FREE
CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT, NC EDITION
GEAR Guide Cold
weather Bassin'
VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 274
F R A N C H I S E
0118_TAM_CVR.indd 9
THEANGLERMAG.COM O P P O R T U N I T I E S
A V A I L A B L E
JANUARY 2018
W O R L D W I D E
12/13/17 1:55 PM
RADAR
REDEFINED Solid-State Doppler Tracking It’s The
Generation
It’s the comfort of knowing you are safe. It’s Doppler Radar echoes changing color, showing which targets are a threat to you. It’s instant tracking of up to 100 moving targets. It’s Furuno’s Bird Mode tracking birds to find the best fishing grounds. It’s the “NXT” innovation in Radar, the all-new NXT Solid-State Doppler Radar for NavNet TZtouch & TZtouch2.
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.
RezBoostTM beam sharpening displays higher resolution targets, similar to those from a large open array antenna.
DRS4D-NXT & DRS6A-NXT Doppler Solid State Radar Experience The
COMMON CVRS_1217.indd 2
Radar at Youtube.com/FurunoVideo
www.FurunoUSA.com
12/12/17 3:34 PM
2018 242CC
FISHING FOCUSED FAMILY FRIENDLY “Sailfish Boats are truly versatile. A great fishing boat and a great family boat all in one.”
2018 220CC ® Exclusive Variable Degree Stepped (VDS) Hull for Performance, Safety & Stability ® 10 year Structural Warranty ® SailTech Construction: 100% Composite, Reinforced with Kevlar® & Carbon Fiber ® Lifetime No-Rot Guarantee ® Bow To Stern Intelligent Ergonomic Design with Premium Finishes ® Family Friendly Features for Fun, www.SailfishBoats.com Comfort and Safety COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I JANUARY 2018 I NATIONAL 3
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd CoastalAngler UPDATED FILE 3 .indd 1
12/14/17 1:01 12/13/2017 1:58:52 PMPM
THE NEXT GREAT GREAT THE NEXT
THE NEXT GREAT HAVALON HAVALON HAVALON INNOVATION INNOVATION
INNOVATION HAS LANDED. LANDED. HAS LANDED.
QUIK-CHANGE IIII ™ QUIK-CHANGE Interchangeable Fixed Blade™ Interchangeable Fixed Blade QUIK-CHANGE II Cutlery System Cutlery System Interchangeable Fixed Blade ™
Cutlery System9” FILLET
9” FILLET
7” FILLET 9” FILLET
7” FILLET
5” FILLET 7” FILLET
5” FILLET
3” SERRATED 5” FILLET
3”3” SERRATED SERRATED
Easy Blade Release System Easy Blade Release System Easy Blade Release System
Opens For Easy Cleaning
KN IVES
Opens For Easy Cleaning
KN IVES
Opens For Easy Cleaning
KN IVES
COMING SPRING 2018 COMING SPRING 2018 I I COMING SPRING 2018 4
NATIONAL
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 4
JANUARY 2018
Rugged Canvas Roll Pack Rugged Canvas Roll Pack
Rugged Canvas Roll Pack
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
12/14/17 1:01 PM
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
Anglers Wanted Dear Reader,
FLORIDA
BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : David String • (321) 684-5888 • dstring@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA BEACH : Don Meadows • (321) 436-5895 • donm@coastalanglermagazine.com EMERALD COAST/DESTIN/PENSACOLA : Scott Risher • (850) 428-0996 • srisher@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Scott Deal • (561) 945-6999 • scott@coastalanglermagazine.com Monica Isaza-Deal • (561) 945-8899 • monica@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com
SOUTHEAST
ATLANTA : 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 COLUMBIA/MIDLANDS : John Lux • (803) 807-6885 • jlux@theanglermagazine.com MYRTLE BEACH : Mike Masiero • (732) 674-3019 • mmasiero@coastalanglermagazine.com SW GEORGIA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com TIDEWATER/OUTER BANKS : John Tiger • (757) 707-9654 • john.tiger@coastalanglermagazine.com Laura Seitz • (757) 707-9655 • laura@coastalanglermagazine.com UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA : Gregg Thompson • (864) 542-3112 • gregg@theanglermagazine.com WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD : Kenny Ritter • (910) 550-9094 • kenny@coastalanglermagazine.com
NORTHEAST BOSTON : George Regan • (617) 488-2842 • boston@coastalanglermagazine.com LONG ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 • lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com CONNECTICUT/RHODE ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com
GULF COAST
GALVESTON/MATAGORDA/UPPER COAST : Chanci & David Mowry • (713) 446-7395 • chancim@coastalanglermagazine.com • davidm@coastalanglermagazine.com MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Adam Nelson • (228) 627-5903 • anelson@coastalanglermagazine.com Toby Nelson • (228) 623-1761 • tnelson@coastalanglermagazine.com NEW ORLEANS : Dr. Dave Dunaway • (225) 400-8156 • nola@coastalanglermagazine.com
GREAT LAKES WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com
INTERNATIONAL PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2017-2018. 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.
Coastal Angler Magazine and its freshwater component The Angler Magazine are both part of a unique franchise publishing model developed 10 years ago by duplicating the working elements of the local Coastal Angler Magazine that had been publishing since 1996 in Melbourne, Fla. Today, there are more than 30 franchise locations throughout the Continental U.S., Costa Rica and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We are now one of the largest, most widely read outdoor publications in the country. Guess what? We’re not done yet. Our goal is to have more than 100 franchise editions throughout the U.S. and abroad. We’ve tweaked and refined our systems over the last 10 years, and now we are ready to continue our expansion.
Let’s Grow Again! If you (or someone you know) loves the outdoors and would be comfortable running your own business, please contact us for more information about joining our franchise team. Best regards,
Ben Martin Editor in Chief info@coastalanglermagazine.com
1-888-800-9794
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 5
I
JANUARY 2018
I
NATIONAL
5
12/14/17 1:01 PM
6
NATIONAL
I
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 6
JANUARY 2018
I
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
12/14/17 1:01 PM
MOTOR UPGRADES ARE AVAILABLE
Marine Wintertime Blowout $209* mon
$136* mon thly
G2968 Key Largo 160cc
G2661 Key Largo 1800 cc
40 HP Motor
90 HP Motor
WAS $23,849 NOW $15,999
WAS $37,749 NOW $25,999
$194* mon
90 HP Motor
thly
G3149 Caravelle 16EBo 70 HP Motor
WAS $30,746 NOW $19,799
$279* mon
thly
G3068 Caravelle 19EBo
$164* mon
thly
$299* mon thly
thly
G2849 Key Largo 2000
G2646 Key Largo 210LX
WAS $50,787 NOW $35,990
WAS $59,266 NOW $36,990
150 HP Motor
140 HP Motor
WAS $35,833 NOW $23,999
$377* mon
$306* mon
$368* mon
thly
thly
G3010 Key Largo 220BAY
G3054 Razon 238PF
140 HP Motor
200 HP Motor
WAS $61,517 NOW $39,599
WAS $78,605 NOW $49,599
thly
G3081 Razor 247UR 200 HP Motor
WAS $71,288 NOW $48,499
www.factorydirectmarine.com *payments calculated at 180 months for well qualified buyers with 20% down. Please note: Prices do not include freight, dealer make ready, and rigging. Pictures may not reflect actual unit and/or available inventory. Price and payment do not include sales tax or fees. Not responsible for typographical errors.
Ridgeland, SC, 401 Sycamore Drive, 844-280-9753 | Panama City, FL, 8308 Panama City Beach Pkwy, 844-278-2510 Charlotte, NC | 9204 N Lakebrook Road | 980-267-5597 | Rockwood,TN, 2475 Westel Road, 844-271-9582 Hamburg, PA, 20 Industrial Drive , 844-247-1678 | West Coxsackie, NY, 12634 Route 9 West, 844-276-8649 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 7
I
JANUARY 2018
I
NATIONAL
7
12/14/17 1:01 PM
WE BUILD FUN INTO 26 FEET OF PURE EVERY NAUTICSTAR! FISHING JOY SPORT THE ALL NEW 265XTS DECKS
Step up to NauticStar’s biggest bay boat, the all new 265XTS – Xtreme Tournament Series. The carefully designed hull and deck is optimized for performance, functionality and fishability that will give you capabilities never before seen in a bay boat. Inshore or offshore, the STAR Performance hull is designed to minimize draft for skinny fishing and provide a forgiving ride through tight open chops and coastal swells. Check out all the incredible standard and innovative features of the 265XTS on our website.
BAY BOATS
CENTER CONSOLES Call (662) 200-4664 or visit our website or call:
NauticStarBoats.com
Factory installed with Factory installed with
@NauticStarBoats 8
NATIONAL
I
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 8
JANUARY 2018
I
Some photos shown with optional equipment COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
12/14/17 1:01 PM
Take a
ROD BUILDING CLASS
Charlotte, NC
2/3/2018
Orlando, FL
3/17/2018
Boston, MA
4/7/2018
Houston, TX
4/21/2018
Orlando, FL
6/2/2018
Mobile, AL
8/25/2018
Register at:
WWW.MUDHOLE.COM/CLASSES MUDHOLE.COM/TURNKEY
Researchers Embark On $10 Million Gulf Red Snapper Study By CAM Staff
W
ith the ongoing debate over red snapper population estimates in the Gulf of Mexico, researchers from the University of Florida have received a $10 million grant to hopefully settle the dispute and determine what the snapper population actually is. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service and Sea Grant are funding the study, which will be conducted over two years by UF associate professors Robert Ahrens and Will Patterson along with researchers from other institutions from around the Southeast. Currently under a federal recovery plan, the Gulf red snapper fishery has been considered overfished since the 1980s by the federal government. Under the recovery plan, coastal communities and businesses, such as charter boat operations and all the others that benefit from money spent by anglers, have been hurt by extremely limited opportunities to harvest this important recreational and commercial species. All the while, recreational anglers and biologists with Gulf state wildlife agencies have been pointing to flaws in the formal stock assessments. And the structure of the allowed catch has created a rift between recreational and commercial fishermen. Over the vast Gulf of Mexico, it will be one of the largest and most ambitious fish studies ever conducted, and even with $10 million in funding, there are those who doubt the study will achieve its goal of a population estimate with a coefficient variation of 30 percent, according to a UF release. Meeting the requirement would require numerous supplementary samples until the numbers contract into the accept-
Jeff and Payton Oney caught their limit of beautiful Gulf red snapper as well as red and gag grouper and other reef fish while fishing off Anna Maria Island with Capt. Larry McGuire and Show Me The Fish Charters. able range of variance between locations. Researchers will use methods beyond catch data in their study. Remote operated vehicles, camera sleds, acoustics and divers will play a role in producing the estimate. Researchers will also be capturing some fish and taking fin clips to develop genetic tags to be used in future estimates. Along with the snapper study, there is excitement over additional information that can be gathered in a study of this size. The distribution and size of other reef fish, as well as the invasive lionfish are of particular interest.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 9
I
JANUARY 2018
I
NATIONAL
9
12/14/17 1:01 PM
GEAR GUIDE Beach Marine Products Bay Buddy Bait pens by Beach Marine Products are not your average bait cages. Built by engineers and hard-core anglers, every care was taken to design bait pens that are rugged, durable, convenient for the angler, and stress-free for the bait. They feature a sloped-bottom design and industry-changing false bottom, making recapturing your bait easy. Heavy duty aluminum construction with zinc anode assures a durable product. All hardware is stainless steel and doubled up. The pens are powder coated with no sharp edges to injure or red nose baits. Large oversize doors allow access for cast nets and large dip nets. Beach Bait Pens come in many different shapes and sizes. Their smallest pen is the Bay Buddy, which is ideal for holding shrimp, crabs and multiple species of live baitfish. The Bay Buddy is 20 inches wide by 18 inches deep.
beachmarineproducts.com
Kaku Kayak Wahoo 10.5 With the release of their new Wahoo 10.5, Kaku Kayak is building on its reputation of excellent stability and performance with a more compact boat that retains all the features and performance of the larger Wahoo 12.5. The Wahoo 10.5 tracks extremely well for a shorter kayak, is easy to stand in and responds to tight turns easily. It has all the features of its older brother, the Wahoo 12.5, with plenty of gear tracks, a raised aluminum seat and integrated mounting for the Power Pole Micro. It is also rudder ready and comes standard with a great looking deck pad. It is an extremely versatile fishing kayak that offers a stable, roomy platform for standing to cast or sight fish. There is also plenty of storage in the bow hatch, rear tankwell and a rear day hatch.
kakukayak.com
Wilderness Systems Kayak Krate Wilderness Systems has built a reputation for producing some of the finest fishing kayaks available. The fishability of their boats is improved with a unique and useful line of accessories designed to help anglers fish harder and more efficiently. The Wilderness Kayak Krate is the ultimate tankwell storage option. The Kayak Krate sophisticates tankwell storage with superior function and a sleek look that make storing and accessing gear hassle-free. An open main compartment accommodates larger gear and tackle boxes and features removable dividers. Smaller items can be stowed in the secondary lid storage. Functional and durable inside and out, the Kayak Krate is blow-molded, water resistant, is easily lashed down and comes with four rod holders.
wildernesssystems.com
Tsunami Forged 12 Lever Drag Reel Tsunami recently introduced its new FORGED 12 lever drag reel. It’s a larger and more powerful version of the popular FORGED 10, and it’s perfect for jigging, bottom fishing and live baiting. The Tsunami FORGED 12 is built to catch the strongest saltwater game fish. Its powder-forged frame is lightweight and precision machined for braided line tolerances and strength. The hardened high-precision stainless steel 4.3:1 ratio drive and pinion gears are strong, tough, and operate smoothly. The completely disengaged “floating” spool rides freely on two shielded stainless steel ball bearings mounted to a spool shaft, giving the FORGED extreme free-spool and maximum castability. The instant anti-reverse bearing, along with two failsafe backup dogs, ensure strong, sure hooksets with no line loss. That is when the smooth, powerful carbon fiber drag comes into play, giving you all the fighting control you need. Look for Tsunami’s FORGED 12 online and at your favorite sporting goods retailer.
10
NATIONAL
I
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 10
JANUARY 2018
I
biminibayoutfitters.com
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
12/14/17 1:01 PM
GEAR GUIDE Vexilar FishPhone Vexilar has launched a game changer in the underwater camera market. The FishPhone takes Vexilar’s proven Fish Scout camera technology and uses an innovative new WiFi transmitting system to send high quality video directly to your smartphone or tablet. FishPhone turns your smart phone or tablet into a fully functional underwater camera monitor by creating its own 100-foot WiFi hotspot that can be shared with friends or kept secure. The FishPhone works anywhere in the world, and you don’t need cell phone coverage to use it. The free software app works with both Android and IOS systems. The FishPhone comes with a unique holder and battery pack system that makes it easy to carry and manage 50 feet of cable. The camera used in the FishPhone system is a Sony Color/ B&W camera that automatically shifts from color to black and white when light conditions are limited.
vexilar.com
Native Eyewear Eddyline Native’s Eddyline model features a wood Trilaminate construction with silver polarized Reflex lenses. These shades are ideal for inshore adventures since they weigh less than an ounce, and their eight-base curvature fits your face perfectly while blocking side light with thicker temple arms. All Native Eyewear lenses are polarized, impact and scratch resistant, include Cushional non-slip nose and temple pads and come with a limited lifetime warranty. Whether you’re hitting the backcountry or going to the inlet, you need a pair of Natives!
Nativeyewear.com
Dexter SOFGRIP Knives Dexter has been famous for their SOFGRIP white-handle knives for years. It’s a handle other companies try to duplicate but can’t match. The handle is soft to the grip, ergonomically perfect in your hand, and the patented textured pattern makes it slip free. The blades are made of DEXSTEEL, a high-carbon, high-alloy stain free steel that is ultra-sharp out of the package, holds its edge and can be easily re-sharpened. Dexter has been manufacturing knives in the U.S.A. for nearly 200 years. They offer proven quality, proven designs and proven reliability. That’s why Dexter is the No. 1 choice for fishermen. The SOFGRIP comes in a large selection of designs and sizes.
dexteroutdoors.com
Phenix Rods RTS Inshore Whether you’re fishing the flats for trout and snook or pulling big reds from the mangroves, Phenix Rods’ new RTS inshore line has the power to deliver. Super light weight and sturdy, RTS rods feature a T-40 carbon fiber blank with Phenix’s own Nanolite resins that produce excellent sensitivity, while retaining the backbone to fight big hard-pulling reds and snook. The RTS series utilizes the new Phenix Essex T-Ring premium carbide guides with Ring Lock to FrameLok technology and premium high density EVA and cork blend grips, with a carbon reel seat. The RTS series, meaning “reds, trout and snook,” promises to be the lightest, most sensitive inshore rod on the market. It offers 5 casting and 5 spinning models to fit your needs.
phenixrods.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 11
I
JANUARY 2018
I
NATIONAL
11
12/14/17 1:01 PM
8 CIGARS
ONLY 10 $
*
First-Class Premium Cigar Sampler When it comes to cigars, no one even comes close to Cigars International and we’re ready to prove it to ‘ya with an outrageous intro offer: 8 premium handmade cigars for just $10.* Go ahead, price shop this one and prepare to be stunned. When you’re ready, we’re here waiting with the world’s largest selection of premium handmade cigars at the planet’s lowest prices, delivered fast and fresh. That’s our guarantee.
www.CigarsIntl.com/SA7227
You must enter complete web address for special offer
1-888-244-2790 Mention code SA7227 Item #: CA49-SP
*Plus $299 s/h. PA residents add 6% tax; taxes on orders shipped outside of PA are the responsibility of purchaser. First-time purchasers only. One per customer. No sales to anyone under the age of 21. For more information see www.CigarsIntl.com/ageverify. Offer expires 2-15-18.
Includes 1 each of: Toraño • HC Series • 5 Vegas Ramón Bueso • Gran Habano • Black Ops Alec Bradley • Rocky Patel
Great
UPGRADE NOW! $5 UPGRADE ADD A TRAVEL HUMIDOR PERFECT FOR: • Golf: worry about golf, not cigars. • Fishing: airtight and it floats – perfect for fishing! • Hunting: keep your cigars protected even in nature’s toughest conditions.
YOUR PERSONAL LIFEGUARD...
ALWAYS ON - NEVER INTRUSIVE
FREEDOM WITH SAFETY The MOB+™ is a life-saving device for your boat. It provides greater freedom of movement than a traditional kill switch, and stops the engine should you fall overboard. Connect up to 4 people at the same time.
Now available at: &
www.fellmarine.com
12
NATIONAL
I
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 12
JANUARY 2018
I
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
12/14/17 1:01 PM
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT FELL MARINE MOB+ WIRELESS MAN OVERBOARD SYSTEM
Fell Marine has developed a man overboard system that promises to replace the traditional kill-switch lanyard. The MOB+ Wireless Man OverBoard system is an innovative, ABYC compliant, life-saving safety device for your boat. It provides greater freedom of movement than a traditional kill-switch lanyard, and stops the engine should you fall overboard. But its capabilities extend way beyond that. Up to four xFOB’s can be connected to the xHUB at the same time, with one unit acting as the captain’s stop unit, and the additional three as alarm units for passengers. The system consists of an easy to install xHUB (mounted on or near the boat console) and a wearable xFOB. The two communicate wirelessly with each other and stop the engine when the xFOB is submerged in water or is beyond range of the xHUB. The xFOB can be worn on your wrist, around your neck, or clipped to your PFD using xBAND or xTAG accessories. The waterproof xFOB has more than 300 hours of battery life and is powered by an easy to change standard coin cell battery. The xHUB connects to your boat power (12V-24V) and to your engine-stopping system. The system is intuitive and easy to use, and it is compatible with all major outboard and most sterndrive engines.
WWW.FELLMARINE.COM
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 13
I
JANUARY 2018
I
NATIONAL
13
12/14/17 1:02 PM
Center sp By Matt Jorn
“I
’ve heard people say ‘A bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work,’” said Master Capt. William Mendoza with his trademark wry smile, “I’m not really sure I know the difference.” Capt. Mendoza is a Costa Rica-based charter captain with 30 years of experience. Since 2009 he has run over 250 trips a year on the Wanderer for the FishingNosara team from his home port on the north Pacific coast, making him the busiest charter captain in all of Central America. This area has become a hot spot for anglers because of the nearby bluewater and virtually non-existent commercial pressure; in fact the Costa Rican government has mandated that all commercial fishing must be done at minimum 60 miles from shore. The main fear of men like Captain Mendoza is: will this fishery last? Many have heard stories of Cabo Blanco, Peru and its famous “Marlin Boulevard”. In the 1950s this area produced the most granders in the world, including a 1,560-lb. black marlin catch that is still the world record. Now Cabo Blanco is a ghost town, due to human conceit and greed.
The argument still rages as to why. Some say it was overfishing of the apex predators like marlin and swordfish by sport-fishermen, while others maintain the government opened up the feeder fish, mostly sardines, for overharvesting. Let’s look at the problem from both ends of the food chain. The Costa Rican government enforces their 60-mile line vigorously and is very strong against unlicensed commercial operations. These efforts maintain a healthy number of feeder fish. At the apex level, the preservation of billfish has been spearheaded by groups like the International Billfish Foundation and the IGFA. Costa Rica has also taken the lead in this effort by prohibiting sportsmen from removing billfish from the water (no hero shots allowed) and by banning the sale of meat from marlin and sailfish. “The advantage of catch-and-release billfishing is mainly economical,” noted Capt. Mendoza. “Essentially, we want to create a market where these apex predators are more valuable swimming in the ocean than they are on the scale at a fish market.” On average, a full day of marlin fishing costs $900 and provides renewable income for the captains and mates. Conversely, the value of the same fish at an unlicensed fish market can be as low as pennies per pound. Charter fishing lies somewhere in between the bottom-line driven world of commercial fishing and the fun-loving experience of recreational fishing. “A good charter trip should be fun, productive and educational, especially for novice anglers,” said Capt. Mendoza. “These trips can bring together multiple generations, as fishing tactics are handed down from grandfather to father, father to son.” Capt. Mendoza knows all about that. This season, his 22-year-old son joined him in the mate position on the Wanderer to continue the family legacy. By operating under common-sense regulations, the fishing in Nosara should stay strong for generations to come “The ocean provides me with a livelihood, and I want to protect her the way she’s protected me. My idea of a perfect day is catch billfish, get a nice photo, set it free, and get the lines back out there again. Clearly that’s not a bad day at work.” concluded Capt. Mendoza.
*Custom Fishing Packages *Costa’s Closest Blue Water *High Quality Boats *Professional Fishing Tackle *English Speaking Crews *Safety Equipment *Water, Ice, Snacks and Fruit *Gas included in price *Surf and Snorkel Tours
Starting at $700 pp (904) 591-2161 FishingNosara.com 14
NATIONAL
I
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 14
JANUARY 2018
I
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
12/14/17 1:02 PM
SOUTHEAST
By Randy Cnota
W
inter along Florida’s Forgotten Coast has a much different meaning for anglers than it does for anglers up north. For Virginia anglers, to “winterize a boat” describes a storage process they perform; for us, it means to fill the bait box with live shrimp. Sure, we get our fair share of cold snaps, but that just helps us plan our most productive fishing days. Simply put, winters here are mild and the fishing never stops! Don’t let the strict Florida harvest regulations fool you; if
you’re looking for great tasting fish to eat, you’re in luck! Red grouper have been making a great showing lately and are often very close to shore. Black sea bass are extremely plentiful and very easy to catch. Sheepshead, speckled trout and many others provide inshore anglers lots of action, and all these species mentioned here (and this is just a few) make fantastic table fare. For those looking for a big fight, redfish will be running the surf chasing bait in huge schools. Find the birds, and you’ll find fish that are willing to bite just about anything you throw at them. When throwing lures or live bait to these schools, it’s not uncommon for everyone on board the boat to hook up at the same time. Typically, these are not small fish, but rather big bull reds that will test your tackle. For catching reds within the slot limits, our bays and creeks still offer excellent opportunities to harvest these tasty fish. For freshwater fun, the Apalachicola River will be loaded with hybrids and stripers chasing abundant shad. The lower end of the river will have a mix of largemouth bass hanging around with the speckled and white trout that find their way into the warmer fresh waters. Deep bends in the lower stretches of the river load up with a variety of species that are easy pickings with artificial baits, but live shrimp is always your best option. There’s no need to suffer from cabin fever this winter. Get away from the cold and come chase fish here in Franklin County, Fla. The many fishing options available here will ensure you have a great time regardless of the weather… just be sure to pack your sunblock, short pants and sunglasses. For a complete list of rentals, charters, supplies and more visit www.floridasforgottencoast.com.
Your fish is waiting. Florida’s Forgotten Coast
Boaters and mariners will find something to love in Franklin County. Carrabelle features deep water access to the Gulf of Mexico and freshwater rivers. Plan a kayak or day sailing eco-adventure from Apalachicola or St. George Island. Eastpoint and Alligator Point offer direct access to the best inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. Bring your own boat or rent one here; there’s no better place to enjoy Florida’s Forgotten Coast.
Visit Floridasforgottencoast.com/ca for complete launch, marina, guide and tackle information.
ALLIGATOR POINT • APALACHICOLA • CARRABELLE • EASTPOINT • ST. GEORGE ISLAND COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_SE1-SE4.indd 1
JANUARY 2018
SOUTHEAST
1
12/14/17 9:32 AM
Georgia’s Record Blue Catfish
A Surprising Winter is the Best Planting Time
I am often asked when is the best time to plant fruiting plants. My answer is usually the same; the best time is 20 years ago or today. The second best time to plant is during the winter months. Plants are dormant, and can be easily shipped and planted with no stress on the plant because there is not a lot of maintenance once the plant or tree has been planted. Simply dig a good hole, water thoroughly
at planting, and take the rest of the winter off. Even though there are no signs of growth above ground, the root systems will have time to get adjusted to their new location and begin to initiate new root growth. There are plenty of advantages of growing your own edibles. First of all, you know what has been done over the course of the growing season from a chemical stand point. Second, the fruit just taste
better coming out of your home orchard versus buying fruit from the grocers that have little to no flavors. Thirdly, it is good for your soul and you will feel more connected to the environment and nature. Whether it is an apple tree, muscadine vine or a blueberry bush; now is the time to plant. Let’s Grow Together. Greg Ison, Ison’s Nursery and Vineyards, 800733-0324, www.isons.com
new state record blue catfish was recently confirmed by Georgia WRD. The 93-lb. monster was hauled from the Altamaha River in October and smashed the previous record of 80-lb., 4 oz., which stood since 2010. Richard Barrett, of Axson, Ga., caught the big cat using a live channel catfish he had caught earlier as bait. It was the only state record fish caught in Georgia in 2017, and Tim Bonvechio, with Georgia WRD, aged the fish at 14 years old. Barrett’s fish was enormous, but blue cats can get much bigger. Back in 2011, a 143-pound IGFA All-Tackle World Record blue catfish was caught on Kerr Lake in Virginia.
GREAT FISHING FALL FISHING CHARTERS REQUIRES GREAT REST! NOW BOOKING
INSHORE LIGHT TACKLE FISHING RETAIL GUIDE SHOP • CUSTOM FLATS SKIFF FULLY RIGGED KAYAK TRIPS • KAYAK RENTAL
Boater’s Welcome! Capt. Mike McNamara
(850) 510-7919
or email redfish@stmarksoutfitters.com
www.stmarksoutfitters.com
721 Port Leon, St Marks FL 2
SOUTHEAST
CANGL_SE1-SE4.indd 2
JANUARY 2018
Amenities include: • complimentary full hot breakfast • spacious dining room • outdoor courtyard with fountain, gazebo Make a reservation today and save at the BEST WESTERN Wakulla Inn & Suites!
EACH BEST WESTERN BRANDED HOTEL IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
• fitness room • outdoor swimming pool • conference room • free high-speed wireless Internet 3292 Coastal Hwy 98 • Crawfordville, Fla.
850.926.3737 Fax:Ê850.926.4683
www.wakullainnhotel.com
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
12/14/17 9:32 AM
NORTH CAROLINA
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures.
H
ere are some tips on catching flounder that some might not have tried. The technique I am about to share has some benefits over the more mainstream methods. It is also so simple and easy to use that I rig my young son’s rod this way. When the topic of flounder fishing is mentioned, the main issues I hear are when to set the hook and difficulty in getting a good hook set. I know there are different theories such as, count to three, count to 10, or set the hook immediately. With this method, I set the hook immediately, still get a solid hook set and injure fewer fish, which is important if you’re releasing them.
The method I want to share is a tandem Carolina rig. Here is the quick easy way I tie it. Cut 30 inches of 30-lb. mono. Fold your line together and tie an overhand knot leaving two uneven lengths of leader, one about 20 inches, the other 10 inches. Leave a loop in the overhand knot when it’s cinched. Add a barrel weight to your main line and attach it to the loop. Next, tie un-weighted screwlock swimbait hooks to each end, and rig your lures weedless. I have found that lures that can float with the hook in them outperform a lure that sinks to the bottom and sits there motionless. With a floating lure, the waves and current keep the lure moving even when you pause. This results in more action and therefore more strikes. The main advantage to the tandem Carolina rig is the lures are not weighted, and they are free moving due to a slip weight. When the flounder inhales the lure, there is less resistance from the weight, and the lure goes deeper into the fish’s mouth. No tail grabs and short strikes to worry about. That is why I set the hook immediately. This is also what makes it easy enough for even kids to get a solid hook set. While targeting flounder, I also like to work my rod to the side with a low twitching motion to keep the lure or weight dragging on the bottom rather than bouncing it, as I would when targeting trout. Kicking up a steady trail of dust can attract the fish, and when you pause and the lure starts to rise, it is a livelier presentation. The length of the leader, distance between hooks, and the weight is a personnel preference. Some may also add a glass bead or two between the swivel or leader knot and the egg weight to give a little click. To keep it simple and quick, I don’t always use a swivel. I might just tie a large loop knot in my leader, and the egg weight will rest against the knot. Adding scent to your lures is also a great addition when targeting flounder. Head out to your favorite flounder hole, and give the tandem Carolina rig a try. I think you will be impressed with the results. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
Be Your Own Boss
T
he N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is offering anglers in the eastern part of the state an opportunity to catch trout in winter clinics being held at the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center in Fayetteville. The annual winter fly fishing clinics for novice and intermediate anglers start Jan. 6. Additionally, two fly fishing merit badge workshops for Boy Scouts will be held in March and April. The commission will stock more than 1,000 catchable-sized brook, brown and rainbow trout into the center’s ponds on Dec. 13. Loaner rods, reels and tackle will be provided for all participants. Basic Fly Fishing Clinics are designed for anglers with limited or no knowledge of fly fishing. They will be offered Jan. 6, Jan. 20 and Feb. 3, from
Morehead City Franchise FOR SALE FREE
Fall's Topwater Bonanza No-Pressure Grouper
Local
Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Intermediate Fly Fishing Clinic is for anglers who have already completed a Basic Fly Fishing Clinic or Discovery Course. It will be held Feb. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. These clinics are suitable for participants 13 years and older; however, participants 15 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Scoutmasters interested in merit badge workshops should contact Tom Carpenter at 910-868-5003 to register their scouts. Pre-registration is required for all clinics. To register, visit the calendar view on the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center’s webpage and select the clinic you’re interested in to begin the registration process.
AG.CO M W I D E ALAN GLERM COAST V A I L A B L E W O R L D P P O R T U N I T I E S A
PHOTO COURTESY OF CRYSTAL VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 271
LAFOSSE
F R A N C H I S E
OUR MOREHEAD CITY LOCATION IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE
This business enables you to work from home and control your own time and earnings. Complete training and support included. Come join our team.
8/16/17 11:38 AM 0917_CAM_CVR.indd 4
For More Information On This Or Other Franchise Locations Contact US at 888-800-9794 or Email at info@coastalanglermagazine.com
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_NC1-NC4.indd 1
SEPTEMBER 2017
O
If you love the outdoors and the Fishing Industry, you owe it to yourself to check out the Franchise Opportunities available with Coastal Angler Magazine. Now, you can be in business for yourself… but not by yourself.
JANUARY 2018
NORTH CAROLINA 1
12/14/17 12:52 PM
WIDEST SELECTION OF KAYAKS & ACCESSORIES ON THE OUTER BANKS
K H S U R F. C O M 252.441.6800
S A L E S • R E N TA L S • D E M O S • T O U R S
U S E D G E A R S A L E 2 NORTH CAROLINA
CANGL_NC1-NC4.indd 2
JANUARY 2018
HUGE SAVINGS ON K AYA K S • S U R F B O A R D S PA D D L E B O A R D S B I K E S • AC C E S S O R I E S
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
12/14/17 12:52 PM
BLUE RIDGE
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
F
or the first time in its five-year existence, the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship will be held below the Mason-Dixon Line—at Lake Chatuge on the Georgia/North Carolina border. The championship will be held Sept. 20-23, 2018, and will feature the 50 top-ranked Bassmaster Elite Series anglers, based on Angler of the Year points earned during the nine-event Elite season. The 2018 Classic Bracket tournament will be held Oct. 23-26, also in north Georgia, at 3,200-acre Carters Lake near Ellijay. The 2018 Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest tournament, one of the nine regular-season events of the Bassmaster Elite Series, will be held May 17-20 on Lake Travis near Austin, Texas. “The AOY Championship is one of our three “majors”—along with
Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest and the GEICO Bassmaster Classic— that pay out $1 million or more and have developed a huge and loyal following,” said Bruce Akin, CEO of B.A.S.S. “This year’s championship was super exciting in that Brandon Palaniuk didn’t wrap up his AOY title until the very last day of competition.” In addition to the $100,000 prize that goes to the Toyota Angler of the Year, the contestant who weighs in the heaviest total catch of the event will receive $25,000. The rest of the $1 million prize fund will be awarded to the top 50 pros based on their final standings in AOY points. The event also determines at least 36 qualifiers for the Classic from the Elite Series. The AOY Championship will mark the first time for a professional Bassmaster tournament to be held on Lake Chatuge, a 7,500-acre Tennessee Valley Authority impoundment, but it hosted Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Championship tournaments in 2013 and 2014. Weigh-ins and other activities will be at the Towns County Conference and Recreation Center in Young Harris, Ga. The four-day Classic Bracket tournament provides one final opportunity for one Elite angler to qualify for the 2019 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. Conducted entirely in front of Bassmaster LIVE cameras, the Classic Bracket follows a catchweigh-release format. Anglers compete head-to-head, trying to compile a heavier five-bass catch than their opponents until only one is left standing. Qualifiers are the first eight anglers in AOY points below the cut to the Classic. Jacob Powroznik, an Elite Series angler from Virginia, prevailed in this year’s Bracket to earn an invitation to the 2018 Classic, to be held March 16-18 on Lake Hartwell at Anderson, S.C. Carters Lake is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers impoundment of the Coosawattee River in Gilmer and Murray counties in the Blue Ridge Mountains of north Georgia. With a maximum depth of 547 feet, it’s the deepest reservoir in the state, and one of the most scenic. For more information about these and other Bassmaster tournaments, visit Bassmaster.com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_BR1-BR4.indd 1
JANUARY 2018
BLUE RIDGE
1
12/13/17 4:48 PM
GuideNorth Service & Travel GA’s
Full Service Fly Shop
Book Your Next Guided Trip With Us:
• Etowah River Fish this Season • Chattahoochee River With • PrivateCOHUTTA Trophy Trout Water
Our knowledgable staff has been serving the Maggie Valley Cabin Rental market for over 15 years helping others, like yourself, find the right vacation home in the Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee areas. Premier Vacation Rentals offers a wide variety of rental properties for your Smoky Mountain vacation. We are located in the Maggie Valley and Waynesville area.
Visit us at www.PVRNC.com Or call (800) 923-6025
Call The Shop For Details On Our Call the shop forand ourFloat hosted Guided Wade Trips Trips!
and non-hosted trips
Convenient to Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and Beech Mountain
Featuring Jackson Big Rigs Authorized Yellow Dog Dealer
Our resorts offer the perfect vacation or getaway in the mountains of Western North Carolina
www.cohuttatravel.com
Call Today
800-788-2582
39 S. Public Square, Cartersville GA 30120 (770) 606-1100 • www.cohuttafishingco.com
(770) 606-1100 www.cohuttafishingco.com
Sept_NS_COHUTTA.indd 1
2
BLUE RIDGE
CANGL_BR1-BR4.indd 2
8/15/14 10:01 PM
JANUARY 2018
125 Profile View Rd., Banner Elk, NC 28604
www.grandfatherrv.com
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
12/13/17 4:48 PM
Win a chance to fish with
Skye Burkhardt And an Awesome Prize Bundle
Prize Bundle Package
Native Eyewear • Manley Fishing Rod • HSB Tactical Backpack • Butthurt Seat • Danco Pliers • Fishing Caddy
Learn more @ CoastalAnglerMag.com/Skye CANGL_FIL1-FIL4.indd skye promo fp.indd 1 1
12/14/17 12/12/17 2:37 1:43PM PM
By Russ Jones
F
lorida is a tale of two worlds. Southern Florida, a region that begins somewhere between Orlando and Ocala, is vastly different than communities to the north and along the Panhandle. What some call Old Florida, these towns established way before Mickey Mouse took up residence at Disney World in Orlando. Following Mickey came other theme parks, high rise condominium complexes, and Lamborghinis that forever changed the southern part of the Sunshine State, but communities to the north found a way to maintain a semblance of what attracted so many years ago. In a region known as the Forgotten Coast, Apalachicola rests in the middle of the Panhandle on Florida’s northwest coast in southern Franklin County. The greater Apalachicola region is one of the earliest populated areas in Florida, dating back to 1831. The coastal communities of Apalachicola, St. George Island and Eastpoint, the heart of the Forgotten Coast, offer an authentic taste of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Houseboats at River Watch Just a block from the main shopping and dining district of Apalachicola is Houseboats at River Watch on Water Street. Proprietor Karen Hoff offers four floating homes with waterfront views of the Apalachicola River. One is a 500-square-foot home named “Rebels’ Rest” (VRBO – 1029857) that boasts magnificent sunrises and sunsets, a daily parade of fishing boats, and a variety of wildlife that rivaled any National Geographic episode. Karen moved from New Jersey in 2012 as a tourist looking for permanent housing. Attracted to the history of Apalachicola, she purchased the home she was renting and the accompanying marina. Since then she’s added three other floating homes ranging in sizes. “People come visit because they are seeking something low key,” she said. “They like the adventure of it and looking for a place they can watch the river traffic, the wildlife and relax.” Each home features a fully equipped kitchen, cable television, the Internet, comfortable beds, general living space and a deck overlooking the river. Oh, and fishing rods. Because most of the fish you might catch off the deck are likely going to be gafftopsail catfish, you’ll need a guide to find trophy fish and varieties worthy of the dinner table. Fishing Off St. Vincent Born and raised in Apalachicola, Capt. Rudy Gay operates Apalachicola Charters. Years ago, Capt. Rudy’s family members were caretakers for St. Vincent Island, one of four barrier islands close to the mouth of the Apalachicola River. In 1968, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service purchased the island for $2.2 million from Henry and Alfred Loomis. The 9-mile-long island was converted into a National Wildlife Refuge. Gay often guides fisherman off the shores of St. Vincent in his 24’ Kenner searching for redfish, speckled trout, flounder and sheepshead, using shrimp as bait. “There is a natural beauty here. It’s very pristine,” said Gay. “We don’t have trash floating around in the water. There is a lot of good fishing in this area.” Tripletail – Love At First Bite Capt. Jonathan Creamer has fished for tripletail since he was a
CANGL_FIL1-FIL4.indd 2
kid. With a bumper crop of this great gamefish in Apalachicola Bay over the last few years, it has come into the spotlight for anglers with fly rods as well as conventional tackle. Aboard Capt. Jonathan’s 24’ Glasstream, we ran an extensive circuit of vertical structure seeking out tripletails where they hold. Capt. Jonathan guides through several lines of crab traps—about 50 in all. The rig we fished was a simple live shrimp under a popping cork. “You need to get the bait as close to the trap as possible without getting snagged,” said Creamer. “Pop the line. That rattles the cork and attracts the tripletail.” Tripletail must be at least 15 inches long to keep. “The tripletail puts the grouper to shame,” said Capt. Jonathan. “It’s been like a highway down here of people trying it out. It’s become very popular lately.” Apalachicola River Cruises Capt. Skip Shiver is a fifth-generation Franklin County resident who grew up on the water. After years in the offshore charter industry, law enforcement and as a Florida Fish and Wildlife officer, Skip launched Apalachicola River Cruises. Capt. Skip leads tours aboard the restored “Miss America,” a Dutch-built beauty straight from the Netherlands. Skip’s love and knowledge for the area and its waters are unmatched. During his tours across the brackish river, Skip points out the importance of the marshes to the ecosystem. “As water comes down it floods our flood planes,” said Shiver. “It picks up the nutrients and sediments that have been waiting for the high waters.” Those nutrients then feed the oyster beds for which Apalachicola is known. Passengers get to see the natural beauty of the Apalachicola River and learn about the area from the vantage point of Skip’s boat. While Apalachicola rests in the Sunshine State’s so-called Forgotten Coast, the quaintness of this piece of Old Florida leaves lasting memories. This southern town with a strong maritime culture is the complete package, leaving visitors longing for more – hook, line, sinker and oyster. For more information, contact the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center at 850-653-9419 or info@apalachicolabay.org.
12/14/17 2:37 PM
S E C T I O N S Lake Hickory & Rhodhiss Lake Lake Norman/Cornelius/Denver/ Mooresville/Mountain Island Lake Charlotte Metro Lake Wylie/Rock Hill High Rock/Tuckertown/ Badin/Tillery Lakes/The Falls Trout Deer
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.
Happy New Year, 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
LAKE HICKORY & RHODHISS FORECAST
T
here’s no use in telling a bunch of stories or lying about the fishing in January. It’s slow and there’s just not much you can do about that. If you want a day full of reels screaming and multiple fish coming over the side of the boat the best thing you can do is stay at home and watch fishing on TV. But if you just can’t stand sitting at home there are a few things you can do to get a few striper to bite on Lake Hickory. Because there is no hot hole or any kind of warm water discharge on Lake Hickory there’s no one particular area to focus on when it gets January cold. The main thing I am going to focus on is locating schools of striper early in the day. I may troll bucktails for 2 hours or more in my winter time spots just locating schools. After I get a feel on what the fish are doing that particular day and have a few schools located I’m going to get over top of them and but out the live bait. This time of year I’m running all small baits. Shad and alewife anywhere from 2 inches to 3.5 inches are perfect for this time of year. I will always put out that one big shad in the 6-9 inch range in hopes for that monster, but 95 percent of my bites will be on the small stuff. Now it’s just patience, like I said earlier it’s slow and these fish are very lethargic. All I’m going to try and do now is sit as still as I can and stay on top of the school. A good sonar unit comes in handy this time of year also. Because these fish are so lethargic, I’m trying to put this bait as close to them as I can. If I’m marking fish in 20ft. I want the bait in 20ft. It’s not like spring or summer when the fish will chase a bait 3 to 10 feet up, you literally have to have it right in its face to get bites sometimes. I may sit on a school as long as 45 minutes to 1 hour with no bites before I decide to move on to another. A day of this, a lot of patience, and a little luck and you can make a decent day out of January. It will also make spring feel that much sweeter when it gets here. www.coltbassfishing.com
Advertising that Works–Great Rates...Great Service
CONTACT US!
Mark Alberghini, Publisher mark@theanglermagazine.com 704-651-1934
Haley Alberghini, Publisher haley@theanglermagazine.com 704-781-5387
2 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT
JANUARY 2018
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM
Cabella
Welcome to the Fort Mill Cabela’s! As The Palmetto State’s second Cabela’s, we built an even bigger store for our outdoor-loving friends down south. Located along Interstate 77 across from the Carowinds amusement park, you can expect top-notch service and resources from our experienced Outfitters. The Fort Mill store boasts an impressive 104,000 sq. ft. with rustic log construction, stonework, a mountain replica, an aquarium, an indoor archery test area, dozens of museum-quality wildlife displays and a Bargain Cave. The store also features a full-service boat shop (for those trips to Lake Wylie!). If shopping the wide selection of outdoor equipment works up your appetite, stop by the in-store deli for a JANUARY 2018Mill, CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 1000 Cabela Drive | Fort SC | 980-337-26003 hearty wild-game sandwich. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM
www.cabelas.com
The Added Excitement of Clear Water Fishing clear water however, the real excitement might lie behind the hooked fish. When schooled bass are feeding heavily and they get hooked, they begin to excrete the partially digested bait fish as they are pulled to the surface. The other bass in the school see these new food sources and there is a scramble to capture it. Getting a god look at this situation presents the angler with great information as to the number of other bass that are in the area. You might never see this dilemma in clouded water. An unusual aspect of this practice is that many bass cannot control their aggressiveness and when using multiple hook lures, an angler will often catch two fish at the same time on the same lure as shown in the photo below.
By: Jake Bussolini
M
ost freshwater anglers think of fishing in a clear water lake as it relates to the health and growth of the fish that live in that water. Although that is indeed is a good consideration, there are a couple of other aspects of clear water fishing that may lend another degree of excitement to your fishing experience. Generally when we hook into a nice bass, our primary consideration is getting that fish to the boat and into the net. How often in this situation do you look down into the water behind the fish being retrieved? The answer for fishing in most waters is not very often. In
It isn’t always another bass that gets involved in the flurry of feeding activity. On the same trip to a Canadian lake my son John hooked a nice three pound smallmouth bass and as he was retrieving it and it came close to the boat, a 30 inch muskie came up, grabbed the fish and fought to tear it off the line. Since I had the net ready to retrieve the large bass as he brought it close to the boat, hr muskie would not let go of the bass and we were able to net both fish at the same time while the muskie held on for dear life. The damaged bass and the attacking muskie are shown below. There is another very exciting aspect of fishing in clear water that I have used to greatly increase my excitement. That involves the use of a Go-Pro camera. It takes a little practice to get good photos but at the end of the day if you end up with photos like the ones shown below, it makes a routine fishing day a much more memorable experience. It takes a little practice to understand how to track the movement of the fish when they get close enough for a photo, and you will not know until the end of the day what you actually got for photos, but if you recover two or three good photos in one day I believe that is a successful picture taking day. Our wives have always joked that we always come home with pictures of “men holding fish”. Now our photos tell a different story if we are fortunate enough to fish in a clear water facility where the camera provides much of the excitement. 4 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT
JANUARY 2018
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM
Just because it’s January doesn’t mean the Fishing is “Cold”
J
anuary is one of the coldest months of the year in the Blue Ridge, but it certainly doesn’t mean that the fishing is “cold.” With water temperatures that rarely drop into the low-30’s, muskies will feed quite consistently during the winter period and become more aggressive as the days begin to lengthen. During this time, follows are often translated into eats as fish maximize every opportunity for a meal. Remember to execute “figure-8’s” at the end of every retrieve
making wide sweeps with the rod during the bends of the “figure-8.” Big fish in the 40”+ range are like large cargo boats and can not turn quickly. I often watch clients make short, abrupt turns which will cause a fish to loose interest very quickly and drop off the bait or fly. Big sweeps varying the depth of the bait or fly up and down in the water column while keeping your presentation deep at the boat so that the fish doesn’t see you are crucial. Executed correctly, fish will eat quickly or stay with a bait for minutes at a time before eating. I can remember back to the winter of 2014, and the James River had been slightly iced over and very cold during the two to three polar vortexes that we had had. Although not a common winter pattern, ice out presents a feeding window for muskies that can bring extremely hot action. I had taken my neighbor and long time fishing buddy out for a trip, and we had a limited amount of time to fish a longer section, so we were covering ground very quickly. I had casted up onto a sheet of ice in a big, deep eddy pocket that normally holds winter fish. I brought the bait off the ice and noticed a fish charging it immediately as I retrieved the bait closer to the boat. I mentioned it to my neighbor as he kept fishing, and I began to “figure-8.” The fish stayed with it for turn after turn disappearing at times and then reappearing. Every time that I could see it in the emerald green water, it looked hotter and hotter. After several minutes and several more casts by my neighbor, the fish ate and I struck him. My neighbor could not believe it as he grabbed the net and helped me land the short-lined fish that was crashing violently around the boat. I have watched many of my clients land their first musky on a “figure-8,” and after doing so, I am sure they’ll “always” do again because the excitement of landing a fish on such a short string is something you won’t forget and don’t want to miss an opportunity like that. Britt Stoudenmire, along with his wife Leigh, own and operate New River Outdoor Co. featuring private, waterfront cabin rentals, and guided smallmouth and musky trips on the New River in SW Virginia. For more information on their services, contact them at 540-921-7438 or visit their websites at www.newriveroutdoorco.com or www.walkercreekretreat.com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM
JANUARY 2018
CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 5
LAKE NORMAN FORECAST
We have the latest Scarab, Four Winns, and Sea-Doo models available, along with many more popular brands
Get Yours while they last! Stop in to our store today to view our extensive selection
Find us at The Mid-Atlantic Boat Show Feb. 8-11, and The Central Carolina Boat & Fishing Expo Feb 23-25 19335 H.M. Junker Dr. Cornelius, NC 28031
704-896-6022 www.lakenormanpowersports.com 6 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT
JANUARY 2018
J
anuary on Lake Norman can be like the late fall conditions of mid-December, or like the winter conditions of late Januaryearly February. Water temperatures are the key factor, and forage migration patterns are the major influence on where to find hybrids, stripers, bass, perch, catfish, and crappie. As long as water temps remain in the mid-to-low 50’s (F), look for concentrations of bait in major creeks - midway back to the very back. As water temps fall past 50F, the bulk of the bait (and fish) should push out to the creek mouths and river channel. The primary exception to this migration is when shad remain in the really cold water near the backs of creeks (<43F) and become stunned, often dying in significant numbers. Even when large schools of bait have moved out to deeper water, there can be periods when the predators locate these “damaged” shad in the creeks and actively feed on them. Fortunately, seabirds are well established on local waters by January and are a great indicator of bait schools and feeding fish activity. Seasoned anglers pay close attention when they ride the roads and bridges around the lake in their cars. Spotting bird activity from a warm car can save a lot of time by shortening those cold winter boat rides. There will generally also be a concentration of boats where the birds are if the bite is legit. As always, live shad and herring are solid options as long as the water isn’t too cold and the feeding activity is in a relatively small area. Trout and shiners usually hold up better in really cold water, but any live bait can only be pulled so fast. Carolina rig them on free lines or down rods as needed to get baits to the required depth on any given day. All of our predatory gamefish can be taken with live baits, and using the artificials discussed below. Vertical jigging with lead jigs or bucktails is effective when you can stay over the action, and casting to surface feeding or even suspended fish can also be productive. ½ - 1 oz. jigs or spoons in silver, white or chartreuse are a good starting point, as are 3/8 - 1/2 oz. bucktails, my favorite being red on white. Swim baits on 1/4 – 1/2 oz. jig heads fished individually work well too. I like curly and paddle tail bodies when the water isn’t too cold, and a split tail design when colder water sets in. White and shad colors are the standard, but darker bodies in various greens can be effective too. Once the bait and fish take residence in the open waters of the river channel and major creek mouths, fast trolling artificials is often the best way to cover water and keep up with the movements of the schools. I deploy a spread of multi-hook rigs and tandem bucktail rigs in the above colors. My trolling speed is 1.5 mph +/- 0.5 and I’m generally trying to work the upper third of the water column, except when I see striper marks on my sonar. On Norman, the stripers are often under the hybrids, spotted bass, and perch activity. I run full size umbrella rigs with larger bucktails and trailers for them. Again, red on white is my bucktail choice, with optional lime green worm or curly tail trailers. Another factor that impacts our bait and fish winter migrations are the warm water discharges from the Duke power plants. As current and wind pushes the warm water in any direction, even upriver at times, gamefish take advantage of the warmth which prolongs their ability to process protein well into and through winter. Luckily for them, the forage likes the warmer water too. Pay attention to prolonged winds from any direction to help predict where the warm water has travelled. Obviously, the possibilities for January are pretty wide ranging. Track the water temperature to narrow down your starting point and hopefully the birds will lead you to the bite and your share of Fish On! By Capt Craig Price, FISH ON! Guide Service, www.folkn.com
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM
F
bait c areas to bot Th also a shallo water, chann becau feedin deepe On and h these topog proce sonar zeroin paper water. Th or sym is stee attent provid Da reason of the
B An
Points and Humps
F
inding gamefish around points and humps is a well-documented concept. But judging by the number of inquiries I get about where to find fish, it’s still an under-publicized idea. Put simply, bait congregates around points and humps, and gamefish use these areas as efficient feeding grounds. It’s a universal model that translates to both fresh and salt water. The premise that makes points and humps productive spots can also apply to flats, banks, or basically any shallow water area surrounded by deep water, especially near a creek or river channel. Predators like these locations because they can move quickly between the feeding ground and the safety/comfort of deeper water without using too much energy. One can learn to identify the best points and humps, and the “most likely spots” on these areas before leaving the dock. Accurate topographical maps are crucial tools in this process. The maps found on today’s GPS/ sonar units are excellent, especially for zeroing in on a target while on the boat, but I still recommend a large paper map for concentrated study of the big picture before hitting the water. The topography of most points, humps, flats, etc. is not linear or symmetrical. Indentations in the slope, sections where the slope is steepest, knobs, shelves or ledges are all anomalies that warrant attention. Hard cover like rocks or wood is also a variance that provides cover and an ambush point. Day to day, bait and fish may utilize a different depth for various reasons and there are times when they might be found on other parts of the structure away from the above features. But identifying and
Building Brand Loyalty is Who We Are Becoming part of the Coastal Angler and The Angler Magazine Team provides your company with access to our loyal readership
investigating these premium spots is a time saver which helps catch more fish more efficiently. Long points that lie beside, or taper down to a river or creek channel are optimal. Secondary points in these same areas can be very productive. A secondary point is typically a little further from the channel and smaller than the primary point, but they hold bait too and offer another ambush spot for the predators. Secondary points often are also more protected from strong winds. Humps are more round or oval in design than points, and the best ones are also close to channels. Many long points or underwater ridges have one or more submerged hump, or knoll, on them. Some knolls are isolated, and stand on their own away from any point. Knolls are shown as circles on a topo map, and should be targeted. Be aware that circles on a topo map also indicate deep holes. Learn to differentiate between the knolls and the holes. Once one can find bait and fish efficiently, and determine how deep they are operating, the final piece of the puzzle is to select the best bait/ lure and fishing technique to reach and catch them. I acknowledge that other structures and cover also hold fish - piers, docks, tree laps, bridges, ditches, creek and river channels, etc. But learn to identify the best points and humps, and I guarantee you’ll experience more Fish On! By Capt Craig Price, FISH ON! Guide Service, www.folkn.com
Restaurant & Oyster Bar SINCE
1974
Age of Reader................. 82% at 35+ years old Gender of Reader........................ 82% are Male 18% are Female Owns truck, van or SUV............................. 86%
Open Daily @ 430pm Salad Bar Weekly Specials Oyster Bar
Owns a boat.................................................. 68% Owns 2 or more automobiles.....................72% Average household income...$82,301-250,495 Home Ownership of Readers................. 79.5%
704.663.4242 // www.bigdaddysoflakenorman.com
Reader Survey: Global Marketing Research International COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM
JANUARY 2018
CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 7
Photo Credit Capt. Gus: David Goodman of Cornelius , NC holds a LKN Spotted Bass
DANGER! Men Fishing!
M
uch has been written in books, magazines and on the internet about those who like to fish. The most humorous make their way on tee-shirts, bumper stickers, plaques and, yes, even road signs.
A sign recently placed along the side of a busy highway read: “DANGER! Men Fishing!” It seems that a group of men fishing under a bridge had temporarily installed the sign for their own protection. It probably wasn’t a legal thing to do, but it made me smile. It has been written that men would rather fish than work, as evidenced by a popular bumper sticker that reads, “Born to Fish; Forced to Work.” A quote on a plaque in a local restaurant says, “Work is for people who don’t know how to fish.” Fishermen know that a good place to get information is at local tackle shops and other stores that sell bait. Those who visit such establishments should be aware that casual conversations overheard in such places should be taken with a grain of salt, as evidenced by a sign that warns visiting outdoorsmen to be leery. It says, “Caution! Fishing and Hunting Stories in Progress - Protective Boots Might Be Required. Fishermen arguably have extremely high standards. Some only fish on “Days that end with a Y.” How about that for standing by your principles? With this tee-shirt message, ladies should beware of what they might find in the refrigerator. “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and you will find bait in the fridge.” Wives and girlfriends might or might not appreciate this one, but somebody wrote, “Gone fishing. be back some day.” It won’t be long until wintertime. The colder it gets, the more some fishermen will begin “Wishin’ they were fishin’.” Another thought for a wintry day - “Well stocked rivers, lakes and streams - these are a fisherman’s favorite dreams.” Written on a chalkboard in a college locker room, “Football is a game, but fishing is serious.” And, in this world of many restrictions, another says, “There is no limit to how many times you can go fishing.” Another professed by a person in financial despair: “I spent most of my money on fishing. The rest I wasted.” Finally, an all-time favorite! “To fish or not to fish? ..... That’s a dumb question!” By early January, most baitfish will have left the creeks and found their way to the river channel were water temperatures are a bit warmer. Shadowing the shad and herring will be schools of bass, hybrids and perch. What makes deep-water fishing so good, is that baitfish and predators bunch up in tight knit schools, often near S-turns in the river channel or where two or more channels meet to form a delta. Three easy ways to locate feeding fish are: 1. Find diving seabirds eating baitfish pushed to the surface by hungry predators. 2. Look for boats clustered in close proximity. Approach at slow speed to scatter the fish. 3. Watch for images of bait and fish on your sonar screen. Once located, a variety of methods can be employed. Two of the most popular are (1) suspended live bait or (2) jigging spoons just above the fish feeding below the boat. Best live baits are bass minnows, shad and herring. Bucktail jigs and metal jigging spoons are preferred by those deep dropping artificial lures. When bass and hybrids are surface feeding, a variety of top water lures, including jerk baits, shallow running crankbaits and Alabama rigs will do the trick. On days when fish are hard to locate, trolling is a viable option. Another choice is to fish the hot water discharge channels at the McGuire and Marshall power stations. On occasion, bass and hybrids will be boiling the surface, particularly at dawn and on cloudy days. But when they aren’t, lures fished close to the bottom will reap rewards. Those wishing to catch crappie should concentrate their efforts around bridge pilings, boathouses and submerged brush. Best baits are crappie minnows and 1/64th to 1/16th ounce jigs fished to forty feet. 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 web site, www.Fishingwithgus.com or call 704-617-6812.
8 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT
JANUARY 2018
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM
Bass Pro Shops 8181 Concord Mills Blvd. Concord, NC 28027 704-979-2200
Your Adventure . . .
STARTS HERE!
www.basspro.com
• Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World / Concord Mills Mall has been voted the number 1 tourist destination in North Carolina • Bass Pro Shops is the leading hunting, marine, boating and fishing supply outfitter in North Carolina. • We feature a wide variety of outdoor gear, ATV’s and Tracker Boats. • Saltwater or freshwater fishing gear, boating supplies, men’s, ladies and kid’s apparel, sunglasses, and more • Visit our shooting arcade and our 23,000 gallon aquarium. • Over 150,000 sq ft of shopping fun and wildlife dioramas that are a must see for every customer.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM
JANUARY 2018
CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 9
LAKE WYLIE CATFISH FORECAST
T
LAKE WYLIE FORECAST
W
e are in the early part of winter and the fishing has slowed down considerably. water temperatures are in the 40’s and the fish have gone deep. so, what do you do until Spring? Well, you can clean reels, grease wheel bearings on your trailer, attend a fishing seminar or go fishing in that new boat you purchased for Christmas. maybe all of the above? If you choose fishing on Lake Wylie as your choice, it may be a tough day. to be honest, January fishing is slow, even on the best of days. the fish have to eat. so, lets hope you choose a day that they are feeding. My first choice would be white perch/crappie trolling in deep water(35-45 feet) in the main lake or in the mouth of big creeks such as crowders creek. Use your electronics to find the bait. When you find the bait, the fish you are trying to catch should be nearby. My second choice is Arkansas blue catfish. Trolling in the main lake should catch you some catfish. use cutbaits or shad and troll on .4 or .5 mph along those areas that have bait showing on your depthfinder. These two choices will get you some bites even on slow days. My last choice is bass fishing. I love to bass fish, but not in January. your choice is to fish the South Fork River and hope Duke Energy is pulling the water or fish Big Allison near the Discharge Cannal Bridge near the necular station and hope the water temperature has move up into the 50+ range. the jig, grubs and any slow presentation of plastics may catch you a few fish. At the end of the day, don’t expect too much! Just remember, that Spring is just around the corner and good fishing lies ahead. By Jerry Neeley, Jerry’s Carolina’s Fishing Guide Service
Advertising that Works–Great Rates...Great Service
CONTACT US!
Mark Alberghini, Publisher mark@theanglermagazine.com 704-651-1934
Haley Alberghini, Publisher haley@theanglermagazine.com 704-781-5387
10 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT
JANUARY 2018
he sport of catfish angling is most often thought of as summer time recreation. In recent years, sport fishing interest for catfish has gained popularity not just because they make great table fare but the fact that they reach a great size and are very willing to bite. Anglers have learned also that the cold water period in the southeast is a great time to seek out blue catfish in particular. Blue cats bite extremely well in the winter and are in fact more predictable in their patterns. Channel cats like blues will bite in the cold but do not attain the size of blues and many people feel channels are inferior to blues as a food fish. Flathead cats in contrast, become dormant and do not feed heavily in the cold water period. These factors push blue cats to the top of most anglers list when fishing for catfish in the winter months. Weather patterns and fishing will always be linked together. Usually in late November or early December the lake will cool as temperatures at night become much cooler. Bait fish like threadfin shad will move toward deep water and often form a thick band visible on sonar. Blue catfish movements are dictated by their food supply. Where you find bait you will find blues. Water temperatures in the deeper water are more stable than in the shallows so bait may be there in the earlier in the day only to move shallow when the shallows are warmed by the sun throughout the day. Wintertime fishing in the south is often plagued by passing fronts which can move bait and fish, so be ready to change fishing locations keying on where the bait is. Some tell tale signs of locating the bait is simply to look for birds. Cormorants and gulls often betray the location of shad and the fish that feed on them. Pairing your knowledge of bird location and sonar returns should get you in position to start fishing for actively feeding blue cats. Drift fishing is a great way to present bait to blues in the winter. Keep drift speeds low, less than 1/2 mph is optimum so a drift sock is often necessary to slow your boat and keep the boat in great position to present multiple offerings. Most guides will use gizzard shad for bait during the winter. Shad species are the primary forage of most fish here in Lake Wylie and other Piedmont lakes without question. Cold water has a big effect on shad especially when water temps dip into the 40’s in late January and February. Threadfin shad become lethargic and if the temps drop enough they will have die offs scattering dead baits across wide flats on the lower lake. This is what makes drift fishing a very effective tactic by covering large amounts of territory. Anchoring for catfish is the classic approach to catch catfish. Finding the appropriate location and fan casting multiple baits is probably the most effective way to catch your biggest fish of the year here on Wylie this winter. Drift fishing produces big fish too, but most of my biggest cats have been caught anchored up. Again, let baitfish determine where you decide to anchor up. Weather will always be a factor in your presentation. It is hard to anchor in 15 mph winds, drift fishing may be your best option. If the lake is flat and the location is good, drop anchor and spread out some baits. This winter don’t let the weather keep you from having a great time fishing for catfish here on Lake Wylie. There will be many days where mid day temps will approach the mid 50’s with plenty of sun. I would avoid days with wet weather and cold together. It is near impossible to keep warm unless you fish from an enclosed watercraft. Cold weather is tolerable also when there is very light wind even if temps are below freezing. Dress in layers and always respect the fact that the water is very cold even if you feel warm all bundled up. Ideally, do not fish alone in the winter and always wear your approved personal flotation device. Rodger Taylor, Catfish ON! Guide Service, www.catfishon.com, 803-517-7828
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;¢ THE ANGLERMAG.COM
JANUARY 2018
CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 11
Run From The Wind and You Will Run From The Fish By Jake Bussolini
F
or many years now I have watched anglers run to the leeward side of islands and points when the wind picks up. Based on all of the studies that I have done, that is the wrong practice for catching more fish. Of course safety is always the first consideration of every boat operator and safety should never be set aside in favor of a better catch rate. BUT I have always believed that continued prevailing winds drive the small bait fish toward the windward shores and in most situations, the predator fish will follow the food source. Boat control is certainly more difficult when fishing while fighting the wind, but if my theory is correct, it is worth the additional effort to improve your catch rate. I have found that over the many years of my angling life, experienced anglers seem to follow the myths handed down to them by their predecessors, sometimes their parents, and sometimes their mentors. In many of these cases I have found that these myths have proven to be incorrect. In my many fishing books, I have tried to use experienced fishing data to verify or disprove many fishing myths. I have a technical background so proof to me means lots of properly collected data, analyzed with unbiased methods. I usually take two extended fishing trips to Canada each year. These trips provide an excellent base for collecting information because the fishing days can be 12 to 14 hours long so weather and other conditions can easily be evaluated. In the case of any subject that includes wind, Canada is an excellent place to evaluate wind effects because the wind blows nearly all of the time. On my most recent Canada trip, I collected great data on the wind effect on the fish. The lake that I fished contained many large and small islands and during a five day trip the wind was steady every day, often mixed with rain and overcast skies. The data that I collected on
12 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT
JANUARY 2018
this trip was very conclusive to me considering the wind and showed rather conclusively that fishing the windward side of islands produced nearly four times the number of bass than fishing the leeward side of these same islands. I sampled data on four days with varying degrees of wind from heavy wind and rain to light or no wind. In each case I fished the same number of hours on both the windward and leeward side of islands. The results are shown on the chart below. As shown on this chart, Island #1 was fished for several hours in heavy wind and continuous rain. The catch rate on the windward side of the island was 4 time higher than the rate on the leeward side of that same island. The second island was fished in very heavy rain and strong wind. The catch rate on the windward side of the island was nearly 5 times higher on the windward side. The third test was on a day with light winds and overcast skies. The catch rate on the windward side was nearly twice that of the rate on the leeward side. The last test was run on a clear day with very light wind. There was little difference in the catch rate in this case although the light winds also created an overall lower catch rate. Based on this data which I consider a good sample, wind is not an enemy of the angler but if used correctly it can help increase the daily catch rate. So folks, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t run from the wind, use it to your advantage. Jake Bussolini is a freelance writer who has published seven books about freshwater fishing. His books can be examined at www.booksbyjake,com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;˘ THE ANGLERMAG.COM
h
howed duced side of
from e same lands.
urs in d side ide of
wind. times
s. The ate on
re was winds
not an e daily ntage.
t fresh-
LAKE HIGHROCK/BADIN TUCKERTOWN DAM FORECAST
W
inter time fishing can be a great time to get out on the water. I know what your thinking, it’s too cold or fish don’t bite in the wintertime. Don’t believe it! Some great fishing can be had in very cold weather. If you get a few days of warmer weather that raises the water temperature a few degrees it can be even better. You do have to change the way you fish. Try one of these winter fishing tactics to fill your livewell. During cold weather think deep. That’s not deep thoughts but deep water fishing. Let’s start with the most sought after panfish, crappies. Fish metabolisms slow in cold water, so don’t expect them to chase a fast moving bait. Slow, deep trolling can catch a livewell full of crappie during the winter months. Small minnows or jigs work best for this type of fishing. Look for deep areas in close proximity to shallow structure. The fish naturally migrate out from the shallower water into deeper water as the water temperature decreases. If it has been unusually warm you may need to try fishing shallow water as the fish will again move up into shallower water as the temperature of the water increases. Popular jigs for taking crappie in the wintertime are Kalin’s® Triple Threat Grubs, Sliders®, and Panfish Assassin®. All of these are available at Hwy. 49 Sporting Goods. Largemouth bass follow a similar migration in water depth as crappies. Using a ½ oz. Jig fishing on the deeper side of drop offs can be very productive. If the weather is warmer than usual try a ½ oz or ¾ oz spinnerbait and slowly retrieve it along the drop offs or even along shallower structure. White or white and chartreuse with large Colorado blades work well for this type of fishing. One newer technique that has been doing great is jigging a Rapala® Jigging Rap on deep water structure. This technique has been catching all kinds of fish including striped bass, large crappie, and big white perch and largemouth bass. It is a very simple technique that is fished vertically over structure. Just drop the lure down and jig it slowly over the structure like you would a spoon. Again, think slow, slow all your fishing techniques down. Striped Bass are more active in colder water than most other fish. Drifting live shiners or live shad works well during the colder months. You will have to experiment with different depths to find them. Trolling umbrella rigs rigged with 4” shad bodies or bucktail jigs also works well in the cold water. Pearl or chartreuse shad bodies are the most popular colors. The Rapala® Jigging Rap technique we mentioned for Largemouth bass also will work great for deep water striped bass. Always keep a watch for birds diving into the water. This usually indicates feeding striped bass below. Don’t sit in the house dreaming of spring. Get out and start catching fish now. By Darin Brown
HWY. 49 36488 SPORTING GOODS NC 49 Hwy, New London, NC 28127 704-463-7053 Tuckertown Lake 49sports.com
www.kluttzdiscounttire.com 320 NC Hwy 200 N Stanfield, NC 28163
704-888-5895 Building Brand Loyalty is Who We Are
Age of Reader................. 82% at 35+ years old Gender of Reader........................ 82% are Male 18% are Female Owns a truck, van or SUV.......................... 86% Owns a boat.................................................. 68% Owns 2 or more automobiles.....................72% Household income...................$82,301-250,495 Home Ownership of Readers................. 79.5%
Tire Sales and Service
Reader Survey: Global Marketing Research International
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM
JANUARY 2018
CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 13
akes.
Seatow is the #1 choice of boaters nationwide for rrielakes. expert on-water assistance. Whether you are new for Seatow is the #1 choice of boaters nationwide for ure. LAKE the to boating an old salt-we’ve you covered! expert on-water assistance.orWhether you areTILLERY new gotFORECAST tow is the #1 choice of boaters nationwide for picture. maboating or an old salt-we’ve got you covered! o the cold weather is finally here, time theare#1newchoice of boaters nationwide for expert on-waterto assistance. ert on-water assistance.Seatow Whetherisyou nformaoating or an old salt-we’ve got you covered! to get on your warm, waterproof and Whether you are new to boating or an old salt–we’ve got you covered! fo windproofTake clothesadvantage and get on theoflake. d info nptain The fishing of may be the only thing that is hot Take advantage Take advantage of one of these two
S
great membership optionsGREAT and take the worry out of your MEMBERSHIP boating experience! OPTIONS
910-995-995-
m
GOLD CARD $ 169 per year The most comprehensive on-water assistance on the market! Full suite of on-water assistance
www.seatow.com/uwharrielakes. LA, please create spec ad for SEA TOW. For header use the logo. Add an action$boat picture. per year Please add membership informaSame benefits as the Gold Card tion ie, gold card, lakebutcard on ALLinfo fresh water (Excluding Florida) and costs. Please add Captain Ryan Smith / phone # 855-732-8691 & 910-9950999 email: rsmith@seatow.com
LAKE CARD 119
Seatow is the #1 choice of boaters nationwide for expert on-water assistance. Whether you are new to boating or an old salt-we’ve got you covered!
“You may rest assured that your vessel will be in good 855-732-8691 hands due to the trained and committed captains we 910-995-0999
Take advantage of one of these two great membership options and take the worry out of your boating experience!
GOLD CARD have on staff. Our captains are standing by 24/7 to 169 assist our members both on and off the water. You may rest assured that yourjustvessel will be in good Give us a call any time, wethatcan help say hello!“ LAKE CARD “You may rest assured your vessel will beor in good
“
$
per year
The most comprehensive on-water assistance on the market! Full suite of on-water assistance
hands due to the trained and committed captains 119 we have on staff. Our captains are standing by 24/7 to “ CAPTAIN RYAN SMITH assist our members and off the water. CAPTAINboth RYANon SMITH 855-732-8691 email: rsmith@seatow.com Give us a call any time, we can help or just910-995-0999 say hello!“ hands due to the trained and committed captains we have on staff. Our captains are standing by 24/7 to assist our members both on and off the water. Give us a call any time, we can help or just say hello!
$
per year
Same benefits as the Gold Card but on ALL fresh water (Excluding Florida)
email: rsmith@seatow.com
JOE’s Bait,RYAN TackleSMITH & Guns CAPTAIN -- LLC --
email: rsmith@seatow.com live bait, tackle, guns, ammo, full service archery shop, hunting clothes, decoys, & other supplies.
1236 E. Main St. Albemarle, NC
704-982-8716
one of these two great membership options and take the worry out of your boating experience!
now, and HOT it is! one ofright these two Largemouth bass continue to respond well to jigs with large chunk membership trailers, this timegreat of year with cooler water temps slowing down the lure is important. Usingand the lightest options take thejig that you can along with the correct trailer sizeworry will increase out of the yournumber of strikes you get in a days time. Jig head size must be chosen carefully, wind and water depth are boating experience! important factors you must keep in mind as you must be in constant contact with the bait to detect the strike. Green pumpkin or brown craw colors are top choices and 3/8 - 1/2 ounce heads are the most popular. Another choice is the Alabama rig it has been on fire lately $ year rigs with willow blades in per silver and gold combinations have been The most comprehensive on-water producing large amounts of fish. Matching the bait size on these rigs assistance on the market! of on-water in very important,Full3suite - 3.5 inchassistance shad bodies$ and curlyper tail year grubs have been popular choices. Charlie Brewer swim shad and Keitech EZ Shad The most comprehensive on-water are good options, even crappie grubs have been working assistance on thewell. market! Full suite ofthe on-water assistance White perch are $really doing well, as predicted fish being caught per year are large in size, some schooling action is going on under the gulls Same benefits as the Gold Card and if you find them you make but on can ALL fresh water a day of it. The larger fish are being (Excludingwith Florida)spoons attached to the rear and by caught trolling crankbaits jigging spoons and Joe’s rigs with gold being $ a top producer. Minnows year and cut bait will also make for a productive day, and per always seems to produce some of the larger fish. Rapala jigging rapsasare their Same benefits the at Gold Card best but on waterthe fish right now with the cold water temps, worked atALL anyfresh depth (Excluding Florida) simply can’t resist these lures. Striped bass fishing can be at it’s best right now but you have to be out there to catch them. Jigging spoons and bucktail jigs will produce and will allow you to cast to schooling fish if the opportunity arises. Alabama rigs are also working when cast and also when trolling is plan of attack. Live bait is the slower method but will produce some of the larger fish, threadfin shad and herring will be choice baits to use with the cooler temps. Fish should be located on the electronics and will be found with large schools of baitfish this time of year, the mouths of major creeks will be a good place to start although lots of times they will be in the main river channel along with schools of white perch. Please be cautious with cold water temps in the winter wear your life vest and take a fishing partner along, if you were to fall in the water hypothermia can set in very fast and these two things could save your life.
GOLD CARD 169 LAKE CARD 119
855-732-8691 910-995-0999
GOLD CARD 169 LAKE CARD 119
855-732-8691 910-995-0999
By Rodney Crisco – Joe’s Bait, Tackle & Guns LLC
Brenda Farmer Broker/Realtor
Advertising that Works–Great Rates...Great Service
CONTACT US!
4001 East Highway 24/27 Midland, NC 28107
Mark Alberghini, Publisher mark@theanglermagazine.com 704-651-1934
Haley Alberghini, Publisher haley@theanglermagazine.com 704-781-5387
14 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT
JANUARY 2018
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM
B
D
T
the cl there’s “Spen the co better Wh provid With Stanle Th is tha our m strang angler oursel Wi fish. Th of Squ Fishin and a hold p pools slow w like ab but th Yo month that y nymp also g midge fishin An no rea trout a winter Today golden gettin We of ext gear f sure y Coldw favori overt necess excell closet Wh will to chipp trout i repair
Ryan W in Cor great w or call Outfitt
Breaking the Ice
Don’t get Cold Feet about Winter Fly Fishing
T
he New Year’s Resolution is a tradition by which each of us commits to making a change that promotes a new and better self. If you’re reading this article, you probably understand that the clearest path to self-improvement is time spent on the water and there’s a fair chance that your resolution was some permutation of “Spend more time fishing.” If that’s the boat you’re in, you can’t let the cold, short days of January keep you from that goal of a new and better self. While fly fishing in January might not appeal to everyone, it can provide a great opportunity for those willing to brave the elements. With an extra layer, good socks and sufficiently Irished coffee in your Stanley, you can take advantage of an underutilized fly fishing season. There are plenty of reasons to fish this month, not least of which is that there just aren’t that many other people on the water. While our more indoorsy compatriots sit inside and play checkers or yell at strangers over Facebook (full disclosure, I’m not 100% sure how nonanglers spend their time), you and I will have a whole trout stream to ourselves. Winter generally means low, gin-clear water and a more educated fish. The clueless hatchery fish from November has seen every variation of Squirmy Worm and is now forced to survive on actual bio-mass. Fishing these conditions requires a little bit more stealth, a tight drift and a willingness to move and search. The most obvious pools will still hold plenty of fish, but these might not be your best spots. Big, slow pools will have received most of the angling pressure. Additionally, slow water will allow trout more time to find something that they don’t like about your pattern. Faster, more shallow water will hold fewer fish, but they will be the more active and willing feeders. Your fly selection doesn’t have to change wildly from the warmer months, but you will want to consider sizing down. Choose patterns that you have confidence in, but try them in an 18-20. I find that nymphs with some red seem to be productive in the winter. You will also get a chance to start casting some dry flies this time of year. BWO midges and Parachute Adams, in the smallest size you’re comfortable fishing, can be your friend when you find an isolated rising trout. Another benefit of winter fishing is that you can sleep in! There is no reason whatsoever to be out there with the rising sun. Although trout are invariably cold water fish, they seem to enjoy stretching out a winter morning with a cup of pumpkin spice latte and an hour of the Today show before getting to the serious business of sifting through golden stones and cased caddis. Take advantage and don’t worry about getting your waders wet before 10am. We’re fortunate in North Carolina that we don’t have a long season of extreme temperatures, but that’s not an excuse to not have the right gear for the conditions. Don’t underestimate hypothermia and make sure you are prepared every time you enter the water. The Simms Coldweather series fleece lined pants and shirt are absolutely my favorite cold weather apparel. They provide insulated warmth, without overt bulkiness. A good pair of fingerless or flip-mitten style glove is a necessity, as is a good hat and neck/ sun shield. Several brands make excellent performance gear, but there’s a reason most guides have a closet/ backseat full of Simms. When the temperature starts to drop, some of our fishing buddies will too. However, the hearty fly fishing addict can look forward to chipping the ice off of his or her guides and catching beautiful, healthy trout in gin clear water all winter long! Just make sure to discover and repair leaky waders BEFORE you get waste deep in the stream.
Ryan Wilson is the Owner and Operator of Madison River Fly Fishing Outfitters in Cornelius, NC. If you’d like help finding the right gear or experiencing some great winter fly fishing, 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
Now a proud distributor of fly fishing gear!
Madison River Fly Fishing is your one stop shop for all fly fishing gear and we sell the following brands Don’t forget to book your guided fly fishing trip today! Ask about our special promotion! 20910 Torrence Chapel Rd. Suite D5, Cornelius, NC 28031
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM
704-896-3676
www.carolinaflyfishing.com JANUARY 2018
CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 15
Five Mistakes Hunters Make Using
Deer Decoys by Casey Crawley
M
astering the art of using a deer decoy takes time. There are times when everything works out perfectly and the deer come to your decoy as if being pulled in with a leash. Other times, the reaction may not be what you expected. Those are learning experiences. Every hunt is different, and knowing how, when and where to use whitetail decoys comes with experience. Below are five common mistakes hunters often make and solutions to avoid making them. 1. Hunters don’t actually use the decoy: Hunters sometimes buy a decoy before the season starts and it sits in their shed, folded up in their pack. Or, they use it once, fail to see results and never use it again. Like any other decoy, a whitetail decoy isn’t going to work every time. Commit to using a decoy and pack it with you on every hunt. They are lightweight, compact and set up quickly if you find yourself in a situation when you need a decoy. For example, if you’re whitetail hunting from a climbing treestand in dense timber and only have one shooting lane, you may need the buck you’ve been seeing in the area to pause in the lane so you have time to take a shot. A doe decoy set up in the lane may be just the ticket. You never know when you will need a decoy, so pack it with you at all times and be ready to use it. 2. Nothing can see the decoy: This happens a lot, especially during the rut when bucks are harder to pattern. Hunters tuck the decoy in the corner of a field or on the downslope of a ridge because that’s where the deer traffic has been. When animals are cruising, the decoy needs to be visible from greater distances.
Barefoot
Sunday-Monday: Closed Tuesday-Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m Wednesday-Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Deer Season is around the corner!
We have all the equipment to make your hunt a success. Stop in and sign up for the 2017 Deer Contest!
Friend us on Facebook and sign up on our e-mail list for Monthly Specials
Stop in for the latest gear and accessories to pursue your archery passion. We are dedicated to helping people practice and expand their archery skills. Practice your shooting skill at our range! All abilities are welcome! 4410 Old Pineville Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
(704) 527-1110
www.barefootarchery.com 16 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT
JANUARY 2018
When hunting in timber, select the highest spot within bow range to place your decoy—on top of a timber flat or ridge. If you are hunting a field or clearcut, place it on a field edge that is visible from as many of the likely travel routes as possible and use appropriate calls to get the attention of animals in the distance. 3. Your decoy smells: Using scents with decoys is a proven tactic, and while splashing your doe decoy with doe-in-heat urine works great during the rut, it’s unnatural during other phases of the season. Also, if your decoy has human odors, it’s a red flag to the bucks that something is not right. Instead of applying scent attractants to the decoy, place them on the ground below it or on a towel you can clip on to the decoy that to simulate the animal’s tail. Store decoys in a scent-proof bag, and set them up using latex gloves. Spray the decoy with scent killing product frequently. 4. You haven’t given much thought to your setup: Decoys are like any other piece of gear. The better you understand how to use them, the better they will perform. Should you use a buck decoy, doe decoy or both? Sure, sometimes you can throw up a decoy and have a buck charge right in, but your odds are better when you give your strategy some thought. Based on the time of year and scouting information, try to determine what is motivating buck behavior and use the proper decoy setup to cater to his interests. Usually he is looking to feed near other deer, dominate other bucks, socialize or mate. If he’s looking to feed near another deer, set up a feeding doe decoy. If he’s aggressive and ready to dominate other bucks, get him riled up with a young buck decoy. If he’s looking to mate, entice him in with an estrus doe decoy. 5. You are not fooling all the deer’s senses: Using scents and calls can add realism to your deer decoy setup. Using the wrong scents or calls can sabotage your efforts. Just like a deer spooks when he keeps hearing a call but doesn’t see a decoy, he will become suspicious if your decoy doesn’t have some scent or vocalizations accompanying it. Add proper scents and calls to your setup. You don’t have to overdo it, but mixing in a bleat when using a doe decoy or a grunt with a buck decoy can sell your strategy to apprehensive bucks. Casey is a pro-staffer and the archery technician at Culpepper Outdoors in Evans, Ga. Check out their website at www.culpepperace.com or call (706) 869-7190.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM
WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED ON THE WATER www.
.com
www.
CALL FOR YOUR LOCAL DEALER
252-235-2461
CANGL_FIL1-FIL4.indd 3
boats.net
WELCOME OUR NEW DEALER SUNSET DREAMS, BOKEELIA FL
12/14/17 2:37 PM
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT OLD TOWN PREDATOR PDL Prepare yourself for a totally new fishing experience. Old Town has taken boat control to new heights with forward and reverse via an efficient and easy-to-use propriety pedal-drive system. It’s the most advanced pedal-powered fishing machine of its kind. It gets you to the spot fast and keeps you on the spot without paddling. With forward, reverse and agile maneuverability, you’ll experience precise boat control while your hands remain free to fish. The removable pedal drive installs in seconds and tips up instantly for shallow water docking. The Predator PDL’s specially designed hull combines the perfect balance of smooth pedal stroke speed and stand-up stability. One of the key differences between the Old Town Predator PDL and other pedal-driven kayaks is the Old Town PDL pedals exactly like a bicycle, converting modest pedaling into maximum propulsion. A 10.3:1 gear ratio means that anglers can reach speeds up to 5.5 mph to reach fishing spots fast and efficiently. It also makes trolling through a range of user-adjustable speeds easy and effective. The Predator PDL is infinitely customizable with rigging accessories from Cannon, Scotty, YakAttack, RAM and more. Predator PDL specifications Length: 13’ 2” Width: 36” Weight: 117 lbs. (Pedal Drive: 21 lbs.) Carrying Capacity: 500 lbs MSRP: $2,799.99 Visit www.oldtowncanoe.com to find a dealer near you.
WWW.OLDTOWNCANOE.COM
T
he International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Fishing Hall of Fame Class of 2017 was honored on Sat., Oct. 28, in a ceremony held at the new IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mo. The 2017 inductees include Rick Clunn, Larry Dahlberg, Peter Fithian, Mike Levitt, and Dr. Eric Prince. These anglers join 116 fishing greats in the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame. Rick Clunn is a four-time Bassmaster Classic winner and is a member of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. When he’s not fishing, Clunn shares his love of the sport with children across America. He was recognized for his endless enthusiasm for bass fishing, his unmatched four decades of winning B.A.S.S. events and his amazing bass fishing prowess. Larry Dahlberg has fished for more than 50 years in 80 countries and is the host of The Hunt for Big Fish. He created the unique Dahlberg Diver fly and is responsible for many other fishing innovations. He’s received the Henshall Award by the Federation of Fly Fishers, is
CANGL_FIL1-FIL4.indd 4
a member of the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and was the recipient of the 1999 IGFA Conservation Award. Dahlberg is recognized for his lifetime of fishing innovations, his award-winning television career and his conservation efforts. Peter Fithian is best known as the founder of the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (HIBT), the “Grandfather” of all billfish fishing tournaments. The HIBT is one of the longest running tournaments of all time and the birthplace of countless innovations in angling tactics, tournament management and billfish conservation. Fithian also founded the Pacific Ocean Research Foundation (PORF) to learn more about Pacific blue marlin, and was instrumental in the foundation of the Japan Game Fish Association (JGFA). Fithian is recognized by the IGFA for his lifelong commitment to improve tournament sport fishing and for his efforts in conservation. Mike Levitt developed a passion for light tackle in the 1960s, which led him to the IGFA. He has held 16 world records, including light tackle records for black and white marlin. A former Chairman of the IGFA, Levitt spearheaded efforts to build the IGFA Headquarters in Dania Beach, Fla. Levitt led the design and financing of a succession of custom sport fishing boats, which helped to develop the prototype for boats widely used today. The IGFA recognizes Levitt for his angling achievements, charitable acts and innovations in sport fishing. Dr. Eric Prince is considered one of the world’s top fisheries scientists, and is an angler, researcher and proponent for the sport of fishing. He’s had a 35-year career as a billfish biologist with the National Marine Fisheries Service. Dr. Prince has been a driving force in the Adopt a Billfish satellite tagging program and a leading researcher and proponent of the use of circle hooks. He’s served conservation through his research and helping to create The Billfish Foundation, which earned him the IGFA Conservation Award in 2016. Prince is recognized by the IGFA for his research on important recreational species to ensure sustainable management.
12/14/17 2:37 PM
Augusta, GA (706) 738-4536
387 Highland Ave. Augusta, GA 30907
Savannah, GA
(912) 349-2352 24 Drayton St Savannah, GA 31401
By Patrick Sebile
I
n the early 1980s, I enjoyed fishing at mid-day on Fridays. I grew up in southwest France, in the Bordeaux region, where my mom was a baker. On Fridays she would go to farmer’s markets to sell her pastries, so she would not be home for lunch. My school schedule included a break of three hours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., which was enough time to ride my bike to a nearby pond and fish with a telescoping rod that fit into my schoolboy’s satchel next to a small lure box that held my treasures: a couple of Rapalas, some Mepps spinners and a few of my own homemade jigs and poppers. As an 11-year-old boy, these few hours of fishing were worth much more than a mid-day meal. One day in particular, I remember peddling as fast as possible, dropping my bike against a bush, stringing my rod with a steel leader and a lure and hurrying down to the bank to cast. I remember the weight on the line that stopped my retrieve. I set the hook, and the fish started fighting. It was a good one! I landed a 6- or 7-lb. pike and was as happy as a boy can be with thoughts of how proud Mom would be as she cooked it for our supper. I had no cooler, no bag, just my school satchel, which held the school books my mother had covered in plastic sheeting to protect them just in case I decided to do something like fold that pike up and stuff in my satchel. The bag itself was made of green U.S. Army canvas and decorated with KISS and Van Halen patches. I thought it was a very cool satchel, and surely we could just throw it in the washing machine. A little soap and water would fix those book covers. Problem solved. I biked back to school, where my pike was supposed to remain hidden in my satchel for a few hours until the end of the school day. The trouble began back in the classroom. One of our classmates complained that her calculator was missing. Our teacher assumed one of the children had taken it and began a systematic search of all our satchels. “Not that! Not today!” I remember thinking. As she searched and cleared each satchel one by one, I prayed she would find the calculator before it was my turn. The closer she got to me, the more I shrunk into my seat. At one point she made eye contact with me and must have seen the panic in my eyes. “Sebile, open your satchel,” she said. I remember shaking my head and pleading with her, “No ma’am, please don’t…” She snatched my satchel and opened it wide to reveal an indescribable mess. All my classmates gathered around, laughing out loud at the crazy fisherman. I had never before experienced such deep shame. The human brain is a fantastic thing. All that remains of that the horrible feeling I had back then is a funny story of who I was then and who I am remain: a passionate angler.
Rivers and Glen Trading Co. blends timeless styles with quality goods. We specialize in classic outdoor attire, fly fishing, fly tying, wing shooting, and travel. With locations in Augusta and Savannah Georgia. Rivers and Glen can help you with your clothing needs and get you out on the water!
riversandglen.com
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_BR1-BR4.indd 3
JANUARY 2018
BLUE RIDGE
3
12/13/17 4:48 PM
Be Your Own Boss GREENVILLE/SPARTANBURG SC FRANCHISE FOR SALE
FREE
Bucket List Destinations
OUR GREENVILLE/ SPARTANBURG, SC LOCATION IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE
Book the Fishing Trip of a Lifetime in the Beautiful Mountains of North Georgia and Western North Carolina with the Area’s Top Rated Guide Service. Fish with the Pros and Get Featured in The Angler Magazine M GLERM AG.CO THEAN B L E W O R L D W I D E T U N I T I E S A VA I L A
NOVEMBER 2017
Serving Lakes Nottely, Hiawassee, Chatuge, Blue Ridge and more. We run trips 365 days a year. Book your trip now!
828-361-2021 www.bigolfish.com
(An abbreviated excerpt from “Flyfisher’s Guide to North Carolina & Georgia”) By Nick Carter
A
s a trout fishery, Amicalola Creek west of Dawsonville, Ga. is perfectly suited for a delayed harvest section. The original intent of these very popular fisheries was to create wintertime fisheries in streams that grow too warm for trout during the summer. For most of its length, from its highest public access point at Wildcat Creek Campground to its junction with the Etowah River, Amicalola is not great trout habitat. In Dawson County, it’s on the southern edge of Georgia’s trout waters to begin with, and its impoundment in Fausett Lake upstream of Dawson Forest WMA does not help the situation. So the potential for reproduction and holdover fish in Amicalola Creek is not great.
4
BLUE RIDGE
CANGL_BR1-BR4.indd 4
JANUARY 2018
VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 273
F R A N C H I S E
If you love the outdoors and the Fishing Industry, you owe it to yourself to check out the Franchise Opportunities available with The Angler Magazine. Now, you can be in business for yourself… but not by yourself.
O P P O R
10/16/17 11:11 AM
This business enables you to work from home and control your own time and earnings. Complete training and support included. Come join our team.
1117_TAM_CVR.indd 1
For More Information On This Or Other Franchise Locations Contact US at 888-800-9794 or Email at info@coastalanglermagazine.com
As a hatchery supported fishery, however, it’s a pretty good stream. Amicalola receives a steady almost year-round flow of hatchery fish from the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division. The DH section is heavily stocked in the winter months, and regular stockings begin in March and last into the summer. During the DH season, Nov. 1 through May 14, thousands of trout are stocked into a roughly 2.5-mile stretch between Steele Bridge Road and the Georgia Highway 53 bridge over Amicalola Creek. Around these two bridges is where anglers will find most of the fish late fall through early spring, especially after a recent stocking, but foot access by gated WMA road as well as a streamside trail offer access to less pressured fish and water. With catch-and-release, single-hook, artificial-only regulations, many of these fish stay in the creek through the delayed harvest season. Early on in the season and when there has been a fresh stocking, anglers can have banner days with the standard DH fare—bright and flashy nymphs, streamers, egg patterns and San Juan-style worms. But like all the DH streams, it does receive some fishing pressure. Successful tactics transition to more natural ones as the fish grow wiser. Amicalola Creek is quite large through the DH stretch. Deep holes and bedrock ledges characterize the fishery. Through shallower areas, systematically picking apart the ledges, seams, runs and other holding areas from bank to bank before moving upstream can produce fish many anglers miss as they plow ahead upstream making long, cross-current casts. The deep holes can also be extremely productive during the winter when fish are hugging the bottom. Use enough split-shot to get your offerings down to the fish, and adjust depth according to the water you’re fishing. For GPS coordinates to access points and detailed maps of all North Carolina’s and Georgia’s best trout water, check out “Flyfishers Guide to North Carolina & Georgia.” It is available at fly shops, on Amazon, and signed copies are available from the author by emailing nsc8957@gmail.com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
12/13/17 4:48 PM
(An abbreviated excerpt from “Flyfisher’s Guide to North Carolina & Georgia”)
By Nick Carter
B
ecause it looks and fishes a lot like a high-mountain wild trout stream, the North Mills is a personal favorite delayed harvest fishery. The bonus is, North Carolina keeps it chock full of rainbows, brookies and browns that are larger than the little wild rainbows you’ll catch on most wild streams of its size. Between Asheville and Brevard, N.C., the North Mills is one of the smallest delayed harvest streams in the system. From October into June it is managed under catch-and-release, artificial only regulations. One would think the kill-and-grill crowd would clean the fish out of a creek this size as soon as DH regulations ended and harvest was allowed. That’s probably true on the lower end of the North Mills. Not so much on the upper end. I’ve had banner days up there
deep into the summer. It is small water. Skinny pocket water and plunge pools require anglers to use their small rod and a good roll cast. A friend once brought his 5-weight into the top end of the North Mills because it was already rigged and he was too lazy to string up his small rod at the truck. It was a mistake. I repeatedly gave him first crack at the best holes because he hadn’t caught much. Just about every time, he would hang up in the rhododendron allowing me to move in and catch the fish while he played monkey in the trees. If you can, convince your buddy to bring his big rod. It’ll equate to more fish for you. The North Mills Recreation Area is a pay-to-park area on North Mills Road. The camping area there is popular during the summer, and there will likely be swimmers and tubers in the water on this lower end of the publicly accessible water when the weather is nice. The river upstream and downstream of the recreation area is larger than it is higher up toward the reservoir, so it can be a good place to fish when recreational traffic is down. During the delayed harvest season, this stretch gets the most fish from the hatchery as well as much of the fishing pressure. On the upper end, the North Mills is really a medium sized creek. It does not receive as much fishing pressure because access is difficult to find and requires a short but relatively steep hike. There is a trail that runs almost the entire length of the river from one of the lower parking areas to the reservoir. This trail can be accessed less than a mile downstream of the Hendersonville Reservoir Dam via a walk of less than a mile from a gravel parking area at the end of Wash Creek Road (FR 5000). This is the Trace Ridge trailhead parking area. For GPS coordinates to access points and detailed maps of all North Carolina’s and Georgia’s best trout water, check out “Flyfishers Guide to North Carolina & Georgia.” It is available at fly shops, on Amazon, and signed copies are available from the author by emailing nsc8957@gmail.com.
By Ben Rayner
T
aking an inadvertent swim is nothing to laugh at during the winter months. Hypothermia, although it can be dangerous, rarely leads to death. The greatest water hazard this time of year is cold-water shock. Survival time is often measured in seconds, as symptoms are instantaneous and can rapidly lead to drowning. The most critical stage of cold-water immersion is called the cold-water gasp reflex. When thrust into cold water, humans involuntarily gasp uncontrollably. This can lead to aspiration of water and rapid drowning. The next stage, the mammalian dive reflex, occurs as the body cools. Capillaries are constricted as blood is drawn from extremities and shunted to body’s core. Fine dexterity falters and simple tasks like grasping a lifeline become impossible. These symptoms lead to swimming failure and drowning.
What to Do
To combat the gasp reflex, hold your breath and try to keep from gasping for as long an interval as you can. This is difficult. However, if you hold of your breath for short durations, the effects of the gasp reflex will slowly ebb. Do perform any other actions until your breathing is under control.
The HELP Position
Always wear a life vest while on the water, and understand how it works before emergency strikes. The technique that works best for hypothermia mitigation is the Heat Escape Lessening Posture/Position (HELP). This position cannot be accomplished without a life vest or flotation aid, and is useful when immediate rescue or self-rescue are not options. Grab the front or back of your knees and ball up. Don’t squeeze too tightly; that wastes energy. A moderate grip is sufficient. Then simply lean your head back and go with the flow.
The HELP position minimizes water flow across the body and keeps the survivor in the warmest part of the water column. This lessens heat loss and extends survival time. You cannot effectively move in the HELP position, but saving energy is the point in some situations. To further lessen heat loss, a 3 mil or thicker contractor’s grade bag can be kept in or on your life vest. Get completely into the bag, including the lobes of your vest and in the HELP position
Carpet Formation
A group of survivors can mitigate hypothermia using the carpet formation. Whether it’s two survivors or 20, it is the best way to stay alive longer in cold water. Survivors link arms to those on either side and interlock their legs with the person across from them to share as much body heat as possible. Grab the feet of the person in front of you, and put their feet on your chest. This formation keeps survivors at the surface, where water is usually warmer, it shares body heat and conserves energy, it provides comfort and keeps the group together. Additionally, it makes a larger target for rescuers to find, provides 360-degree skyward visibility for spotting rescuers and creates a platform for an injured survivor or someone without a life vest. Ben Rayner is executive director of Water Emergency Training, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to drowning prevention. He is a former survival instructor and an award winning investigative journalist. For more information, see www.wateremergencytraining.org/.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_NC1-NC4.indd 3
JANUARY 2018
NORTH CAROLINA 3
12/14/17 12:52 PM
SUZUKI MAKES IT EASY AS
1-2-3
KILL DEVIL HILLS Bill’s Marine LLC 252-982-6595
Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.
VIRGINIA
2. SEL
Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards (OAC).*
ACCOMAC Sandpiper Marine Inc. 757-787-7783
N SO S NG ARD AVI TBO T S I OU TANUZUK INSECT S
3.
WILMINGTON Cape Fear RV & Marine 910-399-7060 WASHINGTON Avalanche Motorsports 252-946-0920
1.
Instant Savings of up to $800 on select models. See your dealer for details.
NORTH CAROLINA
CHESAPEAKE Centerville Waterway Marina 757-547-4498
REPOWER FINANCE
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE Smith Mountain Boat & Tackle 540-576-2755 NEWPORT NEWS Sports Marine, Inc. 757-595-9333 EXMORE Seaworthy Marine Services 757-442-3666 NORTH CHESTERFIELD Nautical Marine 804-271-3198
These are limited time offers. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com.
MARYLAND 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 01/01/18 and 03/31/18 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 01/01/18 and 03/31/18. 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 01/01/18 and 03/31/18. “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.
SZ_Q1Promo_2Col_WIP2.indd 1
4 NORTH CAROLINA
CANGL_NC1-NC4.indd 4
JANUARY 2018
DEALE Hidden Harbour Marina 410-867-9666
DELAWARE SELBYVILLE North Bay Marina, Inc. 302-436-4211
12/13/17 2:12 PM
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
12/14/17 12:52 PM
THE LURE IS REAL OUT HERE TWO FLY FREE
$300
From Nassau
Boating Fuel Credit
Whether your game is stalking gin-clear flats for the silvery flash of bonefish or you’re looking to pick a fight with a record-setting mahi, the Out Islands of The Bahamas are home to the greatest fishing experiences in the world. And with two great offers, it’s never been easier to #GetOutHere.* Discover our latest specials at OutIslandsAnglers.com
ABACOS
ACKLINS
ANDROS
BERRY ISLANDS
BIMINI
CAT ISLAND
CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA
EXUMAS
HARBOUR ISLAND
LONG ISLAND
SAN SALVADOR
*Book a 4-6 night stay and receive one free round-trip airfare or a 7-night or longer stay and receive up to two round-trip airfares. Free round-trip airfare only for flights originating/ending in Nassau. Offer for new air-inclusive bookings and passengers on same itinerary. One instant $300 fuel credit per stay at a certified and participating marina combined with a 4-night minimum consecutive stay. All offers available for stays at participating BOIPB member hotels. Not combinable with any other credit promotions. These offers are subject to availability and may be changed or cancelled at any time. Please visit OutIslandsAnglers.com for full terms and conditions.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_SE1-SE4.indd 3
JANUARY 2018
SOUTHEAST
3
12/14/17 9:32 AM
SEA SCHOOL - WHERE THE SAVVY FISHERMEN GO TO GET THEIR CAPTAIN’S LICENSE SINCE 1977
Classes Coming Up In:
Bradenton, FL - Jan 19 St Petersburg, FL - Jan 26 Stuart, FL - Jan 26 Destin, FL - Feb 2 Ft Lauderdale, FL - Feb 2 Jacksonville, FL - Feb 2 Charleston, SC - Feb 9 Punta Gorda, FL - Feb 9
Venice, FL - Feb 9 Atlanta, GA - Feb 16 Panama City, FL - Feb 20 Daytona, FL - Feb 23 Miami, FL - Feb 23 Sarasota, FL - Feb 23 Ft Lauderdale, FL - Feb 26 Toledo, OH - Feb 26
CALL TODAY! 1-800-237-8663 www.seaschool.com Ask Us About Our
®
ONLINE Courses!
COME EXPLORE WAKULLA! E! ME! COM ELCO WEL ERSS W ATER BOAT BO es ut es in ut M in ly M On ly On ks arks Mar St M Thee St om Th From Fr ge fuge Refu lifee Re ildlif Wild W
A 71-Room Lodge with Meeting Rooms • Group Rates Available Located 30 miles south of Tallahassee • Just minutes to the Gulf of Mexico Restaurant & Bar for Private Events • Banquet and Meeting Rooms for Groups Boat Parking Available • Centrally located for several Nature Tours
M A G N U S O N H OT E L CRAWFORDVILLE
3896 Coastal Highway • Crawfordville, FL 32327 850.926.4455 or 800.878.1546 www.WildwoodResortFL.com 4
SOUTHEAST
CANGL_SE1-SE4.indd 4
JANUARY 2018
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
12/14/17 9:32 AM
FLY FISHING
spread W
inter is a very important time for the southern California saltwater fly fisherman. This time of year means transition, and with this transition comes the seasonal migration of Pacific bonito to the nearshore waters off southern California. Although SoCal has a yearround population of bonito, many of the fish who take up residence here from early fall and through winter are the larger pelagic bonito that trek to our coast from southern waters. These fish can range in size between 5 to 15 pounds and are probably the hardest fighting fish readily available to fly fishermen off the southern
can be put in the path of the moving fish. The fly tackle best suited for bonito fishing includes 9-foot, 6- to 10-weight rods matched with a good directdrive saltwater fly reel with a minimum of 120 yards of 20to 30-lb. Dacron backing. In terms of fly lines, a shooting head with a built-in running line in weights of 175 to 350 grains will work best. Tippets should be 8 to 12 pounds, and abrasion-resistant fluorocarbon works wonders on leader-shy fish. As for flies, Clousers, Deceivers, Crazy Charlies and any anchovy pattern in sizes
California coast. These fish are found both inshore and offshore, however, most of the offshore bonito are in 30 fathoms (150 feet) or less. When fishing for openwater bonito, the angler’s best approach is to look for birds and schools working along current or temperature breaks. Once these areas are found, look for bonito chasing anchovies or sardines near the surface. Bonito can be very shy, so cutting the engine and sidling up on the fish is very important. Once the boat is in position, a 40- to 80-foot cast placed to the outside edge of the schooling fish is best. The angler should make sure the fish are moving either toward the skiff or in a crossing direction so the cast
8 through 2 will do the trick. Color is an important factor, so match the fly color to the color of the bait being taken. Green/ white and blue/white are great choices, however, chartreuse/ white is always a great attractor color. Fighting a bonito once it is hooked is an exciting and sometimes exhausting experience for the fly angler. Because the bonito is built like a mini rocket, it will make some amazing runs and will usually take line well into the angler’s backing. It’s worth a trip to southern California where fly anglers can take part in the famous bonito run.
For Tackle Box Essentials from Bowman, go to
CAMFLYFISHING.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 15
I
JANUARY 2018
I
NATIONAL
15
12/14/17 1:02 PM
HAVALON REDESIGNS
SURGICAL CUTLERY FOR USE IN THE OUTDOORS
I
n their profession, surgeons require the most accurate and precise cutting tools. Professional taxidermists figured out long ago that a scalpel is the best tool for carefully cutting through all kinds of fish and animal hides. Now sportsmen can enjoy the same level of precision in knives designed to be taken into the field or out on the water. Havalon has revolutionized the market for sportsmen’s knives with surgical-edge technology redesigned for use by hunters and anglers. And they know their business. Havalon’s parent company, Havel, provided surgical cutlery to doctors and hospitals long before they brought them to the outdoors market. What Havalon dreamed up was a line of high quality folding and now fixed-blade knives that feature replaceable surgical-quality cutting edges. Whether gutting and skinning game or filleting fish, sportsmen can now enjoy the advantages of a scalpel edge in the field. And the easily replaceable blades not only ensure the knife will be scalpel sharp and ready for use without any sharpening, it opens up the opportunity for one knife to serve many purposes by switching out the style of the blade. Need a fine-bladed fillet knife that doubles as a limb saw and game-skinner, Havalon has you covered with products like the Havalon Hydra Kit, which includes 17 blades in seven different styles to fill all your needs with one tool. The latest innovation from Havalon, which every angler should have in the arsenal is the Havalon Talon. Set to hit the market this spring, the Talon is the first high-quality, surgically sharp, longest lasting replaceable fixed blade knife system. The Talon provides a firm, safe grip on heavier, stronger, larger sized
versions of the company’s already proven fillet blades, as well as a few new ones. It is the most versatile and sharpest “in-the-wild” quick-change cutlery set there is. A military-grade polymer handle has many functional features, from a Easy-Clean opening chamber to a super easy, strong and safe Quik-Change II Thumb Release Blade System. Within a water resistant roll-up pack, the Talon Fishing Pack includes the Talon handle, a serrated blade, two 5-inch fillet blades and a 7-inch fillet blade. A separately sold 9-inch fillet blade is also available. Professional captains, guides and outfitters have already discovered the benefits of using surgical-grade cutlery in the field and on the water, making Havalon a staple in the market for serious outdoorsmen. Which leaves the question: Why wouldn’t you want the most precise, accurate and versatile cutting tools in your pack or on the deck? Check out all the innovative tools Havalon has to offer at www.havalon.com.
ns SoN o i t a v er R Sea s e R ing WiNTe The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating and Outdoor Enthusiasts k a T Now e 2018 for th
Old Florida Waterfront Charm Re-Discovered
Accommodations are nestled on 6 lush tropical acres of pristine waterfront directly on the Indian River Lagoon. As you make your way down the one lane road you will truly be stepping back in time. Your hosts Kim and Robert Pruitt have re-captured the very best of Old Florida charm with modern conveniences and services to make your stay truly memorable and unforgettable.
Amenities: • Cable TV, Hi-Speed Internet • Boat Trailer Parking on Site • 2 miles to the Ft. Pierce Inlet • 12 miles to the Gulf Stream • Scheduled Water Taxi Service
• Fully Furnished 3 room cottages w/ fully equipped kitchens • 250 Foot Dock with Covered Guest Area • Laundry, Ice, BBQ Grilles • FREE Ice / FREE Guest Dockage • FREE use of our Kayaks
Stay 1 Month and Get 50% OFF Your Complete Stay! Mention Reservation Code CA – 0118 when making your reservation
3011 N. Indian River Dr., Ft. Pierce, FL 34946 www.indianriverlagoonwaterfrontcottages.com Reservations and Information: (772) 349-2206 Nightly • Weekly • Monthly • Seasonal Rates Available 16
NATIONAL
I
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 16
JANUARY 2018
I
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
12/14/17 1:02 PM
EXPERIENCE THE
FIGHT! Full Variable Speed Control Powerful Brushless Motor Retains Handle Function Digital Line Counter Auto Stop, 12/24VDC Compact & Sleek Design
855-HOOK-ONE
GET A GRIP • Safer • Easier • Better
Made in USA
Don’t settle for imitations!
The Fish Grip is a fish landing device that was developed by avid anglers. The goal was to find a safer way to land a fish — safer for the fish AND the angler.
The Fish Grip will help you land fish!
601.368.8982
www.TheFishGrip.biz COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 17
I
JANUARY 2018
I
NATIONAL
17
12/14/17 1:02 PM
UNDER THE SEA 18
King of Sling – Art Pinder
I
n the spearfishing community, there is one man everyone agrees deserves the title of “legend.” That is Art Pinder. Art was born in Miami in 1929, the fourth of five children. He looked up to his father and older brothers and wanted to follow in their footsteps. His father was an outdoorsman and worked his way up to captain of the Miami Beach lifeguards. Naturally, the children grew up around the water, and they learned to hunt at a very young age with homemade equipment. Their slings were different from modern spearguns, and consisted of a free-flying shaft inserted into a cylindrical wooden “shooter.” Similar to a slingshot, the shaft was powered by pulling a band back and letting go. This primitive form is making a comeback, and is the only allowable method of spearfishing in the Bahamas. The Pinder brothers dove and speared at a time when the ocean was considered mysterious and dangerous. The brothers dominated and won every tournament. Meanwhile, Art worked as a lifeguard and crewed for big-game fishermen such as Walter Clay, Bob Stewart and Tommy Gifford. He later served in the U.S. Coast Guard, stationed at the Carysfort Reef Lighthouse. In the water, Art accomplished feats that might never be duplicated. He slinged a 7-foot sailfish, a 135-pound cubera snapper and a 584-pound Goliath grouper. Outside of spearfishing, he was credited with saving many lives, including a challenging rescue of 23 people whose boat had capsized in rough waters. As Art became known for his spearfishing achievements, opportunities arose. He appeared in magazine and TV ads for liquor companies even though he didn’t drink. He graced the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1955 and was featured in a three-part series. His most uncomfortable assignment was modeling Jantzen bathing suits. They paid more in one day than he got in a whole month of lifeguarding, so he put up with the embarrassment. He did
NATIONAL
I
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 18
JANUARY 2018
I
several shoots with Frank Gifford (NFL MVP), Bob Cousy (NBA MVP) and Ken Venturi (golfer). Art wondered why they picked him alongside these sports giants, though he did believe spearfishing combined the best of many sports. It required strength and coordination, involved body contact with 300-pound fish, had danger and excitement—all set against a backdrop of unimaginable beauty. In later life, Art became a pilot, a professional captain and a business owner, and he never stopped Above: Even later in spearfishing. I had life, Art Pinder could the honor of diving capture fish like a with him in his 20-year-old. Photo by sunset years, when Chad Carney. he could still capture Left: Art Pinder fish like a 20-yearappeared on the cover old. Art passed away of Sports Illustrated in 2014 at the age of in 1955. 84 and is survived by his loving wife, Alice. Rest in peace, Art. 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.
For more Sheri Daye, go to
CAMSPEARFISHING.COM
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
12/14/17 1:02 PM
SOFGRIP Knives SG132N-10
Proven Design.
10” Sportfishing Knife
Proven Quality. Proven Performance.
SG133-8 8” Fillet Knife
Airline_Ad_CoastalAngler_8-1-14_Layout 1 8/1/14 1:14 PM Page 1
dexteroutdoors.com
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 19
Available at your local and online dealer.
I
JANUARY 2018
I
NATIONAL
19
12/14/17 1:02 PM
THE XTREME 20 BOAT, MOTOR, TRAILER
38,950
FR $
TORTUGA SIDE CONSOLE BOAT, MOTOR, TRAILER
TIPS FROM A PRO
FRESHWATER
19,950
FR $
Tips For Winter Fishing BRANDON LESTER
S
ome people don’t go fishing when it’s cold. That’s a huge mistake. Some of my most memorable days on the water have come this time of the year. If you outfit yourself properly, it will increase your winter fishing success astronomically. The Proper Gear First, dress properly. Layers are important, but don’t bulk up so much that it affects your mobility. I start with thermals, both the shirt and pants. My next layer is jeans and a thick hooded sweatshirt. I sometimes add a fleece jacket and then put on an outer-layer suit. You want a suit that blocks the wind and is waterproof. There are a lot of good Gore-Tex suits on the market. Headgear is also important. A fleece beanie and a neck gaiter make all the difference. A good pair of thick socks, boots and a pair of gloves, and you will be good to go. Last winter, a friend and I went fishing when it was 12 degrees. We caught 19 smallmouth. It was
cold, but we were dressed properly and had the lake to ourselves. Use Proper Equipment Fishing tackle needs to be finetuned for winter. First, I use Winn grips on all the rods I build. Most gloves have a sticky grip material on the palms. When that material meets the Winn material, it gives you unbelievable grip on your rod; it does the same for bare hands. Winn also has a new product called Winn Reel Sleeves. They are made of the same great grip material and slide over the handles of your reel. When it comes to finicky fish in the winter, you can’t afford for your hand to slip off the reel for a split second. I will have Reel Sleeves on every reel I own for the 2018 season. Check out all the Winn products and custom rod building materials at www.mudhole.com. Winter is a great time to learn how to build your own rods for 2018.
Get more tips from Lester at
FISHINGMAGAZINE.FISHING BossmanBoats_.25_0917.indd 1
8/12/17 6:12 PM
Universal Folding T-Tops Fits Virtually All Center Console Boats! Key Features
Simple DIY Installation Low-Profile Folding Design
20
Full Line of T-Top Accessories
Shop Now
Sunbrella® Fabric Top
fishmaster.com
Anodized Finish
678-679-1462
FRESHWATER
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 20
I
JANUARY 2018
I
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
12/14/17 1:02 PM
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 21
I
JANUARY 2018
I
NATIONAL
21
12/14/17 1:02 PM
FISH & FISHING 22
Words Of Wisdom MARK SOSIN
D
id you ever wonder how leading charter captains produce consistent catches on a daily basis in heavily fished waters. I asked a long-time friend of mine who chartered for years out of a center console, and I think you’ll find his answer of interest. By the way, his methods can be adapted to any segment of coastline and a wide variety of species. Success centers on three primary approaches. You must constantly cover the maximum amount of water with your baits. They must be fished in a totally natural manner. And, baits must be kept in the productive zone or proper depth as long as possible. One way of doing this is to fish two or three baits from a kite or two kites. By using small weights in a corner of each kite, you can keep them spread so that they do not tangle in the air. For the starboard kite, the weight goes in the upper right hand corner and just the opposite for the port kite. Assuming the seas are moderate, start by positioning upwind from the spot you want to fish. By working the engines between neutral and reverse, you can back into the wind when necessary to keep the boat at a predetermined depth. This allows the baits to hang directly below the kites and look natural. Currents will push the boat over new areas. While the kites are flying, this skipper streams a couple of flat lines 50 to 125 feet from the boat. Finally, he works two more lines, one at a depth of 50 feet and the second at a depth of 75 or 80 feet. Rougher seas dictate the use of sea anchors and they also make sense when maintaining a specific depth is not paramount. A single sea anchor tied off midships will keep the boat broadside to the wind or current. One off the bow and a second off the stern is an even better setup. At times, this captain will drag a frozen block of chum in a mesh bag in front of one or two of the baits. All this is a lot of work, but you are covering close to 100 yards of water from
NATIONAL
I
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 22
JANUARY 2018
I
a depth of 100 feet to the surface, and this approach can produce strikes when many anglers go fishless. Weekenders often wonder why professional skippers succeed day after day, even with boats all around them. Some observers simply suggest that regulars know the spots. That’s partially true, but there is much more to the total package. It takes continuous effort to tend all those rods, monitor conditions, and handle the boat all at the same time. You can certainly get by with less, but in the tradeoff, you can expect fewer fish. Whether you decide to follow this method, modify this skipper’s approaches to your needs, or you decide you really don’t want to work that hard, you can’t overlook the obvious. Aggressive anglers catch more fish consistently, even when Lady Luck isn’t sitting on their shoulders.
For more about artifical lures with Mark Sosin, visit
CAMFISHING.COM
Over 40,000 SKUs in stock. Abu Garcia, Daiwa, Fin-Nor, Okuma, Penn, Quantum, Shimano No order minimums!
www.FISHINGREELPARTS.com 1500 US HWY 19 N. Holiday, Fl 34691 (727) 935-7258
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
12/14/17 1:02 PM
_Hornbeck Boats_ Our New line of Fishing Boats are tough, stable and all under 25lbs. Available lengths: 10’, 12’, 13’, 14’
www.hornbeckboats.com 518-251-2764 131 Trout Brook Road, Olmstedville, NY 12857
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 23
I
JANUARY 2018
I
NATIONAL
23
12/14/17 1:02 PM
RA 3T HEA FLO
•W
COM
HUS
$
14
MODEL
ITEM
26"
COM
HUS
ITEM
Cu
ITEM
COM
OPT
72 M BL
Cus
COM
BLU $
1
MOD
•A w
Cus
DR 1/
3/
1/
COM
HUS
24
NATIONAL
I
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 24
JANUARY 2018
I
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
12/14/17 1:02 PM
hft_coa
SUPER COUPON
800+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com
Battle Tested
SUPER COUPON
RAPID PUMP® 3 TON LOW PROFILE HEAVY DUTY STEEL FLOOR JACK
20"
$4999 NOW
HUSKY
14998 SAVE $9799 $69
$7999
MODEL: HD00120
ITEM 61253/62326/61282 shown
$
7999
COMPARE TO SUPERWINCH
• 9 LED • Compact, Lightweight Customer Rating
$
17999 SAVE $130
Voted Best Winches
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
• 6200 cu. in. of storage • 580 lb. capacity • Weighs 97 lbs.
SUPER COUPON
A
3 GALLON, 100 PSI OIL-FREE AIR COMPRESSORS A. HOT DOG
B
ITEM 69269/97080 shown
B. PANCAKE
Customer Rating
NOW
$
$9999 $14999
SAVE $79
179
MODEL: HOUC3304B10
ITEM 61634/61952/64096/95659 shown
*52007869 * 52007869
ITEM 60637/61615 95275 shown
• Air delivery: 0.6 CFM @ 90 PSI, 1 CFM @ 40 PSI
56
9862
99
$9
ITEM 63100
SAVE $ 99 OPTRONICS MODEL: TL21RK 70% 18 *52061518 * 52061518 $
COMPARE TO
3359
NOW
99
$99
NOW
SAVE $12999 $106 *52063784 * 52063784
205
COMPARE TO $
DEWALT
SAVE $80
17999
MODEL: DCD780C2
ITEM 63381
900 MAX. STARTING/ 700 RUNNING WATTS 2 HP (63 CC) 2 CYCLE GAS GENERATOR
$599
8
19
MODEL: 77280
ITEM 69505/62418/66537 shown
*52080215 * 52080215 LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 5/1/18*
11992
SAVE ALL POWER MODEL: APG3004A $29 $10999 *52080229 * 52080229 COMPARE TO
$
$399
NOW
5
14
*52066058 * 52066058
DRIVE 1/4"
ITEM 2696/61277/63881
3/8"
807/61276/63880
1/2"
62431/239/63882
HUSKY
$
Customer Rating
$9
8497
$2999
99
19
LIMIT 6 - Coupon valid through 5/1/18*
COMPARE TO
HDX
$
6997
MODEL: H137HOS
LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 5/1/18*
SAVE 57%
$
3869
ITEM 64263/63248/64080/68998/63091 shown
*52124877 * 52124877 LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/1/18*
7" VARIABLE SPEED POLISHER/SANDER
AIRLESS PAINT SPRAYER KIT Customer Rating
NOW
NOW
$2999 COMPARE TO
GENESIS
$
7717
MODEL: GSP1711
SAVE 61%
$
ITEM 69474/62861/60626 shown
3999
*52084001 * 52084001
$1 6999 COMPARE TO $
GRACO
299
MODEL: 262800
ITEM 62915/60600 shown
SAVE $129 $
21499
*52103634 * 52103634 LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
600 LB. HEAVY DUTY TRAILER DOLLY
JUMP STARTER AND POWER PACK Customer Rating
Customer Rating
NOW
COMPARE TO
SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC
$
12999
MODEL: SL1
99
SAVE $60 $
$69 79
*52124980 * 52124980
SAVE 46%
NOW
$
COMPARE TO
99 ITEM 62749
BUFFALO TOOLS
7512
MODEL: BTTRDOLLY
ITEM 37510/60533/69898 shown
$3999 $5999
*52125543 * 52125543 LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/1/18*
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/1/18*
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 5/1/18.
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd hft_coastalangler_0118_M-REG130503.indd 25 1
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON Customer Rating
NOW
YOUR CHOICE
SAVE $ 99 88% MODEL: H2DTWA *52115986 * 52115986
COMPARE TO
LIFETIME WARRANTY
Item 239 shown
Customer Rating
*52079731 * 52079731
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 5/1/18*
130 PIECE TOOL KIT WITH CASE
LIFETIME WARRANTY
57
ITEM 62434, 62426, 62433, 62432, 62429, 62428 shown
MODEL: 5075800
$1999 $2999
ITEM 62515 66911 shown COMPARE TO $ 55 SAVE 65% GPL MODEL: H-21
$ 99
MECHANIX $ 99
SUPER COUPON
TORQUE WRENCHES
STEP STOOL/ WORKING PLATFORM
Customer Rating
NOW
SAVE 73%
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 5/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
• Accuracy within ±4%
$89
19999
• 350 lb. capacity
99
ITEM 63024/63025 shown
$
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
NOW
NOW
SAVE 70% $ 99
9 $1299
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
BLUE HAWK $ 99
NOW
*52047236 * 52047236
LIMIT 6 - Coupon valid through 5/1/18*
Customer Rating COMPARE TO
299
$ SAVE KOBALT MODEL: SM3055LW $169 ITEM 61969/61970/69684 shown COMPARE TO
*52027843 * 52027843
SUPER COUPON
72" x 80" MOVING BLANKET
12" SLIDING COMPOUND DOUBLE-BEVEL MITER SAW
Customer Rating
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON Customer Rating
$9999 $10999
COMPARE TO
99 COMPARE TO $ SHELTER LOGIC MODEL: 23522
LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 5/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/1/18*
Customer Rating
ITEM 63054 62858 shown
*51987415 * 51987415
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, safes, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/1/18.
• Laser guide
10 FT. x 20 FT. PORTABLE CAR CANOPY MECHANIC'S GLOVES
NOW
ANY SINGLE ITEM
Blade sold separately.
SUPER COUPON
12 VOLT MAGNETIC TOWING LIGHT KIT
20% OFF
• 576 in. lbs. of torque • 2.5 amp hour battery • Weighs 3.6 lbs.
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
99
DEWALT
20 VOLT LITHIUM CORDLESS 1/2" COMPACT DRILL/DRIVER KIT
$39
MODEL: PCFP02003
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/1/18*
BEATS
99
SAVE $ PORTER-CABLE 59% *52024805 * 52024805 $
COMPARE TO
*51989034 * 51989034
YOUR CHOICE
Customer Rating
MODEL: BRS9LED-B
LIMIT 1 - Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or prior purchase. Coupon good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Offer good while supplies last. Shipping & Handling charges may apply if not picked up in-store. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/1/18. Limit one FREE GIFT coupon per customer per day.
*52005090 * 52005090
26", 4 DRAWER TOOL CART
RAYOVAC
ITEM 69111 63599/62522/62573 63875/63884/63886 63888/69052 shown
2
$ 99
COMPARE TO
MODEL: 1125220
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 5/1/18*
ANY PURCHASE
3-1/2" SUPER BRIGHT ALUMINUM FLASHLIGHT
ITEM 61840/61297/63476/61258 shown
*51990436 * 51990436
HUSKY
WITH
• Weighs 14.3 lbs. • 11-1/8" L x 4-1/2" H
NOW
COMPARE TO
COMPARE TO
SUPER COUPON
2500 LB. ELECTRIC WINCH WITH WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL
• Weighs 73 lbs. Customer Rating $
FREE
M-REG130503_CoastalAnglerMagazine
SUPER COUPON
I
JANUARY 2018
I
NATIONAL
25
At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.
12/14/17 12/4/17 1:02 3:16PM PM
SUZUKI MAKES IT EASY AS
1-2-3
1. Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.
2. SEL
These are limited time offers. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details or visit www.suzukimarine.com.
N SO S NG ARD AVI TBO T S I OU TANUZUK INSECT S
Instant Savings of up to $800 on select models. See your dealer for details.
3. Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards (OAC).*
REPOWER FINANCE
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 01/01/18 and 03/31/18 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 01/01/18 and 03/31/18. 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 01/01/18 and 03/31/18. “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.
26
NATIONAL
I
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 26 SZ_Q1Promo_1PG_WIP.indd 1
JANUARY 2018
I
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
12/14/17 1:02 PM 12/8/17 2:46 PM
COMMON CVRS_1217.indd 3
12/12/17 3:34 PM
Where do you want to be? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take the same old journey. Be somewhere genuine. Be somewhere amazing. Be changed.
800.828.4244 ¡ visithendersonvillenc.org Call for your complimentary Getaway Guide
COMMON CVRS_1217.indd 4
12/12/17 3:34 PM