Coastal Angler Magazine | July 2024 | Boston Edition

BOSTON EDITION

Fly-fishing in Maine… is an ageold tradition where people from all over the world come to fish the state's pristine rivers, ponds and lakes. As soon as ice comes off the lakes in late April through to November, fly-fishing can be enjoyed.

Continued on Boston page 2

PHOTO CREDIT: ROGER ESTRADA

George K. Regan, Jr. Publisher Boston Edition

Julie Kahn Executive Vice President/ Strategy, Sports & Media

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PUBLISH YOUR OWN FISHING MAGAZINE

By Nick Carter

Trout don’t grow huge on a diet of insects alone, so Budkey fshes 2- to 3-inch-long bait lures to take advantage of the carnivorous tendencies of big fsh. Tese fsh have good eyesight, so he fshes 4-pound-test and said light line can be the diference between catching dozens of fsh or nothing at all.

Now… battling 10-pound trout in current with light line is tricky, to say the least.

“You really have to wear them out. you all the way down the creek and back up it, jumping and thrashing,” Budkey said. “If you try to muscle them, they’ll break you o

SIT THERE AND FOR GIANT TROUT

Part-time guide Stephen Budkey catches a lot of outsized trout fshing the streams of western Pennsylvania. Much of his success with giant 6- to 15-pound rainbows and browns has to do with location, but he also uses some interesting tactics that specifcally appeal to large fsh.

Te setting is on Lake Erie tributaries. Tese streams vary in size, but generally Pennsylvania is known for smaller fows. Te key to their productivity is the lake. Lake Erie feeder streams experience steelhead runs a lot like the rivers of the Pacifc Northwest. Fish grow large gorging on baitfsh in open water before pushing into tributaries in early fall to spawn. Te lakerun rainbow trout in this migration are called steelheads, and there are bruiser brown trout that run up out of the lake, as well. Budkey also has access to a stretch of privately managed tailwater, which is an obvious target-rich environment for very large trout. Regardless of where he’s fshing, he uses tactics and gear that might seem odd to

trout anglers in other regions.

If you’re a snooty fy fsher, set your tweed hat aside for a minute. Tis might not convince you to pick up a spinning rod, but Budkey has an undeniable knack for catching giant trout, and you might just learn or adapt something from his style of fshing.

Reading water in western Pennsylvania is the same as it is anywhere. Trout like the cold, welloxygenated water of broken water and rifes. When targeting large trout, Budkey said he looks for the deepest runs or waterfall holes in the creek he’s fshing.

“I’m talking about creeks that are sometimes just the width of your car, and these fsh will just stack up in there,” he said. “And when they stack up, they really stack up. It’s wild.”

Budkey said clients who are decent anglers can have 25-fsh days that include trout that might weigh 6 to 10 pounds. Most of these trout were originally stocked by the state, but there is some reproduction, and holdover fsh that have been in

To even the odds, Budkey fshes a 10-footlong noodle rod, which is extremely absorb shock during the fght and protect that light line. Another important factor is a big net for landing fsh, and it doesn’t hurt to have someone else to serve as net-man. Sometimes it’s not possible to bring big fsh to hand, and a net man can wade out to get them.

When trout are aggressive, they are super aggressive, Budkey said. He likes a good-old foating Rapala when the trout are actively chasing and fshes a 2-inch F05 or a 2.75-inch F07 tied on with a loop knot. He just throws it into the current, gives it a jerk to get it wobbling and lets it sit there until a fsh crashes it.

If fsh want something on or near the bottom, Budkey fshes jigs. Trout Magnet jigheads in 1/32 and 1/64 ounce—the lightest you can get away with—paired with Gulp! sof plastics are deadly. Trout are suckers for these scented plastics, and he likes the 2.5- and 3-inch minnows as well as Killer Crawlers and Pinched Crawlers.

Te technique with the jigs is slow. Budkey said he just wiggles the rod tip to give the lure some action.

“It’s almost like I don’t want to move the jig toward me very much, at all. I just want it to sit there and wiggle,” he said. “It’s like shaking a donut in someone’s face at the gym. Tey can’t handle it. Tey’ll run out and grab it.”

Afer the take, it’s time to start worrying about how to battle that fsh to the net on super-light line. Budkey said that is the most fun part of trout fshing, and he loves nothing more than showing other people how to experience it.

See some of Budkey’s tactics on YouTube @FishFightsPA.

NOAA PROCLAIMS RIDICULOUS ONE-DAY SNAPPER SEASON

In mid-June, NOAA Fisheries announced a one-day recreational season for red snapper in the South Atlantic. Although there was widespread grumbling and gnashing of teeth by recreational anglers, it did not come as a surprise to pretty much anyone.

First the season: Red snapper harvest will be open for recreational anglers in the South Atlantic, from North Carolina through Florida, on July 12. Te limit is one fsh per angler.

Te date is subject to change in case a small craf weather advisory is projected. Any change in the date of the recreational season will be announced in the Federal Register, Fishery Bulletin, and an announcement via NOAA Weather Radio.

Now the reasoning: In 2008, NOAA’s stock assessment indicated red snapper in the South Atlantic were in bad shape and devastatingly overfshed. Over the last 16 years, NOAA has essentially shut down recreational fshing for the species, and catch limits for commercial fshing have been kept very low. Not surprisingly, it worked! Populations rebounded to the point where data indicates red snapper are now more plentiful in the South Atlantic than at any time since such data existed. What’s more, the fshery continues to improve ahead of the projected recovery timeline.

Tis year, instead of allowing greater access to the fshery, NOAA decided to tighten already draconian restrictions. Te overall quota for red snapper was cut by 25 percent for 2024. As the fshery has improved, recreational anglers have gone from a ridiculously short fve-day season in 2019 to an absurd one day of fshing in 2024.

According to NOAA Fisheries, the red snapper fshery is in a “recovery trap.” Abundant red snapper have led to increased incidental catches by anglers, and NOAA extrapolates that data into a formula for catch-and-release mortality. Basically, they’re telling us that there are so many red snapper that anglers are killing too many of them by catching and releasing them.

Te result is tighter regulations in an infexible system, where highly questionable data is used to shut down access to a public resource. We’re not even going into numerous occasions in recent years when NOAA has been forced to admit its data is shockingly fawed.

According to the American Sportfshing Association, work is underway to improve data collection for the South Atlantic red snapper fshery.

In the meantime, try not to get in a boat wreck during the one-day mad dash to catch your one red snapper from the Atlantic. Or you can just trailer your boat to the Gulf of Mexico, where the states fnally managed to bludgeon some sense into federal fsheries managers a few years ago.

For more information, go to coastalanglermag.com.

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TO IMPROVE YOUR OFFSHORE GAMEPLAN READ WATER

Welcome to the best day of the week—the day before your next fshing trip! If you’re going ofshore tomorrow, it’s time to make a game plan, and a look at current Sea Surface Temperature (SST) charts is the frst step. With knowledge of accurate surface temps, chlorophyll imagery and other environmental factors, you can home in on areas that are likely to hold baitfsh and feeding predators.

By Mark Ambert

to consider when targeting gamefsh. It provides shelter and feeding opportunities for all marine life. While you can stumble upon fsh just about anywhere in the ocean, you’ll locate more on and around structure.

Large underwater structure defects current and pushes nutrient-rich water toward the surface, creating areas where bait concentrates and holds. Also remember that weed lines are a key form of structure on the edges of the Gulf Stream.

A reasonably priced satellite service is a small price to pay when compared to rising fuel prices and time spent running in search of gamefsh. Here are a few of the factors SST charts can help you decipher and improve the odds of fnding fsh.

Color Breaks: Te boundary areas between blue and green water, ofen referred to as color breaks, will typically stack up bait and hold above-average numbers of gamefsh.

Chlorophyll is the beginning of the food chain for marine life. Find it and you have a good chance at locating bait and fsh. Temperature and chlorophyll breaks ofen correspond with color changes. So, once you’ve reviewed the images and located the general area of a color break, this becomes an area of interest.

Structure & Current: Structure is critical

If you can fnd a color change that corresponds with structure, this is where you want to begin fshing. If everything lines up, there’s a good chance upon arrival that you’ll see marine life including birds, porpoise, fying fsh and other bait. Tis doesn’t mean you won’t catch fsh in of-colored water, but there’s a much better chance you’ll fnd concentrations of bait in or around the edges of areas where green and blue water interact.

Tides from inlets also play a role in water clarity, creating rips and weed-line formation. Bait will concentrate along the edge, especially where this water pushes up against the waters of the Gulf Stream. Look for these demarcation lines on incoming and outgoing tides.

Learn to read these vital signs both on and of the water using charts. If you can consistently

fnd areas that hold bait, you’ll always have a shot at your quarry. You will have become a top predator!

Mark Ambert, IG @marksgonefshing_™

ENTER TO WIN

George K. Regan, Jr. Publisher Boston Edition

Cobbosseecontee Lake - One of the Best

By Dan Kenney

If you love bass fishing, you need to check out the award-winning Cobbosseecontee Lake. Featured in Bassmaster Magazine’s Top 100 Best Bass Lakes list for the past 20 years, Cobbosseecontee Lake has always been a great destination for top fishing professionals and elite anglers, not to mention television shows and outdoor writers.

Being in the fishing and outdoors industry, I get to travel around the country and I'm fortunate to stay at some very nice places, but I have no problem saying that Cobbosseecontee Lake is one of my favorite spots. The fishing is downright incredible and there are wonderful activities for the whole family, both on and off the water. The Cobbosseecontee Lake area has a great atmosphere with natural beauty, friendly people and unique attractions.

Perhaps what makes these trips truly great is our stays at Lake-

side Lodge and Marina in East Winthrop, Maine, just outside of Augusta, where we’ve been going for the past 17 years. With lodging and boating right on the water, Lakeside Lodge and Marina is the kind of place you love at first sight and hate to leave. First, the accommodations are more than you expect. You can choose from efficiencies, two-bedroom cabins with full kitchens, and motel-style rooms. And at Lakeside they make it easy for you to get out on the water, as they sell non-resident Maine fishing licenses and are fully stocked with all the bait and tackle you need. You can bring your own boat or rent one of theirs and boat docks come with electrical hook-ups. There’s even an onsite fueling station!

It truly is the perfect situation— all set up for you to have a great time!

The fishing is obviously spectacular. You’ll find ABUN-

DANT

large and smallmouth bass along with trout, perch & pike. Plus, Lakeside delivers fun for the whole family, with great swimming, canoe and paddle boat rentals on the lake, and exciting activities in the surrounding community. The area is brimming with museums, historical landmarks, golf courses, state parks, great restaurants and more. This is a quiet, family-friendly area, yet it’s adding more and more attractions. There’s even a new airport in Augusta!

Founded by Andy and Sheree Wess 30 years ago, Lakeside Lodge and Marina is a genuine, family-owned business and a homegrown Maine treasure. Recently, Andy and Sheree decided it was time for retirement and they’ve passed the business along to new owners Travis Mills and Zach Stewart. Travis and Zach are bent on preserving the incredible atmosphere that Andy and Sheree created while making tremendous improve-

ments and updates.

Fortunately, Lakeside Lodge and Marina wasn't sold to some outof-state hotel chain.

On my recent stay I saw the hard work that Zach, Travis and their families have been putting in. They have the enthusiasm, energy and mindset that it takes to keep this a true family destination, with sincere, friendly service, local know-how and all the amenities you need for the perfect vacation.

So if you're looking for an economical destination to enjoy between May 1st and Columbus Day, I highly recommend a stay at Lakeside Lodge and Marina.

For my family it's become a tradition that we look forward to every year. I can honestly say that we plan on doing this for as long as I am walking this earth.

Until next time, God Bless & Go Fish!

Julie Kahn President, Regan Marketing & Media

Maine’s Fly Fishing

By Richard Yvon

Fly-fishing in Maine… is an ageold tradition where people from all over the world come to fish the state's pristine rivers, ponds and lakes. As soon as ice comes off the lakes in late April through to November, fly-fishing can be enjoyed. I want to express to everyone that has the thought of coming to Maine to fly

fish, not to hesitate and get up here!

Whether you are a beginner or experienced, fly-fishing in Maine will exceed your expectations. Maine has gin clear freestone rivers, lakes and remote wild, native brook trout filled ponds waiting to be fished.

Three basic ways to fly-fish…

Nymph, Dry fly and Streamers

Although there are several variations that can be discussed, I will keep it simple for the novice to grasp the es-

sence of our sport.

Nymph fishing…is nothing more than fishing below the surface of the water using a fly that imitates an aquatic insect. There are

(Continued from Page 2)

many techniques and strategies.

Dry fly fishing is simply imitating an insect afloat on the water's surface. This method of fishing is sought after by some of the most passionate of fly fishers.

Streamer fishing is simulating forage of bait or baby fish. Commonly used in the spring of the year to imitate a spawning melt and in the fall of the year to provoke a predatory reaction from spawning fish.

Fly-fishing equipment…can be simple or involved. The sport can be considered evolving and one to grow with which is why it’s never boring or complacent. Drift boat fishing is a very relaxing way to visit a river while taking a boat up waterfalls to chase smelt can be an exhilarating way to approach a fishery. Streamside fishing can be as simple as a small stream and a pair of shorts or in more technical water-wearing waders, belt and wading shoes. So any-

way you choose to start or enjoy, be comfortable and always safety first!

Fly fishing rods and reels can be a whole topic all by itself. The important thing to remember is that you can start out with the most simplistic set up to get started. Rods can be carbon fiber, high modulus graphite or fiberglass. All can be good and is considered personnel preference. Our guide service uses NuCast, which is a midpoint priced rod and serves us well. A medium fast rod can be less for-

giving while a slower, whippier rod, can be more forgiving to the beginner. Fly Reels hold line…again, reels hold line! To buy a reel is important although not necessary to break the bank. The best advice I can give to anyone is to try before you buy. See what feels best for you and fits best with the type of fishing you are doing. Every rod can be unique even among several rods made by the same manufacturer. Attending a fly-fishing clinic, sports event or even hiring a guide can be beneficial.

Striped Bass On Saconesset Shoal In The Morning

By Braeden Smaykiewicz

The wake up call rings around four in the morning. I jump up and get ready for the fun day ahead of me and the others that are going for the striper bite on Saconesset shoal. I get ready as quickly as I usually do when we are going fishing, trying to stay quiet as I go downstairs and meet my Dad who is getting his things together.

I throw on my hat, Costa glasses, jacket and step out the door to a dewy Sunday morning. The 24 foot bay boat, already hooked up to the truck, was sitting in the driveway waiting to be released. I uncovered the white beast and set up the rods as we were wait-

protection from the wind. The Yamaha 250 VMAX SHO engine shows off its power and it feels like we are flying.

We turned left out of the jetties of Waquoit to the rips of Saconesset shoal where there were barely any boats, but we found the spot. I put down the trolling motor and my Dad sets it up for the outgoing tide.

enough it was a keeper. There were also some good size Bluefish mixed in. We were pulling them in one after the other until the tide changed to slack.

So we left our spot and went to another where we saw some big stripers that we sight cast in shallow water. We stayed there until the tide had switched over to an incoming, we headed back to the bite.

ing for the others. I put on pinkish lures to represent small squids that were being targeted by these amazing fighters, especially when you are using 3000 and 4000 size reels with 20 pound braid and a 15 pound fluorocarbon.

It was about 5 am when we set out of the driveway for the freeing blue water of the Atlantic. We went to White's Landing in Waquoit to launch the boat. I drove the boat off the trailer and pulled it up to the dock. My Dad parks the truck and trailer while everyone jumps into the boat. We putt out of the river and into Waquoit Bay where my Dad guns the boat to 45 mph with no

The fish were jumping out of the water to get their meal of small 4-5 inch squid. I threw my line toward the rip and it was an instant hit. I was tight and there were no dinky fish. Then, it happened, we tripled up. I quickly took off my fish and casted back out, and again I was hooked up. This fish was bigger though, and stronger. I took my time and got it to the boat. My Dad pulled it out of the water and measured it, and sure

We set up like we did before just opposite because the tide had shifted. There were a lot more boats now that it was later in the day. The bite was not as good as the early morning bite but it was still pretty good.

Unfortunately it was time to go home. So if you want some great topwater action with a Striped bass go out to Saconesset shoal on the squid bite and you are guaranteed to have a blast.

Sales Representative

Coastal Angler Magazine, Boston

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Plum Island Surfcasters

Club Meeting:

Plum Island Surfcasters Club is off fishing for the summer. We return to monthly club meetings on September 17, 2024

Check our website (www.plumislandsurfcasters.org) for more details on upcoming events.

Salisbury, MA Senior Center (behind the fire station), 43 Lafayette Rd (Route 1), Salisbury, MA 01952.

Meetings at 6:45 pm | Fishing seminar at 8:00 pm Free for all club members. $5 admission for Non-members

Now Hiring Now Hiring

CATCHING MAHI FOR PRIZES

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

For the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure of taking Coastal Conservation Association’s Leiza Fitzgerald out on the water to assist in tagging dolphinfsh for the CCA STAR competition. As if going fshing wasn’t enough of a prize, recreational anglers can sign up for this competition, with a donation to a good cause, and participate in this fshing side quest for all sorts of epic prizes.

Tagging trips with Leiza are some of my favorite mahi trips. She is more excited about catching throw-backs than anything we put in the box. Each undersized mahi, and most of the keepers, are handled with care and released with some fancy new jewelry.

With her tagging gun locked and loaded and a towel to lay over the fsh’s eyes to calm them, Leiza carefully and quickly turns peanuts into prizes, and sends them on their way.

CCA Florida STAR presented by Yamaha is a summer-long event that invites anglers and non-anglers to participate and win prizes valued at almost $500,000, including boats, motors, scholarships and more. Te competition is currently live, and registration is open until Sept. 2.

“In the past nine years, it’s been amazing to see STAR participants support conservation and embrace the catch-photo format,” Fitzgerald

said. “Awarding nearly $4 million in prizes, with $900,000 specifcally awarded in youth scholarships to the thousands of statewide STAR registrants is exciting, but even more exciting is the awareness STAR has created for the conservation of our marine fsheries.”

Te 2024 STAR competition is comprised of eight divisions targeting inshore and ofshore species along with trash cleanup. Wherever your home waters are, there is a way to get involved.

Te most notable of the STAR competitions is for tagged redfsh. Te best opportunity to catch this year’s tagged redfsh will be in Citrus and Charlotte counties, STAR’s 2024 Destination Counties, which each have eight tagged redfsh in their coastal waters.

Six years ago, STAR initiated a tagged fsh division for ofshore anglers, the Tigress Outriggers and Gear Tagged Dolphin Division. Tis division ofers one winner a $10,000 cash prize or scholarship. Te frst STAR registrant who catches a STAR tagged dolphin wins.

Te tagged dolphinfsh were caught and released of the Florida Keys. Tese fsh will migrate up the east and west coasts, providing anglers a shot at recapturing one. Tere have only been two tagged dolphin recaptured in six years, and neither angler was registered in the competition. You have to be in it to win it!

Make sure to report any tagged fsh you catch, whether you are registered or not. Take photos, measurements, tag numbers and information, and note the location of recapture. You do not need to remove the tag if you are releasing the fsh.

Fish are very mysterious, and there is so much we don’t know about them. Te more data we collect, the better conservation we can provide.

Capt. Quinlyn Haddon; Sweet E’nuf Charters, Marathon, Florida Keys; @captainquinlyn; captainquinlyn.com; (504) 920-6342.

- $80 Entry (includes one year CCA membership)

- $40 Entry for current CCA members

- FREE for Youth

- Over 100 Days of Fishing

- $500,000 in Prizes & Scholarships

- Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day

CAST LURES IN A MITZI TOURNAMENT 17

FIND BLUEGILLS TO FIND GIANT SUMMER BASS

Fishing during the hot stale days of summer is ofen thought to be the toughest and slowest fshing there is. I am here to help with that.

Not only are the next few months an amazing time to catch fsh, they can also be the easiest time to pin-point patterns for big bass. Spawning bluegills are the key. Bass will set up around bluegill beds and feed heavily on an easy meal of bluegills that congregate in the shallows to spawn.

Whether you are an experienced tournament fsherman or someone who just gets out every once in a while to stretch a line, this pattern is easily found if you know what to look and listen for.

You heard me right, listen! Tere are many ways to locate bluegill beds, and my favorite way is to use my ears. When you get around bluegills feeding in grass or lily pads, you will hear distinct little popping sounds of small fsh sucking prey from the surface. When you hear this, you know you are in a productive area, and the big bass should be close by.

Another way to locate these areas is to use your eyes in shallow water. Bluegill fan

TYLER WOOLCOTT

out an area on the bottom just like a bass when they spawn, but they do it in big groups and create a pattern on sand and hard bottom that looks like the surface of the moon.

If the water is even a little clear, you should be able to spot a bunch of odd craters and divots on the bottom even from a distance. Tis is typically in very shallow water, and bass use this shallow water to their advantage. Spawning bream make easy pickings.

If all else fails, or in murky water, I fnd these beds with my electronics. I idle around with side scan in 2 to 5 feet of water to locate crater patterns on my units and mark them with waypoints to come back and fsh later. Tis is a good way to locate beds that are less pressured, because they are harder for other anglers to fnd.

Tere are a few diferent baits I use to catch bass around these beds. Te most important thing is to stay as far away from these areas as you can, while still being able to get a cast into them. Be stealthy because shallow-water bass are skittish.

I like a bluegill-colored popping frog and also a bluegill-colored swim jig with a trailer to match. I’ll also throw a weightless wacky-rigged Senko and will put a little nail weight in the Senko when fshing deeper beds. A lightweight Carolina-rigged Trick Worm or a shallow-diving squarebill crankbait are two other good options. Hopefully this summertime bass tip helps you have a fun and productive day on your waters!

Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfshing.com.

THE FORGOTTEN FISH

When we inshore anglers gather around the dock, you can count on one or more of these being the topic of conversation: trout, redfsh, founder or snook. Seldom is it the sheepshead. Although they are not a species frequently targeted with lures, they can provide an aggressive bite and a worthy fght. Keeping them out of the structure they love is the real challenge.

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

depending on the current, were all it took to place his shrimp in the strike zone. Te strike zone is typically as close to the structure as possible. If you notice the sheepshead swimming around, they always have their noses to the structure.

Te sheepshead is a fsh that my son had never caught until a few weeks ago. We took a trip to South Texas to view our second of four Starship launches at the SpaceX facility. Afer the excitement and rumble of the launch, we picked up some live shrimp, and he was soon rumbling with many sheepshead.

We set our sights on the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway, as it has a nearly unlimited amount of structure ideal for attracting sheepshead. Using the anchor mode on our trolling motor made it easy to stay close to the bridge pilings where the sheepshead were congregated. My son especially liked targeting them because we were under the causeway and in the shade, as opposed to being out on the open fats where we typically fsh.

A small sharp hook and a split-shot or two,

I fnd that keeping your bait small helps attract the bite. It is benefcial to keep a tight line, as the bites can be very light. One tactic that served my son well was to walk toward the back of the boat and away from the structure once a fsh was hooked. Tis assisted in pulling it away from the structure. Trying to manhandle the fsh out on light tackle would certainly have led to some break-ofs.

Stay vigilant in checking your line for frays afer several casts and defnitely afer each fsh. Keeping a sharp hook will also help in landing more fsh because of their boney, teeth-flled mouths. Tis turned out to be an extra memorable fshing trip. We witnessed another historic space launch, and his catch landed him in second place for the Texas CCA Star Tournament with his sheepshead.

Tis is why I always say, take a kid fshing! Tey might win a college scholarship.

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

BALLYHOOD TOP GUN LURES

WORLD RECORD BLACKFIN CAUGHT AT MIAMI TOURNEY

Amonster blackfn tuna caught during Te Miami Dolphins Fins Weekend tournament is an unofcial world record. Te 50.1-pound blackfn was certifed by an IGFA biologist, and it outweighs the existing IGFA all-tackle world record by a little less than three-quarters of a pound.

Angler Robert (Bob) Kowalski landed the huge blackfn aboard the 34’ Express Sportfsher Miss Britt, which was captained by Gareth Haddam and chartered by Pete Sinnick and his family. In addition to being a potential new world record, the fsh won the largest tuna division at the tournament and earned the team a $30,000 payout.

Te existing IGFA all-tackle world record blackfn tuna weighed 49 pounds, 6 ounces. It was caught in 2006 of Marathon, Florida Keys by Capt. Mathew Pullen. Fins Weekend is an annual fundraiser hosted by the Miami Dolphins. It is a two-day tournament with proceeds going to support the Baptist Health Orthopedic Institute Youth Athletic Outreach Program. For more information, go to bluewatermovements.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®

IN TEXAS, GIANT FISH BREED GIANT FISH

When it comes to growing giant largemouth bass, Texas has fgured some things out. Since 1986, the state’s Toyota ShareLunker program has conducted a breeding program using huge largemouths caught and donated alive by anglers. Tese donated bass, called Legacy Class, must be heavier than 13 pounds. Tey spawn in a facility before being released, along

with their ofspring, to spread big-fsh genetics across the state.

Te results of the program are apparent in the giant Texas bass caught each year. Many of them go right back into the breeding program, and the spring of 2024 was the fourth ShareLunker season in a row that the program has deemed exceptional.

Tis spring, anglers contributed 19 Legacy Class, 13-plus-pound bass from seven diferent Texas lakes. O.H. Ivie in west Texas is the best big-bass fshery in the country right now. It produced 12 bass heavier than 13 pounds this season, continuing a hot streak that goes back to the 2021.

Highlights from the 2024 Toyota ShareLunker collection season:

• Angler Kyle Hall’s 15.82-pounder was the 37th heaviest all-time Texas largemouth bass.

• Angler Kyle Hall has recorded a Legacy Lunker in three consecutive seasons.

• Six out-of-state anglers etched their name into the program’s record book. Te anglers hailed from Kansas, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma and Washington.

• Angler Larry R. Walker reeled in two Legacy Class Lunkers in 2024. State biologists did genetic analysis of this year’s Legacy Lunkers and made some incredible discoveries:

• ShareLunker 666, reeled in by Larry R. Walker from O.H. Ivie, was a recapture of ShareLunker 646 originally caught by Mechelda Criswell in 2023.

• A 13.2-pound fsh from Lake Athens was the ofspring of ShareLunker 552, which was caught by Randall E. Claybourne in 2014 at Lake Fork. Tis is the frst time a Legacy Class descendant from this family tree was discovered in the program.

• Of the 19 Legacy Class ShareLunkers, 13 had secondary relationships to either previous Legacy Class fsh or other ShareLunkers from which anglers submitted scale samples for genetic analyses.

• In the last fve years, the program has achieved an excellent overall fsh survival success rate of 94 percent.

The Return of a

Tat’s a lot of big-fsh genetics going back into Texas fsheries.

For more information, go to TexasSharelunker.com.

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