FREE
GREATER ATLANTA AREA EDITION
Tactics
For
Cold Front Bass
Rods &
Reels Reviews
Wintertime
Trout Skeeter Celebrates
70
th
Anniversary PHOTO COURTESY OF FISHERGUIDING.COM VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 276
F R A N C H I S E
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FAMILY LEGENDS
and fish tales
BUILT FOR THAT
210 FSH ® SERIES
Go where no other boat has gone before. With powerful twin TR-1® Yamaha Marine Engines, ample storage and comfortable bow seating, the all-new 210 FSH provides the shallow-water capability to get to those hard-to-reach fishing spots and the versatility to enjoy watersports with your family.
210 FSH®
210 FSH® Deluxe
210 FSH® Sport
YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M
©2018 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Drive responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and drive. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT YAMAHABOATS.COM OR CALL 1.800.88.YAMAHA.
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1/17/18 1:49 PM 12/22/17 9:22 AM
2018 242CC
FISHING FOCUSED FAMILY FRIENDLY “Sailfish Boats are truly versatile. A great fishing boat and a great family boat all in one.”
2018 220CC ® Exclusive Variable Degree Stepped (VDS) Hull for Performance, Safety & Stability ® 10 year Structural Warranty ® SailTech Construction: 100% Composite, Reinforced with Kevlar® & Carbon Fiber ® Lifetime No-Rot Guarantee ® Bow To Stern Intelligent Ergonomic Design with Premium Finishes ® Family Friendly Features for Fun, Comfort and Safety
www.SailfishBoats.com
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THE NEXT GREAT THE NEXT GREAT
HAVALON HAVALON INNOVATION INNOVATION HAS LANDED. HAS LANDED.
QUIK-CHANGE II ™ Interchangeable Fixed Blade™ QUIK-CHANGE Cutlery System II Interchangeable Fixed Blade Cutlery System9” FILLET 7” FILLET 9” FILLET 5” FILLET 7” FILLET 3” SERRATED 5” FILLET 3” SERRATED
Easy Blade Release System Easy Blade Release System
Opens For Easy Cleaning
KN IVES
Opens For Easy Cleaning
KN IVES
COMING SPRING 2018 COMING SPRING 2018 4
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Rugged Canvas Roll Pack Rugged Canvas Roll Pack
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BLEED TRIM
SAFETY
EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com VICE PRESIDENT : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Rebecca Snowden • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Dmitriy Pislyagin • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Corporate Headquarters info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 888-800-9794
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BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : David String • (321) 684-5888 • dstring@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA BEACH : Don Meadows • (321) 436-5895 • donm@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com
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ATLANTA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com CHARLESTON : Jane A. Redden • (205) 725-9616 • jane@coastalanglermagazine.com
Sam Buckareff • (843) 607-8629 • sam@coastalanglermagazine.com
CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT : Mark & Haley Alberghini • (704) 651-1934 • mark@theanglermagazine.com
COME JOIN OUR TEAM Dear Reader, “Coastal Angler” and our freshwater component “The Angler” magazines are looking to expand our franchise footprint to include numerous Gulf Coast region markets. Having become the largest outdoor publication on the Eastern Seaboard, we’re now ready to continue our expansion westerly all the way to California and northerly to the Great Lakes and beyond. Our franchise system enables localized editions of the magazine to be managed and developed by our franchisee/co-publishers. Publishing your localized edition of either Coastal Angler Magazine or The Angler Magazine can be exceptionally enriching and financially rewarding. Our ideal candidate may never have been involved in publishing before. They would, however, be passionately involved in the outdoors. Obsessive anglers often make great fishing magazine franchisees.
COLUMBIA/MIDLANDS : John Lux • (803) 807-6885 • jlux@theanglermagazine.com MYRTLE BEACH : Mike Masiero • (732) 674-3019 • mmasiero@coastalanglermagazine.com SW GEORGIA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com TIDEWATER/OUTER BANKS : John Tiger • (757) 707-9654 • john.tiger@coastalanglermagazine.com
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Your new career is just a phone call or email away.
GULF COAST MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Adam Nelson • (228) 627-5903 • anelson@coastalanglermagazine.com
This is a chance to own your own business but not be all on your own. Our training and support systems enable our co-publishers to quickly establish their localized edition of the magazine into a viable local business. If you think you would enjoy a career centered around the outdoors and fishing, you owe it to yourself to check out our franchise opportunities. Our expansion goals have numerous territories now available.
Toby Nelson • (228) 623-1761 • tnelson@coastalanglermagazine.com
Best regards,
NEW ORLEANS : Dr. Dave Dunaway • (225) 400-8156 • nola@coastalanglermagazine.com
GREAT LAKES WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com
INTERNATIONAL PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer: Coastal Angler 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. SAFETY
Ben Martin Editor in Chief info@coastalanglermagazine.com
1-888-800-9794
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By CAM Staff
F
ast and stable, with a needle nose that reminded people of a mosquito buzzing over southern waters, the world’s first bass boat was the 1948 brainchild of Shreveport, Louisiana’s Holmes Thurmond. That first Skeeter boat, made of molded marine plywood, caught on quickly with local anglers. It launched the brand
that today, 70 years later, is still renowned for building innovative boats designed specifically for the needs of recreational anglers. Cary Crutchfield, co-publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine’s North Central Florida edition, owns one of those early Skeeter boats. When he bought his first Skeeter in the 1960s, the company was already leading the way in what became an industry-wide transition to fiberglass. His was a 15-foot model with stick steering up front that was powered by a 35hp outboard. “It’s real easy to fish from, and it’s just a neat 6
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looking boat,” Crutchfield said of those early flat-bottomed Skeeters. “It’s narrow, and the way the sides turn up to the cockpit makes it very stable to move around in.” With today’s bass boats, a 250hp Yamaha seems like a necessity to even compete on the tournament circuits. Back then, a Skeeter with a 35hp was capable of reaching speeds in excess of 30 mph. It was a fishing boat superior to any that came before it. The Super Skeeter arose as the boat for serious anglers fishing the large, newly constructed man-made reservoirs that have since fueled the sport. Crutchfield sold his 15-footer in the 1980s and almost immediately began kicking himself. He missed the narrow profile and shallow draft, along with kind of stability that allows him to stand comfortably and pole into very tight places. It wasn’t long before he ran into another old Skeeter he had to have, this one a 14-footer, originally powered by a 25hp outboard that has since been replaced by a 1950s model 12hp. Even with that old motor, it still gets around pretty quickly, and Crutchfield said it’s still the perfect small fishing boat where he launches on the Suwannee River. With the spirit of innovation that gave rise to that first bass boat and an open ear to the new requirements of early bass tournaments, Skeeter grew and evolved with the sport. The Skeeter Hawk did away with the characteristic pointed bow, which allowed for a smoother ride and a raised casting platform. In the 1970s, after moving into its current plant in Kilgore, Texas, Skeeter rolled the dice and introduced the legendary Wrangler to the bass fishing world. Rated for 150hp with a V-bottom, it was an odd and new style that absolutely dominated the competition in performance. It became the template that led to the high-performance fishing machines that roar
around our reservoirs today. In 2018, Skeeter Performance Fishing Boats is celebrating its 70th year of providing anglers with exceptional fishing boats. With modern technology and computer design capabilities, it has continued to lead the industry with innovations such as the first production composite bass boat, the ZX202, in the mid-1990s. The venerable ZX series, in all its versions, has been a staple in the bass tournament world for more then three decades. But listening to the needs of the fishermen who are its customers, Skeeter branched out to produce deep-v boats for walleye tournament anglers on the big lakes of the north, as well as bay boats for saltwater anglers. Skeeter’s acquisition by Yamaha in 1996 brought new resources to the table and advances followed. In 2001, Skeeter again set a new standard for the industry with its Torque Transfer Transom and Stringer System, which provides lift to the entire keel, while eliminating stress on the on the transom, deck, hull and sides. Through all the advancements, Skeeter boats bear little resemblance to Thurmond’s first bass boat. But the same concept, to design perfect
fishing boats for fishermen, is evident throughout Skeeter’s product line. Whether it’s on southern reservoirs, the big northern lakes or the bays and backwaters of the Gulf of Mexico, Skeeter has a nimble, fast and extremely fishable boat perfect for the kind of fishing you do.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
1/17/18 5:06 PM
IT’S MORE THAN JUST A BOAT. IT’S A LIFESTYLE.
STANDARD FEATURES INCLUDE: Center console command center Abundant bow & floor storage Lowrance® Elite 9 Ti touch 40 gallon rear livewell/baitwell Deluxe lean post w/vertical rod holders 14 gallon console baitwell New upholstery styling ...and much more!
ENGINEERED TO BE THE ULTIMATE BAY BOAT Ultimate in the way you get to the fish, with a durability that is unsurpassed. Engineering this one was a dream come true. We put everything you need right at your fingertips to provide you with a true fishing machine. For additional information please visit SkeeterBoats.com/SX240.
$42,995* 2O18 SX21O WITH
YAMAHA VF15OXA
ACTUAL SALES PRICE DETERMINED BY DEALER. PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE FREIGHT, DEALER PREP & T.T.L.
NATIONALLY ADVERTISED PRICE BEFORE REBATE
$
43,495
+
MANUFACTURER’S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE
$
52,060
u
STANDARD FEATURES INCLUDE: White Pro Series 2 Power-Pole® Abundant bow & floor storage Center console command center 25 gallon rear livewell/baitwell Leaning post with vertical rod holders 14 gallon console baitwell ...and much more! 8” setback plate
THE BEST RIDE AT THE BEST VALUE It’s true you really can have it all without spending it all. The SX210 is just the right fit for any situation. Family fun and weekend getaways make this boat a hero. For additional information please visit SkeeterBoats.com/SX210.
UP TO
INSTANT REBATE
*
LIMITED TIME OFFER INSTANT REBATE APPLIED AT TIME OF FINAL SALE BY DEALER.
VALID JANUARY 1-MARCH 31, 2018
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY Limited Lifetime Structural Warranty 10 Year Limited Transferable Structural Warranty 3 Year Limited Component Warranty
Visit SkeeterBoats.com to locate your nearest Skeeter Dealer. Nationally Advertised Price; actual sales price determined by dealer. Price does not include freight, dealer prep, and T.T.L.. uManufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Prices may vary due to supply, location, freight etc. Actual prices are set by the dealer. *Terms and Conditions: Nationally Advertised Price for 2018 SX210 with $1500 Rebate. Consumer benefit for purchasing a new (unused, not previously warranty registered) eligible MY 2018 and prior boat from 1/1/18- 3/31/18 is an instant rebate applied at time of final sale by dealer, at no extra cost to consumer. Actual rebate amount is determined by model selected. NO BENEFIT SUBSTITUTIONS. Promotion is only applicable from authorized participating Skeeter dealers in the U.S.A. and Canada sold to purchasing consumers residing in the U.S.A. and Canada. Promotion is limited to available stock in dealer inventory that is sold, PDI completed, delivered and warranty registered in accordance with Skeeter’s promotion and warranty registration req uirements during applicable dates. No model substitutions, benefit substitutions, extensions or rain checks will be allowed. Not redeemable for cash. Boats sold or provided for commercial, camp, resort, rental, promotional/ demo, government agency, competition, tournament or sponsorship use are not eligible. This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other Skeeter offer or discounts. Some exceptions may apply. See authorized, participating Skeeter dealer for complete details. Skeeter reserves the right to change or cancel this promotion at any time. Other restrictions and conditions apply. ©2018 Skeeter Products, Inc. All rights reserved. This document contains many of Skeeter’s valuable trademarks. It may also contain trademarks belonging to other companies. Any references to other companies or their products are for identification purposes only, and are not intended to be an endorsement. Remember to observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and ride. Dress properly with a USCG approved flotation device and protective gear. +
LOOK FOR US AT THE MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW AT BOOTH A112 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Rods & Reels
G. LOOMIS/SHIMANO CONQUEST
PENN CONFLICT II
PENN redesigned its smooth and durable Conflict reel to bring anglers the Conflict II, the most lightweight PENN reel ever made. It is a superior reel, perfectly suited to inshore applications. True to its origins, the Conflict II features stealthy cosmetics and a smooth and reliable HT-100 carbon fiber drag system. The RR30 Rigid Resin body and rotor are extremely lightweight and durable, and with the redesign, the Conflict II is 20 percent lighter than the first-generation Conflict. Internally, the Conflict II is updated with PENN’s CNC Gear Technology and high quality stainless steel ball bearings, making it the ultimate PENN inshore reel. With the Superline Spool, no backing is needed because of the rubber gasket that keeps superlines from slipping. Other key features include: Slow Oscillation – Leveline System, 7+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearing system and line capacity rings.
WWW.PENNFISHING.COM
ST. CROIX LEGEND TOURNAMENT INSHORE
8
What do you get when you mix proven G. Loomis rod design with Shimano technology? You get Conquest, a line of 12 awesome bass rods, purposebuilt for different conditions and techniques. The new Conquest series includes eight casting rods with G. Loomis’ original “Mag Bass” fast-action tapers and four “Spin/Jig” fast-action spinning rods. With Shimano’s Spiral X and Hi-Power X processes, the blanks are rolled to exact G. Loomis specifications before being handfinished in G. Loomis’ Woodland, Wash. facility. With this partnership, engineers believe they have produced the most technologically advanced rods on the water. They are lightweight and offer anglers a whole new set of performance standards. Some of the benefits anglers will experience are: more accurate casts, increased fighting power, solid leverage for hook sets and reduced rod twist for rod control and durability. The casting rods are fitted with G. Loomis’ “skeleton” reel seats on full-cork contoured grips. The spinning rods feature split grips and Shimano’s CI4 reel seats. Blank-through-handle design on both versions adds sensitivity, as do the Fuji Torzite guides and a durable SIC Titanium tip guide. Whether you’re pitching jigs in thick cover or prospecting open water for smallies, high-performance Conquest rods will help you catch more bass.
WWW.GLOOMIS.COM
PENN INTERNATIONAL VI
Legend Tournament Inshore rods are the blending of the inimitable sensitivity, power and durability of St Croix’s Legend Tournament Bass and Walleye series with components and technology suited for saltwater environments. With good looks and a high-performance feel, the Legend Tournament Inshore was awarded Best Saltwater rod at ICAST 2017. The eye-catching “Belize Blue” blanks are crafted of SCIV graphite using Integrated Poly Curve tooling technology and engineered to eliminate all transitional points, which fosters smooth action, increased strength and sensitivity. They are surprisingly lightweight, yet durable, and are equipped with a Fuji TVS blank touch reel seat on spinning rods and PTS blank-touch reel seat with builtin hoods on casting models. These new Fuji seats are designed to stand-up to the pressure of hard-fighting inshore species. Kigan Master Hand Zero Tangle guides and a Kigan titanium hook keeper provide 100 percent corrosion protection.
After nearly 15 years, the PENN International big game reel will get a makeover. The reel that has become legendary for fulfilling angler dreams offshore has been refined and modernized to once again redefine big game reels. The PENN International VI series features many upgrades including a weight reduction on key sizes, a new silent anti-reverse and a more refined/ adjustable Dura-Drag system. The new series features 28 models in both gold and silver, single speed and two-speed, wide and narrow. Made in the U.S.A. of domestic and imported components at the historic PENN Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Company building in Philadelphia, the International VI will give anglers the edge in chasing that trophy of a lifetime. Key features include: Machined and anodized aluminum body and side plates, stainless steel main and pinion gears, Quick-Shift II two-speed system, sealed DuraDrag system, Versa-Strike Adjustable Strike stop, double-dog ratchet anti-reverse and line capacity rings.
STCROIXRODS.COM
WWW.PENNFISHING.COM
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
1/17/18 5:06 PM
Product Reviews
TSUNAMI ARMR
MUD HOLE TURN KEY KITS Avid anglers who want to take their fishing to the next level owe it to themselves to check out Mud Hole Custom Tackle’s rod building kits. They include everything needed for anglers to construct their own high-end custom fishing rods. Mud Hole is offering an amazing value on its Inshore Turnkey Kit, which includes all the tools and materials to build a custom inshore rod perfect for trout and redfish. The kit features the extremely popular and versatile MHX SJ842 rod blank. This 7’0” medium-light power rod features a fast action for throwing soft plastics and topwater lures at wary flats fish. Along with the blank, the kit comes with a matched guide set, handle kit and everything from the CRB wrapper, a CRB rod dryer and ProPaste and ProKote Rod Finish and all the tools needed to craft your own custom rod. Visit www.mudhole.com and check out all our Turn Key Kit options or simply Google: Mud Hole Turnkey.
Super smooth and well built, the Tsunami ARMR is lightweight, high-performance spinning reel available in 3000/4000 and 5000/6000 sizes. The Tsunami ARMR has a sleek design and features
high-end components to provide smooth and durable operation for fighting and casting. The lightweight, solid aluminum body combined with hybrid, corrosion resistant carbon infused side plates and rotor and a double anodized ported aluminum spool are what keep this reel feather light in the hand all day long. Seven high-precision, shielded stainless steel ball bearings allow full support to all free-moving parts during the toughest fight or retrieve after retrieve. The look and feel of the Tsunami ARMR reel, enhanced by a light, durable EVA handle knob and braid-ready spool is what separates these high-performance reels from the competition.
WWW.BIMINIBAYOUTFITTERS.COM
WWW.MUDHOLE.COM
SHIMANO SUSTAIN HOOKER ELECTRIC REELS Hooker Electric continues to raise the bar with the fastest, lightest and best looking electric reels on the market, along with second-to-none customer service. The top seller in 2017 was their 80 motor that features level wind and auto stop, mounted on the Shimano Tiagra 80WA. The auto stop feature allows the angler to set the reel to stop winding at any interval, including just before your terminal tackle reaches the rod tip. With both 12- and 24-volt functionality, there is no need for a converter box. Its full variable speed allows line retrieval at up to 500 feet per minute, which makes checking your bait from 1,800 feet a breeze. It also includes bluetooth connectivity, allowing the angler to control the reel through Hooker Electric’s iPhone app, ReelTime. If you’re feeling sporty, the reel can also be used manually, so you can feel the fight. New for 2018, Hooker Electric now offers custom colors in silver, black, blue and even pink. For more information, go to www.hookerelectric.com or give them a call at 954-530-6908.
WWW.HOOKERELECTRIC.COM
T h e Best New Saltwater Reel winner at ICAST 2017, Shimano’s Sustain might just be the best new spinning reel for freshwater or salt. The Sustain series comes in four sizes suitable for everything from finesse baits for bass, to stripers and even small billfish. In all sizes, the reel’s Hagane aluminum body construction gives it a solid feel, and the Shimano Magnumlite low inertia rotor provides sensitive, light rotation and a light start up, which allows anglers to instantly begin the retrieve. Shimano’s Hagane gear has already made waves in the industry for its incredibly smooth operation. The exclusive technology used to engineer the cold forged aluminum drive also makes it extremely strong and durable. The X-Protect feature, which should be of particular interest to saltwater anglers but is relevant in any wet fishing conditions, is a threelipped rubber seal system that offers exceptional water resistance. With Cross Carbon Drag, eight shielded anti-rust ball bearings, and a one-way roller bearing to stop handle backplay, Shimano went in whole hog to produce these award-winning reels. Whether you fish freshwater or salt, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better spinning reel.
FISH.SHIMANO.COM
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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MOTOR UPGRADES ARE AVAILABLE
Marine Wintertime Blowout $209* mon
G2968 Key Largo 160cc
G2661 Key Largo 1800 cc
40 HP Motor
90 HP Motor
WAS $23,849 NOW $15,999
WAS $37,749 NOW $25,999
$194* mon
90 HP Motor
G3149 Caravelle 16EBo 70 HP Motor
WAS $30,746 NOW $19,799
$299* mon thly
thly
G2849 Key Largo 2000
G2646 Key Largo 210LX
WAS $50,787 NOW $35,990
WAS $59,266 NOW $36,990
150 HP Motor
140 HP Motor
WAS $35,833 NOW $23,999
thly
$279* mon
thly
G3068 Caravelle 19EBo
$164* mon
thly
thly
$377* mon
$306* mon
$368* mon
thly
thly
G3010 Key Largo 220BAY
G3054 Razon 238PF
140 HP Motor
200 HP Motor
WAS $61,517 NOW $39,599
WAS $78,605 NOW $49,599
thly
G3081 Razor 247UR 200 HP Motor
WAS $71,288 NOW $48,499
www.factorydirectmarine.com *payments calculated at 180 months for well qualified buyers with 20% down. Please note: Prices do not include freight, dealer make ready, and rigging. Pictures may not reflect actual unit and/or available inventory. Price and payment do not include sales tax or fees. Not responsible for typographical errors.
Ridgeland, SC, 401 Sycamore Drive, 844-280-9753 | Panama City, FL, 8308 Panama City Beach Pkwy, 844-278-2510 Charlotte, NC | 9204 N Lakebrook Road | 980-267-5597 | Rockwood,TN, 2475 Westel Road, 844-271-9582 Hamburg, PA, 20 Industrial Drive , 844-247-1678 | West Coxsackie, NY, 12634 Route 9 West, 844-276-8649
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All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2017.
$136* mon
For over a century, a league of canned crusaders have been fighting to keep boats safe from barnacles, slime, algae and other aquatic evils that rob your boat of its true performance. With advanced know-how and unique capabilities, each antifouling is tailored to different conditions, and has the power to defeat fouling in all its forms. Micron® Extra leads the charge in all waters. Using its signature dual-protection with boosting Biolux® technology, it provides high-quality, multi-season protection that survives hauling and relaunch without the need for repainting. For super-powered antifouling protection and proven performance, choose Interlux®.
All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2017.
The hero your boat deserves!
8953/1217
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Drifting For
Nighttime Yellowfin On Gulf Floaters
By Nick Carter
Y
ellowfin tuna are some of the most sought after gamefish in the world. They are the ahi tuna on the menus at restaurants and sushi bars, and in the water they have the speed and power to wear down anglers and break gear. The signature “spiral” that tuna commence in the waning moments of a fight is responsible for untold numbers of broken lines and broken hearts. After battling 30 mph runs for 20 minutes or more, the weary angler, captain and crew face one final test, a team effort to survive the spiral and get the fish on deck. These tense moments, when a big yellowfin turns sideways and begins to circle, using its body’s mass as leverage, are the most critical minutes of the fight. If the line even touches the boat, it will snap, and the circling fish provides many opportunities for this to happen. These moments are the reason Randy King, of Paparda Rey Fishing Charters out of Galveston, Texas, says the main limitation on their catch is the ability of the angler. The captain, Kenneth Doxey, is solid. He has been running their 54-foot Bertram and their 35-foot Cabo for more than a decade. He was the 2016 recipient
of the Houston Big Game Fishing Club’s Jim Peachey Award. The crew is also top-notch, which leaves the angler as the potential weak link. The good news is there will likely be multiple opportunities on one of their overnight trips to deep-water oil platforms off Texas. King said a great trip with six anglers would yield a dozen yellowfin tuna in the 40- to 120-pound range, and that doesn’t include the shots anglers will have at mahi-mahi, wahoo, marlin and blackfin tuna. Out of Galveston, it’s 100 miles or more into the Gulf of Mexico to reach the enormous floating gas and oil structures off the edge of the Continental Shelf. These deep-water facilities, known as “floaters,” create their own food chain, consolidating bait and gamefish from miles around. On a typical 36- or 48-hour trip, don’t plan on sleeping much. The floaters are brightly lit at night, which is when the tuna fishing is best. After identifying fish on the sonar, chumming and drift fishing with 30-pound-class tackle is usually the most productive method for yellowfin. “Sometimes the tuna will start breaching,” said King. “They’ll jump in the air like king mackerel.” It’s for these occasions, when fish are on the surface, that big spinning rigs armed with poppers are
kept on deck. Drifting and pulling poppers while chugging back up-current to start a new drift goes on all night long. At dawn, the bait rods come in, and it’s time to start trolling. The primary daylight targets are marlin, sailfish, wahoo and dolphin. Between night and day, it equates to a whole lot of big fish packed into a weekend at sea. It’s a grand adventure, and a meat trip of epic proportions in the Gulf of Mexico. Check out Paparda Rey at www.offshorebiggame.com. Information on the Houston Big Game Fishing Club can be found at www.hbgfc.com.
For more fishing on the Paparda Rey, go to
FISHORDIE.CO
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SOUTHEAST
By Randy “C-Note” Cnota f you’ve ever found yourself fishing for largemouths after a bitter cold front has blown into your area, then you might be familiar with how tough northern winds can make it to fill a livewell. All tournament anglers know these fronts wait until the night before the competition to crash the feeding-frenzy of the days prior to an event. There is hope in this situation, and it doesn’t involve finesse presentations. It requires you to break out your heaviest sticks and braid (65 lb. minimum) as well as your stoutest hooks and beefiest weights. It’s time to present your bait where many fear to go… under the floating grass mats. I have an 11 pounder, two 10 pounders and probably over 100 in the 5- to 8-lb. range to my credit using this technique. Mats of grass in the South consist of wide variety of aquatic vegetation. Where I fish most, they consist of hydrilla, submergent Airline_CoastalAnglerAd_3-2016_Layout 1 3/18/16 1:07 PM aPage 1 grass that grows to the surface, and hyacinth, a floating vegetation.
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The hydrilla acts as a base that holds the hyacinth in place. This makes for a bass sanctuary similar to your home in that it has walls and a ceiling. The trick to presenting your bait to these cold fish hiding under the mats is to crash it through their roof (the hyacinth) using a large tungsten steel weight. The exact size is dependent upon the thickness of the mat, but you want a weight that penetrates without too much effort. I usually opt for a 1 ¾-ounce, as the bass will be heading for the deepest recesses of the mat. This is also a place that many anglers fail to target because it can be quite a chore to penetrate and doubly difficult to extract a fish… especially a big fish. This is why we use heavy rods, lines and hooks. The most popular baits to present to these fish are small craw or creature type baits. I find Gambler Chigger Craws or Burner Craws work great, but there’s no shortage of baits to choose from. Color is always a personal preference, but I’ve had the best results using hues of green like watermelon-red and green pumpkin for clear water and dark hues like black/blue or junebug for darker water. As for the technique, simply put, you have to get the bait through the roof and into the bass’ house so he can eat it, but there are too many subtleties to discuss here. Once a bass bites, you have to get him out so again… NO WIMPY TACKLE! If you’ve never punched mats, I suggest you go out with someone with experience. Commit to spending a lot of time punching the mats, and set out with a variety of weights, hooks and lures to experiment and fine tune your technique. And don’t forget the camera; most fish hauled out of these places are picture-worthy. Capt. Randy Cnota is the publisher of the Panama City/Forgotten Coast edition of Coastal Angler Magazine.
For more fishing with Capt. Randy Cnota, go to
ANGLERLIFE.CO
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SOUTHEAST
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
1/17/18 12:45 PM
BLUE RIDGE
By Bill Carson
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f you are reading this, you are probably ready to get out and go fishing... or catching would be more like it. All of us “fish heads” want to catch more fish when we are out fishing, and this is the number one reason technology is playing such a big part in the sport. The number one aspect to locating and catching more fish hinges on finding structure, understanding what the structure is and making
sure there are fish on the structure before ever putting a hook in the water. This is true in both fresh and saltwater. Once we know the fish are there, we can concentrate of finding what they will bite. Most know that 2D and DI (Down Imaging) sonar is looking under the boat and that SI (Side Imaging) sonar has the ability to look out to the side of the boat. It is the SI capability that allows us to canvas or search vast amounts of water very quickly and identify and mark very accurately. Side Imaging is the most effective tool for finding and catching fish, with depth of use being the only limitation. The images we get from 455 kHz and 800 kHz are really good, but the images that we are getting from the new MEGA (1200 kHz) units are some of the most detailed ever seen by recreational sonar. When we consider all of the inshore and nearshore fishing is taking place in 150 feet or less of depth, one can realize the role this technology does play and how it can help put significantly more fish in the boat. It is MEGA Imaging that cannot only find more fish but provides the greatest and most detailed peek at underwater structure and fish. The ability to identify the actual species of fish is a reality now, and it will only get better. You be the judge. Another great advantage is the ability to connect your trolling motor to your sonar unit as is the case with Minn Kota i-Pilot LINK and Humminbird. This ability allows the user to control and captain the boat from any Humminbird unit on the vessel. If the motor is an Ulterra, the motor can be stowed or deployed in addition to all of the other abilities. The user can access all TWR (Tracks, Waypoints and Routes) warehoused on the units. This includes Spotlocks, which allows the boat to be “virtually anchored” to a spot without the aid of an old-fashioned anchor. We are seeing more and more boats employing this capability in bigger and bigger boats. After all, who likes pulling and resetting anchor? Some of the other features on today’s Minn Kotas include: Circle Mode, Cruise Control, Follow the Contour, Go To and Jog. As the season gets started, make sure to look online, visit your favorite retailer, boat show or fishing show to see for yourself how the new technology can help you put more fish in the boat.
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or those brave enough to slide their waders on in February’s brutal winter weather, the streams of the Blue Ridge Mountains can provide welcome relief from cabin fever. Even on our heavily stocked waters, trout will not be as aggressive as they are in spring or fall. However, fish still feed—even in the coldest weather. On a wintertime trip to the Chattooga River, my younger brother once honed in on a pattern that saved a slow day. It was suck-the-icefrom-your-guides cold, and we were getting skunked dredging out the deeper runs with heavy nymph rigs. Tired of throwing all that weight with no results, he tied on a dry and dropper—I believe it was a Stimulator over a Pheasant Tail—and went to work on some of the shallower pocket water. By mid-afternoon, he had managed to bring several nice browns to hand, all on the dropper. He discovered that the fish were feeding in the sunny spots, where the sand and gravel had presumably warmed in the sun. His tactics went against everything we thought we knew, and there’s no way localized water temps could have been affected in the rushing river. It worked, though. Time and again, the only places we drew strikes were in those patches of sunlight. It was one of those isolated occurrences when doing something out of the ordinary leads to results. When desperation sets in, there’s no reason not to try something different, even if it seems counterintuitive.
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1/17/18 12:06 PM
February 2018
PUBLISHER: BOB RICE A FREE PUBLICATION THE ANGLER MAGAZINE IS DISTRIBUTED ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST. THE ANGLER MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY B & B PUBLISHERS P.O. BOX 766 MADISON, GA 30650 706-614-8231 WWW.THEANGLERMAGAZINE.COM REPRODUCTION OF CONTENTS IN ANY FORM IS PROHIBITED BOB RICE, PUBLISHER THE ANGLER MAGAZINE FISHING, BOATING, CONSERVATION “FIND YOUR OUTDOORS HERE”
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FEBRUARY 2018
ATLANTA 1
1/16/18 10:15 AM
Local Rivers & Fly Fishing Swing Season
Best Time of the Year
Contributed by Capt. David Hulsey International Federation of Fly Fishers Master Certified Casting Instructor http://www.hulseyflyfishing.com 770-639-4001
Contributed by James Bradley www.ReelEmInGuideService.com (706) 273-0764 As February rolls around, the water temperatures in most streams will have finally bottomed out, hopefully staying above 40 degrees. We have already seen the Cartecay River near Ellijay freeze completely across earlier in January. Would anyone be in their right mind to be out fishing during the months of January or February? Well, here’s your answer – Yes! But we need to consider some of the outdoor aspects like temperature, pressure systems, etc. The weather plays a big role in the fact of whether trout will be active or not. This means picking the right days to fish and the right days to stay inside. Water temps play a big role in what trout and insects are doing. As the temp nears the 40-degree mark, everything just about comes to a standstill. High pressure systems are known to kill what one would think to be a perfect day of fishing. Outside air temps play a big role on our bodies and the ability to stay outside. It can be downright brutal and no fun to be popping ice off your rod guides. Best time of the year to catch a beautiful rainbow is now through mid-April. They will begin their spawning this month. When trout spawn, their colors become vivid and gorgeous, and especially on the males. Male trout will also get their “kype” during the spawning season. The kype is when the lower jaw extends past its upper jaw and forms what some refer to as a hooked jaw. It has been said that the kype is used by the male to nip at the female to help urge her to spawn. Tailwaters like the Toccoa or Chattahoochee can be an outstanding place to fish this time of the year especially on a float trip. This is because the water temps are not affected as much as mountain streams and rivers. Their temps remain more consistent throughout the year due to being lake fed. What should you plan for when planning your trip to North Georgia for trout fishing during the coldest months of the year? Best hours are 2 ATLANTA
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normally somewhere from 11 am to about 4 pm. No need to arrive at daybreak during the coldest point of the day; remember, we are not steelheaders! Track weather patterns several days in advance of your trip. Make sure to arrive when no high-pressure systems are in the area or just passed through. Plan your trip toward the end of the warm-up spells. Many times, we may have 3 to 5 days in a row of warmer temps than the previous days or weeks. Toward the end of that period is when you need to be on the water. Water temps may have warmed a few degrees causing some hatching to take place and triggering trout to feed. We have experienced some of our best and most catches when this happens. You may see some blue-winged olives, black stones and/or black caddis coming off the water during these warm spells as well. Rises will still be very limited, but if you see trout rising, tie on a BWO or black caddis and lay it out! Reel ‘Em In Guide Service is the only Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide in North Georgia’s Historic High-Country region. They have been offering their services to fly anglers since 2001. They have permits for guiding in North Georgia and North Carolina, offer over 7 miles of private trophy waters across Georgia, and operate float trips on the Toccoa River in GA and the Tuckasegee River in NC.
The heart of winter shouldn’t be a time of waders and boots gathering dust in the garage. A guy can just clean so many fly lines and lube so many reels before he gets cabin fever. Fly tying beside the fireplace sounds pretty romantic too except for the fact that tying twelve million squirmy worms and wooly buggers can get pretty mind numbing after a while. Sometimes you just got to pull on your cold weather stuff and head to the river. I call that “preventive fishing”, just making sure one does not lose your cookies before spring. Winter is the time for swinging flies and other hairy stuff in the river. Trout love cold water, don’t get me wrong, but even old snaggle-toothed browns don’t cotton to dodging chunks of ice bouncing down the stream. Extremely cold water temperatures, say below forty degrees, will usually keep trout in a reaction strike mode. In other words, you have to put that fly in their face before they’ll take a swipe at it. You can nymph fish of course, but what fun is that when you can stay on the move slipping downstream casting cool long spey casts and avoiding hypothermia and all. Spey casting is a type of fly casting that lets the fisherperson avoid rock or tree lined banks on your backside and yet be able to toss flies a country mile. One of my fly casting students once called spey casts fancy roll casts, which they basically are. An angler can use his regular nine foot trout rod and do some decent single hand casts, but to get full effect, a designated trout spey or full on spey rod will take you to another planet that you might not want to come back from.
Spey rods are notorious for being long and line picky. Matching spey line to spey rod is crucial for best performance. Rio Fly Line Company has a great spey line selection section on their website for matching your particular rod to the fly line it craves. Specialized trout spey rods are the rage right now with many companies having models available. Two through five weight spey rods are wonderful little tools and amazing to watch in the hands of a great caster. Tossing flies to the far bank and working them across a likely looking piece of holding water only to have your streamer or soft hackles crushed by a twenty incher is something every fly fisher should experience once in their fly fishing careers. Fly patterns used can range from a brace of small soft hackles, your favorite wooly bugger, or a full-on traditional steelhead streamer. The trout usually don’t care as long as you swing it close and stick it in their face enough times. Movement is usually downstream a step or two at a time, and cast, swing, strip, repeat. Hey, at least it’s easier to wade! Our southern trout also are usually a little more aggressive than a sea run steelhead which you could fish for days without a strike, so that makes me happy. Like any other cool thing, learning to spey cast and fish does take a little practice to get good at. Come take a spey casting class or a mid-winter guide trip that way you can also do some “preventive fishing” and have a good excuse to buy a new fly rod! Give us a call at 770-639-4001 or check out our website at www. ncfga.com and get on your new fly fishing journey.
“Sometimes you just got to pull on your cold weather stuff and head to the river, I call that preventive fishing”. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
1/16/18 10:15 AM
Local Rivers & Fly Fishing
February Fly Fishing Report February normally is one of those months where anglers have to be really serious if they want to catch some fish on a fly on any of our North Georgia lakes. Water temps MAY bottom out (45-46 degrees) during this month and the fish will be extremely lethargic. Last year, early February turned on BIGTIME, and the fishing was hot and heavy for the next 5-6 weeks. Remember we had an exceptionally warm winter last year. So far this year we have had just the opposite as the winter has been colder than normal. With any luck, if we continue to see a more mild winter by January’s end, then February can continue with the great fishing like we had last year. Small baits are still the choice meal for striped bass, spotted bass and largemouth bass. It is important to be able to offer these baits to the fish using a slower retrieve and allow the baits to sit in the feeding zone for a longer period of time. How do we do this you might ask? Well, the answer is to carry a fast sinking line that has a sink rate of about 6” per second. The fish will be found in the 15’ to 30’ range over a 40’, 50’ or even 60’ bottom. A fast sinking line can get you into the strike zone by using what we term the countdown method. The countdown method basically means we dump out a cast and let the line sink into the fish’s feeding zone. Now a short but quick series of strips followed by a 3-5 second pause will allow your fly to stay in that feeding zone which in turn should elicit a strike. Fast sinking lines from either RIO or Sci-Angler are both great choices. Small flies like a Somethin’ Else or even a 2”-3” Clouser (tied with a hot pink fluoro fiber throat) will be all you need to catch winter stripers. This is the time of year when your electronics will play a big role in helping you find the fish. These electronics are your underwater eyes and are the key to success. Also, let the wildlife help you find the big schools of threadfin shad, which hopefully will lead to finding big schools of
stripers. A greater blue heron sitting on a bank, a kingfisher diving in a cove, terns and gulls diving every now and then to grab a shad will be the best signs to finding fish. Look both early and late in the day to see if any fish are up on the banks in 1-4’ of water chasing baitfish. Remember, you need to be stealthy when fishing in shallow water. For conventional anglers, a weightless fluke fished in the back of the coves up shallow is a good choice, and for those wanting to target the deep fish, a .6 Flex-it spoon will also help get you a few bites. If the fish are not feeding near the bottom when you find them on your fish finder, try dropping a ¼ ounce bucktail jig or a small Fish Head Spin with 8-pound test on these fish. Again, fishing slow is the ticket. If we are lucky and the first of February brings us some warmer weather, then it is possible that our back of the cove feed on the banks may still be going strong. If the temps hover around 50 degrees or higher, then the surface feed should still be on. You just need to prepare for both! Dress warm, fish slow and show lots of patience. Those are the keys to success in February. What comes after February is trophy time. See you on the pond!
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FEBRUARY 2018
ATLANTA 3 6/8/17 9:33 AM
1/16/18 10:15 AM
Local Rivers & Fly Fishing
The Guide's Angle
CHATTOOGA RIVER
Contributed By: Chris Scalley River Through Atlanta Guide Service
Overshadowed by Atlanta?
The Chattahoochee River running through Atlanta is most likely the most underrated trout fishery in the world. Much of the neglect is from our residents who drive over the river twice daily traveling to and from work. Even travelers who must stop over at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (busiest airport in the world) can’t wrap their mind around the fact that you can fly fish for trout within the shadows of the city. When people finally get that precious day or week of vacation they want to get the heck out of the big city. Little do they know that there is true scenic beauty to be had with 10,000 linear acres of protected public county and federal parklands in their back yards. Although most of the Chattahoochee River corridor is private land, a state law that was created in the 1970’s to help protect the water quality, requires all development to be limited with impervious surfaces and generous vegetative undisturbed buffers on stream banks. There is a 48 mile stretch of river that has this special riparian zone that extends on land laterally 2,000 feet on both banks. During the winter months you may see a handful of residential homes with the leaves gone, but come spring the new foliage acts as a scenic insulator from most man-made structures. The Chattahoochee River makes up 80% of Atlanta’s drinking water source and these protective measures have helped to preserve a thriving sport fishery. Out of staters can’t believe there are trout this close to a city, let alone at this southern latitude. Atlanta is one of three of the largest cities in the world to have a healthy population of trout running within city limits. The other two are Munich, Germany with the Isar River and Calgary, Alberta, Canada with the Bow River. You could say Atlanta’s Chattahoochee River is an International “show piece” that is exemplary of how man and nature can coexist. This collage of pics were trophy fish caught and released during the 2017 fishing season from the Chattahoochee within 40 minutes of downtown Atlanta!
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The holidays are behind us and winter fishing has set in. Early January cold had the Chauga and Chattooga rivers frozen over, then with a thaw and rains, the rivers defrosted and the trout are becoming more active in their feeding. We have experienced warm days with the temperatures in the 50’s, but yet had nights in the teens with the daytime temperature near 30. Water temperatures have fluctuated as well, from the low 30s to mid-40s. While fishing in temperatures below freezing, the fly rod guides and line will freeze up with ice at times. Dipping the rod and line in the water will thaw the ice, and the use of “Ice Off ”, will help in these situations. Good cold weather gear is a necessity for fishing during these cold winter days. Wearing cotton or denim jeans holds the moisture against your body, which cools you down quickly while standing in the water. Save your jeans for after your fishing trip and casual wear. Wicking base layers and heavy wool pants (Redington I/O Fleece), and upper layers are great ideas for keeping warm. Wicking socks are a must as well to keep your feet warm and dry. Let’s remember not to let yourself get too cold while fishing, and a walk along
the river bank for a few minutes to get the blood flowing back through your lower extremities will help you warm up quickly and provide a much better day while on the river. Warmer days have been producing great numbers and large fish as well. Tight line nymphing has been a great way to land many fish. Fishing near the river bottom, where the water of the river is the warmest, has been the key to successful day. Heavy nymphs to get to the river bottom with small fly trailers is the way to go. A pinch or two of split shot may be necessary during higher stream flows. The use of streamers at this time of year is equally rewarding. While fishing streamers, one must remember that with the colder water temperatures, the small baitfish are lethargic as well. Casting your streamers slightly upstream, letting them fall in the water column, and twitching them through the drift will be successful. Also, after the drift and twitch, a slow pulsing retrieve can be very beneficial. The use of a sinking leader to keep your streamers down or a pinch of split shot a foot above the streamer may be necessary. It will not be long until the warm weather of spring embraces us, and we will be fishing dry flies to many rising fish. We hope to see everyone out on the rivers, and let’s remember to enjoy the beauty of our great outdoors.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
1/16/18 10:15 AM
Local Rivers & Fly Fishing
Casting Corner
Rene J. Hesse Certified Casting InstructorFederation of Fly Fishers & Atlanta Fly Fishing and Camping Meetup Organizer
Casting in the Cold February is a great month to fly fish, so is every other month for that matter. When it is cold out, we often find other things to do like go to the Atlanta Fly Fishing Show, and I am all for that. Shopping for more gear is high on my list, as well as tying flies and doing gear checks. But if you can get out and do some fly fishing, that’s the best. Here are a couple of things to think about when fly fishing in the cold February days. The fish tend to be more lethargic and hold to cover or the bottom, so getting the fly down will require a combination of tactics. Starting with the equipment, a sinking or sink tip line will help a lot. Casting the line will be a little different than casting a dry fly line or floating line. The line will have more mass in the forward section so it will tend to kick over rather than unroll smoothly over a longer distance. Using a sink tip line you will not need a lot of line outside the rod tip to load it. Don’t get caught in the trap of trying to carry 50+ feet of line out of the rod tip and shooting more for another false cast. It will not work well. The skinny line will not turn over the fat line. Remember that ‘Kick’ we referenced earlier? That is caused when all of the mass that is accelerated to the end of the line has nowhere to go. We can fix that, but here is the tricky part. The leader on a sink tip should be short, or else we get a bel-
ly in the leader between the fly line and the fly. That is bad for several reasons. One is the loss of contact with the fly, via slack. Another is the leader will get in the way of the fly on presentation. A short leader of 3 feet of straight mono will usually be fine, but if it is still kicking and you want to dissipate the energy over the same distance, you can change the diameter of the leader (mass profile). For example, a 3 foot leader for striper could be; 18” of 40-pound mono, 9” of 25-pound and 14” of 15-pound. I left an extra 5” for knots. Note that I gave the example in ‘pounds’ not diameter, but you get the idea. I hope you get a chance to chase some of the many species we have in Georgia this February. Stretch out the cold line, slow down the casting sequence with the weighted line and bring the right clothes. If you don’t have the equipment or the clothes, I’ll see you at the Atlanta Fly Fishing Show!
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Guided Fly Fishing for Trout, Trophy Trout and Float Trips
FEBRUARY 2018
ATLANTA 5
1/16/18 10:15 AM
Local Rivers & Fly Fishing
GET OUTDOORS! Expo Coming to Young Harris, GA in April! What better location to celebrate the great outdoors than in the Northeast Georgia Mountains on Lake Chatuge. With so many outdoor activities to choose from in the home county of Towns and surrounding counties of Union, Fannin, Rabun and White, organizers say that “we’re only sharing what comes naturally!” And there’s no better to display what our area has to offer than the Towns County Recreation & Conference Center located at 150 Foster Park Road in Young Harris. This five-year old facility offers a spacious exhibit area that on a normal day can host 2 basketball games playing simultaneously. Sponsors to-date include TVA, Kinetics by Windstream and Lake Chatuge Lodge. The 2018 GET OUDOORS! Expo will feature over 100 vendors specializing in hiking, hunting, biking, camping, boating and fishing. Exhibitors on hand will include RV dealers, campground owners, ma-
rinas, outfitters, sports equipment manufacturers and distributors, and organizations whose focus is on conserving and preserving the great outdoors. Also planned are “how to” workshops and children’s activities by The Young Harris College Outdoor Studies; a microscopic look at the water in our area streams and lakes; survival classes by local expert and AT thru-hiker, Bob Gabrielsen; a falconry demonstration by Georgia Mountain Falconry and many other indoor and outdoor demonstrations. And, of course nothing is complete without good food… guaranteed to be a big part of this expo. Join us in Young Harris in the northeast Georgia Mountains on Saturday and Sunday, April 7 & 8, 2018. Admission is just $5 for adults and children over age 14; children under 14 are free. For those of you planning to spend the weekend with us here in Towns County, Lake Chatuge Lodge
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Local Rivers & Fly Fishing
!
Just a Swangin’! Contributed By: Jimmy Harris
www.unicoioutfitters.com Unicoi Outfitters, Helen, Georgia
Years ago, long before most of you were born I’m sure, country music star John Anderson had a hit record titled Swingin’, which was a typographical error since he pronounced it “Swangin” as it should be. I recently spoke to the Chattahoochee/Nantahala Chapter of Trout Unlimited in Blairsville, and prior to my presentation, a number of the attendees had a fly tying session that focused on traditional wet flies. I immediately knew I was in the right room, as fishing wet flies or soft hackles, is one of my favorite ways to fly fish. I’ve never understood why they fell out of favor, but at least these days there is a very strong resurgence in their popularity. I often tell new fly anglers they should always have a soft hackle fly tied on their rig, regardless of what their primary fly may be. The thing is, you can’t fish them incorrectly. All the things new, as well as many experienced, fly anglers are concerned with like drag-free drift and what depth to fish at become almost non-existent issues with a wet fly. It’s the perfect fly to learn how to fish with, not to mention
their effectiveness. Consider this: You can cast them quartering upstream and, unless you have them weighted, the fly will float right in the surface film. Often you’ll get strikes just as you would on a dry fly. As your drift continues and the fly begins to slowly sink, high stick it like you would nymph fishing. At the end of the drift, allow the fly to swing around in the current and rise to the surface. Now you’re fishing an emerger. Strikes at this point can be very aggressive. At no point during this presentation does drag affect your success because the drag just makes the fly appear to be emerging, and the trout believe they must attack or their meal will get away. You can drop a soft hackle off the back of any lead fly you want to fish, dry, streamer or nymph. There are myriad styles, but in Northeast Georgia, a soft hackle Pheasant Tail is as good as it gets. Give it a try. I’m confident you’ll like it.
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Forecast By: Capt. Robert Eidson First Bite Guide Service 770-827-6282 eidson6260@att.net www.firstbiteguideservice.com Linesides fishing is descent. The cold weather has really dropped the water temperature on the north end, but it is still holding a ton of fish, mostly white bass and small hybrids. These fish have been picky, but they will still eat live bait and will take a spoon as well. Look for these fish north of Galts Ferry. Mid-lake is where you want to be if you are looking for stripers. Bartow Carver to the dam is the place to be for stripers and bigger schools of hybrids. These fish are wanting to eat big baits. Try jumbo threadfins and gizzard shad. If you don’t have shad, trout will work. If you’re looking for a bigger fish, I suggest going by Striper Soup and
picking up a couple dozen gizzards. I have also had some really good luck mid-lake pulling u-rigs the last few times out. These fish have moved out of the river channel and up on the edge of it. Look for these fish to be in water 20 to 40 feet deep. I look for the livebait bite to really ramp up once the water temperature stabilizes. I think hitting the lake without live bait could be a big mistake. This time of the year, you need to be open minded on your techniques. Topwater, trolling, spooning and live bait can all work this time of year, but what worked yesterday may not work tomorrow. Take the kitchen sink with you when heading out to the pond this time of year.
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Local Lakes & Forecasts LAKE LANIER STRIPER Forecast By: Steve Scott http://TeamLanier.wordpress.com/menu The recent water temperatures on Lake Lanier have been in the mid to upper forties throughout January and should remain pretty much the same in February. In colder water, stripers tend to slow down their feeding because of the scarcity of their food supply. With their slowed-down metabolisms, the stripers are usually picking up bits and pieces of baitfish off the bottom from smaller stripers gorging on minnows higher in the water column. The stripers’ interest becomes smaller baits like threadfin shad which will remain the primary source of food until March, and they won’t be as plentiful or healthy in water temperatures below the midforties. So, the striper bite really slows down. To avoid this, you must find warmer waters or where is a temperature change occurring for just a few hours. Where are these places? Clay banks, sandy beaches, a clear-to-stained water seam and the shallow water around reef poles. Also, launching too early just wastes time as you are really waiting for the sun to warm those areas I just mentioned. 10:30am to 2:30pm should be prime time for catching stripers as the bait moves to those warmer waters and the stripers follow. Now that you have identified the target areas, what methods should you use? Unweighted freelines with bait 100-135’ out and planer boards 80-100’ behind the board will get you the closest with your smaller baits like medium shiners and blueback herring just above and subsurface in the warmer waters.
All Mounts - First Come, First Served Other methods in the search for stripers that I have mentioned before is utilizing your striper friend network. Usually other striper fishermen are reluctant to talk about where they have been successful. I guess it’s human nature to be secretive about catching. Contact those friends and ask them about the fishing patterns they are using to catch stripers. You don’t need to know the specifics like the exact whereabouts. All you really need to know is the pattern. For example: humps in 80’ of water; bends in the river where the channel meets the bank; where the creek channel narrows; points over 25’; reef poles; road beds, etc. Tip of the month: Holding blueback herring in the dip net while hooking them knocks off fewer scales. When you are ready to hook the bait, put the rod in the holder and put the hook on the holder. That way you know exactly where the hook is and can get to it easily once you have the bait ready in the net. For other tips and tricks, please visit my blog at TeamLanier. wordpress.com/menu.
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Local Lakes & Forecasts A Great Place To Stay In Blue Ridge.
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Don’t let the wintry cold air stop you from hitting the water. Lake Blue Ridge is a go-to lake when the outside temperatures drop. The cooler water really gets these North Georgia smallmouths fired up. These hard fighting bass will surely warm you right up. Currently the lake is down 14 feet below full pool, and water temps are at 41 degrees. Water clarity is clear on the main lake and slightly stained in the creeks The smallmouth and spots have been feeding strong. There has been an excellent early morning topwater bite all over the lake. Work rocky points, ledges and shallow areas that have been holding bait. These guys have been hitting just about anything you can throw at them—Spooks, Torpedoes, jerkbaits, and buzzbaits have been some big producers. Live bluebacks on planer boards and weighted freelines have also been working well. The fish should move deeper through mid-day. Try downlining bluebacks and large bass minnows to hook up with the larger smallmouths and largemouths that have been clinging on the bottom of
points. Now that the water temps are getting cooler, the walleye are starting to come up from the deeper water column. These Lake Blue Ridge walleyes will head out of the channel toward the river and shallow ledges. Look for these fish in the 20 to 30 feet range. Good December techniques to target walleye are slow trolling jointed Shad Raps and live bluebacks. With walleye being so sensitive to light, the early morning and dusk bite is going to be your best chance catch these boys. Remember, February is a fantastic month for catching a lot of trophy smallmouth and spots on this North Georgia lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1 rated guide service put you on some of Lake Blue Ridge’s best fish during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We are Blairsville, GA’s premier fulltime guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Hiwassee, Chatuge and Nottely. And for all your live bait and tackle needs, check out Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA. They carry everything you need for a successful day of fishing and have the best live herring around. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in The Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!
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Local Lakes & Forecasts CARTERS LAKE
Forecast By: Eric Crowley Lake & Stream Guide Service (706) 669-4973
lakeandstreamguideservice@gmail.com
Water temperature low: 50s, level +/- 6 feet from full, clarity: 7 feet. If you can brave the cold and put the time in, you can see some really nice fish this month. The key to getting the bite right now is covering water. We are pulling planer boards and downlines with medium to large trout attached via long leaders and circle hooks. Pick a creek and start in the back. I’ve seen the best bite pulling about 1mph on the sunny sides of the
banks. Pull them all the way to the point. If you are marking bait in the 30 foot range, you’re going to see fish nearby. They are moving in and out of the creeks as the sun pushes the bait out of the shallower water. After noon, the bite seems to switch to a downline bite in about 50 feet of water off the big points on either end of the lake. There’s been a few fish caught by the dam in the 50 to 70 foot range over a deep bottom. The big spots are feeding right at dawn on most of the points near the boat ramps. Doll Mountain, the dam ramp and Woodring are holding some really nice fish. We haven’t seen a bunch of walleye, but the ones we have caught have come on a spoon jigged in 70 feet. Black and gold is working best.
“ If you can brave the cold and put the time in, you can see some really nice fish this month.”
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Local Lakes & Forecasts LAKE LANIER SPOTTED BASS Forecast By: Ryan Coleman LanierSpots Pro Guide Service 770-356-4136 Lanier is just a little more than 5 feet below full pool, and the surface temps are in the upper 40’s. Fishing has been good out there when you can get out. The bad weather runs we have had lately has kept guys off the lake, but some are getting out when it breaks. Fishing is pretty good with typical patterns working well. The days I have been getting out, I have been doing well both shallow and deep. I prefer deep, so I have been spending more time out in the trees, but I have also done well up shallow in the backs of creeks and pockets on jerkbaits and underspins. We have also been dragging a 4” swimbait on a heavy football head in the backs of the ditches for some very nice fish. The crankbait bite has not really developed for me, but I have been able to get some of those fish to eat a deeper diving jerkbait early in the day.
Middle of the day, I have been roaming the timber edges with either a jig or jighead worm and just plucking fish out of the deep water as usual. I have been testing a brand new worm that we at Spotsticker Baits will have out soon and doing very well with it rigged on a 3/16 ounce shaky head. As for jigs, not much has changed. I am still working a 3/8 ounce Green Craw and Brown Olive casting jig on 12-pound fluorocarbon out in 35-50 feet of water. Seems like there have been fish that even like the 60 feet bottom, as I had some clients spoon up 10 fish off one spot last week that all were over 3 pounds. All these fish were on a 61 foot bottom. As we roll into February, we can only hope that the weather will improve which should start to bring some of those fish up off the bottom and have them roaming the short pockets looking for food and spawning areas. This is a great time to work a jerkbait along the docks and pitch the jighead in the shady areas. Good luck out there.
JACKSON LAKE
By Brian Lee leebrian16 @yahoo.com
Water temperature: 45-53 deg rees, water level: full pool, clarity: stained/clear. This time of the year is by far the best on Lake Jackson when some big fish are eating. The crankbait bite is in full swing. This is the time of year to concentrate on the 3 R’s: rocks, rails and ramps. These areas collect and hold heat throughout the day best. Crawfish pattern crankbaits are best, but you can catch fish on just about any color. Let the water clarity dictate what colors to throw. Make consecutive casts from different angles to these areas, as multiple fish can be caught off these areas. Flip a jig around any isolated
w o o d cover you may come across as well. Remember to be safe as you take to the water this time of year. I just would like to mention to please say a prayer for the Kayler family as they lost Nik due to a boating accident. Remember we aren’t promised tomorrow. R.I.P Nik Kayler. You will be missed, brother.
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Local Lakes & Forecasts LAKE NOTTELY STRIPER By: Shane Goebel Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service & The Angler Magazine Fishing Team www.bigolfish.com 828-361-2021, 1-844-4-ANGLER
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February may not boast the warm temperatures of summer, especially if it’s anything like last month. However, it’s an optimal time to hit the water for some huge trophy striped bass. Fortunately, we can help you score that monster Western North Carolina or North Georgia striper. Lake Nottely is North Georgia’s hidden gem for catching some awesome stripers, and February has been known to produce some big fish. As Murphy, NC’s and Blairsville, GA’s #1 full-time guide service, we are here to help put you on some hard fighting fish. Currently, water temperatures on Lake Nottely are in the low 40’s and water levels are around 15 feet below full pool. Water clarity is moderately clear and stained in the creeks and rivers. Striper fishing has been excellent recently. We’ve been catching some nice fish in the 20 to 40-pound range. These fish are shallow and pounding bait up on the banks and shallow flats in the backs of creeks. Pulling planer boards early in the morning has been working great. Make sure to stagger your baits behind your boards. I like to run my bluebacks, trout and shad 15 to 25 feet behind the boards closest to the banks, and further back on my inside boards. While pulling planer boards, it’s always a great idea to set out a couple of freelines behind the boat. While trolling, keep an eye on
your electronics. We’ve also picked up some decent schools over deeper water, especially as the day progresses and the sun gets up over the treelines. Most of our downline fish have been caught in the 30 to 40-foot range off points and ledges along the river channels in the mouth of creeks. We’ve been catching some nice spotted and largemouth bass out here, too. The spotted bass have been schooled up on shallow points and flats around the mouths of creeks. The majority of these nice bass have been caught on our downline bite around 10 to 20 feet deep. February is a fantastic month for catching a lot of stripers and bass on this North Georgia lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1 rated guide service put you on some of Lake Nottely’s best trophy stripers during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We are Blairsville, GA’s premier full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Hiwassee and Chatuge (in North Carolina), and Lake Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, GA. And for all your live bait and tackle needs, check out Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA. They carry everything you need for a successful day of fishing and have the best live herring around. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in The Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!
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Local Lakes & Forecasts “The Valentine’s Day Getaway” By: Ryan Kennedy YouTube: Ryan Kennedy Fishing Instagram: ryankfishing ryankfishing@gmail.com
My crankbait is red, the water is blue, heck I’d bite my lure, so you should too. Well it’s February, and here in Georgia things are moving a little slow. Deer season is over, and the fish in the lake are a bit lethargic, to say the least. Now, don’t get me wrong here; I have had some of my best days of fishing during the winter, but I just simply prefer to fish when I have feeling in my hands. It all really boils down to thermals, a multitude of layers, a thick winter jacket, and about a truckload of hand warmers. Now doesn’t that just sound miserable? Yes, it does. It truly takes someone out of their mind to attempt to do anything outdoors for fun in that kind of weather. If you are working outside to make a living, that’s one thing, but anything beyond that for
just personal enjoying is insane. Or, so we say it is. You and I both know that we are both stupid enough to get out in the frigid air just to try to feel a tug at the end of the line. If anything, it seems like more boats are out when we get wild wind days full of ten-degree temperatures than a day that’s just below freezing. Why? As strange as it sounds, it comes down to bragging rights. I have fished in the bitter cold, and I have fished in near blizzard conditions in Kentucky during a tournament, and anybody who knows me has heard about it. As outdoorsmen, we are a breed of our own. It takes a special kind of person to brag about their own stupidity for going out in crazy weather. Anything that will make a good story makes for a good day on the water. Tornadoes, bolt lightning,
snow storms, pouring rain, frigid temperatures, you name it, and we’ve most likely fished in it. Now, back to the point that it is February, and you need to go ahead and get a game plan in place. Valentine’s Day is big. You know your loved one is expecting romantic plans and a nice dinner. If I had to gamble on it, I’d say that the 14th will probably be pretty chilly, so the wife, girlfriend, or whoever it is probably expects the boat to stay in the garage for the day. To top it all off, Valentine’s Day is on a Wednesday this year, which for most of us is a work day. Well, I say 2018 is the year to shake it up. Tell your lover you took the day off, and that
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you have a romantic trip planned for the two of you to celebrate Valentine’s Day. On the 13th you are going to tell her that you are so excited to spend the day with her on the lake, and even though it will be freezing cold, it will be okay because you two are out there together. Long story short, she wakes up on the 14th, realizes how cold it really is, gets mad at you for your stupid plan you got from some guy’s magazine article, and BOOM! You are right where you want to be; fishing alone in the cold having a good ‘ol time in all your layers. You’re welcome in advance fellas. Tight Lines!
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Local Lakes & Forecasts LAKE MARTIN Forecast By: Capt David Hare 256-401-3089 Alex City Guide Service Surface temperature: 49.5 degrees, lake level: (484). Lake Martin in February can be and should be good fishing. This month is what most crappie fishermen say is the beginning of the crappie season here. You’ll see a lot of trolling going on especially on the north end of the lake. On February 8th-11th Lake Martin is hosting the BASS Elite Series tournament. This is the best of the best bass fishermen and is an excellent time of year to bag a lot of bass here. There will be a lot of culling going on during this tournament, but believe me, our bass have been taking on a growing spurt the last couple years. I personally think people are going to be shocked at how much weight it’s going to take to win this tournament. Come out to Wind Creek State Park
and watch the weigh-in and meet your favorite angler. Want to get out on the lake and be a spectator of this great event but don’t know the lake or where to maybe find the anglers? Well, no worries, give us a call we will be booking spectator trips these 4 days and would love to have you join us. Please, if you do this on your own, be respectful and keep a big distance between you and the anglers you are watching. Remember, they are here making a living, and the last thing they need is you causing them to miss a fish or in any way distracting them from their job! Striper fishing this month will produce some mighty big trophies along with several good fighting 8-15 pound stripers. We will be catching stripers both deep and on top this month. There is no particular area this month to concentrate in. I’m never surprised in February at where the fish are. Remember to always wear your PDF, but especially this month
Frank Villella and guests from GA with an awesome winter catch on Lake Martin with Alex City Guide Service because even though we will have some warm and pretty days, the water temps will still be very cold. If you were to go overboard, you
could be in serious trouble. Until next month, get off the couch and go out and catch your favorite fish!
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Local Lakes & Forecasts Protect your
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highest possible result in each test. All products within the Ceramic Pro range have been tested and certified as non-toxic. Ceramic Pro is also the only ceramic coating that is IMO (International Maritime Organization) certified as an organotin free anti-fouling coating. Ceramic Pro marine is unlike anything currently on the market. The coating is not chemically removed by high-detergents or acids, and will not be harmed by lotions or sunblock. Additionally, Ceramic Pro marine utilizes a revolutionary blend of UV inhibiting minerals to protect your vessel from the harshest sun rays on the planet. Ceramic Pro marine has a strength to it that is unmatched in the marine industry. Normal clear coat has a hardness between 2H and 4H. Ceramic Pro, once cured, has a measurable hardness of 9H. This will fortify any surface against scuffs and scratches. Dock rash and fender scratches are a thing of the past when Ceramic Pro is installed. While it is important to have a strong barrier, it is equally as important to have flexibility. Ceramic Pro remains flexible so it will move with the expanding and contracting fiberglass hull. The coating will not crack or flake like acrylic sealants. This also allows the product to be applied to upholstery and roll-up enclosures. When it comes to ceramic coatings, prep is the most important part of the process. If the surface
is not properly prepped, there will be imperfections that are trapped under the coating. These imperfections will be magnified and more noticeable than before. We pride ourselves on attention to detail and this important preparation process. We use nothing but the highest quality materials and equipment available to get the job done right. When doing so, you are left with a deep shine that speaks for itself.
When choosing Marine Klean for your detailing needs, you can rest assured that you will be receiving the highest quality materials available for your vehicle. Marine Klean, Lake Lanier’s premiere marine detailing company with over 5,000 square feet of indoor space, is located at 3292 McEver Road, Buford GA, 30518. www.marineklean.com 770-9255326.
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Local Lakes & Forecasts
Fishing Lake Oconee by Tracey Buckalew Kim and Lin Logan Real Estate www.KimandLinLogan.com
From bass and catfish, bluegill to perch, crappie and sunfish, East Georgia’s Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair contain some of the state’s best fishing. Located halfway between Augusta and Atlanta, Lake Oconee has 374 miles of shoreline dotted with golf courses, luxury homes and boat docks. A 19,050acre reservoir operated by the Georgia Power Company, Lake Oconee is fed by the Apalachee River and Richland Creek, and ranks as the 3rd most-used lake for fishing tournaments in the Southeast. Georgia Power operates two 85acre recreational areas as well as a 1,450 acre wildlife preserve and a 55-acre fish pilot. They are strongly committed to keeping the lake clean and the shoreline natural. As a result, within the confines of this environmental strip surrounding the entire lake, no building of any kind is allowed, including septic
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tanks and lines. Additionally, no boats with toilets or enclosed cabins are permitted to operate on the water. Lake Oconee boasts an estimated 400 pounds of fish per acre, largely due to the unique topographic characteristics of the lake itself. Abundant creek and river channels, points, ledges, flats, standing timber, and submerged brush piles combine to create cover and a superb breeding environment for fish. The lake’s numerous docks are also a haven for fish populations, frequented by both anglers and their quarry - some of which are gigantic catfish. Come throw a pole in the water. You’ll be glad you did! Sidebar: Wallace Dam separates Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair to the south, and is used to generate hydroelectric power. Lake Oconee is the second largest lake in Georgia
and has been the core development in its area of the state since it was flooded in 1980. Three counties in Northeast Georgia were directly affected by the construction of the lake, and the impact on the area has been nothing short of dramatic. Greene, Putnam, and Morgan counties serve
as the boundaries of Lake Oconee. Each county has experienced an influx of residents and businesses since the formation of the lake. This has markedly increased tourism, recreation and development (primarily in the form of planned communities, resorts, second and vacation homes and retirees.)
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Local Lakes & Forecasts
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Local Lakes & Forecasts February – Early Pre-Spawn on Lanier Contributed By: Jim “Jimbo” Mathley www.jimboonlanier.com The early pre-spawn on Lake Lanier can be a fantastic time to catch a huge spotted or largemouth bass. The fish have been lethargic due to the colder water, and biologically, they are triggered to begin feeding in preparation for the arduous spawning process that will soon follow. Typically, the largemouth females emerge from the deeper water first. What triggers this move to shallower water? Where will these big fish emerge? How do you catch them? These are all excellent questions the answers to which we will explore in detail in this month’s article. Optimal Conditions: The biggest factor in the bass beginning their trek shallower is the steady lengthening of daylight we experience as the calendar progresses forward. The longer days are nature’s signal to the bass that it is time to start focusing on the reproduction cycle. This integral need will also trigger a feeding urge. Ideally, from a weather standpoint, look for a 3 or 4 day period of stable weather accompanied by a warming trend. The trend upward in temperature does not have to be huge, just a degree or two in surface temperature can make the difference and trigger the fish to move shallower. Once the warming trend begins, the fish will move shallower to feed in waves. Location: Fish travel much like we do – on “highways”. Fish highways include areas like the main river channel, creek channels and ditches within or near those channels. The bait and fish move methodically along these paths and look for cover to which they can relate for food, protection, and often in the case of the bass, ambush opportunity. Understand that fish are not going to randomly appear. They travel these “highways” as we have discussed and seek likely stopping points along the way. 1. Creeks: As I pursue the ditches and channels within the creek near areas that I have been catching fish, I look for likely stopping points; a secondary point with deep water close by, for example. Other viable locations include: deep pockets with a small flat or ledge near the point
of entry, small bays, or “guts” that receive all day sun and are located right next to the creek or river channel. Boat docks located over or near a channel bend or creek channel ditch in deeper water can be excellent choices too, particularly if the area in which the dock is located receives all-day sun. Also, focus on pockets that are protected from a north wind; northern pockets. 2. Main-Lake: The main body of water can also be an excellent location to target early pre-spawn bass. When fishing the main lake during the early pre-spawn period, I like to focus on points and humps that are near the main river channel and offer sharp contour breaks and therefore ease of access to feeding flats or ledges within these areas from deep water. Obviously, cover in these areas will provide an ambush spot for these pre-spawn monsters, so a wellplaced brush pile can improve your results! Lures and Presentation: Now that we have explored the timing and areas of pursuit of early pre-spawn bass, let’s examine some possible lure choices and techniques to catch these fish. In selecting and working a lure, remember that the water temperatures are still traditionally cold during the early pre-spawn period, and therefore, the fish’s metabolism is reduced. The fish will move slower, and so should your lure presentation. As far as lure colors, I tend to stick with natural colors in the spring as I do all year-long. Green, brown and white are generally found somewhere in the lures I am utilizing in the spring. If you are not getting bit, switch colors or lure type. 1. Jerkbait – One of my favorite early spring lures. These lures mimic expiring baitfish and represent an easy meal for lethargic bass. I prefer a deeper-diving model such as the SPRO McRip in early spring. Work these lures in the areas mentioned above with a very slow cadence. Offer small twitches or short pulls of the jerkbait followed by LONG pauses. Vary your cadence until you find the right combination; let the fish tell you the way they want it and stick with that retrieve.
2. SuperSpin – This can be a very productive lure in the early prespawn period as well as throughout the spawn and into post-spawn. Work the lure by slow-rolling the bait in the likely areas we have discussed. In most cases, maintaining contact with the bottom is important. I prefer a boot-tail trailer this time of year. It imparts more vibration in the lure and allows you to work the lure more slowly 3. Crankbait – The Rapala Shad Raps are great choices in the early spring. If the fish are not shallow on the flats and I am unable to get bites with the shallow-running models, I will switch to a medium depth crankbait, such as one of the SPRO Medium Divers. If this fails, I will probe the deeper depths on the ends of flats, points and humps with a deep runner, such as a SPRO Little John DD. Work these baits slowly and attempt to deflect the bait off of cover or the bottom as much as possible. 4. Worm/jig – When all else fails and when the fish are bottom-locked, do not ignore the Picasso ShakeDown Head/worm combo as well as the Chattahoochee jig. Drag these baits in likely areas very slowly, imparting
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periods of motionlessness on the bait. Often, bites will occur this time of year when you are simply allowing the bait to remain still following a slow drag or slight hop. Early pre-spawn is a great time of year to fish. Often, this is the time when you are most likely to catch the bass of your life! Get out there and fish! See you on the water. Jimbo is a Full-Time, Year-Round spotted bass guide on Lake Lanier. For more information or to book your trip, contact Jimbo on Lanier! 770-542-7764. Jimbo’s Website: www.jimboonlanier.com
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Local Lakes & Forecasts Getting Ready for Spring Fishing Dr. Andrew Cox February is a good month to prepare for the upcoming spring fishing season and to fine tune or develop new angling skills. There are events occurring during this month that present opportunities to do such and may whet your appetite for the upcoming fishing season. Across Georgia and many other areas of the South, there are several outdoor shows and events to stimulate your angling and outdoor interests. These events have seminars, exhibitors and vendors, and other events showcasing angling and outdoor products, as well as teaching attendees new or honing existing angling skills. On February 2 through 3, 2018, the Atlanta Flyfishing Show will be held at the Infinite Energy Center, Duluth/Atlanta, Georgia. This event showcases many well known fly tying exhibitors sharing their craft tying various flies. There are also seminars on the use of the flyrod in fishing for coldwater, warmwater, and saltwater fish. Both veteran fly anglers as well as those desiring to learn flyfishing and its various dimensions would enjoy attending this event. The websites flyfishingshow.com/atlanta/ or www.eventssprout.com/event/2018atlanta-fly-fishing-show provide additional information. The Georgia Wildlife Federation’s Great Outdoor Show, Fisharama and Turkeyarama will be held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds, Perry, Georgia on February 9 through 11, 2018. This show highlights seminars on fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities. There are a large number of exhibitors highlighting a wide range of outdoor products. More information can be found at www.buckarama.net/fisharama-turkeyarama. For those readers who focus upon bass fishing, you could consider attending Bass University, held in Gadsden, Alabama on February 17 and 18, 2018. This event focuses upon bass fishing tactics, techniques, and tackle with seminars taught by a range of nationally known tournament bass anglers. Bass University also offers online educational semi22 ATLANTA
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nars with various training videos as well as on-the-water events with seasoned bass anglers. More information regarding Bass University can be found at https://thebassuniversity. com. During this month, the Atlanta/ Lawrenceville, and Savannah, Georgia Bass Pro Shops offer the Crappie Madness event on February 2 through 10, 2018. Seminars and information regarding the ins and outs of crappie angling are provided at the Bass Pro Shop locations. This may be a good excuse to unload those unused Christmas season gift cards. Do not forget about the internet as a source of fishing information. There are a multitude of videos on UTube highlighting various aspects of fishing. One can search UTube for training videos highlighting fishing for a particular species, angling at a certain geographical location, or a specialized angling tactic. I have also found internet websites providing valuable fishing information. I particularly enjoy Fishing Tips Depot (www.fishingtipsdepot.com). This site has information regarding angling for specific species, i.e. trout, bass, crappie, etc. There are also online courses that the angler can take on this site to further develop a fishing interest. February does not have to be a month of waiting for warm weather to come around so that you can go fishing. Attending these events will not quite be like the real thing but will help prepare for your upcoming time on the water. They are also a good weekend activity to deal with “cabin fever” as you anticipate the upcoming fishing season. Author’s Note: Dr. Andrew Cox is a contributing writer to outdoor publications and newspapers. He is a member of the Georgia Outdoor Writer’s Association. He has been fishing the waters of Georgia, Alabama, and north Florida for over forty years. Dr. Cox financially supports his fishing habits as Professor Emeritus at Troy University, Phenix City, Alabama. He may be contacted at andrewtrout@aol.com.
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Local Lakes & Forecasts LAKE LANIER STRIPERS Forecast by: Clay Cunningham www.catchingnotfishing.com 770-630-2673 What does this February hold for the stripers on Lake Lanier is a good question. It all comes down to the weather. After a very cold December and early January, the weather has now bounced around all over the place. So far the stripers and even a good number of bass have been exceptionally deep with the deep bait. Some of the bait has been 80 to 110 feet deep. There have been a few fish shallow that can be easy to catch but not big numbers. We need a little warm weather to pull this bait out of the depths. Hopefully, February will begin to show signs of warming up and the bait making a rush to the back of the creeks. Live bait has continued to be the best pattern over the deep bait. As the bait condenses in the creeks this pattern will not change much except
that they will progressively move shallower as spring gets closer and closer. Be prepared with as many rods as possible. Keep as many Shakespeare striper rods rigged as possible with Penn Squall Linecounter reels spooled with 15 pound Trilene Big Game. Rig several of these striper rods with a freeline which consists of Spro Power Swivel, a five foot leader of 100% Trilene Flourocarbon, and a Gamaktsu size 2 Octopus hook for the herring. If medium shiners are working, be sure to use a size 6 Gamakatsu Octopus hook. Just as important is to rig several rods with downlines. The downline is more less a Carolina rig for live bait. Tie on a 2 ounce Capt. Mack swivel sinker, a five foot leader of the same Trilene 100% ten pound Flourocarbon and the same Gamakatsu Octopus hooks. These hooks are tiny but incredibly strong. Great electronics like the Humminbird Solix will greatly increase your success. You should be able to see your bait almost hit the fish on the head with the electronics. With today,s units you can
even see the bait swimming around on the hook. If you want to use artificials, the Capt. Mack 3/8 ounce and 1/4 ounce bucktails will come into play in February. In clear water go with the white bucktail and the chartreuse in stained water. Rig up a Penn Conflict 3000 or Peen Battle 3000 with 10 pound Trilene Big Game on a 7 foot Medium Penn rod and you are ready for battle. This pattern will be best once the bait moves to the back of the creeks. The first hour of daylight can
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Local Lakes & Forecasts Don’t Be Late for that Big Bass
LAKE BURTON
by Billy Darby
During several days of unusual warm weather and clear skies and with perhaps an adjoining southern breeze, big sows will be relating to the warmest water available. Sun generated heat will be near the north bank of dead water pools where even more heat is absorbed by logs, rocks, decaying vegetation and even darker colored bottom terrain. This warm water “thus warmer fish” also warms her eggs for faster maturity. This predictable pattern is called cruising. This cruising behavioral phase can be your ticket to bass fishing paradise, but your approach to this area is critical. Stealth is an absolute necessity. If possible, allow the wind to drift your boat into position before anchoring for long casts. If necessary to gently get in position, your trolling motor should be operated at the lowest
possible setting. My favorite lure for this approach is Sluggo type plastics, no weight added. My choice is Big Bite Trick Sticks in watermelon/pearl. When the lure hits the surface, you might spook her and detect departure swells of fish movement. Do not move your lure, and through curiosity she will return to investigate and inhale your offering. Close observance of line movement will be your only indication of a hit. Slow and slower is the name of the game. These female bass are the cornerstone of future bass fishing. Please respect them accordingly and practice catch and release on the spot! Billy Darby is a professional guide on Lake Eufaula. He can be reached at imfishing4u@windstream.net or 229-768-2369
Forecast by: Capt. Wes Carlton Georgia Lake Fishing 770-318-9777 www.georgialakefishing.com Water temperature: 46 degrees, water level: 7 feet down, clarity: clear. Bass: Most of the bass are in a winter pattern. We have been having success in the back of creeks on ditch lines. Try throwing a 3/8 ounce BBH Super Spin tipped with a Zoom Albino Super Fluke. We have been casting in the 18 to 27 foot depths around rocky bottoms. Work this bait letting it fall off of the ledges. Using a little lighter line this time of year seems to help. This pattern should continue for the next few weeks. The spoon bite should turn on any day now. Trout: The Brown Trout are all over the lake right now. Working
the bank lines around fallen trees with a Rooster Tail Super Rooster has been very productive. These fish seem to like a fast retrieve. Freeline medium shiners in and around main lake points has also produced a few bigger fish. The trout are normally schooled up a little tighter this time of year. I think now that the cold weather has settled in we should see these fish stay and feed close to the main lake channels. Walleye: The walleye bite has been decent lately. Try using a Ned Rig working a 25 to 30 foot bottom. The fish are a little slow to take the bait, so be patient if you feel a bite. We have also had success downlining medium shiners over the main lake channels over timber. These fish will come up off of an 80 foot bottom to eat these baits. Look for this bite to continue for the next couple of months. Good Luck!
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Bass: FAIR - As the days get shorter and the temps cool, expect a
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Jim Murphy from Minneapolis with a big Burton bass.
1/16/18 10:16 AM
Local Lakes & Forecasts Bass Fishing: Not Just a Sport but a Fraternity Contributed By: Jay Striker www.jaystriker.com My day started out on the 31st of December heading out to the lake I had been thinking about for months. I mean I could not wait to get to Lake Okeechobee in FL, the first event of the year to kick off the 2018 bass fishing season. Leaving from GA in the morning with the temps in the mid 20’s made me want to get to Florida even sooner. The drive was long, so it gave me plenty of time to reflect on how much I love this part of the job and how it makes me feel so alive. Then it hit me. Do I do this because I love to fish or do I do this because I love the memories and camaraderie this sport brings? When you are following your dream and you are doing what you love, no matter what happens you will find a way to make the best of each situation and find ways to cope with the bad and the good. With my hopes high and being ready for the competition to start, I arrived in Florida with the welcoming weather of the coldest temperatures recorded in 10 years in Florida and the winds rolling out of the north. But because I love this sport so much, I drove straight to the lake and put my boat in the water and went fishing. Finally, the 7-hour wait was over, and I got my first bite which made it all worth it; a 3 ½ pound Okeechobee largemouth bass that made my day. As a bass angler, I know many anglers can relate to the aforementioned comments and say “yep that’s me” I know this to be
true because 500 hundred anglers were to compete in this tournament and to enjoy those moments which tournament bass fishing has to offer. The fishing community is a band of brothers and sisters who have a fraternity order about themselves that will give each other a hand anytime someone calls for help. It is with a very heavy heart that this was the very first tournament in my history of bass fishing where one of our beloved anglers did not make it back at the end of the day. Unfortunately, due to a boating accident, Nik Kayler, was ejected out of his boat while on the water and did not survive. The news hit me like a ton of bricks and the rest of the fishing community as well. I would like to please keep Nik’s family in your prayers. He was a husband, father, brother, veteran and a bass fishing champion. He was doing what he loved, and we will always carry Nik in our hearts. I did not have to know Nik personally to know that he is my brother, because Nik was part of the fraternity that we all love and respect. In closing, let me say that I’m proud to see the fishing community come together and work tirelessly to help in the efforts to bring one of our own home. As we continue to chase our dreams, let us all be as safe as we can, continue to watch after each other, and keep Nik and his family in our prayers during these difficult times. Nik you touched a nation. RIP and God Speed. If you want to help out Nik’s family, there is a Go Fund Me page https://www. gofundme.com/nik-kayler. Please feel free to catch me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and at www.jaystriker.com.
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Local Lakes & Forecasts LAKE SINCLAIR per bait, but a good catch is still possible by catching one or more fish on three or four baits. Spoons have probably been the best overall. Some good spoons are a Flex it .6, Bomber Slab spoon, and Hopkins Shorty 45. Chrome, white and chartreuse have all produced. With the colder water, a short hop of 12 to 18 inches off bottom has been better than a higher jigged spoon. Carolina rigs are working well at times using a very slow retrieve. Little George’s and Rocket Shad’s can also be good at times. Use a very slow retrieve trying to make the bait slowly slide along bottom or just a few inches off bottom. A drop shot rig should also be tried. Another good bait that is not very popular is a jig head and worm. Use a 1/8 to ¼ ounce darter head with a Zoom Finesse worm. Like the drop shot rig, the jig head and worm is more easily fished using spinning tackle with 8 or 10 pound line. This rig should also be slowly slid across the bottom without trying to impart any action on the bait.
Forecast By: Ken Sturdivant ken@southernfishing.com Lake Sinclair is down 1.4 feet, clear with the water temperature in the 50’s. Bass are slow to fair in shallow and deep water. Some anglers are still catching fish from shallow water using mainly crankbaits and jigs. Most are coming from main river banks that drop quickly into deep water. Some crankbaits producing recent success are Rapala DT10, Shad Rap RS #5, Thunder Shad, and Deep Little N. For the jig, try a Stanley 5/16 ounce in black/blue with a Zoom Chunk in black/blue or green pumpkin. Riprap along the roads in Little River is still producing bass using crankbaits and jigs. There are now quite a number of main river points and flats that are holding deeper fish. The area from Nancy Branch to Sandy Run Creek on the Oconee River has been best lately. Most fish are holding on the sides of these structures at 15 to 25 feet deep. The best baits are varying daily or even hourly. On some days, an angler may catch only one or two fish
LAKE CHATUGE
Eric Welch Welch’s Guide Service www.welchsguideservice. com 706-455-2323 Water temperature: 46-48 degrees, lake level: 7.5 feet below full pool, clarity: clear. The bass bite has slowed due to the cold weather we’ve had the past couple weeks. The fish are scattered around, but using your electronics
you can find fish to drop a spoon or a 3.5” shad bait on a 3/8 ounce moon eye jig. There are some fish being caught around docks and brush using a jig. If the sun is out and there is a little wind, try an umbrella rig around points and sand flats. If you are using the float-n-fly, look for deep rocky banks. The bite should start picking up toward the end of the month. Give us call to book a great early spring trip.
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Local Lakes & Forecasts
LARGE
LAKE LANIER CRAPPIE Forecast By: Dan Saknini, Lanier Crappie Angler’s Club. www.laniercrappieanglers.net The weather got better, and we hit the ground running to lake! Current water temperature is 46 degrees, a little colder in the upper reaches of the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers. I was asked a great question several days ago – to clarify the definition of “channel docks”. There are 2 main river channels on Lanier, the Chestatee and the Chattahoochee. The docks entering and beyond the mouths of the creeks are NOT channel docks. We typically refer to these as “docks from the mouth to the backs of creeks”. The docks we refer to as “channel docks” are on the main channels of the Chestatee and the
Chattahoochee. They are usually docks with deeper water, and are currently your best choice for catching crappie now. A 1/16 ounce jig head is a good choice with Mr. Crappie, Bobby Garland or Jiffy Jigs. This is a heavier jig than we normally use, and will sink faster. If you can locate fish close to those docks on your downscan, try dropping a minnow with a number 6 long shank Eagle Claw hook, but substitute a 1/16 ounce jig in lieu of a split shot. With the jig on the top about 16” above the hook, you may get lucky and double up. The fish are still holding tight to the structure and are not willing to chase the bait. Your presentation must be in their face to get the bite. Deer season is nearing the end, so you may see more fishermen on the lake. Stay safe on the water and wear your life jacket!
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Local Lakes & Forecasts WHAT IN THE WORLD of DISNEY-LIKE INDOOR GUNNERY IS COMING SOON BEHIND THESE NEW DOORS IN KENNESAW?
KIM’S KITCHEN
Bacon Wrapped Grilled Quail A simple game recipe for quail that involves bacon, which makes everything better. • 1 tbs kosher salt • 2 tsp dry mustard • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1 tsp ground coriander • 1 tsp celery seed • 5 quail • 5 slices bacon to wrap the birds: optional (but we always like to add bacon!) • ½ cup pepper jelly • dash Worcestershire sauce • 3 tbs bourbon
by Dicklesby With the unfriendly waterside weather we were having, our reporter Dickelsby turned to dry land activities in Kennesaw to check out the Governor’s Gun Club Recently your Angler Magazine reporter scored a quick looksee into the newly constructed Governors Gun Club just off Barrett Parkway. This is an incredible venue for indoor shooting that offers a varied menu of gun targets,
archery, video simulation and the most unique incredible indoor shotgun skeet and trap shooting found only in one other place in the entire world! There will also be fine dining resources as well as a lounge and huge capacity meeting/ banquet services. Absolutely the most amazing environment for shooting sports participation is now at our proverbial doorstep! Stay tuned for further opening information soon to come
Instructions 1. Combine the salt, mustard, oregano, coriander and celery seed to make the rub 2. Pat the quail dry and coat with the rub 3. Wrap with bacon and hold in place with a toothpick 4. While the grill is getting up to a roasty 350 degrees, combine the pepper jelly, Worcestershire and bourbon 5. Place the bacon wrapped quail on the grill and brush with the glaze 6. Brush with the glaze every time you turn the quail 7. When the Bacon Wrapped and Glazed Grilled Quail reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees, remove from the grill and serve
www.B&AMarinePerformance.com 880 HARMONY ROAD, EATONTON, GA
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Local Lakes & Tournaments LAKE OCONEE
Ken Sturdivant ken@southernfishing.com Lake Oconee is full with the water temperature in the 50’s. Black bass fishing is fair. With the warmer water there are good numbers of fish that have moved back shallow. Using a spinnerbait fished on the main lake shoreline and into small pockets or small coves is your best bet. Make sure that you have deep water nearby. Flipping under docks with a jig and pig would be a way to also get a few bites. You need to work the docks that are near deep water. Also, look for docks that have brush on them and fish with a shaky head worm. Use a Zoom watermelon or watermelon/candy worm dipping
your bait in the JJ Magic can really help you catch more fish. Spoons are great all day baits and the Lowrance Sonar can help you find them. Use the 200 kHz and the 455 down beams, and this down beam is much wider and a lot more powerful. You can see the bass on the bottom, so drop the bait to them. We have another very cold weather front this week. Air temperatures are very cold and the fish will react to the weather by not feeding and relating to heavy structure with the very cold temperatures and high pressure. Any warm water you can find can have active bass. They still have to eat. Make sure you stop by Sugar Creek Marina and pick up your spoons and all your tackle needs.
6 AM to 6 PM Monday Thru Sunday
2595 Buford Dam Rd, Cumming, GA We carry a large selection of live bait; Night Crawlers, Baby Night Crawlers, Green Night Crawlers, Big Reds, Wax Worms, Meal Worms, Crickets, Minnows (small, medium and large), and Blueback Herring. We also have a large selection of brand name artificial bait and an assortment of Rods, Reels and Combos. Adjacent Chevron Foodmart has a deli, snacks, drinks, gas, beer and wine. Striper guides with charters and needing bait early can call 706-429-7211 to make arrangements.
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Local Lakes & Forecasts
Turning Lemons into Lemonade By Capt. Cefus McRae Nuts & Bolts Fishing Series
If you’ve been on any of our local reservoirs lately, you’ve probably noticed the banks have got a lot longer. Water levels continue to drop, and in some areas, these lower levels can be dangerous for navigation. Subsurface standing timber that might normally be 10 feet below at full pool, could be mere inches beneath the surface, waiting to wreak havoc on your lower unit or prop. Stump fields that served as homes for bass and bream now reveal themselves as lone sentries on a red clay plain. During these times of low water levels, it’s important to be extra careful and know where you are traveling on the lake. Keep one eye on the water and one eye on your chartplotter to insure you are running in deep enough water. Many chartplotters, like my Simrad EVO, allow you to adjust the depth markings for lower water levels, and that can add an extra layer of safety when the water levels are low like this. With all that said, let me add that I’m not casting aspersions at the folks who are federally mandated to manage the flow. They have to follow the policies set by the feds and have to do their job. And these same folks are our friends and neighbors. Although she wasn’t the first to say it, I can remember my grandmother saying “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” In other words, always look for something positive, even if the circumstances seem bad. There may be some lemonade to be made from all this low water. This is a great time to do some exploring. With the water nearly 10 feet below full pool, you can see areas that would normally be covered.
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More importantly, you can really examine these creek channels, flats, stump fields, blow-downs, rocky points and other fishy spots to see what makes them special. Take a couple of pictures, so you can have a visual record to reference. Next spring, when the water is back up, you know which side of the channel might be more productive, or where the brush piles are in relation to a pile of rocks. Take an afternoon off from fishing and just go scouting. Ride by some of your skinny water hot spots and you may get a revelation of what makes them fishy. I will often do this on the coast at low tide to get a game plan for fishing the high tide. Creek channels, structure, drop-offs and more will easily reveal themselves so you can develop a game plan for when the water rises. Same is true now that the lakes are low. If you take some notes, take some pictures and mark these spots on your chartplotter. There’s a good chance the lemons we have this winter will become lemonade this spring. Tight lines and calm seas.
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Local Lakes & Forecasts Cloud Fishing
Outfoxed
LAKE ALLATOONA STRIPER/HYBRID
Contributed By: Noey Vinyard
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The smell of mud, rotting grass and stagnant water made its way up the hill to my position above the swamp. My shotgun lay across my lap should a nice buck appear. The sun had since climbed into the sky behind me and began warming the back of my coat sufficiently. An hour ago it had been somewhat cold but now things were warming up quite a bit. Squirrels had come and gone along with a cardinal, a few woodpeckers and a hawk. Things had quieted down considerably and I needed something to focus on. As if by demand, movement caught my eye from the opposite ridge. The pointed finger of fertile dirt was covered by honeysuckle and laurel. Seeing anything in the brush on that hillside was next to impossible. A pair of binoculars would have been handy at the moment, but any extra weight was unwelcome to me while I stalked through the woods. Instead, I would just wait and see what was coming. Patience usually pays off and this incident was no exception. A pointed snout poked his head out of the brush at the bottom of the hill. Then the head eased forward and was followed by a slender body and a long red and gray tail. The little black feet made their way through the swamp without getting wet. I was envious. Slogging through the mud that was knee deep was not exactly fun. This little animal was obviously very knowledgeable of the dry spots out in the swamp. I am not sure when it hit me that I was about to have company, but when it did, I panicked. I knew that the fox would not bother me, but I desperately wanted to remain anonymous in the woods. Scaring off any animals would be a bad thing, and by the looks of it, I was about to scare off the approaching fox. Foxes have a pretty good nose, and their eyesight is not half bad either. The only thing I had going for me was the fact I was camouflaged with Mossy Oak Break Up pants and a jacket and I was using a cover scent made by Code Blue that smelled like dirt. The cover scent was so realistic that it smelled exactly like I had gone into the woods and raked away the leaves from the base of a tree to sit down. The dirt smell was strong, and I desperately hoped it would help me remain hidden from the fox. Meanwhile, the fox had started up the hill I was sitting on and was headed directly to me. I could hear the leaves crunching and sliding down the hill
as the animal made its way upwards. When the black nose of the creature came into sight just down and to my right, I slowed my breathing, relaxed and did not move my eyes or body. The fox continued up the hill and swung towards me a bit paying me no mind. The red hue that blended down to gray legs and tipped tail stood even with me. I could hear my own heart pounding. Furthermore, I was afraid the fox would hear my heart pounding. He stopped and looked around, surveying the area. Incredibly, he looked right at me and stared for a moment before moving off and disappearing behind a mammoth oak tree. I let out a breath and relived the moment. The fox had stood just 8 feet from me and looked right at me. I could see the moisture on his nostrils and the quivering of his nose while it searched the air for dinner or danger. The red coloring was slightly orange, but beautiful. Mud flaked the foreleg of the predator as evidence of his recent travels. While I was thinking about my incredible moment, the fox suddenly appeared from behind the oak and surprised me. He pattered through the leaves to within two feet of me and stopped, staring me in the eye. I felt guilty, knowing I was sure to be caught. The eyes were piercing. The flecks of brown that radiated out from the pupil seemed to move. I held my breath. We stared at each other for what seemed like eternity. Finally, the fox made the first move by sniffing back and forth. What surprised me was that he did not run off, but rather backed up, regarded me for a moment and stepped towards me, closing the distance. Now I could reach out and pet the critter if I wanted to. I had no desire to scare him and I was already wondering about the intelligence of letting such an animal so close. Before I could make my mind up to move and scare him off, the fox realized something was wrong and stiffened up. I did not look him in the eye. The tail turned into a bottle brush with every hair sticking straight out in alarm. Still the fox stood there eyeing me. A few moments later he turned and ambled back down the hill. I let out a huge breath and watched in wonder. Why had he not run as soon as he realized I was danger? Did he know I was not a threat to him? Who knows. I am sure that moment in the woods will be remembered for a long time. Until next time, good huntin!
We are having a fairly normal year on Allatoona in terms of climate and rainfall. For 2018, the lake made it down to its normally projected 17 feet below full pool and is now on the rise. By the time you read this, Allatoona should be in the 10-12 feet below full pool range and rising daily. During the winter storm in December, our region was hit especially hard with some areas receiving 12-14 inches of heavy, wet snow. The cold snow melt pouring into the lake reduced the water temperature. The arctic blast that occurred at the first of the year sent already lower than normal surface temps plummeting into the low 40’s. Some shad kill started, so birds and fish have been feasting. A handful of ramps are operating at this time of year including Blockhouse, Red Top, Cooper’s, Gatewood, Galt’s, Kellogg Creek (Payne campground), and possibly Little R. Dockage at public boat ramps on Allatoona is DISMAL when the water is low, and unfortunately, the government hasn’t improved this situation for users of the lake. Live gizzard shad are working very well both on planer boards and downlines. As the temperature climbs, go to the bigger 9-10 inch baits to get the bigger bite. The fish can and will be anywhere on the lake, so cover lots of water and do lots of searching with your electronics to eliminate unproductive water. This is a time of year when some fish will inhabit the top 5 feet of water
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and you may not see them on the graph. Good areas to try are around Holiday Harbor, Red Top, Stamp Creek, Bartow-Carver Beach, Kellogg Creek, the S-Turns and Sweetwater Creek. Mouths of creeks will be good areas to target. The center of the channel will hold fish when the bait pushes deep. In general, cold snaps will push fish deep while warming trends will cause them to come up. This is the time of year the fish instinctively gorge themselves to prepare for the spawn. The spoon bite will be on point while schools of shad ball up and die due to cold and old age. There is a wide variety of spoons on the market, but Striper Soup carries the Flex-it for these types of fishing opportunities. It is tried and true and can be adjusted (flexed) to achieve the desired flutter. U-rigs continue to produce fish with white and chartreuse the best color choices. 80-120 feet back at 3.03.5 mph should be the ticket. If some surface feeding breaks out, be ready with some casting equipment fitted with popping cork and fly, spinners, jigs like bucktails or a head with a fluke, or surface plugs like Sammys or Spooks. We have a new series of lures by Tactical Angler that are lighting up fisheries in the area. They have a walk-the-dog surface lure called the Crossover which has a great profile, gill slits, and makes a ton of noise with lots of rattle. HINTS: Check your fuel before you crank up. If it’s been sitting for over 3 months, it could be spoiled. If it smells weird, it’s probably bad. It’s a good time of year to put a dab of grease on level winds and some good Teflon oil on your pinions. Freshen up your line to prepare for spring!
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Wall of Fame
Win A Free Angler Magazine Cap! A Angler Magazine cap will be given away each month for the best reader submitted photo!
WINNER! This monster brown was caught by Jeff Garrison fishing with Reel Em In Guide Service
Bob Schultz from Marietta with a nice bass caught fishing with Wes Carlton on Lake Burton
Bill Souter from Montexuma, GA with a big redfish caught on the flats in Steinhatchee FL
Chris Hamrick caught these two nice stripers on topwater from Lake Lanier
Jon Paul Cardenas caught this 14 inch crappie on a fly rod from a local Acworth park pond
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Kovi Edgil with a big Lanier striper caught while fishing with Catching Not Fishing
1/16/18 10:16 AM
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star-studded field of 111 professional bass anglers—including a mix of rookies, legends and veterans from other tournament circuits—will make up the 2018 Bassmaster Elite Series field when competition gets underway on Lake Martin, Alabama, in February. The lineup includes 99 anglers who competed in the Elite Series this year. They will be joined by 11 first-time Elite qualifiers and one Elite veteran, Rick Morris, of Lake Gaston, Va., who is returning to the prestigious pro circuit after a three-year hiatus. “The Elite field is getting stronger every year,” noted B.A.S.S. Tournament Director Trip Weldon. “Some of the anglers who achieved Elite status in the last few years—including Bassmaster Classic champion Jordan Lee—are already proving they belong in the top tier of this sport. I expect some of the pros qualifying from the Bassmaster Opens will become forces to be reckoned with right away, too.” Weldon said that only three of the 15 qualifiers from the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens declined invitations to compete in the Elite Series.
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Among those climbing in from the Opens is Hunter Shryock, brother of veteran Elite pro Fletcher Shryock, and at least two standouts from the FLW Tour. Shin Fukae and Wesley Strader have each won about $1.5 million in long careers with FLW. Because of their previous winnings, Fukae and Strader will not be eligible for Bassmaster Rookie of the Year honors next year. Heading the list of anglers requalifying for the 11-event circuit are Brandon Palaniuk of Hayden, Idaho, the reigning Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year, and seven-time AOY winner Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich. Also returning are 17 former Classic winners, including Lee. Three of those, Rick Clunn of Ava, Mo.; David Fritts of Lexington, N.C.; and Paul Elias of Laurel, Miss., narrowly missed requalifying this year but were given special “Legends” exemptions available to past Classic champions and AOY winners. Requalifying through the Elites is based on Angler of the Year points earned the previous season. Newcomers also get a one-year grace period that guarantees them a second season. Should Opens anglers or others decline invitations, those spots are filled from a list based on average rankings in Angler of the Year points over the anglers’ careers. Another nine Elite Series anglers failed to requalify this year and will have to climb back in through the Bassmaster Opens, said Weldon, who noted that they were offered priority entry into the 2018 Opens. After the kickoff Elite tournament in February, the anglers will break for the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods on Lake Hartwell, South Carolina, March 16-18. Eight more regular-season Elites will be held between April and August. As in 2017, the Elite postseason will include the $1 million Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship (to be held next year on Lake Chatuge, Georgia, Sept. 20-23) and the wildly popular, livestreamed Bassmaster Classic Bracket Fish-Off (Oct. 23-26 on Carters Lake, Georgia).
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Surprising Winter is the Best Planting Time
I am often asked when is the best time to plant fruiting plants. My answer is usually the same; the best time is 20 years ago or today. The second best time to plant is during the winter months. Plants are dormant, and can be easily shipped and planted with no stress on the plant because there is not a lot of maintenance once the plant or tree has been planted. Simply dig a good hole, water thoroughly
at planting, and take the rest of the winter off. Even though there are no signs of growth above ground, the root systems will have time to get adjusted to their new location and begin to initiate new root growth. There are plenty of advantages of growing your own edibles. First of all, you know what has been done over the course of the growing season from a chemical stand point. Second, the fruit just taste
better coming out of your home orchard versus buying fruit from the grocers that have little to no flavors. Thirdly, it is good for your soul and you will feel more connected to the environment and nature. Whether it is an apple tree, muscadine vine or a blueberry bush; now is the time to plant. Let’s Grow Together. Greg Ison, Ison’s Nursery and Vineyards, 800733-0324, www.isons.com
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FOR THOSE THRILL SEEKERS SEARCHING FOR EXCITING SPEED AND POWER!
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Telling Good Fish Stories By Matt Jorn
Laura Price of Lexington, N.C. and a nice Dorado caught with the FishingNosara Explorer on Dec. 5, 2017.
“W
hat did you catch today?” It is a question asked at every marina, boat ramp and backyard dock in the world every day of the fishing calendar. This is your chance to hold up your catch, your fillet bag or your digital camera. It is a chance to reveal (or conceal) details regarding where and how you snared your prey. It is also the chance to spin a wonderful tale of the leviathan that you fought for hours, had right next to the boat, and locked eyes with only to have it spit the hook/break the leader/get caught on the props/ pull you overboard… we’ve all been there! Even the master angler and author Ernest Hemingway’s beloved “The Old Man and the Sea” is a fish tale, featuring the angler we all wish we were losing the fish we all wish we could catch.
The craft of embellishing your catch is a time-honored tradition; however as the curator of the FishingNosara Costa Rica Fishing Report, I take umbrage with the 21st century version of the fish story. For the last seven years, I have documented every one of the 2,000plus trips run by the Nosara, Costa Rica based fishing team. Each report is meticulously checked for accuracy, including the angler’s names, trip date, fish caught, and (most importantly) photographs of the catches. I also encourage my clients to offer their own stories from the fishing experience. In December 2017, we hosted Laura and Michael Price. Here’s what Laura wrote: “My husband and I went out today on the Explorer. We had an AMAZING time!!! We ended the day with six mahi mahi caught with one mahi mahi, one tuna and one marlin getting away. Phenomenal crew! We loved every minute of it!” Here is another example, this time from angler Kevin Bahr: “We went with Capt. William and his mate Johnny. They were very professional and ready to ensure we had a successful outing on May 12. The weather was pretty sketchy, but we were able to locate the fish and ended up with a freezer full of ahi and mahi mahi. We cut our day short due to the weather, but our crew was willing to stay out longer if we wanted to. Despite the weather, it was a great day!” Everyone knows that the Internet is a place where the line between fact and fiction is often blurry; from politics, to sports, to fishing—it is not always easy to separate the truth, from an opinion, from a sales pitch. For instance, a quick glance at a competing Central American fishing charter’s report looks like this: Dec 27, 3 sailfish, 6 mahi-mahi, 1 marlin. Dec 28, 7 sailfish, 2 marlin. Dec 29, 5 mahi-mahi, 3 yellowfin tuna, 1 sailfish. Who is this helping? Why no details, no photos? Is this for search engines, the illiterate, or the lazy? I put it to all anglers in the 21st century posting online: Tell me a good fish story or log-off.
*Custom Fishing Packages *Costa’s Closest Blue Water *High Quality Boats *Professional Fishing Tackle *English Speaking Crews *Safety Equipment *Water, Ice, Snacks and Fruit *Gas included in price *Surf and Snorkel Tours
Starting at $700 pp (904) 591-2161 FishingNosara.com 16
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m t o o d fis e er ONLY $149
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ns SoN o i t a v ser eR Sea e R g The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating and Outdoor Enthusiasts in WiNT k a T Now e 2018 for th
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Accommodations are nestled on 6 lush tropical acres of pristine waterfront directly on the Indian River Lagoon. As you make your way down the one lane road you will truly be stepping back in time. Your hosts Kim and Robert Pruitt have re-captured the very best of Old Florida charm with modern conveniences and services to make your stay truly memorable and unforgettable.
Amenities: • Cable TV, Hi-Speed Internet • Boat Trailer Parking on Site • 2 miles to the Ft. Pierce Inlet • 12 miles to the Gulf Stream • Scheduled Water Taxi Service
• Fully Furnished 3 room cottages w/ fully equipped kitchens • 250 Foot Dock with Covered Guest Area • Laundry, Ice, BBQ Grilles • FREE Ice / FREE Guest Dockage • FREE use of our Kayaks
Stay 1 Month and Get 50% OFF Your Complete Stay! Mention Reservation Code CA – 0118 when making your reservation
3011 N. Indian River Dr., Ft. Pierce, FL 34946 www.indianriverlagoonwaterfrontcottages.com Reservations and Information: (772) 349-2206 Nightly • Weekly • Monthly • Seasonal Rates Available COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT INTERLUX MICRON EXTRA ANTI-FOULING PAINT Anglers across the country will be glad to hear that Micron Extra—the classleading antifouling that delivers consistent, multiseason protection against all forms of fouling—is back in stock, thanks to the renewed manufacturing of one of its raw ingredients. Providing boaters with the signature proven performance of the Interlux Micron range, Micron Extra uses Biolux technology to achieve complete protection against shell, weed and slime fouling in all waters fresh and salt. By combining the slime-blocking capabilities of Biolux with a controlled solubility copolymer that releases active ingredients steadily over time, Micron Extra achieves long-lasting, full-spectrum defense against fouling organisms. This copolymer matrix gradually wears away like a layer of soap as the boat moves through water, via a steady polishing process. The result is a continuous, regulated delivery of biocides from each freshly exposed layer, ensuring consistent, long-lasting performance and maximum efficiency. Micron Extra retains full antifouling effectiveness when hauled, and can be relaunched without repainting. Stop by your local shipstore or boatyard and ask for Micron Extra, available in both quarts and gallons, and in all popular colors.
WWW.INTERLUX.COM/EN/US/BOAT-PAINT/ ANTIFOULING/MICRON-EXTRA
Take a
ROD BUILDING CLASS
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2/3/2018
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3/17/2018
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4/7/2018
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4/21/2018
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6/2/2018
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8/25/2018
Register at:
WWW.MUDHOLE.COM/CLASSES MUDHOLE.COM/TURNKEY 18
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GAME CHANGER FishSUP FS126
Sea Eagle® Inflatable FishSUP™ FS126 -
The Stand-Up Paddleboard Designed Especially For Anglers • 12’6” x 40” x 6” provides incredible stability • Heavy duty 2 layer drop stitch construction • Motormount for up to 55lb thrust motor • 15 D-Rings for gear & leash • Paddle standing or sitting • Packs down to 45” x 15” x 10” For a FREE Catalog 800-944-7496 M-F 9-5 EST Dept CS028B 19 N Columbia St, Ste 1, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
SEA EAGLE FISHSUP FS126
By CAM Staff • Photo Courtesy of Sea Eagle Boats Last spring we introduced you to Sea Eagle’s FishSUP FS126, an inflatable stand-up paddleboard with which we were initially quite impressed. A year later, we’re fully convinced this super-stable, lightweight fishing machine is worth the praise. “I’m thrilled with its performance,” said Coastal Angler’s Tom Schlichter. “I’ve fished it from Long Island, N.Y. to the Florida Keys in everything from mangroves to bulrushes and boulder fields, and it’s come through unscathed.” At 12’6”x40” the FishSUP FS126 is both spacious and tough enough to work hardened shorelines. Heavy duty .90 drop stitch material covers the top, bottom and sides for superior protection against punctures and a 90”x18” thick camo EVA pad adds additional buffering while providing a non-slip foot bed. An integral 36-inch ruler makes fish measurement a snap. It fits in a trunk for easy transport, fully inflates in under 10 minutes, and has smartly positioned D-rings to secure a host of standard and optional fishing accessories including a swivel seat with Scotty rod holders, battery, 34-lb thrust electric motor, and forward mesh storage box with tube-style rod holders. “I love the stability, toughness and versatility of this platform,” said Schlichter. “You can stand, sit or kneel while casting, fish in freshwater or saltwater, and even add an optional Watersnake Venom 34 electric trolling motor.” Prices range from $799 for a basic start-up kit to $1,149 for a Pro Motor and Fishing Rig package. FOR MORE INFO,
VISIT WWW.SEAEAGLE.COM OR CALL 1-800-748-8066.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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FRESHWATER
THE XTREME 20 BOAT, MOTOR, TRAILER
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B
eginning Feb. 1, crappie anglers will have the chance to win part of $172,000 in cash prizes being awarded in the 2018 Weiss Lake Crappie Rodeo in Alabama. More than 1,000 pink-tagged crappie were released into the reservoir on the Alabama/Georgia border. Each of those fish has been sponsored by a local merchant or individual, and tags carry cash prizes ranging from $50 to $10,000. The rodeo, being conducted by the Weiss Lake Improvement Association, will run Feb. 1 through April 15. A highlight new to this year’s event is the One Day Crappie Champion Tournament, which will be held March 31. Guaranteed payout for first place is $2,500, and Big Fish will award $1,000 in this 100-percent payback event. There will be a free fish fry at the weigh-ins. For more information, visit www.weisslakeimprovementassociation.org.
8/12/17 6:12 PM
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FEBRUARY 2018
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1/17/18 5:06 PM
GET A GRIP • Safer • Easier • Better
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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EXPERIENCE THE
FIGHT! Full Variable Speed Control Powerful Brushless Motor Retains Handle Function Digital Line Counter Auto Stop, 12/24VDC Compact & Sleek Design
855-HOOK-ONE 22
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UNDER THE SEA
Speargun Basics
L
ike enthusiasts of any sport, if you stay with spearfishing long enough, you become intimately familiar with every detail of your equipment. Here’s an overview of what a newbie might want to know before buying that first speargun. Most spearguns are powered by bands, normally between one and three bands. There are two main types. The American style is recognized by the wood stock and is durable, sturdy and easy to load. The Eurogun style has a tubular shaped barrel, rear handle, and a thinner shaft well suited for freediving and smaller fish. In either case, spearguns are equipped with a trigger mechanism. The back end of the shaft engages into the trigger mechanism. Once the bands are loaded, the trigger is pulled and the shaft flies out due to the pulling load of the bands. You do not want to overload a gun by putting more bands than what it’s designed for as it could make the gun inaccurate or unsafe. Most spearguns now include a reel. This is especially needed if freediving and/or spearing larger fish, so the gun is not yanked out of your hands. If spearing a very large fish such as a tuna, which could spool your line in a matter of seconds, a line and float are required so the diver can pull it in from the surface. Shafts come in different lengths and diameters to match the gun, and spearos look for the perfect shaft—one that will not bend, not rust, fly straight in the water, and with a barb that will hold the fish securely. It’s wise to always carry a spare shaft or two on the boat, in case a shaft gets bent or lost. Like shafts, the bands are also replaced periodically, and it’s a good idea to carry spares in case one breaks. When bands get old, they start to get crack lines, or the wishbones can begin to fray, so it’s best to replace them before one snaps. There’s a wider variety of speargun brands than ever on the
market. These include: Wong, AB Biller, Riffe, Hammerhead, Cressi, SEAC, Mares, Rob Allen, Koah, Mako, JBL and more. If you want help selecting your first gun, see if you can find a mentor to help you select one that matches local conditions. Dive shops that specialize in spearfishing can also help. These include Austin’s in Miami, Fla.; Freedivers in Palm Beach, Fla.; James & Josephs in San Diego, Cali.; Freedive Shop in Sacramento, Cali.; and others. There are also Sheri Daye descends with a Wong speargun. custom gun builders who will work with you directly, give you advice, and design a gun to your specs—such as Wong Spearguns from Hawaii or Sea Sniper from California. Good luck and happy hunting! Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.
For more Sheri Daye, go to
CAMSPEARFISHING.COM
The Professional Choice For 200 Years SOFGRIP Knives SG132N-10 10” Sportfishing Knife SG133-8 8” Fillet Knife
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dexteroutdoors.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT OUTDOOR EDGE REEL-FLEX
CO
H
ITEM
119 FT. LB Over the last 30 years, Outdoor Edge has become known as a leading knife brand among hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts. So, what took them so long to enter the fishing world? They were looking for the perfect combination of edge retention, blade flex and handle ergonomics – which they clearly accomplished with their new Reel-Flex fillet knives. Outdoor Edge’s new Reel-Flex knives are crafted from German 4116 stainless steel that is known for its corrosion resistance and excellent edge retention. The blades provide a consistent medium flex during use and are taper ground to eliminate friction and promote an effortless cut. Available in 6-inch, 7.5-inch and 9.5-inch blade lengths, the Reel-Flex series was designed for all fresh and saltwater species. The handles incorporate Jerry Hossom’s iconic tactical design and ergonomics with the safety and function fishermen need.
WWW.OUTDOOREDGE.COM BC_063167_BTGBG18P.indd 1
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CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 25 hft_coastalangler_0218_M-REG130505.indd 1
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At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.
1/17/18 1/3/18 5:07 2:12 PM
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