while the softer rod absorbs the headshakes. Topwater fishing isn’t only effective, it’s fun. The excitement of watching a predator attack its prey gets the heart racing and blood flowing.
Own Your Own
FRANCHISE • Best Consumer Value! • Home Based Business with Low Overhead • Complete Training with Ongoing Support • Years of Experience with Proven Results • Turnkey Systems
• Low Startup Costs
• Exclusive Territories
We’re Working Right
Now! MISTI & GARY GUERTIN Treasure Coast Co-Publishers
Love the outdoors? Enjoy meeting new people? Self-motivated? If you are passionate about the outdoors and want to enjoy the freedom and benefits of owning your own business, come join our team of successful franchisees by publishing a Coastal Angler / The Angler Magazine in your area!
Be a part of the largest outdoor publication in the U.S. Become our next Coastal Angler/The Angler Magazine Franchise.
With a combined national readership of over a million per month and distribution to over 11,000 businesses in four regions, Coastal Angler Magazine and The Angler Magazine are the preferred resources for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. Our brand is well known throughout the fishing world, and our free monthly magazines are recognized as well-designed, thoughtful publications that provide newsworthy and entertaining information pertinent to the marine and fishing industries. Be in Business For Yourself...But Not By Yourself. An exceptionally rewarding and fulfilling business opportunity, as a co-publisher of your area’s Coastal Angler or The Angler Magazine, you’ll enjoy the benefits of controlling your own time and future. Our proven franchise publishing system enables individuals with no prior publishing experience to publish a credible and profitable localized version of our award winning magazine. We provide complete training and on-going support to ensure your success.
COME JOIN OUR TEAM!
For more information visit:
www.franchise.coastalanglermag.com 888-800-9794 • info@coastalanglermagazine.com
Insist on Only the Best Cast Net for Grabbing Your Bait America’s #1 Cast Net Choice, Year After Year America’s Best
www.castnets.com | sales@castnets.com | 1-800-332-6387 ext. 116 |
56
NOVEMBER 2020
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
GULF SNAPPER Three Times More Abundant Than Previously Thought WATCH VIDEO
Y
ou can bet there are a bunch of Gulf charter captains out there right now bellowing an emphatic, “I told you so!” In early October, preliminary findings of the Great Red Snapper Count were presented to Congress with results that indicate up to three times as many red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico than was previously thought. This unprecedented study was led by the Harte Research Institute and provides an independent and robust assessment of Gulf of Mexico red snapper stock abundance. It shines an additional spotlight on how inadequate data was used to all but shut down one of the most popular recreational fisheries in the world. The state-of-the-art study was funded through a $10 million Congressional appropriation, championed by Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) in 2016 and awarded by Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant. The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) was an early proponent of this study. Over a two-year period, 21 scientists used a comprehensive suite of methods on high relief areas, like natural and artificial structures, and low relief areas, such as sand or mud bottom, to arrive at the absolute abundance estimate. Approximately two-thirds of the Gulf red snapper population was found to inhabit these low relief areas, which have not been historically sampled. “The Great Red Snapper Count results validate what the recreational fishing community has long said – that there are a lot more red snapper in the Gulf than have been reflected in recent stock assessments,” said Kellie Ralston, ASA’s Southeast Fisheries Policy director. “We are grateful for the excellent scientific work by the Harte Research Institute and its partners, as well as Senator Shelby for recognizing the need to fund such a ground-breaking study.” With an interim analysis of stock abundance expected for the Gulf in early 2021, NOAA has indicated it will incorporate the Great Red Snapper Count’s findings into its interim stock assessment. Hopefully that will lead to off-the-charts snapper fishing next summer!
THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2020
57
Advantages of JetDock Boat Lifts and Floating Docks
J
etDock systems make boating easier and more enjoyable with their ease of customization and operation. A JetDock solution has many advantages over other lift options including their versatility, durability, boat accommodation, and safety. Spend less time turning cranks and more time on the water with our simple and safe drive-on lift system. JetDock owners estimate that they find themselves being able to use their watercraft up to 3 times more after purchase due to the ease of use and ownership of our drive-on lift systems and floating dock solutions.
JetDock systems are versatile JetDocks can be used for as walkways or drive-on docks that are both extremely lightweight and durable - making traditional boat lift technology obsolete. Fully portable, modular, and interchangable, our floating boat lifts operate in any water conditions including deep or shallow water and saltwater or freshwater. JetDock boat lifts are designed to work effectively in any kind of tide, current change, or even waves.
Our boat lifts and floating dock systems are durable and virtually maintenance free All JetDock systems are made with quality materials that are nonpolluting, resistant to utlraviolet damage, require no electricity, and are non-corroding. JetDock’s design also makes them easy to transport without the use of a trailer. Spend more time enjoying life on the water and less time maintaining and hauling your boat lift with JetDock.
Owning a JetDock system makes maintaining your boat easier With a 270° walk-around platform, JetDock systems make fueling, servicing, covering, and securing your boat a breeze! Safely perform maintenance on your boat without worrying about your footing.
JetDock works with a variety of watercraft Whether your prized boat is a powerboat, dinghy, kayak, Jet Ski, sea plane, or pontoon boat - a JetDock boat lift is the solution for you. We offer different systems for different boat styles including static, air-assisted, and multi-hull. Our custom-designed boat lifts can also accommodate most boat lengths, making them one of the most versatile boat lift options in the world!
Customize your JetDock With JetDock, your floating boat dock and boat lift systems are designed to suit your watercraft needs. With its modular design, JetDock systems are available in any size, arrangement, or shape. Need to change your floating walkway to accommodate more boats? Transform your “T”-shaped dock to a “U”-shaped dock easily to customize your dock as needed.
One Life. Live It On The Water.
SM
Drive-On Dry Docking For Boats Up To 50 Feet
Life Can Be Complicated. Docking Shouldn’t Be. • • • • • • • • • •
“Start and Go” Convenience Effortless Spontaneous Trips Simple Drive-On Safely Moored in Seconds Complete Dry Docking Protection Prevents Fouling - Pays For Itself Spacious, Stable Walk-Around Platform Quick Loading, Safe Boarding Access Makes Caring for Craft Easy Maintenance-FREE
800-JET-DOCK
JetDock.com
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JUNE 2020
LOCATION 1
FREE-FALL U.S.A. The Rebel Series from the Last Frontier to the Southernmost Point
T
he Rebel series’ reputation for being the ultimate Alaskan anchoring machine precedes itself. Churning out ultra-thin dyneema cord at impressive free-fall speeds in the North Pacific from Oregon to Alaska, the “Alaskan-tough” anchoring solution is not isolated to the rugged beauty of America’s last frontier where it was made most famous; its true free-fall capabilities are utilized for charter businesses and recreational boaters who set sail from the extreme north of Fairbanks all the way down to the southernmost islands of the Florida Keys. One example rests in Paul Plascjak, who splits his time between Maryland and Florida. No stranger to boating, the retiree docks his 1985 Bertram 30 Flybridge Cruiser at his Key Colony Beach residence where the Rebel EZ-5 drum anchor winch is comfortably perched on the bow of the 31-foot vessel. “All of us old guys with bad backs are sick and tired of all the old piece of crap windlasses that we have had to repair and cuss at all these years,” Plascjak said. “We just want to go fishing and keep the kids safe!” Proudly nestled at the front of the bow, the complete stainless steel anchor winch simply requires a two-second push from the helm or wireless remote. Gravity does the rest! Paul’s installation consists of 230’ of ⅝” rope combined with a homemade rock anchor. He says that the Rebel EZ-5 could “easily take another 60’ to 70’ of line,” if needed. It’s no wonder Paul’s neighbors are absolutely “envious” of the ease of use Paul experiences when they inspect the “beautiful” jam-free, time-saving anchoring installation. “A friend across the canal was hammering on his windlass last night trying to get it to grip the chain,” Plascjak emphasized in a summer e-mail to the E-Z Anchor Puller team. “I loudly expounded on the virtues of your reliable drum winch with the free-fall capability [and] it’s looking prettier to the neighbors every day!” The Rebel’s spool design and internal spring around it’s drive shaft provides
constant pressure on the braking plate, so Paul never has to worry about rope backlash or tangling while his Rebel churns out the anchor, rope and chain combination down to the seabed. Paul says E-Z Anchor Puller has greatly improved his recreational experiences and that the manufacturing company makes safe boating and fishing in the Florida Keys possible. Paul’s personal installation is right in the ballpark of the 2020 manual recommendation for rope and chain configuration: the EZ-5 is conservatively rated for 275’ of ⅝” rope plus an additional 20’ of ⅜” chain by the company. THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2020
61
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 780,000 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.
SHARE • SUBSCRIBE • ADVERTISE