Coastal Angler Magazine | April 2023 | Brevard Edition

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MAHI A Few Facts About Everyone’s Favorite Fish

By CAM Sta

On the end of a line or wrapped up in a tortilla, dolphin sh are a worldwide fan favorite. Here are a few facts you might not have known about mahi-mahi:

• What’s in a Name? Mahi-mahi is the Hawaiian term for the sh historically called dolphin or dolphin sh in the mainland United States. In Polynesian “mahi” means “strong,” and “mahi-mahi” translates to very strong. Although most U.S. scientist still refer to the species as dolphin sh, the term mahi has become more

prevalent in recent years, perhaps through foodsh marketing or to avoid confusion with the mammal also called dolphin.

Spanish speakers typically refer to the same sh as “dorado,” which means “golden.” Obviously, this comes from the sh’s color, and dorado is also used widely in the Paci c as well as in English-speaking South Africa.

Dolphin sh are found in all the world’s tropical and subtropical oceans. ey go by many names in many languages. ey are Shiira in Japanese, goldmakrele in German, lambuka in Arabic… and the list goes on.

• All the Pretty Colors: Dolphin sh are revered for their gorgeous colors, which change according to their excitement level. ey can change colors and even icker from day-glow green and yellow with blue highlights to lighter blue and metallic silver over the course of a ght. As soon as you pull them out of the water, this brilliance begins to fade. ese changing colors are due to cells called chromatophores in their skin. Chromatophores re ect light, contain pigment, and are controlled by central nervous system, which gives mahi their awesome chameleon-like abilities.

• Rabbit of the Sea: Part of the allure of mahi for anglers is their prevalence. When they are around, there are usually a lot of them around. ey grow quickly and reproduce proli cally, like rabbits. Dolphin sh can grow up to 3 inches in a week and reach sexual maturity in just ve or six months. ey spawn two or three times a year, and each female can release up to a million eggs during each cycle.

• Size Matters: While smaller “peanut” mahi travel and feed in giant schools, larger individuals cruise in smaller packs of two to ve sh. e average dolphin only lives two or three years, and they have a lifespan of ve to seven years. e IGFA all-tackle world record weighed 87 pounds and was caught o Costa Rice in 1976.

• Speed: Dolphin sh are estimated to swim up to 50 nautical mph, which allows them to feed on pretty much anything they can t in their mouths. is includes their little brothers and sisters.

• Management: It’s usually bad news for anglers when the federal acronyms pay special attention to a species. However, years of declining catches have led Florida shermen to call for tighter regulations for dolphin sh in the Atlantic. Currently, NOAA and SAFMC are looking at options.

Florida boasts some of the best dolphin shing in the world. e sharp multi-year decline in the shery is alarming. Last year, while SAFMC mulled potential regulations changes in federal waters, Florida preemptively slashed limits in state waters by half—from 10 sh to ve sh per person, with the vessel limit dropping from 60 to 30 sh per day.

SAFMC did not follow suit. With opposition to tighter regulations from North Carolina, where dolphin shing appears to be getting better, the per-person bag limit in federal waters of the South Atlantic remained at 10 sh per person, while the daily vessel limit was modi ed from 60 sh to 54 sh. ere is a minimum size limit of 20 inches in federal waters o South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. ere is no minimum size limit o North Carolina.

Many Florida anglers were stunned by the decision to pretty much allow federal regulations to remain as they were. Changes, however, are likely on the way. NOAA/SAFMC have initiated a “management strategy evaluation” with a stated goal of annually determining dolphin sh supply before allocating harvest equally to di erent regions and user groups. We might get a look at what that means by 2024.

• Grocery Shopping: Most of the mahi-mahi you nd in restaurants or at the grocery store comes from the Paci c. In the South Atlantic, just seven percent of the total catch limit is allocated to commercial shing.

MAKE IT A DOUBLE!

Tim Barefoot

A“double tackle” is what I call rigging two lures on the same main line. In certain situations, this appearance of a school of eeing bait sh or shrimp is irresistible to predators, and I’ve got a clean and simple way to rig a double tackle.

is the time of year, a double tackle can be deadly in inshore sheries. Spring brings huge schools of small, immature bait rolling up the creeks o the Intracoastal. ey push into the shallow bays and up the rivers trying to nd a place to hide from all the predators. Rigging two identical baits together can be irresistible to predator sh, and at the same it confuses them. I think sh look at this tackle, with baits zigging and zagging, and are forced to decide which one to eat, rather than whether or not to eat.

ere is always the possibility of catching two tackle. It happens a lot.

Speckled trout, striped bass and American shad are a few likely candidates for this tackle. Spring trout sometimes key on juvenile shrimp, and this tackle is a dead-ringer for the job. American and hickory shad are complete idiots for this tackle, as they stage in tight schools and you o en catch doubles. For the speckled trout, I like a 3-inch DOA Shrimp. For shad, I prefer small so -plastic worms.

Depending on water clarity, I sh 20- to 30-pound uoro for trout and 8- to 12-pound uoro for shad. is a very ne line between using a uoro light enough to get the bite and heavy enough to withstand the force of two sh yanking against each other on the line. e knot that connects everything together is pretty simple, but it takes a little practice to get it just right. It is a must to moisten the uoro when cinching the knot

down tight, as it will cut itself if it’s not wet. Test your knots, pulling hard on them, before use.

I’m going to get sporty this year and make a double-squid tackle for the black n tuna. I may get two at once, but that’s a gamble I’m willing to take. Stay in touch to my YouTube channel for video featuring the black ns. I think the black n tackle will be made with 50-pound uoro.

Regardless of the lure, I use jig heads that make baits walk the dog underwater like a Gotsh the front lure with a jig head, and it zigs and zags with the same cadence of the trailing lure, which has no jig head, just a hook. O en the trailing bait gets the bite.

I’m not going into a lengthy explanation in writing about how to make this tackle, but will show an up-close detailed video that explains this simple knot and rigging completely.

To see video instructions on rigging Tim Barefoot’s double tackle, go to https://youtu.be/FsdUGwyM9c4. For more, visit barefootcatsandtackle.com.

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Catch More Springtime Crappie

By TAM Sta

It’s the time of year when crappie shing can get mighty easy. However, you can always strive to load the cooler with more and bigger sh. Here are a few tips:

• Know Your Prey: Crappie are on the move this time of year. ey might be staged up at prespawn or postspawn depths, or they might be right up on the banks in a foot and a half of water spawning. Knowing their cycles will help you nd them.

Before and a er they spawn, crappie hold on brush and structure just outside of their spawning areas. ey move up into the shallows to spawn in waves, and this can go on for a month or more. So, while some sh are easy targets when they’re spawning or guarding fry on super-shallow brush, there are other, possibly larger, sh feeding a little deeper.

If you’re not catching the numbers or size you’d like to see in the shallows, get on the trolling motor and use your sonar to nd the creek channels and rst drops o the spawning areas. Find some good brush or search the fronts of docks. You might nd big schools slab crappie. Pitch jigs or minnows to individual brushpiles or slow troll these deeper areas to nd sh.

• Ditch the Bobber: A minnow under a bobber is a traditional and e ective crappie rig. It is not, however the most e cient way to catch them in most situations. During the spawn, male crappie are the ones that stay shallow and guard the nests. ey are aggressive, and they are not necessarily feeding when they attack. ese sh are particularly susceptible to gaudy, brightly colored jigs.

Crappie jigs are the best way to cover water both on

spawning banks and on deeper brush. Even when they’re feeding heavily, crappie on brush won’t chase their prey more than a few feet. A jig allows you to make numerous casts and thoroughly cover the water horizontally and vertically in the time it would take to hook and soak a single minnow under a bobber.

Move quickly until you nd the you can slow down and catch them all. If you still want to support the local live bait store, go ahead and buy some minnows and thread them through the lips on a crappie jig.

• Scent: You might not need it all the time to catch sh, but scent helps crappie nd your lure and convinces them to eat. It doesn’t hurt to tip your jig with a minnow, and arti cial attractants like PowerBait Crappie Nibbles or JJ’s Magic can sometimes make them bite when they’ve got lockjaw.

• Network: Make friends with other crappie anglers. ere’s no shortage of available crappie in most lakes. Sharing information with other anglers helps everyone stay on top of the sh. You don’t have to tell anyone where you sunk your Christmas tree in January, but a little give and take doesn’t hurt when you’re talking about stages of the spawn or e ective colors.

For more crappie shing, visit www.coastalanglermag.com.

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BIG BLUEFISH ARE ON THE WAY

By Emily Rose Hanzlik

With spring nally here, the ocean is open to many possibilities here in South Florida. One of my favorites is the arrival of larger blue sh, which tend to migrate this direction at this time of year.

Blue sh are a popular game sh in almost all the waters surrounding the United States. Smaller blue sh from 7 to 9 inches are sometimes called snapper. ese sh have extremely sharp teeth, with prominent canines on both the top and bottom jaw.

Blue sh are common along the Atlantic coast of the United States, and

range from Cape Cod down through Argentina. eir migrations are a tricky subject. Most people believe blue sh travel from Florida up to New Jersey, and then back down to Florida. However, this has never truly been proven. While doing some research, I found a few studies that never came to a clear conclusion.

What we do know is that blue sh spawn at the edge of the Gulf Stream o Florida in spring. e timing varies from year to year, but there is usually a three to seven-day window when larger blue sh swim closer to shore. For Florida, this is the time when we catch our largest blue sh, and this week is normally sometime in April.

Most smaller “snapper” blue sh tend to hang around mangroves, estuaries and bridges to ensure their safety. is provides them with cover from predators and access to smaller prey also hiding in these “safe” areas. Once they get large enough, they move o the coast to feed on larger, more abundant prey. ey are typically found in inlets, around piers and o the beaches, where large bait schools ensure a better hunt with less energy being exerted.

When hunting for blue sh, you’ll want to start where the bait is. Most of the time you will see blue sh schools popping bait schools on the surface, and other blue sh will be cleaning up the mess below. For this situation, you can use any kind of spoon, X-Raps or jigs. Normally, you’ll want to use a small piece of wire so that they don’t cut you o

If you don’t see blue sh popping baits, you can look for oil slicks. Some experts say they can smell the odor from their oils. But, for those who can’t “sni out” the sh, you can throw chunks of dead le over bait and let it stink up the water to draw them in. Usually a 2-inch chunk of mackerel, jack or even dead bait sh like sardines will attract any blue sh in the area.

Currently, on the east coast of Florida, you can keep three blue sh per person, per day. Many people prefer to use blue sh as bait, while some will make a stew or cook them whole. e IGFA all-tackle world record blue sh was a 31-pound, 12-ounce monster caught out of Hatteras, North Carolina.

Emily Rose Hanzlik holds 56 IGFA world records in various categories. She hails from West Palm Beach, where she has a part time Bow n Guide Service as well as shing classes for Jr. Anglers. Find her on social media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors.

Photo courtesy of Grant Bataille @grantbataille

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PORGY, SNOWY GROUPER, BLUELINE TILEFISH

At its late February commission meeting, FWC approved regulations changes to cut possession limits for three species and establish new open seasons for two of them in Florida’s Atlantic state waters. e modi cations are consistent with current and pending regulations for federal waters of the Atlantic.

• e bag limit for red porgy will be cut from three to one sh per person, per day. An open season of May-June will be established.

• e snowy grouper bag limit will be one sh per vessel, per day. is is a decrease from one sh per person, per day. An open season of May–June will be established.

• e blueline tile sh bag limit will be reduced from three sh to two sh per person, per day, and for-hire captain and crew will be prohibited from retaining a bag limit.

Last year, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved management changes to help rebuild the red porgy and snowy grouper stocks, which are over shed and undergoing over shing, and to reduce the risk of over shing for blueline tile sh.

e red porgy recreational limits will be e ective April 1 in Atlantic state waters, and the snowy grouper and blueline tile sh regulations will go into e ect at a later date once pending federal regulations have been implemented.

For more information, visit MyFWC.com.

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RELEASE DEVICES Now Required in State Waters

Anglers pursuing reef sh in Florida state waters will now be required to have a descending device or venting tool onboard that is ready for use. ey will also be required to use the device or tool on sh exhibiting signs of barotrauma prior to release. is new rule was scheduled to become e ective April 1 a er being approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at its February meeting.

Release mortality is a top sheries management challenge. As reef sh are reeled up from depth, they can su er a pressure-related injury known as barotrauma. If not treated correctly, barotrauma can be lethal to sh Descending devices or venting tools can help sh recover from the e ects of barotrauma.

Barotrauma mitigation tool requirements have already been adopted in Gulf and Atlantic federal waters. In Gulf federal waters, shers have the choice of possessing either a descending device or a venting tool that is rigged and ready for use. In Atlantic federal waters, shers are required to have a descending device that is readily available for use. is new rule for Gulf and Atlantic state waters allows anglers to choose which type of tool

best ts their circumstances.

A summary of the proposed rule presented at the meeting also indicated a concern about private anglers either not being aware of the requirements or not having con dence with the use of such devices. FWC has committed to an outreach program designed to raise awareness on the proper use of barotrauma mitigation tools.

Find current reef sh gear requirements at MyFWC.com/ReefFishGear. Anyone who plans to harvest or attempt to harvest, including catch and release, certain reef sh species in Gulf or Atlantic waters from a private recreational vessel must sign up for the free State Reef Fish Angler designation and renew it annually. Learn more at MyFWC.com/SRFS and sign up today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

For more information, go to MyFWC.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RETURN ’EM RIGHT

ANGLERS LAND NEW IGFA WORLD RECORDS

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) tracks record sh catches around the globe. eir world record database is a great source to see some of the sh anglers are catching around the world. Here are a handful of catches recently approved for the record books. To see all newly approved IGFA records, visit igfa.org.

Pin’s Snakehead

On Aug. 12, 2022, Ng Yam Pin landed this beautiful 28-pound giant snakehead in Rawang, Malaysia to set IGFA’s mens 20-pound line class world record. Pin caught the big snakehead on a Duo Fangbait lure and released the sh a er recording the weight and proper measurements. e IGFA all-tackle world record for giant snakehead was also caught from Rawang. It weighed 30 pounds. Bluch’s

Rainbow Trout

On Nov. 5, 2022, Aussie angler Frank Bluch was shing the Tekapo Canal, New Zealand, with guide Nicor Sutherland, when he landed this impressive 21-pound, 13-ounce rainbow trout. It set the new IGFA men’s 2-pound tippet class world record. e sh ate a y Frank calls the “Orange Monstrosity.” e all-tackle world record rainbow was caught from Lake Diefenbaker, Canada. It weighed 48 pounds.

Ochmann’s Wels

Joachim Ochmann caught this huge 140-pound, 10-ounce wels from Rio Ebro, Spain on Oct. 1, 2022. It took him nearly two hours to land the new IGFA men’s 16-pound line class world record. He released it a er taking proper weight and measurements. e all-tackle world record wels was caught from River Po, Italy in 2010. It weighed 297 pounds, 9 ounces.

Okuyama’s Grass Carp

Fumiya Okuyama holds several IGFA world records for grass carp, and he recently set another with this 109-centimeter (nearly 43-inch) sh he caught on Oct. 20, 2022, to establish the new IGFA all-tackle length y world record. e all-tackle world record by weight was caught at Piasuchnik Dam, Bulgaria in 2009. It weighed 87 pounds, 10 ounces.

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Protect Our Waters

The recent decision to dedicate millions of dollars toward the restoration of the Indian and Banana Rivers is an excellent first step. The State’s plan to add phosphate catching devices to the Brevard drainage systems will address the primary cause for the degradation of our marine estuaries. Unfortunately, that’s only a first step. Given the time that it will take to implement the phosphate catchers and the fact that this plan will only be addressing the reduction of new phosphates into our waterways, this plan could take decades to affect any significant improvement in the ecosystem.

The second step that’s needed is to improve the waterflow both into and out of the rivers. This step has not seen any support from government over the years even though it has overwhelming support from boaters, anglers and local residents.

Removing the locks from Cape Canaveral and allowing an improved, constant flow of water into and out of the rivers has been summarily rejected for numerous reasons over the years. Year after year these singularly motivated rejections have included:

1. Homeland Security. Just try getting past that broad dismissal.

2. Sandbar Development. Yes, it’s true that just like the majority of inlets in the country our Cape Canaveral Inlet would need to develop a dredging program as well.

3. NASA. Who’s got the clout to demand anything from that organization?

4. Cruise Ships. Money talks and, as we’ve all seen, this developing industry gets whatever it wants.

In addition to the seemingly impossible effort to restore a natural waterflow in Cape Canaveral, many experts suggest the necessity of creating an additional inlet somewhere between Sebastian Inlet and Cape Canaveral. Most studies suggest that the best place for that additional inlet is located at Patrick Air Force (Space Force) Base. The resistance to this concept hardly requires explanation. What citizenry group would ever ask a military base to give up its golf course? That would be utter blasphemy. Or would it?

There are remedies and workarounds to these two waterflow issues. Pumping stations and aqueduct systems could accomplish a substantial improvement in the water flow, but that, too, seems to be decades away in its

funding and implementation. There is no time left. Our estuaries are sadly dying right in front of our eyes.

There are many things that we, as citizens of the ecosystem, can do to help improve the quality of water in our rivers. Coastal Angler Magazine salutes Blair Wiggens for his effort to restore clam beds in our waterways. These mollusks are a hard-working natural filtering mechanism that also enhances the fish populations.

There are currently 24 groups attempting to address the challenges associated with the degradation of our waterways, its fisheries, and its ecosystem. These organizations need our help and support, and they are deserving of our gratitude. For more information on how you can help email protectourwaters@coastalanglermagazine.com or visit www. protectourwaters.org.

Ben Martin Editor in Chief Coastal Angler Magazine The Angler Magazine

Opening of the Canaveral lock.

PR TIPS

Spring is in full swing. It has been a mild and rather warm winter which has propelled us into an early spring. I love this time of year as we aren’t quite in the dog days of summer, yet, all of our inshore species are here. Those, of course, being redfish, speckled sea trout, black drum, snook and tarpon. If you are anything like me, you enjoy stalking these fish on the flats. Poling shorelines in search of fish is one of my favorite styles of fishing, especially when the water is clear! And your approach can make all the difference when it comes to catching—or spooking—fish. Let’s discuss.

As a guide, I have an allocated amount of time to put my clients on fish. With that being said, I have the urge and desire to run up as close to the fish as I possibly can. But that is not the best approach. You see, when it comes to being successful on the flats, sometimes you have to take a little extra time to get it right. Approaching your fishing area sometimes means poling 300 yards or using your trolling motor on a lower speed. Taking a few extra minutes to quietly approach the fish tends to lead to me catching more and spooking less fish. As you quietly arrive at your desired fishing location the fish will be less on edge and more likely to eat a well-presented lure, fly or bait because you did so quietly and did not rush up to the spot.

Now that you’ve made it to your spot, what you and your fishing partner do next will play a huge role in your success. Most of our shallow water flats are just that, shallow. The fish are already on high alert. You have done such a great job quietly approaching the fishing zone, so now you must remain stealthy. No, I don’t mean you can’t talk. Instead, consider your steps. Are you heavy footed? Would you make less noise moving around if you were just in socks? I am on my feet pretty much the entire fishing day and, as a result, I prefer to wear comfortable tennis shoes. So I am constantly considering my steps and making sure I step softly.

Lastly, be mindful of hatches and coolers and shutting them without making noise. On my skiff, my center console jump seat is insulated and I use that as a cooler. It is such a useful tool that constantly gets slammed

shut by clients. As a result, it is now common practice, as we push away from the dock, for me to share with my clients these same tips—including shutting the hatches and cooler lid softly. It makes no sense to approach the fish quietly and move around softly to just slam lids shut.

All of this comes down to one thing: to increase your success while fishing on the flats, you must be mindful of your noise.

Pictured is Jeremy from a recent trip on the Indian River with a great snook! This fish was caught in about a foot of water and he and his friends were very aware of their surroundings. We considered all three of these tips and the fish were still difficult to approach. But with patience and determination we were able to get into casting range, allowing Jeremy to make a perfect presentation and FISH ON!!

Until next time,

CAPT. JONATHAN MOSS

Go Castaway Fishing Charters

www.gocastaway.com www.thecaptainslogtv.com

(407) 760-8593

CAPE CANAVERAL

PORT CANAVERAL OFFSHORE FORECAST

Hope everyone had fun cobia fishing the last few months. Continue to look around the 50- to 60-foot range for the rays and leatherbacks holding fish. Free swimmers will be abundant continuing through this month as well. If you find some type of color change, weed line or temp break in that depth you’re gold. Bucktails and live bait will do the trick. If they won’t fire on the bucktail follow it up with a live bait of some sort. Cobia are not picky, so whatever you have will work. When using live bait, I use a 60 lb. leader from my 50 lb. braid to an 8/0 circle hook. This is also the time of year that they will come in very close as well. Don’t hesitate to start or end up in the 20-foot depth—or go out to the reef and catch a shark and see what comes up with it.

Kings will start showing up in better numbers as well. Live bait will be choice this time of year for the big ones that come back through. We were just on the tail end of the smaller fish migration. Soon, the 30 pounders will start showing more consistently. Fish your local reefs and any structures that hold bait. Shipwrecks and any other structures work great. You can also sabiki these areas for baits.

Soon you will start seeing the bait pods show up. The water is warming up and the fishing will only get better. Start looking for birds and flipping bunker. It’s been scarce to non-existent lately, but don’t worry, it’s almost here. Get yourself a good cast net. Tim Wade nets are what ya want. Get a little extra lead on it to sink it faster. Leave the Wally World net at home; that 4-footer just won’t cut it. We normally throw a 10- to 12-foot net with some extra lead so it sinks quicker. Fish and Dive in Cocoa Beach sells the right nets; go chat with Nick.

Bottom fishing for grouper and throwback reds is gonna be good. Use live bait with 3-ways and knocker rigs, 80/100 lb. leaders (whatever works best for you), and 8/0-10/0 hooks. I believe you’re supposed to have circle hooks now in fed waters so check your local regulations. Oh...and descenders have to be on the boat and ready.

To keep the kids busy you can chicken rig all the reefs for triggers and the mighty sea bass. Use squid and small chunk baits. Triggers tend to hang a little higher off the bottom so once it hits crank it up a few feet. Mahi are close by, so get that gear ready. I will touch base on that in May’s issue. Good luck! See you out there.

Seven-year repeats, the Big Six family never disappoint! Fishing aboard the Fire Fight with Capt. Joe, they caught their limit of seven amberjacks, a bunch of triggers, lanes and vermilions, and released some red groupers (like the one pictured above) and red snappers.

CAPT. CHRIS CAMERON Fired Up Fishing Charters

PORT CANAVERAL INSHORE: The nearcoastal water temperatures are extremely high just outside of the Port Canaveral basins this spring, so cobia may (or may not) be as plentiful as they have been in years past. Only time will tell with this popular species of fish. What is almost a guarantee is a species that I’ve been taking my anglers to target on a regular basis—the snook.

The snook bite has been on fire over the past few weeks around the port and along the beaches. There seems to be no slow-down coming into the month of April. Many of my charter trip customers are catching double-digit numbers of this great tasting gamefish. The slot limit is often tough to hit. This is because you have to catch a snook that measures between 28 and 32 inches (with a pinched tail) in order to keep it. I have found that when you get as many shots as we have been getting on some days, you can normally find at least one fish that you can invite home to put on your plate for dinner.

Tarpon and big bull redfish are also starting to show up this month. Although it is a little early for the large schools of these two species to be here, we are still getting regular shots at them on many days. A variety of sharks from 20 to 100 pounds, black drum, sheepshead, pompano and others round out the list of potential catches that are possible this month for anglers fishing around the central east coast of Florida.

BANANA RIVER LAGOON: Baitfish activity will determine how the Banana River Lagoon fishes this month. If water clarity improves and we see good amounts of pinfish, mullet and glass minnows showing up in this section of our coastal waters, you can bet that speckled trout, redfish, snook and black drum will not be far behind them. Look for the first three species that I mentioned to follow these bait schools up and down the shorelines. If they can find a good ambush point to target these baitfish, then the action should get really good. Rapala topwater

plugs like the Skitter Walk in the smaller 08 centimeter size or any of the Saltwater Assassin 4- to 6-inch sea shad rigged on a 1/8 to 1/4 ounce jig head will be very good lures to try. One of my favorites when targeting larger snook, reds and trout is the all-new 5-inch size sea shad—called the “Artimis Shad”—in the Houdini or Green Hornet color options. This is a slightly larger baitfish profile that I have normally used in the past, but I really like the way it swims and the bigger fish it catches. Black drum will be roaming the flats and edges of the drop offs and spoil islands. Some of these fish will run into the 15to 20-pound range. They are best targeted with a live shrimp on a split shot and 2/0 sized circle hook rig, or 1/8th ounce Saltwater Assassin “Boodah” jig head. Anglers may find even larger drum under the bridges in this portion of the lagoon. Cut crab will normally work best for the bridge drum.

Overall, this is a fantastic month to get out and catch some fish. If you are looking to go fishing, please give me a call or check my website for available dates. I would love to get you out to catch your next memory!

Snook are one of the most likely catches for anglers fishing the Port waters in April.

COASTAL ANGLER BREVARD

BRAG

Thomas Miller landed this monster 73 lb. mahi east of Port Canaveral on naked ballyhoo. Took 45 minutes to bring him in!

Schoolerscrankbaits!nailing

Elizabeth hooked this beautiful, giant redfish on a recent fishing excursion on the Banana River with Capt. Jim Ross and Fineline Fishing Charters.

Patrick “Tupat” Eichstaedt snapped this photo of his buddy with a largemouth gator trout caught on the Indian River midday on a live mullet bite.

Lucas Carter caught this sweet 31-inch snook in the Indian River with an 8-pound test.

David Caffery with a sunshine bass he took out of the St. John’s.

BOARD

Garrett Boykin Caught this 37-inch redfish in the north end of Mosquito Lagoon using an artificial shrimp.

SHARK!!! That’s what the crowd yelled as Capt. Lukas Brickweg landed this blacktip while surf fishing in Brevard.

Cassie Nolette got this 40-inch mahi 30 miles off Sebastian Inlet.

Joseph Creviston from Cincinnati, Ohio caught this massive 40inch February snook at Sebastian Inlet with a Penn Spinfisher 3500 on a 7’6” Ugly Stik Inshore Select rod aboard Whatever Turns U On Fishing Charters with Capt. Shane Trottier.

SEBASTIAN INLET TO EAU GALLIE CAUSEWAY FORECAST

April should bring more consistent weather patterns and a little less wind. Some spring rains should bring more bait to the lagoon and along the beaches and spread the gamefish out a bit. High winds and bigger waves has brought in some milky water along the beaches and into the lagoon around the inlet. Clean water and more bait will bring in the spring run of tarpon, jumbo jack crevalle, blacktip sharks and our bonito, aka “false albacore,” which are a blast to sight fish on light tackle. All of the species will eat artificial baits and can be very aggressive when they are on the feed. However, live mullet, greenies and pogies will work well, but there’s nothing like a big jack or a blacktip shark exploding on a topwater or subsurface bait along the beach. Rapala X-Rap 14 with the inline single hooks are great baits to throw this time of year. The fish will be easy to find as they will be up on the surface getting the sun and the sharks will be feeding on the bait pods as well as the mackerel, jacks and bluefish that school up along the beaches from Sebastian to Melbourne.

In the lagoon from Palm Bay to Sebastian anglers can focus on the deeper mangrove shorelines and docks as well as the spoil islands for snook, trout, redfish, jacks and flounder. I like to fish the Rapala Skitter Walk early mornings for the topwater bite, then move to Rapala subsurface baits and D.O.A. soft plastics as the sun comes up. If you want more consistent action, then live bait can be the key, but be patient and keep moving ‘til you find the bite. Fish the edges of the bait pods along the mangrove shorelines for the same species.

The inlet bite can be great as it has been most of the winter/spring. The snook will station on the north jetty on outgoing, and the big jack crevalle will station themselves in the inlet’s swift current looking for a meal to float by. Live pigfish or pinfish are the best bait most days. I also have consistent success with D.O.A. Paddle Tail baits rigged on heavy jigheads. Nightime is when the snook and redfish are more active on artificial baits such as bucktails, jigs, soft plastics and diving plugs for anglers fishing from the rocks or jetties.

9AM-4PM - 2145 US HWY 1, ROCKLEDGE

ST. JOHNS RIVER

Largemouth bass and black crappie are nearing the end of their spawning season—easy fix, change target species to schooling bass, sunshine bass, big catfish and stringers full of bluegill. We sure could use some April showers for May flowers. The St. Johns River went from the highest in 100 years to very low levels in March. When water levels are low, the fish don’t have the extra places up in the pastures to hide.

Shad schools are moving back into the lakes, and the schooling bass will be feeding heavily on them. Look for raining schools of shad (or minnows) near creek mouths, or where the river enters and exits Monroe, Harney and Jessup. Dropoffs near river bends will hold schools of bass waiting for the current to push bait up. Rat-L Traps and jerkbait soft plastics will work well in deeper water. When you can’t see the shad on top, you can sometimes locate them with your fishfinder in deep holes. Target the dropoff when you find the shad deep. In the lakes, find old bass beds and throw a Carolina rig. Fish will move in on these beds likely for the last time this year around the full and new moons. After these moon phases the bass will be hungry and eating.

Crappie will be taken by jigging near bridge pilings or around the many sunken trees left from the hurricanes and high water.

Catfish: the big cats spawn is triggered by big rains. Two to three days following a heavy rain, you can find them ready to take a piece of peeled, fresh shrimp in any deep river bend or near creek mouths.

Alas, stripers (sunshine bass here in the St. Johns) are back. Use shad imitations or live shiners along the channel edges between the I-4 Bridge and downtown Sanford for striper fun.

Watch for insect hatches on the river then break out the fly rod. Poppers and floating bugs will entice bass and bluegill for sure.

Confessions of a Fishaholic, by Thatch Maguire, is a hilarious and irreverent look at one man’s quest to catch fish in spite of life’s annoying interferences. You’ll travel with this awkward adventurer as he risks home and health to pursue his passion for fishing...regardless of the consequences. Anglers of all expertise levels will immediately identify with why his addiction is incurable. This book defines the blurred line between passion and obsession.

April surf fishing along the Space Coast looks to remain strong with pompano, whiting, bluefish and flounder available on local area beaches. The sand renourishment projects will absolutely deteriorate the beach and surf fishing conditions, so make sure to stay clear of those “projects.” Additionally, the blacktip shark migration will be in full effect! So if chasing trophy sharks is in your wheelhouse, then spring months have a lot to deliver.

Pompano fishing looks to remain consistent if you can stay with the pockets of fish. As these fish charge back to the north we should get another shot at higher quality pompano fishing, although finding the cleaner water will continue to hold the keys for success. Be sure to look for shades of blue and green waters with a translucent look when the waves roll through. Consequently, fish the edges of deep troughs and sandbars for the highest probability of finding a concentration of fish feeding.

In addition to the pompano coming back through, we can celebrate the whiting bite that’s typically very good this time of year. Traditionally, March and April have a phenomenal large bull whiting bite. This year has been on the slower side when compared to years past. Certainly I’m looking for that to change for the better as we approach this spring fever and really get an opportunity for insane whiting bites.

The go-to rigging for pompano, bluefish, whiting and drum will remain the standard pompano rig with circle hooks, beads and floats. Using multiple color beads and floats is a sure fire bet to find the optimal color combination fish prefer that day or tide. Rig your pompano rigs with live sand fleas, cut shrimp or clams for the best opportunity to catch pompano and whiting. With that being said, if it’s bluefish you’re after, then make sure to use chunks of fresh cut bait on the same pompano rigs with heavier leader.

In conclusion, it looks to be an outstanding month of surf fishing from Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach south to Sebastian Inlet. April marks one of my favorite times of year because of the diversity on tap. With everything from pompano to blacktip sharks, to catching flounder on jigging rods, it’s a fun time to fish the beach. Make sure to get out there and spend time on the beach and surf fishing with the family. If you want to book a beach fishing excursion, then please contact us online or directly at (321) 205-4672.

CAPT. LUKAS BRICKWEG

cocoabeachsurffishingcharters.com

(321) 205-4672

April is one of my favorite months weather wise; not too hot or humid just yet, and we get a few fronts that will push through with great fishing opportunities just ahead of them. Early in the month I will be wrapping up my sheepshead-targeted trips as their spawn will be just about over. I will be focused on structure for these guys as I have mentioned before such as the jetties, docks and the causeways. A short Carolina rig or a jig head tipped with fiddler crabs is the best bet, but you can also use shrimp and even an extra piece of fish bites.

On the calmer days early in the month, cobia will be a good fish to target. Throughout the past couple of years, they have gotten so much pressure that they tend to stay down more than they have traditionally, but on the right day you may hit the jackpot. Regulations have changed on them in regards to size and quantity so please do your homework before heading out on the hunt. My favorite way of targeting them is cruising the beach looking for rays. When you spot a ray with fish on it, PLEASE—and I cannot urge you enough—PLEASE don’t cast right at the ray and snag it. You will only ruin your chance of catching a fish. You have to stay far enough away that you can cast ahead of the ray and get your bait alongside it or even to swim under it. I like using both bucktails and large, soft plastics for cobia. My color preferences are green, chartreuse, and pink, but I have heard plenty of other success stories

with other colors. Also, if there is a boat on a ray, out of common courtesy, do not run up on that same ray and start casting. I see it happen every spring and it blows my mind that anglers would act this way as all this does is ruin the chances of either boat getting a fish.

Lastly, as the month rolls on and we get some fishable offshore days, the mahi bite should turn on. This year, as the water is somewhat warmer than usual this time of year, everything should happen a little sooner than usual. Ballyhoo accompanied with a skirt of your color preference will do the trick. Weedlines, temperature changes, and even just some sort of floating debris should have a fish on it!

As always, get out there and catch some fish! And if you see us on the water, please say hello!

Finding Your Next Catch

It’s that time of the year when largemouth bass are coming off their beds and gorging themselves on pretty much anything they can feed on. Living in Florida offers anglers an abundance of freshwater fishing opportunities. Rivers, canals, lakes and even neighborhood retention ponds offer up convenient family fun for the day.

Even though the weather here offers anglers year-round fishing, there is something alluring to anglers this time of year. The water is the perfect temperature where fish are very active and aggressive, making it easy to draw a strike or have them engulf your bait. Believe it or not, almost every freshwater body of water in the state that has been there for any length of time has fish in it. I’ve seen some monster largemouth come out of neighborhood retention ponds that residents were told held no fish. Since most retention ponds are kept mowed and clean around the banks, this is a perfect place to take kids to introduce them to fishing.

On a recent trip, Bentley was fishing a retention pond and caught a small bluegill. With the bluegill in hand, he thought, “If there are bluegill, then there are probably other species of larger fish.” He took his other rod and tied on a circle hook and casted the bluegill out freelined on the bottom. Within minutes the line started to pop out the slack and make short runs. He lifted the rod until he felt pressure loading up and then started cranking. He wasn’t sure what kind of fish he had. A number of larger species could have picked up the bait from the bottom, but soon an aerobatic largemouth came to the surface leaped from the water, tail walked and shook its head trying to free itself from the line.

Bentley

This excitement while fighting a bass is one of those experiences that hook young anglers into the lifelong pursuit of fishing. That morning of fishing in a pond that supposedly had no fish left smiles on faces and a personal best for a young fisherman that will no doubt lead to more trips to the pond and exploring new areas.

After all, the mystery of not knowing draws a person’s interest into exploring. Whether you are a seasoned fisherman or new to the sport, take the time to get out and explore what this state has to

offer. You never know, that spot of water you pass every day might just hold your next personal best.

Never pass up the opportunity to take a kid fishing, those smiles and excitement create memories that will last a lifetime for the both of you.

See you on the water!

— By Gary Carney GO2 Weapons Inc.

www.go2weapons.com

April is one of the best months to fish. The water is getting warmer and the fish become more active.

Hopefully the shrimp will venture in and, thereby, bring the fish with them. If that takes place, we will have an assortment of fish to catch.

In the beginning of April, we will have sheepshead around the docks and bridges. Choice of baits are fiddlers, sand fleas and shrimp. The best location is the Halifax River. The basin should be holding reds, snook and trout. Look for jacks, bluefish and ladyfish following the shrimp.

The later part of April will be a good time to night fish in the Halifax targeting the docks that are lighted. I like shrimp on a floating cork and free lining a shrimp or finger mullet. If you are an artificial fisherman I like Z-Man’s 3-inch paddle tail on a 1/8 ounce jig head in red or yellow with a white or chartreuse tail. Yo-Zuri’s 3-inch floating minnow is dynamite with a superb wiggle.

Keep an eye open for the tarpon in the river and basin and use a popping cork with a mullet or crab floating with an open bail. Tight lines!

CAPT. BARRY ENGLEHARDT

Fish With Captain Barry

fishwithcaptainbarry.com

(386) 871-8500

Let’s grow with Florida together.

LARGEMOUTHS ON LAKE SANTA FE Springtime

Iget the springtime bass itch when the azaleas bloom. It’s the time of year when largemouth bass spawn on Lake Santa Fe.

Bass spawn around the full moons of February and March on this 5,000-acre Alachua County reservoir. is year, I planned my annual Santa Fe trip for March 2-3, ahead of the March 7 full moon.

It was like entering another world that morning as my wife Kim and I motored onto the main lake. Mist rose through the lake’s ancient cypress trees. Wood ducks whistled and banked overhead. Ospreys squealed at us from nests high in the cypress, and loons serenaded us from open water.

Just being there made me feel so fortunate. I thought back to when I was 12 years old on my rst Santa Fe trip with my dad and brother. We stayed at Gri ns Lodge, which was a famous destination for speckled perch, bream and bass shermen in the 1960s and 70s. ey had small cottages for rent and a sh camp run by an old

man named Roy Gri n.

Ol’ Roy taught me to sh Santa Fe. Over the years, he kept telling me to get away from the shoreline and to slow troll. I never really understood why until sonar showed me the grasscovered humps and ledges holding congregations of bait and game sh.

On the lake, Kim and I slowed to trolling speed to get lines out. I sh 7-foot mediumaction rods with Ambassadeur 5500s loaded with 15-pound mono. e rig is simple, just a #2 wide-bend hook tied directly to the line. I hook wild-caught shiners through both lips from the bottom up.

We pull baits very slowly with a three-rod spread. Using level-wind reels, I let baits out 50 or 60 yards behind the boat. I leave the spool in cast mode and tighten the anti-backlash knob to provide enough tension to keep the baits from pulling line. You know you’ve got a bite when the line starts running out.

We only got two lines out before our rst

strike. When the middle rig started paying out line fast, I picked up the rod and pointed it at the sh. A er 20 seconds, I engaged the reel, took up the slack and set the hook hard with a sweeping motion. I reeled fast to keep pressure on the sh and kept the rod tip low to discourage the bass from jumping.

e rst sh was a fat 4-pound female that was full of eggs. Kim landed the second sh, a gorgeous 5-pounder. We caught several more in the 4-pound range before I landed a fat 8-pounder to nish an action-packed three-hour morning with eight total sh. We released them all safely a er admiring the beautiful dark coloration characteristic of Santa Fe bass. I believe this is caused by the clear but tannin-stained water.

We experienced a great nature show, and I told Kim the bass we caught were like a bonus.

Oh, how I love Ol’ Santa Fe!

Danny Patrick is co-publisher of the Northeast Florida edition of Coastal Angler Magazine.

By Danny Patrick

Ashore-based charter shing group intended to catch the largest shark they could from Pensacola Beach, Fla. on Feb. 12. ey did not, however, expect to crank in the estimated 13-foot great white that picked up their bait.

John McLean, of Big John Shark Fishing Adventures, runs shore-based charter trips for clients who want to catch the sh of lifetime. On this particular trip, his clients wanted to “go big, or go home,” so they used a huge yellow n tuna head for bait and enlisted the help of local charter captain, Capt. David Miller, who paddled a small kayak 900 yards o the beach in rough surf to deploy the bait.

Normally, McLean uses a remote-controlled boat to deploy his baits, but these baits were too large for the RC boat to handle. ey had a big sh on before Miller even made it back to shore.

“As soon as his kayak had hit the sand, we were hooked up to a massive shark,” said McLean in a YouTube video documenting the catch.

“I’ve never seen one that fast before,” he says in the video as line rips o the spool of an oversized big game reel.

All four of his clients took turns cranking the reel while everyone else gathered around to help secure the rod rack Mclean drives into the sand and uses to battle giant sharks. Even with heavy gear, the torque of the ght with heavy braided line loosened the reel from the reel seat.

“ is shark was the strongest sh I had ever had on the line. It took all four of my clients switching in and out to land this shark,” McLean said. “ is is the only time I’ve ever seen my shing gear pushed to the absolute limit.”

It took a little more than an hour to bring the giant shark into the surf, and as soon as McLean realized it was a great white, his attention turned to releasing it as quickly as possible. ey used a tail rope to control the giant white shark, and with the leader removed from its mouth, pulled it into deeper water to revive it before it swam away on its own.

White sharks are federally protected. ey must be released immediately when they are caught, so McLean did not take measurements. However, he has extensive experience with big sharks, and he estimated this one at about 13 feet. A 13-foot white shark can easily weigh more than 1,000 pounds.

Great whites are a rare catch in the Gulf of Mexico, and especially from shore. is was not McLean’s rst monster white shark, though. In early March of 2021, also on a shore-based charter in Pensacola Beach, McLean’s clients caught and released an estimated 12-footer.

Check out Big John Shark Fishing Adventures at bigjohnshark shingadventures.com, and see the video at http://bit.ly/3LjTtyw.

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Famous for its incredible strength, the Palomar knot ties well in all line types. at’s a huge advantage, and few knots can equal it on that front. Tied properly, this knot won’t slip even on braid, making it a popular choice as an all-around knot for securing line to swivels, hooks and pretty much anything else where a snug connection is desired.

It’s also quite easy and fast to tie, though it can be a tricky choice for lures because it requires a large loop to be passed completely over and around your terminal tackle.

For more tips and tricks, check out https://usangler.com

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THE ULTIMATE MIXED BAG in the Salmon Capital of the World

By Capt. Lukas Brickweg

The wondrous world of summer shing in Alaska draws anglers from around the world who ock to these rich waters annually. Ketchikan, Alaska, nestled in the heart of the sprawling temperate rainforest known as Tongass National Forest boasts the title of “Salmon Capital of the World,” and for good reason.

But salmon are not all visitors can expect to catch in this world-renowned shery. As an experienced captain who runs daily charters out of Ketchikan during the season, I still nd myself surprised by the productivity of these waters. Along with ve species of salmon, we also land big halibut, giant lingcod, paci c cod and rock sh in our daily catch limits. e shing is superb, and so is the wildlife watching. Hit the water with us, and I will gladly hand over the binoculars when marauding pods of orcas show up on the surface or when magni cent humpback whales breach. We share these waters with eagles, sea lions and so much more. It makes a perfect shing getaway for the entire family.

e awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds Ketchikan is something that must be witnessed to understand. From the rugged terrain of old growth forest in Tongass down to the vibrantly rich waters, each day surprises visitors with landscapes and

wildlife that make Ketchikan a bucket-list destination.

Who doesn’t dream of giant halibut or monstrous king salmon on these scenic waters? Peak season runs from midJune through September, with the absolute best shing during the months of July and August. is occurs when we have an overlapping run of king salmon, silver salmon and pink salmon. All the while, big halibut will have moved in from deep water to feed on the abundance of food present. For these reasons, one can expect to catch all species with potential record catches of halibut, salmon, lingcod and rock sh hitting the docks by day’s end.

Here’s what you might expect on a good fullday charter. We start out bottom shing for halibut in 150 to 400 feet of water until we get a limit. Using deep-water jigging rods, you’ll be tasked with reeling in hard- ghting halibut from the depths. en we switch gears to trolling with electric downriggers, running four rods for all ve species of wild Paci c salmon. Whether or not we hit our limit of salmon, we usually end the day jigging with light tackle for giant lingcod and pelagic rock sh to top o the day’s catch. Why settle for one species

when you can sh for them all?

A processing service will llet, vacuum seal and box up your catch to be shipped home overnight or taken on your ight as a checked bag. Ketchikan is easily accessible with convenient commercial ights, just two-hours out of Seattle, and lodging accommodations are available for groups of all sizes.

Book your dream trip to Alaska with Capt. Lukas Brickweg, of Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters, at www.ketchikan shingtrips.com, call (907) 6174717 or email at ketchikan shingtrips@gmail.com.

FEDS SLASH ALABAMA RED SNAPPER QUOTA

is federally imposed catch limit is the latest point of contention in a two-decade-long power struggle between the Gulf states and the federal bureaucracy over management of one of the region’s most iconic and economically important sheries. Recreational red snapper shing brings millions of tourism dollars to the Gulf Coast each summer. In Alabama, o cials say the quota cut will bring an early end to the season.

e cuts are the result of a complicated formula used by NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to assess red snapper stocks. Federal regulators and environmental groups are pointing to 2022’s reduced red snapper landings as evidence of a depleted shery. In 2020, recreational anglers o Alabama caught 1.1 million pounds of red snapper. In 2022, that gure dropped to less than 500,000 pounds.

AL.com reported that Sean Powers, a leading researcher in the 2020 Great American Red Snapper Count, said the limited landings in 2022 were caused by reduced angler e ort because of high gas prices and poor weather. “ e number of days people went out was half and we caught half of the quota,” Powers told Al.com. “ at’s straight forward. I don’t think it re ects on the health of the stock.”

It’s worth noting that the Great American Red Snapper Count is the study that showed there were more than three times as many red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico than the gures NMFS was previously using to set quotas. For years, sheries managers and politicians from all the Gulf states have been speaking out against NOAA’s “ awed science,” and the Snapper Count seemed to prove their argument. Since the study, NOAA has come up with a new system it says melds the Snapper Count with federal and state surveys. ere is plenty of skepticism over NOAA’s “calibration.”

“Red snapper shing is a huge part of Alabama’s Gulf Coast economy, which is why I’ll continue pushing back against the Department of Commerce’s disastrous proposal to decrease limits for red snapper anglers based on inaccurate data,” said U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R/Ala.) to Al.com.

Frustration is again mounting over federal management of the red snapper shery in the Gulf of Mexico. is time, the uproar is coming from the Alabama coast, where NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) slashed the state’s 2023 recreational quota by more than 50 percent.

Alabama’s quota this year is 558,200 pounds, down from 1.1 million pounds in 2022. e Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council meets in April, and there is a possibility Alabama’s quota could increase slightly.

See www.al.com to read an excellent article on the issue by John Sharp.

WALK THE DOG FOR SPRINGTIME BASS

The months of covering water with your favorite topwater are upon us, and what a wonderful time it is! In some parts of the country, bass are already done spawning. While in others, the move to the shallows has only just begun. No matter the circumstances of your sh, they are on the feed and will certainly bite your lure if the right situation presents itself.

Where I live in Florida, the bass have already nished with their spawn. ey are roaming and chasing food to replenish themselves a er a few hard weeks up in the shallows. One of my favorite ways to catch these sh is by covering water with a walk-the-dog style topwater. Not only is it just the coolest bite ever, but it is also a bait that can mimic a ton of di erent food options. is should be used to cover water at a fast pace. Once you locate groups of sh, slow down with something else. row topwater around anything the treble hooks won’t get hung up on, and remember to stay near areas where sh just nished spawning.

In many other parts of the country, bass might currently be up in the shallows spawning. is is another awesome time to throw a walking topwater. Use it to nd sh spawning, and then slow down and pick up a few more sh with a slower bait, if needed. e target options are endless. Grass ats, shallow banks, wood, points, anywhere bass might be spawning is the perfect place to throw a walking bait.

Up North, sh might be in the very early stages of prespawn or even still have ice over their heads. Whatever the case may be, sh will bite a walking bait when the time is right… or when the water is in a liquid form. I have been very successful, especially on smallmouths, throwing a spook-style bait around spawning ats and points for very aggressive sh that are preparing to spawn. Some of the greatest shing memories

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I have from those parts of the country are from the prespawn. row it over rocks or grass points where bass chase bait as they feed up ahead of the spawn. Walk it over open water or down the bank; they will bite it.

Topwater rod and reel setups can be fairly simple. I like a shorter rod, which makes it easier to walk the dog, with a moderate action, so you don’t rip the hooks out of the sh. e 13 Fishing 7’3” Medium Defy is an a ordable rod with the perfect action. I pair this up with a 7:5:1 Concept A2 spooled with 40-pound Seaguar Smackdown braid for long casts and minimal stretch. e 13 Fishing Power Slide is an awesome topwater for these situations, and I always stick to natural bait sh colors. Grab one of these, get out on your favorite body of water and have some fun!

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.

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

TYLER WOOLCOTT

YAMAHA 22 FT FSH LINE: FISH AND PLAY IN VERSATILE LUXURY

Yamaha’s product line of 22 FT FSH boats has made quite the splash since hitting the water in August of 2022. Building upon the success of Yamaha’s versatile 21-foot center console line that it replaced, there are three separate 22-foot FSH® models that come with Yamaha’s best center console technology and features.

“Speci cally, the new models are 9 inches longer, with gunwales 2 inches higher at the helm and 4 inches higher at the bow than the previous 21-foot line,” said Jon Sutter, Yamaha Boats Product Planning Manager. “And the gunwales are thinner too, which adds to the roominess when passing by the center console.”

is series begins with the value-minded 220 FSH Sport powered by twin 1L TR-1 HO (High Output) engines. Moving up the line is the featurerich 222 FSH Sport, and the premium 222 FSH Sport E being the pinnacle of the series.

O ering sleek lines, agile handling, and superb performance, the new Yamaha 220 and 222 Series center console boats are big, with twin Yamaha marine engines generating up to 360 horsepower. Both 222 FSH models feature added performance delivered by twin 1.8L HO motors. All three models come with a fabric or berglass-molded T-Top with four “rocket launcher” rod holders.

e new 22-foot platform continues Yamaha’s trend toward contemporary design with its deep cockpit and great freeboard, enabling a spacious interior and large bow and cockpit areas.

e center console is nicely nished with plenty of room for Yamaha’s Connext® 5-inch touchscreen that controls the boat’s entertainment and vital system functions, a glass windshield, stainless steel steering wheel, a locking glove box, and a 9-inch Simrad® marine electronics system. And for the rst time on a Yamaha center console boat, all three models get a wirelesscharging phone mount.

ere’s nothing better than hanging out at a favorite cove listening to a great summer playlist. Yamaha has you covered here with its a Hertz® premium sound system that comes standard on the 222 FSH Sport E. is marine sound system comes with a Hertz® head unit, four deck speakers, and two speakers in the color-matched hardtop.

All three 22’ FSH models come standard with mounts for optional swimup seats. At anchor, two removable seats can be attached to the stern. ese seats sit just below the water’s surface, providing comfortable in-water seating facing the transom of the boat. And since the reboarding ladder is located between both seat positions, egress onto the swim platform is a breeze.

Fishing Amenities for Anglers

Understanding that fishing is the heart and soul of this product line, anglers around the globe have the below features to look forward to when purchasing a Yamaha 22FT FSH series boat:

• Storage for eight rods under the gunwales

• Storage for six rods on the side of the console

• Aerated 26-gal stern livewell

• Simrad® multi-function display

• Jet Wash® washdown system

Ultimately, Yamaha’s 22’ FSH models have set the standard in versatile luxury, while continuing to keep the end consumer in mind with its plethora of convenient amenities. Whether you’re enjoying its premium sound system or relaxing with the award-winning swim up stern seating, your days on the water can only be enhanced with Yamaha.

Learn more at YamahaBoats.com

222 FSH Sport E

Doing Your Homework

Eat, sleep, sh, repeat. Although I would love to live this life, it is just not possible… yet. I recently saw a cartoon that listed things I like to do in my spare time. Go shing, buy shing tackle, research shing and talk about shing. is rang true to me since this sport consumes my thoughts as it does many of yours. Here are a few things that I do when I am not shing that help me when I do have the opportunity to go. With the high winds of spring upon us, we all might have a little more dock time than water time.

I’m fascinated with weather. Not only do I look at the current conditions and forecast where I am, but I also look at it in areas where I travel to sh. is does a couple of things for me. First, it allows me to see possible great weather opportunities when I might be able to plan ahead and sneak away. It also keeps me from going on a day when the weather might be great, but the previous several days featured winds blowing strong from an unfavorable direction. For example, here on the Texas coast, southwest is a detrimental direction for high winds. It muddies most bays on our coast. e previous days’ wind velocity and direction are good to know and determine where I head when I launch the boat.

I spend a lot of time on the road, and I like listening to shing podcasts. Some of these give general information, and some are weekly reports covering current conditions and activity. ese can be great to stay in tune with what is happening and to learn from new points of view on approaching certain situations. ey might also cover new products I want to try.

Di erent social media platforms also keep you in tune. Find reputable anglers or guides in your area or an area you plan to go. Some frequently post how-to or what’s been working for them. ey might also talk about how to approach a certain area. If you like to travel to new areas, which I do, knowing how to approach an area can be key. In my local waters, we might approach a spot one way, but if I go to another state they may do the opposite. Knowing the local game plan can save the day.

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

Last but not least, I look at satellite imagery very o en. One tip is to change the view and the year the image was taken for areas you sh. ese images can be dramatically di erent than the current images, and they might o er a much-improved view of bottom structure to point you to a spot you’ll want to try next time you are on the water.

e weather is warm, don’t forget to take a kid shing!

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®

How To Rock a Walking Stick

An essential part of a gentleman’s wardrobe

In the 17th century, the walking stick overtook the sword as an essential part of a gentleman’s wardrobe. Though it was primarily used as a decorative accessory, it could also function as a weapon if necessary. For men of the era, these walking sticks were a statement piece, and a way to communicate their wealth and refinement.

carats

Today, walking sticks still represent status and prosperity –– a way to show off your deep pockets without being too flashy. In that vein, we present the Santa Fe Walking Stick. Made of eucalyptus wood painted a glossy black with an antiqued silverfinished sculpted handle, what gives this piece of finery a distinctive edge is an 18-carat turquoise inlay that’s been enhanced to bring out its best blues. Don’t be bashful about your affluence. See why the Santa Fe Walking Stick is the embodiment of sophisticated elegance for the modern gentleman.

Don’t delay: Our must-have Santa Fe Walking Stick was one of our best-selling items this past year. Because of this, we can only offer 723 walking sticks at this price with this ad! See why Stauer is becoming one of America’s fastest-growing sellers of walking sticks today!

Praise for Stauer Walking Sticks

“I recommend it without reservation and commend Stauer for offering quality at a fair price.” — Steven, Arlington, VA

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— Chas, Placida, FL

Speci cations:

• 18 carats of enhanced turquoise. Antiqued silver-finished and sculpted brass handle. Eucalyptus wood. Rubber tip

• Supports up to 250 pounds

Santa Fe Walking Stick

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