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EDITOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Dmitriy Pislyagin • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Corporate Headquarters info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 888-800-9794 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 • (407) 960-2340 • donm@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Ed Gocher • (305) 587-9101 • ed@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 Flaitz • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Mike Weber • (414) 531-4172 • mikew@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 OKEECHOBEE : Ken Gabryel • (863) 532-3671 • keng@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
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Catching Winter Cobia In The Keys By John Steinhorst
F
ebruary through April offers some of the most productive fishing of the year in the Florida Keys. An amazing variety of migratory fish species travel to the Keys as cold water temperatures push them south in the Gulf of Mexico and on the east coast. The most convenient place to base a Keys fishing adventure is directly out of Marathon, which comfortably rests in the middle of this tropical island chain. Marathon encompasses a unique collection of islands, creating the ideal boating and family destination with access to both ocean and gulf waters but far enough from the crowded streets of Key West. Capt. Chris Morrison, a 20-year Keys veteran who guides out of Marathon, enjoys hooking excited anglers up with these hungry migrating species, which include record-breaking cobia, king and Spanish mackerel, trophy sailfish and several species of jacks. Versatility is the name of the game, and options are abundant. Most often the best plan is to just decide where you want to fish, from the immense Gulf or blue ocean waters to the many reefs and wrecks surrounding the islands. Then be ready for anything when you get there. There are several techniques that work for each species, and Morrison utilizes a wide variety to keep his 8
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Temple Fork Outfitters’ Gary Loomis Inshore boat, although cobia sometimes swim with bull sharks and rays. Start drifting live shrimp back Series rods bending and his clients smiling. Live bait and jigs are most productive to with light monofilament leader and small hooks, ensure positive results. Pinfish and live shrimp and you are bound to get action from one of are among the easiest to obtain, since most local several species of snapper. If you start getting bit bait shops carry them. Deep jigs, such as butterfly off clean, add a piece of leader wire and you will types, and ¼- to 1-ounce bucktails are essential likely get hooked into a cero or king mackerel. to carry in your arsenal. For catching cobia, If you decide to fish the bay or gulf side of the present the pinfish on ocean-side wrecks and Keys island chain, you might want to anchor reefs as well as Gulf waters from 15 to 100 feet in 10 to 15 feet of water and hang that chum using the same rig for grouper down deep. Limit bag for landing Spanish mackerel. Head out to is one per person with a 33-inch size minimum. deeper Gulf waters and expect more cobia, king On sunny days, Morrison likes to spot cobia mackerel, and goliath and gag grouper. The with his polarized sunglasses from the tower of wintertime fishing action in the Florida Keys will his SeaVee boat above the reef line or in blue be sure to heat up your reel. If you need an expert light-tackle fishing water when a color change edge is present. When you see a cobia on the surface, cast the bait in guide, Capt. Chris Morrison has guided anglers front with no weight and at least 60-pound to more than 100 world records and received monofilament leader. Wire is usually necessary a Lifetime Achievement Award from the on your jigs as king, Spanish, and cero mackerel International Game Fishing Association. Visit are numerous throughout these prime fishing www.captchris.com for more info. grounds. John Steinhorst has contributed to many If you do not have a guide, the reef line on the ocean side from 25 to 40 feet is a good place publications during the last 20 years and can to start. Anchor and hang a chum bag over the be contacted at www.JohnSteinhorst.wix.com/ IslandMedia. side with ground-up frozen baitfish. Chum brings the For more Cobia fishing in the Keys, go to party to the back of your COASTALANGLERSALTWATER.COM
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Captain Fantastic.
How have so many of Marathon’s light-tackle guides achieved super-hero status? Because whether it’s tailers in the shallows, migrating tarpon out front or snook and redfish out back, our professional captains come to the rescue by putting you onto some amazing angling action. fla-keys.com/marathon 1.800.262.7284 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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RodsandReels Product Review AVET REELS SXJ 6/4 RAPTOR Since 1999, Avet Reels has been bringing to the market revolutionary reel designs that set the standard for performance. Their innovative SXJ 6/4 Raptor lever drag casting reel features Avet’s patented dual carbon fiber drag system, which produces twice the drag of the original Avet reels. The powerful system features adjustable strike pre-set and a strike stop button to prevent accidental advancement. The reel’s one-piece frame is precision machined 6061 T-6 marine grade aluminum with stainless steel components and is anodized for superior corrosion resistance. An offset machined handle arm reduces center-line profile and cranking wobble and is capped with a comfortable soft-touch handle knob. The two-speed transmission has a user-friendly shifting mechanism. Avet’s silent dog and gear anti-reverse system and M.C. Cast adjustable magnetic anti-backlash cast control system, both patented, are some of the most innovative and reliable in the industry. The SXJ 6/4 Raptor has nine stainless ball bearings, an alarm clicker and a light, narrow spool designed for optimal jig casting efficiency and less line leveling on the retrieve. It’s proudly made in the U.S.A.
CANYON REELS EX-80 TWO SPEED TROLLING REEL In case you hadn’t heard, Canyon Reels has redesigned its powerful EX-80 Two Speed Trolling Reel to give anglers the edge when pulling spreads for huge fish. The original EX-80 was extensively tested and matched up very well against the giants off the Northeast coast. When the captains made suggestions, Canyon listened, and the result is an even better EX-80, which features multiple upgrades that make it smoother, and easier to use. The EX-80 is a monster reel. It boasts a max drag of 105 pounds at strike and more than 155 pounds at full drag. A pre-set feature allows for accurate drag settings with an easy one-touch shifter. Upgrades include additional harness lugs that provide better balance control, an all new double drag system for drag runs that are even smoother than the original, and an oversized T-bar handle for additional cranking power. Several other improvements have also been made to increase the durability of this already remarkable reel. The end result is an incredibly smooth and user-friendly reel with the power to stop any fish in the ocean.
WWW.AVETREELS.NET
WWW.CANYONREELS.COM
ENIGMA HPT TITANIUM CASTING RODS
JP ROSS BEAVER MEADOW
Enigma Fishing is raising the bar on performance, while lowering the price point. Every aspect of their HPT Titanium Casting Rods were designed with extreme attention to detail. These high-performance tournament level rods are designed with premium, ultra-light Japanese Toray Carbon proprietary blend blanks. The HPT rods were designed and tested with input from professional anglers such as three-time Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year, Aaron Martens. Enigma Fishing has customized and precision balanced each individual HPT rod to be ultra functional, exceptionally beautiful and tailored to exacting actions and specifications demanded by today’s tournament anglers. All rods feature premium American Tackle components, including the multiaward winning MicroWave Line Control System, which increases casting distance and accuracy. The blank-through reel seats offer finger-to-blank contact for unparalleled sensitivity and incredible ergonomics and palmable comfort, while further reducing weight as well. Premium cork grips balance out each rod perfectly! Enigma Fishing’s new HPT series features a sleek black rod blank, cork handles, stylish purple wraps and chrome accents. Delivering technique-specific performance second-to-none, the all-new HPT series raises the bar for all others!
WWW.ENIGMAFISHING.COM
MUD HOLE TURNKEY INSHORE ROD KIT
The JP Ross Beaver Meadow is a fly rod meticulously designed to fish the beaver dams and plunge pools of small trout streams where an 11-inch fish is a trophy. That’s not to say this rod can’t handle an 18-inch brown on big water, but blue lines are where it shines. It is a short, sensitive rod with the feel needed for the gentlest of nibbles but enough power to reach out 50-plus feet with a hopper-dropper rig. The Beaver Meadow is available in a 5’ 2/3-weight, two-piece and a 6’6” 2/3-weight four-piece for fishing small streams with wet flies and dry flies. The 6’6” also has the ability to cast medium weighted streamers. The 7’6” 4-weight four-piece, the 7’9” 3-weight fourPhoto by Draper White piece, and the 8’0” 5-weight four-piece all have the shorter length required for tight quarters but the backbone to land larger fish and cast streamers and multi-fly rigs. JP Ross rods are custom-made by hand in Upstate New York. Each rod is made to order, so the details are exquisite, and components can be customized from the grip and reel seat to the guides and thread color. The Technology used to achieve this awesome balance of sensitivity and power is breakthrough technology, the joining of carbon fiber and fiberglass that JP Ross calls Carbon Silica Hybrid interface. It makes a beautiful casting and wonderfully sensitive rod.
WWW.JPROSSFLYRODS.COM
Mud Hole Custom Tackle is offering amazing value with its inshore fishing rod building kit. This turnkey kit includes everything you need to build your own custom inshore trout and redfish fishing rod. The kit features the extremely popular and versatile SJ842 rod blank. This 7’0” medium-light power rod features a fast action for throwing soft plastics and topwater lures at wary flats fish. Along with the blank, the kit includes a matched guide set, handle kit and everything from the CRB Wrapper, a CRB rod dryer and ProPaste and ProKote Rod Finish along with all the tools needed to build your own custom rod. This is a great set for the avid fisherman who wants to take his or her fishing to the next level. To get started custom building your own high quality rod, visit www.mudhole.com and check out all our Turn Key Kit options or simply Google: Mud Hole Turnkey.
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RodsandReels Product Review OKUMA KOMODO SS BAITCAST REELS
The original Komodo 350 size baitcast reel has been the recipient of tremendous accolades. It is considered an extremely tough reel and an excellent value. For 2017, the Komodo family welcomes the Komodo SS, featuring a new 450 size and stainless steel drive system. The Komodo SS is built around a heavy-duty stainless steel main gear, pinion gear, drive shaft and spool shaft to deliver an internal foundation of unrelenting strength and corrosion-resistance. Komodo SS reels use rigid, machined aluminum frame and spool, aluminum side plates, high-output Carbonite drag system capable of a maximum drag output of 30 pounds, and updated 6-pin Velocity Cast Control System. Performance features include six or seven (depending upon size) stainless steel High Performance Bearings, plus roller bearing, for outstanding corrosionresistance. The synchronized level-wind system does not disengage for casting, which allows it to maintain alignment at all times and eliminated drag pressure spikes when using braided lines. Bait clickers are standard on all models. The Komodo SS series includes two sizes, 350 and 450. The 350 size includes a 6.4:1 gear ratio and maximum drag output of 25 pounds. There are four models in the 350 size. The 450-size Komodo is available in a 6.3:1 gear ratio and a hyperfast 7.1:1 ratio. Komodo SS series baitcast reels are covered by the Okuma 3-Year Limited Warranty.
WWW.OKUMAFISHING.COM
UGLY STIK BIGWATER SERIES Ugly Stik has refreshed its iconic Bigwater series with all-new Ugly Tuff saltwater guides and an updated look. Beginning with Ugly Tech construction, the Bigwater series maintains the toughness for which all Ugly Stiks are known. One-piece Ugly Tuff stainless steel guides eliminate insert pop-outs and provide durability and corrosion resistance for those harsh saltwater applications. The Bigwater series retains the traditional Ugly Stik Clear Tip design for more strength at the tip of the rod. Comfortable EVA handles and conventional reel seats give anglers a non-slip, comfortable grip no matter the conditions. The fly, standup, downrigger/dipsy diver, surf, spinning and casting models have also been upgraded to include a standard seven-year limited warranty. Four Bigwater spinning combos and two trolling combos for downrigger applications are also available. The combos feature a graphite spinning reel, available in sizes 50, 60 and 70, and have a durable aluminum spool. The reel featured on the Bigwater downrigger combos is a size 30 line counter round reel with a metal handle and power knob.
PENN SLAMMER III The Penn Slammer III, which won Best of Show in the saltwater reel category at iCast 2016, is the reintroduction of the heavy-duty reel that has become trusted by charter captains around the world. Slammer III reels feature a new IPX6 Sealed System, which keeps water out of the gear box and drag system in heavy spray and sea conditions. An updated Slammer Drag System now utilizes a proprietary Dura-Drag material. With the computer-controlled CNC gear technology system, the precision brass main, pinion and oscillation gears are individually machined for exact tolerances to provide the smoothest operation. Eight models of the Slammer III are available, ranging in size from 3500 to 10500 models. Gear ratios range from 6.2:1 with 37 inches of line retrieve on the smaller reels to 4.2:1 with 43 inches of line retrieve on the largest. Maximum drags start at 30lbs in the smaller models and run to 60lbs on the largest. The oversized reel handle grip gives the angler added control during the fight. The 3500 Slammer III is the smallest of the family weighing 13.9oz while the 10500 weighs 43.1oz.
WWW.PENNFISHING.COM
DANCO BAIT STIK Danco’s Bait Stik is the original rod and reel combo developed specifically for catching bait with a sabiki rig, and it is still the best. The rod in this combo is 7’3” and features two-piece construction with an extra-hard phenolic tip for superior strength and extreme sensitivity. Comfortable EVA grips and a gimbal butt with cover means anglers will be yanking bait from the water with ease. Anyone who has ever tried to store a sabiki rigs knows the frustration of attempting to keep them from becoming a tangled mess. With the Bait Stik, that is not a problem. While not in use, the sabiki rig can be safely and conveniently stored inside the rod, which is a huge plus. The combo comes with either a casting or spinning reel. The spinning reel comes with an anodized aluminum spool, a graphite body and rotor and an oversized eggshaped knob. The casting reel has an aluminum body and side covers, brass gearing and a star drag. Catching bait has never been so easy. When the bait tank is full, rinse everything down with fresh water, store the sabiki rig in the rod and forget about it. Look for the Danco Bait Stik in your tackle store.
WWW.SHAKESPEARE-FISHING.COM
OCEAN 2 RIVER TOURNAMENT COMBO
ZEBCO BIG CAT SERIES Zebco is launching an impressive offering of beefedup rods and reels called “Big Cat” to accommodate serious value-minded anglers who passionately pursue catfish. The spincast reels are built with a titanium nitride plated stainless steel spinnerhead to add durability and reduce friction. Big Cat XT conventional-style reels will likely be the top pick for the most avid trophy hunters from the Mississippi River to Santee Cooper and all waters in between. Two conventional reels will be offered. The Big Cat XT 30 conventional trolling reel will hold 455 yards of 30-pound test. The Big Cat XT 350 round baitcasting reel holds 200 yards of 20-pound test. Worth noting is that a headlamp handy for nighttime catfishing will be free to consumers who purchase rods and reels within the very affordable Big Cat and Big Cat XT series.
WWW.ZEBCO.COM
Ocean 2 River (O2R) Tournament spinning combos are designed to perform to the exacting standards of serious tournament anglers while standing up to the grueling conditions and treatment offered up by hard-core fishermen in the marine environment. The IM-7 fast action graphite rods come with Seaguide Atlas Performance aluminum oxide guides, comfortable cork split grips and a graphite reel seat with a cork inlay and cushioned stainless steel hoods. These rods combine strength with sensitivity and excellent casting power. They are available in medium and medium heavy weights to suit a range of line and lure weights. The reels feature a solid aluminum frame, graphite side covers and rotor and a double anodized aluminum spool to stand up to the saltwater environment. A 5.1:1 gear ratio is suitable for fishing a wide range of lures all day long without wearing out the angler’s wrists and hands. Stainless ball bearings and a comfortable oversized T-knob provide for longer casts, smoother drag runs and comfort while fighting fish. Look for the O2R combo and other fine Danco products in your tackle store.
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ON THE COVER
RHODAN INTRODUCES 72” SHAFT GPS GUIDED TROLLING MOTOR
Editor’s Note:
Each month, Coastal Angler Magazine and The Angler Magazine staff search our vast coverage area for photos that will grace our covers. With well over a million readers in diverse coastal and inland markets, our magazines strive for broad national appeal as well as local-level intelligence to put anglers on fish. The cover is different depending on which edition you, the reader, are holding. The following is a little information about this month’s covers.
COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE The Florida Keys, Marathon
FREE
BIG BEND EDITION
The February edition of Coastal Angler Magazine features a cover image of Capt. James Platt with a 35-pound cobia he landed onboard a SeaVee boat about 10 miles out from Marathon’s Tarpon Creek Marina on the ocean side of the Florida Keys. The photo was provided by Capt. Chris Morrison of Keys Light Tackle Fishing Charters, who Local was fishing with Platt when they caught a limit of cobia, along with king mackerel, mangrove snapper and grouper. Morrison uses medium-heavy, Gary Loomis-designed Inshore Series rods from Temple Fork Outfitters along with 30-pound test Cortland Master Braid line to handle cobia and many species he targets in winter months. Home to the world-famous Seven Mile Bridge, Marathon is a group of tropical islands perfectly situated in the middle of the Florida Keys island chain. This ideal boating and family destination offers easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, Everglades and Gulf of Mexico waters for an amazing diversity. Wintertime in the Florida Keys means anglers see large numbers of migratory fish such as cobia, king and Spanish mackerel, wahoo, sailfish and blackfin tuna pushed down from colder northern waters. Marathon is an excellent destination to base your Keys vacation for an unforgettable adventure. See writer John Steinhorst’s article on winter and early spring fishing out of Marathon in this month’s issue. Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events
VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 265
COASTALA NGLERMAG .COM
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THE ANGLER MAGAZINE Ice Fishing On Golden Pond, New Hampshire
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA EDITION
FREE
This month’s cover image for The Angler Magazine was taken by Chuck Fritz on the ice at Squam Lake in Holderness, New Hampshire. Old Timers might remember the 1981 movie “On Golden Pond.” It was filmed on Squam Lake, and the most interesting storyline in the film had to be the cantankerous Local character Norman’s obsession with catching a humongous rainbow trout named Walter. Squam Lake looks a lot different with a layer of ice over it than it does in the movie, which was shot in the summer. The fishing is still good, though. Just ask Tim Moore, the ice fishing guide who was photographed for the cover with a pretty yellow perch he caught through a hole in the ice. The ice fishing season on Squam and nearby Lake Winnipesaukee generally runs from January through March each year, and anglers target giant white perch and lake trout as well as smallmouth bass, crappie, sunfish and yellow perch. If there’s anyone out there who knows where Walter is hiding after all these years, it has to be Tim. See Tim’s story inside this months issue and check out his website at www.timmooreoutdoors.com. Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events
VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 264
F R A N C H I S E
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MERCURY MARINE’S VESSELVIEW MOBILE AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD
M
ercury Marine’s VesselView Mobile app is now available for free download on the App Store and Google Play in North America. Available for iOS and Android mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, the VesselView Mobile app instantly provides users access to their boat’s SmartCraft digital data in the palm of their hand. The product recently won a prestigious IBEX innovation award. The VesselView Mobile module, which is needed to fully utilize the app, is available for purchase at participating Mercury Marine dealers, from the VesselView Mobile app or on www.vesselviewmobile.com. The product is compatible with all Mercury SmartCraftcapable engines built since 2003. One module supports single through quad engine applications. SmartCraft is a fully integrated suite of digital technologies, including marine gauges, sensors, vessel systems and computercontrolled features, giving users a higher level of control over their boat’s propulsion and electrical systems. Now, with Mercury Marine’s VesselView Mobile, users can see SmartCraft engine data right on the screen of their mobile device. The app also includes useful new features such as Fuel Information, Maintenance Reminders, Mapping, Performance Summary, and Fault Code Diagnostics. VesselView Mobile makes preparing for and spending a day on the water easier, safer 14
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and more enjoyable by letting users perform the following functions from their mobile device: • Connect to the SmartCraft data network in your boat from your iOS or Android mobile device via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0) • See SmartCraft engine parameters like engine hours, fuel burn, water temperature, battery voltage, RPM, etc. (parameters available are specific to each engine family). • Get fault code diagnostic information so you know and understand if that fault is something to be addressed when you return to the dock, or is more urgent. • Fuel Management provides accurate fuel usage data along with fuel remaining plus indicates time and distance to empty when the user enters fuel added via the app. • Locate your nearest Mercury Marine dealer • Get points of interest information for your body of water, including fuel and restaurant locations, and more • Record a moment on the water for future reference • Access checklists associated with your boating lifestyle • Get maintenance reminders and access historical maintenance information logs. Mercury Marine’s VesselView Mobile app also provides users with a Web-based account that gives them and their preferred dealer app and module will be on display at the 2017 an even deeper connection to their boat. The Miami International Boat Show.
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1/17/17 12:52 PM
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Core Concepts Make
Ice Fishing Easier By Tim Moore
S
pending hours on a frozen lake isn’t easy. Your body works overtime just to stay warm. Then, add the activity level that often accompanies ice fishing, such as drilling or chiseling holes and chasing tip up flags, and it can be downright exhausting. The degree of difficulty extreme cold temperatures add to fishing is what keeps most people from trying ice fishing. While there is a ton of gear designed to make ice fishing easier, core concepts, such as efficiency and mobility go a long way to make ice fishing easy enough for even the most warm blooded people. When you strengthen your core muscles with exercise, you train the rest of your 16
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muscles to work in harmony, which leads to better balance and stability. The same can be said for ice fishing. Exercising core concepts on a regular basis not only improves technique and lure control, but ice fishing actually becomes easier. The hottest new lures and trending techniques might catch a few fish, but they do little to improve your ability as an angler, especially when everything is frozen. Efficiency is arguably the foundation of any core. A highly efficient ice angler accomplishes more tasks in a shorter amount of time, and therefore catches more fish. Being efficient means eliminating unnecessary steps. Fewer steps means more time fishing, and more time fishing means more fish caught. Every second you spend with your line out of the water is time spent not catching fish. Efficiency begins off the ice. There are many things you can do before you leave your house that will make you more efficient. Start by leaving equipment and lures you won’t need at home. If you’re going fishing for panfish and you have larger rods mixed in with panfish rods, you will have extra gear to deal with on the ice. It doesn’t seem like a big deal until you’re fishing in subzero temperatures and the rods you need get tangled with the rods you don’t need. Rigging multiple rods with different lures before you leave your house will also reduce steps on the ice. Then you can cycle through pre-rigged rods rather than tie new jigs in the cold, wind or snow. Have you ever seen the deck of a tournament bass angler’s boat? They have many rods rigged with different lures so they don’t have to re-tie while they are fishing. The same goes for ice fishing, especially when it’s freezing out. The work you do at home pays off on the ice, but there is more you can do while fishing to make things easier, such as putting gear back in its place when you’re not using it. Then when you want to move you have less equipment to put away. Sometimes we are so
excited to get fishing that we tend to lay gear on the ice when we are done using it rather than put it back where it belongs. By the time we decide to move there is gear all over the place, which makes moving harder. The Godfather of modern ice fishing Dave Genz always says, “If it’s easy you’ll do it.” Focus on ways to make everything easier and you will be more productive. The little things add up. Just as backpackers try to shave ounces off their packs to make hiking easier, successful ice anglers are always trying to shave off unnecessary tasks to make fishing easier. The equipment you use also contributes to your efficiency. A Vexilar sonar flasher removes a lot of the guesswork. Figuring out if there are fish under you and their depth could take hours without a flasher. A sonar flasher is easy to use. It will instantly show you the entire water column including the bottom, your jig, and anything else that shows up under you, such as a fish. All in real time! Clam Outdoors makes a number of items specifically designed to make certain tasks easier on the ice. Prices range from a few dollars into the $1,000 range. The simple lowcost products often make a big difference. The Clam Can allows you to carry bait in your pocket. Not a big thing, but it makes a huge difference when it’s cold. Rod Slicks keep ice rods from getting tangled, and Fish Trap shelters get you out of the cold quickly and allow you to move around easier. The parts all have a sum that equals success. Mobility is another important core element of ice fishing. Mobility allows you to cover more water, which allows you to put your lure in front of more fish. Think of ice fishing the same way you do when open water fishing. We rarely head out onto the water and cast in the same spot over and over again. Ice fishing is no different. Every hole you drill is a cast. Make more casts and you’ll catch more fish. If you make a lot of casts in an area and don’t catch anything, move to another area and repeat. Give yourself a time limit, and don’t stay in the same area if you’re not catching fish. Ice Fishing doesn’t have to be cold and difficult. Core concepts that make ice fishing easier also make it more fun. Establish a routine and it will become second nature. By constantly thinking of ways to strengthen your core, you make ice fishing easier. Before you know it, you will be catching more fish than ever before. And who doesn’t love catching more fish? Tim Moore is a full-time licensed fishing guide in New Hampshire. He owns Tim Moore Outdoors and the New England Ice Fishing Academy. For more information visit www. TimMooreOutdoors.com. For more Tim Moore, go to
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*All prices reflect MSRP in US dollars and apply to the US only. Dealer sets the actual price. Pricing does not include dealer preparation fees, taxes, registration fees, or other fees that may apply. Freight not included. Customers outside US must contact their local dealer to obtain applicable pricing.
1/17/17 12:53 PM
12/15/16 1:24 PM
15TH ANNUAL SAVANNAH BOAT SHOW IS MARCH 3-5
SOUTHEAST
fishing experts are on-hand for seminars and demonstrations. The show also features boats overlooking the Savannah River and other maritime displays and exhibits. In its history, the show has held shag contests, seafood festivals, live music and other family entertainment. It’s one of the few winter boat shows in the country fortunate enough to have a waterfront view. Whether it’s sunny or inclement weather, there is something interesting for everyone at the Savannah Boat Show. The Savannah Boat Show was launched in 2003 at the Savannah Trade and Convention Center on Hutchinson Island by JBM & Associates, long-time producers of the Charleston Boat Show. Since then it’s become a coastal empire tradition and boating and fishing enthusiasts make this an annual outing with family and friends. Each year, the region’s best boat dealers showcase their new products and services to kick off the boating season. It’s one stop shopping at the Savannah Boat Show, with boat manufacturers on-hand to answer questions, along with financial and marine insurance companies to assist with everything necessary for life on the water. LOCATION Savannah International Trade and Convention Center 1 International Drive Savannah, GA 31402
T
he Savannah Boat Show, now in its 15th year, is located on Hutchinson Island, Ga., overlooking the Savannah River on the South Carolina border. This show’s strength is its location. Two hours north of Jacksonville, Fla. and two hours south of Charleston, S.C., it is a natural magnet for attracting boating enthusiasts and exhibiting companies from all three states and beyond. The show primarily showcases powerboats. Savannah, like Charleston, is on the coast, which makes it a strong saltwater fishing location. Each1year, Airline_CoastalAnglerAd_3-2016_Layout 1 3/18/16 1:07 PM Page
HOURS Friday, March 3, 2017 Noon to 6:00pm Saturday, March 4, 2017 10:00am to 6:00pm Sunday, March 5, 2017 11:00am to 5:00pm TICKETS Adults: $8.00 Children 4 to 12: $5.00 Children 3 & Under: Free Seniors (65+) & Military: $5.00 Parking: $5.00 or take the River Street Ferry for Free
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SOUTHEAST
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A COASTAL EMPIRE TRADITION...
March 3-5, 2017 Savannah International Trade & Convention Center
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Charleston’s February Fishing Forecast
F
ebruary is the last month of winter here in the Lowcountry. Since this is also the last month to find redfish in large schools, there will be great sight fishing for redfish on the flats in and around the Charleston area. Expect redfish to be in large schools of 100 to 200 fish per school. This winter has been very mild, so the fish are still active with the warmer water temps. Redfish can be found in shallow warmer water, and since the water is so clear, you will be able to see the fish very well. I typically look for calm, warm days when the tide is low in the midmorning or early afternoon. The warmer water draws the redfish to the very shallow areas and also puts them in the mood to eat something. If you fish a school for a while and the fish will not eat, you may need to find another school that has moved into warmer water. On the other hand, sometimes it pays to stay put and be patient. I have fished a school for an hour without getting a bite; however, when the tide changed or the water warmed up, we caught fish every cast. One important thing to remember is that the large schools of fish can spook easily, so be very quiet when approaching the school and make long casts to the fish so as not to spook them. Another key factor to keep in mind is
Greg with a great wintertime red, one of many caught on fly that day. that cold water will slow the fish down. You want to work your bait or fly very slowly to give the fish time to eat it. Even if you think you are fishing slowly, slow down even more. Because fish are moving slowly and eating small things, you should fish small baits or flies. I like to use very natural colors this time of year. I will either go with something oliveclear like the water or something dark brown-black to match the bottom. Another tip is to use ultralight rods so you can feel
the bite, as sometimes the bite can be very subtle. I like to use light-action rods in the 6- to 12-pound class (G-Loomis E6E 841 or NRX 882 DSR) with no more than 10-pound test line. The days will get longer as the month progresses, so the time you can sight fish will increase. Follow these tips, and you will find some excellent and exciting sight fishing. I had some of my best redfish days last February, so get out and fish when you can so that you don’t miss some great action.
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 22 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. Capt. Mark Phelps Shore Thang Charters www.ShoreThangCharters.com ShoreThangCharter@hotmail.com (843) 475-1274
Photo courtesy of Eddie Hardgrove
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Mt. Pleasant Pier
Fishing Forecast
T
he weather this winter started out rather warm but has been somewhat unpredictable recently, so it’s anybody’s guess what February has in store for us. Even with the inconsistent performance by Jerry Black with his 9-pound, Mother Nature, 14-ounce sheepshead there have been some nice catches at the pier this past month, and there should be some quality catches again in February. Anglers will be able to continue targeting the local sheepshead population with fresh mussels being most effective. Fiddler crabs and oysters have also provided some nice catches. In addition to the sheeps, you may find red drum schools prowling the large flat adjacent to the pier. These schools can be tempted with a variety of live or cut bait. As long as the mild temperatures hold out, there will be trout to be caught as well. Lately anglers have had success targeting trout during the last 2 hours of the outgoing tide and the first 2 hours of the incoming tide when the water first starts to spill back onto the flat. Come visit the pier shop to find a variety of artificial baits that have been proven to work. Pier employees will be able to point you in the right direction and share some local knowledge that might give you an edge to catch a trophy. Throughout the month of February, be sure to weigh in your sheepshead for the Winter Sheepshead Challenge. There is no cost to enter, other than the daily fishing fee, and the biggest sheep caught from the pier will win a $50 gift card. The contest ends February 28. The current leader stands at 9 pounds, but we typically see some big ones caught in February. In fact, the pier record of 13 pounds was set during a previous February by Alex iliria. Good luck to everyone! Chris Pounder, Manager Mount Pleasant Pier www.charlestoncountyparks.com (843) 762-9946
2 CHARLESTON/COLUMBIA
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Alex iliria shows off his 13-pound sheepshead
FEBRUARY 2017
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1/17/17 5:15 PM
The Waller Report
F
ebruary is already here, and there will be days this month where the weather is just not suitable to be outdoors on the water. There are still fish inshore and on the reefs, but you really have to pick your day this month. Winter water temps have arrived, and the bite can be tough some days. Reds will be in the large winter schools, and sometimes they just will not eat. Always have a variety of baits, both live and artificial if possible, as some days they will take minnows, while other days shrimp will work better. Fish very slowly as the cold water temperatures will make the fish sluggish. If you’re looking to catch sheepshead, this is the time of year that I change over to fresh oysters as my bait. When using oysters, you will need to fish areas in which you can fish vertically, since you cannot cast with an oyster on the hook. I also change out my mosquito hooks for #6 trebles. Simply, pop open the oyster, lay it around the hook as best as you can, and slowly drop it down. It should not be long before you feel a bump. Set the hook by lifting the rod because if you jerk it hard, your bait will be gone. The nearshore reefs can produce really well in February if the winds lay down enough for you to get out there. ZMan shrimp patterns work well with most species; however, if you are targeting sheepshead, you will need crabs or shrimp. There are also spiny dogfish sharks this time of year that can be caught on most any cut fish or bait. Mud minnows are always a good choice out there, too. It’s also possible you may come across some bull reds as well. On our trips, we start off with different baits and see what works best, as some days we have better luck with artificial shrimp, while other days the opposite occurs. So, plan on trying multiple baits and make changes if necessary. If you do head out, make sure someone knows where you are going and when you plan to return. This is especially important during the winter, as there are far fewer boats out there this time of year to help you should you have a problem. Capt. Michael Waller | SaltFisher Charters www.saltfisher.com | (843) 224-8197 or | (843) 343-7538
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Charleston
REEL SEMINARS & EVENTS
MARCH 24-26, 2017
Charleston, South Carolina 32° 46.9’ N, 79° 55.5’ W
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SC State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia SC 29201 - South Carolina’s Premier Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Show featuring over 300 vendors. For ticket info, visit www.psclassic.com. 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: ROBBI@ COASTALANGLERMAGAZINE.COM. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS THE 10TH OF THE MONTH PRECEDING PUBLICATION.
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February 2017 Tides
UPCOMING EVENTS
FEBRUARY 2017
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
High Tide High Tide 10:24a 5.1 10:45p 4.9 11:19a 4.9 11:44p 5.0 12:17p 4.8 12:45a 5.1 1:18p 4.6 1:47a 5.2 2:20p 4.6 2:51a 5.4 3:24p 4.6 3:54a 5.5 4:27p 4.8 4:55a 5.7 5:26p 5.0 5:52a 5.9 6:20p 5.2 6:42a 6.0 7:10p 5.3 7:29a 5.9 7:56p 5.4 8:13a 5.7 8:41p 5.3 8:57a 5.4 9:27p 5.1 9:40a 5.1 10:13p 4.9 10:25a 4.7 11:02p 4.7 11:11a 4.4 11:51p 4.5 11:59a 4.1 12:41a 4.4 12:49p 3.9 1:31a 4.3 1:39p 3.8 2:22a 4.4 2:31p 3.8 3:14a 4.5 3:24p 3.9 4:06a 4.7 4:16p 4.1 4:55a 5.0 5:05p 4.3 5:41a 5.2 5:51p 4.7 6:23a 5.5 6:33p 5.0 7:04a 5.7 7:15p 5.3 7:45a 5.7 7:57p 5.5 8:28a 5.7 8:42p 5.6
Low Tide 4:12a -0.3 5:02a -0.2 6:00a 0.0 7:08a 0.2 8:23a 0.2 9:35a 0.0 10:39a -0.2 11:35a -0.4 12:26p -0.6 12:28a -1.1 1:18a -1.1 2:05a -1.0 2:50a -0.8 3:33a -0.5 4:15a -0.2 4:58a 0.2 5:44a 0.5 6:36a 0.7 7:35a 0.9 8:38a 0.9 9:37a 0.7 10:28a 0.5 11:15a 0.2 11:58a -0.1 12:12a -0.4 12:56a -0.6 1:40a -0.7 2:25a -0.8
Low Tide 4:38p -0.5 5:27p -0.5 6:21p -0.4 7:24p -0.3 8:32p -0.4 9:38p -0.5 10:39p -0.8 11:35p -1.0 1:14p -0.7 1:58p -0.7 2:40p -0.7 3:20p -0.5 3:58p -0.2 4:37p 0.0 5:17p 0.3 6:01p 0.5 6:51p 0.7 7:50p 0.7 8:51p 0.6 9:48p 0.5 10:39p 0.2 11:27p -0.1 12:40p -0.3 1:21p -0.6 2:03p -0.7 2:46p -0.8
Phase
1st
Full
3rd
New
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Lake Murray February Fishing Report
I
n the month of February, the water temperatures on Lake Murray will begin to warm by the end of the month. Fish will continue to move from their winter patterns into their pre-spawn patterns, bringing the fish closer to the banks and into the shallows. Focus on the main flow areas of the lake and around the mouths of creek arms in the color transitions on secondary points, and on steep banks with rock and hard-bottom areas. On the upper reaches of the lake, from Dreher Island up river, and in the backs of main lake coves where the water has more color, look for fish to be positioned in deep water closest to shore and starting to show up on shoreline cover, such as laydowns, docks and rocky banks. This can be relative to the area and might be a ditch in a pocket, a deep bank of a creek channel, the side of a point, or the end of a point that drops into a ditch or creek channel in front of a spawning bay. Typically, fish will be holding relatively close to deep water, 10 feet or more, and will begin to position even shallower by the end of the month. Techniques of choice should be slower techniques
with crayfish and shad-mimicking baits. Good lures to try are Greenfish Tackle spinnerbaits and jigs, flatsided crankbaits like the Ima Shaker, soft plastic creature baits, tubes and beaver type baits such as the Reins Craw Tube and Punchin’ Predator, and finesse worms in a Natural or Green Pumpkin color. Focus on moving baits during cloudy or windy conditions, switching to slower moving baits as the day gets brighter and the wind dies. Be sure to key on areas with rock or a hard bottom, as well as docks built on black floats. On the lower end of the lake, from Dreher Island to the dam, focus on slower moving bottom baits, such as a Greenfish Tackle jig in the Murphy’s Magic color, a shaky head or a dropshot like the Reins 5-inch Bubbling Shaker in a Watermelon or Green Pumpkin color, especially during times with no wind. If there is wind, try suspending and moving baits like the IMA Flit and Ima Pinjack 200 on points, jigging spoons on the sides and ends of points, and swimbaits (by the end of the month), like the new
Optimum Baits Boom Boom Rigged Swimbait in a Sexy Shad or Blue Shad Color around docks. Key areas to fish are those holding blueback herring shallower and white perch deeper. Focus on the sides of flatter points with hard bottoms where there may be a drop or an ambush area which is typically marked with a hazard marker buoy warning boaters of its presence. The month of February is when fish start to venture into their prespawn areas. This is a great month to catch fish in predictable areas, as they can be easy to pattern with good electronics. Bass will be in the backs of creeks and pockets, holding in the last deep water areas around rocks and docks, and set up well in deeper 25- to 40-foot areas off of points toward the end of the month. Up the river and in the backs of creeks and coves, where resident fish are more prevalent, fish could still be as shallow as a couple feet, as long as there is a creek channel or deep water nearby. Be sure to focus on areas with bait, hard-bottom areas, and Northshore banks that get the most sunlight. Down the lake where bass are set up deep, they will be feeding on b l u e b a c k
herring, white perch or crayfish and will typically be positioned on long tapering points adjacent to spawning coves. This time of year is a great time to utilize your electronics and spend time idling looking for key sweet spots in the form of rock or brush piles. A great way to get out, enjoy the outdoors, and do a little fishing is to book a trip with one of the Lake Murray area guides. I am a certified Fisheries Biologist, Coast Guard Approved, and a full-time largemouth bass guide. I have fished fulltime and competitively for the past 11 years, across the country on both the BASS and FLW trails, and have a lifetime of fishing experience. I am well-versed in multiple techniques of your choice, tournament preparation, and/or electronics education. I would love to share my knowledge with you on the water and enjoy a day of fishing. Michael Murphy USCG Approved Merchant Mariner Licensed (770) 605-6373 www.MichaelMurphyFishing.com Michael@MichaelMurphyFishing.com
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February Pier and Surf Fishing
Targeting SPECIFIC SPECIES By Jiggin’ Jerry
A
verage anglers will usually try to find some available time in their busy schedule to grab a fishing rod and some everyday bait, such as frozen shrimp or mullet, and head out to the water to fish. When approached by a curious party and asked what species they are targeting, these anglers usually reply, “Whatever bites.” I have run into quite a few anglers just like this, and in most cases, they spend their fishing adventure catching sailor’s choice, some other oddball species, and occasionally finding a couple of really good fish. I have been asked by many anglers for help over the years, and the first thing I always suggest is targeting a specific species of fish. This will increase your chances of having a successful fishing trip the next time you head out for an adventure. Depending on the location you are fishing and the type of water,
whether from a pier or off a beach or in the marsh, there are a certain number of game fish that you can specifically target. Spotted seatrout, red drum, flounder, sheepshead and black drum are amongst the most common inshore game fish targeted, but there are also some smaller species, like whiting, spot and croaker that are targeted for a family fish fry. To target these species, you will need to do some studying and investigation, and you will find that learning their traits will greatly increase your success rate. For instance, if you would like to specifically target spotted seatrout, you would want to know the type of habitat where they like to gather for purposes of feeding, mating and moving in and out of tides, so you can correctly identify the locations in which you might find them. You would also investigate and study their diet. Spotted seatrout like
shrimp, finger mullet, mud minnows, croaker and pin fish; and knowing this, allows you the option to target them with any one of these live baits. The next recommendation is to study and learn fishing techniques with these baits, rodand-reel combinations, rigging and tackle needed. As one will discover when investigating spotted seatrout, they are a game fish that can be caught by using artificial lures, stepping up the game for even more fishing fun. It is also important to know that each species of fish has a different feeding habit. They prefer different tides, different locations and different types of structure. Some are aggressive, fast-moving fish, while others are slow, sluggish and investigative. A flounder, for instance, loves to lay on the ocean floor and wait, ambushing its prey as they pass above it. Red drum are scavengers, like a catfish, and can smell old, stinky bait from great distances, even in the dark, but are also fast-water, aggressive predators, hunting and chasing down live prey at the bottom, mid-water and top water. Sheepshead is a game fish that loves structure. They intensively search poles, pilings and rocks for crustaceans to feed on, but they also love to roam flats, searching the bottom for shellfish and swimming into marsh grasses in the shallows feeding on snails, mussels, clams and fiddler crabs. When you are out fishing,
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these game fish become your prey, and the best way to become successful in catching your prey is to know as much as you can about them. Using today’s modern technology with the Web, a Google search or YouTube search can become a wealth of information. Just remember you will find many opinions from an abundant number of sources during these types of searches, and not all will be correct. However, there are other reliable sources that can aid you in your hunt for knowledge. Your local libraries still carry a lot of literature, including magazines on this subject. Your local Department of Natural Resources will also have plenty of helpful information. I recommend the DNR to be one of your first stops in your hunt because they will provide crucial need-to-know fishing regulations for each one of these fish species, such as size limits, catch limits, etc. So, when you’re sitting at home this February and daydreaming about what you will catch the next time you’re on the water, think specifics. Aim your sights high, pick a target and investigate. You’ll most likely find yourself quite successful in catching and landing that species you were hunting. Until next time, good luck out there and have fun fishing!
FEBRUARY 2017
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Heat up YOUR WINTER
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outh Carolina has some interesting winter patterns. However, for anglers, the changes in weather can sometimes play to our advantage. During the shorter and cooler days of winter, I enjoy heading to the lake to do a little colder water largemouth fishing. Fishing in these cooler months can turn angling into hunting. The hunt to find the fish bundled up together. Your go-to spots may no longer hold the fish for which you are searching; therefore, looking and following different patterns and trying new spots may be the best tactic for the colder water temperatures. Largemouth bass tend to tighten and group up in the colder weather and water. As fall turns into winter, fish move to deeper water, allowing the fish to move up and down the slope
of the bank feeding without using much energy. Targeting the steep banks this time of year will provide a good opportunity to find and catch bass. Flats that fall off into deeper water will also be a good location for fish in these temperatures. Shallow water near weeds may hold a few fish
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as well. When out on the water this month, spend more time looking for the fish. This will give you the best chance of locating good fish and a greater chance of catching a fish. Another good locating technique would be to look for schools of bait since these baitfish are good prey for slower moving fish because they are an easy target. The presentation of the lure is always a key factor in any season or type of fishing but is especially important in colder water. The fish move slower and feed slower to conserve energy. Therefore, slowing the presentation of the lure down will give a greater chance of catching a fish. The slower the fish, the slower the lure. Fish will not move as quickly in the colder water, so they will be less likely to chase the bait. When casting, cast your lure in front of the nose of the fish. This will result in putting the bait in front of the fish and giving them an easier prey to eat. There are many types of lures that can be used year round to catch largemouth bass. Spinner baits and crankbaits can be used in warmer months and in the colder temperatures of winter. When fishing either of these lures, fish them in the weeds and shallow water. This mimics the bait fish that may be close by, and, if fished slowly, will result in a good chance of catching a fish. When fishing deeper water, the use of jigs and grubs on jig heads are my favorite way to go. If using jigs, I like Strike King’s football or swimming jigs. When using these baits, cast further than the shallow water. Once the lure has settled to the bottom, gently drag the lure over the lip of the break and allow the bait to fall slowly into the deeper water. If the lure stops falling or the line twitches, set the hook immediately. Bass aren’t typically aggressive feeders in the cold, so if any action happens, make it a quick hook set! Another option is
to use a small grub on a ¼-ounce jig head and fish the same technique as a jig, letting the lure fall slowly over the ledge and waiting for the action. Most of the time, the lure will get hit on the fall of the bait, so be ready to set and fight. Remember to prepare well when heading out this time of year. Stop by Palmetto State Armory for warm gear, advice on catching that cold water largemouth bass, and to check out our selection of lures. Make sure to keep your winter warm by turning up the heat on some great bass fishing! Courtney Downing Palmetto State Armory
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On the Saluda
T
he Saluda River fished well in January despite chilly temperatures early in the month. The fish were extremely concentrated in the areas easier to access with the stocking trucks. This trend will continue as The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) will continue to stock trout periodically through the month of February. While you can catch some fish in water that looks fairly featureless, most of the trout will be in current breaks near faster water. Current tail outs seams tend to be the most productive. Stick to typical fly selections like Hare’s Ears and Pheasant Tails. Small streamers and
have mossy bottom around them. The wild trout are still around and mixed in among the stockers. So, if you catch a fish that is cleaner and more brightly colored with all of its fins, please let it go. Be safe on the river as winter flows can change suddenly.
dry flies will also produce fish. For spinning rods, use small Rooster Tails and Mepps spinners in a variety of colors. February is a special time in the river. Rainbow trout begin their spawn in mid to late January, and
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signs of this will continue through the month of February. If you are wading, watch where you step as the trout fan and clear the bottom to lay their eggs in a redd. These redds typically stand out as they are lighter colored than the gravel and
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WILD TROUT ON THE EAST FORK PIGEON RIVER, N.C. (An excerpt from Flyfisher’s Guide To North Carolina & Georgia) By Nick Carter
A
t its top end, high in the Shining Rock Wilderness halfway between Brevard and Waynesville, N.C., the headwaters of the East Fork of the Pigeon River are about as pretty a place as I’ve ever been. I don’t know if she takes me seriously, but I told my wife I want my ashes scattered up a particularly beautiful and hard-toget-to tributary of the East Fork. I see it as a parting gift to my brothers, who will likely be tasked with the mission. Hopefully they’ll take their 3-weights and put the urn in the rear pouch of a fly vest. Tumbling from more than 5,500 feet of elevation from Black Balsam knob, Yellowstone Prong, the creek’s largest high tributary, and the East Fork itself offer close to 8 miles of wilderness trout fishing in some of the most picturesque gin-clear plunge pools and brawling pocket water anywhere. Along with East Fork tributaries, there are untold miles of water worth exploring for native brook trout on the river’s upper end, which is accessed by relatively short hikes from several locations off the Blue Ridge Parkway. A word of warning, though: these flows are steep… you-might-need-a-rope steep, and it’s a long way to help if one were to get into trouble up these prongs. Even those in relatively good physical shape will find fishing these waters to be grueling. On the lower end of its publicly accessible waters, the East Fork is flatter and much larger than it is in the brook trout waters above. The terrain is not nearly as treacherous, and with the influx of multiple
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tributaries, it has become a small river by the time it crosses off the eastern edge of the Shining Rock Wilderness Area. A trail gives the only viable access to several miles of river before it begins to parallel the Blue Ridge Parkway. This stream appears to receive surprisingly light fishing pressure. There are a lot of backpackers and waterfall watchers who use the area extensively, but I guess most anglers don’t typically go this far into the woods to catch small trout. Although the majority of the rainbows and browns you’ll catch on dries and droppers in the pocket water will range from 6 to 10 inches, there are some bruisers hanging out in the deeper holes. These deep holes are plentiful, but the bigger fish are notoriously hard to fool. Take a few minutes to stop and watch one of the large plunge pools on the river just upstream of the trailhead. In clear water, you’ll see the smaller fish first, feeding high in the water column. Look a little longer and deeper, and fish 14 to 16 inches or longer will make themselves visible hanging near the bottom. Flyfisher’s Guide To North Carolina & Georgia is 218 pages of extensively researched information on the area’s best trout fishing. It includes more than 40 full-color maps, photos, driving directions, GPS coordinates and tips and tactics. It is available on wildadvpress.com, Amazon and at fly shops, and signed copies are available by contacting the author at nsc8957@gmail.com.
SWEET STICKS:
RODS FOR KAYAK FISHING By Paul Lebowitz
I
n nearly 20 years of kayak fishing, I’ve seen the boats radically change. These days they are purpose-built for angling, and much more stable and forgiving. On the other hand, the thinking on what makes a good kayak rod has scarcely evolved. There’s been little need. For most applications, off-the-shelf gear made for the general fishing market works fine. A standard bass or flats quiver will suit you well whether you’re fishing from a ’yak, a powerboat or the shore, although the adjustable butt of Manley Rods’ offerings is a nice feature. It’s only when you get to big game that the need for specialized kayak sticks is magnified. Let’s cover the big exception: the rod tip. When landing a fish from a kayak, you’d do well to have some glass for shock absorption. High-sticking is almost inevitable. Most big game kayak anglers fight their fish while sitting. An intermediate length butt is an advantage, something on the order of 12 to 13 inches, about 2 to 4 inches shorter than normal. That’s just right for tucking into your belly while seated. A strong backbone is a plus for easier fish management, particularly when the battle is in its closing stages. Rod length is a matter of preference. It’s nice to have enough reach to get the tip around the bow, but it isn’t strictly necessary. If you’re hooked up and you point your rod tip at the bow, the fish will pull the kayak around to face it.
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UNDER THE SEA
r spread SPEARGUN SELECTION
S
SHERI DAYE
peargun selection is one of the most hotly debated topics on spearfishing forums. Fortunately, there are many great brands nowadays – such as Wong, AB Biller, Riffe, Hammerhead, Cressi, SEAC, Mares, Rob Allen, Koah, Mako, JBL and more. Over the last century, spearfishing equipment has evolved from very simple muscle-powered slings and polespears, made with wood and rubber bands, to the modern-day spearguns equipped with a trigger mechanism and more exotic materials. Interestingly, slings and polespear are making a comeback—but that’s a topic for another month—so let’s concentrate on how to select a modern-day speargun. If you walk into your local dive shop, you will notice there are two main categories of band-powered spearguns: the American style, usually recognized by the wood stock, and the Eurogun, which has a tubular shaped barrel and a rear handle. The Eurogun originated in Europe where most spearfishing is freedive-only, fairly deep, and for small, easily spooked fish. Hence these spearguns have a low-profile, streamlined design and thinner shafts. If you are diving in similar conditions, the Eurogun style might be for you. On the other hand, if you want a sturdy, durable and easy-to-load gun that will handle bigger fish, you might lean toward the American/wood-style gun. This is also the style used for big powerful tuna guns, because they can be ballasted and accommodate up to six bands. There’s also a hybrid design, which incorporates the best elements of both with wood stock in the back and a carbon fiber tube in the front. Once you’ve chosen between styles, the next question is length. Most Eurogun sizes are 90 to 160 centimeters, and most American guns are between 36 and 65 inches. So, with the conversion from centimeters to inches, they have pretty much the same length range. If you are diving in low visibility or hunting in rocks like they have in California or Rhode Island, you would choose a shorter gun. If you are hunting spooky fish in clear waters like mutton snappers in Florida, you would opt for a longer gun. If you are just getting started and expect to dive in variable visibility, 130 centimeters or 50 inches would be a good medium length for an all-around reef gun.
Sheri Daye hunts with a Wong Hybrid Speargun. Photo by Joe Marino.
Here are some additional tips: 1) Join a local spearfishing club and learn from the more experienced people. Observe what equipment they use and ask for advice. 22) Shop at a dive store that caters to spearfishing. They carry more choices and have experienced personnel to help you choose. These include Austin’s in Miami; Florida Freedivers in Palm Beach; James & Josephs in San Diego, Calif.; Freedive Shop in Sacramento, Calif. and more. 3) Check out the custom-gun builders. There are some high-quality builders who will work with you directly, give you advice, and design it to your specs—such as Wong Spearguns from Hawaii or Sea Sniper from California. Most importantly, you should pick a style that suits you and the conditions you dive in. Chances are you will get hooked and add more spearguns to your arsenal in the future! Follow “Sheri Daye” & “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” April 22-23, 2017 – Ft. Lauderdale - Instagram and Facebook.
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TIPS FROM A PRO
FRESHWATER THE REBIRTH OF 8- TO 10FOOT BASS RODS BRANDON LESTER
E
ver since I can remember, there has been a rule in B.A.S.S. tournaments barring the use of rods longer than 8 feet. To my knowledge, it is because Dee Thomas and other Californians were using 10-foot and longer rods for “flipping” when the technique was first invented. Evidently the powersthat-be back then didn’t like this new way of fishing, so they banned the use of long rods. At the conclusion of 2016, B.A.S.S. decided to change this rule and allow us to use any rod up to 10 feet in length. Bass fishing has evolved
they fight. The extra rod length will help keep the line tight during the fight, giving the fish less opportunity to escape. For the small wooden crankbaits, the longer rod gives control over how deep the bait dives. Hold the rod tip up, and the bait dives shallower. Stick a couple feet of the blank in the water, and it runs deeper. Add longer casting distance and you will be hitting depths never before achieved with some baits. A longer rod will also be beneficial for flipping and pitching. We all know what
tremendously in the past several years, and there is no doubt this rule change will be another big breakthrough. Will long rods become the norm in everyone’s boat? I don’t think so, but I believe these rods will have a time and place in bass fishing. I have been busy building and testing a few of these longer rods with the guys at Mud Hole Custom Tackle. We’ve made encouraging findings. The first long rod I built is a 8’6” medium power spinning rod. I wanted a rod to cast small, wooden crankbaits on light line for more distance. I also wanted this rod to act as a drop shot rod for open-water smallmouth fishing. Although I don’t see myself using this rod all the time for drop shotting, imagine a scenario where you are casting a drop shot in current and need that extra length to control the way the line drifts. Also, anyone who has ever fought a river smallmouth knows how hard
happens when we set the hook on a 12-inch bass with a 7’6” rod, well imagine what will happen when you set the hook on one with a 9-foot flipping stick. We’ll be jerking 3-pounders out of the thickest cover! When that 10-pounder bites, she might not be the one that got away anymore. There might be cases where a long flipping rod is more efficient, as well. The technique of flipping, as it was done originally, by stripping line through the guides and never using the reel, will probably come back to light because we can now use a rod long enough put a bait where it needs to go. I will be building a long flipping stick before the elite series heads to Lake Okeechobee. What better place to try it out than the land of the giants? Keep tabs on 8-foot-plus rod building by visiting www. MudHole.com, and hit me up on Facebook with any questions.
Get more tips from Lester at
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Surprising Winter is the Best Planting Time
I am often asked when is the best time to plant fruiting plants. My answer is usually the same; the best time is 20 years ago or today. The second best time to plant is during the winter months. Plants are dormant, and can be easily shipped and planted with no stress on the plant because there is not a lot of maintenance once the plant or tree has been planted. Simply dig a good hole, water thoroughly
at planting, and take the rest of the winter off. Even though there are no signs of growth above ground, the root systems will have time to get adjusted to their new location and begin to initiate new root growth. There are plenty of advantages of growing your own edibles. First of all, you know what has been done over the course of the growing season from a chemical stand point. Second, the fruit just taste
better coming out of your home orchard versus buying fruit from the grocers that have little to no flavors. Thirdly, it is good for your soul and you will feel more connected to the environment and nature. Whether it is an apple tree, muscadine vine or a blueberry bush; now is the time to plant. Let’s Grow Together. Greg Ison, Ison’s Nursery and Vineyards, 800733-0324, www.isons.com
“ I had the chance to test the new Bossman TailSpotter and I must say I was very impressed. I’ve run a lot of boats in my career and this boat is as good if not better than anything I’ve driven.” Capt. Mike Hakala, Aqua Dream Lures
SKIMMER TUNNEL HULL
19,950
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TACKLE CORNER:
SPRUCE UP AND SUPER-TUNE YOUR REELS BossmanBoats_.25_0716.indd 1
T
ackle geeks have climbed high rungs of reel optimization for decades. Their basic game remains the same today: super-tune fishing reels by adding premium components and applying best cleaning and maintenance practices. But better materials and technology have elevated expectations of what fishing reels can be made to do. Russ Lane, who has earned six appearances in the Bassmaster Classic, took his habitual tackle tinkering to high-tech heights several seasons back. Lane today replaces standard reel parts with premium components that extend reel life and enable spools to spin at dazzling RPMs. What’s the fisherman’s takeaway after these reel transformations? The clearest advantages are longer casting distances, better control, heightened casting accuracy, and improved feel and sensitivity. Some premium reel components—strikingly colorful multi-textured reel knobs and anodized star drags and cast control caps, for example—can practically turn reels into showpieces, too. “Fishermen can’t believe what custom components can add to a reel’s capability,” said Noah Arroyo, owner of Off the Hook Reels. “And some fishermen are just as attracted to the unique colors and finishes you can bring to a reel and the rich look of premium parts.” Consider replacing standard reel parts with these upgrades: • Ceramic bearings – Ceramic bearings or ceramic hybrid bearings (the latter feature ceramic balls in a stainless steel or plastic cage) can elevate reel performance dramatically. Ceramic bearings can range up to 60 percent lighter than stainless steel bearings. They generate less heat and lower vibration levels, too, reducing friction as the spool revolves. Spool RPMs may climb dramatically, extending casting distance and improving accuracy by reducing the effort required to execute a cast. They also possess five times the life expectancy of stainless steel bearings. The one downside is that they produce a very audible hum, a turn-off to some anglers. HawgTech promotes its ABEC-7 hybrid bearings in nylon cages as allowing “a more free spinning bearing that also runs quieter.” • Carbon Fiber Reel Handles – Lightweight carbon fiber reel arms are
the most common reel upgrade. The difference in weight and sensitivity from conventional reel handles is discernible. They also give a sleek, skeletal look to the reel. • Winn Reel Knobs – Reel knobs made from Winn’s patented WinnDry polymer deliver the same all-weather “tacky” feel and security that Winn grips bring to fishing rods. “The Winn knobs available from HawgTech are so good, your grip never slips even when hands are wet or coated with fish slime,” said Arroyo. Two of Lew’s Best of Show awards at ICAST 2016 featured fishing reels with Winn reel knobs. HawgTech offers these knobs in several bold colors. • Anodized Aluminum Star Drags, Cast Control Caps – Colorful anodized aluminum can give a reel an “auto show” glow. You can go with matching or complementary color options for star drag controls, cast control caps and related parts. Maintenance steps: Of course, flashy parts alone won’t optimize reel performance. Make sure the internal workings of your reel are flawlessly cleaned and lubricated, too. “You have to optimize everything when you super-tune. Polish and clean ends and shafts and pinion gears,” said Arroyo. “When you do and then add your ceramic bearings and premium parts, you really end up with a great piece of machinery.”
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TAUTEN LINEWELDER Sick of having to learn and tie complex knots? The Tauten LineWelder creates a weld that is actually stronger than any knot. The device creates a “sleeve” of thermoplastic polymer around both ends of a looped line, holding the loop in place without bending or weakening the line. Knots weaken the line, and most lines’ strengths are rated with a knot, so using a Tauten LineWelder in place of tying a knot lets you get a connection that’s stronger than the advertised strength of most lines! The process is quick, easy, consistent and doesn’t require you to tie complicated knots. It’s perfect for new fishermen or veteran anglers who don’t want to bother with finicky knot tying. Just loop the line in the device, pull it taut and push the button to create a weld. This device can help fishermen who don’t want to tie complicated knots by removing the need entirely and allowing anglers to focus on the sport they love. The LineWelder works best on 10- to 12-pound-test monofilament nylon and fluorocarbon lines and 10- to 50-pound-test braided lines. Using an experimental technique, it can even join braided lines with monofilament nylon or fluorocarbon leaders to eliminate the need for a swivel. Accessories to weld a wider variety of lines are currently in development and will be available in the future. Visit tauten.com for more information and to see videos of the LineWelder in action. The Tauten customer service staff is always eager to answer any questions, so don’t hesitate to contact them.
WWW.TAUTEN.COM
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UR-Cut
Fillet Knives
The only custom moldable handle fillet knife.
Ergonomically perfect. Virtually non-slip. Unmatched comfort. Unmatched control. Takes minutes to do.
UR-Cut features the same legendary DEXSTEEL, super-sharp edge, and just-right flexibility that you are used to with Dexter... 1.Dip handle in boiling water for 2 minutes. 2. Dip in cold water for 1 second. 3. Grip and form handle for 10 seconds. 4. Put back in cold water for 10 seconds and your done.
DEXTER UR-CUT FILLET KNIFE Dexter UR-Cut Fillet knives are the only fillet knives that allow you to custom mold the handle to your hand. UR-Cut provides the ultimate in comfort and control and is virtually non-slip in your hand. It’s simple and takes only minutes to customize UR-Cut to fit your hand. First, grip the handle and determine your grip position, paying attention to your thumb position. Dip and completely submerge the handle in boiling water for 2 minutes. Make sure the pot is deep enough so the handle does not contact the bottom or the sides of the pot. Then dip in cold water for 1 second, grip, squeeze, and hold the handle for 10 seconds. Dip back in cold water for 10 seconds and let cool. You now have a custom fillet knife, molded to fit your hand. Just like other Dexter knives, UR-Cut features the same legendary DEXTSTEEL blade, with super-sharp edges that are easy to re-sharpen and have just-right flexibility. UR-Cut fillet knives are made in the U.S.A. and are available in 6”, 7” and 8” lengths. Available at your local and online retailer. For more information and to view all Dexter fishing knives visit dexteroutdoors.com.
WWW.DEXTEROUTDOORS.COM
dexteroutdoors.com
NEVER WAX AGAIN! RESTORE AND PROTECT YOUR BOAT Poli Glow does what wax can’t! As seen on Ship Shape TV
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“Recommending Poli Glow is a no brainer.” - PRACTICAL SAILOR, the #1 consumer resource of the U.S. boating industry
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THE ONLY LURE WITH THE PATENTED
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• Jet Trail • Action Lip • Rattle Chamber • Works with all predatory fish 386•310•7165 • Designed and tested by fisherman PiranaFishingLures.com
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FISH & FISHING
A DIFFERENT APPROACH MARK SOSIN
A
small sign on the corner of my attorney’s desk warns his clients to “Assume Nothing.” That caveat is just as valid on the water as it is in the practice of law. If an angler does not start catching fish within minutes of arriving at a spot, he begins to assume that his quarry must be elsewhere. The assumption, of course, is that he has chosen the right bait or lure and presented it in a natural and appealing manner to a fish that is ready to eat. A fish’s behavioral patterns, honed over eons, follow very specific guidelines with few deviations. Anything that differs from the norm instinctively alerts a fish that something may be amiss and it thinks of its own safety first. Regardless of size, a predator does not expect to be charged or attacked by its prey no matter how small the prey is in relation to the predator. That’s why a 3-inch fly made of feathers can spook a 100-pound fish. And remember that fish do not feed constantly for a variety of reasons. Most species use tidal currents, water flow, or the neck of a funnel to their advantage as they search for food. They either hold facing the current, swim against the flow, or work across it. Whenever you present a bait or lure, it should be upcurrent from where you expect the fish to be so that your offering appears to go with the flow. That tenet even applies when you are casting to a cruising fish. The more natural the presentation, the better the chance of a strike. Your quarry automatically measures energy tradeoff. The idea is to exploit each situation so they will expend the least amount of energy for the value received. That translates into the fact that they frequently refuse to chase a bait or lure very far before turning away. An ambush feeder merely wants to dart out, grab its prey and return to its lair. Bottom denizens follow a similar practice. If your offering isn’t close to the sea floor, it’s difficult to get them to swim toward the surface to get it. Successful bottom bouncing starts upcurrent and allows the bait to drag along in the productive zone. Once it sweeps above the quarry, the potential for getting a strike diminishes rapidly. Water temperature enters the energy tradeoff equation. In cold or even cool water, fish react sluggishly because the water temperature slows down their metabolism. It might even force them out of their usual lair in search of warmer water. In those situations, choose baits or lures that are easy for a fish to catch and slow down the retrieve or the trolling speed. And remember, in cooler water it takes fish longer to digest food so they feed less frequently. Those who catch fish consistently study and comprehend the basics of feeding strategy. You can be sure that the behavioral patterns of each species are not about to change. That puts the onus on you to modify your tactics until you uncover the combination that works. Before you abandon a spot because you think it doesn’t hold fish, make sure you have explored the full gamut of options. If you do make any assumptions, convince yourself that a fish is looking at your bait or lure right now. The results might surprise you.
For More Mark Sosin Visit
CAMFISHING.COM Fishing Lights Dock Lights Flounder Lights 785-621-2646
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WAHOO “COWBELLS’’ & ‘’SNAGGER’’ DOLPHIN LURES
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NEW INTERLUX MICRON WA BOAT PAINT Micron WA (Water-Activated) is the newest addition to the AkzoNobel’s Interlux industry leading Micron Technology product range. It is a showcase antifouling paint that offers long-lasting, multi-seasonal protection in a water-based formulation. Micron WA combines powerful antifouling performance while reducing impact on the environment, leaving a smooth, clean hull. This paint is ideal for cruise, power and sailboats and suitable for all waters. Using a novel paint technology called Water Activated Matrix, Micron WA delivers a crisp, vibrant color and uniform appearance to provide a striking, attractive finish, while at the same time efficiently releasing the active ingredients to deliver powerful antifouling performance. More information is available at: www.yachtpaint.com/usa/diy/ products/antifouling/micron-wa.aspx
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LIMIT 800-4 purch Offer prese
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LIMIT 800-4 purch Offer prese
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100 SW TR
ITEM 410
SU
$
$
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4000 PEAK/3200 RUNNING WATTS 6.5 HP (212 CC) GAS GENERATORS ITEM 69676/69729/63080/63079 shown ITEM 69675/69728/63090/63089 CALIFORNIA ONLY
212 CC 70 dB ENGINE SUPER QUIET LOW OIL SHUTDOWN
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339$43999 comp at
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49
99
$169.99
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99 19 $34.95
2.5 HP, 21 GALLON, 125 PSI VERTICAL AIR COMPRESSOR
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ITEM 69091/61454 61693/62803 67847 shown
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39
1000 LB. CAPACITY SWING-BACK TRAILER JACK ITEM 69780 41005 shown
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44", 13 DRAWER INDUSTRIAL QUALITY ROLLER CABINET
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SAVE $65
8999 comp at
$119.99
$149
comp at
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9 9 $17999
• Weighs 245 lbs.
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99
$446.61
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379
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comp at 99 $679.99
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POWDER-FREE NITRILE GLOVES SAVE PACK OF 100
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Item 68498 shown
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SIZE MED LG X-LG
7
ITEM 68496/61363 68497/61360 68498/61359
$ 99
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Includes hook, mirror, magnet accessories, and video-out cable.
2.4" COLOR LCD DIGITAL INSPECTION CAMERA ITEM 61839 62359 shown
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99
11999 $179
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10" SLIDING COMPOUND 72" x 80" MOVING BLANKET MITER SAW ITEM 69505/62418/66537 shown SAVE ITEM 61971 61972 98199 shown
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comp at
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SUPER COUPON Customer Rating Weighs 73 lbs.
185 99 $
20"
94 $269.99
comp at
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LET THE BATTLE BEGIN The Slammer is back! Featuring a full metal body and rotor, IPX6 sealed gear box and spool design, a full Brass CNC Gear system,
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