Coastal Angler Magazine | April 2020 | Brevard Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine

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PELAGICS From Little Plastic Boats

PATTERN SPRING SPECKS PHOTO BY JORGE BUSTAMANTE, COURTESY OF BRIAN NELLI - WWW.TCKAYAKFISHING.COM VOLUME 25 â&#x20AC;¢ ISSUE 301

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Photo courtesy of Knockin Tail Lures

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

or those who want to catch a heavy speckled trout, April is perhaps your best opportunity. April trout are still heavy from their lowered metabolism of winter. They are heavy with eggs and about to spawn. This makes April a prime month for heavy fish. The warmer water also makes them extremely aggressive and more willing to strike artificial lures of all styles. Let’s go over the how, when and where to target trophy trout in the spring. How: When water temp reaches the low to mid 70s, topwater action can be some of the best of the year. Aggressive trout are attracted by the rattling sound and erratic sway of the cigarshaped lures. You can’t go wrong with bone/white/ silver or a combination of these colors. I like to match the size to the conditions and forage in the immediate area. Required casting distance and surface conditions also play a vital role in my decision making. In rougher conditions, I typically use a large lure. The rattles of various lures also have different pitch. I prefer to use the higher pitch over a muddy bottom and a lower tone over sand, grass or shell. Slow-sinking, rattling, shad-style twitch baits

are also a good choice when trout don’t want to “rise” to the occasion. I prefer these lures with near-mirror reflective finishes. They do an excellent job of impersonating a wounded baitfish, and no large spawning trout in its right mind will pass up an injured baitfish. I can’t leave out the most versatile trout lure of all, the soft plastic. There are many styles, sizes and colors, but I prefer those that give more bang for the buck. When the fish are aggressive, I steer toward a soft plastic with a larger paddle that vibrates, creates a great swimming motion even on the pause, and one that rattles. These three components stimulate a fish’s lateral line, and they can’t resist the need to feed. When: I plan trips according to the solunar tables. I make every effort to be at my spot fishing during peak feeding times so that I’m not traveling from spot to spot when the fish are eating. Where: In spring, I direct my attention to grass flats. Wading is the superior method to consistently catch large trout, but you can still target flats from a boat. I prefer a flat with broken grass patches, potholes, channels, the dreaded prop scar or anything else that breaks up the grass to create ambush points for trout. Try to cover each transition from multiple angles, as trout will

stage on the edge of the sand against the grass. Pay attention to the where, when and how on your next trip. It will increase your odds of landing a trophy trout. It never hurts to practice catch and release on these beautiful fish. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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atching big pelagics is one of those “someday” goals for many kayak anglers. Venturing into the open ocean under paddle power after species like kingfish, mahi, sailfish and tuna can seem daunting to anglers accustomed to inshore waters or freshwater lakes and rivers. The first question you might have is: “Where am I going to find them?” Inshore, there are grass flats, mangroves and channels drop-offs that offer kayak anglers good places to start. Offshore waters don’t always give up information quite as easily, but the clues are out there. You just have to know what you’re looking for. The ocean is a big place, but I believe 10 percent of the water holds 90 percent of the fish. Narrowing it down to that 10 percent is the first step. Start your research off the water by locating a beach or other launch point that is close to hard bottom, wrecks or a reef line. This can be done with a little online research and a good mapping chip for your GPS. When the day comes to venture into the pelagic zone, take some time on the beach before heading out. Know the current, wind and water conditions. Is it calm? Is it rough? Are there a lot of weeds on the beach? Is there bait close to shore? Which way is the wind blowing? Answering these questions helps you decide what baits to use and at what depths to fish them. In general, calm days call for running baits deeper in the water column. With some surface chop or visible action on top—like bait jumping or fish breaking the water—run baits closer to the surface. Other things to look for are rips, color changes, birds and weed lines. A rip is an area where two currents meet. The water will look more turbulent than surrounding areas. A defined color change will have strong current running along its edge. Usually these color breaks and rips consolidate debris and weeds, and often birds will hover over these areas. The weeds and current attract bait, which in turn attract the pelagics. When you’re offshore, you have to take what the ocean gives you. Anything that looks different than the surrounding water is a place to put baits out. If you find yourself on the water with no wind, surface activity or weeds, look to your GPS to show you the way to hard bottom, structure, rock piles or reefs. There will always be some type of baitfish around these areas to attract pelagics. Find the bait, and you will find the fish. If you are new to offshore kayak fishing or are thinking about trying it, this information should give you a start on your quest to land a pelagic from your kayak.

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Brian Nelli operates south Florida’s Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters. Check them out at www.tckayakfishing.com and email Brian at brian@tckayakfishing.com.

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ennessee’s Lake Chickamauga has garnered a lot of press in recent years for giant largemouth bass. The introduction of Florida-strain largemouths certainly paid off for this 60-mile-long Tennessee River impoundment. The thing is, all the hype over bucketmouths has overshadowed world-class fisheries that already existed on the Tennessee River from Chickamauga down through Chattanooga. Flowing between high ridges of The Scenic City, the big river pumps out some pretty spectacular action for catfish and smallmouth bass. Richard Simms, of Scenic City Charters, said the fishing heats up with water temperatures this time of year. Whether you’re looking for bigshouldered river smallies, giant blue cats—or a little bit of both—right now is the time to be on the water. Smallmouth Bass: The Chickamauga tailrace lights up with aggressive smallies in spring. They feed up in a 10-mile stretch below the dam. Simms said fishing jigs and soft plastics around rip-rap, current seams and edges is productive. But drifting live threadfin shad or shiners with the current leads to faster action. With light 6-poundtest line enticing the most bites, any smallmouth is a handful. They typically run from 2 to 4 pounds on the river, and a decent day will produce 10 to 15 of

these scrappy bronzebacks. Simms said to expect a mixed bag on live bait. Everything eats shiners, so anglers will also catch white bass, spotted bass, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow bass, catfish and maybe a striped bass. Catfish: Big blue catfish are abundant on the Tennessee River from Chickamauga Dam all the way down through Chattanooga. When flows are right, the tailrace can be very good. When too much water is being released from the dam, Simms heads up to the reservoir. Either side of the dam, the prespawn bite peaks in April. “Both fisheries hold great big catfish,” said Simms, “and pre-spawn is a great time for catching trophy fish.” On the reservoir, deep drop-offs and river channel holes with structure are the places to vertical drop cut skipjack herring, bluegill or chicken breast. Below the dam, Simms drift fishes those same baits on light 10-pound tackle. In 2009, Simms’ client, Jerry Uhrine, caught a 52-inch-long, 75-pound blue catfish on 10-poundtest line. It is a National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame line-class record. “That light tackle technique is really fun because the average catfish we catch is 5 to 10 pounds,” said Simms. “Those 10 to 20 pounders aren’t unusual,

Photos courtesy of Scenic City Charters.

and every now and then we get one of those really big fish.” An average half-day trip from April through October typically yields 50 to 100 pounds of catfish. “It’s real easy to stock a freezer,” said Simms. Check out Scenic City Fishing Charters at www.sceniccityfishing.com.

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Photos courtesy of Tuna Duck Charters, Hatteras, NC.

April action can be fast and furious off the Outer Banks. Here’s one on deck and another on the line.

By Tom Schlichter

he Outer Banks of North Carolina needs little introduction to fishing fans. A true angling Mecca, it boasts super action with striped bass, red drum, cobia, sea trout and a host of inshore species while also offering tremendous offshore action for tuna, billfish, wahoo, mahi and additional pelagic favorites. These ocean predators really get your blood boiling in April, when the action comes alive 25 to 30 miles offshore. “We really do see a great mix of blue water species in April,” said charter Capt. Dan Rooks of the 51-foot custom Carolina Sportfisher, Tuna Duck (252-216-6160; http://tunaduck.com) which sails out of Hatteras Harbor Marina (252-986-2166; https://www.hatterasharbor.com.) “Typical action this month sees yellowfins in the 40- to 70-pound class, blackfin tuna weighing 20 to 25 pounds, and wahoo to 60 pounds. Early in the month, you might also deck a bluefin while the end of the month sees white marlin, blue marlin and sailfish arrive on the scene. Many of the big blues will top 400 pounds.” It’s the combination of bottom structure and a meeting of offshore currents that draws big game species to these waters, explained Rooks. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream flowing up from the south and cool waters of the Labrador Current dropping down from the north meet along the edge of the continental shelf, providing sharp temperature breaks that stack squid, ballyhoo, flying fish and other baitfish. Match a Anglers aboard Capt. Dan Rook’s Tuna Duck Charters celebrate a break over some structure, and you have a great spot to start hefty tuna that slammed a popper off North Carolina’s Outer Banks. your search. “It’s not as important that the temperature break be large as that it be well-defined,” noted Rooks. “I’ve seen breaks here as small as half-a- said. “A storm might push the cool water farther out or bring warmer water degree and as large as 20 degrees. Any break can produce if the surrounding closer in, so you constantly need to make adjustments. Expect to spend some conditions are right. Look for clean water, active baitfish and plenty of life. time searching out the fish even if they were stacked up just a day before. That’s one plus for heading out with a charter skipper; we’re on the water daily, Those are tip-offs that you are in the right area.” Although he’ll sometimes jig or work poppers for tuna, Rooks spends which helps us keep track of shifting currents, temperature breaks and baitfish most of his time trolling. His favorite setup is a natural dead-bait spread, with schools. Some days you find the predators sooner than others – but never give eight ballyhoo trolled in a V-pattern at 7 knots. He works hard to drag his up hope because once you dial ’em in, the fishing here is as good as it gets.” Anglers looking to trailer to this area can find transient dockage, fuel, hotel offerings across structure points, where temperature breaks are discovered accommodations and a boat launch ($10) all at Village Marina (252-986-2522; using on-board temperature gauges and satellite imagery. “The breaks move, of course, and you need to be aware of that,” Rooks www.villagemarinahatteras.com) in Hatteras. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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n today’s uncertain world, everyone, especially kids, welcomes an opportunity for stability. One obvious source is family, and any activity that strengthens family will pay dividends. Snorkeling certainly qualifies as a family building activity. The family that plays together stays together. Having fun is important for building family unity if for no other reason than it makes you want to continue what you are doing. But it’s what happens during play that creates feelings of strength and security that make family members see family as a source of support. Building family strength requires communication, shared responsibility, commitment, shared chores and established routines. Snorkeling together fits this framework well. It gives adults and children the chance to demonstrate and practice these behaviors. Consider what goes into planning a dive outing—and how each family member can have a role: • Where do we go? Everyone can have a say on the big trips, while choice of quick local trips could rotate among family members. • What do we bring? Deciding what gear will be needed and how to organize and pack it may require adult oversight, but kids can, and should, take part. • How do we stay safe? Again, age may dictate how you buddy up, but even youngsters should understand they have a responsibility to stay close and check on their partner. Who tows the dive flag this time? • How do we finish up? Everyone needs to take on chores to pack up,

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unpack, clean, dry and store the gear once home. So, when should you introduce your child to snorkeling? Plant the seeds early. I think using a mask and fins should be part of learning to swim. A mask gives clear underwater vision and forces mouth breathing. Fins greatly increase kicking efficiency, boosting a child’s confidence. As soon as they are comfortable swimming and diving with the mask and fins, add a snorkel. While teaching basic snorkeling skills is a family affair, there are other fun ways to strengthen and add to those skills. Pura Vida Divers’ offers a summer Kids’ Snorkel Camp for kids 8–12, built around the PADI’s Skin Diver program. This day camp uses exciting, interactive games and group activities to enhance skills ranging from marine life identification to underwater buddy rescue. The last day brings the whole family together for a pizza party and snorkel outing. The ultimate memory maker is a family snorkeling vacation. There’s no shortage of locations offering interesting aquatic environments for snorkeling. Two very special snorkeling trips are offered each year by Pura Vida Divers—a manatee watching trip to Crystal River, Fla. and swimming alongside whalesharks off of Isla Mujeres, Mexico. For information on the Kids’ Snorkel Camp, guided snorkeling at the Blue Heron Bridge or manatee and whale shark trips, call Pura Vida divers at 561-840-8750 or visit their website at www.puravidadivers.com.

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n a lifelong pursuit of many fish up and down the East Coast, I finally found the species that constantly holds me in awe when I planted roots in northeast Florida more than 30 years ago. With their beauty, strength and tenacity, redfish are second to none. At one point not too many years back, redfish were almost was wiped out, but with good conservation they bounced back in a big way. They have become one of Florida’s pet fish, a favorite of many anglers, that have provided untold hours of fun. Of all the redfish studies conducted, one intensive study by South Carolina’s Dr. Charles Wenner stands out as one of the best. He dissected the habitat of the species and really gives insight as to where, when and what they do. North Florida’s Atlantic coast offers prime habitat that allows redfish to grow to enormous size. Here are some interesting tidbits gleaned from Dr. Wenner’s study. The world record redfish weighed 94 pounds, 2 ounces and was caught out of Avon, N.C. on the Outer Banks. With a range that extends from the Texas Gulf Coast all the way to Maryland and Delaware in the Atlantic, they are also called red drum, spottails, channel bass, redfish and puppy drum. After hatching, juvenile reds grow to about a half-inch in a short period of time and then move from deep water to shallow estuaries. They love our spartina grass flats, where they begin the transition from fry to sub-adults. This occurs during the fall and winter, when they don’t eat much. They remain fairly inactive while waiting for spring. When spring sets in, their metabolism kicks into high gear. By July, juveniles can grow to 7 to 8 inches or longer by

eating small crabs, shrimp and small fish. Redfish mature at about 33 inches and 5 years of age. They typically begin the spawning cycle around the last moon of August and peak from October into November, depending on water temperature. Males produce a drum-like sound, hence the name red drum, which draws the females close and lets the school know it’s time to spawn. Dr. Wenner studied eight females and 22 males in a huge tank. They produced 60 million eggs in a three-month period. Large individuals reach a ripe old age of 45 to 50 years. That’s a long time for a fish to live, so be sure to handle big ones carefully. One of the coolest things I learned was that a redfish tagged in Bulls Bay, S.C. was caught 189 days later in Mantanzas Inlet, Fla. That’s quite a journey for a fish that measured 18 inches to start. Most redfish only travel about 5 to 10 nautical miles from where they were hatched. Capt. Kirk Waltz is a radio talk show host, writer and charter captain who runs Enterprise Fishing Charters. Like them on Facebook or Instagram or go to www.Enterprisefishingcharters.com. Listen to the Outdoors Show in the First Coast area every Saturday on 1010am or 92.5fm from 7-10 a.m.

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By John Saporito

n fishing, it often pays to be suspicious. Unchecked hearsay saturates the pursuit, and it all amounts to an unfortunate barrier that every novice angler must confront. As a result, few people ever really get good at this sport. For the proficient angler, a thorough understanding of fish and their habitat ushers fishing far closer to a science than it does to a crapshoot. As humans, we are born only with an understanding of how to operate on dry land. We are able to breathe, to move about, and we know how to seek out comforts and avoid dangers. These capacities do not translate to the marine environment. We are biologically unfit to survive beneath the water’s surface, and most people, therefore, cannot empathize with the aquatic world. Water is an incredibly different medium than air. The most tangible distinction is the tremendous shift in density from one medium to the next. The sea is roughly 800 times denser than the air. Think about that for a moment. Sea creatures, as a result, don’t experience the constraints of gravity that land-based organisms endure. Their bodies are perpetually supported by water. This leads to a phenomenon known as indeterminate growth, which allows fish to continue growing throughout their lives. If a fish keeps living, it keeps growing. Such a trait can give rise to colossal specimens, but it requires a feat of survival. The sea is the ultimate crucible of life and death—a domain where mistakes spell doom and second chances are nonexistent. A seemingly endless, hopelessly convoluted food web blankets the planet’s marine ecosystems, bridging regions that are separated by immense distances and orchestrating the fates of all organisms that make their home in the sea. There is no getting ahead in this world; survival ensues on a meal-by-meal basis. Predatory fish, masters of instantaneous evaluation, must promptly determine the risk and reward in every feeding opportunity. Each decision a gamefish makes will dictate whether it perishes or lives long enough to feed again. The fundamental duty of all fish is to eat without being eaten by something else. From its earliest days as a fledgling hunter, the survival of any gamefish is contingent on its ability to carry out this task. Most will not even have the good fortune of transcending their formative stage as hunters of plankton. The minority that survive long enough to contribute a new generation to the sea will do so by becoming proficient in sensing danger and making good predatory choices. This is why big gamefish are so hard to catch; their size is a reflection of a lifetime of excellent judgment. A big fish is a smart fish, an experienced fish. John Saporito is a lifelong fisherman and student of the seas. Visit him online at www.guerillaangling.com.

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STATE RECORD FISH REQUIRE PROPER CERTIFICATION

hat largemouth bass you’ve been battling with is now in your boat. It’s huge. Could it be the new state record? And if it is, how do you certify it? The current state record for largemouth bass weighed 17.27 pounds and was caught by Billy O’Berry in Polk County in 1986. Although that record has stood over 30 years, recent submissions of giant 15- and 16-pound bass to FWC’s TrophyCatch program has anglers and biologists wondering when the next state record will show up. If you’re the lucky angler holding a potential state record, here’s what you need to know: To properly certify a new Florida state record, an FWC biologist must identify the fish species, and an FWC employee—usually but not necessarily the same individual—must witness its weighing on a certified scale. Anglers can check the current state records at BigCatchFlorida.com by clicking on “State Record,” and should notify the nearest FWC regional office if they believe they have caught a record fish. Contact information for

Nathaniel Scott Kicklighter with his 14-pound, 11-ounce bass.

FWC regional offices can be found at MyFWC. com/contact by clicking on “Contact an FWC office” then the “Regional Operations” tab. Biologists urge anglers not to confuse the state record certification with the FWC’s TrophyCatch program. TrophyCatch is a citizen-science program that partners with industry leaders, such as Bass Pro Shops, to offer rewards for the catch, documentation and release of largemouth bass weighing 8 pounds or more. Nathaniel Scott Kicklighter just became the current leader for TrophyCatch’s eighth season with a 14-pound, 11-ounce bass from an unnamed Putnam County lake. “It’s important to note that while all that is needed to submit a fish for TrophyCatch is a photo of the entire fish on a scale with the weight clearly visible, that photo is not enough to certify a state record,” said Allen Martin, FWC’s North Central Regional Fisheries Administrator. “A state record catch is an amazing angling accomplishment,” said Martin. “However, if the fish isn’t certified in person by an FWC biologist, the angler won’t get credit for a new state record.”

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RCA (Ocean Research and Conser vation Association) is seeking 15 highly motivated high school students to conduct real-world science research on the Indian River Lagoon. As interns, students will receive a $1,000 stipend and gain experience in: project planning, proposal writing, grant writing and acquiring sponsorships, project management, field work, lab work, quality control, statistical analysis, data interpretations and identification of conclusions, and communication of results. TeamORCA Citizen Scientists will work side-by-side with ORCA scientists in both the field and laboratory. In the field, student scientists will collect sediment and water samples, measure muck depth, use a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to assess seagrass and biodiversity, and use technology to measure a complete array of water quality parameters. This first group of TeamORCA students will then recruit and train other students from their respective high schools, which will further cement their knowledge and increase their confidence, as well as create a sustainable Citizen Science program. To be eligible for this program candidates must: • Attend an Indian River County High School • Be a current Freshman or Sophomore • Commit to attending bi-monthly meetings, leadership training workshops and quarterly field sampling • Have parent/guardian commitment

Students interested in applying should email Missy Weiss at mweiss@teamorca.org. Applications are due by April 20.

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A BUCKET-LIST FISH WORTH CROWING ABOUT Photo courtesy of Crocodile Bay

By Todd Staley

hen anglers think of the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, they usually think about billfish. Costa Rica is one of the top destinations in the world to chase these pointy-nose acrobats. Many folks travel to Costa Rica with billfish fever and are not even aware of the great inshore fishery available. A fish many anglers have never even heard about before their arrival in Costa Rica is the roosterfish. This unique-looking fish with seven combs as a dorsal fin is only found in the Eastern Tropical Pacific between southern Mexico and Ecuador. In its most northern and southern ranges, the fish move as the seasonal drop in water temperature arrives. Costa Rica, being in the smack-dab middle of Roosterfish’s range, enjoys a fairly constant water temperature and a year-round fishery. In many places, roosterfish are only available by fishing the surf break. Not in Costa Rica. Of course they cruise the beaches looking for an easy meal, but they also roam the many volcanic reefs. One area that is extremely productive is the Golfo Dulce on the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica, a 32-mile-long tropical fjord. Here you find roosters almost everywhere, along the beaches and even over reefs in 200 feet of water. This allows anglers to target them using several different fishing styles. The locals also catch them with dead bait using handlines off the beach. Roosterfish in the Golfo Dulce average 15 pounds, and fish over 50 pounds are taken weekly. The resort record at Crocodile Bay is 106 pounds. Live bait is most always a sure bet. Blue runners, goggle-eyes, sardines and lookdowns are the favorite choices and are readily available. If you are looking for a monster and have the patience to wait it out, bridle up a 3- to 5-pound live bonito and hang on. The best method to fish live bait is to either slow troll behind the surf line or drift fish over volcanic structure. In the deeper areas, a 2- to 6-ounce weight is added to send the bait closer to the top of the reef. In Costa Rica, circle hooks are required by law when using bait, so it is best to have the “crank don’t yank,” mentality firmly planted in one’s brain. Popper fishing is also popular. Fish will often rise to a lure that is really ripped through the water. This is not a walk-the-dog fishing. The faster you work the popper, with lots of splash, the more hits you will get. At times, you will be surprised by a big orange flash as a hefty cubera snapper comes up from 80 feet to smash a popper. If a fish misses its target, don’t stop. They will often come back and strike again. A long stiff rod and six weeks of dumbbell curls are required to cast poppers any length of time.

Photos by Capt. Allan Smith Jigging will also get you your first rooster, but they are a little shyer to a jig than live bait or poppers. White or chartreuse bucktails produce in the shallow water and mental jigs work in the deep areas. Just about any brand of jig will work as long as it is worked fast. No one I know has found the “Holy Grail” for taking roosterfish on a fly. If you are looking for a real challenge, it’s game on. If you are looking for big numbers on a fly, roosterfish is probably not a good choice of adversary. There has been some success by teasing up roosters, much like you would a sailfish. They can be teased with a lure or live bait or by casting a popper with the hooks removed. To get a fly in front of charged-up rooster though, you have to have the speed of a Western gunslinger and the accuracy of William Tell. If you happen to be lucky enough to be on top of a school of bait and a herd of roosterfish charge in on them, you can get your fly in the middle of that action and have a good chance of hooking up. Some have had success trolling the fly, but that is taboo in many a fly guys’ book. To sum it up, if someone tells me they regularly catch roosterfish on a fly, I certainly wouldn’t leave my wife alone with them. Surely they can’t be trusted. Anyone thinking about a Costa Rica billfish vacation should really book at least one day inshore. Roosterfish are a strong and beautiful fish with an iridescent hue. Their unique dorsal cuts the surface as it hones in on its target. When hooked, they make powerful runs and sometimes clear the water in an aerial display. They make for an exciting sporting challenge and a replica makes for a great conversation piece on the wall. They really are a fish to crow about. More information can be found at www.crocodilebay.com or by calling (800) 733 1115.

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MATCH YOUR TACKLE TO THE FISH

By Robert Wiggers

or fish that are released, their survival often depends on the rod and reel used to catch them. Fish naturally don’t want to have a hook in their mouth, attached to a line, being pulled in a direction they don’t want to go. So, like any animal, they resist in an attempt to free themselves. The longer they fight, the more exhausted they become, and in some instances they deplete every amount of available energy in an effort to escape. The battle is over and the angler has won. Unfortunately, when it comes time to release the fish, it’s too exhausted to swim away on its own. Even if it is able to swim away, it certainly doesn’t have the energy to avoid predators that may be lurking around waiting for an easy meal.

Hooking and fighting a fish is an exhilarating experience. There was a time when it was considered to be more “sporting” to catch a large fish on very light tackle. A long fight requires a degree of skill and finesse in order to successfully bring a large fish to the boat. Anglers are recognized for such achievements through acknowledgement in the record books. However, the majority of recreational anglers don’t go fishing with the sole intent of trying to break a line-class record for a specific species. We go fishing simply to catch fish. Some anglers want something for the table, while others just want the satisfaction of catch and release. Regardless of reason, we usually choose a rod and reel that gives us the best chance of successfully landing the species we are targeting. Most anglers wouldn’t use freshwater bass tackle if they were trying to catch a billfish. The rod and reel you choose to use when fishing for a particular species should be carefully considered when practicing catch and release. Nowadays, the options for rod and reels are endless. Rods come in all lengths and are designed with different actions ranging from ultra light to heavy. Reels also range in size to match the rod, but have different gear ratios that allow an angler to retrieve the bait at a faster pace with less effort. Each combination performs differently. For this reason, many anglers carry a number of rods with them on any given trip. While it may be more fun to use a light rod and reel for catching a big fish, it’s simply not good for the fish or its chances of survival after being released. Studies have even shown that mortality of released fish can happen several hours after being released. There are always instances when anglers unexpectedly hook an exceptionally large fish on light tackle. But if you know beforehand that you are going to fish specifically for large fish, be sure to use appropriate tackle that reduces the fight time. I don’t know of any conservationminded angler that wouldn’t be heartbroken to see a large fish float away knowing the fish was potentially older than they were or that they just killed a spawning fish that could contribute more to the population.

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the Port is respectable snook in Justin Manna caught th adfin a Skiff using a live thre olin ar C t. -f 16 w ne his from is fish s a lot of respect for th herring/greenie. He ha quick release back. and provided him with a

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SEBASTIAN INLET TO FORECAST EAU GALLIE CAUSEWAY BY CAPT. GLYN AUSTIN March was a great month to fish with the warmer temps and April means the hot weather should be here to stay. With the bait moving into the lagoon for the summer, the inshore fishing will be great for big trout snook and reds. The Sebastian River, Turkey Creek in Palm Bay and Crane Creek and Ballard Park in Melbourne will be a great place to target snook, tarpon, jacks and sharks. I like to fish Rapala Subsurface baits as well as ABOA Dart Spin and Storm Coastal GT Paddle tail baits. Live shrimp and mullet are a great live baits to use as well. Fish the rolling tarpon in both forks of the river early in the morning and pick apart the shorelines and docks for snook. The sharks will eat live and dead baits in the lower river between the railroad and US 1 bridges and around the powerlines. Fish the spoil islands in the Lagoon from Palm Bay to Sebastian for snook, trout, redfish jacks and flounder. I like to fish the Rapala Skitterwalk early mornings for the topwater bite then move to Twitchin minnow or twitchin mullet subsurface baits as the sun comes up. Fish the edges of the bait pods along the mangrove shorelines for the same species.

XRAP 14 long cast baits. 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. Tarpon, jacks, bonito, sharks, mackerel and cobia can be along the beaches from Sebastian to Melbourne in April and can be caught from a boat and from the beach as well. Rapala hard baits and soft baits from Storm, Hogy and A Band of Anglers all are very productive. Live mullet, greenies and pogies will also work well.

CAPT. GLYN AUSTIN

Fred from Jacksonville with one of the big redfish from Sebastian Inlet!

If you are looking for a lot of fun, target the big jack crevalle that 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 Rapala

Going Coastal Charters www.goingcoastalcharters.com (321) 863-8085 Capt. Glyn Austin and Capt. Jesse Austin are both lifelong Brevard County residents and full-time inshore/nearshore fishing guides. Glyn runs a 23’ Shoalwater tunnel boat and 24’ Wellcraft Bay Boat which are comfortable for up to four anglers and lets them get shallow for inshore fishing and offers a smooth dry ride when fishing the Inlet and nearshore waters of Brevard County.

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PORT CANAVERAL/BANANA & INDIAN RIVER LAGOONS

FORECAST

BY CAPT. JIM ROSS PORT CANAVERAL: Cobia may still be a good possibility around and down the beaches looking for the Canaveral waters this month. The run as of mid-March had been something to eat. Flounder, black lackluster at best, with only a few good days and lots of windy ones. drum, whiting, sheepshead, and Large jigs and live baits like sardines, pogies, and medium sized mullet pompano are possible for anglers are great offerings to cast to these tasty fish. Anglers can find them in fishing along the surf from a number of places. Look for them “free swimming” on the surface on Melbourne Beach to Playalinda. Cut or calm sunny days. Sometime they are following manta rays and turtles as live shrimp, and sand fleas are top baits for these various well and can be “sight fished” when following these companions. Other species. Fish bites can replace these tow live baits if you do not want to good places to find cobia are around bait pods, weed patches, or any other mess with them. Anglers can also use goofy style jigs either from the type of debris found floating on the surface. Tripletail are another species beach or from a boat stationed just outside the surf break and do well on many of these species that can be found in the surf zone this to look for when searching month. around for the cobia. They INDIAN & BANANA RIVER LAGOONS: Anglers are are often smaller this hoping that sea grasses return to the flats in these bodies of water. month than last, but are Right now many area are covered with a grass like algae called generally quite plentiful if Calerpa which is better than nothing at all. Last spring we had weeds are present in our a minor resurgence of grasses due to the restricted use of lawn near-shore waters. Live fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides that destroy it. This should shrmp free lined or rigged lead to some good spring time fishing for trout and redfish. under a float are great Baitfish like glass minnows, pinfish, pigfish, and fingerling ways to get them to strike. mullet- plus crustaceans like shrimp and crabs rely on these Another fun fish to target grasses for their survival, and of course the larger predatory fish this month are giant jack eat these smaller species to survive. Find grass beds that baitfish Crevelle. These bruisers are holding in, and should be hitting the same work them with top baits and lures and the Tripletail anglers should find these fish hanging water plugs like the cobia, and will be traveling around weeds and other debris this month. Rapala Skitterwalk in schools or packs up first thing I the morning or during the last two hours or so in the evening. Suspending lures like W WOODLAND BUSINESS CENTER the 07-centimeter Subwalk by Rapala Located in Cocoa Beach in the mullet or pinfish pattern will Boat & Trailer Parking also work well. These Safe & Secure 24/7 suspending lures are Shorelines produce nice redfish very effective during on most days this month. dawn and dusk periods as well, but will usually work farther into the morning than a true topwater plug will. Through the mid-morning and mid-day periods try Houdini, Magic Grass, or Chicken-on-a-chain colored Saltwater Assassin 4-inch sea shad jig tails on a 1/8 to ¼ ounce jig head. These work well on the trout if you swim them over the tops of the grass or Calerpa in the 2 to 5 foot depths. Closer to the shorelines, I recommend soft plastic jerk baits like the Saltwater Assassin 5-inch shad rigged on a weighted worm hook. The VMC “Drop dead” or Storm “Coastal series” of hooks in 3/0 are good for this. Anglers can also STORAGE use an un-weighted version like the X-Point wide gap heavy in a 4/0 size. All are extremely sharp and work well in the previously mentioned jerk CONTAINERS baits. Good color for these include rootbeer/red flake, Houdini, Arkansas Shiner and Native Shiner, but if I had to pick just one it would probably woodlandbusinesscenter.com/ be the Gold Pepper Shiner color. When the fish don’t want to chase lures try feeding them live or cut fingerling mullet or ladyfish rigged on a VMC call: 321-536-5631 coastal black circle hook. Some of our biggest fish of the year come on these natural baits.

wbc@cfl.rr.com

CAPT. JIM ROSS

Fineline Fishing Charters www.FinelineFishingCharters.com (321) 636-3728 4 BREVARD

APRIL 2020

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This local d ad schooled his sons on a recent trip near Se bastian Inlet by ho oking this 3 8-inch slob snook with a live s hrimp.

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This 35-inch black drum was caught fishing with a pompano jig at the Melbourne Causeway.

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Email your high-quality photos (at least 1MB) along with all the photo details — species, size, location, who caught it (and how!), as well as who took the pic — to webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM APRIL 2020 BREVARD 7

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BY CAPT. JONATHAN MOSS

ey there, angler! Welcome to this edition of Brevard's Coastal Angler Magazine Pro Tip! My name is Capt. Jonathan Moss, and I am here to share with you an incredibly important tip: Be Respectful! As a full time Space Coast Fishing Guide, I spend countless hours on the water in search of fish. This searching means time is spent all over our lagoon systems checking on fishing spots, both old and new. Others, just like me, are doing the same thing. It is my job to stay on the fish and one that I cherish so much. As many of you know, our lagoons are undergoing massive grass loss and decline in fish numbers. Yes, there are still plenty of fish to be caught and fish stories to be told. This brings me back to my tip: Be Respectful. In my experience, anglers have forgotten that no one owns the water. I see it all to often, anglers approaching others who are already on a spot fishing. Or anglers cutting off others to beat them to a fishing hole. Recently, I was poling into an area and another angler used their trolling motor to go around and jump in front of me and my clients to get to the fish first. This is unacceptable behavior. Tips for success: 1. Be respectful of each other on and off the water. Cursing and fighting gets you nowhere fast. Be wise in how you confront others for their poor water ethics. 2. Be considerate to those who are first to an area that you would like to fish. If someone is already there, go somewhere else and do so in a manner that will not disrupt the fishing. 3. Have a plan B, C and D. You can always revisit a spot. If you have nowhere else to go, make this an opportunity to explore and learn a new area! On a more positive note, the fishing has been picking up throughout our area. Warmer temperatures are quickly approaching which brings more snook and tarpon into our waterways. Here's a picture of one of my clients who recently joined me for a half day, fly fishing charter for tarpon! What a fun fish!

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CAPT. JONATHAN MOSS

Go Castaway Fishing Charters www.gocastaway.com (407) 760-8593

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PORT CANAVERAL OFFSHORE FORECAST BY CAPT. CHRIS CAMERON Hope everyone had fun cobia fishing last were just on month. Continue to look around the 50/60 foot the tail end of range for the rays and leatherbacks holding fish. the smaller fish migration. Free swimmers will be abundant continuing Soon the 30lbers will start showing through this month as well. If you find some type more consistently. Fish your local reefs and any of color change, weed structures that hold line or temp break in bait. Ship wrecks and that depth your gold. any other structures Buck tails and live bait work great. You can will do the trick. If they also sabiki these won’t fire on the buck structures for baits. tail follow it up with a Soon you will start live bait of some sort. seeing the bait pods Cobia are not picky so show up. The water is whatever you have will warming up and the work. When using live fishing will only get bait, I use a 60lb leader better. Start looking from my 50lb braid to for birds and flipping an 8/0 circle hook. This pogies. It’s been scarce Deep dropping trip produced golden tilefish. is also the time of year to non-existent lately that they will come in but don’t worry its very close as well. Don’t hesitate to start or end up almost here. Get yourself a good cast net. Tim in the 20 foot depth. Cover your ground. Wade nets are what ya want. Get a little extra lead Kings will start showing up in better numbers on it to sink it faster. Leave the wally world net at as well. Live bait will be choice this time of year home. That 4 footer just won’t cut it. We normally for the big ones that come back through. We throw a 10/12 foot net.

Capt. Joe with a 55 lb. cobia that ate a live bunka.

Bottom fishing for grouper and throwback reds are gonna be good. (check your local regs) use live bait with 3 ways and knocker rigs. (whatever works best for you) 80/100lb leaders. 8/0-10/0 hooks. I believe your supposed to have circle hooks now in fed waters, so again check the regs. 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 Mays issue. Good luck see you out there.

CAPT. CHRIS CAMERON

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SURF FORECAST FISHING BY CAPT. LUKAS BRICKWEG April’s surf fishing is terrible and you shouldn’t waste your time... April fools!! Now let’s get serious here April will bring an abundance of opportunities for surf fishing anglers along the central east coast of Florida. As the water temperature warms from winter patterns change will happen quickly. Baitfish will become more present in the surf and that brings with it a host of predators lying in wait. Snook, flounder, and redfish will be primarily targeted in the trough directly off the shoreline. These predatory species will use the wash zone to concentrate and disorient baitfish swimming along the trough. The trough is the immediate deep water you encounter only feet from the shore. When targeting these species I always recommend diving plugs that swim suspended or skitter near the bottom on retrieval creating commotion and frequency. Another option being swim baits, these lures mirror and mimic the present ABOVE: When you run out of hands, use any means necessary. LEFT: Limit of pompano and a sole Spanish mackerel.

baitfish in the area and can be retrieved a variety of ways effectively. Throw the standard spoon or buck tail in the mix and you have a perfect combination of artificial lures to target these species. For flounder try areas that have a deeper trough or rocky areas with sand spits that currents runout. Small finger mullet rigged on a fish finder rig with a one to two ounce weight will catch all the above species effectively. The usual cast of characters being pompano, whiting, black drum, and croakers will be looking for crustaceans on a pompano rig. Have your surf fishing setup diversified to increase your species list probabilities on each particular day. Now go get tight on a fish!!!

CAPT. LUKAS BRICKWEG

Cocoa Beach Surf Fishing Charters cocoabeachsurffishingcharters@gmail.com www.jandhsurffishing.com (321) 205-4672

ATTENTION

The south chapter meeting will feature captain JR Alvey from JR’s Custom Bucktails speaking about targeting giant snook on the beach and in the inlets with bucktail jigs. Also explanation on tying custom jigs fishing, April 14th. Meeting at Front Street Community Center 2205 S. Front Street, Melbourne (Across the street from Harry Goode’s/Next to the boat ramps) Social time for the meetings starts at 6:30 and the meetings start at 7:00. Public invited. North chapter meeting will feature Captain Alan Ryland of Florida Fly Co. on sight fishing for refish and trout with light tackle April 28th . Meetings at the Brevard Veteran’s Center, 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island (Behind Merritt Square Mall. Social time for the meetings starts at 6:30 and the meetings start at 7:00. Public invited.

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APRIL 2020

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By Richard L. Matteson Jr.

By Henry Jackson

any kayak fishermen enter the sport as fishermen, not kayakers. Therefore, fundamental paddling skills are typically relatively low. Through necessity and self-discovery, most of us learn how to make a kayak move in the direction needed. But many bad habits are developed in the process, and bad habits can put stress on a paddler’s shoulders. Taking the time to learn correct paddling strokes will increase time on the water and decrease the chance for injury. The forward stroke is the most basic of all paddle strokes, and it’s usually the first one beginning paddlers figure out on their own. It’s also the most important stroke to perform correctly because you’ll use it 90 percent of the time. The key to a correct forward stroke is to engage the large muscles of the core and use them to power the stroke instead of our arms and shoulders. Performed correctly, the stroke is more efficient and allows you to paddle farther with less discomfort. Engage core muscles by rotating your torso as you reach forward to plant the blade in the water. As the blade is drawn toward you, unwind your torso to power the stroke, keeping your arms relatively straight. A great method for learning the concept is to hold the paddle out in front of you, arms completely straight, and paddle only by rotating your torso. The reverse stroke is another basic stroke that is learned relatively early by new paddlers. This stroke can put extremely high levels of stress on the shoulders when done incorrectly. To begin the reverse stroke, fully rotate your torso and plant the paddle blade at the stern of the boat. Then unwind your torso, powering the stroke, and bring the blade out of the water when it is even with your hips. It will take practice, but eventually you should be rotating far enough that the paddle shaft is horizontal with the side of the kayak, and if you were to drop the paddle it would land in the water without hitting the kayak. The draw stroke is one that, now that I’ve learned it, I cannot paddle without. The draw is used to move the kayak sideways. To perform the draw, rotate your torso until you are facing sideways in the direction you want to travel. Reach out, turn the paddle blade horizontal with the kayak, plant it in the water and draw it toward you. To recover, turn the blade 90 degrees and slide it through the water away from the kayak. Rotate it horizontally, and draw it back toward you. Repeat as necessary. Mastering the correct versions of these strokes will greatly improve your paddling experience and increase your time on the water. Youtube has several excellent channels that illustrate proper stroke techniques. One of my favorite channels is SeaKayakingTV, and there are several others that are top notch.

6 CENTRAL FLORIDA

APRIL 2020

ith every dark cloud on the horizon, there’s always an alternative. Fishing is one of the great American pastimes, and it is something you can do by yourself without worrying about getting or passing a virus. I love wading and fishing the Indian River Lagoon and surf fishing in the ocean. It’s just you, the water and the fish. Since I live on the beach, I’ll give you the latest report. Live or frozen shrimp in the ocean are producing catches of whiting, croaker, bluefish and jacks with an occasional small pompano. High winds and surf have slowed the pompano bite on the beach with sporadic catches of small to medium size pompano on fish bites and sand fleas. The bluefish and jack bite is on with heavy spoons Early tarpon fishing is good on the (Johnson saltwater South Fork of the St. Lucie River from gold spoons) and jigs the I-95 bridge to the spillway. (1/2 to ¾ oz.) from the first and second cut. Mornings and evenings are the top fishing times. Very few snook are in the surf, but I occasionally catch one in the first cut where there’s bait (on jigs with pearl white plastic tail). The Lagoon has been inconsistent due in part to high winds. The large snook are mostly still around bridges and deeper holes around the inlets. When the temperature warms slightly, some great early snook locations are South Fork in the Palm City area and docks and piers on the west side from Jensen Beach Causeway up to the first Fort Pierce Bridge. Early tarpon fishing is good on the South Fork from the I-95 bridge to the spillway. Pompano fishing has been sporadic. There are still good numbers caught from the two Jensen Bridges (east side primarily) on pompano jigs (bright red). From a boat or wading, several flats are good near the St. Lucie Inlet around the Crossroads (St. Lucie and Lagoon intersection), Sewell’s Point and Sailfish Point areas. Look for flats in the 4-foot depth near drop-offs. Trout fishing has been poor south of Vero due to the lack of grass and water quality. Look for trout in the Walton Road area on the west side up to the Power Plant and on the east side around Bear Point, which still has some grass. In Vero, Harbor Branch is still the best trout area with occasional trout showing up over 20 inches. Coronavirus got you down? Pick up your rod and go fishing—no worries!!! Contact the Stuart Rod and Reel Club at (336) 414-3440 and go to www.stuartrodandreel.com.

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READING THE BEACH

Photo by Paul Brennan

o the uninitiated, surf fishing might seem easy. Stake out some rods, sit back in a chair and enjoy a cold one, right? Well, if you actually want to catch fish, it’s necessary to read the surf. For beginners seeking to catch fish from the beach, setting up in the right place is the first step to success. Ask the local tackle shop about baits, rigs and appropriate gear. This article should get you started seeking out productive water. Ever notice five or six dudes clustered on one short stretch of beach with an array of rods stuck in the sand just a few yards apart? These guys know what they’re doing. They’ve found structure that consolidates bait and fish. Don’t assume there’s an invitation to plop down and fish with them. But be polite, don’t crowd them, and they might share advice. Notice what the beach and the surf look like where they are fishing, and 18

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try to find something similar somewhere else. Scouting begins with a long walk on the beach. Low tide might not be the best time to fish the surf, but it’s a great time to see how the bottom will lay out when the tide rolls in. Bottom contours manipulate current, and any irregularity on a flat expanse off the beach will draw bait and fish. Often, fine sand indicates a bottom with a gradual slope and little structure. Coarse sand with crushed shell or gravel points the way to steeper drops or deeper holes. Pay attention while you’re walking, and you’ll likely see the sand change character. The most common structure you’ll find off the beach is a sandbar. This is where the waves begin to break as they approach the shore. Inside of this sandbar there is a trough of deeper water between the sandbar and shore. There’s another drop off the ocean side of the sandbar. Fish of all kinds utilize these slightly deeper waters to move along the beach, hunting smaller fish or crustaceans. Dropping baits in the trough or on the backside of the sandbar can lead to hookups, but your odds increase if you can find a break in the sandbar, where a large tide, a rip current or a storm surge has punched a hole in the bar. Sand stacks up on either side of the cut, leaving shallow points on either side of a deeper bottom. These spots are obvious when the tide is out. When the tide is in, it’s the spot where waves don’t break as they pass over the sandbar. On a falling tide, you might notice faster water being sucked out through the cut. Fish use these breaks to move in and out of the trough. Current rushing through sandbar breaks also disorients baitfish, and predators will line up. Keep in mind that the sand is always moving. It changes day-today, and being cognizant of even small irregularities on an otherwise featureless bottom can help locate fish.

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Clean Up Florida Waters July 11

F 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 Martin’s many bait and tackle shops or outdoor retailers. Inshore, offshore, saltwater or fresh, head out for an adventure and reel in the memories.

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lorida Realtors, the state’s largest trade association, is organizing a statewide event slated for July 11 to clean up Florida waters. Drawing from the organization’s extensive reach and calling out to all marine enthusiasts and conservationists, the event is aimed at cleaning up lakes, rivers, streams, retention ponds, bays, Intracoastal Waterways, the Gulf and Atlantic Ocean. The event was dreamed up between Orlando and Jacksonville realtors Mark Feagle Jr. and Jeff Fagan, who are avid anglers and Coastal Conservation Association members. The idea was quickly adopted by the trade association, which has the manpower of 195,000 members. The goal is to remove tons of trash and debris from waterways statewide in a single day, utilizing volunteers on land and water. “As a native Floridian, I have always enjoyed surfing, fishing and diving in our local waters. I want the natural beauty of this state to endure for my daughter and future generations,” said Feagle. “When you ask tourists or future residents what attracted them to Florida, the answers are typically: white sand beaches, lakes for boating, rivers for kayaking and our natural springs. Yet, many of our waterways are littered with bottles, cans and other debris. The good news is, trash is a people problem, which means we are also the solution.” On July 11, join thousands of Florida realtors to clean up Florida waters. Every effort makes a difference. To get involved, visit www.floridarealtors.org/events/clean-up-florida-waters or contact your local real estate offices to get details on local efforts. Use the hashtag #cleanupfloridawaters on social media to find local events and support the effort.

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elebrate the fight against invasive lionfish at the sixth-annual Lionfish Removal and Awareness Festival May 16-17 at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar and HarborWalk Village in Destin. Activities will include fillet demonstrations; family friendly games and activities; art, diving and conservation booths; and the world’s largest lionfish spearfishing tournament, the Emerald Coast Open. Satisfy your taste buds by visiting any of the participating locations of Lionfish Restaurant Week (May 11-14) for your chance to try this delicious invasive. Learn more by visiting FWCReefRangers.com. The 2020 Lionfish Challenge removal incentive program will begin May 22 and continue through the Pensacola Lionfish Classic on Oct 11. Register for the tournament at EmeraldCoastOpen.com. For more information on FWC’s lionfish awareness programs go to FWCReefRangers.com and MyFWC. com/Lionfish.

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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SEAGRASS RESTORATION UNDERWAY

apid fluctuations in salinity due to freshwater releases from Lake Okeechobee have caused the loss of up to 1,200 acres of seagrass beds in NOAA photo by Heather Dine Caloosahatchee Estuary on Florida’s southwest coast. For more than a decade, prime habitat for inshore gamefish has dwindled. In 2018, an ambitious project began to restore seagrass to Caloosahatchee Estuary. Spurred by the Angler Action Foundation and funded by the state of Florida, the first stage of plantings appear to be thriving. In late 2018, about 20 acres of tape grass and widgeon grass were planted in areas decimated by excessive freshwater releases. Widgeon grass was selected for its ability to pioneer new habitat and tolerate a wide range of salinity. Tape grass, also known as eelgrass or wild celery, is more tolerant of freshwater than other grasses. Planting these two species provides some insurance that seagrass beds will establish and remain intact under widely varying salinity levels. Seagrass plantings were protected by wire-mesh exclosures to protect them from turtles and manatees, to allow the plants to take root. Initial surveys indicate very high survival rate, with up to 95 percent of plantings thriving and producing seeds and rhizomes that will disperse and hopefully establish themselves in adjacent areas, resulting in a self-sustaining seagrass meadow. Future plans are to expand the footprint of the planted areas. It is hoped the same methods can be used in other parts of Florida, such as the Indian River Lagoon, which has also suffered devastating losses of seagrass habitat.

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his is the time of year I start organizing for the upcoming fishing season. Whether I’m traveling abroad or staying close to home (which might be the case with current Covid-Virus situation), being practical and thorough are the keys to success. Pack Light: Many fly fisherman decorate themselves with useless stuff: dull-bladed scissors, moth-eaten fly patches and rust-encrusted hemostats; in addition, vest pockets are crammed with fly boxes of every size, each pocket on the verge of popping its stitching. On occasion, I have noted fly fishermen toting as many as three tackle bags, each bag containing enough stuff to stock a small fly shop. When saltwater fly fishing, dispense with the stuff and use the less is more approach. One box of flies will cover your targeted species, and you’ll need small spools of tippet material, nippers and pliers. If you’re fishing with a guide, he or she will have most of these items available to you. Know What the Fish Eat: Research flies you’ll need for the location and if your guide will provide them for you. Far too many anglers allow ego to take over their thinking in the selection of flies, resulting in the purchase of flies ill-suited for the targeted species. Ask the guide what flies are appropriate.

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Traveling Abroad? If you’re fishing in a foreign country, investigate the culture, customs and perhaps the language spoken. Doing so will ensure your trip’s success and impress the natives. Don’t forget your passport and an extra copy placed in another piece of luggage or carry on. Leave a copy of it at home just in case! And get a Trusted Traveler card (formally Global Enter card). It’s well worth the $100 and saves you from suffering the long customs lines when re-entering the United States. Cast: Prior to your trip, spend a half-hour each day casting into the wind, a practice that will prepare you for unforgiving, blustery winds you will encounter on the flats and offshore. Work on distance. Casts of 40 to 50 feet with no more than two false casts are a must. Find A Guide: A good fishing guide is an outstanding provider of the information you need when fly fishing unfamiliar waters or in distant fly fishing destinations. Your guide has logged hundreds of hours studying the local fish and has honed saltwater fly fishing skills. Listening is guaranteed to make you a better fly fisherman. Hiring a guide and lending him your ear is a giant step in the right direction if learning to saltwater fly fish is your goal. Once you have enlisted his assistance, pay attention; listen and learn. You’ll find most saltwater fishing guides are good listeners, and often they become good and trusted friends. However, avoid bending his ear too much with stories about your skills as a freshwater fly-flinger. You are there to learn from him, not vice-versa.

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TONS OF TRASH Removed From Broward Waters

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ore than 1,000 volunteers showed up in early March for the 43rd Broward County Waterway Cleanup. On land and in water with 120 vessels, including boats, kayaks and paddleboards, volunteers collected nearly 25 tons of trash and debris from 35 sites around the county. The event was presented by the Florida Inland Navigation District (F.I.N.D.) and National Marine Suppliers and organized by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF). “We had beautiful weather, dedicated volunteers and a great time,” said Event Coordinator, Nicole Hoekstra, “The annual Waterway Cleanup is a perfect day to celebrate all that Broward County has to offer, while taking part in keeping it clean,” Following the cleanup, volunteers were invited to attend the Trash Bash Thank You party at MIASF Headquarters, where participants were treated to live music, free food and beverages, and more than a dozen raffle prizes. For more information, visit www.waterwaycleanup.org.

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CHERRY DOMINATES THE CLASSIC

here was no denying Elite Series veteran Hank Cherry. Riding a first-day sack of nearly 30 pounds, he led wireto-wire during the 50th anniversary Bassmaster Classic at Lake Guntersville to capture the most coveted title in tournament bass fishing. The 46-year-old B.A.S.S. photo by Gary Tramontina from Lincolnton, N.C. hoisted the trophy on championship Sunday March 8 and accepted his winnings of $307,500 as the Classic champion. It was sweet redemption for a man who’s fished the Classic five times and came heartbreakingly close to winning the whole enchilada back in 2013. During the 2013 Classic at Grand Lake, Oklahoma, a lost jerkbait fish dropped Cherry into third place. It’s safe to say his luck held on Guntersville, where limits of 29-3, 16-10 and 19-8 gave him a three-day total of 65 pounds, 5 ounces. He did most of his damage during Friday’s first round with a Z-Man Jack Hammer. The pattern led to a tournamentbest bag that featured a pair of 7-2 largemouths. On Days 2 and 3, he relied on his own Hank Cherry Signature Series Jig from Picasso in green pumpkin with a matching Berkley MaxScent Chunk trailer and a jerkbait—a Megabass 110+1 in the French pearl OB color. He spent practically the whole event fishing one causeway and one grass flat after a Day 1 arm injury limited his travel in windy conditions. “I never put gas in the boat all week,” Cherry said. “Y’all know me. If it’s windy, I’m not going to be making a lot of long runs—and anyway, I just didn’t need to.” South Carolina pro Todd Auten finished second with 58-10. Arkansas angler Stetson Blaylock took third with 58-1. The Berkley Big Bass award went to Auten for a 7-9 he caught on Day 1.

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SCADDEN DRAGONFLY XT2

nglers looking for a two-man raft as versatile as it is portable and functional will have a hard time finding anything that tops Dave Scadden’s Dragonfly XT2. At 10 feet long, 54 inches wide and weighing just 100 pounds, the Dragonfly XT2 can be thrown in the back of a pickup truck, yet it fishes and handles as well as a much bigger boat. It can be set up one person frameless, two-person frameless or decked out to the moon with Dave’s Dragonfly travel frame. It is super lightweight and portable yet offers performance levels never before achieved in the inflatable world. The Dragonfly XT2 is so outrageously tricked out that there are just too many cool gadgets to list. Go to www. davescaddenpaddlesports.com and watch the videos. You’ll see why professional guides around the country are choosing this boat for their river trips. All Dragonfly models are bladderless, miterless and fully rockered with rigid dropstitch technology and removable self-bailing floor systems. They are rated for Class V whitewater, have a 1,500-pound weight capacity and are backed by an exclusive unconditional lifetime warranty.

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ound is critical to a fish’s survival beneath the surface of the water. They rely on sound to signal the presence of prey or warn them of impending danger. Since sound travels five times faster in water than it does in air, it becomes a critical factor in a fish’s daily life. If you have watched fish for any period of time, you know they instinctively become alert to unfamiliar sounds or noise and tend to move away from the source. I watched a scientific experiment with trout in a clear water stream from a concealed tower. As an associate approached the edge of the stream from wooded concealment on the opposite bank, the trout became instantly alert. A few slipped back into protective cover, while the rest became motionless and waited to see what would happen. Every fish within view stopped feeding. Large predators sometimes invade a chum slick simply because they respond to the sound of smaller fish feeding. They can actually hear potential prey as the little guys devour the chum. The sound of other fish feeding will often trigger additional fish to begin feeding. Game fish are intensely aware of the distress vibrations given off by injured or impaired fish and usually are attracted to move in closer. These distress vibrations telegraph the

presence of an easy meal. That’s why a larger predator often attacks a hooked fish as you struggle to land it. Unique in the animal kingdom, the lateral line on either side of a fish is an extremely precise sound-detecting organ. It responds to low frequency sound within relatively short range in a system known as near-field displacement. Anything moving through the water disturbs the molecules and this is detected by neuromasts in the fish’s body. The accuracy of the system is nothing less than amazing. A fish can strike prey it cannot see with incredible accuracy. Negative sounds or noises are equally important. Too many anglers ignore the damage that noises can cause. Once a fish is alerted that something is not right, it seldom will risk striking a bait or lure. A plug landing too close to an oversized shark or a 100-pound tarpon can send that critter scurrying for safety. The noise of an outboard can eliminate fish in a given spot. Racing to reach a spot or to get to breaking Photo by Nick Carter fish as quickly as possible can shut down the activity. And making noise aboard a boat, particularly when it is easily transmitted through the hull has negative effects. The shallower the water, the more damaging noise can be. All it takes is dropping a pair of pliers, sliding a tackle box so it scrapes or making heavy sounds of any type. It pays to live by the rule that silence is golden. If you do, you’ll catch more fish.

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NOAA CLAMPS DOWN

ON ATLANTIC SNAPPER

n early March, NOAA Fisheries announced that red snapper season in the South Atlantic, from the Carolinas to Florida, will be a scant three days long with a one-fish per person daily limit… if there is to be a snapper season at all. It’s frustrating news for anglers, who are experiencing a similar situation to what occurred in the Gulf of Mexico prior to states taking control of red snapper management. While anglers and charter captains report plentiful and increasing red snapper catches, federal managers continue clamping down on regulations. And even the three-day season is contingent on a change to regulatory framework, which currently does not allow a season at all if NOAA determines it will be three days or less. According to a release from the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (SAFMC), the change that would allow a three-day season is expected to be in place before the 2020 season. Since 2010, recreational anglers have been allowed just 37 days total to harvest red snapper in the South Atlantic. NOAA’s decision on the 2020 season is based on landing estimates from 2019, when a five-day recreational season produced an estimated 49,674 fish and exceeded the annual catch limit. The current annual catch limit is set at 29,656 fish.

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E-Z ANCHOR PULLER PATRIOT SERIES

-Z Anchor Puller Mfg. Co. provides a solid, reliable, easy-to-use solution for anchoring. As a leading drum anchor winch manufacturer, our products are a safe, consistent launch and retrieval system for vessels in calm or rough seas. No more trips toward the front of your boat to untangle line and chain: we have a drum anchor winch that provides years of dependability and safety for you and your anchor, from 18-foot all the way up to 55-foot vessels! The Patriot series is especially developed for fiberglass fishing boats in shallow coastal waters. Before purchasing his E-Z Anchor Puller unit, Jarrett Sanchez pulled up a 22-pound anchor and 230 feet of rope and chain onto his 1977, 25’ Mako Center Console all by himself, by hand. Now, he can simply press a button to drop his anchor to the bottom, then simply push “up” for three seconds to ensure his line is nice and tight. Manufactured completely from 316 stainless steel and rated IP68 waterproof submersible, the Patriot series is immune to saltwater environments, whether it’s exposed on the deck or hidden away in the rope locker while you’re out on the water. With three sizes (EZ-1, EZ-2 and EZ-3) in the series, the Patriot is the winch of choice for Florida boaters who own vessels 18 to 35 feet, and can hold between 175 and 325 feet of ⅜-inch line, or 150 to 200 feet of ½-ich line depending on preference and need. The power-up, power-down direct drive button gives boaters more control over deployment and retrieval with an average of 100 feet per minute for deployment and retrieval. Sanchez’s particular unit, the Patriot EZ-2, holds 150 feet of ½-inch line where he boats off of the coast of Treasure Island, Fla. Even though his decision to buy our unit was, “99.9 percent his wife and family,” we think Sanchez is one happy customer, too! No drifting, no tangled lines and one less thing to worry about on the open water. To check out the Patriot series in its entirety, visit our website at ezanchorpuller.com/collections/anchor-winch

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arine growth on the transducer inhibits the performance your sonar. A fouled transducer reduces sensitivity, bottom-echo returns and positive fish targets. In other words, when the transducer is dirty, you’re not seeing what’s down there. Also, transducers perform best when there’s minimal turbulence over their surface during operation. Consider this next time you’re idling over structure looking for bait and fish. With streamlined water flow over your equipment, you’ll get a better image of what’s below. To solve these performance issues, Propspeed, a leading innovator of underwater coatings, developed a revolutionary foul-release coating designed specifically for transducers. Foulfree is a biocide-free coating that when cured creates a super-slippery surface over the transducer. It prevents marine growth without poisons to keep your transducer clean, streamlined and performing at its peak. One application lasts through an entire year of service and even longer in cooler climates. “Foulfree is an exciting new coating specifically made to enhance the performance of transducers,” said Chris Baird, CEO of Propspeed. “Bringing together our revolutionary product design and working with the experts in transducer functionality from Airmar, we are able to offer boaters around the world a new solution to an age-old problem and improve sonar performance for anglers and cruisers alike.” Foulfree joins Propspeed’s award-winning product line which includes Propspeed an industry-leading foul-release system for propellers and running gear and the groundbreaking transparent foulrelease coating specifically formulated www.oceanmax.com for underwater lights, Lightspeed.

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he dawning of the new year has been good to West Virginia anglers who are setting new state records. A monster blue catfish and a big grass carp were certified as state length records by the West Virginia Division of Naturaral Resources, and then the grass carp record was broken again. On Jan. 3, Zachary Adkins, of Cabins, W.Va., caught a 53.1-inch, 59-pound grass carp from Warden Lake, a 44-acre state-managed reservoir in the northeastern corner of the state. Adkins used a large swimbait to catch the fish, which broke the previous length record of 50.75 inches. Then, on Feb. 18, John Miller, of Lost City, W.Va., bested Adkins’ mark with a 54.75-inch, 67.4-pound grass carp, also from Warden Lake. Warden Lake is apparently a hotbed for big carp. The state weight record of 71.69 pounds also came from Warden. It was caught by William Tucker in 2005. On Jan. 11, Justin Conner, of Culloden, W.Va., caught his 49.84-inch, 58.38-pound blue catfish on the Ohio River over on the Ohio border. Conner’s big blue ate a chunk of cut shad. It broke the previous length record of 47.75 inches. Mark Blauvelt still holds the weight record with a 59.74-pound blue catfish caught on the Ohio River in 2016. The IGFA alltackle world record blue catfish weighed 143 pounds. It was caught out of Kerr Lake, Va. in 2011. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2020

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RIDE THE BULL In Grand Isle Louisiana

he maze of bayous around the mouth of the Mississippi River south of New Orleans holds the best redfish fishing in the world. This unique system of waterways on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast also lays out perfectly for anglers fishing from kayaks. It’s fitting that the world’s largest kayak fishing tournament should be held out of Grand Isle, Louisiana. On Aug. 28-29, Ride the Bull will flood Caminada Pass with hundreds of kayak anglers chasing the event’s heaviest single redfish. It will be the 11th edition of this catch-and-release bull redfish tournament hosted by CCA Louisiana. And whether you’re a competitor or one of the hundreds of spectators, it’s an event you need to see. Because of the tournament’s boundaries within Caminada pass, it is suitable for anglers of all ages and experience levels. The fishing, however, can be pretty serious, with a leaderboard filled by redfish approaching 30 pounds. In addition to the fishing on Saturday, Aug. 29, vendors will be there displaying their wares, and usually there’s live music on Friday night after the captains meeting. Registration opens June 1 and hotel rooms on Grand Isle fill up quickly, so make reservations early. For more information, go to ccalouisiana.com.

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WHEN SEEING RED IS A GOOD THING

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8 CIGARS

only

First-Class Premium Cigar Sampler

52 value

When it comes to cigars, no one even comes close to Cigars International and we’re ready to prove it to ‘ya with an outrageous intro offer: 8 premium handmade cigars for just $ 10.* Go ahead, price shop this one and prepare to be stunned. When you’re ready, we’re here waiting with the world’s largest selection of premium handmade cigars at the planet’s lowest prices, delivered fast and fresh. That’s our guarantee. Includes 1 each of: Hoyo de Monterrey • Macanudo • Villazon CAO • Arganese • HC Series • Bahia • Sancho Panza

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Enter complete web address or search keyword: SA7810

1-888-244-2790 Mention code SA7810 Item #: CA49-SP

5 UPGRADE

*Plus 2 s/h. Purchase may be subject to state, local or excise taxes where applicable. First-time purchasers only. One per customer. No sales to anyone under the age of 21. We do not ship to Utah or South Dakota. For shipping information & restrictions please visit www.CigarsIntl.com/SHIP. Offer expires 5/31/20. $ 99

ADD A TRAVEL HUMIDOR CRUSHPROOF

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

WATERPROOF

APRIL 2020

30 VALUE

NATIONAL

WE RIF

Cust

COM

PEL $

MODE

7 FT WEA

Custo

COMP

WEA $ 9

MODEL

20v 1/2" IMP 1/2"

ITEM 63852

2" EX ITEM

COMP

SNAP $

MODEL CTB81

18" MOV

COMP

BUFF $

MODEL

ITEM

10 G SEC

• CA

Custom

COMP

STAC $

MODEL

ITEM

NATIONAL

APRIL 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

*Orig

hft_coa

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

MODEL 9800

Strong, secure, Pick and pull foam insert for easy-open latches impact-absorbing protection

WEATHERPROOF PROTECTIVE RIFLE CASES Customer Rating • 50-3/8" L

$1 1 4

COMPARE TO

269

BLACK

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CUISINART $ 99 MODEL: C77-SHR8B

Pre-drilled for two padlocks (locks sold separately)

588 LUMEN TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT

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5999

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724

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105

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99 NOW99

36 $27

ITEM 63350

$ 99 $1 0 99 229 COMPARE TO

DEWALT

6814 SAVE 83%

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Snap-on BLUE-POINT

830

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$ $ ITEM 5889/62281 MODEL: KRBC10TBPES 61637 shown ITEM 64031, 64722, 64033, 64721, 64059, 64720, 56429

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ITEM 60497/62399/63095/63096/63097/63098 shown

19999

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249

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300 LB. CAPACITY ATV/LAWN MOWER LIFT

AVAIL. IN SM, MED, LG, XL, XXL Customer Rating

NOW

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$ 49

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ITEM 56241/64857 shown

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

*95591850 * 95591850

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*95602044 * 95602044

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*

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LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*

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32999

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ITEM 64008/64011 shown

RYOBI $ Contents not included.

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75 SHELTER $ MODEL: 76377 LOGIC

ITEM 64754 63531 shown

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$1 6999

$59

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130 PIECE TOOL KIT WITH CASE

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• 450 in. lbs. of torque • 1.5Ah battery • Weighs 2.63 lbs.

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$3 49

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63852 shown

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NOW

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*95582198 * 95582198

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9000 WATT MAX. STARTING EXTRA LONG LIFE GAS POWERED GENERATOR • 13 hour run time 5"

39 ¢

ITEM 36872/62507/63520/47877 shown

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*

NOW

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ANY SINGLE ITEM*

*95608497 * 95608497

Case contents not included.

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WOW!

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• Stainless steel blades • Jar and bottle opener

NOW AVAILABLE IN TAN

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14999

SAVE $155

PELICAN $ 99

2" Heavy duty ball bearing wheels

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

YOUR CHOICE OF COLOR

199 SAVE ITEM 62859/63055 $120 62860 shown $

COMPARE TO

ANVIL

6639 SAVE 54%

MODEL: A137HOS

$2999 $

3999

ITEM 68998/63248/64080/64263/63091 shown

*95602562 * 95602562

*95613146 * 95613146

*95605055 * 95605055

*95605073 * 95605073

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 6/3/20.

hft_coastalangler_0420_M-REG171024.indd 1

APRIL 2020

NATIONAL

At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

3/6/20 4:13 PM

Time to get to your local Suzuki Marine Dealer for the Ultimate Outboard Motors. Buy during our Spring Sales Event and get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Time to get to your local for the Ultimate Outboard Motors. Extended Protection at noSuzuki extra Marine charge.Dealer There are Instant Savings on select models,Buy and during ourFinancing Spring Sales Event and get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Low-Rate is also available. Extended Protection atSuzuki no extra charge. There are Instant Savings on select models, and See your participating Marine Low-Rate is also available. dealer for Financing all the details. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details.

INSTANT SAVINGS INSTANT SAVE RIGHT NOW ON

SAVINGS INSTANT SAVINGS INSTANT SAVINGS Instant Savings on select models when SELECT SUZUKI OUTBOARDS

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

SAVE RIGHT NOW ON

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SELECT SUZUKI OUTBOARDS

you buy a new Suzuki Outboard. Instant on select models when SeeSavings your dealer for details. you buy a new Suzuki Outboard. See your dealer for details.

on new Suzuki outboards on Rates credit.* as low as approved [605.99% Months] on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]

™ ™

Gimme Six Extended Protection promotion applies to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings applies to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. For list of designated models, Gimme Six Extended Protection promotion applies to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20 in accordance with see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. There are no model the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. The Gimme Six Promotion is available substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings applies to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. For list of designated models, Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. There are no model terms provided, are based on creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and terms provided, are based on creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ read your owner’s manual. © 2020 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2020 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. NATIONAL APRIL 2020 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SZ Q2 PROMO 1PG CSTL ANGLR 3-3-20.indd 1

3/3/2020 1:11:30 PM

SZ Q2 PROMO 1PG CSTL ANGLR 3-3-20.indd 1

3/3/2020 1:11:30 PM

d a e h

e v r u C e h t f o

Not shown actual size.

Limited Collector’s Edition

Damascus steel forged to throw them for a curve at only $79

or centuries, a Damascus steel blade was instantly recognizable and commanded immediate respect. Recognizable because the unique and mysterious smelting process left a one-of-a-kind, rippled texture on the steel, and respected because Damascus steel’s sharp edge and resistance to shattering were the stuff of legend. If you carried Damascus steel, you were ahead of the curve. Today, you can own the legend.

What customers are saying about Stauer knives...

êêêêê “Very hefty, well-built knife and sheath. Extremely goodlooking and utilitarian.” — R., Lacey, Washington Damascus Curva Knife, you’ll be ready to throw a curve of your own. Limited Reserves. Damascus steel blades are a lost art form that only a handful of artisan bladesmiths have mastered. These legendary blades take time to forge and only a few are crafted each month. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!

BONUS! Call today and you’ll also receive this genuine leather sheath!

The Damascus Curva Knife celebrates those legendary blades. It uses modern Damascus steel, with the same rippled texture pattern on the blade, to create a curved folding knife that’s 7 ½" in total length. With a liner lock mechanism, which allows the knife to be opened and closed using just one hand, and a ergonomic handle made of buffalo horn and colored bone, this $79 knife is a trophy for any hunter or collector.

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship of Damascus steel. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. But we believe that once you hold the

“The most common aspects of Damascus steel knives that enthusiasts consider ideal are the aesthetics and high performance.” –– Knife Informer

Damascus Curva Folding Knife $179*

Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $100

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: CFK280-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

Stauer

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. CFK280-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

www.stauer.com

*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.

• Damascus steel blade & bolster • Buffalo horn & colored bone handle • Liner lock • Overall length, open : 7 ½" • Includes genuine leather sheath

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

Rating of A+