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BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : Chris Milner • (321) 631-1001 • cmilner@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA/DELAND : Amy Chibbaro • (386) 478-3812 • achibbaro@coastalanglermagazine.com Chris Chibbaro • (386) 478-9234 • cchibbaro@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 ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@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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Losing Count On The Clinch River By Nick Carter
E
very now and then, there are magical days when all the variables align. It can seem almost too easy. The fish just eat what you’re throwing, and it’s glorious. Of course, these days happen more often for those who have a fishery dialed in. And for the rest of us who can’t be on the water daily to learn a river, the next best thing is to go with someone who can. That’s where Capt. Dane Law and Bill Stranahan, of Southeastern Anglers, stepped in during a recent trip on the Clinch River, northwest of Knoxville, Tenn. The Clinch is one of the Southeast’s
premier trout fisheries. It is a 13-mile tailwater fed by cold, oxygenated waters of Norris Dam. Tennessee stocks the river with rainbow and brown trout, and bank anglers line up near stocking points to pitch baits for a seven-fish limit. That’s all well and good, but for anglers in search of more than a fish dinner, the river is great because of all the trout that survive this initial onslaught. There is some natural reproduction in the river, and with a 14- to 20-inch protected length range and an allowance of one keeper fish longer than 20 inches, trout that reach the protected slot are free to grow. And they grow quickly. The Clinch has gained a reputation for being fickle and for requiring delicate presentation of tiny flies. “The Grinch or The Cinch,” is a clichéd phrase Bill related to me while launching his jet-powered G3 on a hot Tuesday morning in June. By mid-afternoon, it was difficult to imagine this river being stingy. Maybe a minute into our first drift, Dane hooked up with a gorgeous rainbow that pushed the upper end of that 20-inch slot. It was an indicator of good things to come. The action remained constant for the next five hours. We must have caught 30 or more trout, including four that measured 18 to 20 inches and a couple presumably larger fish that snapped the 6x tippet required to draw strikes. And it was simple fishing. Dane and Bill showed up armed to the teeth with 5- to 7-weight rods and reels, with everything from floating to 300-grain sinking lines. Their flies ran the gamut from tiny midges to big articulated streamers. On this day, the vast majority of their arsenal saw no action. The only thing we needed was Bill’s initial suggestion: a size 16 bead-head Prince Nymph dropped 5 feet beneath a foam hopper. Several times, Dane or Bill remarked that the river normally doesn’t fish this ridiculously well. But when it all comes together, there is nothing more fun than floating a river and losing count of the fish. Southeastern Anglers is a multi-state fly fishing outfitter. Check out all the trips they offer at www.southeasternanglers.com
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Destination: Fishing!
Using Technology For Rhode Island Stripers By Tom Schlichter
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t’s hard to find a place better suited for catching trophy striped bass than the waters surrounding Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay area. With a mix of rocky bottom, strong currents and tons of forage species in nearby ocean waters, plus miles of mud flats inside the bay, this stretch is loaded with big fish potential. Flippin Out Charters skipper BJ Silvia has mined these waters for more than 30 years. He’s boated hundreds of bass in the 40-pound class, plus five weighing 50 to 54 pounds… and he thinks the fishing here is on the verge of getting better! “The number of stripers coming through the ranks right now is amazing,” he said, “We’ve got plenty of cow bass, plus an unprecedented number of fish ranging from shorts to 20 pounds. If we protect the young year classes over the next few years, the potential is outstanding.”
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The shallow waters of Narragansett Bay receive a solid shot of big stripers each May, the 48-year old revealed. Those fish drop out of the Hudson River and spread across the mud flats, traveling in small wolf packs that most anglers target with random casting. Using the latest technology, however, gives Silvia a big edge. He’s hooked on side-scanning sonar to isolate the bass packs on the flats. “Any fishfinder can spot fish below the boat,” Silvia emphasized, “but my Humminbird Solix 15 scans the surrounding waters with super-clear images that push out several hundred feet. For the sharpest images, I set my system to scan within 100 feet. Once we spot these fish, we target them with big plugs like a Musky Mania Doc or topwater spooks. Last spring, the big bass were more spread out than usual, so my Solix proved a lifesaver. It helped get me on the fish quickly, which resulted in more fishing and less searching around.” Technology counts later in the summer as well, added Silvia. Once the stripers leave the shallows, they hold around bottom humps in ocean depths ranging from 20 to 50 feet during July and August. Here, the striper sharpie targets cows using live eels. He’ll fish one weightless rig, one with a small egg sinker, and a third with more weight based on drift speed. On tough days, he said, the biggest bass often prefer the lightest rigs. Focusing again on his technological edge, Silvia noted the bestknown striper spots see tremendous pressure, so he uses his Humminbird fishfinders (he also has a Solix 12 and Solix 10) to look for isolated pieces that don’t show up on the charts. “I use the auto-chart live feature to record them as way points,” he said. “That way, I’m hitting small spots others miss. These often hold the biggest fish.” Contact Silvia at Flippin Out Charters (Flippinoutcharters.com; 401-529-2267). To go it alone, tie-up or launch from Fort Adams State Park Newport, RI (www.dem.gov; 401-847-2400). For overnight accommodations, The Courtyard by Marriot, Middletown, RI (www. marriot.com; 401-849-8000) is reasonably priced and a five-minute drive from the water.
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America’s Boating Club Delivers Boating Education
W
hen it comes to boating education, nothing beats getting out on the water with an instructor. Whether you are learning about the subtlety of throttle control while docking or decision making based on the rules of the road while underway, having a knowledgeable instructor to guide you is irreplaceable. A good source for on-the-water boater education is United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club. Your local squadron will have a schedule of courses covering topics like boat safety equipment and procedures, basic vessel operation and controls, close quarters maneuvering, operating a boat on plane, docking, anchoring, emergency maneuvers and man overboard recovery, to name a few. To bolster your on-the-water training, America’s Boating Club has released digital assets designed to enhance boating education with the Digital Media Library and America’s Boating Channel. Funded by grants from the United States Coast Guard, United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club’s Digital Media Library houses multiple formats of digital media focused on boating safety and boater education including videos, slideshows, images, animations, audio presentations and instructor’s manuals. Videos have also been made available through a YouTube channel, America’s Boating Channel, to allow users to stream video content online. Videos and animations cover a wide range of topics and are organized into sections like Planning, Departure, Underway and Arrival. Each video goes into more detail tackling subjects like life jackets, vessel inspections, steering basics, anchoring, man overboard, docking, mooring and shoreline landings. “In an ongoing effort to make boater education more accessible, we have turned to digital and online resources to disseminate the latest information,” said Gary Cheney, chief commander, United States Power Squadrons. “The mission of the United States Power Squadrons is to promote safe boating through education. By offering video assets through the Digital Media Library and America’s Boating Channel, we give
individuals access to vital boating information that they can view at home or on the go. It’s all part of making it easier than ever before to become a safer and more knowledgeable boater.” Providing original multimedia content instructors can use to enhance their classroom offerings, the Digital Media Library lets individuals view videos at home to reinforce what is learned in class. Videos provide an introduction to a range of boating topics, essential skills and etiquette. Links to “Learn More” at the end of each video promote further education. New content is added regularly. A new video series currently in production includes four videos on various aspects of life jackets, six on personal watercraft operation and one each on accident reporting, frequently asked questions about navigation rules, visual distress signals and mobile maritime service identities. Videos are also available in both English and Spanish. The Digital Media Library can be accessed at uspsdml.org/videos/. America’s Boating Channel can be found at americasboatingchannel.com/. Knowledge is key to a safe and enjoyable time on the water. United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club, has the materials you need to enhance your education. Find your local squadron at www. americasboatingclub.org and sign up for a class today!
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FISH & FISHING
Hunting Sharks
MARK SOSIN
M
ost anglers go out of their way to avoid hooking a shark. In their minds, anyone who actually hunts sharks doesn’t know much about fishing and has his priorities mixed up. They reason that these toothy critters don’t put up much of a battle. With sharks of any size and particularly in relatively shallow water, you’re going to have to crank the engine and chase them with the boat. Two of the toughest and most memorable battles I have ever endured involved sharks that pounced on a fish I had almost landed. In the first instance, I was leading a relatively small wahoo to the boat so we could release it. Suddenly, an oversized mako shark ate half of that fish in one bite and inadvertently got itself hooked. We chased that mako forever, and I put every ounce of pressure on it that I could until my arms and shoulders turned numb from the pain. During all that time, we hadn’t even slowed the shark down. Finally, in desperation, I purposely broke the shark off. The second battle took place over Pinas Reef in Panama, where I was getting close to landing a 250-pound black marlin. That’s when some unseen creature devoured the marlin in three bites. It took over an hour before I could bring that shark alongside the boat. It had to weigh at least 1,500 pounds and was half as long as the boat. That, by the way, was the biggest fish I’ve ever caught. Whenever and wherever you fish, keep a rod rigged and ready for sharks. It should have an abrasion leader about 10
feet long and 12 to 18 inches of single-strand wire between the abrasion leader and the hook. A circle hook should be your first choice because its hooking ratio is higher than any other type. And remember that you don’t have to set it. Unless you are only trolling, you want to be able to cast a bait in front of a cruising shark and retrieve it on the surface or close to it. A balao or a strip of natural bait should do the job. Casting to a cruising shark is exciting sport, but in areas that boast plenty of sharks, you can also anchor the boat and chum them with chunks of natural bait. You’ll need a quick release on the anchor, because a hooked shark will take off at considerable speed. Keep in mind that sharks on the flats or in relatively shallow water can be easily spooked, so your cast has to be on target. The bait should ease in front of the shark and appear as if it is getting away. Sharks do not have a bony skeleton like other fishes. They can literally turn their head and bite their tail, and their body is extremely strong. The best policy for any shark and particularly those of size is to keep them in the water and don’t bring them aboard the boat or try to handle them like other fishes. And, every shark has teeth, so be careful. If you’ve never hunted sharks, this is a good time to try. You’re going to be amazed at the battle they put up and how many times you have to follow them with the boat. Catching sharks can be exciting for anglers of any age, but if you take youngsters fishing, they’ll talk about catching it forever. Don’t pass up the opportunity to expand your fishing horizons.
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Center s Sheri Daye
H
ogfish – it’s an ugly name for a pretty fish. It’s also one of the most delicious species in the world. I know some seafood shops that store hogfish fillets behind the counter and bring it out only for special customers. I’ve had chefs beg me for hogfish once they found out I was into spearfishing. One chef wrote, “Not even for fresh broiled flounder could you pry my cold, dead hands off a hogfish fillet.” Some describe it as the perfect combination of flavor and texture because they are “sweeter than grouper, flakier than mahi, and as rich as scallops.” Their unique flavor is due to their diet of small crabs, shrimp and seashells, which translates into moist, white, tasty meat. Hogfish use their elongated snouts to root around in the sand for food, like a hog. Due to this tendency of searching with nose in the sand, it is very uncommon to catch them by hook and line, although it is possible to bait them with shrimp. Hogfish are sometimes thought of as nature’s gift to spearfishers, especially for beginners, because they are relatively abundant, relatively easy to spear, and such a prized catch. Hogfish can live up to 11 years, and they all start out as females. Upon reaching about 3 years and 14 inches, they transform into males with harem groups of females dominated by a larger male. Juveniles are pale pink and attain a deep dark band spanning from the snout to the first dorsal spine as they mature and turn into males. Maximum size is about 24 pounds. They can be found on rocky bottoms, ledges and reefs throughout the western Atlantic, from North Carolina and Bermuda, south to the Gulf of Mexico and the northern coast of South America. They are very common in Florida and the Bahamas and can be
found in shallow waters, ranging from 10-100 feet. Assuming you are in the right place to find them, here are some spearfishing tips: 1) Bag/size limits ensure a healthy stock and protect it from overfishing, so respect the local laws. 2) Look on reefs and especially on sand edges for bigger hogfish. 3) They are not difficult to spear, so take your time, be selective, and don’t take long shots. 4) They are abundant in the Bahamas. This is a good fish to practice your slinging/polespearing skills. Only take the shot if you are sure you can land it. 5) If you are not seeing any, try Sheri Daye displays a stirring up the bottom and make a world-record hogfish. sand cloud. If there are any in the vicinity, they will come to investigate. 6) Do not take advantage of their nature. Take one for dinner, and respect them for the beautiful experience and the delicious meal. Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.
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7/18/18 10:14 AM
NORTH CAROLINA
By Nick Carter
I
don’t remember if I even caught a fish the first time I visited Slickrock Creek. What I do remember is the place was so gorgeous it spurred many return trips to the deep valley that runs the North Carolina/Tennessee border for a couple miles in the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness Area. The old growth trees and the canopy they create over Slickrock Creek inspire awe. Dropping 1,000 feet in about a mile and a half, the hike into Slickrock on the Big Fat Gap Trail is like a steep descent into
what the world must have looked like before logging. For those who trout fish because of the places it takes you, I can’t think of a prettier place to be. The fish are pretty too. Above Lower Falls, which serves as a barrier for stocked fish moving upstream from Calderwood Lake, Slickrock is home to a population of brightly colored wild brown trout. The original and only stocking occurred in the 1930s, when the Civilian Conservation Corps carried fingerling browns in by backpack. Big ones are few and far between, but a good day will yield multiple fish in the 8- to 11-inch range with an occasional bigger fish showing up. Like any wild brown trout fishery, Slickrock’s fish are sometimes hard to catch. On the other hand, when sulphurs, drakes and yellow sallies start popping off in spring it can be a ton of fun fishing dry flies. Below Lower Falls, which is about a mile upstream from the mouth, the fishing is a little different. Fish stocked in Calderwood make their way up the creek, and some of them get pretty big. One of the largest brookies I’ve ever caught in the Southeast came from the big pool at the base of Lower Falls. Upstream of its mouth, the creek would be considered a medium sized stream with some big pools to fish. As you work upstream, it loses flow from feeders and becomes very small in its headwaters. Difficult access by foot is a good reason to pack in and camp at Slickrock. When I was younger and in better shape, I’d drop in from Big Fat Gap and make a day trip out of it. Even then, the climb back out was brutal. There’s an old cast iron wood stove in a clearing off the side of the trail down in the valley. It’s hard to imagine how it got down there in the first place. You’ll understand why it’s still down there when your calves start burning about a quarter of the way up the switchbacks. That old stove will likely remain in the hollow for eternity. For GPS coordinates to access points and detailed maps of all the region’s best trout water, check out “Flyfishers Guide to North Carolina & Georgia.” It is available on Amazon or by emailing the author at nsc8957@gmail.com.
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ou don’t have to quit fishing just because it’s hot. You just have to fish at night rather than during the day. Oh yeah – and leave a light on. August is the perfect month to catch white bass, crappie and hybrid bass under lights. Young-of-the-year shad, the primary forage in many reservoirs, are just getting to “bite size” and sport fish are busy filling their bellies. To catch fish under the lights, anchor your boat in a strategic location just before dark. Your best bets are over a deep brushpile or artificial structure, creek channel ledge or mudflat. Once the sun sets, set out lanterns, floating lights or submersible halogen lights, and wait. What happens is a natural phenomenon of the aquatic food chain. The light attracts microscopic zooplankton, which attracts minnows and shad. When the lights have congregated a large school of shad, the predators show up below. Drop a jig or live bait down, and you’re in business. It might take a trip or two to become accustomed to fishing at night, and there are safety considerations to keep in mind. Once the sun sets, your boat needs to have navigation lights on. Wear your lifejacket and become familiar with the area before it gets dark. Go slow and use a hand-held spotlight to locate shorelines or obstacles while under power. Check out the July/August 2018 issue of Kansas Wildlife and Parks Magazine (ksoutdoors.com/Services/Publications/Magazine).
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LAKE HICKORY & RHODHISS FORECAST
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triper fishing on Lake Hickory and Lake Rhodhiss are going to be tough but doable this month. It’s very hot this month and with stripers being a cool water fish, this weather just doesn’t agree with them. There’s no lie about it they are going to be slow this time of year but there’s a few things you can do to put a few in the boat in August. First of all look for cool water. Sometimes this means going deep, and sometimes it means going upstream depending on water releases. Where there is cool water there will be striper. Second of all cover ground. These fish are very scattered this month, the more ground you can cover the more fish you pull lures by. You may have to put the live bait up for a few weeks and go to trolling artificial stuff, but it works. Finally always have a casting spoon on a spinning rod and be looking for busting fish. It will happen fast and if you aren’t ready it’s over before you can do anything. In the evenings stripers will corral bait up into a ball and just demolish it in a matter of minutes, and if you’re lucky enough to be there with you’re spoon you can catch 1 to 10 fish just depending on how fast you can take them off. Like I said, August isn’t going to be like fall or spring but if you will do these three things you shouldn’t have a problem putting a few in the boat.
Colt Bass Fishing Fishing Guide Service (828) 381-3426, www.coltbassfishing.com
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Meet Brian Ebert by Michelle Armstrong
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n the May issue, we ran an article explaining the concept of Top Shelf Fishing. If you missed it, in short they are an organization committed to giving disabled and wounded Veterans the real life experience of fishing a tournament. (And so much more) The organization touches so many lives in so many ways. I wanted to share the impact this has from the veterans’ point of view so we’ll be highlighting several Veterans in the issues to come. At the perfect time, Brian Ebert decided to contact Operation Northstate. “I literally had a gun in my mouth. I was ready to be done”. Brian heard about Operation Northstate from a fellow Marine named Gunny. In the most crucial moment of his life he called Terry Snyder at Operation Northstate and they talked for a long time. With an invitation to go fishing, he decided to hold on a little while longer. “Operation Northstate literally saved my life”. Like so many other Veterans, Brian had a difficult time outside of the military life. In fact, shortly after Corporal Ebert completed his time with the Marine Corp in 2004 he quickly realized this. In 2005 he felt his only remedy was to join the Army. In 2009, the physical and emotional injuries Brian incurred while serving the Marine Corp suddenly caught up with him. In 2010 Sargeant Ebert received a medical leave from the United States Army. Once again Brain was faced with the same obstacles as before. The back story... Brian Ebert announced to his family that he planned to join the Army after high school. Unbenounced to him, his twin brother Chris announced that he was planning to join the Marine Corp. Until now, Brian and Chris had grown up competitively inseparable. Brian decided right away that if his brother could be a Marine, then so could he. Four days after graduation. Both Brian and Chris joined the United States Marine Corp. By rare chance, they were placed in the same platoon, sharing the same barracks. In true form, Chris encouraged his brother to be his best. They were two of the four fastest runners in the entire battalion. In 2004 they were both deployed to Iraq and for the first time in their life, they were separated. Though there was less than a mile between their camps, they did not get to see each other. Brian’s unit was the first to go into the streets of Fallujah. Within 30 minutes of entering the protesting streets, they experienced indirect mortar fire. This was only one of several close combat situations Brian would experience. Brian also encountered two IED explosions. One being a daisy chain bomb, sending his vehicle airborne. The second, knocking his vehicle completely off of a bridge forcing the men to swim to shore before engaging in a twelve hour battle in the city of Al-Karmah. From these incidents, Brian sustained several concussions and many life altering injuries. Though
Left is Chris Ebert and Right is Brian Ebert the worst for Brian was yet to come. Brian’s mission in Iraq was complete and his unit was sent home on July 12. Chris’s unit was their replacement, and he was set to return home on September 23rd. They were looking forward to a reunion. On September 17th, six days away from coming home, on the same streets that his brother patrolled in the prior weeks, Corporal Chris Ebert was instantly killed in an explosion. Not only was Brian suffering from PTSD, but now his emotions were crippled with the loss of his twin brother. He tried to minimize the pain and turned to alcohol. Unable to cope with the loss and his detachment from the military, He was ready to quit life. That was then this is now… Brain committed to fish the Lake Norman tournament with Operation Northstate. Upon his arrival he was pretty anxious. “I had butterflies, and felt pretty closed off. I started looking around at all the other vets and thought, I can do this. If they can make it, so can I. I broke out of my shell and started talking. I had found a sanctuary in others”. Once Brian relaxed he realized this was way more than he had expected. Upon meeting his host boater, he felt a camaraderie that he hadn’t planned for. “The people at Operation Northstate treat all of the vets with the utmost respect. They don’t view us as broken people. They look to us as fellow human beings. This day was the best therapy I’ve had to date”. Brian has missed few events since. He has now been paired with several different host boaters. Through this he has developed new relationships. “Operation Northstate arranged the meeting of new people. It was up to me to make a connection. Through this, I have become much more comfortable around civilians. I have now developed friendships with these people outside of just fishing with them. The camaraderie that was established on the water was unexpected and life changing, and now I have friends I couldn’t have developed otherwise”. Brian recognizes that it’s not just fishing. “Every single experience with Operation Northstate has been a highlight. This has become an outlet for me and so many Veterans. This experience has taught me I’m not alone. It taught me to reach out to people for help and things have gotten better for me. I have learned to honor myself and honor others. The pain of losing my brother will never get easy, but it gets easier everyday. There has been no better therapy than getting outdoors and enjoying God’s creation...and catching a few fish”. Today Brian talks to small groups, telling his story. He hopes that by sharing his story, other veterans would by encouraged to reach out for help. “If my story saves one veteran or shows them that they are not alone, then it is all worthwhile”. For more information about Operation Northstate, visit
www.OperationNorthState.com
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AUGUST 2018
CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 3
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LAKE NORMAN FORECAST
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he forecast for August is hot days, with a high likelihood of catching lots of spotted bass. While summer heat might be bothersome to anglers, it doesn’t seem to keep the bass from biting. In fact, on most days they feed as aggressively as they do during the fall when air temperatures are cooler. Bass don’t mind the warm water half as much as they do the glare from the summer sun. When it shines in their eyes, just like people, they have difficulty seeing. To make matters worse, they don’t have eyelids to squint or shield the rays. That’s why summer fishing is best during periods of low light (dawn, dusk, night) and on days when cloud cover shrouds the sun. The wind also plays a positive role, since ripples and waves help to defuse sunlight. If you fish long enough, you’ll learn that fishing conditions are constantly changing and are seldom ideal. For that reason, when the sun is high in the sky, savvy summer anglers cast their baits along shady shorelines or to the dark side of floating docks, piers, boat houses and bridge pilings. Bass also seek solace in deep water, where weighted lures can reach the bottom in twenty plus feet of water. Among the best deep-water summer lures, are soft plastic worms, lizards and grubs, fished on Texas or drop shot rigs. For whatever reason, not all bass shy away from the summer sun. “Schoolie” bass, those up to fifteen inches in length, feed throughout the day. The most consistent activity is on shallow points that touch the channel, and over river humps. Top water lures are best to use, particularly those that pop, gurgle or swish as they’re being retrieved. When bass become picky, add an ice fly (a tiny spoon) as a trailer. It will tempt the most stubborn eater. It goes without saying, that air temperatures are more comfortable at night. That’s when the big bass prowl. The best places to cast at night are around bridge pilings and lighted boat docks. Regardless of the time of day or night, August bass fishing can be great. Give it a try. You won’t be disappointed! Capt. Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. is an Outdoor Columnist and a full time Professional Fishing Guide on Lake Norman, NC. Visit his website at www.FishingWithGus.com or call 704-617-6812.
Weather Wise by Capt. Gus
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xpect severe thunderstaoms in August. It is important to be weather-wise when boating on area lakes. Weather-wise means to keep a watchful eye out for dark clouds on the horizon, lightning flashes, and the sound of thunder. Also, recognize that sudden drops in temperatures or wind shifts that produce choppy conditions, are indications that a storm is brewing. For those who aren’t weather savvy, today’s smart phones have applications that show radar images of approaching storms, and VHF radios have stations that report the movement of extreme weather systems. Summer storms move quickly, so the sooner you realize that a storm is approaching, the more time you have to take the safest evasive action. Usually there are two choices; ride it out or make a mad dash for home. Trying to outrun an approaching storm usually results in being caught in the fury, while jeopardizing the safety of the vessel and crew. A prudent captain will seek the closest safe harbor, albeit a protected cove or a boat dock. On average, a summer storm is of short duration, and hunkering down in a cove for fifteen minutes or so isn’t bad, particularly if you’re wearing rain gear. While riding out a storm when anchored, it’s best to pay out as much line as possible. The standard rule of thumb is seven times the depth of the water. For instance, if you’re anchored in twenty feet of water, there should be one hundred and forty feet of line between the boat and the anchor chain. If that sounds like an overkill, try re-setting or getting your anchor to hold as your vessel drifts towards shore in a howling wind. Other storm precautions: * Lower antennas. * Remove fishing rods from upright racks. * Stow all gear in a secure area. * Turn off electronic devices. * Avoid touching electrical devices or metal. * Close all hatches and ports. * Ensure that all passengers are wearing a PFD. * Passengers should stay low and close to the center line of the boat. * Pump out bilges before the storm hits. * If underway, turn on running lights, or the anchor light, if moored. Tips from Capt. Gus: “Any port in a storm” is more than a nautical saying. It is usually the safest course of action when a storm is headed your way.
4 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT
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enjoy all types of fishing. Offshore, inshore, lakes, mountain streams, even neighborhood ponds; they all represent the opportunity to spend a fun day on the water and each one comes with different scenery and fish to catch. As much fun as it is to have a fish on the other end of your line, when you’re fishing solo, there’s no one there to share the excitement with. Having a buddy fishing with you makes the experience a lot more fun, and it helps pass the time in between fish. Many days, my fishing buddy is Buck, The Wonder Dog. And while he has a little difficulty tying knots (due to no opposing thumb), his companionship and antics when a drag starts singing earn him a spot on the Wide Open II every time. There are a multitude of good reasons to bring a buddy along. Some things are simply easier when you have two people; like launching/ loading your boat, hitching the trailer, landing a fish, carrying the cooler full of fish to the cleaning table, and washing the boat down at the end of the day. However the top reason on my list would be safety. When things go wrong on the water, they are typically exponentially worse than if the same thing had happened on dry land. If your truck breaks down, you can wait on the side of the road for AAA to show up. But when you’re dealing with boating gremlins in a choppy ocean, having a buddy around can help resolve an issue before it becomes a major problem. Having a buddy on board when you’re fishing brings some other benefits as well. If you’re fishing in unfamiliar waters, or the bite is a little ‘off ’, then you can both fish different kinds of bait until you find what interests the fish and then switch to the same bait. You can also cover more water with two people fishing. And if you’re planning to do some trolling, one person can man the helm while the other sets the trolling spreed. From an economic perspective, fishing has become a little more expensive these days. The cost of fuel for both the boat and the tow vehicle has more than doubled in the past 10 years. And sometimes you have to make long runs from the boat ramp to get where the fish are. Burning ten to fifteen gallons of gas per hour adds up when you have to travel 20 miles offshore or run 15 miles up the lake. There’s a buddy benefit here too. I’ve got a lot of fishing pals who don’t own a boat, and they are happy to pitch in for fuel, ice, bait, lunch, etc. So now the total expense for a day’s fishing is spread out over several people. There are also some redeeming benefits, socially, with a buddy on board. As I mentioned, Buck, The Wonder Dog is a great companion… but he’s heard all my jokes…and I’ve heard all of his too. If you have kids, this is an excellent way to get in some quality bonding time, and teach them things they cannot get from playing video games or walking the corridors of the shopping mall. My kids have been fishing since they could walk, and I firmly believe their lives have been enriched through our on-the-water experiences together. I know mine has. My grandfather got me hooked on this sport we call fishing at a very early age. Those trips are some of my most favorite memories. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to put aside some of the simple things that teach us the wonders of Mother Nature, and bring us closer together. That’s a shame. I would suggest a simple remedy… Hook up the boat, load up your gear, and call a buddy to go fishing.
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AUGUST 2018
CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 5
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Go Big or Go Home By Michelle Armstrong
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ummer time fishing is tough. Not only is a fisherman’s patience tried by sharing the waters with summer pleasure boaters and jet skis, but the fishing is S-L-O-W. That doesn’t mean you can’t seize some opportune moments and catch some nice quality Bass. In the heat of Summer, the ideal times are super early morning and early evening. Not only are you missing the summer boat traffic, but you are hitting the moments when the fish are more active and eating. Bass behave a lot like us in the heat. They want to feed up early and late and stay lazy in the cool depths throughout the hottest part of the day. A few key places to find Bass in the summer are on main lake and secondary points. Ideally with a channel swing close by. The Bass are using the channel as their vacation highway to travel to and fro. They use the point to feed up on as the baitfish move up shallow
in the am and pm. Then they hang along the edges of the point for shade and protection and to intercept an easy meal if one should happen by. When fishing either scenario I like to use a big worm. Actually it’s more like a huge worm and can seem a little intimidating but once you see the quality of fish a big worm will produce, you’ll no longer be skeptical. I choose between a Caraway Creek 8” Magnum and a 10” Ribbon tail. The fish will tell you which they want but I typically start with the Magnum. Caraway Creek is another local
company that makes incredible hand poured baits. And it’s ran by a girl (Carmen Nelson) so it gets double points from me! Rigged on a light rig using a 3/16 sinker and a 3/0 hook...using a 7ft med heavy Bass Pro Shops Carbonlite Rod this is a quality fish producer. Between the weight of the worm and a light sinker the worm will fall effortlessly along the edges of the point. When casting up on the point during feeding, this rig will easily move over rock and through brush. For a little different technique you can use a 1/2oz Shakey head hook with the 11” Rebel floating worm. This worm looks crazy in the water with this presentation. There is a video available at the Caraway Creek website. If you see the bait move back off the point and into the creek, you’ll want to follow suit but don’t get “lost” chasing bait. This bigger fish will stay off on the points. You
can easily move up with the bait, fishing the structure, (blowdowns, docks, etc) only to return to the point for a bigger bite. Remember, it’s hot, even for the fish. They are reserving t h e i r
e n e r g y t o withstand the heat. They would rather exert their energy for one big meal than waste precious time for a small caloric value meal. You can purchase the mentioned fish food at www.c3baits.com. So Go BIG or go home, and go catch a fish.
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g E n i h s i F Fly River for llies a m S
very year around the 4th of July, I begin to hear a “chirp” around 10a in the mornings. It starts very faintly, and over the course of the month it begins to increase in frequency and urgency. It is always exciting to hear this because it means the countdown to our “bug” season is on! I am sure some of you are wondering what in the world I am talking about and that is a good question. The “chirp” is the sound of the annual “dog day” cicadas as they emerge from the ground and climb amongst the trees to begin their reproductive cycle. Unlike the periodic cicadas that emerge every 17 years or so, the annual cicadas emerge every summer. At the end of the reproductive cycle, which typically begins by the first of August, they begin to die and fall into the river. If you are looking for big smallies, on the fly rod, and on top-water, August and September are the peak months and this is why. Cicadas = Brownies Over the years, I have given many seminars on bug fishing for smallies. The question I am most often asked is, “Why do smallies love cicadas so much?” and my response has always been quite humorous to the audience. “They are like brownies,” I always answer. Imagine you have just had the best spaghetti dinner of your life. You have eaten so much your belly is about to bust and now you are lying on the couch in a food-coma, catching the news. There is no way you are thinking about something to eat. You begin to notice a faint smell coming from the kitchen. Could it be warm brownies in the oven? A few minutes later you are presented with an option; should I eat this delicious smelling, warm brownie sundae or not? How many of you have the will-power to say no, no matter how full you feel? You simply can’t pass it up. Well, that is what a properly presented cicada is to smallmouth. They simply cannot pass it up, no matter how much they’ve been feeding. It makes for an awesome scenario and one that I look forward to every year! Tip: While the big sycamore trees that line the banks of most rivers in the Blue Ridge Mountains are excellent choices to target for falling cicadas, don’t overlook mid-river habitat. Big smallies will come up for a cicada just about anywhere on the river if they see it. The Dead Drift Presenting a bug properly is the key to getting big smallies to eat versus them rejecting it. You will need to be able to cast 35 to 40-feet, with ease. The ability to double haul is certainly useful but not absolutely necessary. You want to lift the bug off the water and cast it with no more than one false cast. You will then let the bug dead drift until the fly begins to drag. Sometimes this is just a few seconds, other times you may be able to get a drift for twenty seconds or more. But as soon as the fly begins to drag, you want to lift the bug and repeat the presentation. Some anglers like to let the bug drift until the ripple from the fly’s entry into the water dissipates. It is crucial not to pop the bug or mend the bug during the drift because big smallies will reject it almost every time. Remember, this is a completely dead drift presentation just as a dead cicada would be drifting in the water. Tip: Never give up on a fish that rejects your bug. Often he has rejected it because of draft on your fly. After he rejects and turns completely away from the bug, you can mend very slightly or pick the fly up ever so gently and make a cast at least 10’ from the fish. Often they will turn around and make another move on it. More…There is so much I could write about bug fishing for big smallies in August and September that I simply don’t have the room here to do so. My biggest tip is to do some research and read different guides’ perspectives on the art of “bug” fishing. Then get out and practice your casting and even do some floats while you work on your presentation. Meanwhile, find a proficient guide in this craft and book a trip with him or her. That day or two on the water is invaluable to completing the process to becoming skilled at “bug” fishing. Tip: “Bug” fishing is not a numbers bite. You are fishing for some of the biggest and wisest fish in the river, often times sight casting to them in very shallow and clear water. The encounters are simply riveting and the realistic shot at a 20” or bigger is there almost every outing. The author, Britt Stoudenmire, and his wife Leigh, have been outfitting anglers for fifteen years on the New River in Virginia. They offer both guided fishing trips (newriveroutdoorco.com) and waterfront lodging (walkercreekretreat.com). 540-921-7438.
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AUGUST 2018
CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 7
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LAKE WYLIE FORECAST
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ugust is a month that you can catch a lot of fish. Toward the end of the month the boat traffic slows down. School starts, so that only leaves the weekend with heavy boat traffic. The crappie fishing is very good after the full moon. They move up to the docks and brushpile in big numbers. Shooting docks can be a thrill of a lifetime. I target docks with at least 10-12 feet of water using a 1/32 jig with 4 pound test line. Sometimes the bridge pillings will hold crappie. Catfishing is as good as it gets for channel cats. The mouth of creeks and flats on main lake is your best bet. The blue catfish hang out in the same places. I use cutbaits and drift at .5 MPH. Bass fishing is fair using topwater early and late. Pop-r’s, buzzbaits and prop baits works well. Up in the day you can c-rig with a creature baits on main lake points and docks. Sometimes shakey head fishing around creek docks will produce some bass. White Perch fishing is great on points or near creek mouths in depths 15-25 feet using a sabeki rig or two hook minnow rig. Drag it just off bottom. Fall is just around the corner. Cooler weather always gets the bite going. Stay safe and wear your life jackets.
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World Class Freshwater Striper Fishing
By Jake Bussolini
Y
ou might ask yourself, what exactly defines world class striper fishing? As a seasoned Lake Norman NC. angler, I have always defined striper fishing as five minutes of chaos, accompanied by fift y five minutes of boredom for every hour on the water. More than most species of fish, a successful striper fishing experience requires that the angler thoroughly understands the habits and changing behavior of the fish. Lenoir City Tennessee has raised itself to the enviable position of being my now favorite striper fishing region. The many dams constructed by the TVA years ago have provided very favorable conditions for great fishing of all types, but the striper fishing is almost always outstanding. BUT to take advantage of the potential for a great catch, the angler or the guide must be skilled not only with the techniques to be used but more important, must understand the changing habits of the fish. A combination of both of these situations can produce several hours of exciting catches followed by only a few minutes of calm. For years I have used the guide services of Bo Rice. He lives and breathes striper fishing in this region and he has a rare sense of understanding how the stripers think and behave as the water system above the dams is managed. When water is being released, the stripers move up close to the dams to gorge on the thousands of shad that rush into the well oxygenated water. When no water is being released, Rice understands the habits of the fish to move down stream as their food source moves there. On my most recent trip to this area with two of my fishing partners, Peter Enyeart and Rich Doering, the area demonstrated what it means to be world class. In a four hour morning fish, the three of us boated more than 500 pounds of stripers, most in the twenty pound or greater range. We experienced three triple headers and several doubles. The best catch was brought to the boat by Doering with a 35 pound monster caught casting a red fin lure. Most of the fish were caught trolling live Gizzard Shad. The enjoyment of fishing in this cool Clinch River water was increased by also catching a 30 inch musky, a four pound largemouth bass, one ten pound black drum and several blue catfish. But the world class status came with the number of stripers caught in such a short period of time. Rich Doering is shown here with his personal best 30 pounder. Jake Bussolini is a freelance writer who has published 9 books about freshwater fi shing. His books can be viewed or purchased on www. booksbyjake.com.
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The Days that Keep Us Coming Back
T
by Capt. Craig Price
he arrival of August means one thing to me – it’s time to gear up for giant red drum fishing in eastern NC. In August-September I run inshore saltwater charters in a special little corner of the world known as the Lower Neuse River-Western Pamlico Sound. Along with a substantial cadre of professional guides, I operate out of the small fishing-sailing village of Oriental, NC. When I have open dates on my calendar, I usually fish with friends from the area - a proverbial “busman’s holiday”. Our favorite tactic during early morning sessions is casting artificial lures to the “old drum” that occupy the sound and river from late July to October. Below I recount a couple of excursions that went our way and I remember fondly. On each morning we left the dock at sunrise and ran a short distance out of Oriental to a quiet slough (pronounced slew) <6 ft. deep just outside of a creek that feeds into the river. These sloughs are created by wave action from strong winds blowing in on the river shores just like surf zones on the ocean beaches. They vary in size but this one encompasses
10 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT
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about 30 x 200 yards, i.e. a pretty small feature in a huge riverine system. Both days light wind, slick water, and increasing light revealed numerous schools of large menhaden, finger mullet, and glass minnows as we “motored down” on the shoal and switched to the trolling motor for the last couple hundred yards to the slough. As we quietly approached the fishing zone schools of bait shimmered and showered in the early light. We couldn’t have ordered better conditions for catching trophy red drum on light tackle in skinny water. Our rigs consisted of Penn Spinfisher 4500 series reels spooled with 40 lb. Berkley Tracer Braid, mounted on 7.5 ft. graphite Penn rods. The braid was tied to Bomber Paradise Extreme popping corks with 3 ft. of 50 lb. fluorocarbon leaders. Gulp Ripple Shad on 3/8 oz. jig heads and DOA CAL swimbaits on VMX keel weighted hooks were on the business end of our leaders. On day 1 as we entered the slough we observed 20-30
AUGUST 2018
porpoises approach our fishing ground. Though they’re amazing to watch, porpoises are effective, efficient predators and natural enemies of smaller red drum and many other species of gamefish and forage. We couldn’t help but think “there goes the neighborhood”. As it turned out, the porpoises cruised through the slough, entered the creek briefly then departed as quickly as they arrived. Our worries that any big drum that were present had bugged out and/or the bait had scattered were quickly dispelled. Several huge swirls plus the sight of the distinctive broad bronze tails with one or more dark spots on them proved that the giant redfish were indeed still close at hand. My friend Michael Wynne of Merritt, NC took the bow position, hooked up on his 4th cast and the melee began. With huge drum crashing bait in the slough, porpoises thrashing bait further out on the shoal, plus osprey and gulls bombing the water around us, the environment
was electric with life, and death. Even so, we boated Michael’s first “biggun” and quit after catching a couple each. They all measured 46-48” long, easily weighing 45-50 lbs. I have no doubt we could’ve caught more fish due to the perfect conditions, but sometimes a little is truly enough. Plus, the final fish had led us on a long, hard battle that left us both satisfied and amazed at the fish’s power and stamina. The next day, Peter Overgaard of Oriental joined me and took the bow position. Peter’s an avid and experienced angler who introduced me to the popping cork style of fishing for these beasts. We carry on a friendly competition whenever we fish together so I was dismayed, and appreciative of his skill, when he hooked and boated a 48” drum on his first cast. We’d been fishing for 20 seconds, and I was already 1 fish down! But the fishing gods were generous this day. I made my first cast to a large swirl and connected with a 45” specimen. We ended up with 5 citation red drum (>40”) in a little over 90 minutes and left for home very grateful for the opportunity and privilege of battling these magnificent creatures in such an idyllic setting. When matching wits with Mother Nature, the sun can and does “shine on a different dog” most days. When it’s my turn, I love catching big numbers as well as any angler, but sometimes a little really is a gracious plenty. These are the gifts that reaffirm my love of fishing and the outdoors. All of the fish were released alive to grow even bigger and stronger. Hopefully our paths will cross again one day, succeeded by the cry of Fish On!
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LAKE HIGHROCK/BADIN TUCKERTOWN DAM FORECAST
S
ummertime fishing on the Yadkin river lakes can be the best time of the year for catching great numbers of several species of fish. It’s hot so be sure to stay hydrated if you are fishing from late morning to late evening. Catfish love the hot weather and you can catch them during the day or you can beat the heat and catch them at night. A standard catfish rig consists of a sliding egg weight, a plastic or glass bead, a swivel and a circle bait hook. The sliding sinker allows the fish to feel virtually no resistance when he picks it up. This is what is known as a ìCarolina Rigî. In the heat of the day look for deeper holes or pockets in the area you are fishing and drop a line into them. Cut shad, bream or dip baits work well for fishing these holes. Dip baits are usually fished on a ìcatfish wormî. This is a piece of soft plastic that holds the dip bait. Dip bait like the Catfish Charlie brand work surprisingly well but you must be careful when casting so as not to sling your bait off. Another area that produces some nice catfish during the day is the tailrace behind the dams. Due to the current you may need to use a heavier sinker. I don’t recommend dip bait in the tailraces because the bait washes off too fast in the current. If you really want to beat the heat and catch catfish try jug/noodle fishing or trot lines at night. Some special restrictions apply to this type of fishing so check your regulations to be sure you are not in violation of any laws. My number one choice for bait on jugs/noodles or trot lines is cut shad. (Live bait is not allowed on jugs/noodles or trot lines) The only other bait I use occasionally is cut bream. For some reason, bream that are caught in farm ponds or creeks do not work nearly as well as bream caught from the lake you are fishing. Jug/noodle fishing simply consists of a plastic bottle or a commercially made noodle with a few feet of line (masonry cord works great) with a baited hook placed in the water and checked periodically as it drifts around. (Maximum number of jugs/noodles allowed is 70) Trot lines are usually purchased at your local sporting goods store and usually are 100 to 150ft long with 20-40 drop lines with hooks. Anchor one end of the main line to an anchor or cement block, tie a jug onto the main line at the waters surface. Let out the line moving parallel to the shore until you get about half way and then tie on another jug. Then do the same at the other end of the main line and anchor the end like you did at the start. Your main line should be floating near the surface now with the drop lines and hooks hanging down into the water a couple of feet. Bait each hook and check ever so often. You can usually tell when a fish is on the line when the jugs begin jerking around or are partially sumberged. N.C. Wildlife regulations require that all trot lines be set parallel to the nearest shore. Trot lines, Jugs/noodles, or set hooks must all have the users name, address and WRC number (fishing license id) legibly inscribed on them. Again, check the regulation book for any restrictions that may apply. The white perch fishing has been great lately, especially on Badin lake. A great thing about white perch this time of year is that if you find them they will almost always bite. Small spoons and lures work on them but a
Brenda Farmer Broker/Realtor
small piece of cut bait (shad, bream, shiner etc.) on a #6 or #8 bait hook is probably the easiest way to catch them. The average size of these fish have increased over the last several years and we are seeing a lot of fish in the 1 to 1Ω lb size. They can be found in about any area of the lakes but certain areas seem to consistently produce fish. White perch love a little moving water so the tailraces below the dams are a great place to catch them. Large schools of these fish are also often found roaming around the islands in the Beaver Dam Creek area on Badin lake. White perch tend to be shallow early in the morning and migrate deeper as the temperature heats up. Crappie can be found in deep water near structure. Crappies are being caught in areas where the water depth increases suddenly. These ledges often hold a lot of fish. Troll around these areas until you catch a few fish. When you catch a couple double back thru the same area and if you catch more in the same area anchor out from the area and cast a small jig or minnow until the fish stop biting and then start trolling around again. Areas just off the main river channels are excellent places to find them this time of year. This is the time of year when a good fish finder will be very useful. Try the mouth of Crane Creek, Second Creek, or Abotts Creek on High Rock Lake. Riles Creek or Newsome Creek on Tuckertown Lake are good areas as well. This time of year brings the recreational crowd out. The jet skis and boaters are everywhere so be aware of them and have a great summer. Darin Brown, Hwy. 49 Sporting Goods, 36488 NC 49 Hwy., 704-463-7053, www.49sports.com
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Beer Cans and Bait Buckets Responsible Resource Stewardship by Ryan Wilson
I
f you eye the bed of my truck after most of my fishing trips, you’ll probably conclude that I wasn’t in any condition to drive home. You might also be suspicious that the space in my cooler where all that beer was, is now filled with more than a limit of trout. Don’t worry folks, you can relax. There’s no reason to call the state trooper or NC wildlife, because those beer cans aren’t mine (well, most of them anyway) and I didn’t run through nine tubs of worms today. I was just taught at a young age, that responsible resource stewardship is as integral a part of our sport as leaky waders and “Shoulda been here last week.” I’ve been called a few names in my life, but “Hippie” has never been one of them. I’m as quick to roll my eyes at the stereotypical treehugging, tofu munching, earth mother “environmentalist” as the next red-blooded American meat eater. However, as a lifelong angler and hunter, I proudly assume the mantle of the “Original Conservationist.” I believe to my core that as sportsmen, we need to hold ourselves to a higher standard and to take an active part in maintaining our wild lands and waters. After all, if we don’t, who will? Our public lands & waters are open to a diverse array of uses and users. Especially this time of year, our favorite fishing spots will be shared with tubers, swimmers, kayakers, BBQers and all manner of outof-state tourists. While it’s important to remember that non-anglers have just as much right to be there as we do, it’s fair to say that not everyone who visits these spaces treats them with the respect and care that you do. For example, there was so much scattered trash at Wilson Creek after Memorial Day weekend, I’m pretty sure I saw a tear rolling down the eye of the Native American cutout at the Mortimer country store. Unfortunately there are some anglers in our ranks who are part of the problem. We’ve all encountered people who think that it’s ok to take fish, but leave trash. If that’s you, then be better. If you think it’s ok to take out a stringer of trout, while leaving an empty bucket of night crawlers and a Cheerwine bottle full of dip spit on the side of the stream, then you don’t deserve a share in our wonderful outdoor resources. Stay home instead. Our public access is already limited and bad behavior by fishermen will cost us even more. For the vast majority of us that are good stewards of the resource, there are some very easy, very painless ways to make a positive impact. Make a trash bag a core part of your fishing pack. I’m not suggesting that you spend your whole day picking up after others, but leave every spot that you touch just a little better than you found it. Pick up a can here and there, cut out that bird’s nest of 12lb monofilament, set a good example and don’t be afraid to show others how to do things the right way. Joining and supporting groups with a focus on conservation, like Trout Unlimited and the Carolina Fly Fishing Club, is another great way to actively support stewardship. Whether the scale is local or national, organization makes our voices that much more impactful. Support
can also fit your lifestyle and budget. Whether you’d rather donate or spend a weekend stocking fingerlings, these groups provide an avenue for meaningful service. We are truly blessed to have the quality and availability of public waters here in the Carolinas. Between the endless miles of wild trout water, loaded stocked streams, lakes, salt and warm water rivers, the diversity of fishing opportunities here is virtually second to none. However if we want to maintain quality and access, it is the responsibility of the angling community to hold itself to a higher standard. We need to set an example of stewardship and self-police our own by calling out bad behavior. If we don’t take the lead, then someone else will and we may not like what that looks like. Ryan Wilson is the Owner and Operator of Madison River Fly Fishing Outfitters in Cornelius, NC. If you’d like to hunt for wild trout, tailing carp, or smallmouth bass this summer, 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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By CAM Staff • Photo by Jessica Merz/flickr
A
ugust heat can put a damper on North Carolina’s inshore fisheries. The shallows are too warm. Redfish, trout and flounder seem to have vacated the marshes for more comfortable en-
virons. The good news for anglers is there’s still plenty of action to be found in the surf. Get out early in the morning or show up late in the evening, and you’ll not only find the best feeding activity, you’ll also see fewer beachgoers as you enjoy the coolest hours of the day. It’s still a little early for the spottails to show up in numbers along
By Billy Darby
F
ishing is not an exact science. So why is it that the same elite anglers show up near the top of the weigh-in board at every tournament? Whether the tournament is for bass, crappie or walleye, these same characters are always dominant. Even in local club competition or amateur trails, the same names loom above others. Can they throw a lure farther or do they apply a certain hocus-pocus magic potion to the lure every cast? Does Mother Nature smile on these same individuals and give them an uncanny inherent advantage? My bet would be that it is not always the fanciest-attired dude or the guy with the fastest boat that is the most successful. The smartest anglers are the ones who rise to the top. And even if you don’t fish tournaments, you can learn something from these scholars of the sport.
the beaches. One might encounter them, but reds in the surf is more of a fall bite. Right now, pompano are the main event, and one might also hook up with a few tasty little whiting, which are present on the beaches year-round. It’s pretty convenient that the same rigs and bait are effective for either species. It’s simple fishing with limited gear requirements. And don’t expect to catch any monsters. Surf fishing in August is more of a numbers game. If you hit it right and find them feeding, it’ll be no time before you’re headed back to the kitchen with a cooler full of tasty little fillets. Pompano start showing up around June, when water temps climb into the 60s. They do not arrive in great numbers until water temperatures are at their hottest in August and September. Then, like throwing a light switch, they will be gone with the first cold front of fall. A standard two-hook bottom rig, with light-wire No. 2 to No. 4 hooks, baited with small pieces of fresh shrimp or whole sand fleas will suffice. Use just enough weight to keep it from rolling in the surf. Some people prefer the traditional pyramid sinker, while others go with a flat pancake-style weight that allows them to move the rig along the bottom. This can be fished with a lightweight spinning outfit and 8-pound-test line. With such a simple setup, the most critical skill to catching pompano is the ability to read the surf. The best days will offer up light surf and clear water. Pompano will hang out and feed in the sloughs, and they’ll also move up onto the bars to feed. Cast to the drops on either edge of a sandbar. Fish any break in the bar, or drop baits just on the edge of the deeper water where the waves break. Finding the right beach with these kinds of structure within casting range is as important as anything else. For first-timers, reading the surf will be the most difficult aspect of this type of fishing, but with a little practice catching pompano becomes an easy and relaxing endeavor. And the rewards are second to none. Pomps offer some of the most buttery, tasty white fillets in the ocean. Careful study of forecasted weather condition, the rise and fall of barometric pressures and wind speed and direction all play into a game plan for a day of fishing. Projected lake levels, rain and amount of rainfall, fresh water, mud lines, safety factors, time of year, water temperatures… the list goes on, but a smart angler considers each and every variable and studies their effects on the fish. Applying all these factors, along with an ample amount of good common sense, into an indelible memory of past experiences is crucial. The best anglers also have complete knowledge of their electronic equipment. The ability to utilize all available tools properly provides a leg up. Careful study of charts and maps during pre-tournament days and weeks also adds to the confidence level necessary for combat, yes combat. Competitors in any sport must have a certain tenacity coupled with mental and physical preparedness as well as God-given physical abilities and talent to be champions. Although the normal every-day angler might not need or desire the competitive drive of the top pros, knowledge and competence make catching fish easier. I am reminded of many years ago when it was acceptable for the pros to attain information from locals within a certain time window of an upcoming tournament. A top pro, “no names please,” was using me for lake orientation. I told him about a school of bass I had found using an underwater camera, but could not get them to hit anything I tried. Upon arriving at this spot, he analyzed the situation and requested the front seat while rapidly tying on a drop-shot rig. His expertise had me spellbound as he boated several nice fish. The tournament was several weeks away, and he did not return to this same spot, but I learned a very beneficial new technique. All of us can learn from the success of others by paying close attention to why others are winning, while we are relying on plain old luck. Billy Darby is a retired professional guide on Lake Eufaula. He can be reached at imfishing4u@windstream.net or 229-768-2369.
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Bassmaster Ranks Rayburn The Best Bass Lake In The Country B.A.S.S. Photo
A
fter three years hovering in the Top 5 of Bassmaster Magazine’s 100 Best Bass Lakes rankings, Texas’ Sam Rayburn Reservoir finally took the crown as the best bass lake in the nation for 2018. Consistent production of heavy five-fish tournament limits and the potential for giant bass made this 114,500-acre reservoir northeast of Houston tops in the country this year. Rayburn started showing out in 2015, when it climbed to fifth in the rankings. In 2016 it jumped to fourth. And last year, Rayburn was the bridesmaid, sitting in second place. But, Rayburn is a bridesmaid no more, and for the first time captures the title. “Although there were some pretty spectacular numbers being produced from other lakes this year, Rayburn was a clear No. 1,” said James Hall, editor of Bassmaster Magazine. “While some lakes were boasting of a single 30-pound, five-bass limit being caught, Rayburn was spitting them out in rapid succession. And to top it off, a 40.28-pound limit was recorded in June.”
Countless limits of solid fish aren’t the only thing special about this lake. “When it comes to double-digit bass, Rayburn also seems to top the list this year,” Hall continued. “Three 10-pounders were weighed in during a one-day February derby. Plus, a 12.05 and a 13.06 were landed here in March. The lake is simply on fire right now.” The process to create the rankings takes about three months to complete. Data is received from state fisheries agencies across the U.S. This is coupled with catch data collected from dozens of tournament organizations from the past 12 months. After the numbers are crunched, a panel from the bass fishing industry debates the strength of the lakes to settle on the final rankings. The rankings identify the Top 10 lakes in the nation regardless of location, as well as the Top 25 lakes in four geographical divisions. “By dividing the Top 100 into four regions, anglers have perspective on fisheries nearby,” Hall explained. Tennessee’s Chickamauga Lake, which took the No. 2 slot this year, made a strong argument for No. 1, as it also produced 40-plus-pound limits this spring, two of them exceeding 42 pounds. Although this 36,240-acre fishery hasn’t produced quite as many big fish as Rayburn, there were two bass over 10 pounds recorded since February. The biggest weighed 11.21 pounds. California’s Clear Lake landed the No. 3 position on the strength of its production of big largemouth. Michigan’s Lake St. Clair climbed from ninth last year to the fourth in 2018, while Minnesota’s Mille Lacs Lake (last years’ No. 1 fishery) fell to No. 5. The remainder of the nation’s Top 10 are: sixth, Santee Cooper lakes (Marion/Moultrie), South Carolina; seventh, Diamond Valley Lake, California.; eighth, Thousand Islands (St. Lawrence River), New York; ninth, Lake Guntersville, Alabama; 10th, Falcon Lake, Texas. When it comes to bragging rights for the state with the most lakes to make the Top 100 list, Texas wins with 12. California boasts eight fisheries within the rankings, while Florida has the third most with seven. Complete rankings can be found in Bassmaster.com photo galleries.
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BEAT THE HEAT WITH NIGHT FISHING
BRANDON LESTER he dog days have arrived, and the lake is crowded with recreational boat traffic. The best fishing to be had during summer is after the sun goes
T
down. Around my home in Tennessee, most all of our club-level tournaments go to nighttime hours this time of year. Let’s talk about why the nighttime bite is so good, what to look for and baits that work well at night. First and foremost, if you’ve never spent a night out cruising your local lake, I think you’ll find it is the most quiet and peaceful fishing you will ever do. It’s like the whole world is asleep, and you have free rein of the lake. Baitfish often become more active at night, and the water cools just enough to get fish to come to the shallows and feed. Bass are a lot like us in that 100-degree temperatures make them want to find somewhere cool to just hang out. Their feeding windows become shorter this time of year, and mostly occur after dark. When looking for night fishing hotspots, think high percentage areas where you know bass live and feed. Keep in mind that they can’t see as well at night, so they must rely on their lateral lines to find food. Start at lighted boat docks, boat ramps, brushpiles
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WITH THE BEST & BRIGHTEST UNDERWATER LIGHTS! and points. When you find a good spot, revisit that place several times during the night because it will probably hold multiple fish. Also, don’t be afraid to fish places you wouldn’t dare fish during the day because of too much boat traffic, such as boat ramps and marinas. At night, when these places calm down, fish pull up and feed around them. You don’t need any specific gear for night fishing if you can get used to the fact that you can’t see your line. Many night fishermen use the exact same gear at night as they do during the day. Around my home lake, we fish clear blue fluorescent line at night and attach a black light to the side of the boat to see the line with ease. It helps. There’s nothing more fun than watching that line jump in the black light and knowing your bait just got hammered. Just about any bait that will catch a bass in the day will also catch one at night. The No. 1 key is to slow down. A fish’s strike zone shrinks at night because they can’t see as well. Slowing down helps put the odds in your favor. Some of my favorite baits are Texas-rigged worms (fished on an MHX NEPS 86HF), from small straight tail worms like the X-Xone Fat Finesse Worm all the way up to 11- and 12-inch worms, and even creature baits. Another great option at night is a spinnerbait. I usually throw a 3/8-ounce Kinkee Baits spinnerbait (fished on an MHX NEPS 86MHF) with a single No. 5 Colorado blade in black and blue color. The thin wire of this bait really lets it thump.
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Fish for Hungry Trout at Hunger Games Site in Western North Carolina
D
uPont State Recreational Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Hendersonville, North Carolina, provides not only a scenic setting for trout fishing, but also a unique one. The delayed harvest waters of Little River flow through undisturbed mountains and over several notable waterfalls. Those same waters were immortalized on Hollywood’s silver screen as the backdrop for the exploits of Katniss Everdeen in the original Hunger Games movie. Movie buffs who wet a line on Little River in the DuPont Forest will no doubt recognize Triple Falls, which played a prominent role in multiple scenes in the movie. But there is good news for anglers: spending time on this stretch of Little River does not involve the life or death struggle it did in Hunger Games. Everyone is expected to come out alive. Many anglers also come out happy as this 1.8-mile stretch of Little River is stocked annually with a combination of 7,750 brook, rainbow and brown trout. North Carolina Wildlife regulations require a valid fishing license and the delayed harvest designation means it is single-hook artificial lures only with no harvesting of fish from Oct. 1 through the
first Friday in June. Starting the first Saturday in June and continuing through Sept. 30, there are no bait restrictions and a creel limit of seven trout per day with no minimum length on trout harvested. Because DuPont is a state recreational forest, there is ample parking in both the Hooker Falls Access Area and the High Falls Access Areas, with wide, easy-to-navigate trails to many of the key fishing spots. One downside to fishing this stretch of Little River is the popularity of the trails and waterfalls with those who do not fish. Expect plenty of hikers and sightseers, especially on nice weekends. And when the fishing is done, Hendersonville provides plenty of options for outdoor exploring, listening to live music, sipping craft beverages and enjoying great meals. The town’s main street has a serpentine shape surrounded by pedestrian-friendly sidewalks punctuated by planting beds, park benches and outdoor dining. The abundance of orchards makes Henderson County an ideal location for hard cider fans. Three cideries offer tasting rooms: Flat Rock Ciderworks on Main Street, Bold Rock Hard Cider in Mills River and Appalachian Ridge Artisan Ciders in a 1940s-era barn-turned-cidery. Another craft beverage experience is the East Coast location of Sierra Nevada Brewery, considered the Taj Mahal of craft breweries in the eastern U.S.
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“ Rainy Season ” Action Rages Out Of Playa Garza, Costa Rica By Craig Sutton
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he five-boat FishingNosara team logged 78 trips last month, and I’m stoked to announce that the marlin are here in northern Costa Rica, as our “second high season” is in full effect. The 32-foot Harvester led the charge for our Playa Garza-based fleet, with Capt. Alex going on a crazy run of marlin and sailfish releases over four days between June 9 and June 12. Jeff Broome scored the fish of a lifetime with Capt. Alex on June 10 with a black marlin weighing well over 450 pounds. The next day, Broome posted the trip of the year, to date. First off was a true double sailfish release. After the safe release of both fish, they added a third sailfish for good measure. Another monster came calling, as the Harvester reported another massive marlin release, the second
in two days. It was amazing work by Capt. Alex, Mate Wilson, and this group of Florida anglers. Here’s what Broome had to say: “Just wanted to say an enthusiastic THANK YOU for the incredible trip we had thanks to your team. In three days, we got three Marlin—two blues and a massive black—three sailfish, a huge dorado and a good deal more tuna and mahi! “Thanks to Capt. Alex and his hard-working deckhand Wilson, I was able to cross marlin off my bucket list of fish to catch. Definitely a dream for me, and I know I speak for all the guys in our group that it was definitely the fishing trip of a lifetime! “You could tell how passionate Alex was about fishing. His favorite thing to say after we brought in a catch was, ‘Let’s get another one!’” “Pura Vida!”-Jeff Broome The next day, Capt. Alex and FishingNosara Hall of Famer Chuck Harris scored another marlin release. That’s four monsters in four days. It was a truly legendary run for the Harvester. Meanwhile, Lila Weirich brought a big group of folks from Texas down in early June, so many that they need both the 32-foot Wanderer and Discoverer to hold them all. In addition to having a big time all week, these Lone Star anglers scored some fillets big as Texas. Monster mahi-mahi were abundant, and meaty yellowfin tunas added variety to the fillet bag With all the other fishing operations in Costa Rica on the hill for the summer, we have attracted adventurous anglers from all over the Pacific Coast, as well. Scott Burke drove in three hours from Tamarindo at 3 a.m., fished a full day, and went back the same day. The odyssey proved worthwhile, as the group reported three great sailfish releases. Shea Ralph is another journeyman angler who came from Jaco to Nosara, covering 140 miles on land in order to reach Costa Rica’s closest bluewater. They hooked up multiple sailfish and proved once again that the fish eat every day, even during the so-called “rainy season.”
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Teen Breaks Wyoming Green Sunfish Record
“J
Photo courtesy of Wyoming Game & Fish
ust one more cast, please,” Chris Castleman, 14, pleaded several times the evening of June 7. On the very last of the “just one more” casts, Chris hooked a new Wyoming state record green sunfish on a worm and bobber. He and his dad, Allen, knew the fish was much bigger than the panfish they’d been catching that evening at Bryan Stock Trail Pond in Casper. The next morning, the fish weighed 1-pound, 4-ounces on certified scales. It measured 12.25 inches long with an 11-inch girth. It was officially identified as a green sunfish by Fisheries Supervisor Matt Hahn, the state record form was filled out and a new record was on the books. The fish resoundingly beat the former state record caught at the Lovell Ponds in July 2010 by nearly 6 ounces. The world record weighed 2 pound, 2 ounces and was caught in Stockton Lake near Springfield, Missouri in June 1971. “This was a one in a thousand, maybe even one in 10,000 fish,” Hahn said about the frequency of a fish this size in the Wyoming green sunfish population. The green sunfish is native to middle America from the Great Lakes to Texas and as far west as Nebraska. It was introduced to Wyoming primarily as forage for bass, but also because it generally cooperates with warm-water anglers.
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Instant Savings of up to $800 on select models. See your dealer for details.
Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboard on approved credit.*
Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/18 and 06/30/18 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/18 and 06/30/18. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate form at time of sale. Instant Savings will be applied against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account). There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/18 and 06/30/18. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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