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PHOTO BY NICK CARTER VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 271
F R A N C H I S E
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A V A I L A B L E
SEPTEMBER 2017
W O R L D W I D E
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RADAR
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Target AnalyzerTM function, facilitated by Doppler technology, immediately alerts you to targets (displayed in red) that pose a threat to your vessel. Simultaneously track up to 100 moving targets, displaying their speed & course vectors.
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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 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
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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
Chairs & Seats
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
GREAT LAKES
UPSTATE NEW YORK : Frank Geremski • (518) 898-6484 • frankie@theanglermagazine.com WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com
INTERNATIONAL BAHAMAS : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com © 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.
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no pressure
Gulf Grouper By CAM Staff
C
rystal LaFosse fishes a lot. She’s traveled to destination fisheries around the world. Everywhere she’s been has its own allure, but she said when it comes to catching fish, nowhere compares to Louisiana’s Gulf Coast. What would you expect to hear from a Louisiana girl? Cajun Tackle in Lake Charles, La. is the family business, which Crystal operates with her brother and her parents. She is the founder and director of the Salty Catch Fishing Rodeo in Lake Charles and director of the Tuna & Swordfish Challenge at Hurricane Hole in Grand Isle, La. Even with so much fishing in her work life, she relishes the opportunity to launch out of Lake Charles with family, friends and her 6-year-old son Cardyn. Despite the excellent inshore opportunities nearby in the maze of waterways and Calcasieu Lake, Crystal’s favorite destination is well over 100 miles out in the Gulf in grouper water. West Louisiana doesn’t enjoy the same proximity to deep water as destinations to the east. With runs inside 50 miles out of Venice or Grand Isle, anglers flock to the deep-water rigs and rock bottom where the edge of the Continental Shelf provides dramatic depth changes. Out of Lake Charles, it’s a 110- to 130-mile run to reach the 200-foot depths and prime grouper territory. However, those willing to make longer runs will find bottom that hasn’t already been picked clean by other anglers. “Most people don’t come here to target grouper because the run offshore is so far,” Crystal said, “but that also makes it good because the area is not over-fished.” Yellowedge, gag, and strawberry grouper are some of Crystal’s personal favorites, but she said it’s always fun when the rod tip bends over and you really don’t know what you’re bringing up. Regardless of the species, grouper are some of the best eating fish in the sea, and loading the box with delicious fish is half the fun. “There’s nothing better than cranking in a huge Warsaw grouper. That’s just the best!” she said. The challenge of strapping on a harness and battling a big Warsaw is enough to test anyone’s strength and endurance. Reeling up a 200-plus-pounder is on Crystal’s to-do list. “Typically the big grouper hang on the up-current side of the rigs in 200 to 250 feet of water,” Crystal said. “Bottom fishing, you’re looking for rock or reef formations, drop offs and drastic water depth changes. Usually anything over 200 feet is good grouper territory.” For Crystal, “anything over 200 feet” is sometimes 500 feet or deeper, when you never know what’s going to come up on the end of the line. Her rigs account for the dark waters at these depths with lights that mimic the bioluminescence of squid and attract grouper. “There are several ways to deep drop, and grouper rigs can be made with one to five hooks, ” she said. “Typically when you’re targeting a big warsaw, it’s with an 18/0 or 20/0 circle hook rig with glowing lights, a 3- to 5-pound weight and live bait around the oil rigs. I make my own three-hook rigs using 8/0 or 10/0 circle hooks, glow in the dark squid, lights, and topped with dead squid bait… You can use the 3-5 hook rigs around structure or just bottom fishing on rock piles. “The glow squid are from Offshore Angler, Fathom Offshore, and many other brands. The LED deep-drop lights range in colors of blue,
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red, green or disco, and there are many different brands from Offshore Angler or Lindgren-Pitman, which we have a selection of at Cajun Tackle,” she continued. “These lights and glow squid attract the grouper in the deep dark water. The squid are put on just above the hook, so when you add your bait it’s glowing right above it. The light is added about a foot above the rig and attached with a snap swivel or rubber band.” As much as anything, heading offshore is an opportunity to explore. Crystal said she and her friends all have the same standard coordinates marked on their electronics, but everyone has their favorites, and she’s had a few trips when they ran up on new bottom that turned out to be great. “We have spent time seeking out new numbers to mark, and that just keeps it interesting,” she said. “Keeping the depthfinder on while running from spot to spot, paying attention to any changes in depth and bottom, you can really find some good spots. The ocean is such a wonderful place, and there are so many new things to explore. I think that’s what keeps me coming back. Every trip is different and special in its own way.” When she’s not fishing, Crystal LaFosse can be found working the shop at Cajun Tackle in Lake Charles, La. After a successful second-annual Salty Catch Fishing Rodeo in July, the Tuna & Swordfish Challenge is coming up Sept. 28-Oct. 1 at Hurricane Hole Resort and Marina in Grand Isle. Follow Crystal’s adventures on Instagram @crystallafosse.
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Mountain Lakes Are Calling
By Nick Carter eering into clear-green water from the casting deck, frantic movement is the first thing to catch your eye. As a morning fog evaporates, rolling mountains rise up all around and the sun breaks through to reveal small groups of blueback herring. They dart back and forth, skittering near the surface to evade or confuse predators below. Then it happens. It starts with a few scattered topwater hits and intensifies. By the time you look up from impaling the nose of a blueback from the bait tank, there is an acre of water boiling. Big hybrid bass herd herring around the cove. The trolling motor whirrs to keep you in casting range. For the next few hours the action came in flurries, with multiple anglers battling through double and triple hook-ups whenever baits encountered a school of hungry hybrids. Some fish came on multiple downlines arrayed in rod holders. The most exciting takes
P
were on the pitch rods, lightweight rigs kept ready for surfacing fish. Either way, the key to drawing strikes was a lively bait, and this is the style of fishing you’ll experience with Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. They fish the gorgeous mountain lakes on both sides of the Georgia, North Carolina border. This trip was on Lake Chatuge, a 7,200-acre impoundment of the Hiawassee River that stretches 13 miles from Hayesville, N.C. south to Hiawassee, Ga. The lake is known for big spotted and hybrid bass. If you’ve never battled a hybrid approaching double digits on light tackle, it makes reeling in a 10-pound largemouth seem comparable to fighting a wet shoe. The same could be said for most of the species guides Shane Goebel and Darren Hughes pursue. Big Ol’ Fish concentrates on three lakes in the region and plans trips based on where the current bite is best. Southwest of Chatuge, Lake Nottely is a 4,200-acre impoundment of the Nottely River. Its primary draw is trophy striped bass. Stripers from 20 to 40 pounds show up regularly on this reservoir outside Blairsville, Ga. The elusive 50-plus-pounder is what everyone seeks, and very lucky anglers just might find it trolling bluebacks, big gizzard shad or trout. Those who prefer counting fish to weighing them will find fast action on Lake Hiwassee near Murphy, N.C. It is a 6,000-acre reservoir in the same drainage, which for some reason is spelled differently in North Carolina. Lake Hiwassee features breathtaking cliff formations and spectacular fishing for smallmouths that reach 6 pounds and larger, as well as big walleye and striper. Over a couple action-packed trips with Darren and Shane on their The Angler Magazine-wrapped Carolina Skiff, one couldn’t help ask why they don’t fish artificials when the bite gets so hot. Their answer, almost in unison, was: “Because we like catching lots of fish.” That sentiment is hard to argue with, but it’s worth noting that Darren owns Hughes General Store in Blairsville, the area’s primary purveyor of live baits. Rumor has it they make a mean biscuit. Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service can be found online at bigolfish.com. Call them at 828-361-2021.
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Micron : Generations of Innovation ®
The innovation continues… We are excited to introduce Micron WA as the newest addition to the Micron Technology family. Micron WA is a multi-seasonal, polishing, water-based antifouling with the unique Water Activated matrix. This novel paint technology delivers a crisp color, and premium long lasting protection for all waters! The Micron Technology family offers a range of premium products that meets your needs while delivering true and proven performance. For generations Micron Technology has been protecting boats coast to coast by improving fuel efficiencies while reducing paint build up through controlled polishing. Whatever the year, you know you’ll always have the latest and best in Micron Technology. Visit our website for more information – yachtpaint.com
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All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2017.
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FOUL WEATHE ExOfficio Camino Convertible Pant-Short
Huk Next Level Kryptek All Weather Bib
Perfect storm, meet the perfect bib. Huk’s Next Level Bib is built to keep Mother Nature at bay. They start with a lightweight stretch 3-layer, waterproof 10,000mm/Breathable 5000g shell. It’s 100 percent waterproof and windproof, which keeps all the elements out while maintaining best-in-class breathability. All the seams are taped and zippers welded to keep them from leaking. Non-binding and high-stretch, the bib is exceptionally comfortable and gives the wearer a full range of motion. Zip side entry allows for easy on and off, and there’s a zip fly for… well, you know. Gear can be kept handy in a large waterproof tape-welded chest pocket or dual front-thigh bellowed cargo pockets. There’s an internal mesh chest pouch pocket for items you keep close to your heart. Articulated knees are reinforced for durability. Velcro side tabs attached to a rear belt system and boot hem zippers allow the wearer to completely customize the fit. Elastic Huk-branded shoulder straps also optimize comfort. With Huk’s Next Level Bib, there is no such thing as bad weather.
www.hukgear.com Dakine Caliber Jacket The Caliber Jacket is Dakine’s go anywhere, do anything rain jacket. The company’s most technical men’s everyday jacket, the Caliber is sure to become an everyday, lightweight layer for guys who enjoy any type of outdoor adventure. Don’t let the good-looking modern tailored fit fool you. This is a hard-core weatherproof jacket with a waterproof shell that features fully seam-sealed, breathable construction with waterproof zippers and a helmetcompatible cinch hood to keep moisture out. Mechanical stretch 2.5 Layer construction provides a 20K/20K rating, which means this outer layer provides a wide range of motion with superb waterproof breathability. Underarm pit zips provide added ventilation for temperature regulation. Anglers will appreciate bomb-proof zippers that will stand up to the roughest marine environments and the clean exterior, which limits linegrabbing and tangling potential. Notable fit features include an extended back hem, articulated sleeves and adjustable cuffs. An invisible zippered media chest pocket keeps your electronic gadgetry safe, dry and secure. Dakine is based in the windy and wet Pacific Northwest, and the Caliber jacket is designed to keep wearers comfortable and dry in just those conditions.
ExOfficio prides itself on high-performance apparel for travel and adventure, and their technical clothing might as well be custommade for anglers. Their Sol Cool line is designed for the sun, and the Camino Convertible Pant-Short is perfect to keep you comfortable whether you’re wetwading a mountain stream, casting from the deck of a bass boat or poling the Bermudian flats. The benefits of zip-off legs are obvious for anyone who has spent any time on the water, and UPF 50 sun protection is essential for long days in the sun. The jade-infused Nycott fabric with Teflon Shield+ is very durable, stands up to rough treatment and even feels cool to the touch. Silvadur anti-bacterial technology helps eliminate odor, so you’ll smell fresher when you come off the water. The Camino Convertible Pant-Short features two security zip cargo pockets, a cell phone pouch inside the right leg pocket, two security zip back pockets, zippered leg hems, full inseam gusset, contoured tricot-lined waistband and an indestructible button system. All lengths zip off to an 8.5-inch short. And weighing just 10.5 ounces, you might forget you’re wearing pants.
www.exofficio.com Xtratuf Legacy 2.0 Engineered to withstand the world’s toughest conditions, the Legacy 2.0 is a hardcore fishing boot 50 years in the making. The latest addition to XTRATUF’s iconic legacy collection features an advanced new outsole that surpasses the SRC slip resistance rating, a textured heel for easy on/off that won’t get caught in gill nets and a contoured toppling binding so it does not rub harshly against calves. Acid- and chemicalresistant uppers along with shin and bib guards keep fishermen protected while a Polyurethane insole ensures comfort for long days on deck. All boots within the Legacy collection are 100 percent waterproof with unique performance features. Each boot is made with XTRATUF’s signature triple dipping technique, which creates a seamless barrier that is highly resistant to many organic and inorganic acids, chemicals and contaminants. The latex neoprene is ozone resistant and is softer, lighter and far more pliable than ordinary rubber. Cushioned insoles with arch support help fight fatigue and stress on the legs and back. All XTRATUF Legacy boots come with a non-marking, slip-resistant Chevron outsole that provides unparalleled traction on any surface in the most extreme conditions.
www.xtratufboots.com
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HER GEAR Sherpa Nilgiri Pant
If they’ll keep you comfortable in the Himalayas, they’ll keep you comfortable anywhere. Sherpa’s Nilgiris are the perfect soft-shell pant for any outdoor activity in cold conditions.
If there’s anyone who knows how to stay warm in bitter cold conditions, it’s waterfowlers, who view frigid temperatures as invitation to go out into the field. Heybo’s Delta Vest is designed to protect you from bitter winds on those cold-weather days. This classic-cut piece features Realtree Max 5 camo, a vertical zippered pocket on the left chest, and two lower zippered pockets. The Delta Vest is built to be worn in the field or as a casual piece. With a full zip front, the Delta Vest features 100 percent poly fleece to keep your core warm while allowing freedom of movement for your arms. Even in damp conditions, this moisture wicking garment will keep you warm. The Delta vest may have been designed for duck hunting, but any outdoorsman will appreciate the warmth and functionality of this versatile vest.
www.heybooutdoors.com
Stretchy and quiet, Nilgiris keep you feeling warm, dry and comfortable even as you work up a sweat. They are made of a three-layer softshell laminate and lined with a light, soft fleece, so they provide breathable, durable, wind and water repellant shelter for your legs. They are also stretchy, which means moving in them feels unrestricted and effortless. Wear them with a base-layer or on their own to suit conditions.
The North Face Men’s Venture 2 Jacket The Venture 2 Jacket is an unlined, packable, weatherproof rain jacket that is perfect for year-round use. Whether you’re in the backcountry of the Florida Keys or the Blue Ridge Mountains, this lightweight, waterproof and windproof jacket will be there to protect you from the elements when you need it.
The Three-layer softshell laminate is highly breathable and wind- and water-proof. A gusseted crotch accommodates a full and natural range of motion. Three zip pockets—two hand and one thigh—keep essentials handy. Long, twoway, ankle zippers allow for venting and easy on and off over boots. An integrated, adjustable belt customizes the fit, and there are no seams on top of the knees to chafe or cause discomfort. These pants are functional enough to keep you happy in the harshest conditions and comfortable enough to wear around the house.
www. sherpaadventuregear. co.uk Under Armour Storm Surge The Storm Surge is exactly the lightweight rain jacket one would expect from Under Armour, a company devoted to designing high-performance apparel. Unbelievably lightweight and packable, the Storm Surge is a jacket that is easy to keep on-hand, whether in a pack or stowed in a box, which means it is the jacket that will be there when those pop-up thunderstorms roll over the water. UA’s Storm technology has created a shell that is 100 percent waterproof, with fully taped seams to keep the wearer dry in wet weather. And this piece of gear does not sacrifice breathability. A 10K/10K rating means the Storm Surge has found a good balance between keeping water out while allowing airflow For those warm, humid days, when some rain jackets just leave you wet with sweat instead of rain, on-demand zip vents under the arms provide additional breathability to keep the wearer cool and dry. On cool mornings, windproof materials and construction block out the breeze with 2.5 layer bonded fabric and a durable, smooth exterior. The Storm Surge has a loose, fuller cut for complete comfort and a full range of motion. Adjustable cuffs and a bungee hem keep moisture from creeping in, while zippered hand pockets keep gear safe.
www.underarmour.com
Heybo Delta Vest-Max 5
The North Face’s DryVent 2.5L technology utilizes a polyurethane coating that is remarkably waterproof, breathable and durable to create a jacket for active pursuits where light weight and packability are essential. An inner layer finished with dry touch print helps raise the fabric from the skin for comfort and to enable quick transfer of vapor to the outside. The Venture 2 also packs up small into its own pocket. In short, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, this jacket is designed to be there to keep you dry and comfortable. A relaxed fit and adjustable hood provide a full range of motion as well as room for extra layers, hats or helmets. Pit-zip venting increases breathability. Hand pockets are covered and zippered to store gear safe and dry. Adjustable Velcro cuff tabs keep water from running down your arm while casting, and a hem cinch-cord stops wetness from coming in from below. With a durable yet breathable ripstop exterior, it is likely the wearer will never need to use The North Face’s legendary lifetime warranty.
www.northface.com HammerHead Mahi Mahi Ahi Gloves The HammerHead Dentex, Mahi Mahi Ahi gloves are protection on “rear-knuckle” steroids! Hammerhead has taken its best-selling red Dentex cutresistant gloves and added a thick coat of “EKP” or Enhanced Knuckle Protection to create the perfect gloves for spearfishing and lobstering. Dentex gloves were already the No. 1 best-selling protective gloves for warm water. Made from special UHMW ANSI Level 5 fabrics, they are light, flexible and offer incredible cut and puncture resistant protection up to 15 times stronger than steel. With chemical- and heat-resistant Nitrile Grip coating, you’ll never lose your grip on pole spears, rocks, fillet knives, lobster snares or with any application where extra grip is desired. With the addition of EKP, Hammerhead has brought a new and improved glove to the marketplace that offers complete protection for the front as well as the back of your hands and especially your knuckles.
www.hammerheadspearguns.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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What’s It Like to Live in a Log Cabin?
By Ben Martin • Editor in Chief
View time-lapsed video at www.blueridgelogcabins.net As an outdoor enthusiast, I’m naturally drawn to the aesthetic charm of log cabins. I have enjoyed numerous stays and vacations in log cabins over the years. Living in one on a long term or even potentially permanent basis is an intriguing thought for me. With that question in mind, I set out to speak with individuals who have taken that step, just to get their honest opinions, before I make the leap to a log cabin as my permanent residence. My first call was to Mark Alberghini, our Charlotte, North Carolina co-publisher. He and his family have been living in a log cabin for more than 20 years. According to Mark, returning to his cabin after a stressfilled day in the publishing business offers an immediate calming effect. He went on to say that living in a log cabin has left him less interested in vacations than at any other time in his life. His now-grown daughters tell him they are always pleased to return to the log cabin for holidays and family events, and that it seems to have created a deeper sense of tradition than many of their friends who live in conventional homes seem to experience.
I then contacted several Blue Ridge Log Cabin homeowners to see how they compared the experience of log cabin living to conventional homes. Jerry and Carol Clark, who recently moved into their Blue Ridge Log Cabin, said the experience of returning to their log home is much more enjoyable than that of their previous conventional homes. Blue Ridge Log Cabin owner and high school principle Charlie Burry informed us that, “As a high school principle, I value regular downtime away from the pressures of my job.” In that regard, Mr. Burry went on to say, “My wife and I greatly enjoy the peace and relaxation afforded by log-home living verses a conventional home.” Jim Austin, another Blue Ridge Log Cabin owner, commented, “several years ago we decided to change our lifestyle and head out of the hustle and bustle of city life and settle for the quiet and serene country life. We found the perfect wooded location in the foothills of the Appalachians, complete with a little stream running through it. These past five years have been fantastic. We couldn’t have picked a better location or company to build our home. We absolutely love the quietness of the woods in which deer and turkey abound. The sound of our little creek in the morning mist seems heaven sent. Perfect setting, perfect cabin. We love it and wouldn’t change cabin living for the world.” Throughout the numerous interviews that were conducted, the response was always the same. Those homeowners who had changed from a conventional home to a log cabin unanimously agreed, the feeling of contentment, relaxation and satisfaction with the log home was far superior to that of their conventional home. Had this little research project been a survey, it would have seemed artificially skewed. Rarely will you find 100 percent of your survey group in agreement on nearly any subject. In this inquiry, every single person, without exception, agreed that they would never trade log-home living for a conventional home. That’s what it’s like to live in a log cabin.
NATIONALI SEPTEMBER I SEPTEMBER 2017I COASTALANGLERMAG.COM I COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 12 12 NATIONAL 2017 • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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SOUTHEAST
By Capt. Randy Cnota
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s you pull onto the side of the road, you see mullet being chased by predators in the skinny waters of St. George Sound. You can’t help but grin because you know this area is inaccessible to most boats, and you’ll likely have it all to yourself. Redfish, trout, flounder, jack crevalle, pompano and so many more species are yours for the taking once you’ve settled into your kayak and floated away from land. There are more than 40 canoe/kayak launches in and around Franklin County, Fla. Most are found within Tate’s Hell State Forest or the Apalachicola National Forest. The freedom kayaking offers anglers in this area is a refreshing alternative to motorized boating, and the amount of accessible waters seems endless. From the Carrabelle River to St. Vincent Sound, to include the Apalachicola River, Apalachicola Bay, St. George Sound and East Bay, these diverse ecosystems where fresh and salt waters meet create a kayak fisherman’s paradise. Slip your ’yak into Scipio Creek at the mouth of The Apalachicola River, paddle up the marsh and catch bass, trout and reds all in the same trip. Throw it in the Gulf of Mexico off of St. George Island and bag some pompano for the table; you can do both in the same day! You don’t have to be an expert kayaker to enjoy a day gliding across these pristine waters to cast for world-class fish or simply take in the amazing scenery; you don’t even have to own one. Places like Island Outfitters and Journeys have them for rent. Advice on how to catch what’s biting is always free, and they have all the gear you need for a successful day of fishing or just paddling.
The fall version of the Apalachicola Paddle Jam festival will be held Oct. 6-8 in Apalachicola and on St. George Island. This three-day festival celebrates the Forgotten Coast through paddlesports, music and food, with events happening at various locations in Apalachicola and St. George Island. The highlight of the event will be an attempt by paddlers to break the world record for the largest floating kayak raft. For those with a competitive fishing edge, there will be a kayak fishing tournament. This event promises to be huge fun! If you’ve never experienced the peace and joy that kayaking can bring, add this to your bucket list and give it a go. There’s a reason this sport is growing so rapidly… it’s a blast, and this area is a kayaker’s paradise! Franklin County features multiple kayak and boat rental options. For a complete list of rentals, charters and supplies, visit
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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.
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TIPS FROM A PRO
NORTH CAROLINA
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BRANDON LESTER
finished sixth in the recent Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Champlain in New York and Vermont using a fairly new technique called the “Ned rig” and a dropshot. The Ned has been out for a couple of years now, but I just picked it up and started fishing it this past spring. I haven’t put it down since, and I can assure you the Ned is here to stay. When I first saw it, I wondered under what circumstance would it be any better than a shaky head or a drop shot. Let me explain it like this: A mechanic has a whole box full of tools. Some of those tools can serve multiple purposes, but there will always be one tool that does each job the best. The Ned rig is a tool you better have in your bass fishing box. The Ned rig really shines when fish are on a clean bottom in pretty clear water. The rig itself is basically a mushroom-style jighead with an exposed hook. The exposed hook makes it tough to use in cover. Start by looking for banks or flats where the bottom is fairly clean with some isolated targets that hold fish. These objects could be mooring buoys, big rocks, stumps, or really anything for the fish to get around. Although the Ned is a fairly slow way to fish, you can still cover water once you figure out the targets the fish are holding on. I’ve also had success fishing the Ned on bluff-type banks in the winter and early spring. This is especially good on lakes with smallmouth or spotted bass, but I’ve caught all three species on this rig. The way I fish the Ned is simple. All you do is let it fall to the bottom on a slack line. Watch your line as it’s falling, as sometimes they will grab it on the fall. Once the bait hits the bottom, tighten your line and shake your rod tip. All you’re doing is shaking the bait in place, not moving it forward. Once you’ve shaken it, move the bait toward you a foot or two and do the same thing. Most of your bites will come on the initial fall or the first or
second time you shake it, so don’t waste too much time on a cast. Many times you won’t feel the bite, so it is important to use a line you can see to detect a fish swimming off with the bait. The right rod, reel, line, jighead and bait are the key to making this technique work. I start with an MHX-EPS81-MLXF rod that is 6’9” in length and mediumlight action. I like a pretty soft rod so I can throw that light jighead a long way. Use a good quality 2500-size spinning reel filled with 10lb. Vicious Hi-Vis yellow braid for your main line with a 6- to 8-foot leader of 8-lb. Vicious Pro Elite fluorocarbon. I use the new Mustad Grip Pin Ned jigheads. I mostly between a 1/8-ounce, but they are made up to 1/4 ounce with 1/0, 2/0 or 3/0 hooks. I use an X-Zone Lures True Center Stick cut in half for almost all of my Ned-rigging.
Get more tips from Lester at
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BLUE RIDGE
By Jimmy Harris • They might seem cute, but a mother bear with cubs is one of the most dangerous animals on the planet.
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lot of anglers make trips out West for the world-class trout fishing and magnificent scenery. My personal pilgrimages began in 1987, and I’ve tried to make it back at least once a year since. The Yellowstone region is my favorite, both in and out of the Yellowstone National Park. I’ve been fortunate to observe a lot of wildlife while fishing: black bear, bison, moose, elk, wolves, even a few grizzlies. I am always humbled to be fishing in their territory.
Until recently, I can’t say I’ve truly been fearful at any time. Grizzlies were elusive for almost 20 years for me. I’ve seen several big bears from a distance; I just never crossed paths with one up close. My relationship with grizzlies took an abrupt turn a couple of weeks ago while fishing the Firehole River. My partners and I were off the road a few hundred yards but still within hearing of thousands of tourists. We had split up on the river, and the fishing was excellent, with great dry fly action for beautiful browns. An hour into the morning, I began walking upstream to catch up with John and Vince. It crossed my mind that these were the “beariest” woods I had ever been in. It just felt different. My head swiveled in all directions, straining to tune in to my surroundings. Finally, I saw my buddies. Vince immediately yelled across the river that John just spotted a big sow and two cubs a hundred yards upstream out in the meadow, on my side of the river. John told me I needed to be on their side. No kidding! Problem was the river was too deep and swift to cross. My choices were to walk back through the spooky woods a quarter mile until I found a spot to cross or ease upstream toward the bear and cross where the meadow met the trees. John volunteered to slip up the other side and look for Mama Bear. I timidly followed on my side, staying behind so he could signal if the old girl was still around. Just as John was about to tell me he no longer saw the bears in the meadow, I stepped past a pine tree and looked to my right. There, about 10 yards away, was the 3-foot-wide hind end of a bear. Thankfully, she was facing away from me and the wind was in my favor. Otherwise, I might not be telling this story. Fear and clarity don’t begin to describe what goes through your mind at this point. It’s amazing how quickly your brain can send the signal to your feet to “Get outta here!” Fortunately, I think I escaped without her even knowing I was nearby. Interestingly, as I was hot-footing it downstream, I found a place to cross the river that minutes before seemed impassable. Here’s the advice I want to pass along: If you plan to fish in grizzly country, carry bear spray. Jimmy Harris owns Unicoi Outfitters in Helen, Ga. Check them out at www.unicoioutfitters.com.
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Many thanks to our advertisers and local writers. We would also like to encourage any new local writers to come on board. Please continue to send us your stories and photographs for publication in The Angler Magazine. Cooler weather is on it’s way!
Relax and enjoy!
Mark & Haley Alberghini Publishers
CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT Mark Alberghini, mark@theanglermagazine.com, 704-651-1934 | Haley Alberghini, haley@theanglermagazine.com, 704-781-5387
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–Capt
HOW DO FISH Decide What to Eat
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inding significant numbers of actively feeding fish on the surface is any angler’s dream. The strikes are visible and exciting, and the fish are fairly easy to catch, at least while the frenzy is on. I think their inhibitions are low because their primary goal for a brief time is to beat all of their competitors to the food source. Though the surface blitz is close to a sure thing, there’s very few guarantees in nature. Even active fish can be selective, and tough to catch at times. Watching fish feed around your boat or close to your spot on the bank, but not catching many is a frustrating experience most of us have suffered through. Understanding how and why a fish decides what to eat can make a big difference in minimizing our disappointments. The most basic mistake I’ve made, and observed in other anglers, is fishing lures too quickly when casting artificials into a topwater bite. Discovering “schooling fish” causes one’s adrenaline to start flowing and it’s easy to fire shallow running lures into the feeding zone and rip them back to the boat with a too-fast retrieve. Even in an aggressive feeding mode, predators look for prey that’s easiest to catch. Slow, erratic, injured, i.e. different, are often the attributes that trigger a predator to strike. In trying to explain this concept to customers on my boat and attendees at fishing seminars, I use this analogy – if we as hunters had to chase down our prey, let’s say rabbits, we wouldn’t go after the fastest the one we see. We’d quickly determine which one is slow, young (inexperienced) or injured, and then we’d go after the easier to catch target. Furthermore fish, like all animals, instinctively operate on an “energy in vs. energy out” equation, in which they have to maintain a positive result in the short and long terms to be healthy. The less energy they expend to eat, the better for their general health and reproductivity. As I was kicking the idea for this article around, I ran across a piece internationally acclaimed angler and author Mark Sosin wrote titled “Making Fish Eat”. Sosin succinctly organizes and explains these concepts in greater detail. He writes “Successful feeding occurs when the rewards prove much greater than the energy expended. Our job lies in convincing a fish that it’s worth the effort to eat the bait or lure we are presenting.” The article goes onto explain “3 scientific facts govern feeding behavior. 1) A fish selects and attacks 1 victim at a time. 2) Predators choose a victim that is isolated, disabled, or looks different. 3) Given a choice, a predator will pursue the largest bait it can easily handle. Studies show that fish don’t just charge about with their mouths open. They pick a single prey and pursue it relentlessly. Anything that strays from the school or can be isolated…or is disabled and giving off distress vibrations” is a lure that triggers the predator’s feeding instinct. “That’s why when you put a hook in a live bait and cast it back in the school, you will usually get a strike. Your bait is not acting like the other bait fish…it’s giving off distress vibrations making it easier for the predator to isolate it and attack. Whether you fish live bait or artificial lures there has to be a trigger mechanism that tells the predator that this is good to eat and it is escaping.” When a prime surface feeding opportunity presents itself and the adrenaline starts pumping, try to control your excitement, focus, and utilize the information above. But also keep it in mind when the going gets tougher, that’s a time when it can really pay dividends. I promise you’ll experience more Fish On! –Capt. Craig Price, Fish On! Guide Service, PO Box 1623, Denver, NC 28037
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SEPTEMBER 2017
CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 3
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RAINY DAY BASSIN’
By Brandon Lester
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’ve had some of my favorite fishing days ever in complete downpours, and I’m betting if you’ve fished in the rain you have some fond memories too. Sometimes fishing is just better on rainy days because the fish are more aggressive and will hit lures that are fairly easy to fish. If you like moving baits, then rainy days are for you. Rainy, cloudy days put fish on the move. With sunlight obscured from the surface, bass can more-easily hunt down their prey. The strike zone increases tenfold at times. I will make a key distinction between a one-time storm and the long-term rains lasting more than a day or two, which raise the level of the fishery. The two scenarios are different. Let’s say I’m fishing a one-day club tournament and I know fish have been in a certain creek around boat docks when the sun was shining. If rain is forecasted, I will still go there but I will change my lure selection. Crankbaits, bladed jigs and spinnerbaits will be more productive fished in the same general areas. Where before I had to pitch my jig right next to the dock in the shade, I can now burn a bait along the dock and entice fish to chase it down. Long-term rains have a different effect. If the water rises quickly, the bass will come up with it. I don’t know if it’s their curiosity, increased feeding opportunities, or both, but they always come up. I think it has to do with water color. Dingier water limits their sight range, so they’ll come up shallow near the bank where the visibility is better. Rising water also means a dramatic increase in the amount of cover the fish have, which increases their feeding opportunities. Fish that were on boat docks are now moving up the bank, opening up a whole new world of opportunity.
I have three key pieces of equipment for fishing in the rain: Winn grips, Mustad hooks and quality rain suits. I’ve built all of my MHX rods with grips from Winn. The grips are world-class all the time, but when any moisture at all gets on them they increase their “tackiness.” Check them out at www.winngrips.com or www.mudhole.com. Hooks are important when fishing the rain. Why? Because hooks are always important, rain or shine. Mustad is the world’s largest hook company and it is also the best, managing the entire hook-making process. And finally, rain suits. I say rain suits plural because I’ve learned to take more than one with me. I’ve been fortunate over the years as a professional to have been provided several different brands of suits. I’ve tried at least a half-dozen different rain suits. Some seem better in summer rains versus cooler-weather rains, and some keep me drier longer, but I haven’t found one that has kept me dry an entire day in severe rains. That is why I like to take along more than just one. If you ever have any questions about fishing the rain, custom rod building, or bass fishing at all, please visit me at www. brandonlesterfishing or www.facebook.com/proanglerbrandonlester.
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CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 5
LAKE NORMAN FORECAST
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n June of 2013, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission began putting fingerling hybrid striped bass in Lake Norman. While hybrids are not new to the lake, this was the first attempt by state wildlife officials to stock the lake with the fingerlings. Previous placements were made by fishermen who took it upon themselves to try and improve the fishery. This fact explains why anglers have been catching hybrids since the fall of 2011. NCWRC’s begrudging and belated involvement came after twenty-five years of doing little about a declining striped bass fishery. The initial stocking of one hundred and sixty-two thousand five hundred hybrids may sound like a lot to some, but the state’s largest freshwater impoundment covers thirty-two thousand acres. If every fingerling stocked (2-3 inches long) lived to grow to the legal harvestable size limit of sixteen inches, there would be roughly five fish per acre. Wow! With so much surface water, that’s like looking for a needle in a hay stack. But it gets worse. On average, only ten percent (16,250) survive to maturity and it takes nearly two years for them to grow 16 inches. So, at best, the first year’s stocking resulted in a net catchable stocking of only one/half a fish per acre - certainly not enough to say that Lake Norman is a viable hybrid striped bass fishery! Regardless, the stocking was a success and by late spring 2014, ten to twelveinch hybrids were being caught by anglers fishing for bass, crappie and white perch. A second stocking occurred in June, 2014. By winter, reports of fish in the sixteen to twenty-inch range were being reported by anglers using similar methods to those employed by striper fishermen. Early 2015 saw throngs of anglers targeting and harvesting most of the legal fish taken. The third stocking (162,500) occurred in late spring of 2015. Then something happened. By mid-2015, the catch rate dropped dramatically. At first, it was believed that the hybrids had changed their feeding pattern. Less and less big fish were taken, while fewer and fewer hybrids in total were caught. It became obvious that there were too few fish being stocked, compared to the number being harvested. Compounding the problem, was that large numbers of fishermen were catching hybrids from the banks of Duke Power’s hot water discharge channels at the Marshal and McGuire Power Stations. Their catch rate was phenomenal, with some anglers keeping every hybrid caught, regardless of creel or size limits. To make matters worse, there were too many anglers fishing the shore for wildlife officers to effectively check for violations. The end result of both the legal and illegal harvesting is a decimated hybrid striped bass fishery. On the bright side, while hybrid striped bass fishing has been difficult the past few years, wildlife biologists have increased the stocking a bit. In 2016, approximately 200,000 hybrid fingerlings were added, an increase of 37,500 over previous stockings. Then in June of this year, approximately 300,000 fingerlings were stocked, a thirty-three percent increase over 2016. According to Corey Oakley, NCWRC Biologist Supervisor for District 5, the Watha State Fish Hatchery (Pender County) is planning to raise 325,000 hybrids a year, for the next three years to stock Lake Norman. Oakley said, “If additional fish are required, the hatchery will do everything possible to fill the need.” Hybrid Striped Bass have replaced the striped bass that had difficulty surviving the lake’s ninety-degree summer water temperatures and low dissolved oxygen levels. This new entry is hardier than its predecessor and thrives in Lake Norman’s harsh water environment. The fast-growing hybrid reaches a length of eleven to fifteen inches in the first year and gains an
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m additional six inches the following year. A two-year old fish weighs between two and three pounds, and exceeds the minimum size limit of sixteen inches. Hybrids swim in schools. They chase and feed upon shad and herring, just like their parents, the white bass and striped bass. Because they are constantly roaming, hybrids can be elusive at times, but once located, their fighting ability makes the search worthwhile. Hybrid striped bass and white perch share a similar profile, and their silver/ grey coloration makes identification somewhat difficult. To make matters worse, both have lateral lines. The difference is that the lines on the white perch are faint, while the lines on the hybrid are bolder and often times broken in appearance. As mentioned previously, the legal-size limit for hybrids on Lake Norman is sixteen inches with a creel limit of four in combination with striped bass. White perch, on the other hand, do not have a size or creel limit. Like bass and stripers, hybrids will strike a variety of lures, including everything from top water to deep diving crankbaits. Until the new hybrid fishery becomes established, basic bass tackle is all that is needed. Tips from Capt. Gus: Hybrid Striped bass are hatchery conceived when the eggs of female striped bass are fertilized with the milt of a male white bass. September Fishing Forecast The Fall Equinox occurs on the day when daylight and night are of equal length. This year it occurs on September 22nd. Also known as the first day of autumn, it is significant to fishermen since it signals the end of summer and high temperatures. The fall cool down is not only refreshing to anglers, but fish also sense it and become more energized. Their new found energy is used to chase foraged fish as they begin to bulk up for the winter season. What can Lake Norman anglers expect to catch in September? Lots of bass, white perch, crappie and some hybrids. By mid-month, seventy-degree water temperatures will trigger a migration of fish to the shore. When this occurs, fish are easier to locate and can be taken with frequency by those casting to the shoreline. One of the best places to find fish early in the month will be upriver, where the water temperature is least affected by power generation. The area between the State Park and the Buffalo Shoals Rd. Bridge is a good starting place for anyone targeting schooling bass, large crappie and hybrids. Bass will spend most of the day chasing baitfish to the surface, and crappie will move inshore near brush piles, downed trees and deep-water fish attractors. See ya out there!
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Capt. Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. is an Outdoor Columnist and a full time Professional Fishing Guide on Lake Norman, NC. Info-www. fishingwithgus.com, 704-617-6812, Gus@LakeNorman.com.
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WARM-WATER Crappie In the Timber C ooler weather and water temps are just around the corner, but for now our reservoirs are in that sometimes frustrating state of conditions between summer and fall. Crappie, for the most part, are deep. Catching them can be tough, but it can be done. And by finding the right treetop or brushpile, it’s possible to load the cooler in short order. Advances in technology have opened up a whole new world for crappie fishermen. On a guided trip, I was amazed by what can be seen with today’s sonar. Hiring a guide for the day is a great way to learn from someone whose livelihood depends on knowing how to catch fish. On this particular trip, I gathered information that would not only help me on reservoirs, but on the small 100-acre lake I call my home waters. We began our search by checking the guide’s known spots. We located fish on his Lowrance using DownScan Imaging. This technology has been out for years, but its true power became evident to me when we were able to mark fish that were hanging very tight to sunken timber. These were fish that would not have been visible with traditional sonar. Sure, the presence of the treetop would have been evident, but I would have had to search for fish in the cover with a hook and bait. Having seen the fish, the guide deployed a couple buoys to mark the location of a couple treetops. After marking the trees, the guide got out his crappie rods. They were rigged with a scaled-down version of a Carolina rig, with a small egg sinker, bead, swivel and a 3-foot-long leader with a size 6 hook. He baited each rig with a medium crappie minnow. We deployed six rods, three on each side of the boat that varied in depth from 12 to 20 feet. We over about a 30-foot bottom. The tree topped out in 12 feet of water. This gave us a pretty wide depth range to cover. Crappie feed up, and by dropping baits to different depths, this strategy allowed us to present baits to fish at various depths along the tree. Then we began trolling slowly around the buoys. It did not take long for the action to begin. Crappie aren’t the only fish that like brush. After about an hour we had caught a dozen slabs, releasing a bunch of small ones along with a few catfish, some small hybrid bass and a 6-pound striper. A 6-pound striper on a crappie rod with 4-pound test was a blast. By about noon, I was satisfied with what I had learned and our catch. I was hungry for lunch, so we called it a day and headed back to the ramp. I am happy to report that the technique we used on this large reservoir translated well, on a smaller scale, to the small lake where I do most of my fishing from a jonboat. Although I still do not have the fancy electronics of a fully outfitted guide boat, it’s simple enough to find brush with my old sonar unit. Besides, I’ve put some of it out myself. Presenting multiple baits at different depths all at the same time seems to be the ticket when crappie are deep and packed in tight to cover in warm water. –By Walt Sanders
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LAKE WYLIE FORECAST
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eptember reminds me of early May except in reverse. In May the fish are coming out of the shallows and headed for the cooler deeper water. In September the fish are headed back to the shallows to feed up for the long winter haul. So what you fish with in May, can those lures work in September? Not so fast my friend. In spring the fish have a variety choice of foods. The entire hatch off of natures young in the spring is present and easy prey. Now in September the hatch offs are not so young anymore. They have for the most part, learned to avoid the predatory fish. They have gotten bigger and smarter. With this in mind, you have to think a little if you want to become a good fisherman. So will bigger baits catch a lot of fish? Maybe so! One day I was bass fishing and I put on a Buzzbait to began with. Not a bite. I fished places that I knew were holding bass. Not a bite, they would not touch a buzzbait. I thought for a moment and realized that the fish wanted a different sound and action. I tied on a Pop-R and in a few minutes I had two nice bass in the boat. The morning gave way to bright sunshine. No More topwater. I went to my favorite plastic bait and fished a different way. I targeted blowdowns and docks near the creek channel. I caught a few bass doing this pattern. When bass fishiing, you need to try and develope a pattern each time out. Every day can be different. Pay attention to what the fish are trying to tell you. If I were new to the sport of fishing, I would keep a diary of all my fishing trips. If I were a beginner and new to the sport of fishing or new to the lake or area, I would hire a guide. Good guides can teach you and keep you on the right track to becoming a better angler. Lake traffic in the summer months tend to hurt fishing. There is always a shallow bite, but a lot of times fish will go deep to avoid boat traffic. Now its September and the water temperature is starting to cool 10 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT
SEPTEMBER 2017
and schools of fish have started back into the creeks. Now, there’s not as much traffic on the lake. Kids are back in school and hunting season is just around the corner. The fishing pressure is off the lake. This is a real good time to fish. September is the month that the crappie bite gets better too. Crappies will still be on deep brushpiles, but a lot of crappie start to shallow up in less than eight feet of water. A lot of them have made their way back into the creeks and looking for an easy meal. Docks are a good place to find crappie during this month. Jig fishing for crappie can be a lot of fun. I use small jigs on four pound test line with a light action rod. As september winds down the crappie bite will be on fire. White perch fishing is great trolling jigs behind the boat. This action is hot in September around points. Don›t forget fish attractors put out by the state. They are marked by bouyes. They can hold a lot of fish at times. To sum it up, I would say that late September is a great time to fish Lake Wylie. You may be suprised at your results. –By Jerry Neeley, Carolin’as Fishing Guide Service, 704-678-1043
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Take a Kid Kayak Fishing
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ummer is in full swing, and with the kids out of school it’s the perfect time to unplug the video games and introduce them to kayak fishing. Paddling and fishing with kids is a great way for the family to spend quality time together and to show the kids that being active outdoors is more fun than racing cars or shooting bad guys on the TV. However, taking children into the great outdoors comes with its own set of challenges that are not experienced when paddling and fishing with adults. Listed below are four key concepts to help the experience be enjoyable for everyone.
1. Keep it Simple: This is not the trip to fish
hard for eight hours, running and gunning from sweet spot to honey hole, deciphering tides and contemplating which color topwater plug will turn the bite on in order to catch a personal-best redfish. Kids are
not interested in working hard for one fish. Take them to a neighbor’s pond instead, and spend the day floating around an acre of water catching bream on crickets or bass on plugs. It’s action packed, stress-free and easy for everyone. 2. Keep it Safe: When paddling and fishing with kids, safety takes on a greater importance. Their bodies are much more susceptible to the summer heat than ours, so sun protection is a top priority. Long-sleeved sun-shirts, liberal amounts of sunscreen and floppy hats give them a personal shade zone, and carrying along a tarp shelter is a great idea if they need to hit the bank and take a nap during the mid-day heat. Be sure to pack extra firstaid supplies, because there will surely be scraped knees, bumped elbows and fingers pricked with hooks. If you’re paddling on a body of water bigger than a small pond, it’s also a good idea to bring a towrope in case a young paddler gets tired on the way home. Also keep an eye on their hydration, as they will likely forget to drink throughout the day. 3. Food: Kids EAT, all the time, and a hungry kid is an unhappy kid. Pack as many carrot
sticks, juice boxes and gummy bears as you think are needed...then double it. Taking hourly snack and hydration breaks is a great way to keep energy levels up and ensure everyone is drinking enough water. 4. Keep it Fun: Short attention spans may make fishing all day impossible. Kids are full of energy and curiosity. Allow them to set the pace of the day. Taking regular breaks for swimming, splash fights or squirt gun battles may scare off the fish, but it keeps the day fun and exciting. Keep in mind that this day on the water is overall about them having fun. They have to learn to love the outdoors before they can learn to love fishing. Keeping the trip simple, safe, fun and well supplied with juice boxes will ensure everyone has a good time. Introducing kids to the outdoors can be a delicate process; one bad experience may keep them from wanting to go again, so keep in mind that this day is about them enjoying being outside. That personalbest redfish will always be there tomorrow. –By Nick Carter
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Catch Bass Feeding Up in Fall
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he leaves will turn as the air gets crisp, and bass are about to start feeding for the lean winter months ahead. Fall fishing can be very similar to spring fishing, with a couple of twists. Under normal circumstances, bass will almost always use the same migration routes they used in the spring. If you think about that for a moment, it will give you some real insight on where to
begin your search for fall transition bass on your home lake. Start your search in creeks and pockets in the upper region of the lake where there is a lot of cover and where fresh water runs into the creek. In most cases, patterns will be closer to where the river comes in verses areas nearer the dam. The larger the body of water, the truer this fact becomes. I prefer creeks with plenty of cover such as laydowns, stump rows, chunk rock, sunken brush around boat docks, and when possible, grass and other aquatic weeds. The ideal creek would be one where this structure is close to the dominant channel. The other factor to be on the watch for is schools of shad or other baitfish. The fall transition means only one thing to bass; it’s time to eat and get fat for the winter, and the primary source of food in most reservoirs is shad. Around rip-rap, bridges or points in the fall, it’s crankbaits and spinnerbaits. My favorite cranks for covering deep water are Rapala DT-20 and DT-16s. Color selection really depends upon water clarity and sunlight penetration. As for spinnerbaits, a Punisher or Strike King ½-ounce double willowleaf in a white or chartreuse works great along grass or laydowns. When employing any crankbaits, it is imperative to have the proper rod and reel set up. For crankbaits, I use Duckett White
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SEPTEMBER 2017
Ice Cranking Rod, 7-foot, 11-inch medium heavy action with a 5.4-1 LEW’s reel. For spinnerbaits, I use 6-foot, 9-inch or 7-foot medium heavy action Micro Magic PRO armed with a 6.4-1 LEW’s reel. Both set ups use 8- to 12-pound test Vicious Ultimate or Pro Elite fluorocarbon. If the bite slows, a football head jig is the go-to setup. I prefer a ½-ounce Tightline football head matched to a Missile Baits Twin Turbo Tail or D-Bomb when they want a bulked-up profile. Another excellent tactic is a Texas rigged plastic such as the 8.75-inch Tomahawk Worm or creature bait like the D-Bomb. Both of these plastics will move lots of water during a slow presentation. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of staying in the creeks and on the baitfish during the fall transition period. Either loading the boat or having very few strikes always hinges on the presence of baitfish in the areas you are fishing. –By Capt. Jake Davis Capt. Jake Davis is a USCG-licensed professional fishing guide on Lake Guntersville, Tims Ford Lake and Nickajack Lake. Visit www.midsouthbassguide. com or call/email 615-613-2382, msbassguide@comcast.net.
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LAKE HIGHROCK/BADIN TUCKERTOWN DAM FORECAST
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eptember is a transition month from summer to fall. In the world of fishing this means that some fish are in a summer pattern and some are trying to establish a fall pattern. To a fisherman it means “some fish everywhere and not a lot of fish anywhere”. You can catch fish in September but it means understanding transitions. Largemouth bass can be especially hard to catch in September. They will often suspend in the water column and single fish will often be seen chasing baitfish in open water. This occurs on all of the Yadkin Lakes but especially on High Rock. I keep a spinnerbait tied on and handy so that I can cast immediately in the area of the action and retrieve it just below the surface. You must be right on the fish to be able to catch them because once they leave the surface they become difficult to locate with a lure. On Badin Lake schools of largemouth can often be seen chasing schools of baitfish. This is a very common occurrence on Badin but on High Rock and Tuckertown it is a rarity. My favorite lure on Badin for these schooling fish is a Heddon Zara Spook. Popping plugs will also work well. Once these fish go down it is extremely difficult to get them to hit anything. Bass fishing is often difficult this time of year but if you are in the right place at the right time it can be fantastic. Striped bass are schooling fish and are almost always suspended so September is no different for them. Stripers on Badin Lake tend to school this time of year very similar to the largemouth but usually are not as hard to catch. Stripers are usually found in main lake areas on all of the lakes. Trolling with bucktails or swimbaits is usually a good way to locate schools of stripers. Suspended fish are also what you will find with crappie. Crappie will also suspend and travel in schools making trolling a great way to catch them. They will often be in deep water but suspended in the upper section of the water column. Tight lining minnows or jigs or a combination of both works well. Some people prefer to long line baits which is also a great technique. One of the best places to start your search for crappie is in major creeks. All of the lakes on the Yadkin River are loaded with catfish and September is a great time to catch them. If you are looking for eating catfish such as channel catfish your best lakes would be High Rock and Badin. My favorite way to catch these catfish is to slow troll with Santee rigs and cut bait. I usually begin my search in the middle of the creeks. The best way to locate these fish is to simply look for schools of bait fish. Tuckertown and High Rock are also great places to catch huge flathead catfish. In September the flatheads tend to move to deeper haunts such as deep holes in a rather flat area. If the water is 12-14 feet in a large area and suddenly there is a 16-25 feet hole, that is where you want to start. Live bait such as shad or white perch is great to use and is often easy to acquire. September is not known for being a great month for fishing but with a little thought fishermen can be successful. It is also a great time for cleaning gear and getting ready for fall fishing.
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LAKE TILLERY FORECAST
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ith the end of summer approaching and the dog days hopefully behind us, we as fisherman start to feel a littler more excited about a day on the water. The water temperatures continue to be warm through the end of the month so the patterns will continue to be much like last month. Catfish will be a great target species as they are feeding up after spawning, catches seem to be getting better with each passing day. Live and cut bait are producing most of the fish especially when targeting Flatheads and Blues. Channel catfish have been biting well on prepared stink baits and nuggets in 15 feet of water which is easy to access for most bank fisherman. A simple carolina rig will be the most productive way to approach catfish no matter the bait you choose. White perch have been a little slower than expected this past month with most of the reports being small fish. With the huge amounts of bait present on the lake right now the action should increase as should the size of the fish being caught. Good numbers are still being caught on ice fly rigs, spoons, cut bait and minnows, with cut bait and minnows producing the larger fish. Crappie continue to be caught by anglers who target the deeper structure finding fish with electronics and working the 20-25 foot range on brush piles. Good numbers are being reported using minnows and vertical jigging with grub bodies and Rapala Jigging Raps in various colors. Largemouth bass continue to bite well but the bag weights during tournaments reflect the typical summer fishing. Some quality fish are being caught on buzzbaits and topwater but you need to fish over open water, the larger fish are responding to the noise and vibration created by these baits and will leave their suspended location to crush the lure. Double bladed buzzbaits are also hot right now because of the increased noise they create along with Lucky Craft Gunfish lures. Large plastics and big profile jigs are also producing some of the larger fish but you need to look away from the bank in most cases and concentrate on deeper structure, this is where your knowledge and use of electronics will prove to be an asset. As always with lake temperatures high be very cautious of the fish that you catch and release, try to keep contact to a minimum, that includes netting the fish, if possible lip the fish to prevent the removal of protective slime coat of all fish you intend to release. The survival of these fish greatly depends on how we handle them from the time we catch them until release.
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If ya’ can’t
CATCH EM’… By Corey New
shoot em’
When I was young, maybe14 years old, I spent a lot of time on the banks of a river and the creeks that fed it with a fishing rod in my hands. I caught a lot of fish, or so I thought when I was that age. There was one fish that was my nemesis, the gar. I couldn’t figure out how to catch one, and when I would finally hook one of the toothy fish, it would cut my line. So, naturally, I started looking for other ways to land one. This is when my obsession with bowfishing began. After a little begging, I talked my dad into setting up an old bow with what was, at the time, top-of-the-line bowfishing equipment. It consisted of a round drum screwed into the stabilizer hole with about 30 feet of string wrapped around it and an arrow tied to the end. I knew where the gar would be, I had my bow all set up, and I was confident in my ability to shoot it. This should be easy, right? NOPE! I shot time and time again and hit right where the fish was, and I could not connect! Keep in mind that after every shot I had to gather my string and hand wrap it back onto the drum on my bow. After about a half day of this, I finally accidentally shot low and thought I missed, but to my surprise I saw the line take off across the creek! This was my first fish with a bow. I still don’t know how, but I rode home with my bow, my fish and myself all on a bicycle. Bowfishing is a sport in which you can spend a lot of money or a little money and still have a blast. There are still plenty of opportunities to shoot fish from the bank, so really all you need is a bow, a bowfishing reel, arrows and little bit of luck to start sticking fish. The best places to find fish varies throughout the year, but always check mud flats in lakes and calm spots in rivers. I started out walking the banks, progressed to hanging lights over the side of a bass tracker, and now Iwww.seatow.com/uwharrielakes. have a boat totally dedicated to bowfishing with LA, a kicker and spec all the pleasefan create adbells for and whistles. SEA TOW. For header use the The main thing to Add remember when you go out logo. an action boat picture. for your first time is SHOOT LOW. I take a lot of Please add membership informapeople for their tion first ie, bowfishing and info I have gold card, trip, lake card never seen themand miss a fish low.add You know the costs. Please Captain old trick where you put a pencil in the water and Ryan Smith / it looks like it is broken? It’s called refraction, and phone # 855-732-8691 & 910-995it comes into play when you’re looking at an object 0999 that’s underwater. I won’t get all scientific on you, email: but just remember, aimrsmith@seatow.com low until you think you’re
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going to miss, then let her fly! Always check your state’s regulations on what types of fish you can and can’t shoot, as well as for license requirements. Corey is a member of Combat in the Wild, an online hunting show, and also produces The Turkeyologists TV show. Visit www.combatinthewild.com or www.theturkeyologists.com to watch videos and browse merchandise. Subscribe to the Combat in the Wild YouTube channel to keep up with all the latest shows and check out CITW and The Turkeyologists on FB, Instagram and Twitter.
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By Gary Turner
The Tools It Takes To Catch Monster Cats
I
t was a stormy afternoon when we set out. Thunderstorms danced around the area, and we knew we might get wet, but that didn’t stop us from going out in search of big cats. We set up to drift along 35- to 50-foot ledges. With five rods out, the wind was blowing us harder than the current was pushing us, so we decided to troll our baits upriver with the wind. Now, before you go out after big blues and flatheads, there are some things you might want to consider. I happen to know most of the usual questions, because at one time I asked many of them. The basics are a rod, reel, line, hooks, weights, bait and a boat. The boat is somewhat optional because there are great places to catch big cats from the shore. The rest is pretty much necessary. The rod is a very important piece when fighting big cats. You want a rod that has lots of backbone. Consider the technique you’ll be using in your rod selection. You can specialize rod choice for anchoring, drifting or bottombouncing, but you can also choose good allaround rods, since having different rods for each is not always in the budget. Some that I have used and like range from my custom rods made by Lyle Stokes of Blackhorse Customs Rods to the Catt Maxx rods off the shelf at Bass Pro Shops. Many of my friends are guides, and they like the Ugly Stiks, Catfish Warrior Rods and Tidewater Rods. For the reel, there are also different opinions. Many will work as long as they are built to handle the stress of a small tugboat, which is what a big catfish feels like on the other end of your line. I prefer a baitcaster. If you are trolling or bottom bouncing, you can go with a bigger reel if you like. If you are anchoring to fish, you will want something you can cast. Shimano makes several great reels in star-drag and lever-drag options. The TLD Series in the 15, 20 and 25 sizes are
great reels. Penn makes the Fathom, of which I have several, and they are very smooth reels. Abu Garcia also makes some great reels; the Ambassadeur 6000 is a very popular catfishing reel. The 7000 series works really well too. Line…here we are again, mono or braid? All of fishing is about choices. I love braid, but there are occasions when mono works better. The arguments go back and forth. I have used both and now use mostly braid. Many of the guides I fish with use mono. Clay Norris, senior product manager for fishing line for Pure Fishing, says he ranks the abrasion resistance of braid higher than mono of equivalent diameter. “You get some fraying on the outside, but the fiber is so strong,” he said. “Let’s say 10 percent of the line abrades, but the line is still three times stronger than mono at the same diameter.” The next line question is, “what pound test do I need?” Bill Dance catches big catfish in the Mississippi River using 30-pound line. I have seen several big fish lost using 100-pound test on Santee Cooper. If it is mostly open water, you can go lighter on the line. If there are heavy logjams and rocky areas, you should consider going heavier. Nothing bites worse than losing a big fish. Hooks? There are lots of good brands, Gamakatsu, Owner, Daichi and Mustad to name a few. The thing that is important is the size. The smallest I will use is an 8/0, preferring 10/0 when after really big fish. I have seen 12/0 and 14/0 used for really big baits. I prefer circle hooks; they are ideal for catch and release. They hook the fish in the corner of the mouth, leaving minimal damage and a very good survival rate. One last thing on hooks, make sure when you place your bait on the hook that you have a good gap on the bait and that no scales are on your hook point. Weights, swivels and beads. These are the other pieces of your terminal tackle. There are bank sinkers, no rolls, pyramids and eggs to
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name a few. Most of the time I fish anchored using a Carolina-style rig with an egg sinker. If I am drifting, I may use a bank sinker or a walking sinker. The swivel will normally be a two-way, but on occasion you might want a three-way if you are using one eye for your bait and one for your weight. The big thing about the swivel is don’t skimp on quality. Don’t buy cheap swivels and then be surprised when it breaks off with a big fish. I use beads on the line to keep my weight from hitting my knot at the swivel. Also on the Carolina rig, swivel slides are handy to make changing weights faster. BAIT! As if there were not enough options already, bait is the biggie! If you never get a bite, all the gear in the world is worthless. One of the most sought after baits in several states is skipjack herring. Gizzard shad and blueback herring are also go-to baits. Go with what’s native to the water you’re fishing. When you are after these big fish, big bait may keep the smaller fish from bothering you. Not always, but sometimes. Most baits are cut up, using the head and mid-section chunks, and discarding the tail. I fish both live baits and cut baits when I am anchored. Flatheads will eat cut bait, but I have caught more of them on live fish. Blue cats and channel catfish like the dead stuff. I know this didn’t answer all your questions, and it may have even raised a few, but I have derailed and left the fishing story for too long. So… as we fished along the ledges, we watched lightning strike off in the distance as several storms passed around us. It was my buddy Leon’s lucky night; he reeled in two nice fish, both heavier than 30 pounds. Vic and I caught some good eating-size fish, and, as the fishing slowed, we called it a night. Going fishing with good friends is worth more than catching monster fish, and we had a great time.
SEPTEMBER 2017
CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 17
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18 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT
SEPTEMBER 2017
A
lmost every fly angler that I know, grew up with a notion that the big, long cast was the fly fishing ideal. We have visions of sulphurs hatching on a cool mountain stream, while our fly line cuts back and forth flawlessly through the rising fog. Our fly settles neatly in front of a rising trout, some 50 feet away. It’s hard to not get caught up in the artistry of that image. Others of us get caught up in the competition. Even amongst industry professionals, no one wants to be out-cast by a fishing buddy. A spectator of the casting pool at a recent fishing industry trade show, would have seen nothing but 8 weights and double hauls. It’s simply human nature to want to go bigger and further than the other guy – and I guess you’ll never impress the ladies with a 15 foot roll cast. However the truth of the matter, is that the trout angler in our region can significantly increase his or her catch rate by taking in most of that line and tightening up the presentation. One of the most common pieces of advice that I give on the water is: Cover a smaller piece of water, better. One of the most common corrections that I make as a guide is: Reel in half of that line. There are several benefits to making shorter casts. First of all, long casts require more false casting. More false casting means more tangles, especially with the weighted nymphing rigs that are so productive in our neck of the woods. More tangles means more frustration and less time fishing. Longer casts are also less accurate, meaning your fly is not getting in front of the fish. A short, accurate cast can be accomplished with little to no false casting and it’s much easier to put your fly where exactly where you want it. A savvy angler will know that presentation is ten times more important than fly selection. Long casts make it significantly more difficult to get a proper drift. The further you cast, the more conflicting currents your line is going to have to navigate. Those conflicting currents create a drag on your fly that takes it out of its natural drift. Additionally, having all of that line out will make getting a solid hook set considerably less likely. While proper line mending can partially alleviate these issues, most anglers just aren’t as skilled at mending line as they think they are. A short, accurate cast will ensure proper fly presentation. A controlled, natural drift will increase takes and successful hook sets. Use the length of your arm and the length of the rod to extend your drift and maintain contact & control. When fishing with an indicator, I like that indicator to be the only thing in contact with the surface. Work a small section of the stream very well and then use your feet to change position. A good strategy is to take a big piece of water and to break it down in to four foot sections. Cover a section fully and then reposition yourself to cover the next section. There are certainly times when making a big cast is a useful tool. There’s no doubt that the ability to move 60+ feet of line will make your fishing world bigger and your buddies jealous. However for the bulk of our real world fishing situations, we’ll catch a lot more trout by reaching for the wedge instead of the driver. –By Ryan Wilson
Ryan Wilson is the Owner and Operator of Madison River Fly Fishing Outfitters in Cornelius, NC. If you’d like to learn more about local fly fishing tactics, please contact him at madisonriverflyfishing@gmail.com or call at (704) 896-3676. Check us out on Facebook: Madison River Fly Fishing Outfitters or on the Web: www.carolinaflyfishing.com
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Wild Trout on the East Fork Pigeon River, N.C.
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By Nick Carter (An excerpt from Flyfisher’s Guide To North Carolina & Georgia)
A
t its top end, high in the Shining Rock Wilderness 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-to-get-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 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.
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Finding The Magic Transition Area For Early Season Bucks
By Joey Tinsley
T
he dog days of summer are behind us, and we’re already experiencing a few cooler days with lower humidity. This makes my mind start to wander in one direction, and that is 20 feet up a tree in a lock-on waiting on a deer to come within bow range. Archery seasons begin opening up this month. If you are like me, nothing takes up more of my time or thoughts than hunting fair-chase whitetails. Throughout the hunting industries, the advancement of technology has made hunting a lot easier. But even so, nothing is more difficult than to successfully have a mature whitetail within bow range without being detected. I am going to share a few tactics that helped me harvest my biggest bow buck. Preseason scouting is in overdrive leading up to opening day, and you should have started putting together a plan to harvest a deer with your bow. The important things like stand placement and early food plots are done. Now the only chess move you have to consider is which stand you hunt with current wind and the likelihood of being in the right transition area. This time of year, it’s a matter of putting yourself where the buck, or bucks, you are after have been showing themselves on camera just before dark. Having a good idea of where the deer bed is a good place to start. Deer can bed-up pretty much anywhere here in the rural South. There are woods everywhere, right? But think back to all your trail-cam pics. Which direction is the deer you’re hunting headed when it shows up on your camera just after dark. This might be the first clue to finding the transition area he his traveling through when headed to and from his bedding area and food source. My “Big-8” seemed to have a pattern of showing up and leaving the same area more often in one particular camera location. The early fall can be frustrating, with hot days when deer movement will not occur until just before dark and more than likely close to a field edge or food plot. Fighting the humidity, mosquitoes and thermals are all worries when it comes to getting a deer within bow range. Make sure you have invested in a Thermacell to protect yourself from bugs, and properly wash in scent-free soap any and everything you plan to wear in the stand. If it can’t go in the washing machine, scent free spray is an effective tool to mask other odors. Also, make sure you are in the tree when a cool snap comes up on the weather radar. The last tactic that will trump all other decisions or thoughts of tactics is the purpose of hunting all together. And for me that is enjoying the outdoors. Don’t be discouraged because you didn’t see a deer from the stand, be thankful for squirrels that kept you entertained or the noisy possum that you swore was a buck coming in just before the last bit of shooting light. Sure, you want to be successful in the field, and with a little patience and appreciation your shooter bow-buck will appear just as mine did. A cold front was pushing in from the north. The 5 ½-year-old 8-pointer stood directly under my stand. His 130 5/8-inch antlers had my heart thumping. I had caught him on his feet just before he was going to bedup for the day. Joey Tinsley is a team member of Combat in the Wild, a group of hunters who film hunts all over the world. For some great footage, see their website at www.combatinthewild.com, and check out the action-packed DVDs they have produced.
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SEPTEMBER 2017
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LER DES
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By Nick Carter
xcept in its delayed harvest section at Spruce Pine, N.C, the North Toe is a river often overlooked because of a perceived lack of access. This is a mistake. The North Toe is a valley river with roadside access that receives surprisingly little fishing pressure and fishes pretty well because of this. It took a trip with Cade Buchanan, of Mountain Troutfitters, to convince me. Cade grew up in Avery County, across the street from the North Toe and has fished it since he was old enough to walk across the street with a fishing rod. Without his kind of local knowledge, it is easy to see why this perception of limited access persists. The North Toe runs through small farms and privately held property as a small to medium sized river through its accessible length. There is ample roadside access, but one must watch out for posted property. Downstream of the Minneapolis community, the river parallels U.S. 19E for more than 12 miles. It might not be bounded by Forest Service land, but there are long stretches of water that are not posted. The streambed is rocky. The water has a slight brown stain as it careens around boulders and over bedrock shelves with some good runs, pocket water and a few big holes. It is a flat bottomland river with easy wading and plenty of room to cast to deceptively deep runs. On a late summer day, I watched Cade expertly pluck numerous 9- to 12-inch trout from the North Toe using a double nymph rig with a big brown stonefly as his point fly. Then I watched Bob Ivins, also of Mountain Troutfitters, battle and land a rainbow in the 18- to 20-inch range. There are good fish in this river for the angler who knows how to get to them. There isn’t much signage indicating where one is allowed to fish, but there also isn’t much signage restricting access. Some of this roadside water probably remains available because of the limited pressure the river sees. Those looking for obvious access to a lot of trout will find it in Spruce Pine, where there is a section of the North Toe designated for delayed harvest. This stretch is also Mountain Heritage waters, which means anglers can fish it with a 3-day Mountain Heritage license that only costs $5. This piece of water obviously receives pressure. It runs through the heart of town as a wide and flat river with easy access and easy wading. It is pretty big water, and there are some deep holes where stocked fish tend to congregate. Getting nymph rigs down deep is a key to consistent success. With lightly pressured hatchery fish, some wild and holdover fish, and the delayed harvest stretch, the North Toe is a good resource that goes largely unnoticed in the shadow of its more famous sister, the South Toe. For GPS coordinates to access points on the North Toe and the rest of the region’s trout fisheries, check out “Flyfisher’s Guide To North Carolina & Georgia.” This comprehensive guide is available on Amazon, and signed copies are available by emailing the author at nsc8957@gmail.com.
By James Bradley
I
t is a great time of year to throw big and nasty dry flies. Just about anywhere you go, big dries will work from the smallest streams to the biggest tailwaters. Anglers who want to catch fish should be casting hopper patterns, beetles, Letort Crickets and the biggest dry flies in the box. Many of the sparse hatches of mayflies and caddis flies have dissipated. If you see a hatch, these insects will be tiny, anyway. Since trout have become accustomed to looking up for their next meal, larger flies can be very enticing for trout to engulf. Remember that breezy early mornings and late evenings will find natural terrestrials in streams. Many will be knocked into the water due carelessness, by the wind or by being on the wrong leaf at the wrong time. One of the best things about throwing larger flies is they are easy to see for most anglers of any age, and watching a trout slash up to grab one is a blast. Here are some tips on how to use that big old dry fly. Many anglers attempt to softly land a large dry fly pattern like a hopper the same way they would a tiny midge. But when mimicking terrestrials, there’s no need to be delicate. Big trout eat big patterns. Both the streamer-chasing browns and the big rainbows will come out of nowhere, and from a distance, to cream a big hopper. But first, you must get their attention. A real grasshopper is heavy. When these things hit the water’s surface in nature, it is with what I would call a blop. This is the attention getter. Forget the soft landing, you’re better off making a splash. No luck with the dry? Go with a hopper/dropper pattern. A big hopper makes an excellent indicator. Use a big number 6 or 8 on top with a small number 16 to 20 as the dropper. Remember, hatches are smaller in the summertime. Any takes on the subsurface fly will jerk that big dry under the water. It’s easy to see, so just set the hook! Where to fish these big flies depends a lot on the angler. Good casters can toss these things up under an 18-inch opening in the rhododendron, where trout will be hiding. It gives credence to one of my favorite sayings, “good casters catch all the fish.” Grassy areas along the bank are a surefire place where grasshoppers might find their way into the stream. And casting a beetle pattern above a log in the bank can be another dandy tactic. Even the wide-open middle of the stream can be productive, because sometimes it seems trout just can’t refuse a big hunk of meat. Reel ‘Em In Guide Service is an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide based out of Ellijay, Ga. See their website at www.reeleminguideservice.com.
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FRESHWATER
Spectacular Salmon Season is On! By Frank Geremski
L
ake Ontario consistently produces some of the best Great Lakes salmon catches, and this year’s fishing has been nothing short of spectacular. Significant early summer rains brought high water, which stimulated a feeding frenzy for giant king salmon. Recent summers have endured dry weather, low water and thinner salmon runs. Both lake and river health was questioned during these dry years, but cool and plentiful rains have done wonders for this fishery. It’s prime time to tangle with beasts that have been tipping the scales over 30 pounds! The experts are excited about lake and river conditions in New York’s Oswego County, holder of 12 New York state and world records. Bob Mallory is an expert on Lake Ontario and Oswego Harbor, where he pursues his passion for trout and salmon. Here are Bob’s thoughts on the 2017 Salmon Season: “Fishing in the lake out of the port of Oswego has Tom Fernandez of The continued to get better every Tailwater Lodge with a trophy week as the season has proearly season King Salmon! gressed. The number of fish being hooked and caught right now is nothing short of amazing and points to a great river season. Trolling in the lake with downriggers and Dipsy Divers with flashers and flies has been my go-to method. In low light conditions, white eChip flashers with A-Tom-Mik Hammer flies is producing. In overcast conditions, try greens; brighter days favor chrome and Mountain Dew colors. As fish get closer to the pier head, J-plugs will produce.” Tom Fernandez and the team at The Tailwater Lodge on New York’s Salmon River have developed a premier fishing resort. Huge salmon can attract a crowd when they blast up shallow runs and riffles on this picturesque river. The Tailwater’s 35 acres of private access solves that issue, and they provide a top-notch fishing concierge service. Tom is looking forward to an early salmon season with these words: “As the nights get colder in Altmar, we can only think about one thing, trophy king salmon exploding outside our back door in the Schoolhouse Pool. This year we are expecting the run to start earlier than we have seen in the past few years, with kings and cohos in the river system from September through October until we get deep into steelhead season. The high levels of Lake Ontario, the consistent good flow through the Salmon River and fish staging outside Oswego and Mexico Point have all the necessary ingredients for one heck of a salmon season. If I were looking for a time to experience the trophy fish on the Salmon River with thinner crowds, warmer temps and explosive fish, I would think about making the early run this year.” To truly experience the salmon spawning process and have a great adventure with the family, the Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Altmar, N.Y. will hold their annual open house Sept. 23, where you can view the complete spawning cycle. To learn more about Oswego County fishing, go to www.visitoswegocounty/fishing.com. Phil Belsito of The Angler Magazine of West Michigan said Lake Michigan fish are large and plentiful also. Go to www.theanglermag.com, then select Great Lakes Region for reports from both Lake Michigan and Lake Ontario.
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he quick answer to this question is “probably not.” The ideal lens for the visual rigors of hunting is an amber lens, sometimes referred to as a copper lens. Not to make this more complicated than it needs to be, but a green lens is sometimes referred to as a G-15 or gray lens. Depending on the time of day and sun coverage, the gray (green) lens may also be a preferred option for hunting. As a hunter, I prefer the low-light sensitive amber lens. The majority of my opportunities seem to come either during the early morning or late afternoon to dusk windows, when light enhancement is preferable to light dispersal. The requirements of your fishing sunglasses are starkly different than your hunting glasses. Looking deep into the water is directly in contrast to seeing long range with limited light. Selecting the perfect hunting sunglasses normally takes a bit of trial and error. My best advice when selecting a new pair of hunting sunglasses is to purchase them from a dealer with a liberal return policy. Finding your best fit and lens requires a little work, but once you find your perfect pair you will find that they improve and enhance your hunting experience. If you need any further advice on selecting your perfect hunting lens, always feel free to contact me or anyone here at Fowler’s. We know sunglasses. Fowler’s Pharmacy, 864-288-5905; 864-288-5920
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n late July, the attention of national news media turned briefly to a huge mako shark caught off the coast of New Jersey. The 12-foot-long, 926-pound shortfin mako outweighed the current state record by 70 pounds, but because the rod passed hands during the fight it will not be officially recognized as a new record. The big shark broke a rod in the fight to bring it aboard the 44-foot charter boat Jenny Lee, captained by Dave Bender. It happened during an overnight charter, drifting in 1,500 feet of water 100-miles out of Manasquan Inlet near the famous Hudson Canyon. Shortly after excitement began to fizzle over this great catch, information was released on a new tagging study that suggests shortfin mako sharks might be experiencing overfishing in the western North Atlantic. Researchers from Nova Southeastern University’s Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI), the University of Rhode Island and other colleagues followed 40 satellite-tagged sharks in real time and 12 of them, or 30 percent, were captured in fisheries. This information suggests the fishing mortality rates of shortfin mako sharks might be considerably higher than previously estimated using catches reported by fishermen, according to the press release. And despite their small sample size, researchers questioned the reliability of traditional data collection methods and expressed a serious concern over whether the current level of fishery catches for shortfin makos in the North Atlantic are sustainable.
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FLY FISHING
Lefty’s Deceiver By Carlos Hidalgo
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lthough he would deny it, Lefty Kreh is a legend. With great knowledge (he has authored or co-authored over 30 books and hundreds of magazine articles), boundless energy (he has performed countless lectures and casting demonstrations over the last 60+ years), down-home humor (a dumb person would “pick up a snake to kill a stick”), and showmanship (at casting demos, he finds a pretty woman and makes a cast that curls the fly line around her neck), Lefty has done more to popularize fly fishing than any other person in the last century. He has fished with Fidel Castro, Ted Williams and Ernest Hemmingway, but he hasn’t just witnessed fly fishing history, he has created it. His innovative fly casting techniques are used by millions of us today. Oh yeah, he also developed Lefty’s Deceiver, the best fly pattern ever devised. Lefty tied the first Deceiver during the late 1950s. He wanted a fly that was easy to cast, didn’t foul, looked like a baitfish and had great action in the water. The pattern can be easily described: a tail made up of several matching hackle or saddle feathers with a bucktail collar. Add flash material to either or both, eyes to
the head and some type of red material for the throat, as needed. The hook shank beneath the collar (the body) can be wrapped with the tying thread or a flashy material, like mylar tinsel or Diamond Braid. By the way, Lefty says the key to the pattern is to tie the collar at least as long as the rear of the hook, which keeps the hackle tail from wrapping around the hook. In appropriate sizes and colors, Lefty’s pattern has deceived just about every fish that swims, from four-inch bream to 400-pound billfish. Lefty’s Deceiver has even graced a U.S. Postal stamp. Lefty’s favorite Deceiver colors are chartreuse/white and yellow/ chartreuse. I tie them in many sizes and colors, and my favorite is tied in a Firetiger color scheme. This color works very well for many saltwater fish in sizes 1/0 to 3/0. It has also been very successful for me for peacock bass and largemouth bass in south Florida in size 2. I imagine smallies would jump all over it, too. Lefty’s Deceiver (Firetiger) Hook - Mustad 34007 or similar, size 2 to 3/0 Thread - fluorescent yellow Tail - two yellow and one yellow grizzly hackle on each side, topped with yellow Krystal Flash Body - yellow thread or Diamond Braid Collar - yellow bucktail with yellow Krystal flash and a small yellow grizzly hackle on each side, topped with green Krystal Flash and green bucktail Throat - orange bucktail, as long as the collar Head - fluorescent yellow, with painted orange/black eye, covered with five-minute epoxy Contact Carlos at cah6620@gmail.com to submit a pattern for consideration in this column or to order his book, “South Florida’s Peacock Bass.”
By John Rice
This is a simple tie and a very effective pattern for trout everywhere. Soft hackles are basically emerger patterns. They do not belong on the streambed like nymphs, so this fly should be dropped a foot or so off a nymph so it can suspend itself higher in the water column where an emerger belongs. Thread: 8/0 olive Abdomen: Olive goose biot Thorax: Tan superfine dubbing Hackle: Hungarian partridge Head: 8/0 Olive thread Hook: 1X long, size 18 Tiemco 3761 John Rice guides with Blackhawk Fly Fishing, which offers exceptional fishing for trophy trout in the north Georgia mountains. Contact john at jriceflyfishing@ gmail.com.
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UNDER THE SEA
before harvesting. Along with a closed mating season, this should keep the lobster population stable. 2. Mating season begins in the spring. Lobsters can be observed walking out of their holes in search of a mate, and males can be seen sparring for a lady’s affection. Mating season ends around August, here are a few good things about the fall season though egg-bearing females can be seen yearbesides cooler weather; one of them round. is the beginning of lobster season! 3. Males have proportionately larger legs and I dove with a commercial lobsterman for carapace, and females have a larger tail and extra a few years, and he was like a kid waiting pinchers on the abdomen to hold the eggs. for Santa. Teaming up with someone that Lobster tips from the master: knew where the good spots were gave me the 1. Let some air out of your BC, get your opportunity to spear some nice fish, but it buoyancy under control, and plant your knees in also gave me the opportunity to learn some the sand in front of the lobster. Your butt should tricks of the trade by watching a master not be up in the air! lobsterman at work. 2. Take your time and do not spook them. He First and foremost, you must learn said, “Lobsters are like cattle, you can herd them how to find lobsters. Fortunately, the same wherever you want, as long as you take your time.” territory that tends to hold fish life is also 3. The most common methods are the net good for lobstering. That is because life and tickle stick or looper, but there are some attracts life. When I was scuba diving beside interesting variations on the market now. Become Sheri Daye and Dave Earp display the results him and would see him approach an area of good at all of them, as some tools are better than of solid teamwork. the reef holding a school of fish fry, I knew others in certain situations. his senses were on high alert, and I’d start 4. When using a tickle stick, use aluminum looking for fish. Invariably, while he picked up instead of plastic. Lobsters do not respond as well a lobster or two, I would see a desirable fish. to plastic. Over the years, we honed the most efficient method for hunting as a 5. Be careful not to touch the antennas. Tap or nudge a lobster from buddy team. He focused on lobsters while I did all the spearfishing. He behind to move it into position and put the net over it. Measure the would tow the flag, which meant I could be faster and more streamlined carapace, check for eggs (by the way, extra skittish lobsters often have in the water while going after fish. We drifted with the current, parallel to eggs), then place in your catch bag, and enjoy your dinner! the reef, side-by-side. If he missed seeing a lobster, which was extremely Fall is in the air. Happy hunting! rare, I would bang my tank to alert him, and he would do the same with fish. Over the years, we became the best of friends and a formidable Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer hunting team. of The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow Lobster fun facts: “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram. 1. Lobsters reach sexual maturity in two to three years when the carapace is a little longer than 3 inches. Florida law requires a carapace For more Sheri Daye, go to to be longer than 3 inches, thus allowing lobsters a chance to reproduce
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LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 1/1/18*
Customer Rating
• Air delivery: 0.6 CFM @ 90 PSI, 1 CFM @ 40 PSI
• 6200 cu. in. of storage • 580 lb. capacity • Weighs 97 lbs.
$9999
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, StormCat, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 1/1/18.
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26", 4 DRAWER 12 VOLT MAGNETIC TOWING LIGHT KIT TOOL CART
$34.95 $
$377.56
ITEM 95275 shown 60637/61615
B
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 1/1/18*
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ANY SINGLE ITEM
3 GALLON, 100 PSI OIL-FREE RAPID PUMP® 3 TON SAVE AIR COMPRESSORS LOW PROFILE A. HOT DOG 59% ITEM 69269/97080 shown HEAVY DUTY STEEL B. PANCAKE FLOOR JACK
A
RENEWABLE ENERGY, ANYWHERE
20% OFF
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10 FT. x 20 FT. 100 WATT SOLAR PANEL KIT PORTABLE CAR CANOPY
Customer Rating
4
VALUE
$5 999
ITEM 63255/63254 shown
ANY PURCHASE
$ 97
• 450 in./lbs. torque • 1.5 amp hour battery • Weighs 3.4 lbs.
SAVE $99
$
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$179.33
WITH
3-1/2” SUPER BRIGHT NINE LED ALUMINUM FLASHLIGHT
20 VOLT LITHIUM CORDLESS 1/2" COMPACT DRILL/DRIVER KIT
• 1.3 GPM • Adjustable spray nozzle
$7999
SAVE $39
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Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 300 HP.
Cash Rebates on select models. See your dealer for details.
REPOWER FINANCE
Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards (OAC).*
For details and the name of your nearest participating Suzuki Marine dealer, visit www.suzukimarine.com 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 7/01/17 and 9/30/17 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 7/01/17 and 9/30/17. 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. Customer will have the choice to either apply the cash rebate against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account) or have a check sent directly to the customer. 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 AVAILABLE actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories orAT other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors• purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 7/01/17 and 9/30/17. “Gimme Six”,ANGLER the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t STRIKE ZONE ACE HARDWARE • LOWER KEYS TACKLE • ARMED ANGLER • SALTWATER • BACKCOUNTRY COWBOY OUTFITTERS drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2017 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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