FREE
CHARLESTON/COLUMBIA EDITION
Bucket List Destinations
VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 273
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM
F R A N C H I S E
1117_CAM_CVR.indd 25
O P P O R T U N I T I E S
A V A I L A B L E
NOVEMBER 2017
W O R L D W I D E
10/16/17 11:03 AM
BOOST YOUR CATCH w/RezBoostTM Technology
Interested in getting the most out of your own trusted transducer, or not sure you’re ready for the expense of installing a new CHIRP transducer? Furuno has a solution that will get the very best performance from your traditional narrowband transducer. Our RezBoostTM Fish Finders deliver clearer images than ever before, we’re talking up to 8x sharper. Whether it’s NavNet TZtouch2 or the FCV588/FCV628 stand-alone Fish Finders, RezBoostTM will boost your catch!
Get up to 8x sharper resolution, using a standard narrow band transducer, to more clearly define fish targets.
Assess individual fish size and depth based on echo strength for fish from 4 inches to over 6 feet.
Identify the sea floor composition from four types (Rocks/Sand/Gravel/Mud).
COMMON CVRS_1117.indd 2
www.FurunoUSA.com
10/18/17 3:19 PM
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_NAT3-NAT18.indd 3
I
NOVEMBER 2017
I
NATIONAL
3
10/19/17 9:39 AM
4
NATIONAL
I
CANGL_NAT3-NAT18.indd 4
NOVEMBER 2017
I
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
10/19/17 9:39 AM
EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com VICE PRESIDENT : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Rebecca Snowden • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Dmitriy Pislyagin • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Corporate Headquarters info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 888-800-9794
FLORIDA
BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : David String • (321) 684-5888 • dstring@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA BEACH : Don Meadows • (321) 436-5895 • donm@coastalanglermagazine.com EMERALD COAST/DESTIN/PENSACOLA : Scott Risher • (850) 428-0996 • srisher@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Scott Deal • (561) 945-6999 • scott@coastalanglermagazine.com Monica Isaza-Deal • (561) 945-8899 • monica@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com
SOUTHEAST
ATLANTA/SW GEORGIA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com CHARLESTON : Jane A. Redden • (205) 725-9616 • jane@coastalanglermagazine.com Sam Buckareff • (843) 607-8629 • sam@coastalanglermagazine.com CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT : Mark & Haley Alberghini • (704) 651-1934 • mark@theanglermagazine.com MYRTLE BEACH : Mike Masiero • (732) 674-3019 • mmasiero@coastalanglermagazine.com TIDEWATER/OUTER BANKS : John Tiger • (757) 707-9654 • john.tiger@coastalanglermagazine.com Laura Seitz • (757) 707-9655 • laura@coastalanglermagazine.com UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA : Gregg Thompson • (864) 542-3112 • gregg@theanglermagazine.com WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD : Kenny Ritter • (910) 550-9094 • kenny@coastalanglermagazine.com
NORTHEAST BOSTON : George Regan • (617) 488-2842 • boston@coastalanglermagazine.com LONG ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 • lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com CONNECTICUT/RHODE ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com
GULF COAST
GALVESTON/MATAGORDA/UPPER COAST : Chanci & David Mowry • (713) 446-7395 • chancim@coastalanglermagazine.com • davidm@coastalanglermagazine.com MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Adam Nelson • (228) 627-5903 • anelson@coastalanglermagazine.com Toby Nelson • (228) 623-1761 • tnelson@coastalanglermagazine.com NEW ORLEANS : Dr. Dave Dunaway • (225) 400-8156 • nola@coastalanglermagazine.com
Powerful. Agile. Responsive. Move almost any trailer with our powerful, compact dolly. With stablelock technology, our dolly won’t tip, tilt, or pivot and is easily controlled with a simple thumb control switch. Our units have the ability to freewheel and smart trailer brakes are an avaiable option for added control.
GREAT LAKES WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com
INTERNATIONAL PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com
Cover Image Credits: (Clockwise from top left) Sailfish: Alphonse Fishing Co., Wesley Rapson; Bumphead Parrotfish: Alphonse Fishing Co., Andre Henn; Salmon: Scott Norton; Trout: Big Cedar Lodge; Bass: Nick Carter; Roosterfish: Francisco Mejias © 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers.
1-888-926-5517
www.parkit360.com
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_NAT3-NAT18.indd 5
I
NOVEMBER 2017
I
NATIONAL
5
10/19/17 9:39 AM
FLY FISHING By Nick Carter
F
ly fishing for bonefish and permit might have originated on the flats of the Bahamas and the Florida Keys, but these islands hardly hold a monopoly on the style of fishing. In the Indian Ocean, about 1,000 miles off the east coast of Africa, there is an archipelago that claims the highest density of bonefish in the world on one of its outer island groups. The Alphonse Group is three small islets on the southwestern end of the Seychelles, a nation of 115 islands in gorgeous tropical waters northeast of Madagascar. Within the Alphonse Group, Alphonse Atoll and St. Francois Atoll offer more 10,000 acres of hard, white-sand bonefish flats as well as a lagoon with channels, finger flats and coral heads where fly fishers sight fish in clear water to more than 60 species of fish. There are characters familiar to Atlantic flats—bonefish and permit—and there are also species exotic to North American fly rodders, like milkfish, colorful triggerfish and seven species of trevally. Instead of tarpon, the Seychelles offer up the giant trevally, which can weigh in excess of 120 pounds. And with a 10-minute boat ride out of Alphonse Island, anglers can access reef species and big pelagics like sailfish, wahoo, dorado, dogtooth and yellowfin tuna. Either trolling or teasing them up and casting flies to them, these offshore species offer a delightful break from the flats as well as a dinnertime treat on the island. “The Seychelles has become known as the best giant trevally fishery in the world and has become the benchmark for anglers searching for an outstanding saltwater flats fishing experience,” said Keith RoseInnes, managing director of Alphonse Fishing Company. “The sheer numbers and variety of fish species has amazed the fly fishing world, with anglers from across the globe queuing up to sample this ultimate fishing playground.” St. Francois is most well known for its bonefish, with ridiculous
numbers of 4to 6-pound fish and the occasional 8-pounder in the mix. “On falling tides, it is often the case that huge shoals of bonefish can be targeted when leaving the flats in what has been described as a continuous river of bonefish,” said Rose-Innes. “You hunt them on foot and not from a skiff, as the sand flats are hard and white.” It’s also as close to a sure thing as it gets for anglers seeking the Holy Grail of saltwater fly fishing. Good numbers of Indo-Pacific permit populate the flats, and Rose-Innes said his guides have near-perfected the art of catching them. Along with natural environs conducive to awesome fishing, a strong conservation ethic ensures an incredible angling experience. Alphonse Fishing Company tightly controls the amount and type of fishing pressure its waters see, and the fisheries are completely closed a minimum of three months per year. That’s the fishing side of the conservation effort. Alphonse also protects the unique flora and fauna of the islands, which makes for a sensational overall vacation experience, with comfortable lodging among beautiful tropical forests and beaches. For more information, see www.alphonsefishingco.com.
For more fishing in the Alphonse, go to
ANGLERSDREAM.CO
Does your dog have
FISH BREATH? by
BREATH TARTAR
PLAQUE GUMS
25% OFF CODE: CATCH 6 6
NATIONAL NATIONAL
II
CANGL_NAT3-NAT18.indd 6
NOVEMBER 2017 2017 NOVEMBER
II
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM •• THEANGLERMAG.COM THEANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM
10/19/17 9:39 AM
Craig Sutton with a Costa Rica yellowfin.
“M
ost people my age buy a house in Costa Rica to retire,” said Craig Sutton, of Nosara Paradise Rentals and FishingNosara. “When I bought my first house in Costa Rica, my life was just starting to get interesting.” Craig first discovered Nosara, Costa Rica on a surfing trip in the late 1990s and immediately fell in love with the people, the culture and the year-round excellent surfing. He purchased a small house near Guiones Beach, bought out his neighbors’ land, and spent the next 15 years building a nature preserve campus of 14 houses plus a pool, common areas and maintenance facilities. One thing was missing from this surfer’s paradise: good fishing. As a native Floridian, Craig’s passion for fishing runs deep. He has been a regular on the kingfish tournament scene for years, with his boat Fishtastic posting top-5 finishes in the several tournaments.
“The problem with fishing in Costa Rica is that fish are so big and so harsh that they will destroy your tackle, plus the costs for fuel is astronomical at $7 a gallon and rising,” said Sutton. “Captains trying to make ends meet would have to choose between new lines, new tackle and a full tank of gas, or putting food on the family table.” After years of struggling to find a captain in Costa Rica who was willing and able to fish aggressively, Sutton realized his only option was to build his own boats and crew them with hand-picked locals. “These guys had the drive and the talent to be great fishermen, they just lacked the tools and the logistical support,” said Sutton. “The team-centered approach allows FishingNosara captains to pursue the fish as aggressively as a professional tournament boat without being distracted by losing lures or running up the gas bill.” FishingNosara launched their first boat, The Wanderer, in 2009 and have added a boat every year since. The results have been astounding. In the 2017 season, the five-boat FishingNosara team ran over 730 trips with over 80 marlin releases and 800 sailfish releases. More importantly, the team inflicted zero billfish fatalities. “Reviving and releasing billfish is a sacred priority to us as conservationists, plus it makes good business sense,” said Sutton. “We have created a market of charter fishermen, which means billfish are worth more money alive and swimming than they are on a scale at the meat market.” As for retirement for Sutton, don’t bet on it anytime soon. Last April he scored a billfish grand slam (blue marlin, striped marlin and sailfish) to win the Ship of Fools Billfish Tournament in Costa Rica. Sutton is looking to up-the-ante again in 2018. Back in the States, a new version of the Fishtastic came online this year. It’s an exact copy of the 32’ Eduardono Harvester currently in Nosara, and Sutton is already amped up for a new challenge. “My goal with the new boat is to snag a tournament winning king mackeral in July then go catch marlin in August… seems like a good way to bring two worlds together.”
*Custom Fishing Packages *Costa’s Closest Blue Water *High Quality Boats *Professional Fishing Tackle *English Speaking Crews *Safety Equipment *Water, Ice, Snacks and Fruit *Gas included in price *Surf and Snorkel Tours
Starting at $700 pp (904) 591-2161 FishingNosara.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_NAT3-NAT18.indd 7
I
NOVEMBER 2017
I
NATIONAL
7
10/19/17 9:39 AM
8
NATIONAL
I
CANGL_NAT3-NAT18.indd 8
NOVEMBER 2017
I
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
10/19/17 9:39 AM
By CAM Staff
M
urrells Inlet, S.C. has always been a fishing town. Long before Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand began drawing tourists to experience the beaches, shopping, golf and nightlife that have made it famous, Murrells Inlet was a fishing village. And it’s no wonder. The inlet itself is an inshore angler’s dream. It’s an enclosed system, one of very few inlets on the east coast free from the influence of the Intracoastal Waterway or coastal rivers.
There’s no dirty water flowing in from upstream, and this system of marshes and backwaters is a completely saltwater environment, with no freshwater pumping in to reduce salinity. The result is excellent fishing and exploration of backwater creeks for speckled trout, redfish and the doormat flounder that Murrells Inlet has gained a reputation for. Another thing the area has a well-earned reputation for is huge red drum, which hang out around the jetties to provide anglers with the bulldog runs only a big bull red can provide. It’s some of the best red fishing on the east coast, with fish in the 20- to 40-pound range arriving in numbers in both spring and fall. For those who don’t mind a short boat ride to fill the cooler,
there are numerous nearshore reefs that can be easily accessed with a half-day trip and a run of less than 5 miles. Mackerel, sharks, black sea bass, reds, flounder, bluefish, spadefish and more make for an exciting outing even for the family, and you’ll come back with a cooler full of delicious fish. Out to 15 or 30 miles, there is also excellent trolling for king and Spanish mackerel, cobia and amberjack, as well as bottom fishing for snappers, groupers and sea bass. But those who want to get serious should look into a full-day trip to the Gulf Stream. From 55 to 70 miles offshore, opportunities for tuna, dolphin, wahoo, marlin and sailfish abound. Trolling the Gulf Stream for big-game species off the lower end of the Grand Strand is tough to beat anywhere. So… it’s easy to see why Murrells Inlet has always been a fishing village, and perhaps the best way to experience it is from a base camp at the Inlet Sports Lodge. Located at the heart of Murrells Inlet, the Inlet Sports Lodge is a comfortable and classy boutique hotel that caters to anglers and golfers with the finest amenities in the area. It’s minutes away from three marinas, works closely with the area’s best charter captains and can accommodate boats up to 25 feet. There’s a fish cleaning room for prep, as well as gas and charcoal grills available in the courtyard to cook your catch. Or, for those who’d rather let someone else do the cooking, the COSTA Coastal Kitchen and Bar on-site offers up fine, fresh Italian and seafood fare. There are also several other restaurants nearby that prepare the kind of delicious right-out-of-the-water dishes that have made Murrells Inlet the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina.” And don’t forget the golf. If days on the water paired with days on the links sounds like the perfect way to relax, the Inlet Sports Lodge has you covered. With golf packages booking a wide variety of the Grand Strand’s famous courses, there’s more golf than you can swing a stick at, including two award-winning courses with the same ownership as the Inlet Sports Lodge. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and True Blue Plantation are two of the finest courses in the area as well as the nation. For more information on fishing, golfing and the Inlet Sports Lodge at Murrells Inlet, S.C., go to www.inletsportslodge.com/ or call 877-585-9360.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_NAT3-NAT18.indd 9
I
NOVEMBER 2017
I
NATIONAL
9
10/19/17 9:39 AM
199 Years of proven performance. Don’t take a chance.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT DEXTER SOFGRIP KNIVES
UR-CUT moldable handle fillet Knives
SOFGRIP Fillet Knives.
SOFGRIP Coated Knives.
Find them at your local or online retailer.
dexteroutdoors.com
Dexter has been famous for its SOFGRIP white-handle knives for many years. It’s a handle other companies try to duplicate but can’t match. The handle is soft to the grip, ergonomically perfect in your hand, and the patented textured pattern makes it virtually slip free. The blades are made of DEXSTEEL, a proprietary high-carbon, high-alloy stain free steel that is ultrasharp out of the package, holds the edge and can be easily re-sharpened. Dexter has been manufacturing knives in the U.S.A. for nearly 200 years. They offer proven quality, proven designs and proven reliability. That’s why Dexter is the No. 1 choice for commercial and sports fishermen. The SOFGRIP comes in a large selection of designs and sizes. The knife shown here is the SG133-8 narrow flexible fillet knife. See all of Dexter’s knives at dexteroutdoors.com.
WWW.DEXTEROUTDOORS.COM
MUDHOLE.COM/SALT-KIT Build Your Own Custom Saltwater Rod With This Turnkey Kit 10
NATIONAL
I
NOVEMBER 2017
CANGL_NAT3-NAT18.indd 10
I
(866) 790-RODS
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
10/19/17 9:40 AM
SOUTHEAST
Photo by John Spohrer
T
he “Forgotten Coast” is a relatively quiet, undeveloped area encompassing the coastal communities of Franklin County, to include Apalachicola, St. George Island, Eastpoint, Carrabelle and Alligator Point. Franklin County is home to art exhibits, music concerts, theater performances, fishing tournaments, festivals and events year-round that highlight its natural resources, culture and history. Saltwater fishing inshore and offshore is the most popular activity
and possibly the best in the world. The waters here are loaded with so many species of fish, both migratory and residential: red snapper, tarpon, flounder, king mackerel, cobia, tripletail, and red drum, just to name a few. All these species are readily available for you to pursue in your own boat or with one of the many local professional guides. The Apalachicola River offers great freshwater action for bass, bream, stripers and catfish…all those species grow big in this river, which flows into the Gulf of Mexico and comprises the most ecological diverse natural area in the southern U. S. There’s something really special about places where fresh water meets the salt. The brackish water estuaries of Franklin County produce the world famous Apalachicola oyster. Sought out all over the world as the best, these salty yet slightly sweet gems must be accompanied with a cold beer. Slow down and relax. Saddle up to one of the many oyster bars found here and enjoy a dozen raw with a cold one and get to know the guy next to you. The seafood is as fresh and good as it gets anywhere, and the fishing tales are epic!...full disclosure; they’re not all are true. If you enjoy cruising in your boat, try sailing from Carrabelle to Apalachicola and back, via the Intracoastal Waterway. Take in the beauty along the St. George Sound, Apalachicola Bay and River, Jackson River, Lake Wimico and St. Joe Bay. Check out the complete list of all the fishing guides, boat ramps and bait and tackle providers on the county’s visitor website floridasforgottencoast.com. You’ll also find a year-round look at fishing along Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Come see this place once, and you’ll be back. For more info visit www.floridasforgottencoast.com
Your fish is waiting. Florida’s Forgotten Coast
Boaters and mariners will find something to love in Franklin County. Carrabelle features deep water access to the Gulf of Mexico and freshwater rivers. Plan a kayak or day sailing eco-adventure from Apalachicola or St. George Island. Eastpoint and Alligator Point offer direct access to the best inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. Bring your own boat or rent one here; there’s no better place to enjoy Florida’s Forgotten Coast.
Visit Floridasforgottencoast.com/ca for complete launch, marina, guide and tackle information.
ALLIGATOR POINT • APALACHICOLA • CARRABELLE • EASTPOINT • ST. GEORGE ISLAND COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_SE1-SE4.indd 1
NOVEMBER 2017
SOUTHEAST
1
10/19/17 11:30 AM
GREAT FISHING FALL FISHING CHARTERS REQUIRES GREAT REST! NOW BOOKING
INSHORE LIGHT TACKLE FISHING RETAIL GUIDE SHOP • CUSTOM FLATS SKIFF FULLY RIGGED KAYAK TRIPS • KAYAK RENTAL
Boater’s Welcome! Capt. Mike McNamara
(850) 510-7919
or email redfish@stmarksoutfitters.com
www.stmarksoutfitters.com
721 Port Leon, St Marks FL
Amenities include: • complimentary full hot breakfast • spacious dining room • outdoor courtyard with fountain, gazebo Make a reservation today and save at the BEST WESTERN Wakulla Inn & Suites!
EACH BEST WESTERN BRANDED HOTEL IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
• fitness room • outdoor swimming pool • conference room • free high-speed wireless Internet 3292 Coastal Hwy 98 • Crawfordville, Fla.
850.926.3737 Fax:Ê850.926.4683
www.wakullainnhotel.com
SEA SCHOOL - WHERE THE SAVVY FISHERMEN GO TO GET THEIR CAPTAIN’S LICENSE SINCE 1977
Classes Coming Up In:
Freeport, NY - Sep 15 Wilmington, NC - Sep 22 Toledo, OH - Oct 5 Miami, FL - Oct 6 Naples, FL - Oct 6 Charleston, SC - Oct 13 Lakehurst, NJ - Oct 20 Myrtle Beach, SC - Oct 20
Punta Gorda, FL - Oct 20 Venice, FL - Oct 20 Stuart, FL - Oct 27 Charlotte, NC - Nov 10 Ft Lauderdale, FL - Nov 10 Cape Coral, FL - Dec 1 Toledo, OH - Dec 7 Miami, FL - Dec 8
CALL TODAY! 1-800-237-8663 www.seaschool.com Ask Us About Our
®
2
SOUTHEAST
CANGL_SE1-SE4.indd 2
NOVEMBER 2017
ONLINE Courses! COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
10/19/17 11:30 AM
Charleston Fishing Forecast for November By Captain Mark Phelps
C
harleston is a great place to go fishing in November. Weather is cool, there is low humidity, and fishing is great. November will see cool mornings and mild days. This time of the year we focus on trout and redfish. November will bring the first frost and the fish will go crazy. They will be hungry but there will be less bait in the water. That means redfish and trout will be very willing to eat artificial lures and flies with little hesitation. Fishing for trout can be all or nothing this time of the year. The cooler weather and lack of bait will have trout schooled up and moving to
Jonathan Winks with classic fall redfish on fly. find warm water and food. This means you might hit a few of your favorite trout spots and get nothing. However, if you get to a spot where the trout are, they will be hungry and in large numbers. On a good day you might catch 3050 fish in an hour or so. Try floating a DOA shrimp under a cork or try a jig and grub on the bottom in your favorite color. It is important to know that as the water cools off you will need to fish slower! Red fishing will be at its best in November. Redfish can tolerate the colder water better than the trout and all the bait fish. They will take advantage
of the sluggish bait and clear water to hunt down anything they see. Redfish will be in large schools around low tide. Sight casting to them should be fantastic as it will not be uncommon to see 100+ fish in a school! Work the schools slowly and be quiet. With 200 eyes and lot of ears they can hear and see very well and spook easily. However, if you get close enough to the school to cast a light artificial or fly they will often eat anything you put in front of them. There is nothing more exciting than seeing a school of 100 redfish in the 5-15 lb range coming down the bank! A great way to spend the day on the water is to book
one of the area’s great guides. Having fished in Charleston for almost twenty two years, I am extremely knowledgeable and experienced in this area. As owner and operator of Shore Thang Charters, I would love to share my expertise with you on the water. Please email me at ShoreThangCharter@hotmail. com, check out my web page, www.ShoreThangCharters. com, or call 843-475-1274. Forecast by: Captain Mark Phelps, Shore Thang Charters, 843-475-1274, www.ShoreThangCharters.com
For Advertising Inquiries For Editorial and Distribution info Please Contact Jane Redden: Please Contact Sam Buckareff: Call: 205-725-9616 Sam@coastalanglermagazine.com Jane@coastalangermagazine.com Or Write to Us: Visit us online: Coastalanglermag.com/charleston
CAM Charleston 164 Market St Ste 205 Charleston, SC 29401
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CAM_CHAR_1117.indd 1
NOVEMBER 2017
CHARLESTON 1
10/19/17 9:26 PM
Mt. Pleasant Pier
Fishing Forecast
N
ovember’s cool nights and mild days are some of the most popular, and productive, for inshore fishing in the Lowcountry. The redfish and sea trout bite will be in full swing as fish gorge themselves on plentiful schools of finger mullet and Brandon Mullin shrimp. 5 lb 9 oz sheepshead The large flat to the north of the pier will continue to hold large schools of 5-10 pound redfish and schooling trout. Live finger mullet or fresh cut bait fished on a basic Carolina rig will be the best bet for trophy size reds. The cool water temperatures of autumn result in an aggressive sea trout bite. Live shrimp fished under a cork is a simple, but deadly effective method for these trout. Marlene Hall November is typically one of the best months 3lb 9 oz sheepshead last year for flounder fishing at the pier with several of them weighing between 4 - 6 pounds in years past. If recent trends continue the flounder will still be around and should hit on finger mullet or mud minnows. Basic lead-head grub jigs will produce trout and an occasional flounder with yellow and chartreuse being the most popular colors. DOA or Vudu shrimp fished with a Terry Coburn popping cork is another effective artificial presentation during the fall. The rock pilings 2 lb 6 oz sheepshead surrounding the pier will continue to hold sheepshead and black drum with fresh mussels and fiddler crabs being the bait of choice. For any additional information about the pier or what’s biting this week feel free to call the shop at 843-762-9946.
• No trailering • Launch with ease
• Protect your investment
Chris Pounder, Manager Mount Pleasant Pier www.charlestoncountyparks.com | (843) 762-9946
Deep Sea Fishing Reef Fishing Inshore Fishing Lowcountry Cruises
CAPT. TIM HOLT Salty Soul Charters @saltysoul.charters 2 CHARLESTON
CAM_CHAR_1117.indd 2
NOVEMBER 2017
843.214.8545
SaltySoulCharters@gmail.com
• No electricity • Low profile-preserve your view Serving Coastal South Carolina and Georgia
843-556-3363
www.nsboatlifts.com
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
10/19/17 9:26 PM
WINTER SPECIAL
Call To Find Out How to Get Free Rent Until April *First time customers only
843-766-2100
Boating, How it Was Meant to Be.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CAM_CHAR_1117.indd 3
NOVEMBER 2017
CHARLESTON 3
10/19/17 9:26 PM
The Sea Food Corner By Kyle Kryske
- Chef Kyle Kryske is a native of Pascagoula, MS. Kyle has resided in Charleston for 15 years & has been cooking in restaurants for 18 years. He has worked in MS, AK, NC, and SC. and is Chef de Cuisine at Coast Restaurant in Charleston. Kyle is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University. When he is not working he is either inshore or offshore fishing.
BOATS
BOATS
Conveniently located on Folly Road on James Island. Just minutes from 4 boat ramps! Locally owned & operated.
MORE BOATS IN-STOCK NOW.
843.633.1433
with a 17-point inspection
CAM_CHAR_1117.indd 4
resting. Mahi is done when it has an opaque white color. Finish with melted butter and fresh squeezed citrus. Keep in mind fish cooks quickly so have your sides and sauce almost ready before starting your fish. The Grilled Mahi Mahi is served with a sauté of roasted brussel sprouts, roasted fingerling potatoes, and roasted shiitake mushrooms in garlic butter. Accompanied with a lemon caper butter sauce and garnished with roasted red peppers, the entire recipe is availaible on our website at coastalanglermag.com/charleston under “The Sea Food Corner” menu heading.
BUY SELL STORE
All our boats are
4 RM CHARLESTON 0914.indd 1
Repeat on the backside of the fillet. Since Mahi will vary in thickness the thinner fillets will need to be removed sooner than the thicker fillets. After cooking, let the fish rest on a separate pan. The Mahi will continue to cook off the heat, so even if it is a little undercooked it will finish cooking while
BOATS
THE WAY BOAT BUYING SHOULD BE!
Cook them for about 2.5 minutes and then rotate it 90 degrees in the opposite direction (on same side) to achieve the grill diamond pattern. Cook an additional 2.5-3 minutes.
NOVEMBER 2017
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
ROGUEMOTION.COM
W
hen most people think of preparing Mahi Mahi they think tacos or fried fish and those are great. However, I like to appreciate it for its natural characteristics. I like grilling or pan searing Mahi to highlight the texture and delicious flavor of the fish. When beginning with a side of Mahi, if not already done, skin it and remove the bloodline (runs the whole length of the fish). The key to a clean-cut fillet is using the sharpest knife possible. Cut the fillet to your preferred size. Now when grilling any fish I like to have the grill as hot as possible. Clean the grill thoroughly and oil it down to prevent sticking. While the grill is heating up, generously season the fillets with kosher salt and pepper on both sides and rub them with a blend of olive oil and vegetable oil. Once the grill is hot place the fillets on the grill presentation (not skin side) side down. I like to place all the fillets at a 45 degree angle and keep them in the same direction.
8/18/14 12:17 PM
10/19/17 9:27 PM
The Waller Report
N
Any Hitch Just Won’t Do.
WHERE THE LOWCOUNTRY
GETS HITCHED. 4534 Durant Ave - North Charleston 843-747-3400 www.CorbinsHitch.com
ovember is finally here. We have had a long summer and fall this year with warmer than normal temperatures last month. The waters should start cooling off for the winter soon and the fishing should be as good as it gets as fish try to pack on winter weight. Inshore, the smaller bait stealers should be gone by now and the black drum, trout, sheepshead, flounder and redfish are left until some of them migrate out to spawn later on, this month starts some of the best fishing using plastics of the year. Trout tricks, mirror lures, gulp, Zman and many others will work best this month, when the waters are warm, there is no shortage of shrimp, crab and minnows in our creeks. As the waters cool, these baits seek out deeper water or sometimes head out to sea until warm waters return in the spring. Using plastics in the summer can be difficult because there is so much bait already in the water but now, the fish are hungrier and more easily caught on plastics. The best time to fish this month for trout is on the higher tides along the shorelines. Rig a live or plastic shrimp pattern under a popping cork and set your depth to just above the bottom so that your rig will float down the bank and not get hung up on the oysters underneath. November has been one of the best months for inshore sheepshead fishing over the years, fish for sheepshead on the lower tides using live shrimp or fiddlers just off the bottom around docks, piers, pilings, or other structure. The nearshore reefs are always a good place to catch numbers of fish when the winds are calm, Black drum and sea bass are the mainstays but large reds and other fish will be out there as well. We use the same rigs and tackle as inshore unless we are trying for the bull reds. We take a variety of baits out there and try different ones to see what is working best that day. Mullet, shrimp and mud minnows, and fiddlers are the live baits and any fresh, dead bait will work too. Shrimp will catch anything that swims, crabs are generally only used for sheepshead but black sea bass, reds and black drum will also eat them. Always make sure someone on lands knows your scheduled return time and which reef you are heading to just in case something happens, There are not near as many other boaters on the water this time of the year. Capt. Michael Waller | www.saltfisher.com 843-224-8197 | SaltFisher Charters
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CAM_CHAR_1117.indd 5
NOVEMBER 2017
CHARLESTON 5
10/19/17 9:27 PM
Focus on Fishing “To See But Not To Be Seen” By Jiggin Jerry
N
ovember is a month in the Lowcountry when our coastal waters start to become clearer with almost a tea color to them, especially in the Charleston Harbor, the Cooper River and the Wando River. The Ashley River seems to maintain its chocolate, dirty-water appearance through most of the year, but in some locations on the Ashley, the water will be clearer than usual. This allows anglers to sight fish. Redfish on the move become easier to spot in the shallows. Sheepshead, with their jailbird appearance, stand out easily. Spotted Seatrout with their fast, darting maneuvers become flashier and easier to identify as they get closer to the surface. In past articles, I have discussed everything from fishing techniques to rods and reels, what types of lures to use, live bait, and articles that express why we like to fish, etc. In this article, I would like to explain something rarely discussed, part of a fisherman’s gear that is seldom thought about, and that
6 CHARLESTON
CAM_CHAR_1117.indd 6
NOVEMBER 2017
would be a fisherman’s attire—their pants, shirts, and shoes. Now when sportsmen shop for their clothing, they like to think of how does it fit? How does it feel? Is it a name brand? Do I look good? We all do this when we shop for our clothing.
Personally, I have been approached numerous times while fishing and have had fans ask me a simple but good question. They say, “Jerry, why do you wear so many outfits that are either all green or blue or khaki most of the time?” I’ve answered their question, and I’m going to share the answer with you. This day and age, there’s a lot of manufacturers of sports clothing, fishing pants, shirts, shoes, etc., that have started using brilliant colors like hot pinks, yellows, chartreuse, and bright reds. Don’t get me wrong, these colors paired with matching sporting shoes, sneakers, boots, flip flops, shorts and pants is pretty modern and can look great. But going back to my discussion above about the clearer water will become interesting because the clearer water that allows you to see the fish in close vicinity also allows for the fish to see you! This can become a problem. Fishing off of piers that are close to the water or off the bow of a boat or stalking a school of Reds in a kayak or wading in the shallows off the side of a saltwater creek, if the fish can see you, you will be considered a predator or a threat.
In a lot of cases, this will cause the inshore game fish, like Sheepshead, Red Drum, Spotted Seatrout and Flounder, to panic and dart away or just make them nervous and shut them down from striking anything at all. Here’s where thinking like a fish comes in handy. One, the fish has better eyesight than you think, and when looking out of clearer water, one of the first things the fish will see is the sky, and in most cases, it’s going to be in shades of blue. Since a lot of these main species wander on grass lines and in creeks and rivers along structure, they see trees in tones of brown, green leaves and green marsh grass, khaki tones, like in the Fall on the grass lines when the grass starts to die back. These colors become non-threatening. They are an everyday occurrence. So when leaning over these fish in clothing that are tones of blue, green and brown, you could say that you are wearing your camouflage like on a Turkey hunt. When the fish looks up and sees that tone of blue with a blue-sky background, they will not panic and they will not scatter. The same effect can be seen with tones of green, khaki and brown. This will aid when you are sight fishing and targeting these inshore game species in clearer water, but don’t take my word for it, try it yourself and you will see a difference. But just one extra word of advice—remember not to make loud noises or sudden fast movements because that will catch the fish’s attention and alert them to your presence. The same thing would go for a Turkey hunter in full camo. If he jumped up and down and started tap dancing, don’t expect the Turkey to hang around. A little stealth, combined with these natural colors, can go a long way. So, the next time you find yourself out on the water and the water looks clear and the day is beautiful, remember you want to see them and not be seen by them. I hope this helps with your next fishing adventure, and like I always say, until next time, good luck out there and have fun fishing! To view some fishing adventures, go to my “Fishing with Jiggin’ Jerry” Channel on YouTube or go to www.jigginjerry.net.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
10/19/17 9:27 PM
November 2017 Tides Charleston, South Carolina 32° 46.9’ N, 79° 55.5’ W
Date 1 We 2 Th 3 Fr 4 Sa 5 Su 6 Mo 7 Tu 8 We 9 Th 10 Fr 11 Sa 12 Su 13 Mo 14 Tu 15 We 16 Th 17 Fr 18 Sa 19 Su 20 Mo 21 Tu 22 We 23 Th 24 Fr 25 Sa 26 Su 27 Mo 28 Tu 29 We 30 Th
High Tide High Tide Low Tide 5:58a 5.9 6:28p 6.0 6:47a 6.3 7:16p 6.1 12:41a 0.0 7:36a 6.7 8:04p 6.1 1:28a -0.3 8:24a 6.9 8:52p 6.1 2:15a -0.5 8:14a 7.0 8:42p 6.0 2:03a -0.6 9:06a 7.0 9:34p 5.8 2:52a -0.6 10:00a 6.9 10:31p 5.7 3:43a -0.5 10:58a 6.6 11:32p 5.5 4:37a -0.3 11:59a 6.4 5:36a 0.0 12:37a 5.4 1:02p 6.1 6:38a 0.2 1:43a 5.4 2:05p 5.9 7:44a 0.4 2:46a 5.5 3:06p 5.8 8:49a 0.4 3:46a 5.7 4:01p 5.7 9:50a 0.4 4:41a 5.9 4:52p 5.7 10:47a 0.3 5:30a 6.1 5:39p 5.6 11:38a 0.2 6:15a 6.2 6:22p 5.6 6:58a 6.2 7:03p 5.5 12:36a 0.1 7:38a 6.2 7:42p 5.4 1:16a 0.1 8:16a 6.1 8:20p 5.2 1:53a 0.2 8:53a 6.0 8:58p 5.1 2:29a 0.3 9:30a 5.8 9:36p 4.9 3:03a 0.5 10:07a 5.7 10:15p 4.8 3:39a 0.7 10:46a 5.5 10:56p 4.7 4:16a 0.8 11:27a 5.3 11:43p 4.6 4:58a 0.9 12:15p 5.2 5:46a 1.0 12:35a 4.7 1:07p 5.2 6:41a 1.1 1:31a 4.8 2:04p 5.2 7:44a 1.0 2:30a 5.1 3:02p 5.3 8:49a 0.9 3:28a 5.5 3:58p 5.4 9:52a 0.6 4:25a 5.9 4:53p 5.5 10:52a 0.2
o tL ien
n nve Co
Low Tide 12:18p 0.4 1:10p 0.1 2:01p -0.1 2:52p -0.3 2:43p -0.3 3:35p -0.2 4:30p 0.0 5:27p 0.2 6:26p 0.4 7:28p 0.4 8:29p 0.4 9:27p 0.4 10:20p 0.3 11:09p 0.1 11:54p 0.1 12:26p 0.2 1:10p 0.2 1:52p 0.2 2:32p 0.3 3:11p 0.5 3:50p 0.6 4:29p 0.8 5:09p 0.9 5:53p 0.9 6:41p 0.9 7:32p 0.8 8:27p 0.6 9:22p 0.3 10:15p 0.0 11:08p -0.4
Phase
Full
3rd
New
1st
Wellcraft 262 Fisherman
ALL THE BEST BRANDS THE BEST SERVICE
Stop by our store today to see the latest and most extensive selection
ion
cat
Let Us Sell or Repair Your Boat!
Consignments & Repairs 26 years in Business Painting • Gelcoat • Parts Fiberglass • Mechanical Collision Repair • Restoration Quality Pre-Owned Boats Auto’s • Harley Davidsons • Trailers We Pickup & Deliver A+ Rating from BBB
Land and Sea Classics Call Us 843-552-5128
7940 Dorchester Rd N. Charleston, SC 29418 landandseaclassics.com
Outlander XMR 1000
YAMAHA • KAWASAKI • CAN-AM • SEADOO • SUZUKI SCARAB • POLARIS • WELLCRAFT • HAMMERHEAD Visit us online: www.charlestonps.com (843) 552-7900 | 3571 West Montague Ave. North Charleston, SC 29418
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CAM_CHAR_1117.indd 7
NOVEMBER 2017
CHARLESTON 7
10/19/17 9:27 PM
Charleston REEL SEMINARS & EVENTS
Folly Beach Fishing Pier
UPCOMING EVENTS OCTOBER 27 – DECEMBER 4
THE CHARLESTON ANGLER’S BY THE NUMBERS SPOT-TAIL TOURNAMENT. There is one winner each week of the tournament,
determined by the most spots. The cost is $15, each angler is allowed to score one fish each week. Call 843-571-3899. NOVEMBER 3
THE SUMMERVILLE SALT WATER ANGLERS will hold its eighth
annual Oyster Roast and Auction benefiting the Dorchester Children’s Center at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for youth ages 6-16 with youth 6 and under free. More info: summervillesaltwateranglers. com/store. NOVEMBER 8
THE SIXTH ANNUAL GOPRO FILM FESTIVAL will be held at
7:30 p.m. at the Terrace Theater on James Island. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. NOVEMBER 12
STEEPLECHASE OF CHARLESTON Charleston’s favorite party will take place at the beautiful Stono Ferry Racetrack in Hollywood, SC watch the most exciting horse racing in Charleston, SC - Come out early and enjoy shopping at our Vendor Village. Set up a spot for an afternoon of picnicking and tailgating. NOVEMBER 29 – DECEMBER 2
THE 3RD ANNUAL SMA FOUNDATION’S SHEEPSHEAD AND TROUT TOURNAMENT Captain’s Meeting - Wed. Nov. 29,
2017- Charleston Yacht Club - Tournament Day - Sat. - Dec. 2, 2017
IF YOU HAVE A SEMINAR OR EVENT THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE INCLUDED IN COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE’S REEL EVENTS, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO: SAM@COASTALANGLERMAGAZINE.COM DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS THE 10TH OF THE MONTH PRECEDING PUBLICATION.
I
Julie’s - 4 lb. Black Drum
t may be chilly and occasionally drizzling, but don’t be a turkey when it comes to fishing in November. Charleston winter has plenty to offer and with the right conditions anglers have been known to gobble up a variety of species. One such fish is the black drum. They’re distinguished by their dull grey color and barbels below the jaw. Juvenile black drum have vertical black stripes similar to sheepshead, but they eventually fade as they reach maturity length of 12 to 18 inches. As bottom feeders, the barbels help locate food, which consist of mollusks, crabs, and shrimp. They feed along beaches and hard structures, which is why the Folly Pier is a reputable location to target black drum. The groins and pier pilings produce many bivalves for drum to feed upon. In fact, black drum have been known to wipe out entire clusters of oyster beds in little time.
8 CHARLESTON
CAM_CHAR_1117.indd 8
NOVEMBER 2017
As far as bait set-up, an angler has many choices. Shrimp and squid strips are most commonly used here on the pier. However, if you have the time and resources, a piece of a blue crab will be an irresistible treat for the black drum. Be sure to allow a few seconds’ time for the drum to consume the bait before setting the hook. Although they range greatly in size, SCDNR slot limit is 14 to 27 inches total length with no more than 5 per person per day. Joey Crawford | Folly Beach Pier jcrawford@ccprc.com For more information visit CharlestonCountyParks.com
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
10/19/17 9:27 PM
*Formerly Pierside Boatworks
Charlestons
Finest Full Service Boat Yard
Haul and Launch – 18-60ft • Fiberglass repairs, hull, bottom painting & running gear • Expert Yacht Quality spray painting & refinishing • Storage • 15 & 70 Ton Travel Lifts • Large Parts Department
Call Us Today: 843-554-7775 1300 Pierside St. North Charleston SC 29405
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CAM_CHAR_1117.indd 9
NOVEMBER 2017
CHARLESTON 9
10/19/17 9:27 PM
Carolina Flyfisher The Fall of the Red Fish By Scotty Davis
C
ooling temperatures and less jet skis always make me smile. Not because my blood pressure drops, but because fall redfishing is in full swing.
The creeks are brimming with mullet, shrimp, and crabs and redfish swim the shallows in murderous pursuit. With the cooling water, there seems to be a sense of urgency that has everything active. Like a bear before a long nap: eat as much as possible before it freezes. Thankfully this formula means we, as flyfishers, can cash in on their gluttony. Shrimp flies this time of year are about as close to a sure thing as there is in Lowcountry redfishing. For the drop-
offs around oyster beds and creek mouths try heavier shrimp flies. “Attracter” type patterns seem to work better than the ultra realistic flies so tie on flies with some color and or flash. Think about if you were eating brown M&M’s and were surrounded by them and suddenly saw a green one. I bet you’d single out that candy over the 100’s with it with ferocious excitement. Gurglers, poppers, and similar topwater flies can be deadly as well. They are especially beneficial over the tops of oyster beds, where they seldom get lost. When the redfish are scaring shrimp into the air, you can often see their backs on the surface. They are looking up and a floating fly would be your best bet. Fall has some of the best tides of the year for us here in the Southeast. During the high tides, look for tailing fish in the grass flats but don’t neglect the edges. Many fish stay on the deeper edge in the tall sparse grass. These are key areas; they act as staging areas for fish before and after the flood. They are also driving bait fish and shrimp out to them as the tide ebbs. Pole a skiff or drift a kayak with the sun behind you and look for reds high in the water column. Flies like the EP Baitfish and
We Keep You ON THE ROAD Quality Boat Trailers Repairs, and Parts Sales
the classic Lefty’s Deceiver that suspend just under the surface will work great here. Have fun this fall and try new flies. It’s a great time to get into fly tying if your not already. Simple flies work great
and there is no better feeling than landing them on your first fly! The reds of fall are cooperative and eager to eat your offering. Have a few heavier crabs with weedguards for the higher tides, a few lightweight suspending flies for spooky fish are mid-depth areas, and try a few floaters closer to low tide. We are always happy to help or answer any questions, so call or stop by anytime. Scotty Davis | Lowcountry Fly Shop lowcountryflyshop.com
(843) 801-2507 4740 Franchise St North Charleston, SC 29418
Like us for 10% off parts!
Charleston Trailer manufactures high-quality aluminum boat trailers right here in Charleston! CharlestonTrailer.com • CharlestonTrailer@gmail.com
We offer a full-service shop to repair and maintain your trailer and a comprehensive parts department should you choose to do the work yourself. 10 CHARLESTON
CAM_CHAR_1117.indd 10
NOVEMBER 2017
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
10/19/17 9:27 PM
CAM_CHAR_1117.indd 11
10/19/17 9:27 PM
The Charleston 30 lb Wahoo Caught By David Pell
25lb Bulls Bay RED Jody Tucker aboard Lowcountry Lazy
12 CHARLESTON
CAM_CHAR_1117.indd 12
Jay Outz Caught this 26lb Red Fish with Shawn Green
15 lb American Red Snapper - Kyle Kryske
NOVEMBER 2017
John Hooker caught This 30lb Wahoo!!
Nolan Caught 30 lb Red Fish aboard Lowcountry Lazy
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
10/19/17 9:27 PM
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_SE1-SE4.indd 3
NOVEMBER 2017
SOUTHEAST
3
10/19/17 11:30 AM
4
SOUTHEAST
CANGL_SE1-SE4.indd 4
NOVEMBER 2017
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
10/19/17 11:30 AM
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT WORLD’S BEST ANCHOR – TRUE OR NOT TRUE? By CAM Staff For tress Marine Anchors tout their super lightweight anchors as “the world’s best anchor.” After field testing their model FX-7 on boats from 18 feet to 24 feet, we absolutely agree. These anchors are so lightweight a child could pull them back in. The sharp edge/ point easily secures to any bottom. For boaters not able to enjoy the ease of a “windlass” anchor system, the Fortress super lightweight anchors are the next best thing. If you ever retrieve or throw a Fortress Anchor, you will never go back to the belief that “heavier is better.” It’s not, and these anchors are definite “game changers.”
EXPERIENCE THE
FIGHT! Full Variable Speed Control Powerful Brushless Motor Retains Handle Function Digital Line Counter Auto Stop, 12/24VDC Compact & Sleek Design
World’s Best Anchor – True.
855-HOOK-ONE
WWW.FORTRESSANCHORS.COM
*BECAUSE THEY’RE SAFE IN THE CASE.
www.popticals.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_NAT3-NAT18.indd 11
I
NOVEMBER 2017
I
NATIONAL
11
10/19/17 9:40 AM
TIPS FROM A PRO
FRESHWATER BRANDON LESTER
B
eing from middle Tennessee, I was introduced to many diverse fisheries in my younger years. This area of the country has long been known for great smallmouth bass fishing, as it should be, but in my opinion it can’t compare to the smallmouth fishing in the Great Lakes region right now. I am certainly not bashing the smallmouth fishing down south, but fishing the Elite Series allows me to see some of the best lakes in the country, and the “good ole days” of smallmouth bass fishing on the Great Lakes is right now. Flowing out of Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River is one of my favorites on our schedule because it fishes similar to the rivers back home. The river has a lot of current, which positions the fish. The water is clear, and you can catch smallmouth from 2 feet deep all the way out to 60 feet. The St. Lawrence is absolutely full of smallmouth, and 30- to 40fish days are just another day on the water. In addition to the fishing, the area is also just an awesome place to spend time. Waddington, N.Y., which is our host city when we go, is in a very rural part of New York with lots of cropland and cattle farms. If you’ve not visited this fishery, I strongly suggest you do. Lake St. Clair is on fire right now. The final Elite Series tournament of the regular season was held there this year, and overall bass weights were absolutely phenomenal. The big smallmouth of the tournament weighed almost 7 pounds. In the past, tournaments on St. Clair were won by guys who ran to Lake Erie or Lake Huron, but not anymore. It seems now that St. Clair is the place to be. The style of fishing is different than most smallmouth destinations. Lake St. Clair is just a big bowl-shaped lake with a shipping channel running through the middle of it. That’s about the only real contour change on the whole lake. The big keys are
looking for clean spots in the grass and finding bait. If that doesn’t fit your style, you can run up the river toward Huron or down the Detroit River toward Erie. Both rivers have plenty of current and plenty of smallmouth. After fishing a tournament on Lake Champlain this year, it is my new favorite lake in the country. The smallmouth fishing is phenomenal, and you can catch big largemouth, too. The smallmouth hang out on offshore shoals, old bridge blow-throughs and rocky structure around the shoreline. If you get tired of catching them, there is an abundance of milfoil, docks and reeds where largemouth bass are willing and ready to bite. Lake Champlain, in my opinion, has the healthiest population of bass of anywhere I have ever fished, and that makes it fun, period. Plattsburg, N.Y. is a great place to visit, as well, with lots of cool sites to see. If you make one of these trips, be sure you’re prepared with the right MHX rods, Mustad hooks and Vicious fishing line. Hit Brandon up on Facebook or Instagram with any questions.
Get more tips from Lester at
FISHINGMAGAZINE.FISHING
Take a
ROD BUILDING CLASS
Register at:
WWW.MUDHOLE.COM/CLASSES MUDHOLE.COM/TURNKEY 12
FRESHWATER
CANGL_NAT3-NAT18.indd 12
I
NOVEMBER 2017
I
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
10/19/17 9:40 AM
FRESHWATER
THE XTREME 20 BOAT, MOTOR, TRAILER
38,950
FR $
TORTUGA SIDE CONSOLE BOAT, MOTOR, TRAILER
19,950
FR $
No More Fish Baskets or Foil! The GrillGrate surface coupled with the GrateTool™ makes lifting & turning fish a snap. Sits on top of any grill.
GRILL GREAT FISH! BossmanBoats_.25_0917.indd 1
8/12/17 6:12 PM
Never Stick Fish Again
SAVE 10% GrateFish
Coupon Code:
NEVER
RUSTS
. ate r.. Gr ift fo G
grillgrate.com 877.380.2527 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_NAT3-NAT18.indd 13
I
NOVEMBER 2017
I
FRESHWATER
13
10/19/17 9:40 AM
FRESHWATER
PWC Fishing Towers
Enclosures
14
FRESHWATER
CANGL_NAT3-NAT18.indd 14
I
Rod Holders
Casting Platform
E-Box
Accessory Mounts
NOVEMBER 2017
I
Lights
Storage Bag
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
10/19/17 9:40 AM
By CAM Staff
I
t’s got the beaches, with fine white sand and the emerald green waters of the gorgeous northern Gulf of Mexico. It’s got the nightlife, the shopping and fine dining, the beautiful golf courses and everything else that draws vacationers from around the world. But what Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island—the heart of northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast—have more of than anything else is fishing. Back in 1956, Florida Gov. Leroy Collins called Destin “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” after catching a big king mackerel on a 15-minute photo-op boat ride during the Destin Fishing Rodeo. More than 60 years later, the historic Destin Fishing Rodeo just wrapped up its 69th annual October-long event, proving once again that this fishing village is just as lucky as ever. Daily weigh-ins at the rodeo give spectators a close look at what the waters off the Emerald Coast have to offer. Excitement builds on the docks in front of the landmark AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar when big tuna, wahoo, king mackerel, dolphin, groupers and snappers come to the scales. And in the Billfish Division, the big sportfishing yachts are out there pulling spreads for sailfish—and marlin that easily eclipse the 500-pound mark. There have been a couple grander blue marlin caught on the northern Gulf Coast over the years and a few more that came very close to tipping the scales past the 1,000-pound mark. Even swordfish show up pretty regularly, meaning there’s a real possibility for a grand slam fishing out of the marinas of Okaloosa County. It’s world-class fishing on the Panhandle, which in recent years has seen the big pelagic species moving closer to shore with changing currents. And what’s more, the action is yearround. There’s a good reason the world’s largest charter fishing fleet is based out of Destin Harbor.
Nearshore
Nearshore, warm and fertile Gulf waters coupled with numerous wrecks and reefs to create some of the most bountiful fishing Florida has to offer. With a short boat ride less than 8 miles off the beach, anglers can bottom fish or troll with family pleasing and cooler-filling consistency for amberjack, numerous snapper and grouper species, cobia, blackfin tuna, king and Spanish mackerel and more.
Offshore
Due south about 25 to 30 miles out, the continental shelf drops and there are multiple renowned hotspots, with some of the best big game fishing in the Gulf. South Florida seems to get most of the bright, hot spotlight when it comes to the big pelagics, but serious anglers out of the Emerald Coast quietly and consistently catch serious fish. Whether it’s a full-day trolling trip or an overnight expedition deep into the Gulf, dolphin, blue marlin, tuna and
wahoo are available to those who mean business when it comes to fishing.
Inshore
Those who would rather explore grass flats and oyster beds in search of trout or tailing redfish will also find that on the Emerald Coast. Inside East Pass and Okaloosa Island, Choctawhatchee Bay spreads out vast and shallow. It’s the perfect place to launch a skiff or a kayak into 130 square miles of inshore action that’s some of the best on the Panhandle.
Spring Cobia
Finally, any discussion of fishing options around the Emerald Coast has to include the cobia run, which is one of the best on the planet. Book your charter now, because in spring—peaking in April—cobia that have migrated north along the Gulf Coast arrive off the beaches bringing some of the most exciting fishing there is. This is sight fishing for one of the ocean’s tastiest and hardest fighting fish, and during this spring run they can arrive with weights in excess of 100 pounds. With a spotter in the tower, you cruise the clear blue-green waters looking for the telltale brown shadows of a pod of cobia doggedly pushing west. With a Airline_CoastalAnglerAd_3-2016_Layout 1 3/18/16 1:07 PM Page 1 smooth approach, the boat moves to intercept, and then it’s up to the angler to make an accurate cast with a live bait or a jig. Anticipation is almost unbearable for a few seconds before the take, and then bedlam breaks loose. Cobia put up the most unpredictable fight in fishing. They are capable of long, drag-burning runs, leaps, rolls and deep dives, but sometimes they save the thrashing until they hit the deck. Either way, catching a big cobia is exciting, and there’s no better grilling fish that swims. So, while the Emerald Coast offers gorgeous beaches and all the activity of a top-notch beach vacation destination, on the water it remains what it was before the Miracle Strip and Harbor Boulevard grew up around it. It’s one of the best fishing destinations in the world in terms of quality, quantity and variety of angling opportunities. For information, go to www.emeraldcoastfl. com. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_NAT3-NAT18.indd 15
I
NOVEMBER 2017
I
NATIONAL
15
10/19/17 9:40 AM
FALL FISHING IS HERE! E! ME! COM ELCO WEL ERSS W ATER BOAT BO es ut es in ut M in ly Only M On ks arks Mar St M Thee St om Th From Fr ge fu ge Re fu e Re lif e ild lif W Wild
RAP LOW HEA FLO
• We
Custo
$7
ITEM
A 71-Room Lodge with Meeting Rooms • Group Rates Available Located 30 miles south of Tallahassee • Just minutes to the Gulf of Mexico Restaurant & Bar for Private Events • Banquet and Meeting Rooms for Groups Boat Parking Available • Centrally located for several Nature Tours
Cu
ITEM
COM
ET
M A G N U S O N H OT E L CRAWFORDVILLE
3896 Coastal Highway • Crawfordville, FL 32327 850.926.4455 or 800.878.1546 www.WildwoodResortFL.com
Over 40,000 SKUs in stock. Abu Garcia, Daiwa, Fin-Nor, Okuma, Penn, Quantum, Shimano No order minimums!
ITEM 6339
CO
G
www.FISHINGREELPARTS.com 1500 US HWY 19 N. Holiday, Fl 34691 (727) 935-7258
400 320 6.5
COM
H
6 Reasons Why Fowler’s Sells More Sunglasses than Anyone Else in the U.S.
ITEM ITEM
Over 250,000 Pairs Sold #1. Price #2. Selection #3. Price #4. Selection #5. Price #6. Selection
HEA ALU SPO
$ $ Since 1955
Toll Free
888-340-9021
2
COM
CO
www.FowlersSunglasses.com
16
NATIONAL
I
NOVEMBER 2017
CANGL_NAT3-NAT18.indd 16
I
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
10/19/17 9:40 AM
hft_coa
SUPER COUPON
800+ Stores Nationwide or HarborFreight.com
SUPER COUPON COMPARE TO
RAPID PUMP 3 TON LOW PROFILE HEAVY DUTY STEEL FLOOR JACK ®
• Weighs 73 lbs.
14998
MODEL: HD00120
$99
$
COMPARE TO
DEWALT
ITEM 61253/62326/61282 shown
*52324189 * 52324189
$
109
99
17999
ITEM 63381
SUPER COUPON
10 FT. x 20 FT. PORTABLE CAR CANOPY
Customer Rating
$
COMPARE TO
ETRAILER
3359
$
MODEL: TL21RK
99
99
$99
ITEM 63054/62858 shown
1899
COMPARE TO SHELTER LOGIC
*52325323 * 52325323
$
20599
$
MODEL: 23522
12999
SUPER COUPON
TORQUE WRENCHES LIFETIME WARRANTY
Item 239 shown
DRIVE 1/4"
ITEM 2696/61277/63881
3/8"
807/61276/63880
1/2"
62431/239/63882
HUSKY
$
COMPARE TO
415
15999
$ *52349388 * 52349388
GRIZZLY
MODEL: H7723
ITEM 62403 62862 69924 shown
$
6999
Customer Rating
• 350 lb. capacity
Wheel kit sold separately. COMPARE TO
HONDA
$
1,999
MODEL: EM4000SX
SAVE $1709
$289 329
99
Customer Rating
$1 999 COLEMAN
$
4999
MODEL: 2000020293
POWDER-FREE NITRILE GLOVES PACK OF 100
*52392540 * 52392540 LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
MENARDS $ 32
13
MODEL: VEN4145
$99
HUSKY
$ $
COMPARE TO
SAVE $169
SAVE
$ 99 55%
ITEM 61363, 68497, 61360, 68498, 61359, 68496 shown
*52393210 * 52393210 LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
• Laser guide Customer Rating
ITEM 61969/61970 69684 shown Blade sold separately.
$
COMPARE TO
KOBALT
299
$12999 $
MODEL: SM3055LW
19999
*52358721 * 52358721 LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
72" x 80" MOVING BLANKET
SAVE $79
Customer Rating
14999
179
Customer Rating
ITEM 61634/61952 95659 shown
MODEL: HOUC3304B10
*52373087 * 52373087
$599 $899 SAVE 70%
COMPARE TO
LOWE'S $ 99
19
MODEL: 77280
ITEM 69505/62418/66537 shown
*52382891 * 52382891
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
• 1000 lb. capacity
18" x 12" MOVER'S DOLLY
COMPARE TO
SCHUMACHER
$
ITEM 61899/60497 63095/63096/63098 63097/93888 shown
12999 MODEL: SL1
99
$69
$
79
99
SAVE $60 ITEM 62749
*52400572 * 52400572
COMPARE TO
MILWAUKEE $ 97
19
MODEL: 33700
Customer Rating
SAVE 59%
$
10
99
$799
*52400620 * 52400620
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
I
I
At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare” or “comp at” price means that the same item or a similar functioning item was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare” or “comp at” price by another retailer in the U.S. within the past 180 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare” or "comp at" should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 3/1/18.
hft_coastalangler_1117_M-REG109349.indd 1 CANGL_NAT3-NAT18.indd 17
12" SLIDING COMPOUND DOUBLE-BEVEL MITER SAW
Customer Rating
Customer Rating
7
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
JUMP STARTER AND POWER PACK
• 5 mil thickness
COMPARE TO
ITEM 62314/63066 66383 shown
29
SUPER COUPON
$599
99 SAVE 60%
COMPARE TO
1399
LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
5755
MODEL: H-21
99
*52365913 * 52365913
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
29
$
59
*52362225 * 52362225
$
$ 99 *52390682 * 52390682
LOWE’S
• Weighs 97 lbs.
COMPARE TO $ 98 IRWIN UNIBIT MODEL: 15504PKSM
ITEM 69676/69729/63080/63079 shown ITEM 69728/63090/63089, CALIFORNIA ONLY
$
COMPARE TO
99
ITEM 69087 60379 91616 shown
98
*52331956 * 52331956
LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
$8
$3999
COMPARE TO $ 62 PORTER-CABLE MODEL: PCFP02003
Customer Rating
SAVE 65%
3 PIECE 26", 4 DRAWER TITANIUM TOOL CART HIGH SPEED STEEL • 6200 cu. in. of storage STEP BIT SET • 580 lb. capacity
SAVE 85%
YOUR CHOICE
5699
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
99
HEAVY DUTY FOLDABLE ALUMINUM SPORTS CHAIR
$54
ITEM 60637/61615 95275 shown
SAVE 59% $ • Air delivery: 0.6 CFM @ 90 PSI, 1 CFM @ 40 PSI
$1 999
ITEM 62515 66911 shown
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
• GFCI outlets
$
119
99
A. HOT DOG
ITEM 69269/97080 shown
B. PANCAKE
STEP STOOL/ WORKING PLATFORM
Customer Rating
*52352148 * 52352148 • Drill 28 Hole Sizes from 1/8" to 3/4"
B
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
$
SAVE $64
1999
*52331660 * 52331660
MODEL: 7424XP
SUPER COUPON
SUPER QUIET
$
PORTER-CABLE
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
4000 MAX. STARTING/ Customer Rating 3200 RUNNING WATTS 6.5 HP (212 CC) GAS GENERATOR
$9
COMPARE TO
Tools sold separately.
$12999
99
8497
A
SAVE 88%
YOUR CHOICE
MODEL: H2DTWA
Customer Rating
ITEM 93454/69054 63395/62603 shown
$
COMPARE TO
SUPER COUPON
3 GALLON, 100 PSI OIL-FREE AIR COMPRESSORS
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
SAVE $285
• Accuracy within ±4%
Customer Rating
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
60" HARDWOOD WORKBENCH 6" VARIABLE SPEED WITH 4 DRAWERS DUAL ACTION POLISHER
LIMIT 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Earthquake, Hercules, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/1/18.
LIMIT 1 - Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or prior purchase. Coupon good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Offer good while supplies last. Shipping & Handling charges may apply if not picked up in-store. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/1/18. Limit one FREE GIFT coupon per customer per day.
*52330318 * 52330318
LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
*52309815 * 52309815
*52320448 * 52320448
SUPER COUPON
SAVE 70%
ANY SINGLE ITEM
ITEM 63604/63758 98025/69096/63759/90899 shown
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
$9
20% OFF
• 3.5" LCD Display • Battery Included
MODEL: DCD780C2
12 VOLT MAGNETIC SAVE TOWING LIGHT KIT $106
13
51
MODEL: MT-1210
*52324497 * 52324497
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
$
ANY PURCHASE
7 FUNCTION DIGITAL MULTIMETER
COMPARE TO
HOME DEPOT
SAVE $80
99
ITEM 63100
WITH
Customer Rating
• 576 in. lbs. of torque • 2.5 amp hour battery • Weighs 3.6 lbs.
$7999 $9599 Customer Rating
SUPER COUPON
20 VOLT LITHIUM CORDLESS 1/2" COMPACT DRILL/DRIVER KIT
HUSKY
20"
SAVE $69
Customer Rating
$
FREE
M-REG109349_CoastalAnglerMagazine
DEWALT
BEATS
SUPER COUPON
NOVEMBER 2017
NATIONAL
17
10/6/17 9:40 3:42 AM PM 10/19/17
SUZUKI MAKES IT
EASY AS
1-2-3
The leaves might be falling, but the deals are just starting to spring up at your Suzuki Marine dealer. Make your best Fall Boat Show deal on a new Suzuki outboard from 25 to 300 horsepower and take advantage of not just one, but all three special Suzuki offers. See your Suzuki Marine dealer today and get on the water with a powerful, reliable new Suzuki.
REPOWER FINANCE
1. Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 300 HP.
2. Cash Rebates on select models. See your dealer for details.
3. Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards (OAC).*
Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 300 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 9/01/17 and 12/31/17 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Cash Rebates apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 9/01/17 and 12/31/17. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate rebate form at time of sale. Cash rebate will be applied against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account). There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 9/01/17 and 12/31/17. “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. © 2017 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
CANGL_NAT3-NAT18.indd 18
SZ_Q4Promo_1PG.indd 1
10/19/17 9:40 AM 9/8/17 2:55 PM
COMMON CVRS_1117.indd 3
10/18/17 3:19 PM
© 2017 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
THIS SEEMS TO BE THE PLACE WHERE ALL THE FISH HANG OUT. I THINK I’LL DROP IN.
12”
PROGRAMMABLE
HOT KEYS
PRELOADED
BUILT-IN
BLUECHART® G2 + LAKEVUU¨ HD CHIRP SONAR + CLEARVUU¨ + SIDEVU¨
GPSMAP® 1242xsv
COMMON CVRS_1117.indd 4 17-MCJT512 GPSMAP 1224xsv Coastal Fishing Ad_US-8.125x10.875-CoatalAngler.indd 1
10/18/17 3:19 PM 3/8/17 9:13 AM