Coastal Angler Magazine | February 2019 |Brevard County by Coastal Angler Magazine

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Tampa's

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Blackfish Inshore Rigging Tips PHOTO COURTESY OF DARYN ANDREW WHITE VOLUME 23 â&#x20AC;¢ ISSUE 288

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O P P O R T U N I T I E S

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LIFE ON THE COAST IS BETTER WHEN YOU STAY CENTERED.

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Make the most of the open water with Yamaha’s 190 FSH® Series. Our all-new 19-foot center console boats have been redesigned from the ground up for more fishing and family fun. A saltwater corrosion resistant driveline protects you from the harshest elements. And with an extra spacious layout and new storage pods to keep all of your gear, the 190 FSH Series will put you in the middle of everything you love about living on the coast. Starting at $29,799.

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FROM SHIP TO SHORE

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FEBRUARY 2019

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Tampa Bay, A Jewel On

Florida’s Gulf Coast By Rosemary J. White

ampa Bay has some of the very best fishing in the state of Florida, which means it is some of the best fishing in the world. What makes Tampa Bay so unique is the many different varieties of both freshwater and saltwater fish to catch, as well as the many different ways to catch them. If you are not a boat person, Tampa offers the world’s longest fishing pier, the Old Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Here you can catch snook, tarpon, grouper, black sea bass, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, sheepshead, red snapper and pompano. That’s 10 species of highly desirable fish from just one location, without a boat! And if that list alone is not impressive enough, fishing the bridge is convenient, too. You’ll need some specialized gear, but once

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you’ve got it you can drive right onto the pier to your exact sweet spot and unload. It’s also lit at night! There’s no limit as to what time of the day you can fish. Feel like delving into the ocean world a little deeper than a concrete bridge? Tampa Bay boasts the stunning Fort Desoto County Park. Here you can simply slip on a pair of old sneakers and wade into cerulean blue waters and lush seagrass beds. Sound surreal? It is. Wading is a stealthy approach to fishing. In addition to species from the list above, you can also catch redfish, trout and flounder. Looking to fish the deeper waters of the bay? About 45 miles out, the water depths start to reach the 80-foot range. Out here, the possibilities are endless. Varieties of grouper, assortments of snapper, arrays of sharks, blackfin tuna, sailfish, mahi, amberjack, jack crevalle, permit and bonita can be added to the previously mentioned lists of available species. What if you tend to lean more toward the fresh side? Tampa Bay has some of the most diverse freshwater fishing opportunities one can imagine. Use a kayak to quietly glide through the tannic waters of our creeks to catch largemouth bass that grow upwards of 10 pounds. The creeks also hold massive bluegills, crappie, toothy alligator gar, tilapia, catfish and carp. The secret to what makes our freshwater fishing so thrilling is that you never know what you are going to catch. You see, many of our saltwater species inhabit our freshwater, as well. It is not only possible, but it is common to catch a big largemouth and then five minutes later a 15-pound common snook. Tampa Bay offers a temperate climate, direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, artificial reefs, a unique slowly sloping continental shelf, and an abundance of freshwater feeds. From grass flats and mangrove systems in our inshore ecological system, to the deeper channels throughout the bay and Intracoastal Waterway, anglers have the opportunity to catch anything from sharks to Goliath grouper. The potential for the catch of a lifetime exists on every cast.

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NauticStar Introduces

SEE IT AT THE MIAMI INTL BOAT SHOW BOOTH A237 The 251 Hybrid offers a fresh new look and a new 25-foot model to NauticStar’s very successful hybrid lineup. This unique multipurpose vessel offers the perfect size and features for a family friendly pleasure boat and a tournament ready fishing platform. NauticStar has also moved into the 30-foot plus category with its

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newest member of the family: the 32 XS Offshore. This outstanding saltwater performer delivers all the necessary fishing features for the serious angler with a smooth, dry, comfortable ride with cutting edge styling and comfort features never before seen in a boat of this style and size. With its 10’ 6” beam, the 32 XS Offshore offers a spacious and comfortable bow that features large forward lounge seating with arm rests and plush wrap-around bow seats. The head console has a fully lined interior with a sink, SeaDek floor and electric flush toilet. It has a spacious and ergonomic helm to allow for dual 12-inch or 16inch multifunction displays. The leaning post features ergonomically correct Llebrock double billfish seats with flip-up bolsters and pivot arms. It has a sink, tackle storage, and a slide-out, 35-quart YETI cooler. The D-channel, integrated T-top can be fitted with a variety of options such as a retractable shade and fold-down cockpit television. Aft, the jump seats flip-up for a spacious fishing deck with sizable, infloor fish boxes and large port side dive door. “Engineered for exceptional reliability and performance, the new 32 XS Offshore carries forward NauticStar’s 100-percent wood-free construction and one-piece foam filled fiberglass stringer system,” said Ryan Witt, director of engineering. “Additionally, we’ve added some great new design features such as sculpted hull sides, a sideentry cockpit door, and large insulated in-floor fish boxes. The 32 XS Offshore also features cutting edge technologies with NaviOP digital vessel control system and Klipsch custom-tuned audio system.” “I am very proud of the team and all they have accomplished over the past year,” Schiek added. “These new models are truly exciting and we look forward to introducing many great new models in the future.” The 251 Hybrid and 32 XS Offshore will be on display in Miami at booth A237 and available for test rides in the Yamaha in-water display. For more information on each of NauticStar’s new model introductions, please visit: 195 Bay - https://nauticstarboats. com/boats/nauticbay-boats/195-nauticbay/ 251 Hybrid - https:// nauticstarboats.com/boats/hybrids/251-hybrid/

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auticStar Boats, a subsidiary of MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc., has been reinvesting in the business at an accelerated pace, specifically, modernizing the plant and developing leading edge new products. The Company launched the new 195 Bay Boat in August, followed by the 251 Hybrid in September and will debut its largest offshore model yet, the 32 XS Offshore, at the Miami International Boat Show. “To say we have been busy at NauticStar is an understatement,” NauticStar President Tim Schiek said in a statement. “We have assembled a strong team of marine experts focused on delivering the highest quality and best performing boats in their segment. This is not only driving continuous improvement in our boat building processes, but throughout the entire organization. We have also implemented a more disciplined product development process that is delivering more new products, at a faster cadence, with increased consumer insights and innovation that ultimately will deliver the best boating experience for our consumers at a reasonable price.”

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With its sleek lines and stylish contours, the new 251 Hybrid offers a fresh new look and a 25 foot addition to the NauticStar Hybrid lineup. This unique multi-purpose vessel offers the perfect size and features for a family friendly pleasure boat and a tournament ready fishing platform. If you need a serious fishing machine for yourself or a boat with enough room for a large crowd, the 251 Hybrid is the boat for you! Check out all the incredible features of the 251 on our website and design the boat of your dreams.

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FEBRUARY 2019

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By Tom Schlichter

Winter Bulldogs Out Of Ocean City, Maryland By Tom Schlichter

Ron McClelland caught this 24-pound blackfish aboard the Fish Bound out of Ocean City, Md. in April of 2018. Mate Kevin Twilley helps hoist the beast. Photo courtesy of Fish Bound Charters.

enneth Westerfeld was expecting a big blackfish when he set up on a solid, single-tug while wreck fishing out of Ocean City, Md. back in January of 2015. What he wasn’t expecting was a new International Game Fish Association (IGFA) world record at the end of the line.

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“We were into big blackfish right off the bat,” explained the Queens, N.Y. angler, “and I knew immediately when I set the hook that this was a double-digit white chin. I got three quick turns on the reel and then all I could do was hold the rod high and tight while she dove for the wreck. More than half way to the top, however, she got a second wind and tore 40 feet of line from my drag, which was nearly locked tight. I couldn’t believe the power. That’s when I knew this one was more than special.” When the monstrous bulldog finally hit the deck, Westerfeld was stunned by its size. Back at Sunset Marina in Ocean City, the huge white chin officially tipped the scales at 28 pounds, 8 ounces. That blackfish, still the all tackle world record for the tough-lipped bottom feeders, was decked aboard Capt. Kane Bounds’ six-pack charter boat Fish Bound, a vessel on which Westerfeld has taken several ’teen-sized bulldogs over the years. “I’m convinced there’s even bigger blackfish in Maryland waters,” he said. “A couple of years ago, an experienced SCUBA diver reported seeing two giant blackfish on an offshore reef there—the smaller one he estimated at 30 pounds.” Capt. Kane agrees that bigger fish probably lurk in the 80- to 150-foot depths where he concentrates most of his blackfish efforts. “I think our ’tog have a little longer growing season than up north,” he reasoned. “That makes a difference with a fish that can live more than 30 years. In 2017 alone, we had five that broke the 20-pound mark. Three of those were released.” You’ll want to fish heavy in these waters if giant ’tog are your target. Bounds recommended conventional outfits with smooth drags and 50- to 60-pound test braided lines. He also goes big on hooks, choosing 5/0 and 6/0 sizes over more traditional 3/0 and 4/0 selections. Expect to need 8 to 12 ounces of lead to get to the bottom. Monster blackfish bite right through the winter months, with many of the largest fish decked each year in February, March and April. Westerfeld advised anglers looking for the blackfish of a lifetime to use fluorocarbon leaders no matter which rigs or hooks they choose. “Maryland’s waters are pretty clear in the winter and low visibility fluorocarbon leaders really provide an edge,” he said. “Seaguar’s 60-lb. test Blue Label fluorocarbon leaders have worked well for me. They have great abrasion resistance and impact strength, plus very little stretch—three things you really need with these brutes.” To fish with Capt. Kane on the six-passenger Fish Bound, contact: www. fishboundcharter.com; 443-497-1361. Open boat fans can check out the Morning Star (http://morningstarfishing.com; 410-520-2076).

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1/21/19 10:31 AM

Central Florida Bass Are On The Beds By Nick Carter • Photo by Brett Cannon

hile largemouth bass across much of the country remain hunkered down in a winter pattern, bass in central Florida are running full tilt in all three stages of the spawn. Right now tournament angler and guide Ricky Congero is wearing out big Florida strain largemouths on the eight Kissimmee Chain lakes around Orlando. Whether you’re an angler in need of a road trip or if you’re sitting in an easy chair waiting on your reservoir to get right, Congero’s tactics might help steer you to the largemouth of a lifetime. Starting in November and December, Kissimmee largemouths begin staging up in prespawn behaviors. The first big waves of fish hit the flats toward the end of January. They’ll move in and out with the passage of cold fronts, but from January into early March there will be fish in all stages of the spawn. The key to locating them among miles of thick vegetation is to find hard-bottomed shallow flats. “You can pattern them year-round based on the spawning flats,” Congero said. “During prespawn, they’ll be staged in the first grass maybe

100 yards off those flats. Postspawn, they’ll move out into the dense hydrilla and hyacinth.” Congero starts by covering water with moving baits like swim jigs and Chatterbaits in search of bass preparing to move up. When the smaller males arrive on the flats to fan out beds, it’s an indicator that fishing is about to get very good. “If you start catching a bunch of young bucks on the flats, the big females won’t be far behind,” he said. In the tannic waters of the Kissimmee lakes, it’s difficult to spot fish on the bed. Instead of sight fishing, Congero looks for the locations big females prefer. “You always find the bigger females bedded on isolated pads, as opposed to the big clumps of pads,” he said. “They’ll spawn right at the base of the stem.” And while heavy braid and heavy-duty tackle are mainstays for hossing big fish out of thick vegetation, fishing beds requires stealth and finesse. Sizing down to 17- or 20-pound fluorocarbon, Congero likes a short 5- or 6-inch Senko. A staple on the Kissimmee lakes is black with a blue tail. He Texas rigs it with 1-ounce tungsten bullet weight, which is pegged to the head of the worm. This allows him to feel when his bait hits the stalk, at which time he lets it sit on the bottom until the bass picks it up. “Don’t set the hook as soon as you feel her pick it up,” he warned. “She might just have the tail in her mouth and you’ll come back with half a worm. Wait until she’s swimming off with it. Reel up all the slack and give her a second or two before you set it.” For a guided trip, contact Congero at (973) 6998981 or email info@blackcloudfishing.com. Follow him on Instagram @Ricky_Congero.

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VISIT AND Visit andEXPLORE Explore Burnsville, NC Burnsville, N.C.

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hether you’re hiking, exhibits. The restaurant, conces- through Yancey fishing or camping sion stand and gift shop are open County. hether you’re hiking, fishing or Mountains and the South Toe in the mountains or May thru a fun camping in the mountains, at- October. River Campground Valley. StretchingEnjoy nearly has 9 tent sites only. attending a performance at Parkfilled day on tending a performance at Parkway 500 miles through the mountains the Playhouse ororcoming North Virginia way Playhouse comingtotothe theMt. Mitchell Winding of along the Carolina southern and water, catching Crafts Fair Crafts or Carolina Literary without a single red light, Mt. Mitchell Fair orMountains Caro- edge of Yancey County, the Blue the the fishBlue native to Festival, there’sLiterary alwaysFestival, a good day waiting Ridge one of the best lina Mountains Ridge Parkway givesParkway travelersisan our mountains. for you in Burnsville, North Carolina, espe- scenic drives in America. there’s always a good day waiting amazing view of the Black MounWe is guarantee cially for travelers who like to discover their The Blue Ridge Parkway the forown youjourney. in Burnsville, North Car- tains and the South Toe River your fishing only access to Mount Mitchell County is home State Park at Hwy andwill mileolina, Yancey especially for travelers whoto waterfalls, Valley. Stretching for nearly 500128trip be full campgrounds, hiking post It’s five miles sumSnakeroot Ecotours offers custom tours like to discover theirbackroads, own journey. milestrails, through the355. mountains of to of the fish-catching clean rivers, and six the 10tohighest peaks mit. and The Parkway by Civilian Con-Observation at Mount State Park. of one ofplatform the wildest andMitchell most scenic corNorth Carolina Virginia was – built Yancey County is ofhome experiences! in the eastern United States. servation Corps labor in the 1930s. Workers ners of Western North Carolina. They invite and not one single redlight – the waterfalls, campgrounds, backToe River, Located in southern Yancey County, used dynamite to blast tunnels through the you into astoundingly Southern diverse Appalachian habitatsMounand Blue Ridge Parkway is one the a Carolina roads, hiking trails,(6,684 clean feet) rivers,is the Hemlocks, Black Mount Mitchell highest mountains andofcarve road through rough, and reveal the mysteries of the Southern Appatains. More info at www.snakemountain of the peaks Mississippi River. It drives remote terrain. The Parkway rises to an el- lachian scenic in America. and six of theeast 10 highest in best Mountain Campgrounds are all lo-Mountains. See more info at www. rootecotours.com. was designated North evation over 5,000 as it off passes through snakerootecotours.com. Blue Ridge Parkway is thefeetcated Eastern America. the first state park in The Highway 80 in the South The Burnsville-Yancey ChamCarolina in 1916. Today it features an obYancey County. Located in southern Yancey only access to Mount Mitchell Toe River area of Yancey County. servation platform on the summit next to Enjoy a fun-filled day on the water, The Burnsville-Yancey Chamber of ber of Commerce and Visitor State Park at catching Hwy 128the andfish mileCounty, Mount Mitchell (6,684 State Park and and Visitor Center is located at Elisha Mitchell’s grave and an interpretive nativeMount to ourMitchell mountains. Commerce Center is located at 106 West Main post 355. It’s miles to thefishing feet) is the highest mountain East Crabtree Meadows by Main Street in Burnsville. Inside museum with historical and environmental Wefive guarantee your trip will be full are of accessed 106 West findofa inforhelpful The restaurant, standThe Parkway fish-catching experiences! was built by the Blue Ridge Parkway. you’ll find aStreet. of exhibits. the Mississippi River. It wasconcession des- summit. helpfulInside staff you’ll and lots and gift are park openinMay through River, Carolina Hemlocks andEcotours Black offers staff and lotslodging, of information mation shopping,on CCCOctolabor in theToe 1930s. Workers ignated the shop first state North Snakeroot cus-on attractions, ber. Theincampground limited to used only nine Mountain are all located off dining and local businesses and services. The attractions, lodging, shopping, dynamite to blastcampgrounds tunnels tom Carolina 1916. Today itisfeatures tours of area one of of the wildest tent sites. Highway 80 in the South Toe River Visitor Center and office are open Monday& dining, and local businesses through the mountains and carve an observation platform on the most scenic cornersthrough of West-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call Winding along the southern edge of Yancey County. Mountand Mitchell State Park road through rough, remote ter- ern summit to Elisha services. Visitor Center and office Carolina. Yanceynext County, the Mitchell’s Blue Ridge a Parkway and Crabtree Meadows areNorth accessed by theWe invite (828) you 682-7413. givesand travelers an amazing view ofrain. the Black Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway rises to an ele- into astoundingly diverse habitats open Monday thru Friday 9am to grave, an interpretive museum with historical and environmental vation over 5,000 feet as it passes and reveal the mysteries of the 5pm. Call (828) 682-7413.

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hat a wild, wet and woolly week it was for the fleet fishing the Pelican Yacht Club Invitational Billfish Tournament out of Fort Pierce, Fla. Jan. 9-12. First, the fleet of 30 fishing teams crushed all the records for the 39th annual tournament, and for the 65-year history of sailfish tournaments fished in eastern Florida waters. The final tally was 969 sailfish caught and released. The tournament’s second day of action wound up being the single best day in sailfish tournament history for any event fished north of Palm Beach County in waters of the Atlantic Ocean. A total of 712 sailfish were caught and released by the 27 boats on the water that day. The top three boats that day accounted for 121 sailfish by themselves — JT, led by Capt. Mark McDevitt, had 41 sailfish; Cowpoke, led by Capt. Mike Brady, had 40 sailfish; Alikai, led by Capt. Patrick Price, had 40 sailfish. The 41 by JT, owned by David Johnson of Beach Haven, N.J., stands as the new record for the tournament for a boat in a single day. Consider also that tournament rules stipulate fishing time as 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. But since the boat departed Fort Pierce Inlet each day, and the sailfish were concentrated in an area north of Patrick Air Force Base and south of Port Canaveral’s main channel some 45-50 miles north, tournament boats were forced to sacrifice up to 1:45 of fishing time each day just to reach the best fishing. But when they did, they were rewarded, at least for two days. The event began Jan. 9 when Grand Slam, led by Capt. David Grubbs

of New Smyrna Beach, sat down on an area so packed with hungry sailfish that it looked like a feeding frenzy under his boat. Grubbs felt it was going to yield some fish, and ran there because he knew it would produce bites. Few, if any, in the fleet knew his plan. By noon, the cat was out of the bag. Big time. He wound up with a Treasure Coast area then single-day record 38 sailfish catches that day and a substantial lead on his competitors, known to be some of the best sailfish skippers in the western hemisphere. Teams racked up catches of an incredible 86 double-headers, 45 triples and 15 quads. It was truly staggering. On Jan. 10 the fleet followed the leader, Grubbs and crew, to the fertile fishing grounds off the Space Coast and helped him achieve something many experienced sailfish specialists thought could only be accomplished in Mexico or Costa Rica. The captains called it epic and incredible, unbelievable and amazing. But it wouldn’t last. On Jan. 11 the fish had either scattered a bit, moved back north out of range, or simply quit biting, like fish of any species do. The fleet of 27 fishing that day picked up “just” 93 releases. Saturday, with a smaller fleet fishing because of lay days mandated by tournament rules, those numbers dwindled more. The final day anglers tallied only 29 releases, reminiscent of the season’s start in December when sailfish bites were very hard to come by.

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Close Encounters of the Shark Kind By John Lidington

A diver observes a reef shark near Shark Canyon. In natural encounters, when sharks are not being fed, they rarely approach divers much closer than this.

“K

atharine the Giant Great White Shark Lurks Off Florida — Again” If Katharine was here, as the South Florida SunSentinal announced on Nov. 26, winter was on its way. Usually this snowbird shark from Cape Cod arrives first, and being a great white, she always makes the news. For divers, though, her arrival means the migrating lemon and blacktip sharks are on the way. It’s shark time for Florida’s Gold Coast! When I started diving in the 1960s, the arrival of sharks meant the departure of divers. Prevailing wisdom held that sharks were dangerous and unpredictable and should be avoided. That outlook on sharks began to change in the 70s. Scientists, such as the University of Miami’s Dr. Samuel Gruber, had turned shark behavior into a major study area. H. David Baldridge analyzed data from more than 1,500 cases in the worldwide shark attack file established by Dr. Perry Gilbert to identify the real factors behind shark “attacks.” The emerging picture showed an animal superbly adapted to its environment by its 400-million-year existence in the oceans. Man, as a newcomer to their world, was not seen as food, and usually ignored. In his 1974 book “Shark Attack,” Baldridge wrote: “I wish not to generate any

fear of sharks in the mind of any reader, yet a healthy respect for these beautifully adapted beasts would appear to be justified…” It took the PR genius of Jacques Cousteau to popularize this science and help dispel unnecessary fear of sharks. The air of authority gained from his highly regarded TV series lent credence to his book “The Shark: Splendid Savage of the Sea,” in which he documented divers regularly interacting with sharks. Sharks were becoming accepted in the diving world. But there was a bump in the road. At the same time “Shark Attack” appeared, Peter Benchley published Jaws. His depiction of sharks as malevolent killing machines was promptly translated to visual form in Steven Spielberg’s movie adaptation. The impressions from those twin horror assaults did eventually fade, but for quite a while it was the rare diver who didn’t experience flashbacks of huge toothy mouths while doing back entries. The twenty-first century has seen divers’ attitudes shift even more favorably toward sharks. Today many divers want to encounter sharks. They regularly visit sites naturally frequented by sharks in hopes of diving alongside these majestic fish. When diving Jupiter during the winter shark migration, your chances for shark encounters skyrocket! According to Shana Phelan of Singer Island’s Pura Vida Divers, “The most common sharks we see year round are nurse sharks, reef sharks and lemons. Our most active shark months are in the winter, with lemons in January and blacktips in January and February. Winter sightings are most likely at Shark Canyon and on some of the wrecks.” Shark Canyon, here I come! Pura Vida Divers hosts regular shark dives in February. To learn more about these awesome creatures, book a PADI Shark Conservation Specialty Diver class, or hop aboard their next charter. Contact Pura Vida Divers at 561-840-8750 or visit www.PuraVidaDivers.com.

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Florida Seeks Input on Spotted Seatrout FWC photo by Tim Donovan

he Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is gathering input on management of the recreational spotted seatrout fishery. Share your input by taking an online survey at SurveyMonkey.com/r/Seatrout2018. Your input will help FWC better understand the public’s satisfaction and desires related to this fishery. Spotted seatrout is managed in Florida in four unique zones across the state (Northwest, Southwest, Southeast and Northeast). The status of the seatrout populations within each zone is assessed using a measure of population health known as the spawning potential ratio (SPR). Research indicates seatrout populations should be kept to at least 20 percent SPR to maintain a sustainable population. The FWC manages spotted seatrout at a higher management goal of 35 percent SPR to provide a better fishery. In 2017, staff held a series of workshops related to a draft spotted seatrout assessment. The final assessment results were released in 2018 and suggest the Southwest and Southeast zones are exceeding the FWC’s management goal. The Northeast and Northwest zones are not meeting the 35 percent SPR management goal and may benefit from some management actions. The results of the survey will be brought to a Commission meeting in early 2019.

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FISHY RESOLUTIONS American shad are anadromous saltwater

fish that migrate up all major freshwater rivers along the east coast of North America to spawn. In the St Johns River, the first shad show up around Christmas, but the run usually becomes reliable mid-January. Shad fishing peaks in February and peters out in March. The shad run varies year to year. At the time this article was submitted in early January, we were already catching shad, so hopefully this indicates a strong run this year. American shad are great fun to catch on ultralight tackle and fly rod. They fight much like juvenile tarpon with spirited runs and frequent jumps. If you’ve never fished for shad before I urge you give them a try this winter. The stretch of St Johns River from Lake Monroe down to about SR 528 is often referred to as Shad Alley. Most years the hot spot is between Lake Harney and Puzzle Lake, which is conveniently accessed from C.S. Lee Park off of highway 46. Last year the main body of fish migrated farther south and our best shad fishing was out of the highway 50 boat ramp. Captain Tom Van Horn probably fishes for shad more than anybody I know so I like to monitor the fishing reports he posts on his website (www.irl-fishing.com) to get the latest scoop on where the shad schools

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are showing up. Biologists say American shad don’t feed during their spawning runs so you need to elicit a reaction strike. Fortunately, shad are receptive to small, bright, flashy lures and flies fished slowly near the bottom. The classics lures that have been catching shad for decades are the shad dart and shad spoon like the Min-O-Dart and Min-O-Spoon made by Johnson. These are often fished in tandem, combining the bright colors and deep running attributes of the dart with the flash and wiggle of the spoon. Small jigs designed for panfish are also deadly on shad. Most anglers also fish these in tandem for added casting distance and for the option of trying out different colors to see if the shad have a preference that day. Another lure that is quite popular for shad is the Road Runner by TTI Blakemore that combines the appeal of a jig with the flash of a spoon in one lure. Specific fly patterns don’t seem to matter much as long as they are small, bright, flashy and can be fished near the bottom. Most productive flies are about one to one and a half inches long and include beads or dumbbell eyes to help them reach the bottom. There is a lot of debate about what is the best color for shad. My all time favorite is chartreuse. I’ve caught more American shad on chartreuse than all other colors combined, but some of that success could be attributed

to my confidence in the color. There are days the shad are finicky and prefer something else, so I’ll keep some white, hot pink, yellow and orange in my tackle box in case one of those is the hot color that day. If you talk to other shad fishermen while you are out on the water, you can be sure, “what color are they hitting today” will come up in the conversation. Quarter your casts up current, let your offering sink a few seconds and start a slow retrieve. You should feel your lure drag bottom now and then, and if you snag an occasional clam or mussel you know you are working your bait right. Trolling is also very effective. I’ll always drag a couple shad lures behind my kayak as I paddle to and from my fishing spot, and if I am having a hard time finding the fish I’ll troll to cover more water. The same rules apply for trolling as they do for casting; let out enough line and go slow enough that your lures periodically bump the bottom. You’ll need a freshwater fishing license (unless you are exempt) to fish the St Johns plus a saltwater license if you want to keep any shad. By Paul MacInnis

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NIRL-SML

Carter caught a bunch of fish but this dandy pompano nearly wore him out! Carter, Parker and dad, Jason had a great trip recently with Capt. Mark Wright!

Winter is here folks in all its con-

fusing glory. It’s mid-January as I write this and we are in the midst of a typical cold front scenario. Sunrise water temperatures vary from the low to mid fifty degree range. We are seeing stead warming throughout the day as long as the sun is visible. Often the best bite of the days occurs around noon, especially once the water temperature nears the sixty degree mark. I have no doubt on the right day there is an outstanding late afternoon bite peaking near sundown.

Recently I’ve had a bunch of family type trips focusing on lots of smaller fish to keep the kids (of all ages) entertained. Residential docks, bridges and rocky areas are holding plenty of spotted seatrout, weakfish, mangrove snapper, sheepshead and more. While a few of these fish make it into the keeper (slot) category most will need to be released.

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For the most part our go-to lures on the shallows have been Z-Man Minnowz (three inch), Curly Tailz (roughly four inch), EZ Shrimpz (three plus inches) and the Finesse Crawz (two inch) rigged weedless. Depending on the mood of the fish you might need to delay your hook-set a second or more to give them time to inhale the lure completely into their mouth. A dab of Pro-Cure helps get a few more bites from the stubborn fish so well I rarely toss a soft plastic lure without it! Live shrimp has been the best choice of all, whether suspending one below a popping float or tail-hooking one on a circle hook to offer to tailing reds or drum. If the critters are pulling off the hook try removing the tail fin and threading the hook through the tail-meat! Capt. Mark Wright 321-302-3474 captmarkwright@earthlink.net www.captmarkwright.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

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PORT CANAVERAL The fishing in and around the Port area will be very dependent on the water temperatures this month. If we have a typical winter- anglers here can expect weakfish, pompano, whiting, and sheepshead to provide them with some action. These species will provide a good variety of quality eating fillets in exchange for soaking a piece of shrimp on the bottom of the various port basins. The pompano and whiting are likely to strike small jigs tipped with shrimp in the surf zones or along the deeper drop offs inside the Port. The sheepshead love structure as well, and will be around dock pilings and rocks throughout the port. Small crabs and sand fleas are their favorite things to munch on. Put these baits on a short shank heavy wire hook so you have a chance at pulling these tough fighting fish away from the structures that they call

home. Weakfish are a visitor to the Canaveral area each winter and the main shipping channel is one place that anglers can target them. These fish look like speckled trout but have dashes instead of spots on their sides. They prefer to suspend 5 to 10-feet above the bottom on most days, and live shrimp or soft plastic jig tails can be very effective offerings when they are schooling in the channel area. Weakfish tend to school up best if we have an exceptionally cold winter, but they can be found on most days in February no matter what type of winter we have. If this winter is warmer than usual anglers could find tripletail near floating debris or buoys in the area known as the Bight. Capt. Jim Ross W-321-636-3728 Book your fishing trip at FinelineFishingCharters.com Catch a Memory Outdoors Radio show host-Live shows Saturday mornings from 7:00 to 9:00 am on 1510 am, 99.9 fm and 100.7 fm

BANANA RIVER LAGOON

Black drum will strike shrimp and crabs fished around docks and bridge pilings this month.

Deeper section of this body of water are going to be the best areas to target speckled trout and black drum if we get our usual cold temperatures this month. Residential canals, dredge holes and areas near causeway bridges that span this lagoon are fantastic places to search for these fish as well. Redfish will also seek refuge from cold temps in the deeper areas, but usually move right back out onto the flats once the sun start to warm them after each frontal passage. Cut baits, live shrimp and small cast-able lures generally work on these shallow water reds. If

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the weather is warmer this year than what we normally get in February, anglers should find the trout and redfish on the flats on most days.

Capt. Jim Ross W-321-636-3728 Book your fishing trip at FinelineFishingCharters.com Catch a Memory Outdoors Radio show host-Live shows Saturday mornings from 7:00 to 9:00 am on 1510 am, 99.9 fm and 100.7 fm FEBRUARY 2019

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PORT CANAVERAL OFFSHORE Wind wind and more wind, go

away already. Near shore fishing has been great and should continue this month. Massive schools of redfish have been near the port and around the tip of the cape. Look for the birds diving and good chance that there on them. There have been large bunker schools around, so take the time and look. They may not be flipping so watch your machine and the mudd balls. The reds will eat anything you throw in the school, buck tails, bunker, and I’m sure even a hotdog. They’re all big and upwards of 35lbs! Many of my offshore trips turned into port trips and beach trips if we were lucky with a west wind. If you want to catch a bunch of stuff and keep the kids happy get a few dozen live shrimp and have fun. The way we do our beach fishing is with medium rods and light tackle while using a 1/0 circle hook with a #20 leader to a small swivel then mainline. On the mainline use a 1 or 1.5 oz egg sinker. This is the typical fish finder rig, works great, very

basic. Everything eats a shrimp. Shark fishing has been on fire as well. Large blacktip, hammerhead and blacknose have been plentiful. A bunch of bulls too. This time last year the big extinct sandbar sharks moved in so we are hoping they do the same thing. They are a blast to catch in shallow water. Offshore on the days we can get out have been great but this is also the time of year that the kings are picky. If they don’t have a live bunker or threadfin flashed in front of their face they wont eat. You will literally watch

everyone around you hooked up and they will not touch a dead spinner bait. You really have to put the effort in right now to catch the live baits. Last year this time was the best ling run we had as many fish were caught this month. Many of the giants were caught in Feb. It was even better than March. Take advantage of those sunny days and go look around. 55-foot depths seem to be the most productive this time of year. Patrick has always been a productive. The rays are showing up! Have a great month and good luck.

Capt. Chris Cameron firedupcharters.com 407-222-3573

SHRIMP REPORT

This month I expect the needle to move and see an increase with the amount of shrimp passing thru Central Florida. Living on the inter-coastal, it affords me the chance to stick my toe in the water and see where we are in the shrimp growth cycle. In some cases, I am just looking for any river crickets. There are shrimp in Oak Hill and Edgewater but they are lean (catching dozens) and dinky. November & December was another lazy couple of 8 BREVARD

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months which puts me on the path of these words. We are going to have a shrimp season but I believe its going to be 4 weeks late. Another season of warm waters following our January start of the season. South Florida usually starts their run in December/January and the word is just not on the streets. Volusia County had small troops of shrimp passing through and really nothing appreciable as of yet. Volusia County is going to struggle with hun-

dred of mature size catfish and large pods of bait fish. We need cold water to chase these nuisance fish out of our sport. Denial is comforting until a member posts a picture of hundreds of catfish and zero shrimp early January. We have been plagued with this problem that is shutting down many boaters who cannot see anything in the water. What problem? Fish blackout hovering over your lights. I believe this is year 3 of this same problem. Pulling and tossing your lights every 10 minutes takes the joy right out the sport. No worries, I have solved this problem innovating technology redefining and re-engineering fishing/shrimping lights (7 modes/3 strobes, patent awarded). Brevard has closed and fenced off the Max Brewer boat ramp until March 2019 for repairs. The pier has re-opened, all new electrical, and new tenants with bait shop at Max Brewer Titusville Pier. Sebastian via boat has stumbled into a gallon of large shrimp (6-7 inches) early January. Railroad Bridge via boat is producing 1 gallon or less

on S or SE winds (blowing 6-10), and the sizes are excellent. They have been picking off the crickets going back to December which are not of great quantity but of great quality. Swirling low pressures have counter clockwise winds. Those that want to shrimp Haulover Canal, Railroad Bridge or the Titusville pier live for these low pressures which drives our cold fronts that normally end at the end of February. When the winds turn South or West, RailRoad Bridge becomes a 5 star hotel of boaters. This applies to the famous Titusville pier as well, they are wind driven ninja warriors. Remember Brevard is wind driven and not tidal like Volusia County. For daily intel, problems and solutions join us at the Facebook group “Florida Shrimping Academy – Tips & Tricks”, we got 20K boots on the ground for the entire State of Florida channeling intel. Capt. Lee Noga Academy of Shrimping www.leenoga.com

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SEBASTIAN INLET TO EAU GALLIE

If the bite is anything like last February, look for plenty of Snook and Redfish action during the daytime on live bait. Live greenies, pinfish and pigfish work wellf for both species. Even after the fronts roll through and the winds are howling, the bite can be very good in the evenings at the tide switch with a bucktail jig. It’s a great time to fish from the jetties because its difficult to fish from a boat in the rough inlet and low visibility. Live bait will be the key in the daytime and at night artificials will work well. Rapala XRap 14 and the Long Cast 14 are great plugs to fish from the jettys as well as from the rocks along

the west side of the bridge. The Tarpon will continue to feed on outgoing tide through February during the strong cold fronts and the above lures will work as well as Hogy Eels and Paddletails and DOA Baitbusters. If its Pompano you are after and there should be plenty of them around if the water isn’t too cold. Doc’s Goofy jigs have been and will work well in the inlet and along the beaches and flats of the lagoon from Sebastian to Melbourne for Pompano. Bycatch will be jacks, bluefish, trout and Spanish Mackerel as well as a few big Gafftop Sailcats. You

can also fish for the Pompano around the bait pods while targeting Trout and Snook. If you are fishing Sebastian Inlet and the pompano action is slow, you can try jigging the shallow parts of the inlet for flounder using a ½ ounce jighead with a Storm 360 Paddletail or a DOA Paddle Tail with pro cure. Flounder action should be pretty good with the cooler weather patterns and cold water as long as the water isn’t flowing out of the Sebastian river and the water is very dirty. The big jacks and some trout will move up in the Sebastian River as well as Turkey Creek in Palm Bay and Crane Creek in Melbourne. The Snook will be around the docks and tarpon are far back in the creeks. Live bait is best but the fish will eat soft plastics and some topwater on warmer days. Bundle up and stay warm as there should be plenty of action throughout the month of February for anglers looking to get out of the house on the nice days.

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Capt. Glyn Austin www.captainglynaustin.com 321-863-8085 Capt. Glyn Austin is a lifelong Brevard County Resident and full time inshore/nearshore fishing guide. Glyn runs a 23’ Shoalwater tunnel boat which is comfortable for up to 4 anglers and will let us get shallower than most flats boats for inshore fishing and offers a smooth dry ride when fishing the Inlet and nearshore waters of Brevard County.

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KAYAK REPORT

It might be easy to look down on

the month of February in central Florida as an angler and for good reason. Still months out from flying tarpon, or even that great seatrout bite as it warms through March! Mullet runs, spawning reds, and inshore kingfish are a distant fishy memory. Let’s just be honest about this folks. It’s

14 BREVARD

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FEBRUARY 2019

also typically way cooler outside than this Florida boys comfort zone, and I know I’m not the only one partial to warm weather. With all that said you’d still be missing out on some amazing fishing if you let those rods collect dust for the coldest times of our year. One of my favorite species to catch and cook is at its

peak for a day of caching with belly pleasing outcomes. The sheepshead is a member of the porgy family with a distinctive look and some crazy teeth that only a mother or frying pan could love. Black and white vertical bars from stem to stern and heavy scales adorn this structure loving predator of anything crunchy, crabby, or shrimp like. Its spawn time for the hard fighting sheepshead that average 2-4lbs with some monsters topping double digits being caught by anglers every winter season! Typically found in good numbers throughout the entire inshore complex of both coasts and on offshore reefs during summer. A cooling of the waters trigger them to make for any inlet/port/pass and the beaches closely associated with them to create large schools. When these groups of fish invade a structure like pilings or jetty’s no bait is safe. Notorious for stealing baits with their specialized dentures it typically takes a little while to get the touch of hooking them. For clients or myself I will have

5-8 dozen baits a person and sometimes even more when I know the bite is hot. You will use every last one of them to achieve a solid day of fishing. A simple rig of 30lb leader with a small but stout hook in the size 2 thru 1/0 size range with a little splitshot weight to get it down is all you need for success. Live or fresh dead baits like shrimp, fiddler crabs, and my favorite sandfleas all work spectacular and won’t last long around a hungry pile of sheepshead. Don’t be fooled by its size as these guys will pull hard and always have the upper hand due to the proximity of the structure they live around. Step up the gear and take every light hit serious, because the big ones will make you earn it.

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1/21/2019 9:08:41 AM

East Coast Tide Charts Tide Charts brought to you by these businesses

FEBRUARY 2019 Time

2Sa

3Su

5Tu

7Th

9Sa

Miami, Government Cut

Height

6:24 AM 2.1 12:05 PM 0.2 6:27 PM 2.0 12:22 AM -0.3 7:08 AM 2.1 12:50 PM 0.1 7:12 PM 2.0 1:05 AM -0.3 7:49 AM 2.2 1:32 PM 0.1 7:53 PM 2.1 1:46 AM -0.3 8:26 AM 2.2 2:11 PM 0.0 8:32 PM 2.1 2:23 AM -0.3 9:02 AM 2.2 2:47 PM 0.0 9:10 PM 2.1 2:59 AM -0.3 9:37 AM 2.2 3:23 PM -0.1 9:48 PM 2.1 3:34 AM -0.2 10:11 AM 2.2 3:57 PM -0.1 10:26 PM 2.1 4:08 AM -0.1 10:46 AM 2.1 4:31 PM -0.1 11:05 PM 2.0 4:44 AM 0.0 11:21 AM 2.1 5:07 PM -0.1 11:46 PM 2.0

10Su

11M

12Tu

13W

14Th

15F

16Sa

17Su

18M

Time

Height

5:23 AM 11:58 AM 5:47 PM 12:30 AM 6:08 AM 12:39 PM 6:35 PM 1:22 AM 7:02 AM 1:26 PM 7:32 PM 2:21 AM 8:05 AM 2:25 PM 8:35 PM 3:28 AM 9:13 AM 3:32 PM 9:41 PM 4:36 AM 10:18 AM 4:42 PM 10:45 PM 5:40 AM 11:19 AM 5:48 PM 11:44 PM 6:37 AM 12:16 PM 6:48 PM 12:40 AM 7:30 AM 1:10 PM 7:44 PM

0.1 2.0 -0.1 2.0 0.2 1.9 -0.1 1.9 0.2 1.9 -0.1 1.9 0.3 1.8 -0.1 2.0 0.3 1.9 -0.3 2.1 0.2 2.0 -0.4 2.2 0.0 2.2 -0.6 2.4 -0.2 2.4 -0.7 2.6 -0.4 2.6

Po nce de Leo n Inlet Hig h Ti de -11 m in ute s Lo w Ti de +19 m in ute s

(Approximate Times)

19Tu

Time

Height

1:33 AM -0.8 8:20 AM 2.7 2:01 PM -0.6 8:37 PM 2.7 20W 2:25 AM -0.8 9:08 AM 2.8 2:52 PM -0.7 9:28 PM 2.8 21Th 3:16 AM -0.8 9:54 AM 2.8 3:42 PM -0.7 10:19 PM 2.7 22F 4:07 AM -0.6 10:41 AM 2.7 4:33 PM -0.7 11:10 PM 2.6 23Sa 4:58 AM -0.4 11:28 AM 2.5 5:24 PM -0.6 24Su 12:02 AM 2.5 5:52 AM -0.2 12:17 PM 2.4 6:19 PM -0.4 25M 12:56 AM 2.3 6:48 AM 0.0 1:09 PM 2.2 7:16 PM -0.3 26Tu 1:54 AM 2.1 7:48 AM 0.2 2:04 PM 2.0 8:16 PM -0.1 27W 2:56 AM 2.0 8:51 AM 0.3 3:05 PM 1.9 9:18 PM 0.0

Time

Height

28Th 4:01 AM 1.9 9:53 AM 0.3 4:09 PM 1.8 10:17 PM 0.0 1F 5:02 AM 1.93 10:50 AM 0.33 5:09 PM 1.85 11:11 PM -0.02 2Sa 5:55 AM 1.99 11:41 AM 0.27 6:02 PM 1.92 3Su 12:00 AM-0.06 6:41 AM 2.07 12:26 PM 0.18 6:48 PM 2.01 4M 12:43 AM -0.11 7:21 AM 2.15 1:07 PM 0.09 7:30 PM 2.11 5Tu 1:23 AM -0.15 7:58 AM 2.23 1:45 PM 0 8:09 PM 2.19

Ft. Pie rce Inlet, S. Jetty Hig h Ti de -31 m in ute s Lo w Ti de -18 m in utes

Po nce Inlet, Halifax Rive r Hig h Ti de +5 m in ute s Lo w Ti de +33 m in ute s

Jensen Beach Hig h Ti de +2 ho u r s, 17 m in ute s Lo w Ti de +3 ho u r s, 4 m in ute s

Po rt Canave ral (Tr i dent Pie r) Daily Pre dict io ns

Sewell Pt Hig h Ti de Lo w Ti de

Patr ick Air Fo rce Ba se Hig h Ti de -1 ho u r, 4 m in ute Lo w Ti de -38 m in ute s

Ju pite r Inlet, S.Jetty Hig h Ti de -10 m in ute s Lo w Ti de -9 m in ute s

Seba stian Inlet Br i dg e Hig h Ti de -48 m in ute s Lo w Ti de -24 m in ute s

Po rt Eve rgla de s - Tu r n in g Ba sin Hig h Ti de -31 m in ute s Lo w Ti de -13 m in ute s

+1 ho u r s, 13 m in ute s +2 ho u r s, 9 m in ute s

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PRO TIPS

maintain an even temperature. With that being said, as we run our boats in saltwater, the water pumps are taking in salty water, which is extremely corrosive. Therefore, flushing the motor with fresh, clean water is an absolute must.

There are few places I’d rather be, than poling a flat in search of a prize redfish or rolling Tarpon. It’s aroma, mystique, and variety of fish keeps me and other anglers coming back each week. However, as beautiful and exciting as saltwater can be, it can also be very harsh on your gear. In this month’s pro tip, I want to focus on how to properly flush the vessel’s engine. This maintenance tip, while being simple, plays a vital role in the longevity of the engine. Marine engines are water-cooled. This means that while the engine is running, it is using a water pump to take in water that cycles through the engine to cool it and

Flushing the motor can be done a few ways but first, determine if the engine comes equipped with a flushing port. (Please note that a flushing port is not needed and even if equipped, does not have to be used) A flushing port is simply a factory-installed version of earmuffs for engines. If equipped and using a flushing port these steps should be followed: 1) Most flushing ports have a cap that is threaded into your engine. Remove the cap and attach your hose to the flushing port. Refer to the owners’ manual to locate the flushing port. 2) Turn on the water and allow it to flow 10 minutes. Again, check your owners’ manual to find out

specifically if you should run your engine at idle while using the flushing port or not.

(pee stream) as this will insure that fresh water is being pushed through the engine.

3) Remove the hose, and if needed, replace the cap. I prefer to keep the engine trimmed all the way down, so that all the excess freshwater can drain out.

4) Shut off the engine, shut off the water and remove earmuffs. Again, after removing the earmuffs, I prefer to keep the engine trimmed all the way down, so that all the excess freshwater can drain out.

If the engine does not have a flushing port, use earmuffs to properly flush the engine using these steps: 1) Attach a pair of earmuffs to the hose and then position the earmuffs over the engine’s water intake. (There is an intake on either side of the lower unit) 2) Once in position, turn on the water and confirm that the intakes are still covered. 3) Start the engine and let it idle for at least 10 minutes. This allows the engine’s thermostats to open and temperature to rise and regulate. Also confirm that water is flowing out of the tell tale

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Febuary Layout.indd 19

A third option and my personal favorite, is to take my skiff to a nearby freshwater lake. This option allows me to flush my engine while rinsing off my trailer. This can be accomplished by parking on the ramp. PLEASE keep in mind that this option should only be done if you are not blocking the ramp for others to use. Tight Lines, Jonathan Moss Capt. Jonathan Moss Go Castaway Fishing Charters www.gocastaway.com 407-760-8593

FEBRUARY 2019

BREVARD 19

1/21/2019 9:08:51 AM

SURF FISHING

January was a great month for Space Coast Anglers. Reports from the Cape Canaveral to Sebastian Inlet raved about the pompano and whiting bite. What I did notice was the lack of reports on winter bluefish. I am expecting the bluefish run to start in late January or early February. I really like the bluefish run as the blues come racing down the beach eating everything in their

Febuary Layout.indd 20

path. Rods going off and anglers running to reel the fish in and rebait to catch another blue. It’s great fun and two or three bluefish (15 to 18 inches) can feed a family. January was good but, February will be another great adventure of the surf angler. I am counting on a warming trend in February as the month progresses and expect that surf

fishing will continue to improve daily. Don’t let me lead you astray here, there are going to be cool/cold mornings but the days will warm up and so will the fishing. Anglers using Fishbites, clams and shrimp for pompano and mullet for the bluefish can have an exciting day. I will be targeting beaches with deep troughs and fewer people for my

fishing. The public beaches will be packed with surf fisherman on weekends in February so I would suggest early starts and hot coffee. Just one last observation: I have a fishing buddy who says if you’re going surf fishing the earlier the better. This angler is from Michigan and vacations here in Brevard County ever winter and fishes just about every day. He tells me that there are many times in the mornings that he has several fish in his cooler before anyone else joins him on the beach. So I suggest his tactic for a successful surf fishing trip in February. Arrive early at the beach, have the right baits and fish a raising tide. Finding a beach with a deep trough and clean water completes the surf anglers puzzle. Tight Lines John Detmer Owner/Operation of J&H Surf Fishing the Space Coast 321-777-5554 or email jandhsurffishing1@att.net www.jandhsurffishing.com

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r spread boats—from yachts and catamarans, to offshore fishing boats and family cruisers, plus the latest marine technology, gear and accessories from more than 1,000 exhibitors. In addition to the thousands of boats and boating products for sale, 2019 Miami Boat Show highlights include plenty of opportunities to get out on the water—from test drives to boating lessons; an exclusive VIP experience with private access to the show’s VIP lounge; the return of Strictly Sail Miami; and top-of-the-line food and beverage options.

ome February, Miami becomes the hot spot for hundreds of thousands looking to escape the winter blues, and the place to be for a host of high-profile events, including the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show. As one of the most attended and influential boating events in the world with an economic impact of $854 million, the iconic Miami Boat Show draws more than 100,000 people to the Magic City annually and provides an island oasis to enjoy the boating lifestyle. The 2019 Miami Boat Show, cruising into Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin Feb. 14-18, promises an experience for buyers and dreamers alike, showcasing thousands of the newest boats and sail-

Transportation: Getting to the Miami Boat Show has never been easier! • Plan your travel to the show by visiting www.MiamiBoatShow.com • New for 2019! Take the new Brightline train from Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach. • Transportation options for locals and out of town guests include water taxi and shuttle bus service from downtown Miami, the Miami Metrorail and off-island parking. Where: Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin, 3501 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149 Show Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily Admission: Premier Day (Feb. 14) - $40 Adult (age 13+) - $25 Two-Day Pass - $45 Five-Day Pass - $100 Child (12 & under) – FREE VIP Experience - $150; $175 on Premier Day (Feb. 14) Tickets are available at http://www.miamiboatshow.com/tickets-and-parking Accommodations: Visit www.MiamiBoatShow.com/accomodations to book rooms at the best rates through the boat show’s official housing partner, OnPeak. Learn More and Stay Connected: www.MiamiBoatShow.com, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: #MiamiBoatShow. Show office phone: (954) 441-3220.

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Reel in the memories. Sitting on the most biodiverse estuary in the Northern Hemisphere, Martin County is a fisherman’s paradise. Ocean, lake and river ecosystems are home to more than 800 species of fish, from the ever-popular sailfish and snook to largemouth bass and perch. Forget your gear? Visit one of

SubSafe® is BPA Free and is the same plastic that is used for baby bottles. SubSafe can also be used as a cup or bowl, or after finishing your fresh, delicious sandwich, it can keep your keys, wallet, and phone safe. Whether it’s out on the water, at the park, or in the break room, SubSafe keeps your sub sandwich safe, never soggy.

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he Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council would like to gain a better understanding of yellowtail snapper in the Southeast region of the United States. It is seeking information from anglers and divers about trends or “strange things” that scientists and managers may need to know. A scientific stock assessment of yellowtail is scheduled to begin in February of 2019, and the council would like to know if you have noticed anything “fishy” about yellowtail, or yellowtail fishing, in recent years. The information provided will help inform scientists and managers as they formulate a current understanding of the yellowtail stock. Please visit our “Something’s Fishy About Yellowtail Snapper” questionnaire at http://gulfcouncil.org before Feb. 8 to report anything you’ve noticed about yellowtail in the Gulf of Mexico. Contact Emily.Muehlstein@gulfcouncil.org with questions.

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FISH & FISHING

r spread C

onsider this an important decision. Other than deciding whether or not to use one, a surprising number of anglers seldom give leaders much thought. As long as there is some type of buffer against the deadly dentures of some species or the abrasive hide of others, fishermen tend to be satisfied. Their attention shifts to other aspects of the sport. Choosing the right material and proper construction for an effective leader are some of the most overlooked challenges in rigging. The ultimate, of course, centers on fishing a light line without a leader. That seldom is possible on the saltwater scene. Experience will prove to you that the fish you hook has teeth, abrasive skin, or the bottom is rugged. Any of these factors will end the battle almost before it starts. The general rule is that the heavier the leader material, the fewer strikes you will get. The solution demands a compromise. You want the strongest leader possible without sacrificing too many strikes. Monofilament leader invariably produces more strikes than single strand wire or nylon coated wire. Sometimes you have to use wire or every fish of a given species will cut you off. When you do use wire, rely on the shortest length that will produce favorable results. For offshore trolling, a short length of wire makes it easier to rig a bait. Some anglers even insist that a skipping offering being trolled works better if there is a short length of wire in front of it. The length of the leader is equally significant. From

MARK SOSIN a protective standpoint, if the species you seek has an abrasive body, the leader should be longer than the average fish you might catch. Then, when the fish is moving away from you and the line streams over its back, you have the protective advantage of a leader. This part of the leader does not have to be as heavy as the short length around its mouth and gills, but it should be stronger than the line. Fly fishermen become aware of a leader’s importance very quickly. In that type of fishing, the leader helps to turn over the fly properly so it lands on the water delicately. In very clear and shallow water, a longer leader enables the caster to enjoy a more delicate presentation where the fly line lands farther from the fish. This is particularly important on the saltwater flats for a variety of species including bonefish, permit, tarpon and redfish. Fly leaders take many basic forms, but the most important thing to remember is that each succeeding section should be shorter than the one before. The majority of tournaments and all recordkeeping organizations establish specific leader requirements. It makes sense to study them before you decide to compete or fish for a record. Leaders are a critical part of rigging each outfit you use. Cutting corners or ignoring details can be a serious mistake. If you lose a trophy fish because of a faulty leader, you’ll have a hard time forgiving yourself.

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Queen Conch In The Bahamas Sheri Daye

hile hunting for that perfect fish for dinner, you sometimes run across other tasty treats. One of my favorites is from the Bahamas: the famous queen conch. This creature is as delicious as it is beautiful and deserves to be treated with great respect. Their slow growth and late maturation makes them susceptible to overfishing. Once abundant in the Florida Keys, it became illegal to harvest them in the 1980s when they were harvested to the point of collapse. It’s taken quite a few years to see the beginning of a comeback, but they will likely need continued protection for years to come in the U.S. In the Bahamas, the importance of this valuable resource has been realized and rules are in place to protect it. The recreational limit is six, and they must have a thick, well-formed lip—meaning they had a chance to grow into adulthood and reproduce. Also, they must be harvested while freediving. Inside the conch shell is a soft-bodied mollusk, which is in the same family as clams, oysters, octopi and squid. They live near coral reefs and seagrass beds and can reach up to 14 inches long. Besides humans, they have a few predators in the water—loggerhead turtles, nurse sharks, spiny lobsters and more. The meat has been consumed for centuries by islanders in the Caribbean and serves in a multitude of dishes such as salads, chowders and fritters.

Conch Tips:

1) Regulations are subject to change so double check before harvesting any marine life. 2) When diving, it is easy to see that in certain places in the Bahamas, especially close to highly populated areas, the conch are 16

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not as abundant. Do not take any from these areas, even if it’s legal. 3) They are easy to spot and move slowly, so use good judgement. Target mature adults that have reproduced and are toward the end of their lifecycle. Consider taking less than the legal limit. 4) The mollusk is not easy to extract or to clean, so if you don’t know how, make sure you have a professional on hand at the end of the day to help you or teach you. 5) Don’t forget to check for pearls in the mantle. These pink pearls are beautiful and more rare than traditional pearls. 6) The inedible part of the conch (the guts, also called “slop”) makes excellent bait for fishing, especially for mutton snappers. Nothing goes to waste! 7) You might (or might not) want to eat the pistol, also known as “Bahamian Viagra.” It is part of the conch’s digestive system and looks like a clear noodle. 8) The Bahamas exports conch to the U.S., but bringing your own conch meat back to the U.S. by boat is strictly prohibited. Safe diving and Happy Hunting! Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.

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As fisherman, we all know how hard live bait can be to find. Seasonal weather patterns change the way fish are biting, so a variety of bait is key. Bait fishing is so important that fishermen spend weeks prior to tournaments catching bait and then keep them penned up all for a couple epic days of fishing. The last thing you want is for your bait to die because of a pump failure. At Hooker Electric, we have designed a durable, strong and long-lasting baitwell system. This system is capable of supplying multiple livewells with its adequate DC brushless motor. You will no longer need multiple pumps to supply each livewell. Now, by adding the Hooker Electric custom manifolds, you can divert water to the designated wells by adjusting the amount of water flow to each well with our variable flow knobs. This allows you to run all of the wells from one Hooker Electric pump and have another one for redundancy. The system is easy to use with the variable flow dial, without having to restrict the pump. This Hooker Electric livewell system is a plumb-andplay setup with a variety of sizes. It’s available in 2500, 4500 and 7500 GPH and we also offer an on/off feature for the pumps. For more information, visit www.hookerelectric.com or check out their Instagram page @Hookerelectric_pumps.

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he older I get, the more I like to fish inshore for all the usual suspects from the Northeast, down through the Carolinas all the way to the Keys. From stripers and specks, to drum and snook, every fish loves a shrimp or minnow imitation under a float. And this includes many freshwater predators. I always keep a float rig tied on when fishing inside. Popping, cigar and oval floats all have their place, and an added “clicking” sound adds value, especially when fishing a soft plastic shrimp under the float. There are plenty of commercially available floats, but I want to share a simple and effective way to achieve the same end result… and one that will rarely foul or tangle. Whether the beads are external or internal, the clicking sound is perfectly married with the splashing sound that drives fish bananas. To make the simple external-bead-style clicking float, view the video below. Allow 1/16- to 1/8-inch clearance (total, not both ends) between the beads and ends of the pegs to allow the beads to tap the plastic pegs. Follow the instructions below to make the internal-bead-style clicking float. Materials: 80-pound fluorocarbon; small plastic beads, like those found in sliding cork kits; small swivels; a commercially available foam slip cork with plastic pegs. Steps: • Thread braided mainline through the plastic peg and one of the small beads. • Feed the mainline through to the other side of the slip cork and then tie it to one side of the swivel. • For the other side, thread a fluorocarbon leader through the other peg, thread on a small bead and tie it to the other end of the swivel.

• Press one peg securely into the slip cork, and then pull the bead and swivel into the float’s interior channel. • Press the second peg into the cork, and your slip cork is now a clicking float. The tiny beads slide back and forth on the line to tap the plastic pegs inside the float. • Tie a 3/8-ounce jig head and a soft plastic shrimp onto the leader, and… just add water. There are a number of opinions on how deep to fish below the cork. I like between 18 and 24 inches of fluorocarbon, depending on water depth. This same tackle works extremely well in freshwater for striped and hybrid bass in moving water. Just use a fluke-style soft plastic instead of a shrimp. The largest largemouth bass I caught this year was under cigar float with an internal clicker. I was fishing a Super Fluke for striped bass. Smallmouth bass in rocky rivers are complete idiots over this same rig. Wherever you are, and whatever you’re fishing for, a float rig is something you should keep tied and ready on the deck. Visit Barefootcatsandtackle.com. For video instructions on making a clicking cork, see:

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nglers are catching a lot of big largemouths in Texas. Last year’s Toyota ShareLunker Program, which tracks bass heavier than 8 pounds, certified 486 bass caught from 89 Texas lakes in 2018, and that’s just the fish that were reported. At the beginning of 2018, the Toyota ShareLunker program debuted a new year-long season for anglers to enter bass for prizes, recognition, and to help enhance bass fishing in Texas. Anglers entered largemouths into four categories including six “Legacy Class” bass of 13 pounds or heavier that were entered during the spawning window Jan.1 through March 31 and loaned to TPWD for the selective breeding and stocking program. The total number of entries in other categories who provided citizen science data included: five “Lunker Legend” bass 13 pounds or heavier caught outside the spawning window or not loaned for spawning, 107 “Lunker Elite” bass weighing 10 to 12.99 pounds, and 368 “Lunker” bass at least 24 inches or weighing between 8 and 9.99 pounds. The top five ShareLunker producing lakes in 2018 included Lake Fork near Quitman with 73 entries, Lake Conroe near Houston with 41 entries, Lake Athens in Athens with 28 entries, Sam Rayburn Reservoir near Jasper with 21 entries, and O.H. Ivie Lake near San Angelo with 17 entries. For updates on the Toyota ShareLunker program visit https:// www.facebook.com/ShareLunkerprogram and https://texassharelunker.com/.

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FRESHWATER Nevada’s WORLD-CLASS CUTTHROAT

he International Game Fish Association (IGFA) keeps the most extensive list of fishing records in the world. With categories for all types of tackle and species, some records are more impactful than others. This potential all-tackle length world record for cutthroat trout is without a doubt an impressive fish. Adam Garcia caught and released this giant cutthroat on Nov. 11, 2018 while fishing Nevada’s Pyramid Lake. The fish measured 85 centimeters in length, or more than 33 inches. Once the paperwork clears, the fish could dethrone the old 81-centimeter length record. Garcia is no newcomer to the record books. According to IGFA records, he holds four line-class world records for weight, all cutthroats caught from Pyramid Lake in 2016 and 2017. Some of those were actually longer than his Nov. 11 fish. The biggest one, which holds the 16-lb. line class record, weighed 24 pounds. Pyramid Lake is a large and natural desert lake near the California border northeast of Reno. It is the world hotspot for giant cutthroat trout, where anglers can wade from shore and cast jigs for record-class fish. Every single one of IGFA’s line class cutthroat records were caught from Pyramid, as well as the all tackle world record, which was caught back in 1925 by John Skimmerhorn.

Surprising Winter is the Best Planting Time

I am often asked when is the best time to plant fruiting plants. My answer is usually the same; the best time is 20 years ago or today. The second best time to plant is during the winter months. Plants are dormant, and can be easily shipped and planted with no stress on the plant because there is not a lot of maintenance once the plant or tree has been planted. Simply dig a good hole, water thoroughly

at planting, and take the rest of the winter off. Even though there are no signs of growth above ground, the root systems will have time to get adjusted to their new location and begin to initiate new root growth. There are plenty of advantages of growing your own edibles. First of all, you know what has been done over the course of the growing season from a chemical stand point. Second, the fruit just taste

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FEBRUARY 2019

better coming out of your home orchard versus buying fruit from the grocers that have little to no flavors. Thirdly, it is good for your soul and you will feel more connected to the environment and nature. Whether it is an apple tree, muscadine vine or a blueberry bush; now is the time to plant. Let’s Grow Together. Greg Ison, Ison’s Nursery and Vineyards, 800733-0324, www.isons.com

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TIPS FROM A PRO

Cold-Water Bassin' BRANDON LESTER

ebruary is one of those transition months. Spring is just around the corner, and it might have already arrived in some places, but it’s still wintertime for most of the country’s bass fisheries. Bass are cold-blooded animals, which means the colder the water is, the more the fish’s core body temperature decreases. That also means the fish’s metabolism slows down. Metabolism is the chemical processes that occur which allow the fish to maintain life, grow, heal and make energy. Humans are warm blooded, so our body temperature stays a steady 98.6 degrees. A fish’s temperature drops with the water temp, which makes them more sluggish the colder it gets. If you’re like me, you’re ready to eat three meals a day and some snacks 365 days a year. It’s different with fish. In warm water, fish feed every day, throughout the day and into the night. In the winter they don’t feed nearly as often. One reason is they don’t move around as much, so they don’t come into contact with prey. Fish feed-up heavily in the fall when the water is still warm to put on weight. Bait is plentiful then, and instinctually they feel cold weather coming. I have way more 20- and 30-fish days in spring than winter. You’re not likely set any records for fish catches in cold water. Fish bite for two basic reasons, either because they’re hungry and the bait looks like food or because the bait has come into their territory

and they instinctively attack it. Reaction strikes are greatly reduced during the winter. In water mid-50 degrees and lower, you really need to make the fish want to eat in order to catch them. I try and fish the warmest water on a lake, as fish in these areas will be more active. A couple degrees in water temperature can make all the difference. Slower-moving baits work best for cold-water bass. I like baits that stay in one place and can be worked slowly, like a jig. A suspending jerkbait with Mustad KVD trebles will hang in one place, hopefully right in front of their face. Use lighter line in cold water, as it allows the bait to move more realistically. Eight or 10-pound Vicious fluorocarbon is preferable on a jerkbait. Objects in the water, especially rocks, retain heat. On sunny days, the shallow water near rocks on the bank will often be warmer. Keep in mind that fish don’t bite nearly as hard in cold water. You will feel them kind of “load up” on the bait instead of slamming it. The fish are just picking up the bait and doing as little as possible to catch it. Those “light bites” increase the importance of having a sensitive rod. I build my own rods and will tell you that MHX Rods from Mud Hole Custom Tackle help me catch more fish, especially in cold water. Higher quality graphite makes a more sensitive rod. MHX Rods are much more affordable and the quality is better than a vast majority of rods out there. For extremely light bites, I recommend the NEPS series of blanks built with Winn Grips.

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

3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection

Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 01/01/19 and 03/31/19 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 01/01/19 and 03/31/19. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. (Suzuki will, in turn, credit Dealer’s parts account.) There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 01/01/19 and 03/31/19. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s 26manual. NATIONAL FEBRUARY I COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM © 2019 SuzukiI Motor of America, 2019 Inc.

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Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Annual premium for a basic liability policy not available all states. Prices vary based on how you buy. *Available with comprehensive and collision coverage. COMMON CVRS_0219.indd 3

There’s a reason they say, Curse like a sailor. That’s why we offer basic plans starting at $100 a year with options that won’t depreciate your watercraft and accessories*. 1.800.PROGRESSIVE | PROGRESSIVE.COM

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