FREE
GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA EDITION
@CAMTAMagazine view online at issuu.com
RECORD CATCHES OF 2020
Smallies &
BIG BLUES
PHOTO COURTESY OF HOBIE & KEVIN NAKADA VOLUME 25 • ISSUE 301
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM
F R A N C H I S E
O P P O R T U N I T I E S
A V A I L A B L E
APRIL 2020
W O R L D W I D E
Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Annual premium for a basic liability policy not available all states. Prices vary based on how you buy. *Available with comprehensive and collision coverage.
There’s a reason they say, Curse like a sailor. That’s why we offer basic plans starting at $100 a year with options that won’t depreciate your watercraft and accessories*. 1.800.PROGRESSIVE | PROGRESSIVE.COM
IF YOU HOOK THEM, THEY WILL COME.
A full metal body and sideplate withstand the torque of the toughest inshore fish. The Hydrophobic Line Roller Bearing and new Clutch Armor System triumph over corrosion. CNC Gear™ Technology and HT-100™ Carbon Fiber Drag make sure a hooked fish is a boated fish. The new, more durable PENN® Clash™ II.. LET THE BATTLE BEGIN.
captpeterdeeks
Merritt Island, FL
1782-
Fo
1782-20A Coastal Angler.indd 1
For: Coastal Angler
3/2/20 3:38 PM
Due: 3/2/2020
Photo courtesy of Knockin Tail Lures
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
F
or those who want to catch a heavy speckled trout, April is perhaps your best opportunity. April trout are still heavy from their lowered metabolism of winter. They are heavy with eggs and about to spawn. This makes April a prime month for heavy fish. The warmer water also makes them extremely aggressive and more willing to strike artificial lures of all styles. Let’s go over the how, when and where to target trophy trout in the spring. How: When water temp reaches the low to mid 70s, topwater action can be some of the best of the year. Aggressive trout are attracted by the rattling sound and erratic sway of the cigarshaped lures. You can’t go wrong with bone/white/ silver or a combination of these colors. I like to match the size to the conditions and forage in the immediate area. Required casting distance and surface conditions also play a vital role in my decision making. In rougher conditions, I typically use a large lure. The rattles of various lures also have different pitch. I prefer to use the higher pitch over a muddy bottom and a lower tone over sand, grass or shell. Slow-sinking, rattling, shad-style twitch baits
are also a good choice when trout don’t want to “rise” to the occasion. I prefer these lures with near-mirror reflective finishes. They do an excellent job of impersonating a wounded baitfish, and no large spawning trout in its right mind will pass up an injured baitfish. I can’t leave out the most versatile trout lure of all, the soft plastic. There are many styles, sizes and colors, but I prefer those that give more bang for the buck. When the fish are aggressive, I steer toward a soft plastic with a larger paddle that vibrates, creates a great swimming motion even on the pause, and one that rattles. These three components stimulate a fish’s lateral line, and they can’t resist the need to feed. When: I plan trips according to the solunar tables. I make every effort to be at my spot fishing during peak feeding times so that I’m not traveling from spot to spot when the fish are eating. Where: In spring, I direct my attention to grass flats. Wading is the superior method to consistently catch large trout, but you can still target flats from a boat. I prefer a flat with broken grass patches, potholes, channels, the dreaded prop scar or anything else that breaks up the grass to create ambush points for trout. Try to cover each transition from multiple angles, as trout will
stage on the edge of the sand against the grass. Pay attention to the where, when and how on your next trip. It will increase your odds of landing a trophy trout. It never hurts to practice catch and release on these beautiful fish. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
WEIGHS LESS THAN YOUR LAB, SO PACK IT UP & TAKE IT WITH YOU.
AT 32LBS. IK ANGLER 11’ IS PERFECT FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE. Available at outcastboats.com or 800.966.0976 4
NATIONAL
I
APRIL 2020
I
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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
OUTCAST SPORTING GEAR IK ANGLER 11
N
ew for 2020, Outcast Sporting Gear released a sweet little inflatable kayak with the performance, portability and comfort to take you wherever the fish are. The OSG IK Angler 11 was recently awarded Best of Show for boats/ personal watercraft at the American Fly Fishing Trade Association show in Denver. It was designed specifically for avid anglers seeking to access more open water. Weighing just 32 pounds, the IK Angler 11 is lightweight and compact, making it easy to take with you on those trips to out-of-the way places that are difficult to access with bigger boats. And it will haul a load, too. With a 350-pound capacity, it’ll carry even the largest anglers and all their gear. This kayak was built for all-day fishing in comfort, with an adjustable seat that sits high off the water for easy casting. It is a stable platform to fish from, and a removable fin provides straight tracking on long paddles as well as a shallow draft for skinny water. Other features include a quick, one-handed paddle holder; a self-baling floor; interior cargo loops for lashing gear; and an innovative Integrated Gear System, which incorporates a moveable base in a sleeve that accepts cargo pockets, rod holders and anchor mounts. At just under 11 feet in length and 37 inches wide, the OSG IK Angler 11 is a compact boat that delivers on the water. It comes with a www.outcastboats.com 5-year warranty. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
I
APRIL 2020
I
NATIONAL
5
Defender
®
THE BRANDS YOU WANT AND TRUST IN STOCK
Axiom Pro RVX Series Multifunction Displays with RealVision 3D and 1kW CHIRP Sonar • Touch Screen Display Available in 9”, 12” or 16” • Chartplotter w/ Lighthouse Coastal Vector Charts • Includes Lighthouse US Coastal Vector Charts or Navionics NAV+ North America Charts • Smart LightHouse 3 Operating System • Blazing Fast Quad Core Performance
Prices Starting at
2749
$
99
Defender Exclusive!
Lewmar Windlass packages with rode V700
Pro-Fish
Defender.com 800-625-8225
C
atching big pelagics is one of those “someday” goals for many kayak anglers. Venturing into the open ocean under paddle power after species like kingfish, mahi, sailfish and tuna can seem daunting to anglers accustomed to inshore waters or freshwater lakes and rivers. The first question you might have is: “Where am I going to find them?” Inshore, there are grass flats, mangroves and channels drop-offs that offer kayak anglers good places to start. Offshore waters don’t always give up information quite as easily, but the clues are out there. You just have to know what you’re looking for. The ocean is a big place, but I believe 10 percent of the water holds 90 percent of the fish. Narrowing it down to that 10 percent is the first step. Start your research off the water by locating a beach or other launch point that is close to hard bottom, wrecks or a reef line. This can be done with a little online research and a good mapping chip for your GPS. When the day comes to venture into the pelagic zone, take some time on the beach before heading out. Know the current, wind and water conditions. Is it calm? Is it rough? Are there a lot of weeds on the beach? Is there bait close to shore? Which way is the wind blowing? Answering these questions helps you decide what baits to use and at what depths to fish them. In general, calm days call for running baits deeper in the water column. With some surface chop or visible action on top—like bait jumping or fish breaking the water—run baits closer to the surface. Other things to look for are rips, color changes, birds and weed lines. A rip is an area where two currents meet. The water will look more turbulent than surrounding areas. A defined color change will have strong current running along its edge. Usually these color breaks and rips consolidate debris and weeds, and often birds will hover over these areas. The weeds and current attract bait, which in turn attract the pelagics. When you’re offshore, you have to take what the ocean gives you. Anything that looks different than the surrounding water is a place to put baits out. If you find yourself on the water with no wind, surface activity or weeds, look to your GPS to show you the way to hard bottom, structure, rock piles or reefs. There will always be some type of baitfish around these areas to attract pelagics. Find the bait, and you will find the fish. If you are new to offshore kayak fishing or are thinking about trying it, this information should give you a start on your quest to land a pelagic from your kayak.
• Knowledgeable & Experienced Sales Staff • • Same Day Shipping on Most Orders • 6
NATIONAL
I
APRIL 2020
Coastal Angler April 2020 half vertical.indd 1
I
By Brian Nelli
Brian Nelli operates south Florida’s Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters. Check them out at www.tckayakfishing.com and email Brian at brian@tckayakfishing.com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
3/9/20 3:35 PM
Take a
ROD BUILDING CLASS
Houston, TX
Clark, NJ
Tulsa, OK
Baltimore, MD
Oviedo, FL
Sacramento, CA
Dallas, TX
San Diego, CA
Register at:
WWW.MUDHOLE.COM/CLASSES
MUDHOLE.COM/TURNKEY
Dave Scadden
Paddlesports
Gray 2021 Stingray 360 X
2021 Dragonfly Backslash XX
Boat in a bag. Hardcore inflatables for serious anglers.
Olive 2021 Stingray 360 XX
RV friendly Airline friendly Apartment friendly Whitewater capable Inflates in 3 minutes No assembly required Fits in the trunk of your car Revolutionary frameless technology
www.davescaddenpaddlesports.com (801)392-5404 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
I
APRIL 2020
I
NATIONAL
7
Urgent: Special Summer Driving Notice
To some, sunglasses are a fashion accessory…
But When Driving, These Sunglasses May Save Your Life!
Studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that most (74%) of the crashes occurred on clear, sunny days
Drivers’ Alert: Driving can expose you to more dangerous glare than any sunny day at the beach can… do you know how to protect yourself?
T
he sun rises and sets at peak travel periods, during the early morning and afternoon rush hours and many drivers find themselves temporarily blinded while driving directly into the glare of the sun. Deadly accidents are regularly caused by such blinding glare with danger arising from reflected light off another vehicle, the pavement, or even from waxed and oily windshields that can make matters worse. Early morning dew can exacerbate this situation. Yet, motorists struggle on despite being blinded by the sun’s glare that can cause countless accidents every year. Not all sunglasses are created equal. Protecting your eyes is serious business. With all the fancy fashion frames out there it can be easy to overlook what really matters––the lenses. So we did our research and looked to the very best in optic innovation and technology. Sometimes it does take a rocket scientist. A NASA rocket scientist. Some ordinary sunglasses can obscure your vision by exposing your eyes to harmful UV rays, blue light, and reflective glare. They can also darken useful vision-enhancing light. But now, independent research conducted by scientists from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has brought forth ground-breaking technology to help protect human eyesight from the harmful effects of solar radiation
Eagle Eyes® Lens
simulation
Slip on a pair of Eagle Eyes and everything instantly appears more vivid and sharp. You’ll immediately notice that your eyes are more comfortable and relaxed and you’ll feel no need to squint. The scientifically designed sunglasses are not just fashion accessories—they are necessary to protect your eyes from those harmful rays produced by the sun during peak driving times. ®
8
NATIONAL
I
APRIL 2020
I
light. This superior lens technology was first discovered when NASA scientists looked to nature for a means to superior eye protection— specifically, by studying the eyes of eagles, known for their extreme visual acuity. This discovery resulted in what is now known as Eagle Eyes®. The Only Sunglass Technology Certified by the Space Foundation for UV and Blue-Light Eye Protection. Eagle Eyes® features the most advanced eye protection technology ever created. The TriLenium® Lens Technology offers triple-filter polarization to block 99.9% UVA and UVB— plus the added benefit of blue-light eye protection. Eagle Eyes® is the only optic technology that has earned official recognition from the Space Certification Program for this remarkable technology. Now, that’s proven science-based protection. The finest optics: And buy one, get one FREE! Eagle Eyes® has the highest customer satisfaction of any item in our 20 year history. We are so excited for you to try the Eagle Eyes® breakthrough technology that we will give you a second pair of Eagle Eyes® Navigator™ Sunglasses FREE–– a $59.95 value! That’s two pairs to protect your eyes with the best technology available for less than the price of one pair of traditional sunglasses. You get a pair of Navigators with stainless steel black frames and the other with stainless steel gold, plus one hard zipper case and one micro-fiber drawstring cleaning pouch are included. Keep one pair in your pocket and one in your car. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you are not astounded with the Eagle Eyes® technology, enjoying clearer, sharper and more glare-free vision, simply return one pair within 30 days for a full refund of the purchase price. The other pair is yours to keep. No one else has such confidence in their optic technology.Don’t leave your eyes in the hands of fashion designers, entrust them to the best scientific minds on earth. Wear your Eagle Eyes® Navigators
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Navigator™ Black Stainless Steel Sunglasses
Receive the Navigator™ Gold Sunglasses (a $59.95 value) FREE! just for trying the Navigator™ Black
Navigator™ Gold Stainless Steel Sunglasses
Certified EAGLE EYES® was developed from original NASA Optic technology and was recently inducted into the Space Foundation Technology Hall of Fame.
Fit-ons available for $39 +S&H Black or Tortoise-Shell design
with absolute confidence, knowing your eyes are protected with technology that was born in space for the human race. Two Pairs of Eagle Eyes® Navigator™ Sunglasses $119.90† Offer Code Price $49 + S&P Save $70.90
Offer includes one pair each Navigator™ Black and Navigator™ Gold Sunglasses
1-800-333-2045
Your Insider Offer Code: EEN891-06 You must use this insider offer code to get our special price.
Stauer
® 14101 Southcross Drive W.,
Ste 155, Dept. EEN891-06 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337
www.stauer.com Rating of A+
† Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.
Smart Luxuries—Surprising Prices ™
FORCE ISC™ 10K B2
By Nick Carter
T
ennessee’s Lake Chickamauga has garnered a lot of press in recent years for giant largemouth bass. The introduction of Florida-strain largemouths certainly paid off for this 60-mile-long Tennessee River impoundment. The thing is, all the hype over bucketmouths has overshadowed world-class fisheries that already existed on the Tennessee River from Chickamauga down through Chattanooga. Flowing between high ridges of The Scenic City, the big river pumps out some pretty spectacular action for catfish and smallmouth bass. Richard Simms, of Scenic City Charters, said the fishing heats up with water temperatures this time of year. Whether you’re looking for bigshouldered river smallies, giant blue cats—or a little bit of both—right now is the time to be on the water. Smallmouth Bass: The Chickamauga tailrace lights up with aggressive smallies in spring. They feed up in a 10-mile stretch below the dam. Simms said fishing jigs and soft plastics around rip-rap, current seams and edges is productive. But drifting live threadfin shad or shiners with the current leads to faster action. With light 6-poundtest line enticing the most bites, any smallmouth is a handful. They typically run from 2 to 4 pounds on the river, and a decent day will produce 10 to 15 of
these scrappy bronzebacks. Simms said to expect a mixed bag on live bait. Everything eats shiners, so anglers will also catch white bass, spotted bass, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow bass, catfish and maybe a striped bass. Catfish: Big blue catfish are abundant on the Tennessee River from Chickamauga Dam all the way down through Chattanooga. When flows are right, the tailrace can be very good. When too much water is being released from the dam, Simms heads up to the reservoir. Either side of the dam, the prespawn bite peaks in April. “Both fisheries hold great big catfish,” said Simms, “and pre-spawn is a great time for catching trophy fish.” On the reservoir, deep drop-offs and river channel holes with structure are the places to vertical drop cut skipjack herring, bluegill or chicken breast. Below the dam, Simms drift fishes those same baits on light 10-pound tackle. In 2009, Simms’ client, Jerry Uhrine, caught a 52-inch-long, 75-pound blue catfish on 10-poundtest line. It is a National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame line-class record. “That light tackle technique is really fun because the average catfish we catch is 5 to 10 pounds,” said Simms. “Those 10 to 20 pounders aren’t unusual,
Photos courtesy of Scenic City Charters.
and every now and then we get one of those really big fish.” An average half-day trip from April through October typically yields 50 to 100 pounds of catfish. “It’s real easy to stock a freezer,” said Simms. Check out Scenic City Fishing Charters at www.sceniccityfishing.com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
I
APRIL 2020
I
NATIONAL
9
NEED CUSTOM HEADWEAR?
RETAIL, WHOLESALERS & DISTRIBUTORS WELCOME • SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM MADE & PRIVATE LABEL
SALES@CAPSMITH.COM | 1-800-228-3889 OVERSEAS & DOMESTIC PROGRAMS LOW MINIMUMS
SHOP IN STOCK
STYLES AT
CAPSMITH.COM All original artwork is the copyrighted work of Capsmith, INC. and is protected under the Copyright Act of 1976, 17 U.S.C. 101 et. seq., All Rights Reserved. Any unauthorized use or reproduction, including derivative works, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
FREE SHIPPING IHATEHATS.COM HHEEAADDWWE EAARR D DI S TT RR I BI B UU T ITOI O NN IS Masks & Gloves
OVER
25 PURCHASE
$
USE CODE: COASTAL
Caps & More
Arm Sleeves
GREAT SUN PROTECTION!
10
NATIONAL
I
APRIL 2020
I
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Photos courtesy of Tuna Duck Charters, Hatteras, NC.
April action can be fast and furious off the Outer Banks. Here’s one on deck and another on the line.
By Tom Schlichter
T
he Outer Banks of North Carolina needs little introduction to fishing fans. A true angling Mecca, it boasts super action with striped bass, red drum, cobia, sea trout and a host of inshore species while also offering tremendous offshore action for tuna, billfish, wahoo, mahi and additional pelagic favorites. These ocean predators really get your blood boiling in April, when the action comes alive 25 to 30 miles offshore. “We really do see a great mix of blue water species in April,” said charter Capt. Dan Rooks of the 51-foot custom Carolina Sportfisher, Tuna Duck (252-216-6160; http://tunaduck.com) which sails out of Hatteras Harbor Marina (252-986-2166; https://www.hatterasharbor.com.) “Typical action this month sees yellowfins in the 40- to 70-pound class, blackfin tuna weighing 20 to 25 pounds, and wahoo to 60 pounds. Early in the month, you might also deck a bluefin while the end of the month sees white marlin, blue marlin and sailfish arrive on the scene. Many of the big blues will top 400 pounds.” It’s the combination of bottom structure and a meeting of offshore currents that draws big game species to these waters, explained Rooks. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream flowing up from the south and cool waters of the Labrador Current dropping down from the north meet along the edge of the continental shelf, providing sharp temperature breaks that stack squid, ballyhoo, flying fish and other baitfish. Match a Anglers aboard Capt. Dan Rook’s Tuna Duck Charters celebrate a break over some structure, and you have a great spot to start hefty tuna that slammed a popper off North Carolina’s Outer Banks. your search. “It’s not as important that the temperature break be large as that it be well-defined,” noted Rooks. “I’ve seen breaks here as small as half-a- said. “A storm might push the cool water farther out or bring warmer water degree and as large as 20 degrees. Any break can produce if the surrounding closer in, so you constantly need to make adjustments. Expect to spend some conditions are right. Look for clean water, active baitfish and plenty of life. time searching out the fish even if they were stacked up just a day before. That’s one plus for heading out with a charter skipper; we’re on the water daily, Those are tip-offs that you are in the right area.” Although he’ll sometimes jig or work poppers for tuna, Rooks spends which helps us keep track of shifting currents, temperature breaks and baitfish most of his time trolling. His favorite setup is a natural dead-bait spread, with schools. Some days you find the predators sooner than others – but never give eight ballyhoo trolled in a V-pattern at 7 knots. He works hard to drag his up hope because once you dial ’em in, the fishing here is as good as it gets.” Anglers looking to trailer to this area can find transient dockage, fuel, hotel offerings across structure points, where temperature breaks are discovered accommodations and a boat launch ($10) all at Village Marina (252-986-2522; using on-board temperature gauges and satellite imagery. “The breaks move, of course, and you need to be aware of that,” Rooks www.villagemarinahatteras.com) in Hatteras. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
I
APRIL 2020
I
NATIONAL
11
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
12
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
NATIONAL APRIL 2020Insurance I COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM provided Ithrough Boat Association Services, license #0H87086. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2019 GEICO
Greater Augusta & Central Savannah River Area
Proudly covering Lakes Sinclair, Oconee, Clarks Hill / Thurmond, Greenwood, Russell, Hartwell, Rabun, Burton, and the Tugaloo, Tallulah, Chatooga, and Savannah rivers
CONTACT INFORMATION Capt. Tim Sparks The Angler Magazine Greater Augusta & CSRA
706-550-7019
tim@theanglermagazine.com
Reproduction of contents in any form is prohibited.
A
Relieve Stress and Go Fishing!
pril marks one year for us here at The Angler Magazine Greater Augusta & CSRA. We greatly appreciate our readers, our contributors, and the many wonderful advertisers and small businesses who have made it possible to bring you this magazine resource. We hope you have enjoyed reading The Angler Magazine as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to you. Thank you! April is a great time to go fishing and a great time to get outside and explore any one of our area’s many lakes, streams, rivers, trails and parks with your family or just by yourself. In addition to the abundant fishing opportunities that you will read about in this month’s issue, considering the trying times in which we presently find our country and communities, fishing and spending time in the outdoors away from the chaos (and everyone else) can be the perfect relief from modern-day stress. Enjoy the great outdoors and see you on the water! — Capt. Tim Sparks
Carolina Skiffs Happening Now! Great Sale on New Boats
BOATS FROM 10 TO 40 FOOT!
803-648-6141 | suttonmarine.com 914 Park Ave SE, Aiken, SC | Corner of Williamsburg and Park
Sea Tow Services International, Inc. ©2012. All rights reserved.
THERE WHEN YOU NEED US
WE’RE ALL OVER IT!
Serving Lake Oconee, Lake Sinclair, and Clarks Hill Lake
Trust the local experts.
Sea Tow Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair \ 706-986-9588 \ seatow.com Receive an additional month of membership for free, call us today. 800-4-SEATOW
seatow.com
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!
Captain Wayne Captain WayneMoore Moore- Oconee - Oconee/On OnThe TheFly, Fly,Inc Inc(706)-816-4281 (706)-816-4281 www.oconeeonthefly.com wmoore1700@outlook.com www.oconeeonthefly.com / wmoore1700@outlook.com 2 GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA
APRIL 2020
Lake Report & Forecast LAKE OCONEE
Better Casting With A Fly Rod
M
ost fly fishermen, myself included, have long thought, “I am catching fish, why do I need to improve my casting?” The fact is, most of us would enjoy fishing more if we learn how to cast better. We would catch more fish, and for us older anglers have less chance of getting tennis elbow or shoulder problems. More importantly, in order to catch hybrids and stripers on freshwater lakes it takes a set of skills beyond the typically shorter casts involved in fly fishing for trout in small streams and rivers. The best way to get better is to practice on land in short, cut grass. Work on the double haul, getting tight loops at 50 feet. Learn the constant tension or Belgian loop cast. Learn the water haul and practice the roll cast. Hiring a casting instructor is a great way to learn. The other option is on-line videos. There are videos by Fly Fishers International (FFI) and Orvis on You Tube. Two of the best sources I have found are geared around the Fly Fishers International Casting Instructor (CI) test, but are great for all students: Keith Richard is an FFI certified Master Casting Instructor (MCI). He has over 33 videos on his web site https://www.thecampflyfishingschool. com/ that are free and very good. Dayle Mazzarella is also an FFI certified Master Casting Instructor (MCI) and he has on-line lessons for students and instructors: https:// www.flyfishingcoachinternational.com/. Dayle offers some sample lessons and some that require a subscription fee. In my opinion, they are worth the investment! So, practice up, hire an instructor, watch some videos and I am certain you will enjoy fly fishing even more! Here is what is happening now on Oconee: Hybrids / Stripers – As of this writing the lake is still stained all the way to the dam but getting better. Trolling shad raps for hybrids and stripers has been very good. Use a #7 shad rap and troll using your gas motor at around two miles per hour. As we move into April, the spoon bite and live bait bite will pick up near the dam. For the fly fisherman, when the water clears up look for topwater activity at first light, especially if Georgia Power is till pumping water up from Wallace dam. Crappie – By April, most of the crappie anglers here will switch from pushing jigs out of the front of the boat to pulling jigs behind the boat. Use 1/16-ounce jigs on Curtis Hobbs Litewire hooks http://litewirehooks. com/. You can get these at Sugar Creek Marina. Troll around .9 mph and you will catch a mess of slabs for the frying pan! Final words – I offer fly casting lessons and guided trips for hybrids, stripers and crappie using light spiking tackle or fly fishing here on Oconee. One thing that has been very popular with my customers is casting lessons the afternoon/evening before their guided trip the following morning. E-mail me at wmoore1700 @outlook.com or call 404317-9556 and lock in your dates. Tight Lines, and God bless. — Oconee on the Fly / Wayne Moore USCG Licensed Captain
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
478.451.0167
170 Sinclair Marina Rd., Milledgeville, GA 31061 www.sinclairmarina.com/angler.html www.facebook.com/sinclairmarinabusiness
NEW AND USE D BOAT SAL ES BOAT RENTALS PARTS AND SERVIC E D EPARTMENT DRY-STACK STORAGE COVERE D FU EL DOCK
TRAC!»� �
RE!\1:�- �ME1!,'=f!!!' ffi.23 KER. �MAKO
GENC- GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA
�I-IC>Er
APRIL 2020
��
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 3
Lake Report & Forecast CLARKS HILL / THURMOND LAKE
C
ome on spring! We have experienced a lot of rain recently and the lake levels are two to three feet over full pool. There are some navigational hazards to be aware of if you are zipping around the pond at a high rate of giddy-up. The heavily stained waters have deterred anglers, but the fish continue to eat. As April arrives, most fish will have the need to feed and spawn foremost in their mind. The blueback
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.
herring will stage early in the month off main river points and shortly thereafter move in mass to the shallows to spawn. All predator fish will follow and gorge themselves while they can. Live herring and cut herring will work very shallow early in the morning and through the night. Fish just a little deeper as the sun gets higher throughout the day. The hybrids and stripers will be migrating up the rivers and creeks on the false spawning runs and can be easy pickings if you can find the right water conditions like those found at Anthony Shoals on the Broad River section of the lake. The fishing should be outstanding through the spring and summer and we will be on the water daily to provide you with the best opportunity to experience a feeding frenzy. Your next outdoor adventure is just a phone call away (706) 210-3474. Tight lines everyone. — Capt. Tony Shepherd and Capt. Rocky Fulmer / Little River Guide Service / 706-210-3474 / littleriverguideservice.net
LAKE SINCLAIR
W
ater temperature – 60s Lake level - down 1.3 feet Clarity – stained Bass fishing is fair. The full moon has passed. The bass are looking for food. Using the Lowrance Structure Scan technology, scan out 120 feet both ways and head into the mid-lake creeks. This technology can see schools of bait easily and the game fish will be close by. Water temperatures are important now and finding even one- or two-degrees difference can make a huge difference. When the sun pops out this will be a plus for crank baits on the rip rap or any long stretch of larger rock. Early in the morning or after mid-day, the Carolina rig is still a good bet. The red shad Storm worm is still working on bass holding to cover in the deeper water. Keep a Zoom Super Fluke ready in pearl and baby bass as feeding periods are long all week. — Ken Sturdivant / southernfishing.com
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
Full Service Deli Non-Ehanol Gas Snacks
Bait Boat Ramp Picnic Tables
611 TWIN BRIDGES RD. EATONTON, GA 478-968-0713 4 GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA
APRIL 2020
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Lake Report & Forecast CLARKS HILL / THURMOND LAKE CATFISH
T
he potential for some really big 40-plus-pound blue catfish is pretty good in April as a lot of the big females will be feeding up to get ready for the upcoming spawn. Most of the big fish will be holding in 30 feet or less along the ledges of points and humps, feeding and ambushing spawning threadfin and gizzard shad along with all the other smaller, spawning baitfish. Anchoring the boat up shallow and fan-casting baits to all different depths from 5-30 feet up and down the edges is one of the best approaches to getting some large fish. Cut herring will work, but to specifically target larger blues its usually best to use larger, hardier fish like gizzard shad and white perch.
By mid to late April the herring will be starting to spawn in the same areas, especially red clay points and banks. Anchoring in these areas and fishing cut bait will yield the chance of catching some large catfish as well as nice hybrids and striper. Pulling live herring and gizzard shad on freelines and planer boards across those points is also another productive and fun way to catch hybrids and striper, as well as some pretty big largemouth and spotted bass. — Chris Simpson / Fightin’ Da Blues Catfish Guide Service 864-992-2352 / fightindablues.com
Sales • Rentals Service • Storage • Fuel
GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA
APRIL 2020
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 5
Lake Report & Forecast LAKE BURTON
LAKE RUSSELL
ater Temperature: 53 degrees Level: down 2 feet Clarity: semi-stained Bass - The bass bite has been okay the last couple of days. The fish we have caught have been bigger than normal. Ditches back in pockets still seem to be the go-to. We have been casting swim baits the last few days in these areas letting them sink seven seconds or so before retrieving. The fish seem to be a little lethargic on the initial bite so be patient when working the bait. Casting several times to the same areas seems to wake them out of their trance. My favorite bait this time of year is a Super Fish underspin tipped with a small white three to four-inch paddle tail. Working rock ledges along the creek channels and ditches parallel to the creeks seems to work best. This bite should continue to get better over the next few weeks as we head into mid-April. Look for the top water bite to explode mid-April! Trout - The brown trout bite has been good the last week or so. We have caught most of our fish on live bait. We have been slow trolling blue back herring, large shiners and night crawlers on a crawler harness. These fish seem to like a slower speed in the two-mph range. We have been trolling long points near the main lake channels. These Browns are healthy and in the two to four-pound range. Walleye - The bite has begun. We have been catching some bigger post spawn females. Trolling seems to be the ticket right now. This bite should continue to get better and better over the next few weeks. — Wes Carlton / Georgia Lake Fishing 770-318-9777 / georgialakefishing.com
he most difficult thing about fishing this month is deciding what to fish for! Here on Lake Russell we will have many options. The bass fishing will be fantastic for both spotted bass and largemouth. The banks will be flooded with bass eager to chase down a fast-moving bait. Crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, even topwaters will all work, however, my favorite is a simple plastic paddletail jig on an unpainted eighth-ounce jig head. It is much easier and less stressful for the fish if you are going to release it with a single hook as opposed to three sets of treble hooks. The crappie will be spawning in the shallow coves. They will be holding around treetops and rocks in quiet little places out of the wind. My favorite way to target these fish is to use a 12-foot fiberglass jig pole with a float, split shot, and hook. Put the hook through the lips of a small shiner minnow and drop it around the shallow cover. To watch that float go under is still one of the greatest thrills in fishing. The stripers will be moving into shallow water also. They will be following the herring that are in the shallows spawning or preparing to spawn. Stripers will show up on random shallow points and can be caught on the same lures as the bass. Just be sure to have your drag loose enough to survive that hard first run or you can kiss your lure goodbye. Live herring on free lines can also be used to target stripers.
W
T
— Wendell Wilson / Wilson’s Guide Service / 706-283-3336
LAKE HARTWELL
W 4TH ANNUAL VETERANS APPRECIATION TOURNAMENT When: 11 April 2020 (6:30am-3pm) Where: Cliatt Crossing Store 3850 Augusta Hwy Lincolnton, GA 30817 Contact: Dereck Fulton 706-564-0682 Peach State Crappie Club on Facebook
ater temperature - low 60s Water level - 1 foot above full pool April means fishing shallow. April also means spawning fish. Fishing becomes simple in April as all gamefish move up on the banks. March was on fire with warming water temps and less rain. As the water warms in the afternoons, fish move up on windblown banks and eat small jigs and flukes worked slowly. By April, the morning bite will become as good as the afternoon bite. Hybrids and stripers will start to eat free-lined herring as well as artificial lures in shallow water. Many fish will run up the Keowee and Tugaloo rivers to spawn. Lots of fish will try to spawn down lake on shallow banks. Bass and crappie also spawn in April. Bass can be sight-fished as they make beds in shallow water. Crappie will drop eggs on wood and rock structure in shallow water. After a long winter, April is the perfect month to get out on the water. — Preston Harden / Bucktail Guide Service 706-255-5622 / bucktailguideservice.net
6 GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA
APRIL 2020
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
4738 Washington Road | Evans, Ga 30809 | 706-922-0930 www.PlatinumMarine.com
The Fun Starts Here.
GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA
APRIL 2020
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 7
Angler Spotlight TROUT OF THE SOUTH fishing and thought trout were for weenies that couldn’t handle bigger, “badder” saltwater species. After getting my teeth kicked in on my first few saltwater fly fishing trips, I was beginning to rethink my life choices. That’s when a co-worker became a friend and opened my eyes to a whole new world of fly fishing. Nick Duke approached me one day at my previous job and asked if I could help him with the basics of fly fishing for an upcoming camping trip he had planned in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Before long, I was being invited on camping trips, and seeing as Nick is from the Blue Ridge area, he showed me a lot of water I would have never tried on my own. I was more than happy to eat my own words about trout weenies! The streams cutting through mind blowing valleys took my breath away. Stalking these fish with tiny flies and the mind games involved instantly had me begging for more. And to my surprise, these trout fought hard and pulled more hen you hear someone talk than I expected. And the best part, I didn’t need a boat or a trailer or an about fishing in Georgia, astronomically expensive guide to enjoy it. I could drive a couple hours, trout in beautiful mountain walk into a river and fish. My mind was made up, and although I still love streams is probably not the first thing that pops into your head. The Southeast saltwater fishing when the opportunity presents itself, trout quickly became my focus and I was happy to be the newest trout weenie in the game. may not be known far and wide for Over the next few years, I found myself in the fortunate position to do its cold-water fisheries but those of us quite a bit of incredible trout fishing. From North Carolina to Tennessee who have explored it know that the to Montana and most recently Idaho and Wyoming. You might have options are vast, and the fishing can be amazing. Full disclosure, I have not taken noticed one thing missing off that list, North Georgia. I can give you a list of excuses, but it boils down to being lazy and partially being spoiled full advantage of this gem right in my by some amazing trips I was lucky enough to experience. Working at own back yard. When I first started fly Rivers and Glen I am in a unique position to hear a great deal about other fishing, I was laser focused on saltwater people’s adventures and I began to get very familiar with certain Georgia rivers that would come up repeatedly. One such river is the Soque River in Clarksville, GA just outside of Helen. I would hear stories of trout that were almost hard to believe until pictures were shown to confirm massive rainbows and submarine size browns. As I investigated further, I quickly Family Owned & Operated found out that the Soque River is mostly privately owned stretches of water that is not only heavily stocked but uses feeders to ensure the trout Throughout the CSRA in GA & SC get very big very quickly. Now I’m not even going to begin to poke the bear and go down the rabbit hole of the merits of stocking fish or feeding fish. Everyone has an opinion, and everyone is convinced theirs is correct. I know for me, while intrigued, I wrote it off as fishing that was too easy and not very sporting and just a way for guys to pay to get a grip-and-grin picture with a giant trout. Despite my personal feelings, I would recommend this river to many customers who came in the shop looking to try their hand at fly fishing for trout. I thought it was a good way to get newer anglers introduced to the possibilities afforded to them right here in our home state and only a short drive away. Finally, the day came when I was invited to go with a customer, and I decided to try my hand at trophy hunting. I figured this would be easy and all I had to do was show up and get my line wet and the biggest trout I’ve ever seen would just be happily jumping into my net. I know how to trout fish and I’ve been fortunate to do some amazing things, so I was geared up for a cake walk. We took off before the sun came up on a Friday morning and headed for trophy trout nirvana, an operation called Fern Valley. Marty and Glad who own Fern Valley are two of the kindest, most genuine people I have Travel the road with confidence. CSRA Camperland ever met who truly enjoy seeing anglers of all ages and stages come enjoy their property. We had booked Joe Rose of Soaring Eagle Outfitters as our is your local choice and a proud member of the guide for the day and although I thought needing a guide on a stocked Route 66 RV Dealer Network. We offer mobile service river full of well-fed fish seemed like overkill, my friend/customer had within a 60-mile radius. Insurance quotes available. been many times and strongly recommended a guide, if for no other reason than to net the fish for you. He seemed to think it would be helpful in other ways too. Immediately upon stepping into the river, I realized my 3844 Washington Road, Martinez, GA • (706) 863-6294 vision of an easy day was probably not going to pan out. Our guide set
W
We Sell Fun! www.csracamperland.com
8 GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA
APRIL 2020
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
e
o
r
e
t.
n
d
r
ul y
up a triple nymphing rig, meaning three flies tied end-to-end with 12 to 18 inches of tippet between them. Then add a split shot weight and an indicator. For any non-fly fishers that means a bobber. We just like to call them indicators to feel better about ourselves. In any circumstance that is a lot to cast, but the Soque is completely lined with trees and bushes that would love to steal your fly, so roll casting was the only option. After a few terrible attempts, I looked at Joe and tried to restore my pride by explaining that I really do know how to cast but I had never had to roll cast with this much on my line. He smiled and nodded and began to show me some tricks to improve my roll cast and I quickly understood how wrong I was in thinking I didn’t need a guide. I settled in and got into the rhythm of how to cast on this river and we proceeded to have a great day. While I didn’t land that trophy fish I had anticipated, my friend who invited me up had an incredible day capped off with a 25-inch seven-pound rainbow trout! Like I said before, everyone in the fly-fishing world has their own opinion of “pay to play” fisheries and stocking fish and feeding fish and this is by no way meant to be a diatribe on the pros and cons. I will only speak to my personal experience with this type of fishery and what I took away from it. I was pleasantly surprised by the challenge of the fishery. While there were definitely fish everywhere, and most of them were monsters from being fed, they were not at all easy to catch. For one, they’re fed so they’re not always on the prowl for a meal like a wild fish would be. They also see a lot of anglers and have seen every fly you have to offer and can be much more selective than I was expecting. Not to mention the fact that things become very different when every hook set means the reality of coming tight to what could easily be the biggest trout of your life. At first, I was too gentle, and these big fish spit the hook with ease. What did I do next? My best “Bill Dance” impression and break off the next few fish. Do I think that as a fly fisherman you should only go to privately owned stocked rivers and post pictures of your monsters as if you are the next Bob Clouser or Lefty Kreh? No, I think you should constantly be branching out and challenging yourself and trying new things and new places. But I also don’t think there’s anything wrong with taking a day with good friends and paying a little money to go take a shot at huge fish. It’s a fantastic way for people who are new to the sport to see the possibilities fly fishing can hold, but equally as fun for experienced anglers as well. Let’s all remember what this is all about, just having fun with good people in beautiful places. Whether you fish with an ultralight and a can of corn or you’re a dry fly purist, whether you’re a saltwater or freshwater or warm-water or coldwater angler, it’s all about the same thing. Having a good time. And no matter what your personal feelings are on the matters at hand, there is one thing you absolutely cannot argue with, we all had a blast that day in the North Georgia mountains. — Adam DuCharme / Rivers and Glen Trading Co / www.riversandglen.com GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA
EXPERIENCE • QUALITY • SKILL Family Owned & Operated since 1977 SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER
SEASONAL VEHICLE INSPECTION
Any Repair or Maintenance Service
Check All: Brakes & Tires, Fluid Levels, Suspension, Radiator & Coolant, Belts & Hoses
Cannot combine with any other offers. Expires 2/28/20
Any additional parts and/or labor extra. Cannot combine with any other offers. Expires 2/28/20
10 19
$
OFF $
FREE $
50
Introductory Oil Change + FREE Vehicle Inspection
24
95
SemiSynthetic Oil
Brake Check - All Fluid Check - Suspension Check - Exterior Lights Check - Radiator & Coolant Check - Belts & Hoses Check - Tire Safety Check - Dash Warning Light Scan Additional diagnostics and cost may Plus shop supply fees. Excludes exotics. Some makes/models require apply. Cannot combine with any other special oil, cost extra. Includes oil filter & up to 5 quarts synthetic offers. Expires 2/28/20 blend oil. Cannot combine with any other offers. Expires 2/28/20
We service all makes, models and lifted trucks.
4
LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU
706-724-0900
990 Telfair St, Augusta, GA 30901
762-685-5555
4014 Washington Rd, Augusta, GA 30907
Catch the C&C Automotive Show Saturday Mornings 8am - 10 am on 580 AM or 95.1 FM APRIL 2020
706-863-9318
3954 Wrightsboro Rd, Augusta, GA 30909
803-593-8473
2355 Jefferson Davis Hwy,
Warrenville, SC 29851
www.ccautomotive.com
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 9
How to… CHASING SPRING
M
ost times of the year, it’s a pretty simple task to decide where you’re going fishing, and what you’ll be targeting. But spring always presents a unique challenge. There are just too many awesome destinations and fishing options to choose from. Spring is a great time to experience everything from cane pole fishing for bedding bream to running out 50 miles to wrestle with tuna. And unfortunately, I never seem to be able to do it all. Believe me, I’ve tried. So, this spring I’ve decided to try something different. I’m just going to enjoy spring right here in my own backyard. Now my backyard is a little bigger than most. In fact, it’s really OUR backyard. For me, I consider everything from the South Carolina coast to the Alabama coast our backyard. There’s so much to experience, no matter where you live in the Southeast. For most of us, there are an abundance of fishy destinations with less than a five-hour drive. And I would highly recommend you give some serious thought to a few of these as well. Spring comes earlier to the southernmost areas of our backyard and arrives a little later the farther north you go. So, no matter when you start fishing between April and June, you should be able to stretch a string within a few miles or a few hours of your home base. Here are a few of my favorite springtime fishing holes. Gulf Shores, Alabama: In early April, the Spanish mackerel run off the beach is phenomenal. You can cast spoons from the beach, troll umbrella rigs and straw rigs just past the breakers, or fish from the pier with Gotcha plugs. When the schools show up, they will be ready to eat, and you can catch your limit in short order. If you happen to arrive a little later, the cobia will be running in almost the exact same areas, and right
The CSRA’s Soft Washing
Experts!
PRESSURE WASHING LLC
veteranspw.com CALL US FOR A
FREE ESTIMATE! (706) 399-6860
after that…the king mackerel arrive. St. Simons Island, Georgia: April is when tripletail show up to spawn off Jekyll Island. Never caught a tripletail? Imagine doing battle with a 12-pound bluegill. They are tenacious, and so good on the table. They’re also easy to spook, so you will be testing your skills at long accurate casts with a live shrimp and a popping cork. Trout and redfish will also be on the list, and if your trip is hampered by winds or a little rain, you can always fish the rivers and find a place out of the wind to fish. Don’t have a boat or need some local intel? Call Capt. Mark Noble at the Georgia Fishing Center and he will take you out on a fantastic, fun day on the water. Lake Hartwell, Lanier, Clarks Hill, Oconee, Keowee, Murray, GA/ SC: The reservoirs in the Southeast go into high gear in April and May when the water warms up to between 60 and 68 degrees. Stripers, hybrids, crappie, spotted bass all get frisky when the dogwoods start to bloom. The key is finding the bait, and on most lakes, the seagulls and loons will still be hanging around. Find whirling and diving birds, and you’ve just located the prime zone. Start at the upper ends of the rivers and work your way down as the spring progresses. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Something wonderful happens in the low country in the spring. The annual cobia migration kicks into full swing after Easter through May. The fish move up the sound and into the river to spawn, and if you don’t know exactly where to go, just look for the armada of boats lined up in the channel, in front of the interstate bridge. You can also have a large time with bonnet head sharks, dusky and sandbar sharks while you’re flatlining live baits for cobia. A great way to spend a warm spring day. Call Capt. Dan Utley – The Fishin’ Coach for a charter trip that you won’t forget. Georgia and South Carolina State Parks: Nearly every state park has a fishing pond, and most are full of bluegills and shellcrackers. Pick a couple days on either side of the full moon in April, May or June…grab a tube of crickets and a tub of worms. Then choose your weapon…spinning reel, spincaster or a cane pole and sit by the bank under a nice shade tree close to the bedding areas. You’ll have a fish-fry in just a couple hours. So, don’t let spring pass you by. Plan a fishing trip with the family, your kids or a buddy. You can fish from a jon boat, a kayak, surf cast or sit on the bank and have a blast. Let me know where you’re going and maybe I’ll meet you there! Tight lines and calm seas.
REMOVE ALGAE, MOLD, MILDEW, RUST AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS FROM YOUR HOME! 10 GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA
APRIL 2020
— Capt. Cefus McRae Nuts & Bolts of Fishing Series
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
s,
d
g
Conservation TAILWATER TROUT IN THE SAVANNAH RIVER AT HARTWELL DAM
F
rom a technical standpoint, it’s a tailwater fishery, but trout fishing in the Savannah River below Hartwell Dam is admittedly not much of a riverway challenge and is much like fishing from the bank of a lake. More than 13,000 trout – browns and rainbows – are annually stocked here from March through June, through a program shared by Georgia and South Carolina wildlife agencies. Like many Southeastern reservoirs, Lake Hartwell has three distinct water layers that differ in temperature and chemistry. By late summer the “hypolimnion layer,” the cool bottom area of water in the reservoir, typically has low dissolved oxygen (DO). Since the water released through the dam for hydropower comes from this layer, the low oxygen content would have a negative impact on the tailwater as it leaves the dam. While trout prefer the colder water, low oxygen content makes it difficult for them to thrive. A modification to the turbines changed all that. Recognizing an opportunity to improve fisheries habitat in the Hartwell tailwater, the Corps of Engineers contacted the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in 1997 to assist in identifying possible water quality improvements at the Hartwell Dam and power plant. After an on-site engineering study, the Corps followed TVA’s recommendations to
Kim’s Kitchen by Kim Nunery Pounders Seafood Market
EASY GRILLED FISH FILLETS IN FOIL POCKETS Ingredients 4 fresh fish fillets, about 5 oz each 4 tsp olive oil salt and fresh pepper, to taste 4 sprigs fresh herbs, parsley, rosemary, oregano 1 lemon, sliced thin 4 large pieces heavy duty aluminum foil, about 18 to 20 inches long
install turbine hub baffles and 10-inch air supply pipes to four of the five generating units. These modifications, referred to as “turbine venting,” allow air to diffuse into the water as it flows past the turbines during generation, resulting in a much-needed increase in dissolved oxygen levels in the tailwater. The Hartwell tailwater trout fishery is unique. Trout waters are in the mountains, where water temperatures remain cool throughout the summer. The cool hypolimnetic water released during power generation makes a trout fishery possible in the Piedmont. Catch-and-keep fishing is clearly the norm in the slightly more than mile-stretch of the Savannah’s “trout water.” You’re not going to wade here; posted signs warn to “stay off the rocks,” and the river is generally deep. Some anglers choose to float in inflatable boats and tubes, but boating trips are nearly out of the question because the current falls out quickly as the flow backs up into Lake Russell. Those who do boat the river for trout put in at the Smith-McGee boat ramp, just a few miles downstream in Lake Russell, but a buoy line prohibits boating into the first quarter-mile of the flow below the dam, leaving all the best trout water available only to shore-bound anglers who walk the shoreline at the dam. A minute-long, loud horn alerts anglers to the impending and quick rise in the river below the dam. Leave the riverbank quickly whenever the horn sounds. The Hartwell power generation schedule recording is available by calling toll free 1-888-893-0678 or 706-856-0300. The schedule is recorded daily and is subject to change at any time. — Bob Borgwat
Pounders Seafood Market
Black Angus Beef and Fresh Seafood Beef • Pork • Seafood • Produce • Poultry • Veal and Lamb
Catering Service • Cooked to Order
Meat And Seafood At Their Very Best
Directions: Place the fish in the center of the foil, season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Place a slice of lemon on top of each piece of fish, then a sprig of herbs on each. Fold up the edges so that it’s completely sealed, and no steam will escape, creating a loose tent. Heat half of the grill (on one side) on high heat with the cover closed. When the grill is hot, place the foil packets on the side of the grill with the burners off (indirect heat) and close the grill. Depending on the thickness of your fish, cook 10 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and cooked through. My porgy fillets took about 12 minutes.
Phone:
GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA
APRIL 2020
1210 Commerce Drive Suite 111 Greensboro, GA 30642
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 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 11
Local Rivers & Fly Fishing CHATOOGA RIVER
F
ish are jumping, bugs are flying, and the rivers are fishing great around us here at Chattooga River Fly Shop. The clocks have been sprung forward to give us that extra hour of light at the end of the day, and evening hatches are plentiful. Daytime fishing is a delight with the warmer spring temperatures embracing us here on our rivers in the South. The winter rains have been more than generous to us this year, and the rivers are at great levels as we enter spring. Let’s hope we continue to receive ample rains to keep river levels at comfortable heights, flows, and temperatures heading toward summer. Nymphs, emergers, dry flies, oh my, where do you begin? Let’s break this down as easy as we can. Starting out the day, a tandem rig with a nymph and an emerger trailer will be a good set up early in the day, as the bugs have yet to hatch. Starting at the tops of the riffles, a slight upstream cast with a mend or two of the line and swinging this tandem rig will work well. Slowly working the entire riffle area, a step at a time, with numerous casts along the same area to make sure you cover behind every rock or boulder in the riffle, will reward you with trout in hiding, awaiting a drifting morsel. Once the riffle is covered, swinging this tandem rig into the heads of the pools, and a pinch of weight
may be necessary to get the flies down to the fish. Also, swinging these flies along the seams will be just as productive. As the day progresses, the sun starts to warm the waters, and the temperature rises, the bugs emerge from the nymph shucks and emerge to break to the top of the water to fly away. This is when our day gets exciting! A glimpse of the first rising fish, then a few more to follow in the slower moving waters below, and now it’s time to tie on our dry fly. A little more precision in our cast and mending techniques will be tested as you will want to cast well above these rising fish. After the cast, a mend or two of the line and releasing some line so the fly will have a “drag-free” drift into the location of the rising fish will be key. One word of caution; do not set the hook too early as it is very easy to do as you see the fish rising to the fly you have perfectly presented. Hook set too early, fish is gone, and we’re back to square one, and casting to another rising fish. If you are new at this don’t worry, persistence pays off. We have all been too anxious to set the hook, seeing the fish rising at our beautiful dry fly drifting toward the fish starting to open its jaws to inhale our fly. Once the hatch has subsided and fish have stopped rising, now it’s time to switch back to the tandem rig and swinging. As the hatches change, so have we a bit. Stop by for all the necessary bugs you need, Tuesdays-Saturdays 7:30am-4:00pm & Sundays 7:30am2pm. We look forward to seeing everyone out on the wonderful rivers and let’s remember to “leave no trace” out there! — Chattooga River Fly Shop / chattoogariverflyshop@yahoo.com 6832-A Highlands Hwy. Mountain Rest, SC 29664 / 864-638-2806
Kommander-Pro Series
A Clean Cut For Every Budget.
Kommander-Pro Series
Hwy 78 North By-Pass, Washington, Georgia 30673
A Clean Cut For Every Budget.
WWW.PALMEREQUIPMENTCO.COM
(706) 678-3200
KUBOTA IS BUILT RIGHT HERE IN GEORGIA KubotaUSA.com Optional equipment may be shown.
12 GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA
© Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2018
APRIL 2020
EVERYTHING YOU VALUE
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
www.kubota.com
Kubota Tractor Corporation 2017
Kayak Corner CHOOSING A KAYAK
K
ayaks come in many shapes, sizes, styles, brands, and models. Each kayak is designed with different features, and aspects, to accomplish different things. If you plan to fish, then a whitewater or play boat are not the best option. Kayaks designed primarily for recreational use may not be a great option either. What you get depends on your individual needs and wants, as well as your budget. So, let’s get into some of the specifics to consider. So, you have decided you want to fish from a kayak. Some of the main concerns when fishing are stability, gear storage, and comfort. Not all kayaks, nor kayaks labeled as fishing kayaks, offer everything in a single package. There are many options offered at the big box stores, for really attractive prices, but as the old adage says, you get what you pay for. The really low-priced kayaks tend to be thin material, unstable (tippy), uncomfortable, and/or low on gear storage options. For just a little more, you can get into a much higher quality kayak from some well-known brands. Do your research, and more importantly, demo, demo, demo. How do you demo? Check with others in the local kayak fishing community, check local dealers, and watch for advertised demo-days by dealers and manufacturers. Not all kayaks are the same, and that can make it a little tougher to find what you want. Sure, all kayaks are meant to float, just like all cars are designed to drive. I liken buying a kayak to buying a truck. You may be a fan of a specific manufacturer’s truck line, but each model of that truck line has multiple different package levels, and each package level can affect how the truck rides on the road. Kayaks are no different.
Someone looking to buy a kayak needs to decide what they want to do in a kayak, where they want to use it, how it will be transported, and how they get it to and from the vehicle to the water. Once you know the basics, find a reputable dealer, and go check out the offerings. A dealer with an extensive knowledge of kayaks and kayak fishing can get you pointed in the right direction and on the water. Kayaks designed for fishing have come a long way in a short time. Some are heavy and slow on the water, but allow you to stand, walk around on them, and fish all day. Others are designed to be small and light, easy to transport to and from remote waters and for shorter days on the water. There are kayaks even designed to handle electric or gas motors, enabling you to travel longer distances on the water. Some kayaks are paddled, while others use a pedal option to keep your hands free to fish more. Your options are unlimited when it comes to kayak fishing. So, if you are considering or are just curious about kayak fishing, now is the time to jump in and get out there and explore. — Kevin Fox / Owner - Southern Moon Outfitters
K aya k s | Tra i l e rs | A c c e s s o ri e s www.southernmoonoutfitters.com
3905 Roberts Rd A, Martinez, GA | 706-830-4228
GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA
APRIL 2020
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 13
Fishing and Hunting Perspective JUST ANOTHER CRAPPIE DAY!
R
ecently, I was getting my gear ready to do some crappie fishing and someone asked me where I was going. I told them probably just to Fort Yargo. I have a boat I have been building for years and wanted to test it out. He said “there’s no need to go there. The water is so muddy the fish will never see your bait.” We have had rain every day for nearly a month, so there is not a lake around that doesn’t look like a mud bath. The next day, the guy said “you ain’t going fishing, are you? The water is so muddy the fish won’t bite.” I told him that I have a friend who has been wearing them out in this muddy water. I called friend and guide, Chad Smith, and asked if he had any openings, but he was booked until April. A few days rolled by and I texted him to see if he had any cancellations. He told me everyone is keeping the trips because the fishing is on fire, but just to come down tomorrow and when he finishes up, we can go out for a little while. Well, a little while is fine with me. I arrived at Sugar Creek Marina and waited on him the next afternoon. The water looked like caramel coffee. It was so dark you could not see in it at all. Wood and debris were all around the docks. The wind was blowing, and the water had a little chop. When Chad arrived, two guys got off the boat and I asked how they did. One of them replied that they did great. Chad said they kept 45 good fish and threw back over 50 smaller ones. I looked in the cooler, and sure enough, they had some good fish. I was ready to get on the water. We untied and headed out to a cove he hadn’t fished in several days hoping to find some bigger, hungry fish. It was a little slow, but we found four
fish by pushing black and blue crappie jigs tipped with minnows. Chad said when the water is this stained to use dark colors. The fish finder was showing a bunch of fish in a layer between eight and ten feet. We pushed at eight feet for a while then at ten. They just weren’t in the feeding mood, so we hit another cove. We were only going to fish for another 30 minutes or so and Chad had marked fish in that cove earlier that day. When we arrived, the cove was 59 degrees with the wind coming across it. Another boat was set up pulling baits already. We rigged up 12 rods. A minute later we had a bite, then another and another, at the same time. I missed the second one trying to get it with one in my other hand too. The other boat came by us and asked what we were using. Chad told him he needed to push, not pull, and slow down to .2 mph. We got into the fish, and it was fast and fun. We pulled in 16 fish in the last 30 minutes. The wind was blowing, the water was as muddy as it gets, and it was 4:30 in the afternoon. You can wait for the perfect day to go fishing, or you can just go when you can and hope for the best. Chad stays booked, and that’s why he keeps looking for hungry fish. If you are looking for a trip for crappie, catfish, striper, hybrids or need sonar training, you can reach Chad at 706207-2411 and chadsmithguideservice.com. Get with your friends and take a fishing trip, whether with a guide or just on your own, but GO FISHING! If you have an empty seat on your boat that needs filling or a great farm pond you want to share, shoot me an email and maybe next month’s article will be about fishing with you! You can reach me at gary@purgeright.com. Please remember, if you are not going to eat it, don’t kill it. — Gary Turner
Capt. Bill Wheeler (706) 914-9859 • (706) 444-6365
Striper/Hybrid Trips on Lake Oconee for only $250
“I’ll give you your money’s worth to go fishing.”
www.gonefishingstriper.com
14 GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA
APRIL 2020
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
SPRING 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
5 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 GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA
APRIL 2020
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 15
pound bass Jeffery with his 5Lake ll Hi s Clark
Jennifer s striped b hows off anothe ass - Lit r tle River Clarks Hill Guide Se rvice
Dylan with a nice bream - SC pond
unds from Ashley with 7.37 po - Augusta s nd the Brickyard Po Greg and Ashley with a nice haul - Clarks Hill Lake
16 GREATER AUGUSTA & CSRA
APRIL 2020
Send us your catch photos with details of Who, Where & What to Tim@TheAnglerMagazine.com
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CHERRY DOMINATES THE CLASSIC
T
here was no denying Elite Series veteran Hank Cherry. Riding a first-day sack of nearly 30 pounds, he led wireto-wire during the 50th anniversary Bassmaster Classic at Lake Guntersville to capture the most coveted title in tournament bass fishing. The 46-year-old B.A.S.S. photo by Gary Tramontina from Lincolnton, N.C. hoisted the trophy on championship Sunday March 8 and accepted his winnings of $307,500 as the Classic champion. It was sweet redemption for a man who’s fished the Classic five times and came heartbreakingly close to winning the whole enchilada back in 2013. During the 2013 Classic at Grand Lake, Oklahoma, a lost jerkbait fish dropped Cherry into third place. It’s safe to say his luck held on Guntersville, where limits of 29-3, 16-10 and 19-8 gave him a three-day total of 65 pounds, 5 ounces. He did most of his damage during Friday’s first round with a Z-Man Jack Hammer. The pattern led to a tournamentbest bag that featured a pair of 7-2 largemouths. On Days 2 and 3, he relied on his own Hank Cherry Signature Series Jig from Picasso in green pumpkin with a matching Berkley MaxScent Chunk trailer and a jerkbait—a Megabass 110+1 in the French pearl OB color. He spent practically the whole event fishing one causeway and one grass flat after a Day 1 arm injury limited his travel in windy conditions. “I never put gas in the boat all week,” Cherry said. “Y’all know me. If it’s windy, I’m not going to be making a lot of long runs—and anyway, I just didn’t need to.” South Carolina pro Todd Auten finished second with 58-10. Arkansas angler Stetson Blaylock took third with 58-1. The Berkley Big Bass award went to Auten for a 7-9 he caught on Day 1.
Made in USA
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.
www.doalures.com
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
I
APRIL 2020
201578_DOA_1.14_Coastal Angler_Coupon Ad_3.762x5.012.indd 1
I
NATIONAL
13 1/14/20 8:50 AM
SCADDEN DRAGONFLY XT2
A
nglers looking for a two-man raft as versatile as it is portable and functional will have a hard time finding anything that tops Dave Scadden’s Dragonfly XT2. At 10 feet long, 54 inches wide and weighing just 100 pounds, the Dragonfly XT2 can be thrown in the back of a pickup truck, yet it fishes and handles as well as a much bigger boat. It can be set up one person frameless, two-person frameless or decked out to the moon with Dave’s Dragonfly travel frame. It is super lightweight and portable yet offers performance levels never before achieved in the inflatable world. The Dragonfly XT2 is so outrageously tricked out that there are just too many cool gadgets to list. Go to www. davescaddenpaddlesports.com and watch the videos. You’ll see why professional guides around the country are choosing this boat for their river trips. All Dragonfly models are bladderless, miterless and fully rockered with rigid dropstitch technology and removable self-bailing floor systems. They are rated for Class V whitewater, have a 1,500-pound weight capacity and are backed by an exclusive unconditional lifetime warranty.
www.davescaddenpaddlesports.com
America’s #1 Cast Net Choice, Year After Year
Insist on Only the Best Cast Net for Grabbing Your Bait America’s Best
www.castnets.com | sales@castnets.com | 1-800-332-6387 ext. 110 | 14
NATIONAL
I
APRIL 2020
I
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
IT'S TIME TO FISH! www.
.com
www.MitziSkiffs.com www.CHawkBoats.net CALL FOR YOUR LOCAL DEALER
FISH & FISHING
252-235-2461
S
MARK SOSIN
ound is critical to a fish’s survival beneath the surface of the water. They rely on sound to signal the presence of prey or warn them of impending danger. Since sound travels five times faster in water than it does in air, it becomes a critical factor in a fish’s daily life. If you have watched fish for any period of time, you know they instinctively become alert to unfamiliar sounds or noise and tend to move away from the source. I watched a scientific experiment with trout in a clear water stream from a concealed tower. As an associate approached the edge of the stream from wooded concealment on the opposite bank, the trout became instantly alert. A few slipped back into protective cover, while the rest became motionless and waited to see what would happen. Every fish within view stopped feeding. Large predators sometimes invade a chum slick simply because they respond to the sound of smaller fish feeding. They can actually hear potential prey as the little guys devour the chum. The sound of other fish feeding will often trigger additional fish to begin feeding. Game fish are intensely aware of the distress vibrations given off by injured or impaired fish and usually are attracted to move in closer. These distress vibrations telegraph the
presence of an easy meal. That’s why a larger predator often attacks a hooked fish as you struggle to land it. Unique in the animal kingdom, the lateral line on either side of a fish is an extremely precise sound-detecting organ. It responds to low frequency sound within relatively short range in a system known as near-field displacement. Anything moving through the water disturbs the molecules and this is detected by neuromasts in the fish’s body. The accuracy of the system is nothing less than amazing. A fish can strike prey it cannot see with incredible accuracy. Negative sounds or noises are equally important. Too many anglers ignore the damage that noises can cause. Once a fish is alerted that something is not right, it seldom will risk striking a bait or lure. A plug landing too close to an oversized shark or a 100-pound tarpon can send that critter scurrying for safety. The noise of an outboard can eliminate fish in a given spot. Racing to reach a spot or to get to breaking Photo by Nick Carter fish as quickly as possible can shut down the activity. And making noise aboard a boat, particularly when it is easily transmitted through the hull has negative effects. The shallower the water, the more damaging noise can be. All it takes is dropping a pair of pliers, sliding a tackle box so it scrapes or making heavy sounds of any type. It pays to live by the rule that silence is golden. If you do, you’ll catch more fish.
For more from Mark Sosin, visit
CAMFISHING.COM
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
I
APRIL 2020
I
NATIONAL
15
WAHOO “COWBELLS’’ & ‘’SNAGGER’’ DOLPHIN LURES
44
TOURNAMENT
WINS
TROLLS 6-10 OR UP TO 20 KNOTS — NO WEIGHTS NEEDED
$79.95 ea. or 3-pak for $199
“BALLYHOOD” SALTWATER TROLLING LURES
(714) 545-0196
FREE SHIPPING!
6-pak Special $69.00 w/ FREE Case
www.BALLYHOOD.com
NOAA CLAMPS DOWN
ON ATLANTIC SNAPPER
I
n early March, NOAA Fisheries announced that red snapper season in the South Atlantic, from the Carolinas to Florida, will be a scant three days long with a one-fish per person daily limit… if there is to be a snapper season at all. It’s frustrating news for anglers, who are experiencing a similar situation to what occurred in the Gulf of Mexico prior to states taking control of red snapper management. While anglers and charter captains report plentiful and increasing red snapper catches, federal managers continue clamping down on regulations. And even the three-day season is contingent on a change to regulatory framework, which currently does not allow a season at all if NOAA determines it will be three days or less. According to a release from the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (SAFMC), the change that would allow a three-day season is expected to be in place before the 2020 season. Since 2010, recreational anglers have been allowed just 37 days total to harvest red snapper in the South Atlantic. NOAA’s decision on the 2020 season is based on landing estimates from 2019, when a five-day recreational season produced an estimated 49,674 fish and exceeded the annual catch limit. The current annual catch limit is set at 29,656 fish.
16
NATIONAL
I
APRIL 2020
I
E-Z ANCHOR PULLER PATRIOT SERIES
E
-Z Anchor Puller Mfg. Co. provides a solid, reliable, easy-to-use solution for anchoring. As a leading drum anchor winch manufacturer, our products are a safe, consistent launch and retrieval system for vessels in calm or rough seas. No more trips toward the front of your boat to untangle line and chain: we have a drum anchor winch that provides years of dependability and safety for you and your anchor, from 18-foot all the way up to 55-foot vessels! The Patriot series is especially developed for fiberglass fishing boats in shallow coastal waters. Before purchasing his E-Z Anchor Puller unit, Jarrett Sanchez pulled up a 22-pound anchor and 230 feet of rope and chain onto his 1977, 25’ Mako Center Console all by himself, by hand. Now, he can simply press a button to drop his anchor to the bottom, then simply push “up” for three seconds to ensure his line is nice and tight. Manufactured completely from 316 stainless steel and rated IP68 waterproof submersible, the Patriot series is immune to saltwater environments, whether it’s exposed on the deck or hidden away in the rope locker while you’re out on the water. With three sizes (EZ-1, EZ-2 and EZ-3) in the series, the Patriot is the winch of choice for Florida boaters who own vessels 18 to 35 feet, and can hold between 175 and 325 feet of ⅜-inch line, or 150 to 200 feet of ½-ich line depending on preference and need. The power-up, power-down direct drive button gives boaters more control over deployment and retrieval with an average of 100 feet per minute for deployment and retrieval. Sanchez’s particular unit, the Patriot EZ-2, holds 150 feet of ½-inch line where he boats off of the coast of Treasure Island, Fla. Even though his decision to buy our unit was, “99.9 percent his wife and family,” we think Sanchez is one happy customer, too! No drifting, no tangled lines and one less thing to worry about on the open water. To check out the Patriot series in its entirety, visit our website at ezanchorpuller.com/collections/anchor-winch
Ezanchorpuller.com/collections/anchor-winch
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
I
APRIL 2020
I
NATIONAL
17
FOULFREE TRANSDUCER COATING
M
Enter To Win A VOODOO KAKUKAYAK! The Kaku Voodoo is the ultimate sight casting paddle craft. This Authentic Fishing Paddle Craft has a unique look and performance. Part Kayak, part paddle board, with some micro skiff qualities. “ The Kaku Voodoo is like a Cadillac on the water, comfort and stability combined with all the accessories an angler could want.”
Visit
Length 13’ Width 35” Hull Weight 77lbs Capacity 450+
CoastalAnglerMag.com/contest 18
NATIONAL
I
APRIL 2020
I
arine growth on the transducer inhibits the performance your sonar. A fouled transducer reduces sensitivity, bottom-echo returns and positive fish targets. In other words, when the transducer is dirty, you’re not seeing what’s down there. Also, transducers perform best when there’s minimal turbulence over their surface during operation. Consider this next time you’re idling over structure looking for bait and fish. With streamlined water flow over your equipment, you’ll get a better image of what’s below. To solve these performance issues, Propspeed, a leading innovator of underwater coatings, developed a revolutionary foul-release coating designed specifically for transducers. Foulfree is a biocide-free coating that when cured creates a super-slippery surface over the transducer. It prevents marine growth without poisons to keep your transducer clean, streamlined and performing at its peak. One application lasts through an entire year of service and even longer in cooler climates. “Foulfree is an exciting new coating specifically made to enhance the performance of transducers,” said Chris Baird, CEO of Propspeed. “Bringing together our revolutionary product design and working with the experts in transducer functionality from Airmar, we are able to offer boaters around the world a new solution to an age-old problem and improve sonar performance for anglers and cruisers alike.” Foulfree joins Propspeed’s award-winning product line which includes Propspeed an industry-leading foul-release system for propellers and running gear and the groundbreaking transparent foulrelease coating specifically formulated www.oceanmax.com for underwater lights, Lightspeed.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
T
he dawning of the new year has been good to West Virginia anglers who are setting new state records. A monster blue catfish and a big grass carp were certified as state length records by the West Virginia Division of Naturaral Resources, and then the grass carp record was broken again. On Jan. 3, Zachary Adkins, of Cabins, W.Va., caught a 53.1-inch, 59-pound grass carp from Warden Lake, a 44-acre state-managed reservoir in the northeastern corner of the state. Adkins used a large swimbait to catch the fish, which broke the previous length record of 50.75 inches. Then, on Feb. 18, John Miller, of Lost City, W.Va., bested Adkins’ mark with a 54.75-inch, 67.4-pound grass carp, also from Warden Lake. Warden Lake is apparently a hotbed for big carp. The state weight record of 71.69 pounds also came from Warden. It was caught by William Tucker in 2005. On Jan. 11, Justin Conner, of Culloden, W.Va., caught his 49.84-inch, 58.38-pound blue catfish on the Ohio River over on the Ohio border. Conner’s big blue ate a chunk of cut shad. It broke the previous length record of 47.75 inches. Mark Blauvelt still holds the weight record with a 59.74-pound blue catfish caught on the Ohio River in 2016. The IGFA alltackle world record blue catfish weighed 143 pounds. It was caught out of Kerr Lake, Va. in 2011. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
I
APRIL 2020
I
NATIONAL
19
Airline_CoastalAnglerAd_3-2016_Layout 1 3/18/16 1:07 PM Page 1
RIDE THE BULL In Grand Isle Louisiana
T
he maze of bayous around the mouth of the Mississippi River south of New Orleans holds the best redfish fishing in the world. This unique system of waterways on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast also lays out perfectly for anglers fishing from kayaks. It’s fitting that the world’s largest kayak fishing tournament should be held out of Grand Isle, Louisiana. On Aug. 28-29, Ride the Bull will flood Caminada Pass with hundreds of kayak anglers chasing the event’s heaviest single redfish. It will be the 11th edition of this catch-and-release bull redfish tournament hosted by CCA Louisiana. And whether you’re a competitor or one of the hundreds of spectators, it’s an event you need to see. Because of the tournament’s boundaries within Caminada pass, it is suitable for anglers of all ages and experience levels. The fishing, however, can be pretty serious, with a leaderboard filled by redfish approaching 30 pounds. In addition to the fishing on Saturday, Aug. 29, vendors will be there displaying their wares, and usually there’s live music on Friday night after the captains meeting. Registration opens June 1 and hotel rooms on Grand Isle fill up quickly, so make reservations early. For more information, go to ccalouisiana.com.
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 20
NATIONAL
I
APRIL 2020
I
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
WHEN SEEING RED IS A GOOD THING
UNLIMITED TOWING $85/$159* Don’t get mad, get an Unlimited Towing Membership from BoatU.S. That way breakdowns, running out of fuel and soft ungroundings won’t throw you for a loop. For a year of worry-free boating, get towing before you get going.
JOIN TODAY! BoatUS.com/Towing | 800-395-2628 *One year Freshwater/Saltwater Membership pricing. Details of services provided can be found online at BoatUS.com/Agree. TowBoatU.S. is not a rescue service. In an emergency situation, you must contact the Coast Guard or a government agency immediately.
8 CIGARS
only
First-Class Premium Cigar Sampler
10
$
*
52 value
$
When it comes to cigars, no one even comes close to Cigars International and we’re ready to prove it to ‘ya with an outrageous intro offer: 8 premium handmade cigars for just $ 10.* Go ahead, price shop this one and prepare to be stunned. When you’re ready, we’re here waiting with the world’s largest selection of premium handmade cigars at the planet’s lowest prices, delivered fast and fresh. That’s our guarantee. Includes 1 each of: Hoyo de Monterrey • Macanudo • Villazon CAO • Arganese • HC Series • Bahia • Sancho Panza
Visit: www.CigarsIntl.com/SA7810
Enter complete web address or search keyword: SA7810
1-888-244-2790 Mention code SA7810 Item #: CA49-SP
5 UPGRADE
$
*Plus 2 s/h. Purchase may be subject to state, local or excise taxes where applicable. First-time purchasers only. One per customer. No sales to anyone under the age of 21. We do not ship to Utah or South Dakota. For shipping information & restrictions please visit www.CigarsIntl.com/SHIP. Offer expires 5/31/20. $ 99
ADD A TRAVEL HUMIDOR CRUSHPROOF
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
I
WATERPROOF
APRIL 2020
I
30 VALUE
$
NATIONAL
21
WE RIF
Cust
YO
$
COM
PEL $
26
MODE
7 FT WEA
Custo
N
$
COMP
WEA $ 9
8
MODEL
20v 1/2" IMP 1/2"
ITEM 63852
2" EX ITEM
COMP
SNAP $
72
MODEL CTB81
18" MOV
COMP
BUFF $
22
MODEL
ITEM
10 G SEC
• CA
$
3
Custom
COMP
STAC $
56
MODEL
ITEM
22
NATIONAL
I
APRIL 2020
I
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
*Orig
hft_coa
O
W
1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com SUPER COUPON
MODEL 9800
Strong, secure, Pick and pull foam insert for easy-open latches impact-absorbing protection
WEATHERPROOF PROTECTIVE RIFLE CASES Customer Rating • 50-3/8" L
99
$1 1 4
$
COMPARE TO
269
BLACK
Customer Rating
COMPARE TO
CUISINART $ 99 MODEL: C77-SHR8B
Pre-drilled for two padlocks (locks sold separately)
588 LUMEN TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT
49
8
MODEL: 300083999
SAVE 50%
$
5999
$
MODEL: PROTAC 1L
Customer Rating Wheel kit and battery sold separately.
99
14
COMPARE TO
99
HONDA
$
$
2,789
MODEL: EM6500SXK2AT
*95609624 * 95609624
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
SUPER COUPON
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
724
SAVE $494
MODEL: CT8850PDB, CTB8185BK, CTC720
Includes battery and charger.
COMPARE TO
SNAP-ON
$
105
MODEL: EEBM500A
99 NOW99
36 $27
ITEM 63350
$ 99 $1 0 99 229 COMPARE TO
DEWALT
$
$
6814 SAVE 83%
COMPARE TO
Snap-on BLUE-POINT
18
99
830
Side tray sold separately.
$ $ ITEM 5889/62281 MODEL: KRBC10TBPES 61637 shown ITEM 64031, 64722, 64033, 64721, 64059, 64720, 56429
MODEL: DW1369
SAVE 630
*95606624 * 95606624
*95584236 * 95584236
*95591171 * 95591171
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
18" x 12" MOVER'S DOLLY
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
• 1000 lb. capacity
Customer Rating
NOW
$
99
$7
COMPARE TO
BUFFALO TOOLS $ 99
22
$
SAVE 65%
MODEL: HDFDOLLY
10
99
ITEM 60497/62399/63095/63096/63097/63098 shown
19999
COMPARE TO
PORTER-CABLE $ 99
249
MODEL: 118903799
300 LB. CAPACITY ATV/LAWN MOWER LIFT
AVAIL. IN SM, MED, LG, XL, XXL Customer Rating
NOW
99 4 7 $ $9999 SAVE 46
$4
VALEO $ 99
14
5
$
$ 49
MODEL: 25521
NOW
Customer Rating
99
COMPARE TO
ITEM 56241/64857 shown
• Fits lawnmowers/ATV/ Quads with wheelbases 25" to 39" wide
NOW
SAVE 66%
99
$1 64
SAVE $85
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
MECHANICS GLOVES
20 GALLON, 135 PSI OIL-LUBE AIR COMPRESSOR • Air delivery: 4.0 SCFM @ 90 PSI
121
47 COMPARE TO $ ITEM 60395/62325/62493/61523 shown MAX LOAD MODEL: 38028
ITEM 62434, 62426, 62433, 62432, 62429, 64179, 62428, 64178 shown
*95591850 * 95591850
*95598136 * 95598136
*95599886 * 95599886
*95602044 * 95602044
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
32999
Customer Rating
NOW
$27999
SAVE $39
MODEL: SS-16-MB-E
$
COMPARE TO
SAVE $284
ITEM 64008/64011 shown
RYOBI $ Contents not included.
99
Customer Rating
NOW
6999 NOW99 290
75 SHELTER $ MODEL: 76377 LOGIC
ITEM 64754 63531 shown
NOW
$1 6999
$59
COMPARE TO
MODEL: P1811
130 PIECE TOOL KIT WITH CASE
Customer Rating
• 450 in. lbs. of torque • 1.5Ah battery • Weighs 2.63 lbs.
COMPARE TO
STACK-ON $ 57
10 FT. x 17 FT. PORTABLE GARAGE
20v LITHIUM-ION 1/2" COMPACT DRILL/DRIVER KIT
• CA DOJ compliant
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
10 GUN ELECTRONIC SECURITY SAFE
564
OF 7 COLORS
*95584082 * 95584082 SUPER COUPON
$
$1 9999
NOW
ITEM 64349
$
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
2" EXTENDED ANVIL
SAVE $77
9
$ 99
COMPARE TO
29 PIECE 30", 5 DRAWER • 15,000 cu. in. of storage Customer Rating TITANIUM MECHANIC'S CART DRILL BIT SET NOW YOUR CHOICE
29 269 $2
SNAP-ON $ 85
5
$ 99 SAVE ITEM 63135 RANGEMAXX MODEL: 1312-92 65% 61451 shown *95583705 * 95583705
SAVE 2,189
$
SUPER COUPON
20v LITHIUM-ION 4AMP HIGH FREQUENCY 1/2" EXTREME TORQUE YOUR CHOICE BATTERY CHARGER/MAINTAINER Customer Rating IMPACT WRENCH KITS 99 1/2" ANVIL $ 99 ITEM 63537/64195 COMPARE TO
$3 49
64999
*95583037 * 95583037
63852 shown
NOW
9 $5999
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
Customer Rating
Customer Rating
NOW
*95582869 * 95582869 SUPER COUPON
AMMO DRY BOX
SUPER COUPON
ITEM 63971/63970 shown ITEM 63968/63969, CALIFORNIA ONLY
$9
ITEM 64799/63934 shown
STREAMLIGHT
ITEM 61765/46411 shown
Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
NOW
COMPARE TO
*95582198 * 95582198
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 6/3/20.
9000 WATT MAX. STARTING EXTRA LONG LIFE GAS POWERED GENERATOR • 13 hour run time 5"
5
39 ¢
ITEM 36872/62507/63520/47877 shown
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
NOW
$ 99
ANY SINGLE ITEM*
*95608497 * 95608497
Case contents not included.
SUPER COUPON
SAVE 83%
WOW!
94¢
5
Customer Rating
COMPARE TO
MULTIPURPOSE SCISSORS
LIMIT 3
*95582416 * 95582416
TAN
7 FT. 4" x 9 FT. 6" CAMOUFLAGE WEATHER RESISTANT TARP
WEATHERMASTER $ 99
20% OFF
SAVE 93%
• Stainless steel blades • Jar and bottle opener
NOW AVAILABLE IN TAN
Super strong reinforced polypropylene construction Adjustable pressure relief valve equalizes pressure for easy opening
MODEL: DOUBLE RIFLE ITEM 64520 ITEM 56862
$4
O
C
SUPER COUPON
SAVE 93%
Customer Rating
14999
SAVE $155
PELICAN $ 99
U
N
O
P
2" Heavy duty ball bearing wheels
13-5/8" W 5-1/8" H
YOUR CHOICE OF COLOR
S
R
E
P
U
!
W
199 SAVE ITEM 62859/63055 $120 62860 shown $
99
COMPARE TO
ANVIL
$
6639 SAVE 54%
MODEL: A137HOS
$2999 $
3999
ITEM 68998/63248/64080/64263/63091 shown
*95602562 * 95602562
*95613146 * 95613146
*95605055 * 95605055
*95605073 * 95605073
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 6/3/20.
hft_coastalangler_0420_M-REG171024.indd 1
I
APRIL 2020
I
NATIONAL
23
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.
3/6/20 4:13 PM
Time to get to your local Suzuki Marine Dealer for the Ultimate Outboard Motors. Buy during our Spring Sales Event and get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Time to get to your local for the Ultimate Outboard Motors. Extended Protection at noSuzuki extra Marine charge.Dealer There are Instant Savings on select models,Buy and during ourFinancing Spring Sales Event and get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Low-Rate is also available. Extended Protection atSuzuki no extra charge. There are Instant Savings on select models, and See your participating Marine Low-Rate is also available. dealer for Financing all the details. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details.
INSTANT SAVINGS INSTANT SAVE RIGHT NOW ON
SAVINGS INSTANT SAVINGS INSTANT SAVINGS Instant Savings on select models when SELECT SUZUKI OUTBOARDS
SIX YEARS OF PROTECTION SIX YEARS OF PROTECTION 3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection, 3 Years Limited Warranty + No extra charge. 3 Years Extended Protection, No extra charge.
SAVE RIGHT NOW ON
REPOWER FINANCE REPOWER Rates as lowFINANCE as 5.99%
SELECT SUZUKI OUTBOARDS
you buy a new Suzuki Outboard. Instant on select models when SeeSavings your dealer for details. you buy a new Suzuki Outboard. See your dealer for details.
on new Suzuki outboards on Rates credit.* as low as approved [605.99% Months] on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]
™ ™
24
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 04/01/20 and 06/30/20 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 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. For list of designated models, 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 04/01/20 and 06/30/20 in accordance with 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 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 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 for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings applies to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. For list of designated models, 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 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 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 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 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 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 authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. “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 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 read your owner’s manual. © 2020 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. 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 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. “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. NATIONAL APRIL 2020 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
I
I
SZ Q2 PROMO 1PG CSTL ANGLR 3-3-20.indd 1
3/3/2020 1:11:30 PM
SZ Q2 PROMO 1PG CSTL ANGLR 3-3-20.indd 1
3/3/2020 1:11:30 PM
A
d a e h
e v r u C e h t f o
Not shown actual size.
Limited Collector’s Edition
Damascus steel forged to throw them for a curve at only $79
F
or centuries, a Damascus steel blade was instantly recognizable and commanded immediate respect. Recognizable because the unique and mysterious smelting process left a one-of-a-kind, rippled texture on the steel, and respected because Damascus steel’s sharp edge and resistance to shattering were the stuff of legend. If you carried Damascus steel, you were ahead of the curve. Today, you can own the legend.
What customers are saying about Stauer knives...
êêêêê “Very hefty, well-built knife and sheath. Extremely goodlooking and utilitarian.” — R., Lacey, Washington Damascus Curva Knife, you’ll be ready to throw a curve of your own. Limited Reserves. Damascus steel blades are a lost art form that only a handful of artisan bladesmiths have mastered. These legendary blades take time to forge and only a few are crafted each month. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!
BONUS! Call today and you’ll also receive this genuine leather sheath!
The Damascus Curva Knife celebrates those legendary blades. It uses modern Damascus steel, with the same rippled texture pattern on the blade, to create a curved folding knife that’s 7 ½" in total length. With a liner lock mechanism, which allows the knife to be opened and closed using just one hand, and a ergonomic handle made of buffalo horn and colored bone, this $79 knife is a trophy for any hunter or collector.
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship of Damascus steel. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. But we believe that once you hold the
“The most common aspects of Damascus steel knives that enthusiasts consider ideal are the aesthetics and high performance.” –– Knife Informer
Damascus Curva Folding Knife $179*
Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $100
1-800-333-2045
Your Insider Offer Code: CFK280-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.
Stauer
®
14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. CFK280-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337
www.stauer.com
*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.
• Damascus steel blade & bolster • Buffalo horn & colored bone handle • Liner lock • Overall length, open : 7 ½" • Includes genuine leather sheath
Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®
Rating of A+