Coastal Angler Magazine | August 2013 | Alabama Gulf Coast Edition

ALABAMA GULF COAST EDITION

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BUCKET LIST FISHING STORIES

• LAFAYETTE, LA • SOUTH PARK RESERVOIRS, CO

BEGINNING ON PG.16

LOCAL

PHOTO OF CAPT. KERRY AUDIBERT BY BRUNO PRAGER

FISHING REPORTS CATCH PHOTOS NEWS & EVENTS

VOLUME 24 • ISSUE 223

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM

AUGUST 2013

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Publisher: Coastal Angler Magazine Franchising, Inc. www.coastalanglermag.com

Editor in chief Ben Martin

LOCAL

FISHING REPORTS CATCH PHOTOS NEWS & EVENTS

BROOKIE STREA M

OF CONSCIOUSN ESS

BY MILES MARQUEZ

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Allen Rainwater

editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com

FRANCHISE SALES Tracy Patterson

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WEB DIRECTOR John Collingsworth

web@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2013. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

Disclaimer: Coastal Anlger Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers.

KAYAK PHOTOGRAPHY, FLY-FISHIN

, PG. 8

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Maui , HA BIG BEND EDITIO WAII edition N

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PHOTO: HOBIE

NORTHEAST BOSTON, MA Fred Radcliffe • (617) 488-2886

VOLUME 21 • ISSUE

219

COASTAL ANGLERM

AG.COM

G ON A SUP

APRIL 2013

NAPLES, FL

MAUI, HAWAII

This is an existing location available for resale. Stable 4 year old market, completely turn- key and ready to go. Welcome to Florida!

Live in paradise, work from home and own your own business.

What a dream! This exotic location awaits you. Call today!

For More Information On These And Other Franchise Locations

Call Tracy Patterson 305-849-1226 Email

Tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com

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A Half Day

Well Spent

Having a fish in the box makes all the difference in your confidence.

I stayed with standing up and stalked through the marsh until a wake materialized about 50 yards out—moving right to left. I paddled close enough to lob the black and chartreuse cocahoe out in front of the group. The fish jumped on the lure so fast it was incredible.

This was the pattern we were looking for. With the tide slightly too high to see tails and backs, the tip off was wake—sometimes groups —but more often singles or pairs of fish. The wakes were not easily separated from the wind chop that was on the water, but once we knew what we were looking for—the fishing was on! Over the next three hours, we stood in our yaks, stalking around looking for wakes and catching upper slot redfish.

Back at the metal gate, the cattle didn’t seem at all impressed with our catch. The imaginary scoreboard didn’t matter as we swapped tales of the fun we had shared. Within an hour we were all back at work—but our minds were still on the marsh and the wonderful half day well spent with good friends on the water.

To see a video of sight fishing wakers that day—go to www. youtube.com and search “John Kayak Fishing.”

John Williams is an avid kayak fisherman and outdoorsman who enjoys exploring the saltwater wetlands from Grand Isle to Calcasieu Lake. In his time off from fishing, he runs Pack & Paddle—a kayaking and outfitting shop in Lafayette, LA.

** TO CHECK OUT MORE OF THIS MONTH'S BUCKET LIST FISHING DESTINATIONS, VISIT CAMBUCKETLIST.COM **

By John Williams

S

ometimes the most simple of fishing trips can become a true bucket list memory. Last fall two friends and I decided to sneak out of work for a quick half-day outing to some local marsh southwest of our hometown of Lafayette, LA. What started out as a quick chance to get a fishing fix turned into a bonding experience for all of us.

Our little group arrived at an old metal gate alongside the dirt road that meandered down to the marsh from the main highway. My friend Brett Broussard’s family owns property along a small canal that would serve as our launch. We lifted our kayaks over the metal gate as a small group of cattle stared at us as if they were trying to figure out what we were doing. As the sun rose above the horizon, Brett, Greg Sonnier and I were afloat on the brackish water of the canal heading out to the marsh.

“I’ve been hearing of people out here catching fish,” said Brett as we paddled. The canal emerged into a broad lake and we headed across against a solid southeast breeze. As we paddled, Greg shouted over the wind, “I see shrimp popping!” That brought our heart rates up as we approached the marsh on the far side.

Brett paddled around the point on the western end of the island and signaled us to follow. This had been his honey hole in the past and he began to fish the lee shore.

Wanting to give Brett room, I pushed on to another area of protected water. Moving along blind casting points and pockets, I could hear Greg and Brett whooping as they both worked on boating redfish.

One thing about fishing with a group of friends is that you just can’t help feeling a little competitive. Hearing both Greg and Brett catching fish was starting to make me feel a little edgy. I fished the entire pond without getting a sniff. Moving through a trenasse towards the next pond, I spooked out two large reds—only heightening that bad feeling of not being able to get a bite.

Approaching the next open area, I stood up in my kayak and cast beyond the point that led to the pond. A couple of twitches and WHAM – the reel was screaming in the way that says “Redfish On!” After getting the fish to the boat, I realized that in the midst of the fight, my paddle had fallen off the boat and floated away. I spent a few frenzied minutes of paddling around with my hands before finally spotting the paddle 50 yards away up against the marsh grass. What a relief! Losing your paddle out in the marsh doesn’t stack up man-points with your buddies.

6 NATIONAL

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AUGUST 2013

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8 NATIONAL

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AUGUST 2013

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504.586.0300 10 NATIONAL

Sonesta.com www.coastalanglermag.com

AUGUST 2013

Raising the Bottom Coastal Farmers on the Front-line

By Bruno Prager

T

he family of oystermen I met and joined for a part of their workday spent half their day hauling “cultch” to the marsh and the other half of the day harvesting.

We arrived in Empire, LA, an important port of the Mississippi Delta from where I would be taking a “reality tour” of oyster harvesting as a guest of Sal Sunseri and the P&J Oyster Co., the oldest continually operating dealer of oysters in the U.S. (in business since 1876.)

This area of the Delta took Katrina right on the chin and the wetlands continue to lose land at the most rapid pace of anywhere in the world…. thanks to erosion, subsidence, sea level rise, industrial traffic and the hurricanes of course. To those with any memory of the Delta here, rather seeing the marshes spread wide and far, they see vast expanses of water….the “Gulf of Empire” you might say.

On a heartier note, there are those in Plaquemines whose families have been devoted to this strip of land for generations stretching back into the 1800’s whose roots have grown much deeper than those of the grasses of the wetlands.

The Jurisiches are one such family of the many immigrants from Eastern Europe who arrived over a century ago and have stayed their ground. You hear people say they will do something “come hell or high-water.” The residents of Plaquemines Parish down here have made good on that statement.

Honestly, I arrived expecting a gloomy presentation of how hard life has been down here. And that would be fair enough because it has been. Instead I took a tour through a day alive with passion, pride and productivity. Mitch Jurisich’s crop has been phenomenal this year, the best in the family’s long history and the oysters being harvested are beautiful and plentiful.

Turns out the life of oystermen involves working in an environment with a delicate balance- particularly when it comes to the levels of salinity in the estuaries in which Louisiana’s famous oysters thrive.

AUGUST 2013

There are many variables to oystering in Louisiana, one of which is how much freshwater is released from the Mississippi River, which when too great can cause die-offs in the oyster populations. Current restoration plans by the State to combat the severe wetlands loss may bring vast amounts of freshwater to the oyster grounds of the Delta and even Mitch is gravely concerned.

In the meantime, the Jurisiches and the other families of oystermen of the Mississippi Delta continue with the perseverance and fortitude that brought them this far.

Back to the “cultch..... cultch is rock or broken pieces of cement and limestone, material laid down on oyster grounds to furnish points of attachment for the spat (juvenile oysters.) Then like coral, oysters reefs grow and build over time forming their own eco-systems and sustain thousands of life forms, from algae to shrimp and crabs, all the way up to the revered red fish and speckled trout to sharks and to the fishermen at the top of the food chain.

The marsh here is said to be subsiding at least 1/3 inch per year (not including any sea level changes) and losing a football field-size area every hour. In the meantime, the Jurisches are buying cultch, hauling it out to the marsh and dumping it daily, building little reefs constantly.

Mitch figures this raises the bottom up 2 inches wherever they concentrate their efforts.

The world is sinking around them and the Jurisiches are raising what they can, a little bit at a time, year after year, generation after generation.

In the meantime, enjoy Louisiana oysters while they are here. For great recipes, visit www. oysterlover.com Bruno Prager is co-publisher of the New Orleans edition of Coastal Angler Magazine.

www.coastalanglermag.com

NATIONAL 11

Adventures South Of the Border Mike “Griz” Ritz

Fresh Water Mexico!

M

exico has the best bass fishing in the world. Well, that’s what I think. There are three lakes that Charles and I fish. It is not uncommon for us to catch ten to twelve pounders in all of them. You fish them mostly the same way as you do anywhere with top water, crank baits, swim baits and the old standby, plastics. These are all, of

course, part of THE GRIZ GEAR brand.

You are going to want to check out Lake Guerrero. It is 100,000 acres at full pool and has many islands plus two rivers— the Corona and the Purificacion as well as submerged roads and creek beds which produce trophy bass. Submerged trees and

fence lines provide staging areas for many of these big fish. Guerrero is full of Tilapia and Shad which are the main forage for the bass. The lake level is up and holding steady.

I have personally fished Lake Guerrero for over ten years now. My biggest bass catch there is a sixteen and a half pounder that I caught four years ago. This is a great lake for fishing plastic. All my biggest bass have been caught with my Griz Crave Baits. I can tell you first hand this lake holds some of the biggest largemouth bass you will find in Mexico. While lake levels fluctuate as with all lakes in Mexico, many ten pound plus fish are still being caught. Recent biologist reports indicate that the big bass in Guerrero exceed twenty pounds! For about four years this lake has had safety problems. Well that’s over now.

You can go there without worry, but take plenty of Griz Crave Baits! The best colors for this lake are melon and pumpkin. You can’t go wrong with them.

We have only the best if you want to get it from us at www.thegrizgear. com. We would love to help you plan your trip however we can. We have the connections for the best fishing and best accommodations. Please Note: We are not a booking company. Just send us an email and we will connect you with our connections! See thegriz@ asobonline.com or visit www.asobonline. com •• Read more Adventures from South of the Border at CAMSALTWATER.com ••

LURES • JIGS HOOKS • LINE CRIMPS • BEADS LIGHTS FLYING FISH 301-607-9160

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AFFORDABLE INSHORE AND OFFSHORE TACKLE FOR RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN FOR ALL YOUR DEEP DROP NEEDS - LIGHTS $15.95 DISCO

12 NATIONAL

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AUGUST 2013

FLY of the Month C

Garners Carp Dancer

arp on the fly has swept across the fly fishing community in recent years.

carp. Fast forward to present day, when fly-line companies have carp-specific line tapers on the market, outfitters market premier carp destinations and tiers produce truly innovative carp patterns.

The Carp Dancer is one of my go-to flies because of its ability to get down quickly.

The key ingredient to the Carp Dancer is the hook, and the Montana Fly Company wide-gap curved hook fits the bill. It enables the tail to stay visible for a feeding carp. For any questions concerning carp flies, tactics or destinations, contact us at www.cohuttafishingco.com or call (770) 606-1100. We’ll be glad to take care of you.

I first began targeting carp near a local golf course where I worked. I noticed carp tailing in the shallow grass flats, rooting for small crustaceans and invertebrates like damsel fly nymphs and crawfish.

At the time, flies that imitated these food items were tough to come by, so my buddies and I began tying carp flies out of necessity. Early creations were simple small Wooly Buggers with weighted heads to get them down in front of a feeding

Materials Hook: Montana Fly Company wide-gap curved hook (NO. 7181) sizes 6-10.

Thread: UTC Brown 140 denier Eyes: Silver medium dumbbell eyes Wire: UTC medium red wire Tail: Brown Marabou Body: Natural hare’s ear dubbing spun into a dubbing loop.

Legs: Orange Sili Legs Head: Wapsi Peacock Dubbing

(757)719-2280 AUGUST 2013

www.coastalanglermag.com

NATIONAL 13

RIGGIN' & JIGGIN'

TIM BAREFOOT

Make Your Own Custom Stinger/Asset Hooks

I

have grown to like heavy duty stinger hooks for bottom fishing and trolling for a number of baits that include squid ballyhoo and mackerel up top for the palegics, and squid, minnows and snapper on the bottom for grouper and (large) snapper.

Here is a simple way to construct your own (custom) hook size and length stinger hooks.

This is not the only way to assemble these stingers, this is just a simple way to construct them.

Step 1: Depending on desired length, cut a 12-18 inch piece of the waxed 250# braided line, and fold it in half , creating a pointed doubled end.

Step 2: Insert the doubled end thru eye of hook (from back to front) approx. 2 inches.

Step 3: While holding your index finger on the shank of the hook, make a tight loop around the fingertip.

Step 4: Remove fingertip from loop, leaving remaining (formed) loops of braid.

Step 5: Make a three loop uni knot on shank of hook, inside (formed) loops of braid. (see photo 1) Step 6: Moderately pull on tag ends of braid to tighten uni knot on shank of hook using dehooker on doubled end and pliers on tag ends. (see photo 2) Step 7: Pull hard on front doubled end to finish uni knot tightly up against eye of hook.

Step 8: Trim tag ends within 1/4 inch of uni knot. (see photo 3) If you are a visual learner, and/or if I did not explain this well enough, please visit the website www.circlehookjig.com and check the video, in the “How To” section, called “How to tie your own stinger hooks.”

All the best fishing, Capt. Tim Barefoot www.circlehookjig.com •• Read more CAPT. TIM BAREFOOT SEE CAMSALTWATER.com ••

14 NATIONAL

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AUGUST 2013

THE BEST of T

his year’s ICAST show held in Las Vegas, Nevada, and hosted by the American Sportfishing Association offered up a massive array of new products for retailers to inspect and consider for consumption by the angling industry. This year the show was joined by The American Fly Fishing Association creating an even broader scope of products for the over 9,500 attendees.

Our team scoured the convention to come up with what we believe were some of the coolest products offered. Look for these new entry’s at your local tackle store or reach out directly to the manufacturers. Tell ‘em Coastal Angler sent you!

2013 ICAST

New Product Showcase Award Winners • ICAST 2013 Overall Best of Show – JL Marine Systems, Inc. Product - Power-Pole Micro Anchor • Best of Show – Apparel – Shimano American Corportion Product - Dryfender Insulated Raingear • Best of Show - Boating Accessory – JL Marine Systems, Inc. Product - Power-Pole Mirco Anchor • Best of Show – Boats – Johnson Outdoors Watercraft, Inc. Product - Predator 13 • Best of Show – Combo – 13 Fishing Product - White Out • Best of Show – Electronics – Johnson Outdoors Product - Humminbird Bow Mount 360 Imaging • Best of Show - Eyewear – Costa Product - Tuna Alley • Best of Show - Fishing Accessory – American Tackle Company Product - Tidal Wave-Micro Wave System

• Best of Show - Fishsmart Tackle – Foreverlast, Inc. Product - G2 Floating Wading Net • Best of Show - Fly Fishing Accessory – Columbia Sportswear Product - Henry’s Fork V Vest • Best of Show - Fly Fishing Reel – Beam Outdoors Product - Elite 21 Reel • Best of Show - Fly Fishing Rod – G. Loomis, Inc. Product - PRO4x • Best of Show - Freshwater Reel – Shimano American Corporation Product - CHRONARCH C14+ • Best of Show - Freshwater Rod – G. Loomis, Inc. Product - NRX Umbrella Rig • Best of Show – Giftware – Rapala Product - Original Floating Bottle Opener • Best of Show - Kids’ Tackle – Pure Fishing, Inc. Product - Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Youth Combo

• Best of Show – Line – PowerPro Product - PowerPro Zero-Impact • Best of Show - Hard Lure – Koppers Fishing & Tackle Corporation Product - LIVETARGET Baitball • Best of Show - Soft Lure – Lunkerhunt Product - Lunker Frog • Best of Show - Saltwater Reel – Shimano American Corporation Product - Stella SW 30000 • Best of Show - Saltwater Rod – St. Croix Rods Product - Legend Xtreme Inshore • Best of Show - Tackle Management – Plano Molding Company Product - 3700 Guide Series Tackle Bag • Best of Show - Terminal Tackle – Mustad Product - Grip-Pin Swim

NEW Product Review Wild River Takes Tackle Bags to Next Level Wild River extended its line of never-before-seen tackle bags and accessories at the 2013 ICAST Convention.

Their product line is the first truly engineered tackle bag/ backpack in the industry. The Tackle Tek series offers a three-level, built-in LED light system allowing anglers to see into their bag or work area when light gets scarce. The Nomad model, shown here, is now available; and, if you can wait until Spring/Summer of 2014, you can get the Nomad XP model with an integrated USB charging system, converter tips and clip-on solar panel so you do not have to rush back to land. It's well worth checking these tackle bags out.

www.GOWILDRIVER.com

Igloo Introduces Its Yukon Series of Coolers Igloo Coolers new addition of the Yukon Series is sure to set new standards for the hard coolers industry. The Yukon Cold Locker Series range from 50-250 quart.

Virtually indestructible, these coolers are engineered to keep your ice cold and to withstand even the most rigorous outdoor challenges. Igloo’s history dates back to 1947 when their original metal coolers replaced the wooden drink buckets used by construction workers. Today Igloo is considered to be the world’s number one cooler manufacturer. The addition of the Yukon family of coolers will only solidify this fact. If you haven’t seen the features offered in the Yukon Series, you owe it to yourself to take a closer look at what may be the last cooler you’ll ever need.

www.takeonyukon.com 16 NATIONAL

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AUGUST 2013

The Best of ICAST Balloon Fisher King: the Original Balloon Fishing Clip

AQUA LOGIC: The Ultimate Bait Keeping System

The Balloon Fishing Clip, a first-of-its-kind item that simplifies balloon fishing, allows anglers to go from on the water to in the water in mere seconds. In short, if you have a clip, a balloon and some line—and a baited hook, of course—you have all you need for balloon fishing.

With the Balloon Fishing Clip, there are no fancy swivels or elaborate knots needed. Anglers just need to clip, bait, inflate and fish. It’s really that simple.

To use the clip, an angler pushes the release/lock button on the side of the item, then inserts fishing line into the balloon clip’s line cavity and releases the button, locking the line into place. (Depth is adjusted by depressing the release/lock button and sliding the clip up or down the line.) Once the balloon is inflated, and a knot is tied to prevent air from leaking out, the knot is inserted into a notch on the side of the clip before the angler stretches the balloon and inserts the neck of the balloon into a cavity on the top of the clip. That’s it. Bait and fish.

Balloon Fisher King is manufactured and marketed by MZL Creations, which is dedicated to creating environmentally friendly products that take some of the hassle out of fishing.

Aquatic system experts at Aqua Logic teamed together with staff of Robinson Wholesale and their expertise in live bait to design a state of the art self-contained refrigerated aquatic tank.

Specifically designed for use in retail outlets selling live bait, this system also has applications in other types of uses including: aquatic research, display, museums and universities, and restaurants and grocery stores. Economic, quiet, and easy to operate, the Aqua Logic bait system is simply the best.

As the water passes through bio media colonized by bacteria, biological filtration takes place and toxic ammonia is consumed and eliminated by this process. The clean water then goes through the pump and a portion is pushed back into the water return pipe. The other portion is pushed through a venturi, which aerates water by sucking air into it, and across the refrigeration coils where the water is chilled. This cycle repeats itself approximately 12 times per hour.

Activated carbon and/or zeolyte may be used in place or in conjunction with bio media until bacterial colonies become established. These products provide filtration of the water removing harmful by-products of fish metabolism.

For further information and pricing call: 800.457.2248 or email: info@ robinsonwholesaleinc.com

www.BALLOONFISHERKING.com

Introducing ZiptailZ Treble Hook Skirts Innovative Fishing Products officially introduced its ZiptailZ Treble Hook Skirts at ICAST 2013. With the ZiptailZ Treble Hook Skirt you can install and remove a dressed silicone skirt in less than 30 seconds, and, for the first time ever, you can now add a skirt to any of your existing treble hook lures. The unique design of the patent pending tri-wing connector brings life to your treble lures. ZiptailZ Treble Hook Skirts work best on larger lures for larger fish—musky, northern pike, laketrout, stripers, large saltwater species, etc., and is available in two different variety packs of 3 skirts each. For smaller game fish such as bass, walleye, salmon, seatrout and redfish try the Ziptailz Treble Hook Mini Skirts, which is available in two different variety packs of 4 skirts each. Free shipping to any location in the continental USA (Limited Time Offer).

www.ziptailz.com

Are Your Ears Burning?

Sunburned ears can now be a thing of the past. Ear Visors™ are a lightweight visor designed to keep your ears safe from the sun's harmful UV rays. Fashionable and comfortable, Ear Visors™ can also be trimmed for a more personalized fit, and is available in Blue, Black, or Pink.

• Patent pending • Dermatologist recommended • Made in the USA • Endorsed by professional fishermen • Cushions eyeglass frames for a more comfortable fit • Helps hearing by channeling sound to ears (user opinion) • Adds flotation to glasses • Great gift idea • One size works with almost all glasses • Quick and simple to attach • Ideal for fisherman, landscapers, construction workers, police force, military, golfers, tennis players, joggers, hikers, men, women and children, and anyone who spends time outdoors • Comes with or without a lanyard Skin Cancer is on the rise and your ears are considered a high-risk area thanks to their constant exposure to the sun. Ear Visors™ offer you the most convenient and most affordable ear protection! For more information and pricing call (205) 965-1193 and (256) 208-0249, or email: earvisors@gmail.com, and be sure to check us out on Facebook.

www.EARVISORS.com AUGUST 2013

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TACKLE MANAGEMENT REDEFINED RIGRAP® formally introduced their exciting line of 2013-2014 tangle free fishing rig storage solutions at this year’s ICAST 2013 event in Las Vegas.

Less than a year ago, RIGRAP® introduced its first product to the fishing industry and due to the overwhelming interest, the company quickly moved its development of a full line of tangle free rig storage solutions and accessories into high gear and what a great job they’ve done.

What RIGRAP has accomplished in less than a year is sure to make every Angler take notice. From conveniently small to offshore extra-large, all combined, RIGRAP has created a new line of rig storage products that will change the way we all store our rigs. There are now 8 various sizes of RIGRAPs; along with a specialty RIGRAP® branded the LURELOCKER4™ intended specifically to store rigged baits and lures tangle free—talk about being rigged and ready! Additionally, RIGRAP introduced an extraordinarily convenient RIGRAP® holder called the RIGRACK12™ which is designed to hold upwards of 12 RIGRAPs and comes with suction cups and straps for secure onboard placement. To top it all off, RIGRAP unveiled a unique storage track system dubbed the RIGTRAC™ available in 2 sizes that can be easily installed on anything from a kayak to a state-of-the-art onboard tackle station.

RIGRAPs have a MSRP starting at only $3.95. For more information about RIGRAP®, look them up at www.rigraponline.com or by calling 561.200.5958

www.RIGRAPONLINE.com

NATIONAL 17

The Best of ICAST Holster Up— Home of the Beverage Holster

Aqua Design’s SunGuard, Tube Pro Aqua Design’s team has set an industry standard with their newest introduction of the professional face mask series. The inclusion of nose and mouth breathing holes eliminates many of the problems associated with face covers. No more fogging glasses! Their Velcro adjustment feature truly insures the “one size fits all” dilemma that other face covers fail to deliver. UPF 50+ sun protection is built into their stretch fabric and with the added technical construction features, this face cover is built to last.

Whether you're out for a day of fishing, barbequing at home with friends and family, or tailgating at the stadium, Holster Up drink holsters are perfect for keeping your bottle or can right on your hip.

Their holsters come in a variety of materials and colors, and all feature a pocket on the back panel, so you can keep your ID, cash, and credit card with you at all times!

This very cool product is a great gift idea and can even be produced with your company, fishing team or tournament logo.

For more information visit them on the web or call: (347) HOLSTER (465-7837).

www.holsterup.com

www.aquadesign.com

Stinky Fingers Unveils New Line of Soft Plastic Baits Stinky

BIGFIN FISHING APPAREL From the dynamic art of world renowned marine life artist Ray Domingo, BIGFIN Apparel offers a stunning variety of fishing wear that is available in an assortment of crisp colors that make for a perfect combination of powerful, in-your-face graphics. Some designs feature colorful jumbo images on the back and the hip, accompanied by a contemporary look of shoulder prints on the front.

“BIGFIN Apparel is setting the standard for what fishing apparel can be,” says Mark Nelson, CEO of BIGFIN Apparel. “It’s not just your basic fishing T-Shirt anymore; we are going bigger and better!”

Since BIGFIN’s introduction into the fishing apparel industry, the line has received praise not only from leaders in the fishing community, but leaders in the apparel industry as well, receiving Coastal Angler’s Hottest New Line of Clothes Award for ICAST 2012. To satisfy the growing demand, BIGFIN has expanded its line to include women’s apparel and performance tees. So, to stay cool when the action gets hot, GO BIGFIN!

Fingers Bait Company introduced a new premium line of soft plastic baits at this year’s ICAST show that is sure to change soft plastic fishing lures forever!

These baits have a sponge inside them, allowing them to absorb a liquid scent and retain it cast after cast. Every Stinky Fingers Bait has a sponge encapsulated inside the soft plastic bait which houses fish alluring scent. Attractant is released through 17 port whole chambers and produces a scent trail that fish can’t resist. When they hit it, the bait explodes with a burst of scent and they do not let go! And the best part—these baits are rechargeable. Just drop the bait back in the bag, give a few squeezes and you are instantly reloaded to catch more fish. No other soft plastic bait has ever offered anything like this! Products include: the Craw, the Twitchin Shad, the Lizard, the Twitchin Stik, the Stinky Fingers Paddle Tail, and the Stinky Fingers Shrimp. For more information on these exciting new products call 904-219-8570, or email info@stinkyfingersbaitco.com

www.stinkyfingersbaitco.com

AVET Reels SXJ

www.bigfinapparel.com

Easy2Hook Outdoor Specialty Products solves the ageold problem of quickly tying the perfect knot.

Come to find out, the perfect knot is no knot. This cleverly engineered hook enables any angler to quickly secure a hook to a line with no danger of the dreaded “bad knot” that has cost too many of us “the one that got away.” Easy2Hook also eliminates the frustrating effort that many anglers experience when trying to thread the eyelet of a hook with line. No threading here, just wrap, twist and secure. Available in an assortment of hook styles and sizes. For more information visit:

AVET Reels introduces its new lightweight SXJ series, which truly fits the standard “less is more.” These precision-machined, marine grade aluminum and stainless steel reels are built to outperform comparable reels twice their size. Anodized for superior corrosion resistance, these beautiful sleek reels are built to last. Their true one-piece frame provides the ultimate in strength vs. weight. Stainless steel gears ensure that this reel is built to withstand anything the ocean throws at it. Its eight stainless steel ball bearings create a smooth, effortless drag system that enables the angler to fight big fish on a light reel: Add braid and your options with this reel are limitless.

www.avetreels.net

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AUGUST 2013

The Best of ICAST Grizzly Coolers Announces the Grizzly 75

Floatback Lures Floatback Lures have developed a crankbait using transformational and disruptive technology where the hooks are not permanently fastened to the lure, but to the line, therefore enabling the crankbait to eject from the hooked object and float back up to the surface for retrieval. If you get snagged with a conventional crankbait, you have to spend valuable fishing time trying to get it loose and most of the time that doesn't happen, leading to a lot of time wasted and an expensive lure lost. With a Floatback, the lure ejects from the snagged hooks and floats back to the surface for retrieval, all you lose are the two hooks and the retention bead.

• Double hook-ups - When you strike, the floatback is ejected away from both hooks which then invariably leads to a double hook-up thereby doubling your chance of landing the fish.

• No throw off's - Because the lure ejects clear of the fish and only the hooks are connected, there is no lure weight to create leverage to cause a throw off.

This technology is significant and holds the opportunity to be a “game changer” in the industry. Look for these lures to be in the winner’s circle on the professional circuits soon Great Action, Great Benefits, Simple to use! See Flotback lures on FOX-Sunsports Network.

Floatback Lures will be launching two new versions over the next 2 months; a Square Bill 1.5 - 2.5 ft diver and a walker for top water fishing.

To get a better understanding of how these lures are destined to provide the professional angler with a competitive edge, click on Brandon Card’s message on the Floatback website. He’s the 2012 rookie of the year.

Specially designed with marine users in mind, Grizzly Coolers unveils its new 75-quart model. The American-made Grizzly 75 fits in factory-mounted cooler brackets located in the center console or under the leaning posts of small- to midsize boats. The Grizzly 75’s exterior measures 33.24 inches wide by 18 inches deep, and stands 18 inches high. Inside, the cooler is 27.6 inches wide by 13.85 inches deep with a height of 14 inches. All Grizzly Coolers come in a variety of colors. A limited lifetime warranty is standard with all Grizzly Coolers models.

RotoTough™ Grizzly Coolers are constructed with UV-treated, rotationally molded, polyethylene plastic and insulated with ecomate polyurethane foam. Featuring a gasket seal and insulated rigid lid, the Grizzly 75 maximizes ice retention to keep your catch cold. The cooler features a mold-in hinge with solid stainless steel pins for durability, mold-in handles for extra strength and easy handling, and a no hardware latching system. Grizzly Coolers are proudly envisioned and engineered by Iowa Rotocast Plastics, Inc. IRP has been designing, and testing and creating quality rotationally molded coolers since 1983. From start to finish, 100% of Grizzly Coolers are made in Decorah, Iowa, USA. To order the Grizzly 75 and other Grizzly Coolers products, or to find a dealer, visit:

www.floatbacklures.com

AUGUST 2013

www.coastalanglermag.com

www.GrizzlyCoolers.com

NATIONAL 19

The Best of ICAST

Tidal Wave wins an ICAST Best of Show,

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t’s an exciting time for American Tackle to say the least. The American Tackle team and earlier adopters of the Microwave Guide have long since believed that the system was and is truly revolutionary, and to receive an ICAST Best of Show Award for “Fishing Accessory” on top of the EFFTEX “Innovation of the Year” Award 2013-14 shows that the industry has come to recognize this as well.

For those who have not had the pleasure to cast a “Microwave” Rod, the system offers superior line control, resulting in greater distance, increased accuracy, and a remarkably effortless cast. The “Tidal Wave” system that received this honor is a hybrid version of the acclaimed

“Microwave Guide System.” This new version features American Tackle proprietary TiON Coating on the main transition guides coupled with solid Titanium running guides.

This combination achieves an even greater reduction in weight throughout the guide train without sacrificing strength or durability, plus takes advantage of both the corrosion resistance of the American Tackle’s TiON coating and Solid Titanium guide frames. To say the Microwave system is the future of fishing rods sounds cliché, but it will change the face of the industry for years to come.

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AUGUST 2013

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NATIONAL 21

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AUGUST 2013

The Best of ICAST

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AUGUST 2013

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NATIONAL 23

Product Spotlight The Amazing BoJo Fishlight Unique design knocks bugs onto the water

T

he BoJo Fishlight is no ordinary fishlight. The unique design feeds your fish by actually knocking the bugs into the water—still alive. The unit has two fluorescent bulbs that attract bugs to the device. Once bugs come to the light, an electric motor with weed-eater cord type blades knocks the bugs into the water where fish eat them all night long.

The Bo-Jo Fishlight works great on fresh or salt water, on ocean docks, large lakes and equally well—if not better—on small ponds.

Basic fishing rules apply here.

Bugs come to the light, bugs get knocked in the water, bait fish feed on bugs, big fish feed on bait fish—and you catch the Big Fish.

The device mounts on a post, fishing dock, pier, or boat house and is simple to install. Our durable docklights also give you illumination to enjoy night-time activities

and cost less than a nickel a night to operate.

This incredible device feeds the fish for free and will actually pay for itself in the first year alone. Compare with

the cost of expensive mechanical fish feeders that spread pellet feed and you’ll save big dollars. Learn more at bo-jofishlight.com or call (478) 951-1490.

Engineering Optic Tecnology CHOOSE CROWN’S HI-FLUX LED TECHNOLOGY HUNTING LIGHT SYSTEM

3 YEAR WARRANTY!

WWW.CROWNLEDLIGHTS.COM The Crown series of LED lights can reach out as far as 150 yards and by using the interchangeable colored lenses hunting in all conditions is possible.

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AUGUST 2013

GULF COAST

Wade Fishing: Knowledge That Could Save Your Life

By Special Correspondent Tobin Strickland

L

ast month there was an excellent article in Coastal Angler Magazine about flesh eating bacteria. There is just nothing better than being in the water wade fishing when it’s hot and the air temperatures are hitting the triple digit mark. With the increasing interest in wade fishing, let’s talk about other safety topics that an educated wader should look out for.

With the abundance of fish and bait in the bay there is another fish that you’ll see in many areas of the bay and surf. The ‘man in the grey suit’ as others have referred to them. Sharks.

Seeing a five foot bull shark less than fifty feet away is definitely something that will raise the hair on the back of your neck, and put a little fear in you. Some quit wade fishing altogether.

While a dose of fear is healthy, there is no need to stop something you love. The real danger, and what attracts sharks to take a closer look are all those shiny fish on the end of your stringer, and any blood, or fish scent they can smell. Don’t panic! Adding a shaking tugging action to the sparkling fish on your stringer only attracts them more. If you choose to use a stringer the Number One safety requirement is to not tie it to you (not even a loose square, overhand, or granny knot). As soon as Mr. Shark grabs the fish he’s going to make a run for it and it’s going to tighten that knot. Once he’s on the run that stringer will be under a lot of tension and you can forget getting the knot un-done. The shark could pull you off your feet into deep water or into an offshore current and it could be fatal. If you are going to use a stringer, by all means utilize a wade-belt like the Fish N Hunt brand (FishandHunt.com) that has a slot that you stick the point of the stringer into without tying. If a shark grabs the stringer in that scenario, all you do is pull the point out of the slot; there is no tying involved in this scenario. Make no attempt at keeping the stringer; that shark can have it. Other wade fishermen have constructed ice chests that float in an inner tube, with the fish completely out of the water, and hence removing the attractant from the water—it’s much safer.

I was reminded about another safety topic recently while riding in the Desperado center console along the outer edge of a bay drop–off. In this heat the trout move out deep this time of year until October. They’ll want to be on reefs in 6-8 feet of water. As we made our way along the drop-off in route to our next wading location, up ahead in the distance was a loan single crab trap buoy directly in our path. We were in a hurry and the 250 was roaring to get there.

As we neared the crab trap, 40 yards and closing fast, we notice that there’s a tiny graphite rod angling upward from just in front of the buoy. The sun angle and glare had fooled us into believing it was a crab buoy when instead it was a full-grown man wading neck deep with his reel and rod the only other items sticking out of the water. Luckily the Desperado turns on rails even at high speeds and we averted a very peturbed wade fisherman. Extremely respectful of fishing distance, we were embarrassed and angry with ourselves. No one intends to run that close to a wader or anyone for that matter. We were happy to avoid the angler and leave him alive whether mad or not. Point is, don’t wade neck deep to reach late season fish.

Visibility on the water while wading or kayaking is extremely important especially as the bays continue to attract users en mass each summer, and spring and fall conditions can cause dense fog and reduced visibility, lowering visibility for waders and kayaks.

That’s where a product like the Fish Hide Sportswear’s (FishHideSportswear.com) fishing shirt become a necessity and worth every penny when it’s your life and your continued ability to enjoy what you love is concerned. And they’re not just for fishing.

Dove, turkey, game birds, and bow hunting will benefit greatly from the added visibility while providing concealment.

AUGUST 2013

Check out Special Correspondent Tobin Strickland at TroutSupport.com for intensive, educational fishing DVD’s that will increase your odds of having fun and being productive while on the water.

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GULF COAST 1

World-class fishing in a down home setting, St. Bernard offers the best inshore fishing anywhere! Just minutes from downtown New Orleans, pristine marshlands team with wildlife and are not only the gateway to fantastic fishing, but a built-in nature tour. Begin your 'reel' outdoor adventure down the road in St. Bernard Parish.

MAKE IT A QUICK GETAWAY…!

OR MAKE IT A HOME! From the French Quarter to the fishing hole, Marina Motel is less than 10 minutes away from it all. Rest in comfort in a guest room or extend-stay mini-suite, then start the day with breakfast at the LB Café and be on the water reeling in the day’s limits within moments of your launch. And when you’re ready to head back ashore, the world-class city of New Marina Motel Orleans is just up the road. Think 5353 Paris Road the location couldn’t get any better?

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With the Gulf Outlet Marina located just a short distance from the back steps of the hotel, you can get an early start to the day, launching right into Bayou Bienvenue. After topping off the fuel, stocking up on bait, and grabbing lunch, you will be cruising along the Intracoastal Waterway and the many intertwining bayous on your way to the best fishing spots within minutes. Hotel guests can skip the hassle of launching over multiple days – just ask about nightly slip dockage!

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LET US GUIDE YOU LIKE A PRO!

The waters of St. Bernard Parish are home to some of the largest redfish you’ve ever seen and attract competitive anglers for annual tournaments such as the IFA and the HT series events. Spend your morning with a great guide, such as Capt. Casey Kieff with Southern Charters or Capt.

Johnny Nunez of The Fishing Magician, as you land redfish, trout, and more. Just looking for the perfect place to launch and maybe get a local tip or two? Campo’s Marina in Shell Beach, the oldest family owned marina in Louisiana, have the fuel, bait, and supplies for your next trip.

DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW IN ST. BERNARD Maybe fishing is just too easy? Then take on a new adventure with one of our newest outdoor experiences. Join Captain George aboard the Peruga, an authentic shrimping vessel, and work a shift harvesting live shrimp. From dropping the nets to sorting the catch, it’s firsthand learning that includes a well-earned meal fresh from the water!

Or, spend some time with the birds – up close and personal with your guide, Peter. Discover unique marsh and migratory birds tucked along the coast.

Capt. George Barasich Reel Shrimping Guide Peter Yaukey Birding Expert

Discover it all online at: VISITSTBERNARD.COM or contact us at: 504-278-4242

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COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

3 ALABAMA GULF COAST

A NEW SPECIES OF SONAR

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ALABAMA GULF COAST 4

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2013

FISHING FORECAST

Mobile Bay

Does everyone like the weather? Plenty of wind, rain, and don't forget the muddy water that makes June and July and like one we haven't seen in many years. At one point, I would have taken a bet that water temps could have never been in the lowermid 80'5 after the 22nd of July. Put this all together and it put us in the toughest August fishing I can remember. So, the best chance for clean water is south and

ALABAMA GULF COAST 6

east of Point Clear to the Fort Morgan peninsula.

The water will start to push in the Bay from the south coming up the ship channel and spreading out as it moves north.

Like the springtime, you won't see this saltwater on top.

Fish deep.

Live shrimp on a Carolina rig or slip cork. High Tide jig heads with High Tide Soft plastics are my choice for artificial baits. Fish slow, the water is not as salty as it should but, it is warm. Chartreuse/Red, White/Chartreuse, Clear/ Gold Glitter, and Natural Shrimp. Try a 3/8 oz jig in Red, Chartreuse, and White.

I'd try a Mirrolure Glad Chad for a crank bait. Try Middle Bay Light and the typical April/May spots.

Good luck, the heat will be on. After all, its August. I’ll see you next month and we can have a laugh about how we did.

Capt Dan Kolenich 251-422-3474

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2013

FISHING FORECAST

Dauphin Island

www.mariedickinson.com

Commercial

Waterfront

LOOKING FOR A Well the Rodeo has come and gone and once again the Mobile Jaycees hit it out of the park, Great job guys! with that said, there are still many inshore fish that survived the tournament and they are ready to eat live shrimp and croakers; we are still catching speckled trout around the bay rigs all up, down and across the bay, in the marshes and around the small islands in the sound. They can also be found around the rivers that dump into the bays and around structure in Mississippi Sound. The trout will continue this pattern for the coming months until the weather cools off. They will bite shallow early and late and will be in deeper water during the warmer part of the day; I will continue to fish live shrimp under a popping cork early in the shallows and then as we progress to the deeper water, I will fish with

a slip cork rig or a free line, hook and lead on the bottom. On the slip corks and free line I will use either live shrimp or live croakers.

The redfish are around some of the bay rigs now and can be found in the Grand Bay area and the Portersville Bay and Heron Bay areas as well. They will hit live bait as well as the plastic shrimp or mullet imitation baits.

The triple tail or blackfish are here as well and can be found around floating debris in the Gulf, Bays and Sound. I could go on and on, BUT the best way is for me to show you how we do it down here.

Capt. Charlie Gray Gray Gulf Charters Dauphin Island, Alabama 251.379.5067 www.Graygulfcharters.com

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Mobile Bay $269,900 4 acres - 190’ waterfront

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AUGUST 2013

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

7 ALABAMA GULF COAST

FISHING FORECAST Mobile Bay

Caleb Reeves from Tennessee with his first Redfish, 38" and 28 lbs!

ALABAMA GULF COAST 8

Hello folks, is this summer flying by or what?

August already! Hopefully this month won’t be as wet or windy as last month. The bite has continued to be the same with the rigs down south, the wrecks in Mississippi sound are still holding good numbers of specks and white trout. There has been some trout starting to show up consistently along the Eastern shore reefs toward the end of July. The Mobile river bite has slowed down with the flood of fresh water from all the rain up north. The reds have been somewhat steady along the old piers along the Eastern Shore.

The tripletail really showed up good this month. The biggest concentrations have been along the channel markers in Mississippi sound and floating debris in the bay. The trout bite has been the same pattern, slip cork fishing around the rigs and the wrecks. Live shrimp have been

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

pretty consistent. The bigger fish have been eating live croakers as well. Now is the time to make those last few fishing memories before getting the kids ready for school. Hope to see ya on the water!

Captain Andrew Carter Krazy Kjun Charters 251-709-6894

AUGUST 2013

Capt. Richard Rutland Inshore Fishing Guide Service

Speckled Trout • Tripletail • Redfish • Flounder USCG Licensed & Insured | Dauphin Island, Alabama

251.459.5077

richard.rutland@yahoo.com

www.coldbloodedfishing.com

AUGUST 2013

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

9 ALABAMA GULF COAST

FISHING FORECAST Alabama Gulf Coast

July was one of the most unusual months I have ever experienced in the heat of the summer. It sure was windy and rainy.

We usually experience nice calm seas and mostly dry weather. We will hopefully be in our normal weather pattern for August.

Amberjack season opens August 1st and I

ALABAMA GULF COAST 10

know everyone is ready to go find the big one. We will hopefully spend some trips offshore in deeper water for amberjack.

Gag grouper, red grouper and red grouper are other great fish to target in the deeper water. Vermillion snapper and white snapper are good fish to add to the box.

When August arrives I always look forward to searching for wahoo, mahi mahi and searching for a marlin. This is the time of year that can be good for big game trolling on a day trip. Blue water is often within 40 miles. The Cool Change charter boat just returned from an offshore day charter and caught two wahoo and fought a nice sailfish. Amberjack season will be open and there will be an option in

addition to offshore trolling.

The nearshore trolling bite for Spanish mackerel and king mackerel has been up and down in July. The unusual weather conditions have not helped. We hope to see some good mackerel fishing in August.

Drift fishing with live baits and dead cigar minnows are also good to attract a big king.

There should also be some bonita around for some fun action. Hook onto a bonita with light tackle and hang on. There have been a few bull redfish caught in late July by trolling. A few jack crevelle have also been caught and released. A jack crevelle can give you a heck of a battle. Enjoy some nearshore sportfishing.

There have also been some big bull

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

sharks caught in the July Shark Shootout.

A big bull will give everyone a battle for an hour or so. Have your camera ready for some awesome shots.

Finally, it appears there will be an October red snapper season beginning on October 1st. The season will most likely be open till mid October or late October. Fall 2013 is looking good. We actually have a few fish we can keep. Come on and let's go fishing!

Captain Don McPherson Getaway Charters 251-981-8047 getawaycharters@yahoo.com www.getawaygulffishing.com

AUGUST 2013

AUGUST 2013

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

11 ALABAMA GULF COAST

SHORE & PIER REPORT August is usually the hottest month of the year along the gulf coast weatherwise, and relief from the heat is often still over the horizon. Barring any tropical activity our main driving force in the weather is the pattern of diurnal heating from the sun initiating a seabreeze and possibly thunderstorms associated with it. This pattern regularly starts with a light offshore breeze beginning around sunrise (called a “landbreeze”) followed by a brief period of calm winds and fast rising temperature toward the middle of the day. Once the land heats up sufficiently to make the air rise inland, more air is pulled in from the gulf to replace it and a cooling onshore “seabreeze” develops. The savvy shore angler recognizes this pattern and uses it to their advantage by fishing the gulf beaches early in the day when the offshore breeze quiets the surf. It’s a good idea to then take a break during the heat of the day when the wind dies off and return later in the afternoon to

ALABAMA GULF COAST 12

a location like a pier or jetty which is protected from the afternoon seabreeze and uses the breeze to their advantage to present their bait in an appealing location and manner.

Another important pattern often overlooked by the casual beach fisher is the timing and force of the tides. Our area having semi-diurnal tides (i.e. only once a day high and low) makes even subtle changes in the water level and flow of current all the more important.

Our fish have evolved to sense and take advantage of these slight variations and the successful angler must do the same to consistently find and catch fish. The tides in August are typically high in the morning hours and falling through most of the afternoon and into the evening. The two NEAP tide periods this month are prolonged through several successive days (9th through the 11th and 22nd through the 24th). These days especially will challenge many anglers from shore or boat and making

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

good decisions of timing and location to find a bite will be even more critical to the angler’s success.

Many anglers simply avoid fishing the NEAP tide periods, but I have learned by stepping into the challenge makes fishing the ‘normal’ tide phase periods even more productive. Jetties and piers can be VERY productive fishing spots during these “slow periods” because what little water level change (and current) there is usually funneled through the inlets and bars nearby. Thus areas like Perdido Pass, Fort Gaines and Cedar Point Pier that are often considered ‘unfishable’ due to the overwhelming speed of the tidal current are often much more manageable during these days with less current. It is a good practice for a novice angler to keep a journal or notebook remarking some of the details that led to a day fishing being successful or not.

This information is a valuable learning tool in the angler’s evolution to better

AUGUST 2013

SHORE & PIER REPORT understand the intricate forces and fickle nature of fishing and solving the riddle of where the fish are and what they are biting.

Surfcasting and plugging are very popular and productive approaches to fishing in August besides being a great way to beat the heat. Just the basic approach of throwing a piece of fresh shrimp rigged Carolina style on a #2 single hook with a one ounce egg weight out just beyond the small waves often produces a variety of whiting or ground mullet (gulf and southern kingfish) along with the occasional pompano, ladyfish, black drum, stingray, many other species and the seemingly ever-present hardhead catfish. Another good reason to carry along some needle nosed pliers for hook removal.

Calm morning conditions often present a great opportunity for plug fishing with a topwater lure like a Skitterwalk or Zara

AUGUST 2013

Spook for speckled trout, bluefish, ladyfish and spanish mackerel. The later of which would probably encourage the wise to add a piece of heavy, clear monofilament line as a leader to help prevent cutoffs. Diving plugs like the Rapala X-Rap, Bomber and Yozuri will certainly get the attention of these gamefish as do the more durable and less expensive silver spoons (like Mr. Champ, Sidewinder and Krocodile) in the ¾ to 2 ounce range. Again adding a piece of heavy monofilament line will help prevent cutoffs from the toothy critters. These same lures work well from piers and jetties in the gulf along with the old standard ½ ounce white leadhead jig (Looney Jig) and the increasingly popular “Bubble Rig”. The bubble rig is made with a clear plastic float and 3 to 4 feet of heavy monofilament line with a small jig, spoon or straw rig (a 3” piece of drinking straw or rubber sunglasses

holder over a #6 treble hook) attached.

The hollow plastic float is partially filled with water which aids in gaining casting distance. The retrieve is a fast jerky motion that causes an audible “blurp” on the water surface and imparts a darting action on the lure. Gamefish attracted to the disturbance see the lure as a fleeing baitfish and pounce on it.

King mackerel action is usually slow from the Gulf State Park Pier in August, but there are often plenty of other large game fish to hold the interest of anglers. Tarpon are still migrating through, as are roaming schools of jack crevelle and bull red fish along with bonita (Little Tunny) and the seemingly ever present sharks. Any of these eat the live sardines (called LYs) that school around the pier looking for refuge and the anglers present them live free lined, under a float or ‘snobbled’ when freshly dead.

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

Also plenty of spanish mackerel, bluefish and ladyfish are available for eager anglers almost the whole length of the pier on many days and they will eat a variety of live or artificial baits especially the ‘bubble rig’. Also speckled trout and flounder along with slot sized redfish are usually available from the pier in August by using medium and light tackle to present 3” to 4” long live baits like finger mullet, bull minnows and small LYs. Just be sure to bring your sunglasses, a good hat, plenty of sunscreen and cooling water cuz it’s HOT out there! ;-) David Thornton Fishing tips, pictures and almost daily reports from the Gulf State Park Pier as well as other sites can be found on the internet @ http:// www.gulfshorespierfishing.com

13 ALABAMA GULF COAST

Lionfish invasion…Let’s Fight Back!

T

he sport of spearfishing is governed by federal and state regulations, and we have the same size and creel limits as anglers. Spearfishing has been found to be the most environmentally friendly form of fishing due to being highly selective, having no by-catch, causing no habitat damage, nor creating stress or harm to protected endangered species.

ALABAMA GULF COAST 14

T h e s e facts prove a spearfisherman can harvest their catch without doing any harm to the reef, but can he actually help the health of the reef?

Absolutely!

The newest target species for us gulf coast hunters is the invasive lionfish.

The last few years has seen an explosion in the local population of these beautiful, but extremely harmful fish. A single female can produce 1 million eggs a year and a very high percentage of those will survive. They have no local natural predator and eat the young of all our prized species.

For these reasons a campaign has started with divers to put our spears to

work to kill any lionfish we see. Currently, it is the only way to attempt to check this growing problem. They can’t be targeted with hook and line, nor can they be trawled because they only live in close proximity to wrecks and reefs. No effective ideas for developing a commercial fishery have been discovered. So far, spearfishing is the only proven way to try and keep them in check.

We are currently conducting additional dive training for biologist with Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources so they can observe the lionfish on the reefs and develop effective eradication techniques. All in an attempt to eradicate them and protect the strong fishery we enjoy on the gulf coast.

Most anglers don’t understand the severity of the problem because they don’t see how the pyramids, tanks and natural bottom are choked with them. Even though a mature lionfish won’t eat a large snapper, it will consume every juvenile, so very few young snapper will survive to adulthood.

Bottom fishing for scamp and gags gets tough and frustrating this time of year because it is hard to get thru the abundant

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

By: Capt. Lawren McCaghren

red snapper and triggerfish, both of which are closed seasons. We spearos slip thru the red snapper with a wary eye ready for a curious gag to come check out the “bubble maker”.

The proximity of clear water and the abundance of sargassum weed lines creates a unique opportunity for a free diver to slip over the side and shoot a few dolphin and tripletail for the grill. These floating ecosystems can hold any number of priced species including dolphin, tripletail, cobia and kingfish.

Call Gulf Coast Divers at (251) 342-2970 and ask about dive training, spearfishing and underwater videography.

Training can be completed in a couple weeks and you can be geared up and ready sooner than you think. Then you can grab your Sealife camera and be uploading You Tube videos after your first trip.

AUGUST 2013

KAYAK REPORT

F

ish Early and beat the heat! Slipping your kayak before the Sun rises with anticipation while listening to bait getting crashed in the distance is hard to beat.

Stealth is the key with kayak fishing so take your time and work the shallow flats on

ALABAMA GULF COAST 16

By Benton Parrott

the early feeding trout’s and reds. Natural shiner Sebiles stikk shads and MirrOlure top pups have been my go to bait lately.

Slow retrieves have been what gets the attention for me but change it up to see what is working best for you. Don’t be

afraid to move around if you are not getting the results you want. Move to deeper drop offs during the heat of the day. Give your bait time to sink and reach that lower water column. I am fishing a 1/8 oz. pro elite jig head on a Bass Assassin die dapper or a MirrOlure heavydine in the deeper holes.

The weight of the baits helps it fall down in the strike zone.

Not to miss in August! The IFA Kayak Fishing Tour is in Savannah, GA. on the 3rd and in Grand Isle, LA. on the 25th.

Remember you have to fish at least 2 of these catch, photo, and release tournaments to qualify for the Championship in October.

Ride the Bull IV is in Grand Isle, LA. on Aug.17th out of Bridge Side Marina. Last year there was over a 200 kayakers fishing the pass in this Catch and Release bull red tournament. Capt. Danny Wray of Calmwater charters puts on this event and it an absolute blast to fish! We keep a running tab on what’s happening in the

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

kayak community on our Facebook page Kayak Fishing U. With these longer days out in the sun take care of yourself. Wear protective clothing, a buff, and sunscreen when out fishing. I use Beyond Coastal sunscreen SPF 30 and put it on before I leave for the day and reapply with a face stick throughout. It makes a huge difference in how I feel at the end of a day and how long I can stay out and fish.

Remember while fishing from a kayak to always think safety. We are low to the water and not always easily seen. Keep a 360 degree light on at dark and low light conditions, wear a PFD, keep hydrated, and let someone know your float plan.

Benton Parrott Hobie Regional Team / Fairhope Boat Co. Pro Staff Fishing Guide dbparrott@bellsouth.net

AUGUST 2013

Hobie® Mirage® Islands: A New Way to Fish

W

hoever said that sailing and hardcore offshore fishing are mutually exclusive sports? Hobie certainly did not.

Enter the Hobie Mirage Tandem Island and Mirage Adventure Island. Pedal, paddle or sail them…they are human powered, no motor necessary. marlin, tuna, dorado… offshore pelagic fishing of any kind…the Island’s are a “New Way to Fish” from Hobie. The combination of the MirageDrive® pedal system, rudder, rollerfurling main sail, retracting akas and amas on each side and the hull design ensure a stable and fast ride and enable anglers to cover long distances at trolling speeds.

Both boats are proudly made in the U.S.A. When Hobie Alter built the first Hobie Cat 16 in 1968, little did he envision that the powerful combo of wind and sail would later merge with Hobie’s human-powered MirageDrive® pedal system to create a whole new category of watercraft. Fast

AUGUST 2013

forward to 2013. Both forms of power are combined in the Island boats. They provide a demonstrable way to give offshore anglers a glimpse of the propulsion that can be achieved combining the MirageDrive with the power of wind in sails. Add the amas on each side that make it virtually impossible to flip over, built-in rod holders, the ability to troll with lures and large storage capacity on the trampolines to lay out fish and these boats convert into fishing machines.

“I started fishing on the Adventure Island in 2010 and I still remember my maiden voyage. It was my first time sailing and it was magical,” commented Hobie Team Member, Daniel Pham. “The stability is un-matched with any other kayak I have ever been in. It pedaled well in light winds and then I released the sail and I couldn’t believe it. The wind propelled me with no effort on my part. I was sailing and it felt like I was sitting in a big boat.”

From the Texas oil rigs where Daniel and his friends fish to the Hawaiian Islands, Hobie Island fishing is taking off. “The Hobie Tandem Island is the ULTIMATE fishing machine for Hawaii's harsh wind and ocean conditions,” commented Hobie team members, Kevin and Gareth Uyeda.

The boat’s stability allows us to hunt quality game fish like ono (wahoo), mahi mahi (dorado) and ahi (yellowfin tuna) in conditions that would otherwise have us scrambling for the shore or sitting on the couch at home. The wind, which at one time was our enemy, is now our friend.”

In Northern California, Chuck Espiritu, yet another team member has seen the popularity of Hobie Island fishing explode, so much so that he and his friends have joined the Hobie Island Club program that puts like-minded Island owners together.

"The Hobie Adventure Islands are a game changer for all of us who chase big game

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

fish off the coast of Northern California. It has extended our range and added an extra measure of safety. Most kayak fishermen end their day when the wind comes up.

For Hobie Island fishermen, the fun is just beginning."

Since 1950, Hobie has been in the business of shaping a unique lifestyle based around fun, water, and quality products. From their headquarters in Oceanside, California, Hobie Cat Company manufactures, distributes, and markets an impressive collection of eco-sensitive watercraft worldwide. These include an ever-expanding line of recreation and racing sailboats, pedal-driven and paddle sit-on-top recreation and fishing kayaks, inflatable kayaks, fishing boats and stand-up paddleboards plus a complementary array of parts and accessories www.hobiecat.com

17 ALABAMA GULF COAST

Ocean Conservancy The Gulf Coast Economy is driven by its Natural Resources By: Kara Lankford

I

admit it--I’m a big outdoor enthusiast.

The happiest memories I have were spent enjoying nature and just feeling at peace surrounded by its beauty. Here in Alabama, we are blessed with an abundance of outdoor activities year round. Many of us in this area hunt, fish, bird watch or simply enjoy lounging at the beach. I think we all share a love for our outdoor hobbies, whatever they may be. But, we may not realize the tremendous economic impact these nature-based activities have on our local economy.

A recent report shed some light on this subject. The report, conducted by Datu, studied the economic impact of wildlife tourism in the five Gulf States. According to the report, wildlife tourism draws 20 million participants annually to the Gulf Coast. The tourism industry provides 2.6 million jobs in the region; nearly five times that of the region’s other three largest resource-based industries, which

ALABAMA GULF COAST 22

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

are commercial fisheries, oil and gas, and shipping. The report dives into state-bystate statistics that offer a good perspective on how wildlife tourism really is the bread and butter of the Gulf economy. In Alabama alone, wildlife tourism (including hunting, recreational fishing and wildlife watching) provides over 26,000 jobs and generates over $2 billion in revenue.

Mobile and Baldwin counties host nearly 1,400 tourism-related businesses. State and local governments generate almost $200 million in revenue from tourism, a sum that could pay the salaries of almost 4,000 secondary school teachers. The great state of Alabama hosts over 2.3 million tourists per year, which I’m sure doesn’t surprise anyone that has been stuck in the traffic on I-10 recently.

Clearly, the Gulf of Mexico and its surrounding environment are what draw millions of people to this area each summer. I can’t help but consider what we

AUGUST 2013

START A SEA CHANGE are doing to ensure these natural resources are protected for years to come. Do we take these resources for granted, assuming they will always be here just as they are today?

I don’t know about you, but I want to be able to look back and see that I have done my part to protect this special part of our country. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take action and use the fine money from the BP Deepwater Horizon oil disaster and invest it in protecting and restoring this beautiful ecosystem. After all, the more we invest in protecting and restoring these resources, the more we can rely on them to support our economy.

The DATU report can be found at: http://www.daturesearch.com/wp-content/ uploads/WildlifeTourismReport_FINAL. pdf

halls of Congress, Ocean Conservancy brings people together to find solutions for our water planet. Informed by science, our work guides policy and engages people in protecting the ocean and its wildlife for future generations.

Kara Lankford is Ocean Conservancy’s Constituent Outreach Specialist. She’s a lifelong resident of the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Ocean Conservancy educates and empowers citizens to take action on behalf of the ocean.

From the Arctic to the Gulf of Mexico to the

AUGUST 2013

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

23 ALABAMA GULF COAST

Get Your Captain’s License GULFPORT/BILOXI, MS & ORANGE BEACH, AL (Call for locations) Classes Offered Monthly

Alabama Coastal Fisherman’s Association Meeting Thursday 1st, 2013 7pm

American Legion Post #88 2663 Halls Mill Rd, Mobile, AL

The Woods & Water Hunting/ Fishing Expo September 20-23, 2013

OUPV

(Operator of Un-inspected Passenger Vessels)

Mississippi Coast Coliseum See Page #27 for details

Go to: www.acfafish.com for more info

2nd Annual Alabama Inshore Championship Trail Sat, August 17th www.alabamahungerrelief.com

Masters We give the test Assistance with paperwork HELPING MARINERS THROUGH THE MAZE www.captainschool.com

See Page #15for details

ALABAMA GULF COAST 24

(877) 435-3187

info@captainschool.com

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2013

ALABAMA GULF COAST 28

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2013

AUGUST 2013

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

29 ALABAMA GULF COAST

TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Barracuda (Great) 1ST Bennie Goldman, Sr. 2ND Derrick Saucier 3RD Jim Solomon

Black Fin Tuna 1ST Darren Guillot 2ND Joanna Spry 3RD Michael Blockman Jr.

Blackfish (Triple Tail) 1ST Jim Oakwood 2ND Frank Mitternight 3RD Harrison Jordan

Bonito 1ST David Harkness 2ND Greg Adams 3RD Mark Wallace

Blue Runner 1ST William L. York, Jr. 2ND Porter Payton 3RD Brandon Tillman Bluefish 1ST Colby McMahon 2ND Dennis Miller 3RD Jacob Ojeda

ALABAMA GULF COAST 30

Crevalle (Cavalla) 1ST Wayne Johnson, Jr. 2ND Corey Fore 3RD Kevin Simmons Dolphin 1ST James Herrington 2ND Tim Stroth 3RD Greg Hill

Drum (Black) 1ST Duane Ott 2ND Michael Fournier Sr. 3RD Clayton Mead

Lane Snapper 1ST Terry Killgore 2ND Jonathan Morgan 3RD Chris Smith

Drum (Red) 1ST Steve Roberts 2ND Lee Stock 3RD Charlie Jackson

Ling (Cobia) 1ST Matt Glenn 2ND Joshua Cassity 3RD Justin Rouse

Flounder 1ST G.D. Markow Jr. 2ND Joshua Bonds 3RD Bobby Burgess

Pompano (Florida) 1ST Tommy Fournier 2ND Sewell Fraser 3RD Andrew Miller

Gafftopsail 1ST David Harrison 2ND Glen Barbour 3RD Rick Dalton

Scamp 1ST Joe Massey 2ND Marcus Kennedy 3RD Martin Montgomery

Grey Snapper 1ST Bancroft McMurphy 2ND Marion McMurphy Jr. 3RD Lawson Griffin

Shark 1ST Thomas Eberly 2ND Dow Stevens 3RD Rhein Farnell

Grouper 1ST Greg Herrera 2ND Marcus Kennedy 3RD Michael Pitts

Sheep Head 1ST Tyler Van'thoff 2ND Grant Tillman 3RD Jacob Ojeda

King Mackerel 1ST Max Williams 2ND Joe Ankerson 3RD Sherman (Butch) Smith

Spanish Mackerel 1ST Denver Van Deventer 2ND Tammy McClantoc 3RD John Madison Harvey

LadyFish 1ST Louis Arata 2ND Olivia Thompson 3RD Dale Greenstein

Speckled Trout 1ST Jacob Napper 2ND Dennis Miller 3RD Donald Free

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

Swordfish 1ST Parker Nall Tarpon 1ST Brad Caban 2ND Larry Eberly 3RD Hayden Olds Tuna 1ST Hunter Harkness 2ND Richard G. Alexander, Sr. 3RD Kramer Volkman Vermilion Snapper 1ST Marcus Kennedy 2ND Jesse Graddick 3RD Shayla Lee Wahoo 1ST Mike Rizzuto 2ND Michael Milford 3RD Blake Harkness White Trout 1ST Chris Smith 2ND Thomas Clark 3RD Kenneth Stafford Most Unusual 1ST Andrew Austin 2ND David Silcox 3RD Jonathan Hay

AUGUST 2013

The Brag Board

Send your catch photos to: billc@coastalanglermagazine.com

LEFT: Courtney from Tacky Jacks shows off a Red Snapper from this season.

ABOVE: Dan Anderson caught this Redfish in the Mobile River on a 2/0 hook/12 lb test.

ABOVE: The McLaughlin’s spend their anniversary catching some beautiful snapper.

ABOVE: Lucas Borcicky shows off his catch after a fun-filled fishing adventure on the west end of Dauphin Island.

ABOVE: Steven Moon caught this 27lb Red Snapper on the last day of snapper season off Dauphin Island.

ABOVE: The Hittin Bottom girls: Shelby, Kayla, & Lacy show off a King Mackerel at the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo

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ALABAMA GULF COAST 32

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2013

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Neither the advertiser nor Coastal Angler Magazine, LLC are responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints. The advertiser has purchased the right of reproduction only in Coastal Angler Magazine and does not have the right to reproduce the classified ads in any other place or publication. Coastal Angler Magazine, LLC., reserves its right to exercise its discretion in the selection of advertisements.

www.AnglerClassifieds.com

Fall Snapper Season, Really?

By Dr. Bob Shipp

A

s many of you know, the Gulf Council has recently voted to have a fall red snapper season. Good news, eh? Yeah, I think so, but it could have been better. There are lots of moving parts involved in this, and I think it would be worthwhile to check them out, because in the next few months and years, these parts will still be moving, and more (and perhaps better) decisions will depend on them.

First a quick summary of what went into creating the extended season. First, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) provided the Council and its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) with a new, benchmark stock assessment of red snapper. This confirmed what everyone on the water has known for years: the snapper stocks are markedly improved.

The SSC provided the Council with an Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) of a little over 13 million pounds, which by law the Council could not exceed. The Council considered several options, and chose a quota of 11 million pounds, 51% commercial and 49% recreational. If projections of June snapper harvest are correct, this will translate to about three weeks of snapper season in October.

But this has left us with lots of questions. I will take these on, and provide reasons, including my own opinions, as to what was done right and what was not.

First, if the SSC recommended up to 13 million pounds, why did the Council choose 11 million pounds? Good question. The reason is two fold. First, NMFS scientists felt there had been unusually strong year classes of snappers between 2003 and 2009, but in 2010 and 2011 recruitment was weaker, and if we wanted to make sure that we didn’t have to reduce the quota in 2014, we needed to choose a conservative quota. And second, the recreational sector has exceeded their quota in recent years, so to avoid this happening again, we needed a buffer.

I strongly disagreed to both these rationales, and made a motion to choose the highest allowable quota (previously set at 12.2 million pound). The fact is we’ve recorded these “unusually strong” year classes for nine straight years before 2010 (which was the year of the oils spill). Preliminary data from 2012 shows the recruitment is returning to pre-2010 numbers. So when does “unusually strong” become average. To me the data suggest it already has. As for the buffer, there is no need for one this year, because we will have a split season. If June catch rates exceed expectations, we simply reduce the fall season.

Why do we start the season in October? Why didn’t we simply extend the summer season or start the season in September? The summer season could not be extended because the results of the new stock assessment could not go through the review process in time to simply extend the season. Also, extending the season would risk a quota overrun as happened in earlier years. October rather than September was chosen because NMFS wasn’t sure when they would have the information to project a summer quota. So in order for people to plan for the fall season, especially the for-hire sector, the later starting date was chosen.

Why the 51/49% quota split? The quota split is based on historical landings. The Council will consider reallocation of red snapper quotas in upcoming years, but the process to do that is very lengthy and could not have been accomplished in time for the 2013 season.

Reallocation is going to be extremely contentious.

There are lots of other related issues such as the validity of data, effort estimates, numbers of dead discards, and what measures of fishing mortality are considered. These must await more scrutiny in coming months.

But I would like to end with some personal/professional opinions. We are supposed to be “rebuilding” the red snapper stocks by 2032. Ludicrous! There are more red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico than ever in history. The Gulf ecosystem has been transformed by artificial structures, creating massive new areas of ideal red snapper habitat. The old “production vs. attraction’ debate regarding artificial structures is archaic. If these structures simply attracted red snapper, where from? Every region of the Gulf has robust, expanding populations of red snapper.

Management of Gulf red snapper has become the most contentious fishery management issue we have ever witnessed. And I think this is just the beginning.

Dr. Bob Shipp is chairman of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Reef Fish Committee, past chairman of the Council, professor and past chairman of the Department of Marine Sciences of the University of South Alabama. His recently published “Guide to Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico” is available at bobshipp.com.

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GULF COAST 5

“No Dead Bait” Fishing with Captain Mike

By Ron the Pirate

L

et’s go fishing. Life can be short and unpredictable even on the best of days. A day spent fishing out on the beautiful Gulf Coast of Mississippi would never be a wasted day. Get out of the traffic, leave the work at the job, charter a boat and disappear for the day.

I’m Ron and I’m all about fishing. I try to fish with a different charter boat every week or two. My bottom line is this: “I will never recommend a boat I haven’t fished on.” If a captain and crew doesn’t perform to my satisfaction you are not going to see their name printed in my articles, period.

Last week, I fished with Captain Mike Adams. He docks his boat at his family’s restaurant, Mikey’s on the Bayou. Captain Mike’s location on Fort Bayou is easy to get to and from when fishing. Most fishing charters start out early in the morning but Captain Mike is flexible and can meet your time constraints. The first thing you will notice is his wide and roomy boat. When four people are fishing, you need room to move, Casting and landing fish takes space. Captain Mike’s boat is more than adequate for fishing and the boat is safe.

Captain Mike has a great attitude about fishing. He states categorically, “there will be no dead bait on my boat ever.” That’s a statement I like to hear. He carries about five times the number of rods and reel set ups as people fishing. That’s an important thing,

AUGUST 2013

nobody wants to be fishing and run out of working tackle. Captain Mike makes sure that just don’t happen.

His style of fishing really impressed me. He doesn’t waste time on fishing holes that aren’t producing. Captain Mike works hard at finding fish that bite. Trout, redfish, black tips or black drums, I have personally seen him fill the boat with all of them.

Mike kept my rod bent all day with trout, and that’s not a bad day.

Last December, I called Captain Mike on the phone. He had no idea I was a writer for this magazine. Captain Mike told me point blank that “the fish just weren’t biting.”

Integrity is a quality that stands alone, and Mike has it.

Two weeks ago, when I was doing research for this article, I met a man that had chartered Captain Mike 30 or 40 times over the last four years. Nobody charters the same boat 30 or 40 times unless the captain is really hammering fish.

There are days when you will want to take family members along that are novice fisherman. Basically, you want to ensure that your kids catch fish (when you’re a kid, species doesn’t matter so much). Just give Captain Mike the heads up. He has white trout holes that produce fish all day long and will keep kids grinning.

I’m Ron and I’m all about fishing. When I say that I recommend fishing with Captain Mike Adams you better believe I mean it.

GULF COAST 7

Mercury Marine Unveils

Two New VesselView Engine Displays

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ercury Marine introduces its new intuitive-to-use VesselView 4 and VesselView 7 engine displays, designed exclusively for Mercury engines.

VesselView has long been recognized as the premier engineinformation display system in the recreational boating industry. Several additional features— including ECO-Screen, Smart Tow, gateway, Troll Control and a new contemporary design—are integrated into the new models to further solidify that reputation.

VesselView 7 features a 7-inch glass touch screen, while VesselView 4 features a 4-inch glass screen.

Each model displays more than 30 engine parameters, including fuel level and range, oil temperature and pressure, battery voltage, water depth, generator monitoring, HVAC and more.

Boaters can achieve optimal fuel economy with the ECO-Screen feature, named “Green Product of the Year” by West Marine in 2010.

ECO-Screen provides recommendations for optimal trim and rpm adjustments to improve fuel efficiency by up to 20 percent.

Boaters who participate in waterskiing, tubing or wakeboarding will benefit from the Smart Tow feature. Regardless of who is captaining the boat, tow sports enthusiasts are certain to experience the perfect launch time after time thanks to user-selectable profiles that control launch and cruising speed.

Anglers will appreciate the Troll Control feature, which allows the captain to set and control the engine trolling speed without using the throttle. Troll Control maintains steady speeds and can be increased or decreased in 10 rpm increments.

A diagnostic scan is also performed and displayed when the engine is started to ensure peace of mind prior to leaving the docks. While under way, simple icons and built-in intelligence ensure the user has the necessary information when it’s needed.

26 NATIONAL

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VesselView 7, which can monitor up to four engines, may double as a chart plotter and support accessories such as radar and sonar, when paired with a Lowrance or Simrad chart plotter or Mercury NMEA 2000 GPS antenna. A video input provides an option to install a back-up camera for improved vision during docking or while maneuvering in reverse.

VesselView 4 and VesselView 7 are compatible with SmartCraft-ready Mercury outboards 40hp and above, MerCruiser engines, Mercury Racing engines and Mercury Diesel engines. Both models display information in 16 languages. The new displays will be available for purchase in May of 2013.

Headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wis., Mercury Marine is the world’s leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. A $2 billion division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury provides engines, boats, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications, empowering boaters with products that are easy to use, extremely reliable and backed by the most dedicated customer support in the world. Mercury’s industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard packages; MotorGuide trolling motors; Mercury propellers; Mercury inflatable boats; Mercury SmartCraft electronics; Attwood marine parts; Land ‘N Sea marine parts distribution; and Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils. More information is available at mercurymarine.com.

AUGUST 2013

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AUGUST 2013

Product Spotlight Kite Fishing 2.0: How It Developed into the Greenstick

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hose who’ve kite fished before know how successful the technique is.

Anglers also know the excitement of watching fish leaping clear out of the water while trying to snatch the bait out of the air. Knowing this action with the baits dipping in and out of the water works, why not develop a better technique?

That’s exactly what a group of fishermen in Japan did in the 1950s-60s. In attempts to emulate kite fishing action, these Japanese fishermen developed the greenstick technique to catch skipjack and yellowtail. It was so successful that bluefin tuna jumped on their baits and broke their original green bamboo poles. This eventually led to the development of the fiberglass and, now, new hybrid composite greensticks.

The newest version of the greenstick is manufactured from composite materials in the original factory in Japan. The sections were

AUGUST 2013

shortened to 8’ which made the stick stiffer at the base but still flexible enough at the tip for the perfect action.

Greenstick pioneer Yukinobu Shibata said the success of greenstick fishing is in its “total balance,” which is what his new hybrid helps to achieve. Those anglers

who are fishing the new hybrid greenstick today know what Shibata is talking about.

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NATIONAL 29

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FROM THE CAPTAIN’S ARSENAL

By Captain Eric Ciocher host of Ultimate Catch TV Show

Filleting Redfish with the Bubba Blade™ “One cut and you’re through”

From the Fillet Table to the Dinner Table

From The Captain’s Grill - Blackened Redfish 1. Keep Redfish fillets cold.

2. Heat skillet on high flame until it is hot.

3. Cut Redfish fillets into two to three inch strips.

4. Dip in melted butter and cover with blackening spices.

5. Place in heated skillet. Cook three to five minutes on each side depending on the temperature and dig in.

It’s awesome!

30 NATIONAL

When you’ve had a productive day fishing, there’s still work to be done before you can enjoy your catch. I have many pieces of equipment in my fishing arsenal, but when it comes to filleting my catch I always have my Bubba Blade fillet knife in hand. Having a durable well constructed fillet knife that can cut through the thick scales of a fish quickly and smoothly is a must. The Bubba Blade is a great knife for this application because of its unique gripping power and Teflon coated razor sharp blade. To fillet your fish start by making your first cut behind the gill plate and work the blade down the spine of the fish. Then cut around the ribcage and through the belly of the fish. When you have cut the fillet off the fish, you can remove the skin from the fillet. The Bubba Blade makes it quick & easy. Always feel along the fillet with your hand to check for any bone pieces or shards you won’t want to eat later on. For more information go to www.bubbablade.com www.coastalanglermag.com

AUGUST 2013

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on the water with hobie

John ‘jd” Donohue

Safely Transporting Your Kayaks

W

hile performance on the water is the ultimate factor when choosing the perfect kayak, being able to get it to the launch and into the water without incident is almost as important.

How you transport your kayak has almost as much to do with the vehicle as it does the boat. You probably would not to try to put a Pro Angler on top of a Civic, conversely you probably do not need a trailer to haul a single average size fishing kayak.

Here are a couple of different options when determining the most efficient way to get your yak to the water.

The roof top carrier is the most common way that kayaks are moved from home to the launch. A sedan will require a roof rack with cross bars to be installed, while most SUV’s come with some type of factory rack. Some SUV racks are quite serviceable as is, but many kayak anglers choose to upgrade to some of the great racks available from Yakima or Thule.

Once you decide on the racks, it is time to select the best seating to combine with your choice to provide the ultimate in ease and safety while transporting your boat. Your options can be as simple as a set of rack pads or as elaborate as the Thule Hullavator which actually lifts and secures your kayak to the roof. If you prefer to put your baby in a cradle, you will find quality options from Yakima, Thule and Malone in a wide variety of price points. Once the kayak is on the roof, you need to strap it down. Use both front and rear kayak straps (available at your local kayak dealer); avoid using bungees, as they can pop loose and cause a disaster. When traveling long distances, you may want to use additional tie-downs tethered to the front and rear undercarriage of your vehicle.

The pickup is the vehicle of choice for many serious kayak anglers. Not only does it offer a multitude of ways to carry multiple boats, but it makes loading a lot easier, as you only have to pop the boat up to about waist level before pushing it into the desired position. A plastic bed liner makes this especially easy and prevents scrapping

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when combined with roto-molded kayaks.

A bed extender is another key accessory to improve you pickup as a kayak hauler.

Personally, I like the T-Bone by Boondox.

It is light weight aluminum and powder coated to prevent rust. The extender plugs right into the trailer hitch and is especially useful with the Hobie PA’s, as well as,

some of the larger Jackson kayaks. Attach a strap to the boat’s front handle and the truck bed’s front U-Bolt, secure the rear of the kayak to the T-Bone and you are good to go. Remember to tie a flag onto the rear of the kayak for safety and add a locking pin to protect your investment.

For anglers that need to consistently transport multiple kayaks of have one of the jumbo crossover boats, a trailer may be the way to go. There are some sweet models made by Trailex and Yakima, while most local trailer shops will fabricate custom trailers capable of towing an entire fleet. If you are mechanically inclined, unlike the author, you can repurpose an old Jet Ski trailer into a very nice kayak hauler.

There is no perfect way to transport your kayak. I hope this helps you chose an option that is best suited for you.

Pedal On! John ”jd” Donohue authors the monthly “No Motor Required” column in the Sarasota/Bradenton edition of Coastal Angler Magazine. He is also a proud member of Hobie Kayaks Pro Fishing Team and can be reached at hobiefishingteam@gmail.com.

•• Get more on the water with JD at CAMKAYAK.com ••

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NATIONAL 33

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34 NATIONAL

Carp for Continual Summer Fun! C

arp, a Eurasian fish introduced here in the late 1870s, were thought to be a handy gamefish to replace the loss of native fishes along with being a yummy meal.

The gamefish part lost a little of its flavor when it was realized that carp would not hit lures. They were also low on the choice of seafood menu items.

But they are still great gamefish that come in large packages. They hit baits readily and fight hard. For lake and pond fishing, the right tackle, bait and chum, combined with a lawn chair and forked stick to hold a rod, can make for a great summer afternoon. Boat fishermen on a lake or slow river (my favorite) can plop a lawn chair or two into a large wide jon boat, double anchor it from each end (cross-wise in rivers with slow currents only). Add some clamp-on rod holders for a great time.

Both spinning and casting tackle work for carp. The best casting reels are standard wide spool models with a line-out click that signals when a carp is taking bait.

Some of these are still made and in slightly larger sizes, are among the new reels from ICAST this year.

You can also check with Grandpa to use his clicker casting reel from the 1930s.

Lacking a click, carefully free spool the reel slightly and place a clothespin on a large line loop above the reel that you can quickly remove when a carp hits. The clothespin signals a running fish. Use a straight handled casting rod, since this fits best in boat or bank rod holders. A straight handled spinning rod works best for the same reason of fitting it in a rod holder.

For most fishing, choose rods in the six to seven foot range.

To allow carp to run when first mouthing

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the bait, the best spinning reels are the “bait runner” type that have a standard front drag for fighting fish and a rear “line running” drag.

Flip off the rear bait runner drag when you are sure the fish has the bait. Lacking a reel like this, use the clothespin and loop line trick between the open bail spool and the first guide as listed above. On both casting and spinning reels, consider braided lines that give you more feel of what the fish is doing.

Single hooks, well sharpened, are best for carp fishing, using simple bait running rigs. For this, slide the line through an egg sinker or eye of a bass sinker and tie on a barrel swivel. Tie on several feet of 12 to 20 pound mono. Tie on the hook. This rig allows the carp to take the bait without dragging the sinker and possibly dropping the bait.

Use commercial or homemade carp dough (cooked flour or corn meal with water, and vanilla scent or strawberry or raspberry Jell-O for flavor) or canned corn Niblets.

Chum the fishing area with the same bait and get ready for summer fun.

C. Boyd Pfeiffer, the author of 26 fishing and outdoor books, is widely known for his expertise in fishing and fishing tackle and has been named as a Legendary Communicator by the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. He lives in Phoenix, MD with his wife Brenda.

•• For more freshwater advice from Boyd, visit CAMFRESHWATER.COM ••

AUGUST 2013

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Trophy Pike Bite

in the South Park Reservoirs of Colorado

By David Harrison

W

ho knew that the life cycle of the tiny damselfly would trigger one of the most exciting trophy Northern Pike bites possible?

Colorado pike respond to big swimbaits trolled on planer boards in April. In June, casting spinnerbaits becomes the rule. But for August and September rainbow trout surface feed on damselfly nymphs and the northern pike follow them.

Educated anglers throw normal-sized buzz baits over weed beds, covering water, exploring pockets; the same tactics you might be working at home for largemouth bass. The key difference is that when the bulge forms behind your lure the tail fin might be forty-inches behind the mouth and your bait will have to endure a row of pointed teeth.

Three reservoirs in the area of Colorado known as South Park contain millions of stocked trout which also happen to provide a high-protein smorgasboard for some of the largest northern pike in the state. Elevenmile Reservoir is the largest impoundment and has incredibly clear water. Spinney Mountain Reservoir consistently adds large trout in the middle of the pike action. Tiny Tarryall Reservoir hosts a large number of ice fishermen in the winter, but it is the summer when the pike really feed. In fact, this time of year the poor trout are gulped by pike so often and so forcefully that you can count the splashes from each mature fish as he feeds throughout the morning.

Local guide Nathan Zelinsky used these commotions to determine that the average 40” northern pike feeds three or four times before sulking off to digest. He says, “These pike back so far into the weeds that they use the tip of their mouth to feel their prey. Only high-vibration lures consistently pull the beasts from their hiding. If you visited the lake consistently for a week and watched for surface explosions the biggest fish would give up all of their locations.”

With this story told, Nathan often waits for the first splash before casting. An expert at anchoring, he uses the wind to guide his 21-foot Lund into position. At this point he hands his clients a 7-foot Medium Heavy Fenwick spinning rod and instructs them to keep casting to a point a few feet beyond the site of the recent ambush.

Sometimes it takes thirty minutes, sometimes it takes three hours, but eventually that pike will feed again.

At this point things seem simple. We revealed the lure.

We know the fish sits in the weeds right in front of us.

Boat control no longer matters because you are anchored.

But you need to keep casting, and casting, and casting to that same spot with upmost confidence. At some point your mind begins to waver and some clients surrender to the monotony. Nathan’s story from one day’s trip explains what it takes to outlast the largest of the Pike.

“One angler started pausing between casts. Eventually,

AUGUST 2013

he slumped into the boat chair for a rest. Negative thoughts had consumed him. He wanted to move spots. He wanted to change lures. I propped him up for a few more casts. He slumped again, his mind defeated. I told him three more casts. Halfheartedly, he made the effort. On the second retrieve the fish struck with a violent splash and immediately the energy of the fish revived my friend who expertly waited to set the hook and fought the fish perfectly.”

All of this without a mention of the three mountain ranges in the area including six of the highest peaks in the state. The resort town of Breckenridge is twenty minutes from the central town of Fairplay offering a large array of accommodations and additional activities.

For the ambitious, a day of hiking followed by a day of fishing repeated for the better part of a week makes for a wonderfully balanced vacation. If you still have energy the South Park Bowl combines six lanes of bowling with world-renowned tamales.

For others, just make the 70-minute drive from Denver for the day and enjoy the moderate temperatures (think 70s), blue skies, and, of course, big pike.

Multi-species guide Nathan Zelinsky (www. tightlineoutdoors.com) specializes in Colorado Walleye, Pike, Trout, Bass, Wiper, Carp, Perch, and Catfish. David Harrison runs the fishing half of the 1100-person Skyline Hunting and Fishing Club.

www.coastalanglermag.com

NATIONAL 39

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Beat the heat, stay in air conditioned rooms and be the first ones out on the lagoon for the early morning bite. Later, enjoy the shade of the porch with your favorite beverage after a morning on the lagoon and/or rest up for a late afternoon trip for more Mosquito Lagoon fishing.

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AUGUST 2013

Fly Fishing

Capt. Conway Bowman

The Two Handed Strip I

n saltwater fly-fishing there are many situations where the fly needs move as quickly as possible through the water to spark the interest of a game fish.

There are many saltwater fish that react to the fly that is stripped as fast as possible: the tuna, barracuda, roosterfish,

For a successful two-handed strip do the following: • After the fly has been cast place the rod under the arm (right or left).

• Point the rod tip down, keeping the tip on the water at all times.

• Begin the strip by pulling the fly line

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amberjack and yellowtail are good examples. These guys prefer a fly that moves like an Indianapolis race car. If the fly isn’t imitating a fleeting baitfish, and suddenly stops, these games fish will often turn and swim away.

The two-handed strip is the perfect retrieve for situations dealing with these babies; this retrieve enables the fly to be stripped through the water without breaks or pauses, as happens with the conventional one-handed strip. There is one other advantage to using this retrieve: because the rod is placed under the arm rather than in the hands making its almost impossible to lift the rod tip on a strike; therefore your fish is hooked with a strip-strike negating the need for a lift of the rod tip and lifting the rod tip in mast saltwater fly fishing hook setting situations results in not hooking the fish.

AUGUST 2013

with your hand at the first stripping guide.

• Repeat this with the other hand.

• There should be a continual motion, changing hands with each strip.

• Vary the speed of the fly as you strip it through the water.

• Strip the fly all the way to the boat and repeat; and if you feel a strike give your line a solid strip-strike.

This is a great technique for blue water as well as near-shore fly fishing.

•• Check out more fly fishing tips from Conway at CAMFLYFISHING.COM ••

www.coastalanglermag.com

NATIONAL 41

Does

Color Matter?

By Darrell Primrose

T

here is an old adage that fishermen have used for ages past know as, “Match the Hatch.’’ This is meant to take the time to examine the bait that is inside of the first fish you catch by cutting it open and checking not only the length or size of the bait, but also the color. Then you can choose your lures accordingly.

I get to talk to anglers’ worldwide on a daily basis and I ask them all, ‘’What colors are more prevalent?’’ The answer is it changes from location to location.

Here are a couple of examples. On the west coast where anchovies, sardines, mackerel and squid are the most prevalent bait the most popular trolling lure colors are the colors of the Mexican flag—green, yellow, red and white. Black and purple are a great choice for a trolling lure. Zucchini is

also a popular color used on the west coast.

It’s a green/orange/yellow combination.

Now taking a look at the northeast— New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts where they catch more tuna than most places in the world. Their top colors are solid green—green/yellow—then black/ purple. In Florida, the Bahamas and the Virgin Islands the number one color is light blue, then pink/white, black/red.

When you start to get down to Cabo and farther to, say, Cancun the colors used tend to lean toward the Florida /Bahamas choices, which all goes to say that color does matter depending on where you are.

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FISH & FISHING MARK SOSIN

Seeing is Believing

T

he answer is simple and complex at the same time. Have you ever wondered whether fish can really see color and, if so, what do they actually see? Scientists tell us that fish can and do see color, but there are countless variations to what they see depending on a host of factors. The color of light varies by shadings starting with blues at the short end of the spectrum, followed by greens, yellows, and oranges until red is reached at the long end of the spectrum.

White light is made up of all colors or wave lengths mixed together. We are familiar with seeing color through the medium of air, but other changes take place when the medium is a liquid. Water serves as a filtering process in which certain colors (wave lengths) are selectively removed at specific depths or horizontal distance.

This alters the color characteristics of light.

Color is absorbed from the light as it passes through the water toward the object and then again when it is reflected by the object and passes back through the water to your eye. That means that when you look through the surface and see a lure underwater, it will have lost a great deal of color because the light has passed through the water twice. A fish at a particular depth, however, only has to deal with light loss from the surface to its depth and then for a short horizontal distance to the lure.

The deeper you go in a body of water, the more the light rays are scattered and the darker it becomes. Water absorbs the longer waves (the reds) fastest and even in clear water they are gone within 20 to 30 feet. In murky water, red disappears even sooner. Blues and greens are absorbed slowest, so a fish living in deeper water faces a monotonous blue-green aspect.

At dusk, when the underwater light begins to fall rapidly below the fish’s threshold of color vision, reds are the first

AUGUST 2013

to go and blues the last. When the total light level falls below one foot-candle, the fish have switched to sensitive rod vision and are unable to distinguish color even in bright moonlight. At dawn, the pattern is reversed when the fish begin to switch to color sensitive cone vision with the blues and greens appearing first and reds last.

All fish cannot see color equally well nor can they discern color with equal ability.

While most species have color vision to a degree, some are much sharper at color discrimination than others. The presence of both rod and cone receptors in the retina of an eye is a strong indication of color vision. Not all fish see color. Sharks have only rod receptors and see everything in black and white, yet they have survived for eons of time. A deep-water fish such as the snapper would have little use for red sensitivity, since it lives where there is no red light. A red snapper would be gray or black in its home range.

After years of experimentation, I’ve come up with a couple of theories. My two favorite colors are light and dark. If one doesn’t work, I try the other. At night, if you are using surface lures or artificials running just under the surface, remember that the sky is lighter than the water which mans a dark color will stand out. If all this fails, pick a color you believe will catch fish and try it. It will usually produce.

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NATIONAL 43

The First Sunglasses Designed to Protect the Ears from the Sun’s Harmful Rays

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ust about every outdoors sportsman has suffered from sunburnt, cracked, peeling, painful ears. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation just one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life. The top of the ears is one of the most common places for skin cancer to develop on the head. Up until now the options have been few; either a wide brimmed hat or applying sunscreen every 1-2 hours. For the first time a new innovative product has incorporated all of the benefits of a durable, lightweight, polarized pair of wraparound sunglasses with the functionality of covering the top of the ear to protect it from the sun’s harmful rays. EEshades™ (pronounced e-shades) is revolutionizing skin protection for both the ears and the eyes. Innovative and stylish EEshades™ use a durable nylon material along with a 2mm polarized lens that gives you complete UVA and UVB protection to create a high quality performance product.

Dan Kindl, EEshades™ president and founder, “The ears are often overlooked as sunscreen is difficult to apply to the ears with its varying contours and sunscreen can leave an uncomfortable feeling on the ear. With EEshades™ you can use ear buds or talk on your cell phone without creating a slippery mess. We’ve combined performance with protection.”

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