The Angler Magazine | February 2020 | Greater Atlanta Edition

FREE

GREATER ATLANTA AREA EDITION

@CAMTAMagazine

view online at issuu.com

BRAUER TALKS

BASS TUBES HIGH-WATER TROUT TACTICS

PHOTO BY BEAU KEMP COURTESY OF ALAN MCGUCKIN VOLUME 25 • ISSUE 299

F R A N C H I S E

0220_TAM_CVR.indd 2

THEANGLERMAG.COM O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

FEBRUARY 2020

W O R L D W I D E

1/27/20 10:08 AM

The best travel insurance was created by Science Over 11 carats of worry-free elegance for just $89

BUY 2 GET 1 FREE

A.

To show exquisite details, bracelet shown is not exact size.

A

ccording to NBC news.com there are five scientificallyproven benefits of travel: improves health, relieves stress, enhances creativity, boosts happiness and lowers the likelihood of depression. When traveling, don’t risk these great benefits worrying about losing or breaking expensive jewelry or messing with the hassles and costs of insurance. You’re supposed to be destressing right?

Sure you could wear a $6,000 bracelet, and cry for days when it goes missing after a particularly festive mamba line at the resort swimming pool. Or, you could wear something equally as stunning that puts a lot less pressure on you to stay on your toes.

The Stress-Free Glamour Bracelet Collection features dressed up sterling silver tennis bracelets that sparkle with all the beauty of emeralds, rubies and sapphires, but without the steep price.

B.

PRAISE FOR DIAMONDAURA®

The Ultimate Diamond Alternative®, “So much sparkle and DiamondAura® has all the fire, clarity the play of light on and glamour of the world’s best mined DiamondAura® gemstones. In fact, because these stones beats any diamond!” are created in pristine conditions, you – D.D. from have the scientific advantage of achieving Columbus, OH near perfection. An 11 carat emerald and diamond bracelet that looks this good would set you back over $6,000. The Stress-Free Glamour Bracelet has a much more relaxing price of $89.

So, whether you’re celebrating on the road or in your home town, arm yourself with over eleven carats of worry-free elegance and live life to its fullest without emptying your wallet.

Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Enjoy the incomparable sparkle of the Stress-Free Glamour Bracelet Collection for 30 days. If you aren’t perfectly happy, send it back for a full refund of the item price.

Stress-Free Glamour Bracelet Collection A. Emerald Green Bracelet (11 ¾ ctw) $399† $89 + S&P Save $310 B. Ruby Red Bracelet (11 ¾ ctw) $399† $89 + S&P Save $310 C. Sapphire Blue Bracelet (11 ¾ ctw) $399† $89 + S&P Save $310 Set of All 3 Bracelets $1,197 $178 + S&P Save $1,019 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

C.

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: GBC196-03 Please use this code when you order to receive your discount.

Rating of A+

• The Ultimate Diamond Alternative®, DiamondAura® • Rose gold-finished .925 sterling silver settings • 7 ½"; box clasp † Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

Stauer

® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. GBC196-03, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

www.stauer.com

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Annual premium for a basic liability policy not available all states. Prices vary based on how you buy. *Available with comprehensive and collision coverage.

24_NAT.indd 1

There’s a reason they say, Curse like a sailor.

That’s why we offer basic plans starting at $100 a year with options that won’t depreciate your watercraft and accessories*.

1.800.PROGRESSIVE | PROGRESSIVE.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I FEBRUARY 2020

I

NATIONAL

1

1/20/20 10:19 AM

PENN FIERCE III New updates to PENN’s Fierce III reels improve quality and performance while retaining the great value anglers have come to appreciate from these spinning reels. Available in combos with Fierce III rods, the updated line is perfect for anglers looking for solid gear at an affordable price.

Fierce III reels were already known for smooth retrieves and solid construction, with Techno Balanced rotors and full metal body and sideplate.

The newly updated Fierce III reels and combos and the Fierce III LE combos come with a number of upgrades.

Fierce III reels feature an HT-100 carbon fiber drag system upgraded from oiled felt and a 4+1 stainless steel bearing system.

Fierce III combo rods receive upgraded PENN Dura-Guides and are available in one or two-piece combos. Fierce III LE combos offer anglers upgraded machined EVA handle knobs and colorful Winn grips for added comfort as well as PENN Dura-Guides and the HT-100 carbon fiber drag system.

PENN Fierce III reels and combos are available in sizes ranging from 1000 to 8000.

St. Croix’s new Avid Surf series offers 10 powerful, American–made spinning and casting rods designed for serious surfcasters looking to beach serious fish. Whether heaving heavy baits from the beaches of Cape Hatteras, casting 3-ounce bottle plugs for Montauk stripers or trying to steer a crazed tarpon away from bridge pilings in the Florida Keys, these super-strong, extremely versatile sticks handle any challenge surf fishing presents.

Avid Surf rods combine St. Croix’s Integrated Poly Curve mandrel technology with premium, high-modulus SCIII carbon for exceptional strength, smooth power and increased sensitivity. They sport Fuji K-Series KW tangle-free guides with Alconite rings and Corrosion Control frame treatment for superior casting distance and improved corrosion protection. The Fuji DPS Deluxe reel seat with Back Stop lock nut and matte grey hoods ensures a rock-solid connection between rod and reel, while a custom cork tape handle with machined trim pieces provides a sure, comfortable and resilient grip.

WWW.PENNFISHING.COM

STCROIXRODS.COM

UGLY STIK CARBON SERIES With a new series of carbon rods, Ugly Stik has introduced its lightest, most sensitive and best handling rods to date.

A new carbon technology crafted of 100-percent 24-ton graphite allows new Ugly Stiks to be lightweight and 37 percent stronger than other standard graphite rods while still delivering the timetested toughness that is the hallmark of the Ugly Stik brand.

“The new Ugly Stik Carbon series handles like no Ugly Stik before it,” said Andrew Wheeler, director of global brands for Ugly Stik. “These rods have the feel and performance of rods that come at a higher cost and don’t have the proven durability of an Ugly Stik.

When people get their hands on these rods, they are blown away by their light weight and corresponding sensitivity and balance.”

The series includes casting and spinning rods, as well as spinning combos and baitcast combos—both of which include the Abu Garcia Black Max reel.

WWW.UGLYSTIK.COM 2

NATIONAL

24_NAT.indd 2

ST. CROIX AVID SURF RODS

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

CORTLAND NYMPH SERIES FLY RODS Cortland’s Nymph Series fly rods were specifically designed for modern nymphing techniques. They are built on a super-light graphite blank, which dampens and recovers quickly for exceptional feel. The low-reflective, matte black finish allows for an extremely stealthy approach while providing an additional layer of protection. A downlocking reel seat combined with a composite fighting butt allows for exceptional balance and fast hook sets.

Nymph Series fly rods feature oversized, light-wire, single-foot guides for easier passage of fly line, monofilament and knots. All ferrules and guides are coated with highly durable epoxy to resist cracks, flex stress and excessive knots. Other features include alignment dots, sizespecific rod bags and a protective cordura rod tube.

CORTLANDLINE.COM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

1/20/20 10:19 AM

CRB ROD BLANKS

TSUNAMI EVICT SPINNING REEL

Harnessing the custom spirit of rod building, while maintaining dependable quality and value, the Custom Rod Builder (CRB) brand develops exciting rod blanks for any level of angler. CRB is proud to expand blank production to offer 12 awesome colors in the Color Series, best-selling materials like fiberglass and E-glass, as well as improved actions and powers across the board.

Synonymous with quality, CRB blanks are the premier source of affordable, functional and innovative custom rod building blanks. CRB satisfies your pursuits in performance, style and price.

From the extremely popular Color Series blanks to heavy Tuna Poppin’ blanks, all around Value E-Glass blanks, and many more, these exciting blank options provide the ideal custom choices at perfect price points.

With the rise of multi-option rod kits, CRB’s trusted blanks and rod components have made serious waves in the world of custom rod building.

From the variety of blanks and color choices, to all the guides, reel seats, and grip options, CRB offers an unbeatable array of components ready to build your next fishing rod!

As one of the newer reel companies in the industry, Tsunami is making waves with great gear at a very competitive price.

Their new Evict spinning reel, available in sizes 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000, is unlike any other spinning reel on the market for the price. Smooth and powerful, it’s at home on freshwater or salt. But the Evict is constructed and sealed to stand up to the marine environment.

The Evict’s stainless steel main gear and pinion, and sealed stainless main shaft, allow for maximum pressure when battling big fish. A CF3 carbon fiber drag system boasts a serious 20 pounds of drag to haul them up, which makes the Evict ideal for big inshore species and bottom fishing. The aluminum braidready spool means there’s no line slip with braided line.

An aluminum body, graphite rotor, comfortable aluminum ball handle and eight sealed stainless ball bearings round out a durable and high-performing piece of equipment. The 3000 and 4000 sizes come with an EVA knob in the box. The 3000 size holds 220yds of 15lb braid.

WWW.MUDHOLE.COM

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/TSUNAMITACKLE

TSUNAMI CARBON SHIELD II Whether you’re hunting seatrout, big bull reds or striped bass, Tsunami has you covered with their Carbon Shield II series of rods. Available from 7’ up to 8’ in medium light to extra heavy models, these spinning rods are designed to be featherlight and sensitive with the power to cast long and battle big fish.

Lightweight IM7 graphite blanks, featuring D16 nonotech and a unique carbon fiber design evenly disperses force in 16 directions. While they weigh little, these rods are up to whatever you want to do with them, whether its live baiting big snook or working topwater baits for seatrout.

They feature quality Fuji K guides and Fazlite inserts, premium cork grips and an anodized aluminum reel seat with stainless steel hoods and custom locking ring.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/TSUNAMITACKLE

OKUMA EPIXOR XT SPINNING REEL Okuma Epixor XT reels—the next generation in a long-standing family of technologically advanced Okuma spinning reels—come loaded with exclusive technologies that anglers will appreciate. These reels offer high-end performance to price-conscious anglers.

Lightweight C-40X carbon fiber composite construction provides exceptional feel and anti-corrosive durability. Okuma’s exclusive Tortion Control Armor and a slow oscillation system reduce twisting and ensure proper line lay, which allows smooth casts and fewer line issues.

A 1-K woven carbon fiber drag knob has progressive drag setting without adding weight, and Japanese oiled felt drag washers perform smoothly with a big fish on the line.

Other advanced features include: Okuma’s Centrifugal Disc Bail; precision machine-cut brass pinion gear; heavyduty solid aluminum bail wire; Rigid aluminum handle arm; comfortable ergo grip; RESII, computer balanced Rotor Equalizing System; Stainless steel bearings; Quick-Set anti-reverse bearing; Cyclonic Flow Rotor technology; and a machined aluminum, 2-tone anodized spool with LCS lip.

There isn’t a more technologically advanced reel available anywhere near Okuma’s price point for Epixor XT reels.

OKUMAFISHINGUSA.COM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

24_NAT.indd 3

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

NATIONAL

3

1/20/20 10:19 AM

Take a

ROD BUILDING CLASS

Houston, TX

Clark, NJ

Mobile, AL

Baltimore, MD

Oviedo, FL

Louisville, KY

San Antonio, TX

San Diego, CA

Register at:

WWW.MUDHOLE.COM/CLASSES

MUDHOLE.COM/TURNKEY

P

By Alan McGuckin/Dynamic Sponsorships

itchin’ tubes exploded in popularity following Denny Brauer’s 1998 Bassmaster Classic victory.

A month before the tournament, the legendary shallow-water pitcher/flipper was on a solid summertime jig bite on a shallow flat of North Carolina’s High Rock Lake. When the jig stopped producing during Classic week, he reached for a 3.5-inch tube and discovered the fish wanted something a little different. Brauer won the 1998 Classic pitchin’ tubes. The technique has been a mainstay ever since.

Unlimited Seasonal Use Tubes get bites when nothing else will, and there are no seasonal limitations. Brauer’s win came in early August in hot shallow water. I recently caught bass on a Big Bite Bait Tour Flipping Tube from the frigid winter waters of northeastern Oklahoma.

4

NATIONAL

24_NAT.indd 4

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

“I think it’s definitely a year-round bait,” said Brauer. “As anglers, we initially got conditioned to think tubes were a spawning-season bait. But shoot, it’s very productive year-round. As much as anything, it’s simply a finesse tool to pitch anytime the conditions call for it.”

Hook Size And Rigging Are Critical I gravitate toward the 3.5-inch tube rigged with a 3/0 Mustad hook.

Following his Classic win on the 3.5-inch tube, Brauer had Strike King design a larger 4.5-inch tube so he could match it with a larger 4/0 Mustad hook he felt would put more fish in the boat.

Pitch the size you’re comfortable with, but be sure to match tube size to hook size. A 3.5-inch tube demands a 3/0 hook. A 4- or 4.5-inch tube marries best to a 4/0 hook.

And DO NOT bury the hook point into the tube. Instead, Texas rig it with the hook point level on the back of the tube. You’ll land more fish, and it will still perform relatively snag-free.

Rattles And Weight Some people love rattles; some people hate them. I stuff a glass rattle inside the body of my tubes most of the time.

Line size and worm-weight size are also personal preferences determined by water clarity and the fall rate bass seem to favor. A lot of anglers use 20-pound test with a ¼-ounce weight. Brauer goes meatier with 3/8- or ½-ounce weight and 25-pound Seaguar fluorocarbon. I’ve caught bass for years with a 1/8-ounce weight and 15-pound old-school Big Game.

Watch The Line You must be vigilant in watching your line where it meets the water after every single pitch or flip. Very seldom do bass just thump a tube. It’s like they’re eating a potato chip rather than chomping a bite of rib eye. Often the line will just stop falling, and you need to set the hook!

Still Charting Hits Lures are like country music artists. Some bust onto the scene, score a couple hits, and soon fade from popularity. Others prove that true talent never goes away.

Pitchin’ tubes are whole lot like George Strait or Reba McEntire. They were mega stars at the time Brauer won the ’98 Classic, and they’re still playing to sell out crowds 20 years later.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

1/20/20 10:19 AM

“I’’ve gotten many compliments on this watch. The craftsmanship is phenomenal and the watch is simply pleasing to the eye.”

—M., Irvine, CA “GET THIS WATCH.” —M., Wheeling, IL

Back in Black: The New Face of Luxury Watches “...go black. Dark and handsome remains a classic for a reason” — Men’s Journal

I’ll Take Mine Black…No Sugar

I

n the early 1930s watch manufacturers took a clue from Henry Ford’s favorite quote concerning his automobiles, “You can have any color as long as it is black.” Black dialed watches became the rage especially with pilots and race drivers. Of course, since the black dial went well with a black tuxedo, the adventurer’s black dial watch easily moved from the airplane hangar to dancing at the nightclub.

Now, Stauer brings back the “Noire”, a design based 27 jewels and handon an elegant timepiece built in 1936. Black dialed, assembled parts drive complex automatics from the 1930s have recently hit this classic masterpiece. new heights at auction. One was sold for in excess of $600,000. We thought that you might like to have an affordable version that will be much more accurate than the original.

Basic black with a twist. Not only are the dial, hands and face vintage, but we used a 27-jeweled automatic movement. This is the kind of engineering desired by fine watch collectors worldwide. But since we design this classic movement on state of the art computer-controlled Swiss built machines, the accuracy is excellent.

Three interior dials display day, month and date. We have priced the luxurious Stauer Noire at a price to keep you in the black… only 3 payments of $33. So slip into the back of your black limousine, savor some rich tasting black coffee and look at your wrist knowing that you have some great times on your hands.

An offer that will make you dig out your old tux.

The movement of the Stauer Noire wrist watch carries an extended two year warranty. But first enjoy this handsome timepiece risk-free for 30 days for the extraordinary price of only 3 payments of $33. If you are not thrilled with the quality and rare design, simply send it back for a full refund of the item price. But once you strap on the Noire you’ll want to stay in the black.

Exclusive Offer—Not Available in Stores Stauer Noire Watch $399† Your Cost With Offer Code

$99 + S&P Save $300

OR 3 credit card payments of $33 + S&P

1-800-333-2045 Offer Code: NWT496-06

You must use this offer code to get our special price.

† Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

Stauer

®

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. NWT496-06 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

Rating of A+

27-jewel automatic movement • Month, day, date and 24-hour, sun/ moon dials • Luminous markers • Date window at 3’ o’clock • Water resistant to 5 ATM • Crocodile embossed leather strap in black fits wrists to 6½"–9"

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

24_NAT.indd 5

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

NATIONAL

5

1/20/20 10:19 AM

By Nick Carter

T

here’s a daytime swordfish bite developing in the northern Gulf of Mexico off Alabama. The fish have always been there, but few anglers have figured out how to catch them when the sun is out.

Dustin Bedgood, aka Capt. Fed, of Orange Beach’s FED UP Charters, has spent several years learning the area’s daytime deep-water fishery. Drawing from successful captains in wellknown deep-drop locations off south Florida and Venice, Louisiana, Capt. Fed adapted techniques to a point where he’s consistent enough to take charter clients to catch swordfish.

The fishery is productive just off the continental shelf about an hour and a half ride from the Alabama coast aboard Capt.

Fed’s 33-foot Freeman. During daylight hours, swordfish hang out past where the bottom drops precipitously from 200 feet into 1,000-foot depths. This is where anglers can expect a typical day of four or five swordfish bites with one fish landed.

The weights average about 120 pounds, with a top-end over 300 pounds. While the fish aren’t as big as in south Florida, a 150-pound sword is more than most anglers want to handcrank from those depths, anyway.

“They’re a very intense fish,” said Capt. Fed. “They can hurt you very easily.”

The keys to the fishery are bottom structure, the right gear and good bait. Capt. Fed fishes in 1,000 to 3,000 feet of water, and always around some type of structure.

“Whether it’s a nipple, a ledge, a canyon or a salt dome, that’s where the swordfish are,” he said. “All it takes is some little feature that changes the currents and attracts bait.”

Good maps of the ocean floor and sophisticated electronics are necessary to find the right type of bottom in several thousand feet of water. On top of high-end sonar, Capt. Fed uses custom J&M Tackle Blackout Sword Rods with lots of backbone but a very soft tip. Swordfish don’t just load up on the rod. They slash at the bait first, and a soft tip is needed to

6

NATIONAL

24_NAT.indd 6

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

notice the bump when there’s so much line out.

“Once you get it set, the rod will develop a rhythm with the waves and the current. You’ve got to watch that rod,” said Capt.

Fed. “If you see it do anything that’s not normal, something has happened. That’s when you start reeling it up or dropping it down. You’ve got to tease them just like any other billfish.”

Capt. Fed fishes Shimano 50W and 80W reels. The drag is set loose because swordfish have soft mouths, and battles can last an hour or more. The reels are loaded with 80-pound braid tied into a 150-foot wind-on leader of 250-pound mono with a Bimini twist. Fed uses a minimum of 5 pounds of weight, and secures Lindgren-Pitman lights to his leader with rubber bands.

Bait is important, and tying it correctly takes practice.

After the initial slash, the jig is up if the hook tears out or the bait doesn’t retain a natural presentation. A 10-inch squid sewn with 70-pound waxed floss around a 10/0 to 12/0 J hook is one of Capt. Fed’s favorite baits.

While an average day might bring one swordfish to the boat, Fed said he’s also seen five-fish days when conditions are perfect. Swords are very sensitive to the moon, and daily feeding times seem to correspond with moonrise and moonset. Capt. Fed plans trips so there’s time to load coolers with grouper and tilefish before switching to swordfish through the prime moon position.

The swordfish bite goes on year-round, but Fed said he’s noticed an April into July peak, which could be attributed to more time on the water during peak tourist season in Orange Beach. And that brings up another reason to fish the Alabama Gulf Coast. There’s plenty to keep the whole family happy while the anglers are out on the water.

Capt. Fed (Dustin Bedgood) can be contacted through his website www.fedupcharters.com, at (251) 377-7135 or by email at fedupcharters@gmail.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

1/20/20 10:19 AM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

24_NAT.indd 7

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

NATIONAL

7

1/20/20 10:19 AM

GET UP TO 700 OFF SELECT OUTBOARDS! $ JANUARY 2, 2020-MARCH 31, 2020, ONLY AT PARTICIPATING DEALERS

*

*At participating dealers only. Qualifying retail customers may receive instant savings off the selling price of a Honda powered boat package or Honda Marine engine(s) sold for repower. This promotion is limited to new Honda Marine 40 HP through 250 HP outboard engines, 2014 and newer models, sold and delivered between January 2, 2020 and March 31, 2020 and registered by the Dealer in accordance with American Honda Motor Co., Inc.’s sales registration requirements. Only Honda Marine outboard engines sold for personal use qualify for this promotion. Fleet, commercial & government sales are ineligible. Engines sold under special pricing / promotions including (but not limited to) demo and tournament fisherman engines are also excluded. Honda Marine reserves the right to modify, amend, cancel or revoke, in whole or in part, this promotion at any time without prior notice. © 2020 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 8 NATIONAL I FEBRUARY 2020 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM THEANGLERMAG.COM Always wear a Ipersonal flotation device while boating and read your•owner’s manual. All Honda outboards meet EPA and CARB emission levels.

24_NAT.indd 8 HondaMarine_TheAngler_2020_700Off_8.125x10.875.indd 1

1/20/20 10:19 AM 1/17/20 9:01 AM

All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2019.

You own a boat because you love spending time on the water. Choose the outboard that allows you to make the most of it.

Honda’s legendary reliability, durability, ease-of-maintenance, and powerful performance keep you going strong.

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® CSC is a highly dependable and steadfast polishing antifouling for boaters, boatyards and builders, providing heroic protection in all waters and trusted by boaters and boatyards everywhere. Its polishing action wears away at a controlled rate, reducing paint build-up and achieving consistent performance across multiple seasons in all waters.

For super-powered antifouling protection and proven performance, choose Interlux®.

The hero your boat deserves!

All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2019.

interlux.com

9:01 AM

10391/1219

24_NAT.indd 9

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

NATIONAL

9

1/20/20 10:19 AM

The Force ISC Dolly, introduced by Parkit360°, is a compact motorized trailer dolly that allows anyone to move any boat or camper. Available in 5,000 lb. and 10,000 lb. models, it’s a powerful tool that enables easy parking in tight spots without the need for a truck or back-breaking labor.

The dolly is compatible with practically every camping, boat or cargo trailer with optional adapters for spring-loaded and Atwood hitches. It’s battery powered, easily transportable and compact. The dolly body itself weighs approximately 70 pounds, making it easy to disassemble and transport in the trunk of a small car.

The dolly is built to easily handle both smooth and rough surfaces. No matter the terrain, be it grass, packed gravel or asphalt, the dolly provides plenty of traction. For optimal usage and safety, users should avoid operating on more than a 6 percent incline.

Connecting the dolly to a trailer is as intuitive as possible. It can be done through a ball mount, the tongue jack itself or the universal telescopic adaptor.

Once attached, it wheels around easily. The operation works with a simple button in forward and backward movements.

With an intelligent speed controller, users can achieve fast or more precise parking. At the same time, the motor’s ability to start and stop gradually prevents damage to the trailer from sudden stopping, something that makes the Force ISC Dolly stand out above its competition.

https://Parkit360.ca

10

NATIONAL

24_NAT.indd 10

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

1/20/20 10:19 AM

Unforgettable Adventures.

Feel-Good Savings.

Heed the call of adventure with great insurance coverage.

Boat insurance serviced by the boating experts. Get a fast, free quote today.

geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. In the state of CA, program provided through Boat Association Insurance Services, license #0H87086.

GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. ©I 2019 GEICO COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I aFEBRUARY 2020 NATIONAL

24_NAT.indd 11

11

1/20/20 10:19 AM

IT’S BOAT SHOW TIME! COME SEE WHAT’S NEW FOR 2020 AT A SHOW NEAR YOU. PROGRESSIVE® INSURANCE

PROGRESSIVE® INSURANCE

NEW ENGLAND BOAT SHOW® FEBRUARY 8–16, 2020 NewEnglandBoatShow.com

WORLD FISHING & OUTDOOR EXPO® FEBRUARY 27–MARCH 1, 2020 Sportshows.com/Suffern

PROGRESSIVE® INSURANCE

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW® FEBRUARY 13–17, 2020 MiamiBoatShow.com

PROGRESSIVE® INSURANCE

SALTWATER FISHING EXPO® MARCH 13-15, 2020 Sportshows.com/Saltwater

PROGRESSIVE® INSURANCE

ATLANTIC CITY BOAT SHOW® FEBRUARY 26–MARCH 1, 2020 ACBoatShow.com

TICKETS ON SALE!

BUY NOW AND SAVE 15% WITH PROMO CODE ANGLER20

12

NATIONAL

24_NAT.indd 12

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

1/20/20 10:19 AM

Reel in the thrills on an epic fly fishing expedition in The Out Islands. Use our exclusive credit to venture across gin-clear waters to hotels and fishing lodges where you can stalk after the slivery-flash of elusive bonefish, all day long.

B A HAMAS

$300

FUEL CREDIT Fly Free

from Nassau

Discover our latest specials at OutIslandsAnglers.com ACKLINS ELEUTHERA

ANDROS

THE ABACOS

THE EXUMAS

BERRY ISLANDS

HARBOUR ISLAND

BIMINI

LONG ISLAND

CAT ISLAND

SAN SALVADOR

*One instant $300 fuel credit per stay at a certified and participating marina combined with a 4-night minimum consecutive stay at a participating BOIPB member hotel. Not combinable with any other credit promotions.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

SOUTHEAST

1

2

SOUTHEAST

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

FEBRUARY 2020 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”

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: HENRY COWEN DR. ANDREW COX JIMMY HARRIS CAPT. CEFUS MCRAE CHRIS SCALLEY GARY TURNER NOEY VINEYARD O'NEILL WILLIAMS RENE J. HESSE JIMBO MATHLEY JAMES BRADLEY DAVID HULSEY WAYNE WOOTEN JAY STRIKER WAYNE MOORE RYAN KENNEDY DICKLESBY KIM NUNERY CAPT. DAVID HARE GRAPHIC DESIGN: KATHLEEN CARREIRO PHOTO BY KENNY SIMMONS, FROG HOLLOW FLY FISHING

706-614-8231

www.facebook.com/TheAnglerMagazineAtlanta/ COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 001_ATL feb.indd 1

TO ADVERTISE IN THE LARGEST FREE FISHING PUBLICATION IN THE U.S. WITH OVER 1 MILLION MONTHLY READERS, CALL FEBRUARY 2020 ATLANTA 1 706-614-8231

1/19/20 8:43 PM

LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING CLASSIC STANDBYS Contributed by Jake Darling www.unicoioutfitters.com Unicoi Outfitters, Orvis 2018 Fly Shop of the Year

Guided Fly Fishing and Conventional Tackle Trips for Hybrids, Stripers, and Crappie Booking now, novice or experienced anglers. On the water instruction, top of the line fly gear!

Mix it up with light spinning tackle as well for a great combo trip!

Winter trout angling can be very productive for anglers willing to brave the elements. During this time of year, many anglers have put away their tackle, waiting on warmer days of spring to venture back on the water. The truth is, winter in Georgia is one of the best times of the year to be on the water for trout fishermen, as angling pressure is at its lowest, and fish are still feeding during the warmer hours of the day.

One thing many anglers struggle with is fly selection. Sure, most biomass found in rivers during colder months is often smaller and darker, but there is more to the story than just that. Understanding available food for trout during the winter will help you have more successful days on the water.

The Little Black Stonefly hatch is probably one of the best kept secrets in North Georgia during the winter. Often, these insects are very small, dark, and are hard to be seen flying in the air. One of the best ways to notice when these bugs are hatching is seeing them crawling on your waders or clothing. When they are active, fish gorge themselves on these bugs.

There are many different patterns to mimic the Little Black Stones, but I like to keep it simple.

Some of my favorite patterns include Black Lightning Bugs, Black Copper Johns, Black Pheasant Tails, and Black Hares Ears (all in sizes 14-18).

If you turn over a rock this time of year, chances are you will see small dark colored mayfly nymphs crawling on the underside of the rock. Typically, these are small Blue Winged Olive nymphs. These insects can be found in most all trout streams across North Georgia during February, and just because you don’t see adults flying around doesn’t mean the fish aren’t eating the nymphs below the surface.

Try patterns such as Olive Pheas-

ant Tails, Split Case (BWO), and Mighty May Sloan Baetis nymphs, all in sizes 16-20.

Another strong player during the colder months is an assortment of small midges. Many days, swarms can be seen dancing around near the water’s surface and can often be tough to mimic with flies. I keep it simple with my midge selection, and often I will pass on the single fish rising to midges as these fish can be very hard to fool.

Having said that, there are many fish on or near the bottom of the stream that will often not pass up a small midge larvae. A heavy hitter would be the Black Zebra Midge, but some of our favorites around the area include a Root Beer Midge, Diamond Midge, and Evenson’s 2be Midge Larva in black. These insects are much smaller, so you will want to drop down to sizes 18-22.

February offers up some great fishing for anglers willing to get on the water. Dress for success and be sure to carry plenty of split shot to get your offerings down to where the fish are hiding. Typically, focus most of your angling time around the warmer portions of the day when the fish are most active. Be sure to pack some of these patterns in your box, and you will have everything you need for some successful time on the water!

Captain Wayne Moore - Oconee On The Fly, Inc (706)-816-4281 www.oconeeonthefly.com / wmoore1700@outlook.com 2 ATLANTA

001_ATL feb.indd 2

FEBRUARY 2020

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THEANGLERMAGAZINEATLANTA/

1/19/20 8:43 PM

LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING FEBRUARY FLY FISHING

Contributed by James Bradley Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide www.ReelEmInGuideService.com (706) 273-0764 Is it even possible to catch a mountain trout on a fly during the coldest month of the year? Well, the answer will be dictated by several things taking place, but YES! As I sit here in January writing this article, we have seen some crazy weather lately. Temperatures varying from fifty to high sixty-degrees, and Union County had a F1 tornado on January 11th. Unusually warm weather may slightly affect trout spawning habits due to the water temps not correlating correctly with Mother Nature. The normal spawning process for rainbow trout takes place from late January or early February to mid-April.

If February turns for the worse, like most years, with what seems to be brutal cold and some snow, look for the warmer days to go out to fish. The weather plays a big role in whether trout will be active or not.

This means picking the right days to fish and the right days to stay inside. Low pressure days that come through will usually increase the air and stream temperatures, and if you can, hit the stream on the third or fourth day for best results.

This time of year, most streams will be empty of anglers. No need to be on the stream at daylight, so

sleep in and plan on arriving around 10 am. If water temperatures have the chance to rise a degree, it can be amazing how trout will respond.

Prime hours to fish will be from 11 am to about 4 pm.

Trout eat very little this time of year and should be sticking to the bottom of the streams like glue.

Trout will not move much for a meal, so take your time and work that fish thoroughly to get your fly into its face!

Best time of the year to catch a beautiful rainbow is now through April. When trout spawn, the male colors become vivid and gorgeous.

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.

Tailwaters like the Toccoa can be an outstanding place to fish this time of the year especially on a float trip. This is because the water temperatures are not affected as much since they remain more consistent due to being lake-fed. You may see some blue-winged olives, black stones and/or black caddis coming off the water during 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 there!

If you are a beginner wanting to learn how to fly fish, we have a great staff of instructors who have been schooled in the art of fly fishing.

One of the best ways to learn about fly fishing is to spend time with those of us who are professional full-time guides. We are currently doing floats on the Toccoa Tailwater and on the upper as water levels allow. Give us a call to book your amazing trip on the water and don’t forget that we offer gift certificates!

Reel Em In Guide Service is an Orvis Endorsed operation serving mainly in North Georgia’s Historic High-Country region. They have

been offering their services to fly anglers since 2001. Permits have been granted for guiding in Georgia and North Carolina, offering over 6 miles of private trophy waters across Georgia, and operating drift boat trips on the Toccoa River in GA and the Tuckasegee River in NC.

February 9th Snow Moon TROPHY FLY FISHING ON THE BEST TWO MILES OF THE SOQUE RIVER

9400 Highway 197 North Clarkesville, GA 30523

(706) 947-3474 info@blackhawkflyfishing.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

001_ATL feb.indd 3

FEBRUARY 2020

ATLANTA 3

1/19/20 8:43 PM

LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING FEBRUARY FLY FISHING REPORT

Contributed By: Henry Cowen www.henrycowenflyfishing.com

North GA’s Full Service Fly Shop

Outfitter - Guide Service Travel - Last Cast Bar

Book Your Next Guided Trip With Us: Fish thisRiver Season With • Etowah COHUTTA • Chattahoochee River .

The Shop For Details On Our •Call Private Trophy Trout Water

Guided Wade Trips and Float Trips!

Call the shop for our hosted and non-hosted trips Featuring Jackson Big Rigs Authorized Yellow Dog Dealer

www.cohuttatravel.com 39 S. Public Square, Cartersville GA 30120 (770) 606-1100 • www.cohuttafishingco.com NOW WITH TWO LOCATIONS

490 East Main St, Blue Ridge, GA 39 S. Public Square, Cartersville, GA

(770) 606-1100 www.cohuttafishingco.com

Sept_NS_COHUTTA.indd 1

8/15/14

This has clearly been the most frustrating fall/winter striper season here in the South that I can remember. While I guide on Lake Lanier, folks who fish other lakes throughout the South have been dealing with the same pattern as I have. The fish are staying deep. Unusual? Positively, but it can happen.

The fish are deep because their food source (threadfin shad) are deep.

The shad are most likely deep because their food source (plankton) is probably deep. What causes this?

It could be warm weather or changing of lake turnover. Maybe it’s Donald Trump’s fault.

Here is what you need to know going forward. 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 GA lakes. Water temps MAY bottom out (45-46 degrees) during this month and the fish will be extremely lethargic.

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 using a slower retrieve and allow the baits to sit in the feeding zone for a longer period of time. That is the KEY to feeding the fish! 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. At a 6” per second sink rate, your fly will be at the fish in 30-40 seconds. 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 is the KING OF FLIES. A 2-3” Clouser (tied with a hot pink fluoro fiber throat) will be a good second choice to catch winter stripers.

This is the time of year when your electronics will play a big role 10:01in PM helping you find and feed the

fish. Fishing without a fish finder means you are fishing blind. Also let the wildlife help you find the big schools of threadfin shad which hopefully will lead to finding big schools of stripers. Look both early and late in the day to see if any fish are up on the banks in 1-4’ of water chasing bait fish. 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 or a Fish Head Spin with a small albino Super fluke Jr will also help get you a few bites. If the fish are not feeding near the bottom, try dropping a ¼ ounce bucktail jig or a small Fish Head Spin with 8-pound test on these fish. Fishing slow is the ticket.

If we are lucky and the end of January brings us continued warmer weather, then it is possible that our back of the cove feed on the banks may eventually get going. It is simply all about water temperatures this time of year. If the temps hover around 50 degrees or higher, then the surface feed should still be on. Dress warm, fish slow and show lots of patience. Those are the keys to success in February. What comes after February is trophy time!

(770) 606-1100 www.cohuttafishngco.com

4 ATLANTA

001_ATL feb.indd 4

FEBRUARY 2020

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THEANGLERMAGAZINEATLANTA/

1/19/20 8:43 PM

LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING THE CASTING CORNER

WADE TRIP OR FLOAT TRIP?

Contributed By: Rene J. Hesse Certified Casting InstructorFederation of Fly Fishers & Atlanta Fly Fishing and Camping Meetup Organizer

Contributed by David Hulsey International Federation of Fly Fishers Master Certified Casting Instructor http://www.hulseyflyfishing.com 770-639-4001

FEBRUARY FLY FISHING

It is another trout fishing month here in Georgia, and we have several options. With the fish stocking for the delayed harvest going on throughout the state, you don’t have to go far to find fish. Often, the hard part is getting the time or just timing it with the rain. To be ready for a trip, I like to picture the location, check the gear and be ready to go, if given the time.

Another option is to check out some of the trophy trout streams like Frog Hollow, Unicoi, Fern Valley, Noontootla Creek Farms and there are many more. They can be as simple as grabbing the gear we spoke of having ready, and go. If you are new to the sport, you can have the guide do everything but cast for you. (Casting can be included).

If you choose this route, try to get the reservation early. However, you may be surprised that calling a day or two before could yield a spot on the stream. If you have not tried this

type trout fishing, I will warn you that it can be addictive.

Georgia also has managed streams like Dukes Creek. It is a well-stocked stream with large fish.

It is a limited access stream and reservations are required. Only a small fee and no guide is required.

The public streams like the Toccoa and Chattahoochee are easily (relative term) to access and fish.

The delayed harvest sections will be well stocked and a lot of fun.

Here is another fun thing; Rain or shine, cold or hot, fish or no fish, you can always cast. Set up a little casting course in the yard, street or park. Remember the comment about having your gear together?

Keeping a rod rigged and ready with a practice leader (7 ½ ft.) and a piece of yarn makes it easy to work on the loops for 20 minutes. Fishing is great and good for the mind.

Casting is almost as much fun.

Get ready, set, GO!

Fly of the Month

by Eli Crumley Blackhawk Fly Fishing keepemwet94@gmail.com

Mop Fly Hook: Fulling Mill FM50 45 (size) 12 Bead: Fulling Mill 4.0 MM (color) Matte Black Thread: UTC Denier 140 (color) Black Body: Mop Material (color) Cream Collar: UV Ice Dubbing (color) Black Mop flies are great attractor flies or anchor flies for Czech Nymphing. With recent rains bumping up the water column, try out these nymphs when water is high and off color. Keep a few in the fly box for some success when conditions aren’t perfect.

Guide trips can vary from a couple of hours to a full day or multiple day event. Knowing what to expect can make or break your time on the water. In this article I’d like to share some of the differences between typical wade and float trips for trout.

Wade trips can give you an intimate experience with a particular section of stream. If you are trying to learn how to fish a piece of water, a wade trip gives you time to break down the river into small parts and to fish particular techniques. If you are a beginner, wading around the creek is a much easier learning environment. Floating in a drift boat bouncing through a hole only gives you limited time for decision making. Trout aren’t going anywhere if you don’t spook them, so wading gives you time to really hone your craft. Wading involves, well, “wading”.

Being prepared with good waders and felt or rubber studded boots are a must. A sturdy wading staff will also help to keep you upright in the river which is a major plus! Your guide should know the section of river like the back of his hand. Keeping you from swimming is a biggie for him or her.

Wintertime can be challenging, in the fact, you will be standing in ice water for extended periods of time, so dressing for this fact is a must. Warm fingerless gloves are the most forgotten item on my trips. I always keep extra pairs on hand. If I can keep you focused on the fish and not the fact you are getting frost bite, we can usually hook a few!

Float trips in a boat can cover multiple miles of water in a day.

“Wade trips can give you an intimate experience with a particular section of stream.”

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

001_ATL feb.indd 5

Depending on water flow, fishing conditions, other fly fishers etc., you may float at a pretty good clip or putter around slowly working every likely looking spot. The big advantage a float trip has over a wade trip is the fact you will cover more water which usually means more shots at more fish.

In a boat you can sometimes get by without wearing waders especially in the warmer months. Nonmarking soled shoes that you’re not afraid to get wet work great, and your guide will appreciate not having to scrub black marks off his or her craft. The increased height the fisher person is at while in the boat is a huge advantage to spotting fish and casting with more distance.

Wading chest deep in the river really hurts your fishing ability, not to mention taking a surprise bath will sooner or later probably happen.

Teaching a beginner how to cast is more difficult in a drift boat, and standing on your line or tangling it around the anchor happens a lot too if you aren’t careful.

Usually, a float trip lends its advantages to the angler with a few trips already under their belt. Older folks who are tired of taking an ice bath with a few big rocks thrown in for good measure will appreciate the float trip also. Couples who have a non-fisher involved in an outdoor adventure make good use of the float by putting the fisher in the front and the non-fisher in the back of the boat. The beautiful scenery, wildlife, birds etc., can make it a fun day for them too!

Give me a ring and we’ll custom design a trip that best suits your needs. All gear is included free of charge!

FEBRUARY 2020

ATLANTA 5

1/19/20 8:43 PM

LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING OCONEE ON THE FLY-FEBRUARY FORECAST

CHATTOOGA RIVER

WHEN, WHERE, AND HOW

Contributed By Capt. Wayne Moore USCG www.oconeeonthefly.com Maybe I should start with why fly fish Oconee? Well, simply put, for the challenge and the rush! Our main quarry are hybrids and stripers, well known for their fighting abilities. But instead of that Ugly Stick, try using a 9-foot Scott fly rod, and I guarantee the excitement is ten-fold.

When? This is the key to success. There are times when we get a strong surface bite. Last year, it began around the shad spawn in April and ran through mid-June (for some reason, June 14th for the past two years has been my best day on the water). This is the well-known “pump back” bite. It is usually at first light and can be very brief.

This can also happen late in the day when Georgia Power is generating.

From July to October, I did not see much topwater activity. However, in November and December, follow the gulls and you will find rising fish.

Where? Near the dam in the early part of the year. There will be numerous guide boats and other fishermen there, so get there at first light or before and maintain a courteous distance from other anglers. As we move towards June, you will find rising fish at Riverbend and north of Great Waters.

Again, if you get there at first light, look for other boats.

How? Ahh, the tough part. This isn’t trout fishing, but you need to be at least an intermediate caster. I practice off the water in the grass several times a week. The water haul cast, and the Belgian loop cast are very helpful, and you can find YouTube videos on them.

For tactics, when the fish are rising, I throw a Wiggle Minnow in white or even a Betts white popper fly like you would on a spinning rig with a popping cork. Henry Cowen turned me on to a version of this cork for a fly rod; Captain

Dubiel’s Pop-N-Fly. You can fish this in front of a Cowen’s Somethin Else with deadly results. When the fish are deeper, I use sink tip and a Blane Chockletts’s Finesse Game Changer fly. It’s articulated and about the same size as the threadfins here on Oconee.

Give it a try if you are up for a challenge. The sport has growing interest, witnessed by the 50 or more boats you will see on Lanier fly fishing for stripers during peak times.

Hybrids/Stripers – All the guides here on Oconee have enjoyed an incredible fall and now winter bite. The fish are in deeper water, and spoons have been out-producing live baits on many occasions.

Crappie – It’s just about pushing time, and we will have 8 to 10 rods out of the front of the boat moving very slowly with jigs tipped with minnows. If you want BIG crappie, from now through February is the time! The fish will be north of I-20 in February.

Final words –I offer combination trips, so you can try fly fishing, or we can use spinning rods for light tackle fun. As we move into winter, fishing will be very good for hybrids, stripers and crappie!

Email me at wmoore1700 @ outlook.com or call 404-317-9556 and lock in your dates

Wintertime fly fishing is not quite feeling that way halfway through the month of January with much warmer temperatures than average, no snow as of yet, and plenty of warm winter rains. We can only hope that Mother Nature takes it a little easier on us this year compared to last year in the rain gauge. Let’s not be mistaken, rain is great for the watershed, but continuous huge downpours are not great for fishing conditions. River heights and flows above the safe zones make it virtually impossible to fish, even from the banks. The fish are just hunkered down holding on for dear life behind big boulders and against the banks.

When we have been able to fish, the start of the year has been very good. On days where the temperatures have been in the mid 50’s, we have had great early winter stonefly hatches. The fish have been rising and dry fly fishing has been good.

This has been sporadic, but enjoyable, and do not worry if you have missed out right now as better dry fly fishing is coming as spring comes along.

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. One way to think about this type of fishing is that if your flies are not hanging up on the bottom of the river once in a while, then you are not deep enough.

The use of streamers 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.

As we fish throughout the year, we encourage everyone to practice “catch and release” and also “leave no trace” on all of our excursions to the great outdoors that we all enjoy!

We hope to see everyone out on the rivers here in South Carolina.

Mark Nosaska with son John-Paul 6 ATLANTA

001_ATL feb.indd 6

FEBRUARY 2020

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THEANGLERMAGAZINEATLANTA/

1/19/20 8:43 PM

LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING THE GUIDES ANGLE WINTER FISHING ON THE HOOCH? Contributed By: Chris Scalley River Through Atlanta Guide Service

Winter hatches on the Chattahoochee tailwater are underrated and overlooked as most Georgia anglers are fair-weathered with our mild climate. Remember, the river remains in the 50’s as it exits Buford Dam, so the air temperature can be much cooler than the river temperature.

As long as the wind is not too strong, hatching insects will actually simply stay on the surface longer making them more readily available to the fish. If it is windy, whatever is hatching gets swept off the surface. If you have excessive winds 15 plus mph, try nymphs or streamers. Hatches to look for are small blue-winged-olives, cream midges and little winter stoneflies.

All of these insects range in hook sizes from #26 up to a whopping #18. Both surface and subsurface patterns are best so bring the small box of flies.

“Head-hunting” is the best approach if you want to target rising fish on dries. It is better to be ob-

FULL SERVICE OUTFITTER servant and wait for rising fish that can be seen rising multiple times so you have an accurate location to place your fly and drift. The water in the wintertime is “gin clear” and randomly working seams and bubble-lines is not effective with dry flies. Waiting for the rise is worth the wait instead of prospecting likely holding water risking spooking fish with the line. Be sure to gink your fly, tippet, leader and line for maximum mending capabilities

• Fly Fishing Trips • Rentals • Clinics & Classes • Apparel

Competitively priced full-day fishing charters for all levels of experience, equipment, bait, tackle and fish cleaning provided.

Fish from the most comfortable, safe and stable boat on the lake.

When you visit or call one of our advertisers, or fish with one of our captains, make sure to tell them you saw their ad in:

Little River Guide Service is a three boat operation targeting stripers and hybrid bass on Clarks Hill Lake.

Capt Tony Shepherd and Capt Rocky Fulmer.

(706) 210- 3474

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

001_ATL feb.indd 7

FEBRUARY 2020

ATLANTA 7

1/19/20 8:43 PM

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST BUNDLE UP FOR GREAT FISHING

By Capt. Cefus McRae Nuts & Bolts Fishing Series Wintertime is here, and for those of us who can brave the cold, damp, windy days, this can be some of the best fishing of the year. Cooler water temperatures mean fish can move from their deep-water summer patterns to the shallow flats and creeks because there’s plenty of oxygenated water to keep them happy and plenty of bait to keep them fed.

While the fish may be perfectly suited for these cold weather conditions, it is altogether a different story for us sitting in a boat. Fifty degree water temperatures combined with air temperatures in the thirties can take its toll on anglers over the course of a day. Add a bit of a breeze and a little chop on the water, and you might start to wonder if fishing was such a good idea.

If you prepare ahead of time, you can stay comfortable and reap the

rewards of big fish in the winter.

First, dress for the occasion. Layers of clothing are better than one bulky snow suit. Start with poly undergarments, then a layer with cotton or fleece, and top it off with a windproof and waterproof top layer.

If the day warms up, you can shed layers as appropriate. Personally, I prefer a two-piece outer suspenderstyle pants and a long jacket. For me, it’s easier than a one-piece suit.

Regardless of what you might purchase, be sure the zippers on the side of the legs zip all the way to the waist. This way, there is enough room for your boots to fit through the pant legs as you put them on or take them off.

Foot gear is equally important.

If your feet are cold, the rest of your body will be cold. Waterproof boots are a must. I bought a pair of LL

Bean duck boots years ago, and they are awesome. They are lightweight, comfortable, waterproof and warm.

Their soles are relatively skid-free, plus they don’t leave black marks on the deck. A pair of cozy wool socks keeps my feet dry.

I carry two pairs of gloves; a heavy set for when we are moving from place to place and a set without fingertips while fishing. This lets me keep my hands reasonably warm and dry, plus I can tie knots, cast, and operate my phone and touchscreen electronics.

You have to keep your head and ears warm too. Besides having a jacket with a hood, a good knit watch cap or balaclava will keep your ears and neck warm.

Even though it’s cold outside, don’t forget your sunscreen. A bright sunny day at 30 degrees offers just as much exposure to the sun as a 90 degree day. And be sure to stay hydrated. The wind and low humid-

ity can rob you of fluids, so drink plenty of water.

One final thought. If it’s really cold, like in the low 30’s or upper 20’s, be aware that water can freeze on your deck, and you might not see it or notice it until it’s too late. We caught a big redfish off the Georgia coast last winter and brought the fish in for a quick picture. As water was dripping off the fish, it immediately froze on the deck. We didn’t realize it until we started doing a little ice skating on the bow of the boat.

So get out there and enjoy winter fishing. Bundle up and you can catch some big ‘uns.

GET HOOKED ON LAKE LANIER Lake Lanier is located at the foothills of the Appalachians and offers 38,000 acres of world class fishing, rowing, kayaking and outdoor fun!

E x p l o r e G a i n e s v i l l e . o r g | Follow Us @ExploreGainesvilleGA 8 ATLANTA

001_ATL feb.indd 8

FEBRUARY 2020

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THEANGLERMAGAZINEATLANTA/

1/19/20 8:44 PM

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST THE ANGLER MAGAZINE INTRODUCES OUR NEWEST ALLATOONA WRITER!

By Dickelsby Meet Joseph Martinelli. Joseph comes to us from a variety of northern lake locations where cold weather and ice fishing were very popular along with great summertime boat fishing for northerns, muskies and lake trout among other well-known species.

He is now located in Acworth and has established the Heron Outdoor Adventures guide service for Lake Allatoona. You may recall last month when he put together a real nice two column piece about his recommendations for this particular fishery. He also strongly recommends that you schedule a trip with him by calling 404-919-4918.

Lake Allatoona is a 12,010 acre reservoir surrounded by Bartow and Cherokee counties. The Etowah River and Little River along with Allatoona and Stamp Creek are the main feeders. In addition to being a very popular fishery for a highly populated area north of Atlanta, it is also a favorite summertime destination for recreational boaters.

The US Army Corps of Engineers manages Lake Allatoona where record fish include a near 17-pound largemouth bass, a spotted bass weighing in at almost 8-pounds and a striper weighing in at 42-pounds along with a 3-pound crappie. Blue and flathead catfish top the scales at 35 and 43-pounds respectively.

Joseph Martinelli has quite an opportunity in front of him to make a great impression on the large population of fisher folks who would like to score the best results from their fishing activities here.

So we at the Angler Magazine were very pleased to get invited out by Joseph on one of the coldest days

December had to offer. We stayed on schedule and idled out of the marina sharply at 7:00 AM. As per usual lately, Angler Publisher, Bob Rice, soon caught the first fish! Unfortunately, it was a bit undersized for a white bass and was sent back into the lake to do some more growing.

I, Dickelsby, your humble correspondent, was pleased to get in the action after we tried a couple of different locations where the great onboard electronics showed some real activity at 30 feet. The jigging spoons quickly went into action to complement the lively trout and shad we were trolling, and I almost immediately got to do battle with a few nice stripers! Bob too had some action going, and I got to enjoy being in charge of welcoming netting the fish onto the boat!

So as we headed back to the marina, Joseph said he thought one last stop would be profitable close to the docks. Bingo, he did it again as lucky me was next to a downline that started the pretty music of a drag song with a real nice lineside bending the rod to end our trip.

We are very excited for our local fishermen to soon be able to take advantage of Heron Outdoor Adventures’ Allatoona trips. As the cold winter begins to melt into early spring, you should definitely get in touch with Joseph to schedule your adventure! You can reach him at 404-919-4918 or click the website www.heronoutdoorsadventures. com to set up your schedule.

Thanks for reading, and as always, for more information about our publication, please contact me at Dickg@theanglermagazine.com or text or call 404-427-3286.

For info, contact the Lake Chatuge Chamber Bit.ly/GetOutdoorsExpo 706-896-4966

Christmas Special, $100 Off All December Trips and Christmas Half-Day Gift Certificates.

Sale ends Jan. 1!

Book the Fishing Trip of a Lifetime in the Beautiful Mountains of North Georgia and Western North Carolina with the Area’s Top Rated Guide Service. Fish with the Pros and Get Featured in The Angler Magazine

Serving Lakes Nottely, Hiawassee, Chatuge, Blue Ridge and more. We run trips 365 days a year. Book your trip now!

828-361-2021 www.bigolfish.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

001_ATL feb.indd 9

FEBRUARY 2020

ATLANTA 9

1/19/20 8:44 PM

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST LAKE ALLATOONA Contributed

by Joseph Martinelli Heron Outdoor Adventures www.heronoutdooradventures.com 404-919-4918 Lake Allatoona will remain at average winter pool levels of around 824’, barring a deluge or any hydropower generation malfunctions. This is what we are accustomed to until April/May annually. For the fisher, it means less water to cover. The striper and hybrid bite has been phenomenal all winter on Allatoona except for the few days of barometric driven lockjaw.

Consistent areas have been midlake from Victoria to Bartow Carver and even south to Coopers Branch/ Dam areas. While last year this time the fish had already surged into Iron Hill/Allatoona Pass and south, the water clarity and quality have been decent enough mid-lake and the fish have been holding to those areas well.

Downlines baited with threadfin and small to medium gizzard shad and even trout will likely continue to be the most productive technique through this month. The hybrids and stripers will continue to be concentrated in the 20-30’ depth range for the most part. These are not exclusive depths. These fish will continue to relate to and move through the main and even secondary channels and ditches. Right now, a lot of the recorded feeding we are witnessing is happening on the edges of the main channels where the linesides have pushed the bait up from the main channel.

Freelines have been producing well still. Sometimes our freelines are simply baited with a medium shiner

on a number 2 or 4 hook on light line complemented by a small 3/0 split shot when trolling at .5 mph. Having the freelines out truly puts us in a better position to home in on exactly what the fish want.

Side-planers with a bigger bait or two in the spread are a good idea if you can manage it. Sometimes this may be the preferred technique, especially when you are hunting for a larger fish that might be cruising the area.

Trolling the Mini-Mack’s (125’ out) and full-size umbrella rigs (75100’ out) will have its moments of glory even through this winter. These are fantastic tools to use for scouting and locating fish. Sometimes it is this faster moving school of bait that triggers the bite. If you have the capacity to keep even one Mini down even while live bait fishing, you might find this gets the bite before the individual live baits. Adjust accordingly.

The crappie bite has been pretty good and is expected to rock and roll this month! These fish will be staging up in the channels, especially near the mouths of their favorite creeks such as Little River, Sweetwater and Kellogg Creek for the north end and the same may be found in similar staging grounds all the way to Allatoona Creek. Trolling for them will be a very effective technique with as many rods as you think you and your partner can manage. This allows you to experiment with best depths by minnow-tipped jigs with weights ranging from 1/32-1/8 ounce and a wider color selection to get things started and then adjust to what is most productive across all lines.

We’d love to have you out for an adventure with us. God Bless you and good fishing!

WEST POINT LAKE

Bass: Fair - The shallow bite remains pretty fair now, but could improve quickly, especially with stained water and water temps in the 60s. Baits such as Rat’L-Traps, square bill crankbaits, Shad Raps and chatterbaits are catching some of these shallower fish. Try to fish these baits in coves and pockets with small feeder creeks or around schools of shallow baitfish. Fish the open water in the pockets with an Alabama Rig or Flash Mob Jr. Keep a jig or shaky head handy to pitch around any wood cover.

Fishing rip-rap can also produce good results. Yellow Jacket and Whitewater Creeks continue to produce. It is, however, a good time to catch a wallhanger! If it turns off cold and dry during the month, the water should clear back up and cool down into the 50’s. If that happens, expect schools of spots mixed with hybrids, white bass and stripers to be caught on jigging spoons and dropshot rigs and shaky head rigs on humps and drop-offs. Target deeper offshore structure like brush piles and old road beds in 20-30 feet of water near the mouth of most major creeks.

Linesides: Fair - The downline bite with shad or bass shiners has improved slightly as the water has cooled off and begun to clear up some. Most of the fish seem to be holding 20 to 30 feet deep when they are not schooling on the surface.

Gulls and loons are here now, which makes it easier to pinpoint schooling stripers. The Flash Mob Jr. has still been working on schooling 1 to 3-pound fish with an occasional bigger one mixed in. Casting a 3/8 or 1/2-ounce white Rooster Tail, a chrome C.C. Spoon and a number of other small shad imitators have also been producing. As the water cools, a bucktail jig or Fish Head

Sean Cain with a 17 pound striper caught on a Storm Swim Shad on a trip with Keith Hudson Spin becomes very effective as well.

The mouths of most creeks anywhere south of the Highland Marina area all the way to the dam and in Maple Creek have been holding fish.

Trolling with mid-depth crankbaits and Alabama Rigs continues to produce some linesides in these areas. PLEASE, don’t forget to book your striper trips for this upcoming spring and summer! Go on my website www.LakeWestPointFishing. com for more info or feel free to contact me at HudsonsProBass@ gmail.com to reserve your day!

Crappie: Fair - Try tight-line fishing with minnows or a 1/16-ounce or smaller jig around bridge pilings, brush piles, and blow-downs in 6 to 15 feet of water. Concentrate on trees and brush that are close to the old creek channels. Pitching or shooting docks with small tube or feather jigs around or under the docks can still produce this time of year.

Bridge pilings also hold fish. Yellow Jacket, Wehadkee and Whitewater Creeks are still producing some crappie. Spider trolling usually starts soon and can be very effective.

If February turns unusually warm and wet, the crappie can show back up shallow very quickly. The float and fly technique will work very well if this does happen.

“Pitching or shooting docks with small tube or feather jigs around or under the docks can still produce this time of year. “ 10 ATLANTA

001_ATL feb.indd 10

FEBRUARY 2020

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THEANGLERMAGAZINEATLANTA/

1/19/20 8:44 PM

NEW AND USED BOAT SALES PARTS AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT WARRANTY DEPARTMENT

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

001_ATL feb.indd 11

FEBRUARY 2020

ATLANTA 11

1/19/20 8:44 PM

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST ALLATOONA Forecast By: Capt. Robert Eidson www.firstbiteguideservice.com eidson6260@att.net Linesides fishing is good! The bite remains good even after the heavy rains. The north end of the lake is a mud pit. Mid-lake is stained and will probably get worse in the next few days.

The fish are moving south searching for cleaner water. Right now, our better bite is from Bartow Carver to Stamp Creek. This will probably change as the mud line moves south.

A Family Oriented Fishing Club Proud Sponsors Of

Fall Children’s Fishing Classic

The good news is the fish are still biting. Downlining live bait is still very good. Most of the bait is out over the river channel and so are the fish. Even though the live bait bite remains strong, trolling is equally as good right now. Both full size umbrella rigs and the MiniMack’s are fishing great right now.

The spoon bite is also good but works better on schooling fish on the bottom. Suspended fish are tough to catch on a spoon right now.

Call for availability at 770-8276282 or www.firstbiteguideservice. com.

JACKSON LAKE

Military Hero’s Fishing Tournament Fishing Tournaments—Social Activities— Good Fellowship Check Out Our Web Site Below For More Information

By Brian Lee leebrian16 @yahoo.com

www.northgeorgiacrappieanglers.com

Water temperature: mid-upper 40’s, lake level: full, clarity: stained.

Recent rains have set the fish in a transition with the unusual warmer days. Long rocky points are holding good fish. A #5 crawfish Shad Rap and a DT 6 in

www.GeorgiaMetals.com

crawfish are the go-to baits. Just drop the trolling motor and cover water.

Spotted bass are really aggressive this time of the year. Largemouth will be in these areas as well. A #7 Shad Rap will catch the deeper fish.

Just be patient and keep moving. A jig on any structure will produce bites. Just remember to slow down if the fish aren’t wanting to cooperate.

“Recent rains have set the fish in a transition with the unusual warmer days.”

TM

y ualit atters!

Q e M r WheSTEEL 12 ATLANTA

001_ATL feb.indd 12

FEBRUARY 2020

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THEANGLERMAGAZINEATLANTA/

1/19/20 8:44 PM

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST HARTWELL

LAKE LANIER STRIPERS Forecast By: Steve Scott http://TeamLanier.wordpress.com/menu February striper fishing will not follow the norm this year. Instead of catching late in the morning, the stripers will be in the back third of most of southern creeks from Gainesville Marina to the dam. Use planer boards with live bait 10-20’ behind the board and downlines 35’ down with larger baits like 1012” gizzard shad. Lightly weighted freelines should be used 100-135’ behind the boat using medium minnows, all over a 35-60’ bottom.

Be sure to size your hooks to the baitfish accordingly.

For those who troll, I use a 3 arm umbrella rig with at least one chatterbait in the center position. Bladed Mini Mack’s along with the shiny mini blades will work either fan-casted or just stuck in a rod holder just barely breaking the surface. These may be the attractor baits that bring the

stripers to the boat for the downline baits. Certainly pulling Lead Core is an option allowing more water to be covered in a short time while hunting for bait and stripers.

Adding a chatterbait to a Lead Core jig or a glow 4” paddle tail will help your odds of attracting stripers too.

When finding stripers suspended over cover, it’s time to get out the spoons, but nothing big, possibly a Hopkins Spoon or a War Eagle in gold or white.

It seems that the striper class from 2013 have been growing exponentially. We are beginning to see a more quality fish in size and girth. This will cause our lake to become even more popular knowing that there are some good sized fish to come out of Lanier. I believe this is all due to the good DNR management, quality of water and excellent stocking broods.

Tip of the month: Try to move to a creek that has had less pressure from other anglers. See more tips on my website TeamLanier.com. Steve Scott 404-273-3481

by Preston Harden Bucktail Guide Service 706-255-5622 bucktailguideservice.net Water temperature: low 50s, lake level: 3 feet below full pool.

As of mid-January, the water temperature is still well above 50 degrees. Most game fish are still active. This may be the third year in a row that the water stays above 50 degrees. That is warm enough to keep most game fish active. They prefer to eat small baits in cold water. I try to imitate a thread fin shad instead of a blueback herring. If the water cools below 48 degrees, most game fish will not eat. Their metabolism slows as the water gets colder. February can be the toughest month of the year to catch game fish.

The exception to this is crappie.

They will feed all winter. They taste best in the colder water and are my favorite fish in the lake to eat. To catch crappie, use tiny jigs and flukes

or a small crappie minnow. Look for crappie under docks and bridges as they love shade. This is especially true on a sunny day. Fish very slowly and expect a subtle strike. They will be in deeper water, 15 to 30 feet deep.

They move into the major creeks and will move further back in the creeks under shallower docks as we move toward spring.

LAKE BURTON Forecast by: Capt. Wes Carlton Georgia Lake Fishing 770-318-9777 www.georgialakefishing.com Water temperature: 49 degrees, lake level: 5 feet down, clarity: stained.

Bass: The bite has been good the last few weeks with the warmer water temps for this time of year. We have caught fish shallow and deep with several different techniques. Most of the largemouth seem to be mid-way back in the creek ditches. We have had good success with an underspin tipped with a medium sized pearl white fluke. Work this bait off of deep ledges letting it fall into the 20 foot depths with a slow retrieve back towards the boat. Don’t be surprised if you catch a hog of a largemouth! The spotted bass are doing their typical routine of chasing the blueback herring up and down the main lake channels. We have caught most of our fish on shiner colored crankbaits and

herring colored jerkbaits tipped with a dresser treble. Look for the herring schools on the surface early in the mornings and late in the evenings.

This pattern should continue for the next few weeks.

Trout: The trout bite has been really good lately. We have been catching a lot of smaller fish in the 15 to 29 inch range trolling small spoons (Little Cleo’s) and small jerkbaits in the 3 inch range. Most of the brown trout are in the mouths of the creeks.

Look for these fish to continue on the pattern as we head towards March.

The bigger fish should show up in the backs of the creeks.

Walleye: The walleye bite has been a little slow lately. These fish should become more active as we near February and the spawn begins.

Look for the majority of the walleye to start feeding up shallow around the bank lines and structure the next few weeks. Casting bright colored jerkbaits in the evenings will be the most productive.

Yeti Coolers and ClothingH

Lay-A-Way for Christmas

Costa Sunglasses and Clothing

Your Gun & Bow Packages

Full Line of Fishing Tackle

Tree Stands

We Carry

EVERY

Great Brand!

Safes

770-539-9356 M-F 9-7/SAT 9-6/ SUN 1-5

250 JOHN MORROW PKWY

WE HAVE A FULL LINE AND ARCHERY SHOP WITH FULL TIME

ARCHERY

GAINSVILLE,GA 30501

TECHNICIANS ON STAFF

THEOUTDOORDEPOT.NET

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

001_ATL feb.indd 13

Gift Certificates

FEBRUARY 2020

ATLANTA 13

1/19/20 8:44 PM

001_ATL feb.indd 14

1/19/20 8:44 PM

001_ATL feb.indd 15

1/19/20 8:44 PM

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST 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.

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.

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 such as 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 allday sun. Also, focus on pockets that are protected from a north wind.

Main-Lake: The main body 16 ATLANTA

001_ATL feb.indd 16

FEBRUARY 2020

of water can also be an excellent location to target early pre-spawn bass. 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 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: 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 yearlong. If you are not getting bit, switch colors or lure type.

1. Jerkbait –These lures mimic 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 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.

2. SuperSpin – This can be a very productive lure in the early prespawn period. Work the lure by slowrolling the bait in the likely areas we have discussed. 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 bottomlocked, do not ignore the Picasso ShakeDown Head/ worm combo as well as the Chattahoochee jig or Georgia Jig. Drag these baits in likely areas very slowly, imparting 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!

For more information or to book your spring trip, contact Jimbo on Lanier! 770-542-7764. Jimbo’s website: www.jimboonlanier.com.

LANIER STRIPERS Forecast by: Clay Cunningham www.catchingnotfishing.com 770-630-2673 After a cold December and a warm rainy January, the weather has now bounced around all over the place. The stripers have been deep with the bait around 50-60 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.

Keep as many Shakespeare Striper Rods rigged as possible with Penn Fathom Linecounter reels spooled with 15-pound Trilene Big Game.

Rig several of these striper rods with downlines. Tie on a 2-ounce Capt.

Mack swivel sinker, a five foot leader of Trilene 100% 12-pound Flourocarbon and a Gamakatsu size 1 Octopus hook. 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.

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 with 10-pound Trilene Big Game on a 7 foot medium Penn rod and you are ready for battle. If you prefer a baitcaster, match up an Abu Garcia Revo with an Abu Garcia Veritas 7’ medium casting rod.

Do not use heavier than 10-pound line. Heavier line will down your casting distance. This pattern will be best once the bait moves to the back of the creeks.

Also of note, February can be the big fish month of the year as the females begin to feel the urge of the spring spawn. The metabolism of the big females will increase and they will be looking for a meal. Be sure to check all your lines for minor frays and knots in the line. Some big fish may show up this February if the weather falls into place. Be prepared and don’t say the big one got away.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THEANGLERMAGAZINEATLANTA/

1/19/20 8:44 PM

Open Saturdays (when others are closed)

GEHL Construction Equipment

WE’RE A COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT DEALER! SALES, PARTS AND SERVICE

www.GEHL.com

Mon. - Fri. 9 to 4 Sat. 9 to 3

001_ATL feb.indd 17

1/19/20 8:44 PM

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST THE VALENTINE’S DAY GETAWAY

KIM’S KITCHEN

By: Ryan Kennedy YouTube: Ryan Kennedy Fishing Instagram: ryankfishing ryankfishing@gmail.com

www.poundersseafoodmarket.com

Simple Grilled Doves

Ingredients: 12 to 16 whole doves, quail, or snipe, plucked and gutted About 1/4 cup olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper In a large bowl, toss the doves with enough olive oil to coat. Season very well with salt and pepper and set aside for up to 1 hour at room temperature.

Meanwhile, build a very hot fire and let it burn down to white coals, or set a gas grill on high heat. Clean the grill grate well and brush it with olive oil.

Grill the doves, breast side down, for about 5 minutes, then flip and grill the opposite sides for another 5 minutes or until the breasts are still firm but pink at the bone. Remove from heat and let rest for about 5 minutes. Serve with rice and greens.

Pounders Seafood Market

Black Angus Beef and Fresh Seafood Beef • Pork • Seafood • Produce • Poultry • Veal and Lamb

Catering Service • Cooked to Order

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 personal enjoyment is just 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 per-

son 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, snowstorms, pouring rain, frigid temperatures, you name it and we’ve most likely fished in it.

Now back to the point that it is February. 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 Friday this year, which for most of us is a workday. I say 2020 is the year to shake it up. Tell your lover you took the day off, and that 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 that 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 ‘ole time in all your layers. You’re welcome in advance fellas. Tight Lines!

Meat And Seafood At Their Very Best

7

1210 Commerce Drive Suite 111 Greensboro, GA 30642

Phone:

706-453-4445 •

Fax:

706-453-2334

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 Pm Major Credit Cards & Debit Cards

www.poundersseafoodmarket.com 18 ATLANTA

001_ATL feb.indd 18

FEBRUARY 2020

P

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THEANGLERMAGAZINEATLANTA/

1/19/20 8:44 PM

WINTER IS HERE - IT’S TIME TO GET OUTSIDE & EXPLORE

PINNACLE CREDIT UNION CAN HELP YOU GET TO WHERE YOU NEED TO BE WITH LOW LOAN RATES FOR AUTOS, BOATS, RVs, ATVs, MOTORCYCLES and MORE Pinnacle Credit Union also has low rates on real estate loans!

Call our Lake Oconee office at 706-485-2039 and our Atlanta office at 404-888-1648 or visit us at www.pinnaclecu.org for more information 001_ATL feb.indd 19

1/19/20 8:44 PM

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST

All SizeS of GizzArd ShAd AvAilAble for Winter LIVE BAIT WIDE VARIETY OF FISHING TACKLE FULL BBQ MENU – LUNCH/DINNER DINE-IN OR TAKE-OUT

CERTIFIED SCALE ON SITE

678-971-5607

2807 DAWSONVILLE HIGHWAY, GAINESVILLE, GA 30506

Best Western Milton Inn

A great place to stay when visiting the North Georgia Mountains Convenient to Lake Nottely,

Brasstown Bald Mountain and Vogel State Park

LAKE CHATUGE HYBRIDS AND SPOTTED BASS Report By: Darren Hughes Owner: Hughes General Store & Bait Shop The Angler Magazine Fishing Team & Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service www.bigolfish.com 828-361-2021 Hard winter has held off thus far, and we’ve seen some unseasonably warm days. This has led to some great winter fishing on Lake Chatuge this season. Remember to book your trips now for this spring because we are booking up quick.

We guarantee you’ll have the fishing trip of a lifetime with us, and the spring is an excellent time to hit the water for some nice hybrids and spots.

Currently, the water temps are in the mid 50’s. Lake water levels are slowly on the rise due to the recent rains and are presently around 6 feet below full pool. Clarity is clear to stained in the creeks.

The spotted bass bite has been really good for this time of year, and we’re seeing an awesome early morning to mid-day down-line bite. We’re still averaging about 20 to 30 spots a morning out here.

Live blueback herring has been the key. Topwater has been decent and should pick up in the next few months. Look for these fish to be holding off points and ledges off the main channel. We’ve also seen some nice schools of bass on shallow flats throughout the lake. Look for these spots to really fire up in the up-coming months. Last year we had several 50 plus fish days. While fishing in the spring, these bass are bedding so try to quickly get them back into the water. Preserving the quality of the bass will ensure years

of great fishing on this lake.

Our hybrid bass bite has also been fantastic, with early morning being the best time to target these fish. Pulling planer boards and freelining live bluebacks and shad have been the best techniques. We have also been catching some nice fish in the 10 to 13 pound range in the backs of creeks and off some sloping points.

February fishing on Lake Chatuge is always exciting. Remember, live bait on this lake can be the difference between a successful day of fishing and a horrid one. For all of your bait and tackle needs, come visit us at Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA. It’s the best place around for quality live blueback herring. We also carry ethanol-free gas and have some of the best hot, madefrom-scratch biscuits in North GA. For guided fishing trips on Lakes Chatuge, Hiwassee, or Nottely, or questions about the bait shop, call me, Darren Hughes, at Hughes General Store. And whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, give Chatuge a shot for some of the best spotted bass and hybrids in the area.

Good luck and get hooked!

Clean comfortable rooms Complimentary breakfast buffet Free WiFi and Cable TV Microwave and refrigerator in every room Business Center

201 Highway 515 West, Blairsville, GA 30512 Toll Free Central Reservations (800) 780-7234 Hotel Direct Number 706-745-6995 20 ATLANTA

001_ATL feb.indd 20

FEBRUARY 2020

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THEANGLERMAGAZINEATLANTA/

1/19/20 8:45 PM

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST LAKE SEMINOLE Forecast By:

by Paul Tyre paultyrefishing@yahoo.com The bass fishing on Lake Seminole has been excellent the first couple of weeks of the new year. The water temperatures have been in the upper 50’s to low 60’s. The Flint River arm of Lake Seminole has been stained from the recent rains with Spring Creek remaining clearer and the Chattahoochee River side of Lake Seminole has a good stain to it.

As we move into February, the bass on Lake Seminole will be staging in their pre-spawn areas feeding and preparing for the spawning cycle. Spinnerbaits, swim jigs and lipless crankbaits will be productive lures to cover water!

One of my favorite early spring spinnerbaits is a 1/2 ounce Booyah Covert Series Tandem Spinnerbait in chartreuse and white fished along the grass lines and over the grass flats.

A great swim jig is the Untamed Tackle Heavy Cover Swim Jig. It comes with an Owner Jungle Flipping Hook which is a great hook that can be used on fluorocarbon or

heavy braided line. Another great feature of Untamed Tackle products is no super glue is needed for your trailer due to the patent pending Quad Keeper. When fishing the swim jig, fish it around shallow cover pads, grass, etc., and cover a lot of water.

One of my favorite lipless crankbaits is a Profound Outdoors Azuma Shaker Z in Seminole Breeze. This is a proven color that catches big ones! This is great lure for covering the grass flats.

For a Lake Seminole Fishing Adventure this spring, give us a call to check availability at 850264-7534 or follow us on Instagram and Facebook @ lakeseminolefishingadventures or email us paultyrefishing@yahoo.com.

58 Gallon insulated, molded BAIT TANK or LIVE WELL Small 24” x 24” footprint

Built in oxygen bottle holder.

Attwood cartridge pump filtration system.

Flow-Rite aerator with pump-out valve

Learn more and check out the videos at

topwatertackle.net

LAKE CHATUGE Eric Welch Welch’s Guide Service www.welchsguideservice. com 706-455-2323 Water temperature: 48-50 degrees, lake level: 6.7 feet low, clarity: clear.

The bite has been a little slow with the crazy weather we’ve been having. Sunny days have been more productive then cloudy days. I’ve not been seeing any topwater action. Most of the fish have been in 12-45 feet deep on points and deep rocky banks. We have been catching some good spotted bass on a 3/16 ounce Fish Head Spin and a 3.5” Strike King Rage Swimmer on 1/8 ounce swimbait head, but our best baits have been a dropshot with a 4.5” Roboworm in red crawler on deep long points and deep rocky banks, along with a Ned

rig in green pumpkin.

A shaky head with a Strike King 6.5” green pumpkin finesse worm will work also.

If you find any fish bunched up, try a 1/2 ounce white or chrome spoon. Also try a Strike King KVD series 200 jerkbait in clear water minnow. On a sunny day, try an A-Rig around docks, points and flats.

We guide on 8 different lakes, so if you’re looking for some great fishing, give Welch’s Guide Service a call. We’re your #1 guide service, and we’ve been doing this since 2001. Good luck.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

001_ATL feb.indd 21

FEBRUARY 2020

ATLANTA 21

1/19/20 8:45 PM

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL: ISLAMORADA

By Dana Burkhart

Ten years ago my husband George and I exchanged vows on the shores of Smather’s Beach in Key West, Florida. We have gone to the Keys almost every year since, and my love for angling has grown from a distant observance to an activity I truly enjoy participating in and learning more about. While exhausted from a full couple of days fishing at the beginning of our marriage, George asked me if it sounded better to be freezing cold in a deer stand at 5am or hanging out on a boat enjoying sun, waves, music, birds, and fishing. I am so glad I chose the latter!

Three years ago, George and I joined the Atlanta Saltwater Sportsman’s Club. Aside from the blessed assurance that my husband would not be alone on a raging sea with boat problems, the comradery and financial perks have been wonderful. Just before our anniversary trip to the Keys, George and I discovered fellow club members Brent and Valerie Christoper, also Keys enthusiasts, would be conchin’ during the same week! Brent and Valerie drove 50 miles north from Ramrod Key, and we split a charter in Islamorada, Florida with high hopes. It just happened to be New Year’s Eve. Few can think of a better way to cap off 2019 than to enjoy a banner day fishing, catching, and filling the freezer for next year--and doing it on a budget! We arrived dockside just after sunrise at Robbies of Islamorada, greeted long -time friend, Captain Galon Johnson of GoTime Charters, and were underway on a mission for fishin’! Soon, we found we were not alone in pursuit of ballyhoo, but our Captain “zigged” when the other twenty charters “zagged.”

After a couple of beautiful pancake casts, Captain Galon blacked out the livewell with 300 cigar minnows. It really IS all about the bait!

We jogged to a wreck in over 200 feet of water with the color of the morning still rising into a temperate day. Chumming with copious amounts of live bait proved irresist-

ible to the blackfin tuna, and they hit fast and furious. At one point, a triple hookup had us dancing over and under each other to avoid a line tangle. Once each angler enjoyed his or her individual fight and heard the splendid slap of tuna on deck, we were content with six 20+ pounders and our cooler nearly full. Captain Galon bled the tuna immediately which paid dividends in the beauty and texture of our tuna steaks. Sushi and pan searing were definitely on the menu for New Year’s Eve and beyond!

Next, Captain Galon moved west. After trolling live cigar minnows on a wire treble rig in 120 feet of water, our lines were screaming again--this time with king mackerel! Although not as tasty as the tuna, our party enjoyed the mackerels’ vicious reel dragging fight and sheer energy. We “macked” out with 4 over 20 pounds each. As a mother of a six year old who sat this trip out at home with her grandmother, I was especially happy to focus on my own fishing and be able to add my first blackfin and king mackerel to my species list!

With our pelagic needs met, Captain Galon cruised us south of Alligator to wind down with some reef fishing. Each cast of “oatmeal cookie” encrusted cut bait kept the lines tight and the hooks needing more! Several smaller yellowtails gave way to a 22 inch flag that anyone would be proud of.

Fearing the end of our charter, one of us sunk a live bait after last call and reeled in a beautiful large grouper (on the last day of open season) to clinch December 31, 2019 as one of the best days of the year!

We all enjoyed a prideful victory of a meateater’s slam back at Robbie’s docks followed by a celebratory hook and cook with live music at Lorelei’s. We all can’t wait until it’s go time again!

For more information about ASWSC: www.aswsc.org, info@aswsc. org, and like us on Facebook “Atlanta Saltwater Sportsman Club”.

22 ATLANTA

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THEANGLERMAGAZINEATLANTA/

001_ATL feb.indd 22

FEBRUARY 2020

15544 Hwy, 515, Ellijay

1/19/20 8:45 PM

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST PREPARING FOR SPRING FISHING

Dr. Andrew Cox

Springtime fishing is just around the corner with some of the best fishing to be found over the course of the angling year. The crappie, hybrids, and white bass will be running in local waters shortly, depending upon weather and water conditions. We can even begin catching largemouth and spotted bass on warmer days as these fish prepare for spawning. You do not want to lose valuable fishing time or a trophy fish due to equipment failure, faulty line, or not having the right lures or tackle items when they are needed.

Now is the time to take stock of your fishing equipment and tackle inventory. It is important to check the condition of your line on your reels. Are your reels filled to capacity with line that is not frayed, brittle,

and will securely hold knots? With fly equipment, make sure that your floating fly line still floats and does not have cracks or abrasions. Sink tip and sinking fly lines should be in good condition. Check the condition of your fishing reels to make sure they are in good working order and adequately lubricated. Rod guides and reels seats should be inspected to insure that they are not bent or broken and will securely hold your reel in place.

You might also inspect all lures to insure that hooks are sharp and not bent or broken. Inspect line eyes on lures to make sure that they are intact and securely hold knots. You can use touch up paint on lures to improve their appearance and visibility.

Go through your tackle box to

daltonmarineinc.com

Acworth Location 4725 Highway 92 Acworth, GA 30101 (770) 974-0629

Serving Atlanta and North Georgia Since 1968.

New & Pre-Owned Ranger and Mercury Sales Service and Repair Warranty Work Certified Master Techs with over 30 Years’ Experience Special Orders Available Freshwater & Saltwater Models Fiberglass & Aluminum, Bass, Bay, Skiff, Angler, Reata & Inter-Coastal

*2020 *2018 Tournament Tournament198P 198Pwith withMercury® Mercury®150L 150LPro ProXS XSOptimax Optimax

*2020Ranger RangerZ 519 X 519withwithMercury Mercury® 225Pro ProXS XSOptimax Optimax *2018 @ 225

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

001_ATL feb.indd 23

prime fishing months. Having operational equipment, the right terminal tackle and lures can make the difference between an outstanding or a disastrous fishing excursion. Over the next three to four months, depending upon the waters that you fish, you have a chance to catch a trophy fish of a lifetime. You would not want to lose that trophy due to faulty line, an inoperable reel or rod, not having the right lure or bait at the right time, or a boat that cannot take you to your favorite fishing location.

Author’s Note: Dr. Andrew Cox is a contributing writer to outdoor publications and newspapers. His writing interests specialize in angling and travel, human interest, and general fishing technique oriented topics. 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.

North Georgia’s Premier Authorized Ranger and Mercury Dealer

Two Great Locations:

Dalton Location 1117 East Morris Street Dalton, GA 30721 (706) 226-3595

check your assortment of lures and terminal tackle. Purchase needed hooks, sinkers/lead, swivels, floats, and specialty lures/baits that may be needed for specialty fishing. Inventory and purchase any fishing gadgets that you may need.

Don’t forget about one of the most important fishing tools that you have; your boat. Make sure that your electric trolling motor, depth/ fish finders, temperature gauge, anchoring, and other boat accessories are operational. Insure that your boat’s batteries are holding a charge with adequate power to operate your boat and its accessories. Inspect your boat’s steering to insure boat safety. Ascertain that required safety equipment is on board such as fire extinguishers, life preservers, anchor and anchor rope, and similar items. Most importantly, does the outboard motor crank and run as needed? What a disappointment to put your boat in the water and not be able to get it started. This can ruin a planned fishing trip.

Making preparations this month are important preplanning activities for the upcoming

FEBRUARY 2020

ATLANTA 23

1/19/20 8:45 PM

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST LAKE EUFAULA

SMALL JIG, LIGHT LINE, BIG CRAPPIE

By Capt Sam Williams hawk184@earthlink.net 334-687-6266

by O’Neill Williams Lanier, Oconee, Hartwell, Russell, Martin, Carters and even Allatoona, have thousands, no, make that hundreds of thousands of crappie ready to commit suicide next to your boat.

I had a friend years ago who was an excellent angler and was one of those guys who always had them figured out. He invited me to go with him to catch a bucket full of crappie one morning at Lanier. I took him up on it. It was February, cold and cloudy. I went with him a couple of times and caught a limit before lunch each time.

Here’s the where: Under the docks, both large marina docks and private, usually close to each other that you can reach by boat.

You’ll recognize the pattern for the private ones that hold crappie and have seen it on all the lakes; steep sided coves with a creek with each dock close to the other. In each case, some enterprising owner had anchored brush and pine tops under the docks, but even with those similarities, some were better than others.

Why? Boy did I learn a lesson. If a little series of docks were on the sides of a cove with a creek or storm runoff in it, that was one of the keys.

Was there much current? No, not most of the time, but think about how often it rains in February.

There was current generally most of the time because of the rain runoff.

Your newly bought side finder will show you the docks with the brush.

After we’d stopped a couple of places and stationed ourselves at Lan Mar, he dropped a camera down to show me how many crappie were there. I was stunned. Hundreds live under the marina docks and are easily catchable.

Here’s the how: Use a soft tip rod spooled with 4 or 6-pound mono.

At the terminal end use a 1/32 ounce Road Runner with a little spinner, then up the line every 12 to 18 inches, tie on a tiny 1/64th ounce hair or plastic jig or the Tru-Turn Stand Out hooks. You should have four hooks or lures on each rod.

Bring along plenty of tackle. You’re going lose a bunch. Proceed and rig at least four outfits, so when you 24 ATLANTA

001_ATL feb.indd 24

FEBRUARY 2020

break off, you can reach for another and get it in the water before the bite stops.

When you make your first cast or ‘drop’, you might put on a minnow on the Road Runner. The minnow will add some instant smell in the water and can kick off a bite. When you hook up, don’t be in a hurry to reel him up. Let that first bite that you’ve hooked swim around a bit.

Remember, you have four baits on the rig and the activity may get the other crappie going, and you can reel in 2 or 3 at a time.

In addition to your regular gear, if you’re fishing at a marina dock, buy a long handle net. Make it a small basketed net. With the light line, soft tip rod and small hooks and jigs, you have trouble lifting the crappie onto the dock from high above the water without dropping the ‘paper mouth’ critters. A long handle net will get them out of there more easily.

After you’ve caught a bunch, telephone the radio show on a Saturday morning and express your appreciation that I related these techniques from an old friend and invite me over for the fresh fish banquet.

Then too, click on the following link and join me and Gail on our trip to Alaska in June of 2020. https://oneilloutside.net/alaskancruise-information

Water temperature: low 60’s, lake level: 189.77 msl, clarity: muddy.

Storms and rain continue to keep the river muddy. Fish are suspended in the creeks in 5 to 28 feet. It takes a noisy bait to attract attention and get a strike. Chatterbaits and loud Rat-L-Traps are a good choice. Suspending jerkbaits are a good choice as well. Pull then down in the schools and stop the retrieve and let them slowly rise a few feet and pull them back down.

Red colored baits work well in dirty water. The bass have spawned again. If you know of shallow areas where they worked before, these areas will get a hit on the bedding fish. Shaky heads and noisy jigs will work.

Crappie are still on the ledges near trash piles. Minnows are the answer in this muddy water. Cat-

fish are holding shallow, and you can get a good meal on jugs baited with cut bait.

Get registered to fish the Albany Bass Club’s Scott Woodruff Heart Transplant Tournament in March.

(The old Easter Seal’s Tournament) Applications are at our local tackle stores or you can register at www.albanybassclub.com. We will also have our Alabama Children’s Classic tournament in June, www.alabamachildrensclassic.org for details on our changes and bigger payout for 2020.

Be safe on the water. Make memories with your kids and grandkids in God’s great outdoors. God Bless and good fishing.

Capt. Bill Wheeler (706) 914-9859 (706) 444-6365 Capt. Bill Wheeler (706) 914-9859 • (706)

“I’ll give you your money’s Striper/Hybrid Trips on Lake Oconee for only $ toyour go fishing.”

“I’llworth give you money’s worth to go fi www.gonefishingstriper.com

www.gonefishingstriper.com

Striper/Hybrid Trips on Lake Oconee For Only $250.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THEANGLERMAGAZINEATLANTA/

1/19/20 8:45 PM

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST CLOUD FISHING

Contributed By: Noey Vinyard

THE OLD MAN Despite his 80 years of living, his hair was still the color of coal.

His face was the color of dark leather even though the lines on his face woke up his many years of hard living, and his dark eyes still sparkled with intelligence and vitality. I knew the old man well. He was my grandfather. The Cherokee blood that ran pure and full through his veins still runs today through me and my sons.

In his day, my grandfather had been a great hunter. I remember well how he could ease through the woods without making a sound.

His woodmanship skills and his ability at slipping up on a bedding buck were almost legendary in our hometown. He would take me with him on occasion, and I can remember how awkward and clumsy I felt next to his natural grace.

Perhaps of all the things I will remember about my grandfather happened on an autumn Georgia day. The Georgia Mountains were dressed in all of its magnificent fall splendor, and I remember that even as a boy, Mother Nature spoke to me in the multicolored plumage on the trees inspired my imagination to write even then.

Always a man of very few words, the night before he had told me he wanted to take me out in the morning and show me something.

I doubt that I slept a wink all night, and as soon as I heard him in the kitchen the next morning making coffee, I was up and dressed and ready to go. He donned his jacket and coat and picked up his simple single shot 22 rifle, and we headed out the back door down the trail that led to the hills behind the house. only As we walked, we had a

• (706) 444-6365

’sfor

$250

chance to have one of those coveted grandfather/grandson talks pointing out things such as game trails, edible plants and other things I have always found interesting still to this day. I remember being so caught up in his knowledge and just the sheer beauty of the Georgia Hills that I almost didn’t realize that he had stopped.

We had come to a small clearing at the top of the hill when he picked out a large oak tree and sat down with our backs to the tree with our guns in our laps. The sun was to our backs and there seemed to be no one on that mountain but he and I. He talked of this and that, and at someone point I realized that I was having a coveted heart to heart talk with my grandfather, a conversation that I would later come to cherish.

But for now we just sat and watched. He shared with me things that our people, the Cherokee, did to survive, the way they lived their life and how they revered Mother Nature. Then he spoke of things that are important to be a man; things like helping others and how greed can corrupt your soul. He taught me that the mark of a true warrior is measured not by how much death and carnage one can create, but rather how he can be part of the solution to such things.

Regardless, I sat and listened, burdened by the knowledge that one day he would not be here to explain such things. So today, we were just going to enjoy the weather and the spring beauty in bloom all around us. I knew he had much more to say, so we walked in the general direction of the lake, the old man and the boy.

To be continued.

“In his”day, my grandfather had been th to go fishing.

per.com

a great hunter. I remember well how he could ease through the woods without making a sound.”

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

001_ATL feb.indd 25

FEBRUARY 2020

ATLANTA 25

1/19/20 8:45 PM

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST CARTERS LAKE

LAKE MARTIN Provided By: David Hare Alex City Guide Service 256-401-3089 January was an awesome month for big stringers of stripers on Lake Martin. We had a lot of trips that boated 20-50 fish on a 6 hour trip.

Now with the boat shows behind us (thanks to all of you who stopped by our booths), we are ready to continue to some winter type fishing this month.

In February, we will continue to fish for stripers downlining live baits. The quantity of catches should remain on the high side and the quality will start getting better the later it gets in the month. February sometimes brings a little challenge of water clarity if we have torrential rainfall. With Lake Martin having 44,000 acres of water, you’ll always be able to find somewhere that the fish are holding and just waiting on the right bait or lure to come by for an ambush bite.

I like starting my day off in the middle part of the lake and then I have easy access to run north or south based on water temp and clar-

ity. If the weather is a little warmer than normal and the water clarity is good, then I like fishing on the north end. If clarity and temps are not to the fish’s liking, then I just simply run south. If you’re fishing Sunday thru Friday, you shouldn’t have a problem finding an awesome fishing spot. However in February, if you’re fishing on a Saturday, you could be covered up with tournament boats or bass boats practicing for the many tournaments this great reservoir hosts.

Don’t be afraid to fish the same spot that someone just left. You may approach the same spot with a different tactic and catch a limit of fish.

Remember, when you’re running the creek channels or the river channel this month to always be alert of all the boats that will be trolling for crappie or stripers.

February kicks off this type of fishing, and the last thing you want to do is be involved in an accident.

If you’re ready for some awesome fishing on Lake Martin, give me a call or text at 256-401-3089 and I’ll handle the rest. In the meantime, follow us on Facebook alexcityguideservice/Lake Martin for daily catch postings.

ting attention when being trolled from 2 to 3 mph. I like pulling the creek mouths and river bends in the afternoon. In the early morning, the creeks are the place to be. I’ve been starting about half way back where I start marking bait.

The spoon bite has been good on certain days for hybrids and big spots. The best depth for the spoon bite has been 50 to 65 feet working the bottom 20 feet of the water column. Anything from small half ounce spoons to big Parker spoons have produced hybrids and spots holding near bait.

February can also be the start of some solid walleye fishing. Look for pre-spawn staging fish to start gathering on rocks and shallower points upriver. You can use live bait or cast artificial lures like swim baits or small jigs to try to entice a bite.

The trolling bite will increase by the end of the month. Look to target these fish in 15 to 30 feet of water.

As is typically the case, the pretty post-front days with lots of sunshine are usually going to be slower days, while cloudy pre-front days have been producing more bites and more fish

Forecast By: Eric Crowley Lake & Stream Guide Service (706) 669-4973

lakeandstreamguideservice@gmail.com

Why do most people seem to think the striped fish should be shallow right now? Some are, but the majority of the fish on Carters are holding deep, 50, 60, even 70 feet deep still. So if you like fishing a summer pattern in the dead of winter, this is the lake to do it.

We are typically watching sonar and dropping baits to waiting fish.

Let the baits hang in the depth of the fish a few minutes. If they don’t eat, go find the next school. We have sat on schools of fish for an hour with zero bites. On the same day you will find a school that’s going to eat right away. That doesn’t mean the first school won’t eat. It just means they aren’t eating right now. Simply drop a waypoint and come back later.

Gizzards, alewife and big threads are all working when it’s time to eat.

If sitting still or slow drifting isn’t your thing, the trolling bite is still solid. Capt. Mack’s U-Rigs, mini rigs, and chipmunk jigs are still get-

CLARKS HILL LAKE

by Capt Tony Shepherd and Capt Rocky Fulmer Little River Guide Service lrguideservice@gmail.com (706) 210-3474

us on Facebook and Instagram @ littleriverguideservice. Please visit our website for booking information and driving directions.

Here comes February and new opportunities to put smiles on our clients faces. Striper and hybrid fishing has been of fire this winter, and we are catching limits daily using live herring on down-rods along the river and creek channels.

The excellent bite on Clarks Hill will continue to into the future thanks to the great efforts of both the GADNR and SCDRN. The lake is heavily stocked with the great eating and hard fighting striped fish on an annual basis and all you have to do to experience it is pick up the phone (706 2103474) and reserve your day on the water with us. Fish cleaning is included with your trip. Follow 26 ATLANTA

001_ATL feb.indd 26

FEBRUARY 2020

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THEANGLERMAGAZINEATLANTA/

1/19/20 8:45 PM

LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST 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 February? It’s hard to believe with these 60 and 70 degree days.

Although one thing is for sure, these warm days have the stripers going crazy! It’s totally an optimal time to hit the water for some huge trophy stripers, especially with these warm winter days.

Fortunately for you, we can help you score that monster North Georgia striper. Lake Nottely is North Georgia’s hidden gem for catching some awesome stripers, and, as North Georgia’s #1 fulltime guide striper service, we are here to help put you on some hardfighting fish. Guaranteed! Check us out on Facebook and you’ll see!

Currently, water temperatures on Lake Nottely are in the low 50’s and water levels are around 16 feet below full pool. Water clarity is moderately clear and stained in the creeks and rivers due to all the recent rains.

Striper fishing has been excellent recently!! We’ve been catching a lot of 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 and free lines early in the morning has been working great.

Huge gizzard shad and blueback herring is always the bait of choice this time of year. It’s so stinking awesome to see a huge 30-pounder explode on a bait at the end of a planer board. It will definitely have you hooked on striper fishing once you experience this thrill. Back on track now, occasionally we’ll also pull small trout as well. Our trophy striper season has been in full swing, and these techniques will continue for the next few months.

February is a fantastic month for catching a lot of stripers on this Blairsville Georgia lake. Book a trip with Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service and let the area’s #1-rated guide service put you on some of Lake Hiwassee and Lake Nottely’s best trophy stripers during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We also serve Lakes Hiwassee, Chatuge and Lake Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, GA. And for all your live bait and tackle needs, check out us out at Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA. They carry everything you need for a successful day of fishing and have the best live blueback herring around. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!

NOBODY SAID IT HAD TO BE FAIR FOR THE

FISH gps & navigation

audio system design satellite & tv systems led lighting security systems custom installation manufacturer certified

Your resource for everything electronics, on & off the water.

Sales, Service and Installation 3292 McEver Rd. Buford, GA 30518 | 770.906.7331 | avcmarine.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

001_ATL feb.indd 27

FEBRUARY 2020

ATLANTA 27

1/19/20 8:45 PM

Wall of Fame WIN A FREE ANGLER MAGAZINE CAP! One will be given away each month for the best reader submitted photo!

Trey Frilocx landied this dandy Chattahoochee National Forest rainbow fishing with Reel Em In Guide Service.

WINNER!

Makayla Faircloth with a big slab from Lake Eufaula.

.

Perry Barnhouse with a December Lanier bass grand slam

Ncrediblehuk with a fat 6 pound spot from Lake Lanier.

Laney Adams with a big cat caught jug fishing on Lake Eufaula.

Mark Nosaska with a nice brown caught on the Chattooga River.

001_ATL feb.indd 28

Chuck Fowler from Tower City, ND fishing Lake Eufaula with Capt Sam Williams.

1/19/20 8:45 PM

Airline_CoastalAnglerAd_3-2016_Layout 1 3/18/16 1:07 PM Page 1

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

SOUTHEAST

3

The Douglas Sky series is at the pinnacle of fast action, superior performance salt and freshwater fly rods. This series of versatile four piece rods is constructed with patented next generation nano carbon xmatrix materials. SKY represents award winning performance in rods that possess ground breaking strength-to-weight ratios. The Douglas SKY has built a reputation for featuring finely crafted actions capable of producing pin point accuracy, and longer than average casts with seemingly effortless casting.

Sky Series

Features

Elegant glare resistant matte platinum colored rod blanks with section alignment dots Top of the line componentry: Fuji Torzite Titanium Striper Guides, REC Titanium Recoil Guides, AAAA flor grade cork, burled blackwood reel seat, double uplocking rings with nylon bushings Multi-modulus blank construction using proprietary nano carbon materials for an unbeatable strength, weight and sensitivity Unique tapers combining moderate fast actions and fast recovery for effortless casting Packaged in a premium plush, moisture wicking rod sock and powder coated, lightweight aluminum tube Won “Best Overall Rod” in George Anderson’s Yellowstone Angler 6-WT Shootout Lifetime warranty on all Douglas SKY series rods

The Return of a Custom Built Quality Outdoor BBQ Products Since 1989

Pig Cookers, Patio Grills, Smokers, Customized BBQ Trailers

For More Info 1-252-236-4464 www.BQGRILLS.com 6043 Hwy 301N, Elm City, NC

4

SOUTHEAST

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

HIGH PERFORMANCE TRAILER BRAKING

DX8.5L

DX7.5

DX16.5

Dexter offers the most comprehensive line of surge actuators in the marketplace. Popular features include aluminum master cylinders, corrosion resistant coatings, and multiple coupling options such as Drop-N-Go™.

Choose Dexter for trouble-free towing.

www.dexteraxle.com

Dexter’s BrakeRite electronic/ hydraulic actuator features rapid response for improved braking distance, an electronic proportional pressure valve for consistent braking, and dual fill caps for easy maintenance. In addition, BrakeRite is compatible with most in-cab electronic brake controllers.

Dexter offers three BrakeRite models to easily match your application. The BrakeRite Plug & Play model is simple to install. It has no hard wiring and has a large reservoir for triple axles. An optional Australian 12-pin flat plug model is also available. The Dexter BrakeRite SD model provides a complete plug-in wiring harness to simplify field installation, while the standard BrakeRite model is available in both disc and drum brake options.

Dexter knows corrosion resistance is important on all types of trailers, and especially in saltwater or other corrosive environments. Dexter disc brakes for marine trailers are designed with this in mind, using brass fittings, stainless steel guide bolts and sleeves, and stainless steel pistons. Rotors are offered in multiple finishes including E-coated, Dacromet, and stainless steel. At a minimum, Dexter caliper castings and caliper mounting brackets are E-coated with options for Dacromet coating or an all stainless steel product.

Dexter’s BrakeRite and disc brakes combine two high performance products.

Together, they provide a proven record of performance and reliability, superior braking, in-cab control and corrosion resistance.

www.dexteraxle.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

24_NAT.indd 13

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

NATIONAL

13

1/20/20 10:19 AM

H

ooker Electric continues driving innovation in the fishing industry. Their top-of-the-line baitwell system is tops for keeping your bait fresh and lively. This system includes Hooker’s patented high-flow baitwell pumps and streamlined design that includes full variable flow that allows anglers to decide how much flow is needed depending on the species of bait they are keeping in the livewell.

Also a great choice for the tuna tube setups, the system allows the perfect amount of flow to the tubes.

The pumps have an outstanding high flow, measured in 2,500, 4,500 and 7,500 gallons per hour. With the 12 VDC brushless motor system, these pumps are superior to anything else on the market.

Completely serviceable and rebuildable, Hooker Pumps are made to last. Another huge feature integrated on the pump system is that they are mounted outside of their custom sea chest.

This provides easy access and the ability to change a pump out fast, without taking the entire sea chest apart like the competitors.

Hooker Electric’s custom sea chest was specifically designed around their patented pumps. The sea chest is constructed of 316 stainless steel, welded to perfection, and then passivized. Passivization is a non-electrolytic finishing process that makes stainless steel more rust-resistant to avoid corrosion from the saltwater.

It is then heavy-duty powder coated for extra protection. The sea chest comes with a ¼-inch rubber gasket seal, stainless steel bolts, washers, a breather valve and acrylic lid that can be custom engraved with the boat’s name or boat manufacturer’s name upon ordering.

The crucial benefit of installing Hooker’s sea chest system is simple: less air in your system, especially with step-hull boats.

The sea chest allows the boat to pull clean water in and keep air out of the hoses, therefore out of the system.

Paired with the sea chest, Hooker has created custom manifolds cut from a solid block of schedule 80 PVC, which ensures longevity and quality. The manifold cleans up the aesthetics on the system by simplifying it and allowing water flow to be dispersed to multiple livewells as needed.

The Hooker pump system will keep you ahead of the rest when it comes to live baiting. The company is currently working with leading boat manufactures like Contender Boats, Jupiter, Conch Boats, Winter Custom Yachts, Freeman Boatworks, Intrepid Power Boats, Billfish Boatworks, Tracker Marine, FMC, Yellowfin Yachts, Sea Vee boats, and the system now comes standard in all of the Valhalla boats by Viking.

See Hooker Electric’s innovation for yourself at Booth D308 at the Miami Boat Show. For more information, go to hookerelectric.com.

14

NATIONAL

24_NAT.indd 14

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

1/20/20 10:19 AM

DEAD BATTERY, OUT OF FUEL, RUN AGROUND?

RELAX, WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK

UNLIMITED UNLIMITED FRESHWATER* SALTWATER*

$85 $159

With 300+ ports and 600+ boats, you’ll have no worries on the water with TowBoatU.S. by your side. Just tap the red button in the BoatU.S. App and we’ll be on our way. GET UNLIMITED TOWING SERVICE TODAY!

BoatUS.com/Towing | 800-395-2628

*Annual Membership. Details of services provided can be found online at BoatUS.com/Agree. TowBoatU.S. is not a rescue service. In an emergency situation, you must contact the Coast Guard or a government agency immediately.

Latest & Greatest!

New Penn® International® VI Series Available for the 30, 50, 70, 80, & 130 Models

Fastest Retrieval Rate on the Market!

855.HOOK.ONE LOCAL: 954-530-6908 HOOKERELECTRIC.COM

5094 NE 12th Avenue, Oakland Park, FL 33334-4917 showroom: sales@hookerelectric.com

• Regional Reports • Featured Articles • Fishing Tips • Giveaways

www.coastalanglermag.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

24_NAT.indd 15

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

NATIONAL

15

1/20/20 10:20 AM

KEEP IT GENUINE PRECISION PROTECTION

Whether you take your boat out to the lake or the ocean, your 4-stroke outboard needs ECSTAR Suzuki Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil so it can run long and strong.

ECSTAR features special additives that protect the engine in harsh salt and fresh water environments, advanced detergents that keep engine parts clean, and viscosity index improvements that help the engine start in cold conditions.

No matter where your next boat ride takes you, go confidently with ECSTAR.

RUN LONG. RUN CLEAN. RUN STRONG.

Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-Approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. Suzuki, the Suzuki “S” ECSTAR and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

ECS-NewHorizHalf.indd 1

Boat Show Season -See You at Your Local Boat Show www.

3/21/19 2:26 PM

Made in USA

I

b i b s

boats.net

N D A f t L T 1 b

CALL FOR YOUR LOCAL DEALER

252-235-2461 16

NATIONAL

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

DOA 2.75 Shrimp - the totally new design is the best of both worlds – it’s like fishing a jig and a DOA Shrimp.

The weighted hook is super sharp and slips seamlessly into the body of the shrimp. Slightly smaller and heavier than the Original, it has a molded in rattle cavity to easily add sound, skips well, sinks fast, and casts like a bullet.

24_NAT.indd 16

G

www.doalures.com

G c c d

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 201578_DOA_1.14_Coastal Angler_Coupon Ad_3.762x5.012.indd 1

T 4 l o c

1/14/20 8:50 AM

1/20/20 10:20 AM

LOW AS

$pe3r c5oin0

Dual Dates of 1776 and 1976

Actual size is 38.1 mm

Special Bicentennial Reverse Design

New Hoard Discovered!

Full Bags of Eisenhower Bicentennial Dollars

I

n 1975 and 1976, the United States Mint released special Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollars to mark the 200th birthday of our nation. Upon their release in 1975, a family purchased five full bags—5,000 coins in all—and simply stashed them away... until now!

Special Bicentennial Design Normally, the short-lived Eisenhower Dollar displayed a stylized version of the Apollo 11 mission patch on its reverse. But for the nation’s 200th birthday, a new onetime-only design was created, showing the Liberty Bell before an image of the Moon.

This temporary design and dual dates of 1776 and 1976 make it a coveted piece that belongs in every U.S. coin collection.

Fresh Out of the Bag! Though each of these coins is more than 40 years old, you wouldn’t know it by looking at them. Each one is still in its original Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition, taken fresh out of a bag from

the Philadelphia Mint that has been sealed for 43 years. They’re just like new!

A Dual-Dated Mystery Curiously, each of the U.S. Mint bags of Eisenhower Dollars are dated 1975. But how can that be, if the coins are dated 1976? To get a jump on the celebration, the mint struck special anniversary U.S. Dollars in both 1975 and 1976. That means that for nearly all Bicentennial Ike collectors, it’s nearly impossible to tell when their coins were struck. But not with these. Thanks to the date on the bag, we can confirm that these Type II Bicentennial Ike Dollars were struck in 1975!

Secure Full Rolls NOW! When this incredible new hoard was announced, we snatched them up as quickly as we could. These coins sell elsewhere for as much as $12.25 each. But now, while our limited supply lasts, we’re offering full 20-coin rolls for as low as $3.50 per coin when you buy three or

more rolls. These Brilliant Uncirculated U.S. Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollars, featuring a special one-time-only design, are guaranteed to have come from a 1975dated U.S. Mint bag! Plus, when you secure two or more full rolls of these historic U.S. Dollars, we’ll include FREE Domestic Shipping. Grab them by the roll while our supply lasts!

1776–1976 Eisenhower Bicentennial Dollar 20-Coin Rolls $79.95/roll + s/h 1 Roll 2 Rolls - $74.95/roll SAVE $10 3 + Rolls - $69.95/roll SAVE $30 or more

FREE SHIPPING on 2 or More Rolls!

Limited time only. Product total over $149 before taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only.

Not valid on previous purchases.

Call today toll-free for fastest service

1-888-201-7146 Offer Code RBD140-01 Please mention this code when you call.

GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. RBD140-01 • Burnsville, MN 55337 GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk. GovMint. com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors. Prices, facts, figures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change significantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions (www.govmint.com/terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I FEBRUARY 2020 I NATIONAL 17 decline, return your purchase pursuant to GovMint.com’s Return Policy. © 2020 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.

24_NAT.indd 17

1/20/20 10:20 AM

WAHOO “COWBELLS’’ & ‘’SNAGGER’’ DOLPHIN LURES

44 TOURNAMENT WINS

RIGGED N’ READY!

TROLLS 6-10 OR UP TO 20 KNOTS — NO WEIGHTS NEEDED

“BALLYHOOD” SALTWATER TROLLING LURES

WE PR

Cus

$ $

1

COM

PEL

588 FLA

Cust

(714) 545-0196 6-pak Special $69.00 w/ FREE Case

FREE SHIPPING!

www.BALLYHOOD.com

SA 83

COM

STR

20V EX IM

A. 1

ITEM 6385

B. W

ITEM

COMP

INGE $

53

MODEL

COM

DEW $

6

MOD

COM

BIG $

29

MODE

18

NATIONAL

24_NAT.indd 18

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

1/20/20 10:20 AM

hft_coa

SUPER COUPON 1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com

SUPER COUPON Strong, secure, easy-open latches

WEATHERPROOF PROTECTIVE RIFLE CASE

OVER 5,000

5 STAR REVIEWS Customer Rating

Pick and pull foam insert for impact-absorbing protection

NOW

$1 1 4 $

149

99

$

COMPARE TO

PELICAN

269

ITEM 64520

MODEL: DOUBLE RIFLE

Adjustable pressure relief valve equalizes pressure for easy opening Case contents not included.

SUPER COUPON

588 LUMEN TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT

*79289513 * 79289513

5999

$

MODEL: PROTAC 1L

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 4/3/20*

7 FT. 4" x 9 FT. 6" CAMOUFLAGE WEATHER RESISTANT TARP

COMPARE TO

WEATHERMASTER $ 99

8

14

99

MODEL: 300083999

SAVE 50%

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 4/3/20*

SUPER COUPON

20V LITHIUM-ION EXTREME TORQUE IMPACT WRENCH KITS A. 1/2" $ 99

534

MODEL: W7250-K2

SAVE $ 304

$1 9999

Item 64031, 56429, 64033, 64059, 64721, 64722, 64720

*79291642 * 79291642

COMPARE TO

9 $299

59

$3 49

77 SCHUMACHER $ ITEM 60581/3418 MODEL: SE-1250 60653 shown ELECTRIC

5

$ 99 SAVE ITEM 63135 RANGEMAXX MODEL: 1312-92 65% 61451 shown *79291696 * 79291696

9

$ 99

COMPARE TO

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 4/3/20*

NOW

SAVE 49% $5499

B

SAVE 630

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 4/3/20*

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

9000 WATT MAX. STARTING EXTRA LONG LIFE GAS POWERED GENERATOR • 13 hour run time

ITEM 63970/63971 ITEM 63969/63968 shown , CALIFORNIA ONLY

Customer Rating

9

B. WITH 2" ANVIL A

99 229 $

YOUR CHOICSE OF 7 COLOR

2/10/50 AMP, 12 VOLT MECHANICS IN SM, BATTERY CHARGER AND GLOVES AVAIL. ENGINE STARTER Customer Rating MED, LG, XL, XXL

YOUR CHOICE

ITEM 64349

830

MODEL: KRBC10TBPES

$

SUPER COUPON

®

Customer Rating

269 $2299

$

ITEM 61765/46411 shown

*79291352 * 79291352

INGERSOLL RAND $ 45

Customer Rating

• 700 lb. capacity

COMPARE TO Snap-on BLUE-POINT

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 4/3/20*

COMPARE TO

AMMO DRY BOX

SUPER COUPON

30", 5 DRAWER MECHANIC'S CARTS

NOW

*79290939 * 79290939

ITEM 63537/64195 63852 shown

Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented.

Valid through 4/3/20 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.

$449 $599

$999

ITEM 64799/63934 shown

STREAMLIGHT

Pre-drilled for two padlocks (locks sold separately)

*79289813 * 79289813

Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Atlas, Bauer, Central Machinery, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases.

Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 4/3/20.

NOW

NOW $

13

ITEM 63878/63991 PERFORMANCE $ 52 69567/64005/60566 MODEL: W2364 TOOL 63601/67227 shown

Customer Rating

5"

COMPARE TO

COMPARE TO

Customer Rating

Customer Rating

SAVE 83%

ANY SINGLE ITEM*

ALL IN A SINGLE SUPER POWERFUL LIGHT

SAVE * $ 79290856 55 *79290856

99

WITH ANY PURCHASE

• Super-Strong, Ultra-Lightweight Composite Plastic • Magnetic Base & 360° Swivel Hook for Hands-Free Operation • 3 - AAA Batteries (included) • 144 Lumens

Super strong reinforced polypropylene construction

99

20% OFF

FREE

SUPER BRIGHT LED/SMD WORK LIGHT/FLASHLIGHT

Customer Rating • 50-3/8" L

13-5/8" W 5-1/8" H

SUPER COUPON

SAVE 66%

NOW

Customer Rating

99

$4

COMPARE TO

VALEO $ 99

9 $599 $

5

14

$ 99

MODEL: 25521

NOW

ITEM 62434, 62426, 62433, 62432, 62429, 64179, 62428, 64178 shown

COMPARE TO

Wheel kit and battery sold separately.

HONDA

$

64999

2,789

MODEL: EM6500SXK2AT

*79291845 * 79291845

*79292612 * 79292612

*79293032 * 79293032

*79294976 * 79294976

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 4/3/20*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 4/3/20*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 4/3/20*

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 4/3/20*

SUPER COUPON

29 PIECE TITANIUM DRILL BIT SET

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

500 LB. CAPACITY STEEL 3 GALLON, 100 PSI OIL-FREE delivery: CARGO CARRIER AIR COMPRESSORS • Air 0.6 CFM @ 90 PSI

Customer Rating

NOW

COMPARE TO

DEWALT $ 14

68

MODEL: DW1369

$1 0

SAVE 83%

$

99

1899

ITEM 5889/62281/61637 shown

Customer Rating

4-1/2" ANGLE GRINDER

YOUR CHOICE

9 $399

COMPARE TO

NOW

HIGHLAND $ 99

79

MODEL: 1394500

SAVE 50%

$39

99

HOT DOG

$

59

99

ITEM 69623/66983 shown

ITEM 69269 97080 shown

$

PANCAKE

59

99

ITEM 61615/60637 Customer Rating 95275 shown

$

COMPARE TO

PORTER-CABLE

9862

MODEL: PCFP02003

SAVE 59%

SAVE 44%

NOW

COMPARE TO

PERFORMAX $ 99

17

MODEL: 2411-1

$

9 1499 $9

*79293704 * 79293704

*79293826 * 79293826

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 4/3/20*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 4/3/20*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 4/3/20*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 4/3/20*

2 TON CAPACITY FOLDABLE SHOP CRANE

130 PIECE TOOL KIT 18" x 12" WITH CASE MOVER'S DOLLY

• Boom extends from 41" to 61-3/4" • Crane height adjusts from 73-5/8" to 89"

BIG RED $ 99

299

MODEL: 11674699

SAVE $110

ITEM 60388 69514 shown

$

23999

Customer Rating

• 1000 lb. capacity

Customer Rating

9 $299

COMPARE TO

ANVIL

$

6639 SAVE 54% $3999

MODEL: A137HOS

ITEM 68998/63248/64080/64263/63091 shown

*79294284 * 79294284

*79294745 * 79294745

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 4/3/20*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 4/3/20*

hft_coastalangler_0220_M-REG171019.indd 1 24_NAT.indd 19

10 GUN ELECTRONIC SECURITY SAFE • CA DOJ compliant

32999

Customer Rating COMPARE TO

BUFFALO TOOLS $ 99

22

MODEL: HDFDOLLY

NOW

1099 $799 SAVE 65% $

NOW

99 $279

COMPARE TO

STACK-ON $ 57

564

MODEL: SS-16-MB-E

ITEM 60497/61899/63095/63096/63097/63098 shown

SAVE $284

ITEM 64008/64011 shown

Contents not included.

*79294760 * 79294760

*79294793 * 79294793

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 4/3/20*

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 4/3/20*

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.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 4/3/20.

SUPER COUPON

$

NOW

NOW

9 $1 899

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

9

ITEM 69645/60625 shown

*79293643 * 79293643

COMPARE TO

SAVE 2,189

$

SUPER COUPON

*79293132 * 79293132

Customer Rating

9

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

NATIONAL

19

1/8/20 1:30 PM 1/20/20 10:20 AM

Return Of A

LEGEND!

Inshore, Offshore, Fish More!

20

NATIONAL

24_NAT.indd 20

I

SeaCatBoats.com FEBRUARY 2020

I

.

228-206-4042

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

1/20/20 10:20 AM

3 6 0 - D E G R E E AC C E S S TO AN OCE AN OF POSSIBILITIES The engineless design of the FSH Series gives owners a spacious stern area, as well as 360-degree uninterrupted access to the water. With enhanced saltwater corrosion protection and a host of fishing and family-friendly features, Yamaha’s 2020 FSH Series is the best way to experience everything the coast has to offer.

YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M

©2020 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.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

24_NAT.indd 21

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

NATIONAL

21

1/20/20 10:20 AM

22

NATIONAL

24_NAT.indd 22

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

1/20/20 10:20 AM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

24_NAT.indd 23

I

FEBRUARY 2020

I

NATIONAL

23

1/20/20 10:20 AM

™

WINTER SALES EVENT SIX YEARS OF PROTECTION 3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection, No extra charge.

INSTANT SAVINGS

IN

SAVSTAN IN T GS S

SE AVE LE CT RIG SU HT ZU KI NOW OU TB ON OA RD S

REPOWER FINANCE

Instant Savings on select models when you buy a new Suzuki Outboard.

See your dealer for details.

REPOWER FINANCE Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]

To learn more, visit www.suzukimarine.com.

Gimme Six Extended Protection promotion applies to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 01/01/20 and 03/31/20 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings applies to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 01/01/20 and 03/31/20. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors.

Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 01/01/20 and 03/31/20. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2020 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

24

NATIONAL

I

FEBRUARY 2020

SZ Q1 Promo 1PG 24_NAT.indd 24 CSTL ANGLR 11-23-19.indd 1

I

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

11/23/19 4:10 PM 1/20/20 10:20 AM