Coastal Angler Magazine | February 2019 | Ft. Myers

FORT MYERS/CAPE CORAL/CHARLOTTE HARBOR EDITION

FREE

Tampa's

Treasures

Record-Class

Blackfish Inshore Rigging Tips PHOTO COURTESY OF DARYN ANDREW WHITE VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 288

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LIFE ON THE COAST IS BETTER WHEN YOU STAY CENTERED.

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For: Coastal Angler

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FROM SHIP TO SHORE

All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2018.

© 2 0 1 9 H AVA LO N K N I V E S

AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN.

The new Havalon® TalonTM Quik-Change IITM Multi-Blade Cutlery System brings together nearly 40 years of expertise in the surgical field and decades of quality time spent out in open waters.

This innovative platform features a variety of reliable add-on blades designed to make clean work of the dirty work all the way from ship to shore.

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Tampa Bay, A Jewel On

Florida’s Gulf Coast

By Rosemary J. White

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ampa Bay has some of the very best fishing in the state of Florida, which means it is some of the best fishing in the world.

What makes Tampa Bay so unique is the many different varieties of both freshwater and saltwater fish to catch, as well as the many different ways to catch them.

If you are not a boat person, Tampa offers the world’s longest fishing pier, the Old Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Here you can catch snook, tarpon, grouper, black sea bass, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, sheepshead, red snapper and pompano. That’s 10 species of highly desirable fish from just one location, without a boat! And if that list alone is not impressive enough, fishing the bridge is convenient, too. You’ll need some specialized gear, but once

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you’ve got it you can drive right onto the pier to your exact sweet spot and unload. It’s also lit at night! There’s no limit as to what time of the day you can fish.

Feel like delving into the ocean world a little deeper than a concrete bridge? Tampa Bay boasts the stunning Fort Desoto County Park. Here you can simply slip on a pair of old sneakers and wade into cerulean blue waters and lush seagrass beds. Sound surreal? It is. Wading is a stealthy approach to fishing. In addition to species from the list above, you can also catch redfish, trout and flounder.

Looking to fish the deeper waters of the bay? About 45 miles out, the water depths start to reach the 80-foot range. Out here, the possibilities are endless. Varieties of grouper, assortments of snapper, arrays of sharks, blackfin tuna, sailfish, mahi, amberjack, jack crevalle, permit and bonita can be added to the previously mentioned lists of available species.

What if you tend to lean more toward the fresh side? Tampa Bay has some of the most diverse freshwater fishing opportunities one can imagine. Use a kayak to quietly glide through the tannic waters of our creeks to catch largemouth bass that grow upwards of 10 pounds. The creeks also hold massive bluegills, crappie, toothy alligator gar, tilapia, catfish and carp. The secret to what makes our freshwater fishing so thrilling is that you never know what you are going to catch. You see, many of our saltwater species inhabit our freshwater, as well. It is not only possible, but it is common to catch a big largemouth and then five minutes later a 15-pound common snook.

Tampa Bay offers a temperate climate, direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, artificial reefs, a unique slowly sloping continental shelf, and an abundance of freshwater feeds. From grass flats and mangrove systems in our inshore ecological system, to the deeper channels throughout the bay and Intracoastal Waterway, anglers have the opportunity to catch anything from sharks to Goliath grouper. The potential for the catch of a lifetime exists on every cast.

*At Ma sal inc

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*At participating dealers only. Qualifying retail customers may receive instant savings off the selling price of a Honda powered boat package or Honda Marine engine(s) sold for repower. This promotion is limited to new Honda Marine 40 HP through 250 HP outboard engines, 2014 and newer models, sold and delivered between January 3, 2019 and June 3, 2019 and registered by the Dealer in accordance with American Honda Motor Co., Inc.’s sales registration requirements. Only Honda Marine outboard engines sold for personal use qualify for this promotion. Fleet, commercial & government sales are ineligible. Engines sold under special pricing / promotions including (but not limited to) demo and tournament fisherman engines are also excluded. Honda Marine reserves the right to modify, amend, cancel or revoke, in whole or in part, this promotion at any time without prior notice. © 2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Always wear a COASTALANGLERMAG.COM personal flotation device while boating and read• your owner’s manual. All Honda outboards meet EPA and CARB emissionIlevels.

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NauticStar Introduces

SEE IT AT THE MIAMI INTL BOAT SHOW BOOTH A237 The 251 Hybrid offers a fresh new look and a new 25-foot model to NauticStar’s very successful hybrid lineup. This unique multipurpose vessel offers the perfect size and features for a family friendly pleasure boat and a tournament ready fishing platform.

NauticStar has also moved into the 30-foot plus category with its

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newest member of the family: the 32 XS Offshore. This outstanding saltwater performer delivers all the necessary fishing features for the serious angler with a smooth, dry, comfortable ride with cutting edge styling and comfort features never before seen in a boat of this style and size.

With its 10’ 6” beam, the 32 XS Offshore offers a spacious and comfortable bow that features large forward lounge seating with arm rests and plush wrap-around bow seats. The head console has a fully lined interior with a sink, SeaDek floor and electric flush toilet. It has a spacious and ergonomic helm to allow for dual 12-inch or 16inch multifunction displays. The leaning post features ergonomically correct Llebrock double billfish seats with flip-up bolsters and pivot arms. It has a sink, tackle storage, and a slide-out, 35-quart YETI cooler. The D-channel, integrated T-top can be fitted with a variety of options such as a retractable shade and fold-down cockpit television.

Aft, the jump seats flip-up for a spacious fishing deck with sizable, infloor fish boxes and large port side dive door.

“Engineered for exceptional reliability and performance, the new 32 XS Offshore carries forward NauticStar’s 100-percent wood-free construction and one-piece foam filled fiberglass stringer system,” said Ryan Witt, director of engineering. “Additionally, we’ve added some great new design features such as sculpted hull sides, a sideentry cockpit door, and large insulated in-floor fish boxes. The 32 XS Offshore also features cutting edge technologies with NaviOP digital vessel control system and Klipsch custom-tuned audio system.”

“I am very proud of the team and all they have accomplished over the past year,” Schiek added. “These new models are truly exciting and we look forward to introducing many great new models in the future.”

The 251 Hybrid and 32 XS Offshore will be on display in Miami at booth A237 and available for test rides in the Yamaha in-water display.

For more information on each of NauticStar’s new model introductions, please visit: 195 Bay - https://nauticstarboats. com/boats/nauticbay-boats/195-nauticbay/ 251 Hybrid - https:// nauticstarboats.com/boats/hybrids/251-hybrid/

TI EES EHT TA LTNI IMAIM WOHS TAOB 732A HTOOB

auticStar Boats, a subsidiary of MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc., has been reinvesting in the business at an accelerated pace, specifically, modernizing the plant and developing leading edge new products. The Company launched the new 195 Bay Boat in August, followed by the 251 Hybrid in September and will debut its largest offshore model yet, the 32 XS Offshore, at the Miami International Boat Show.

“To say we have been busy at NauticStar is an understatement,” NauticStar President Tim Schiek said in a statement. “We have assembled a strong team of marine experts focused on delivering the highest quality and best performing boats in their segment. This is not only driving continuous improvement in our boat building processes, but throughout the entire organization. We have also implemented a more disciplined product development process that is delivering more new products, at a faster cadence, with increased consumer insights and innovation that ultimately will deliver the best boating experience for our consumers at a reasonable price.”

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With its sleek lines and stylish contours, the new 251 Hybrid offers a fresh new look and a 25 foot addition to the NauticStar Hybrid lineup.

This unique multi-purpose vessel offers the perfect size and features for a family friendly pleasure boat and a tournament ready fishing platform. If you need a serious fishing machine for yourself or a boat with enough room for a large crowd, the 251 Hybrid is the boat for you!

Check out all the incredible features of the 251 on our website and design the boat of your dreams.

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By Tom Schlichter

Winter Bulldogs Out Of Ocean City, Maryland

By Tom Schlichter

Ron McClelland caught this 24-pound blackfish aboard the Fish Bound out of Ocean City, Md. in April of 2018. Mate Kevin Twilley helps hoist the beast. Photo courtesy of Fish Bound Charters.

K

enneth Westerfeld was expecting a big blackfish when he set up on a solid, single-tug while wreck fishing out of Ocean City, Md. back in January of 2015. What he wasn’t expecting was a new International Game Fish Association (IGFA) world record at the end of the line.

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“We were into big blackfish right off the bat,” explained the Queens, N.Y. angler, “and I knew immediately when I set the hook that this was a double-digit white chin. I got three quick turns on the reel and then all I could do was hold the rod high and tight while she dove for the wreck. More than half way to the top, however, she got a second wind and tore 40 feet of line from my drag, which was nearly locked tight. I couldn’t believe the power.

That’s when I knew this one was more than special.”

When the monstrous bulldog finally hit the deck, Westerfeld was stunned by its size. Back at Sunset Marina in Ocean City, the huge white chin officially tipped the scales at 28 pounds, 8 ounces. That blackfish, still the all tackle world record for the tough-lipped bottom feeders, was decked aboard Capt. Kane Bounds’ six-pack charter boat Fish Bound, a vessel on which Westerfeld has taken several ’teen-sized bulldogs over the years.

“I’m convinced there’s even bigger blackfish in Maryland waters,” he said. “A couple of years ago, an experienced SCUBA diver reported seeing two giant blackfish on an offshore reef there—the smaller one he estimated at 30 pounds.”

Capt. Kane agrees that bigger fish probably lurk in the 80- to 150-foot depths where he concentrates most of his blackfish efforts. “I think our ’tog have a little longer growing season than up north,” he reasoned. “That makes a difference with a fish that can live more than 30 years. In 2017 alone, we had five that broke the 20-pound mark. Three of those were released.”

You’ll want to fish heavy in these waters if giant ’tog are your target.

Bounds recommended conventional outfits with smooth drags and 50- to 60-pound test braided lines. He also goes big on hooks, choosing 5/0 and 6/0 sizes over more traditional 3/0 and 4/0 selections. Expect to need 8 to 12 ounces of lead to get to the bottom.

Monster blackfish bite right through the winter months, with many of the largest fish decked each year in February, March and April.

Westerfeld advised anglers looking for the blackfish of a lifetime to use fluorocarbon leaders no matter which rigs or hooks they choose.

“Maryland’s waters are pretty clear in the winter and low visibility fluorocarbon leaders really provide an edge,” he said. “Seaguar’s 60-lb. test Blue Label fluorocarbon leaders have worked well for me. They have great abrasion resistance and impact strength, plus very little stretch—three things you really need with these brutes.”

To fish with Capt. Kane on the six-passenger Fish Bound, contact: www. fishboundcharter.com; 443-497-1361. Open boat fans can check out the Morning Star (http://morningstarfishing.com; 410-520-2076).

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Central Florida Bass Are On The Beds

By Nick Carter • Photo by Brett Cannon

W

hile largemouth bass across much of the country remain hunkered down in a winter pattern, bass in central Florida are running full tilt in all three stages of the spawn. Right now tournament angler and guide Ricky Congero is wearing out big Florida strain largemouths on the eight Kissimmee Chain lakes around Orlando.

Whether you’re an angler in need of a road trip or if you’re sitting in an easy chair waiting on your reservoir to get right, Congero’s tactics might help steer you to the largemouth of a lifetime.

Starting in November and December, Kissimmee largemouths begin staging up in prespawn behaviors. The first big waves of fish hit the flats toward the end of January. They’ll move in and out with the passage of cold fronts, but from January into early March there will be fish in all stages of the spawn. The key to locating them among miles of thick vegetation is to find hard-bottomed shallow flats.

“You can pattern them year-round based on the spawning flats,” Congero said. “During prespawn, they’ll be staged in the first grass maybe

100 yards off those flats. Postspawn, they’ll move out into the dense hydrilla and hyacinth.”

Congero starts by covering water with moving baits like swim jigs and Chatterbaits in search of bass preparing to move up. When the smaller males arrive on the flats to fan out beds, it’s an indicator that fishing is about to get very good.

“If you start catching a bunch of young bucks on the flats, the big females won’t be far behind,” he said.

In the tannic waters of the Kissimmee lakes, it’s difficult to spot fish on the bed. Instead of sight fishing, Congero looks for the locations big females prefer.

“You always find the bigger females bedded on isolated pads, as opposed to the big clumps of pads,” he said. “They’ll spawn right at the base of the stem.”

And while heavy braid and heavy-duty tackle are mainstays for hossing big fish out of thick vegetation, fishing beds requires stealth and finesse. Sizing down to 17- or 20-pound fluorocarbon, Congero likes a short 5- or 6-inch Senko. A staple on the Kissimmee lakes is black with a blue tail. He Texas rigs it with 1-ounce tungsten bullet weight, which is pegged to the head of the worm. This allows him to feel when his bait hits the stalk, at which time he lets it sit on the bottom until the bass picks it up.

“Don’t set the hook as soon as you feel her pick it up,” he warned. “She might just have the tail in her mouth and you’ll come back with half a worm. Wait until she’s swimming off with it. Reel up all the slack and give her a second or two before you set it.”

For a guided trip, contact Congero at (973) 6998981 or email info@blackcloudfishing.com. Follow him on Instagram @Ricky_Congero.

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VISIT AND Visit andEXPLORE Explore Burnsville, NC Burnsville, N.C.

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hether you’re hiking, exhibits. The restaurant, conces- through Yancey fishing or camping sion stand and gift shop are open County. hether you’re hiking, fishing or Mountains and the South Toe in the mountains or May thru a fun camping in the mountains, at- October.

River Campground Valley. StretchingEnjoy nearly has 9 tent sites only. attending a performance at Parkfilled day on tending a performance at Parkway 500 miles through the mountains the Playhouse ororcoming North Virginia way Playhouse comingtotothe theMt. Mitchell Winding of along the Carolina southern and water, catching Crafts Fair Crafts or Carolina Literary without a single red light, Mt. Mitchell Fair orMountains Caro- edge of Yancey County, the Blue the the fishBlue native to Festival, there’sLiterary alwaysFestival, a good day waiting Ridge one of the best lina Mountains Ridge Parkway givesParkway travelersisan our mountains. for you in Burnsville, North Carolina, espe- scenic drives in America. there’s always a good day waiting amazing view of the Black MounWe is guarantee cially for travelers who like to discover their The Blue Ridge Parkway the forown youjourney. in Burnsville, North Car- tains and the South Toe River your fishing only access to Mount Mitchell County is home State Park at Hwy andwill mileolina, Yancey especially for travelers whoto waterfalls, Valley. Stretching for nearly 500128trip be full campgrounds, hiking post It’s five miles sumSnakeroot Ecotours offers custom tours like to discover theirbackroads, own journey. milestrails, through the355. mountains of to of the fish-catching clean rivers, and six the 10tohighest peaks mit. and The Parkway

by Civilian Con-Observation at Mount State Park. of one ofplatform the wildest andMitchell most scenic corNorth Carolina Virginia was – built Yancey County is ofhome experiences! in the eastern United States. servation Corps labor in the 1930s. Workers ners of Western North Carolina. They invite and not one single redlight – the waterfalls, campgrounds, backToe River, Located in southern Yancey County, used dynamite to blast tunnels through the you into astoundingly Southern diverse Appalachian habitatsMounand Blue Ridge Parkway is one the a Carolina roads, hiking trails,(6,684 clean feet) rivers,is the Hemlocks, Black Mount Mitchell highest mountains andofcarve road through rough, and reveal the mysteries of the Southern Appatains. More info at www.snakemountain of the peaks Mississippi River.

It drives remote terrain. The Parkway rises to an el- lachian scenic in America. and six of theeast 10 highest in best Mountain Campgrounds are all lo-Mountains. See more info at www. rootecotours.com. was designated North evation over 5,000 as it off passes through snakerootecotours.com.

Blue Ridge Parkway is thefeetcated Eastern America. the first state park in The Highway 80 in the South The Burnsville-Yancey ChamCarolina in 1916.

Today it features an obYancey County.

Located in southern Yancey only access to Mount Mitchell Toe River area of Yancey County. servation platform on the summit next to Enjoy a fun-filled day on the water, The Burnsville-Yancey Chamber of ber of Commerce and Visitor State Park at catching Hwy 128the andfish mileCounty, Mount Mitchell (6,684 State Park and and Visitor Center is located at Elisha Mitchell’s grave and an interpretive nativeMount to ourMitchell mountains.

Commerce Center is located at 106 West Main post 355. It’s miles to thefishing feet) is the highest mountain East Crabtree Meadows

by Main Street in Burnsville. Inside museum with historical and environmental Wefive guarantee your trip will be full are of accessed 106 West findofa inforhelpful The restaurant, standThe Parkway fish-catching experiences! was built by the Blue Ridge Parkway. you’ll find aStreet. of exhibits. the Mississippi River. It wasconcession des- summit. helpfulInside staff you’ll and lots and gift are park openinMay through River, Carolina Hemlocks andEcotours Black offers staff and lotslodging, of information mation shopping,on CCCOctolabor in theToe 1930s.

Workers ignated the shop first state North Snakeroot cus-on attractions, ber. Theincampground limited to used only nine Mountain are all located off dining and local businesses and services.

The attractions, lodging, shopping, dynamite to blastcampgrounds tunnels tom Carolina 1916. Today itisfeatures tours of area one of of the wildest tent sites.

Highway 80 in the South Toe River Visitor Center and office are open Monday& dining, and local businesses through the mountains and carve an observation platform on the most scenic cornersthrough of West-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call Winding along the southern edge of Yancey County. Mountand Mitchell State Park road through rough, remote ter- ern summit to Elisha services. Visitor Center and office Carolina.

Yanceynext County, the Mitchell’s Blue Ridge a Parkway and Crabtree Meadows areNorth accessed by theWe invite (828) you 682-7413. givesand travelers an amazing view ofrain. the Black Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Parkway rises to an ele- into astoundingly diverse habitats open Monday thru Friday 9am to grave, an interpretive museum with historical and environmental vation over 5,000 feet as it passes and reveal the mysteries of the 5pm. Call (828) 682-7413.

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hat a wild, wet and woolly week it was for the fleet fishing the Pelican Yacht Club Invitational Billfish Tournament out of Fort Pierce, Fla. Jan. 9-12.

First, the fleet of 30 fishing teams crushed all the records for the 39th annual tournament, and for the 65-year history of sailfish tournaments fished in eastern Florida waters.

The final tally was 969 sailfish caught and released.

The tournament’s second day of action wound up being the single best day in sailfish tournament history for any event fished north of Palm Beach County in waters of the Atlantic Ocean. A total of 712 sailfish were caught and released by the 27 boats on the water that day. The top three boats that day accounted for 121 sailfish by themselves — JT, led by Capt.

Mark McDevitt, had 41 sailfish; Cowpoke, led by Capt. Mike Brady, had 40 sailfish; Alikai, led by Capt. Patrick Price, had 40 sailfish. The 41 by JT, owned by David Johnson of Beach Haven, N.J., stands as the new record for the tournament for a boat in a single day.

Consider also that tournament rules stipulate fishing time as 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. But since the boat departed Fort Pierce Inlet each day, and the sailfish were concentrated in an area north of Patrick Air Force Base and south of Port Canaveral’s main channel some 45-50 miles north, tournament boats were forced to sacrifice up to 1:45 of fishing time each day just to reach the best fishing.

But when they did, they were rewarded, at least for two days.

The event began Jan. 9 when Grand Slam, led by Capt. David Grubbs

of New Smyrna Beach, sat down on an area so packed with hungry sailfish that it looked like a feeding frenzy under his boat. Grubbs felt it was going to yield some fish, and ran there because he knew it would produce bites.

Few, if any, in the fleet knew his plan. By noon, the cat was out of the bag.

Big time.

He wound up with a Treasure Coast area then single-day record 38 sailfish catches that day and a substantial lead on his competitors, known to be some of the best sailfish skippers in the western hemisphere.

Teams racked up catches of an incredible 86 double-headers, 45 triples and 15 quads.

It was truly staggering.

On Jan. 10 the fleet followed the leader, Grubbs and crew, to the fertile fishing grounds off the Space Coast and helped him achieve something many experienced sailfish specialists thought could only be accomplished in Mexico or Costa Rica.

The captains called it epic and incredible, unbelievable and amazing.

But it wouldn’t last.

On Jan. 11 the fish had either scattered a bit, moved back north out of range, or simply quit biting, like fish of any species do. The fleet of 27 fishing that day picked up “just” 93 releases. Saturday, with a smaller fleet fishing because of lay days mandated by tournament rules, those numbers dwindled more. The final day anglers tallied only 29 releases, reminiscent of the season’s start in December when sailfish bites were very hard to come by.

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Close Encounters of the Shark Kind

By John Lidington

A diver observes a reef shark near Shark Canyon. In natural encounters, when sharks are not being fed, they rarely approach divers much closer than this.

“K

atharine the Giant Great White Shark Lurks Off Florida — Again” If Katharine was here, as the South Florida SunSentinal announced on Nov. 26, winter was on its way. Usually this snowbird shark from Cape Cod arrives first, and being a great white, she always makes the news. For divers, though, her arrival means the migrating lemon and blacktip sharks are on the way. It’s shark time for Florida’s Gold Coast!

When I started diving in the 1960s, the arrival of sharks meant the departure of divers. Prevailing wisdom held that sharks were dangerous and unpredictable and should be avoided.

That outlook on sharks began to change in the 70s. Scientists, such as the University of Miami’s Dr. Samuel Gruber, had turned shark behavior into a major study area. H. David Baldridge analyzed data from more than 1,500 cases in the worldwide shark attack file established by Dr. Perry Gilbert to identify the real factors behind shark “attacks.” The emerging picture showed an animal superbly adapted to its environment by its 400-million-year existence in the oceans. Man, as a newcomer to their world, was not seen as food, and usually ignored. In his 1974 book “Shark Attack,” Baldridge wrote: “I wish not to generate any

fear of sharks in the mind of any reader, yet a healthy respect for these beautifully adapted beasts would appear to be justified…”

It took the PR genius of Jacques Cousteau to popularize this science and help dispel unnecessary fear of sharks. The air of authority gained from his highly regarded TV series lent credence to his book “The Shark: Splendid Savage of the Sea,” in which he documented divers regularly interacting with sharks. Sharks were becoming accepted in the diving world.

But there was a bump in the road. At the same time “Shark Attack” appeared, Peter Benchley published Jaws. His depiction of sharks as malevolent killing machines was promptly translated to visual form in Steven Spielberg’s movie adaptation. The impressions from those twin horror assaults did eventually fade, but for quite a while it was the rare diver who didn’t experience flashbacks of huge toothy mouths while doing back entries.

The twenty-first century has seen divers’ attitudes shift even more favorably toward sharks. Today many divers want to encounter sharks.

They regularly visit sites naturally frequented by sharks in hopes of diving alongside these majestic fish. When diving Jupiter during the winter shark migration, your chances for shark encounters skyrocket!

According to Shana Phelan of Singer Island’s Pura Vida Divers, “The most common sharks we see year round are nurse sharks, reef sharks and lemons. Our most active shark months are in the winter, with lemons in January and blacktips in January and February. Winter sightings are most likely at Shark Canyon and on some of the wrecks.”

Shark Canyon, here I come!

Pura Vida Divers hosts regular shark dives in February. To learn more about these awesome creatures, book a PADI Shark Conservation Specialty Diver class, or hop aboard their next charter. Contact Pura Vida Divers at 561-840-8750 or visit www.PuraVidaDivers.com.

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By Capt. Michael Okruhlik • Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures

A

s a young boy growing up in a small town, being outdoors was the thing to do, and fishing was my favorite pastime. I have vivid memories of biking to ponds and creeks with my buddies and trips to the Texas coast with my family.

When I wasn’t fishing, I watched fishing on TV. Hank Parker was one I tuned in on regular basis. So, you can imagine how humbled I was when I met Mr. Parker with my two sons. My youngest gave him the age-old trick of, high-five, down low, too slow! Mr. Parker doubled over laughing.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have published articles in a national fishing magazine, for which I am truly grateful to Coastal Angler. Nor did I imagine someday I would design and manufacture my own line of fishing lures. Without fishing, none of this would have been realized. Since we are in the season of giving, give the gift of fishing to a child so they can have similar memories.

On a recent trip, I took both of my boys, 5 and 7, fishing in the kayak. This was a lure-only trip. The boys wanted to get some casting practice, and they wanted to trick a fish on Dad’s lures.

The tides had been relatively high for the past several weeks, and I had been catching some good reds on one particular flat. The area had some small islands and a grass flat that tapered off to a cove that was about 6 feet deep. I explained to my boys the lay of the bay and explained how some areas had drains or slightly deeper channels that drained off the flat and into a cove. These were the areas where we would cast because the fish would use them like roads as the tide was falling. I explained it was like a leaf floating down a river.

Once they selected the color of lure they wanted to throw, I strategically anchored the kayak in a position where they both had the opportunity to fish the area properly. It wasn’t long before we had the first fish, a 16-inch trout. After a few more trout for both, the excitement really began. My youngest hooked into a 7-pound red! The fish took him 360 degrees around the kayak, tangled in his brother’s line, and went under the anchor rope! After the fish was landed, we took a few photos and I continued to show them the value of catch and release, which we did with all fish that day.

To say that I am a proud father is an understatement. In 2018, my oldest landed his largest trout, which weighed more than 5 pounds, and my youngest caught his largest red! Take a kid fishing and let them make their own memories. You never know where it might take them.

Captain Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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Inshore & Offshore Opportunities

by Capt. Terry Fisher

he waters in SWFL have much improved over the last T months for both inshore and offshore. The catching has improved as well.

Inshore: one may expect to catch their limit of sheepshead.

Sheepshead are the target species of the month and will reward those catching them with a good fight and a tasty meal.

Sheepshead will be found on reefs (close to the outer islands) and will make up the ‘by-catch’ while targeting grunts, porgies and a variety of snappers.

Sheepshead have a reputation of ‘being hard to catch’. However, nothing is further from the truth. All fish are hard to catch when not feeding.

Feeding sheepshead will take bait as aggressively as any other species. Look for them around virtually any structure.

One of my favorite clients, Mr. Dave Porter of Dayton, Ohio, is pictured with a sheepshead Dave Porter from Dayton, OH he landed while on holiday with his wife Joan and their 3 with a nice sheepshead. children. As always, it was a wonderful ‘family’ outing that we enjoy together every year.

Even though snook are ‘out of season’, they are a great fish to target during the winter months, as they move from beach spawning grounds into the rivers, creeks and canals. They are a fun and John Hennessey formidable species for anglers with a 33” snook. looking for their ‘fish of a lifetime’. Pictured is Mr. John Hennessey of Indianapolis, with a 33” snook he caught in one of the many Cape Coral canals. Also, a 35” snook was caught a couple of days later by lady angler, Mary Elmalac of Tampa, Florida. Both fish Mary Elmalac were caught free-lining live with a 35” snook. pinfish, on light tackle.

Spanish Mackerel should be found in around 9’ of water in Pine Island Sound, Charlotte Harbor, and off the beaches of Sanibel, Captiva and Cayo Costa.

Gold spoons, Gotcha lures on 40lb. test monofilament leaders or weighted jig heads under a cork with shrimp will get the job done. Otherwise, use wire leader with trailer hooks for good results. Mackerel swim and dart so fast that many strikes will result in misses (reason to use trailer hooks). Seatrout are reentering the estuaries in the northern end of Pine Island Sound, Placida, Bull and Turtle Bay areas. Shrimps under a popping cork will deliver best results. Redfish are small but may be found in St. James Creek and other similar areas of Matlacha Pass, including the Indian Fields north of the bridge. Likewise, they will show up in the passes of Boca Grande and North Captiva on incoming tides. Mangrove Snapper will be found

around most any type of structure. When targeting them, be aware that you are required to use small circle hooks. Bait with very small shrimp or shrimp tails to get more hook ups.

Offshore: Triple Tail has been ‘joining the party’! Look for them around the crab buoys offshore. They like shrimp. They are easy to spook, so stealth is the secret when approaching them. Once located, make a presentation within 4’ of the buoy for best opportunity. Do not hit the fish with the bait!

A few permit are in the area. Find a reef, anchor up and chum shrimp out the back of the boat. They like dollar size blue crabs, pass crabs or shrimp. Usually one will see their silver refection in the water as well as breaking the surface in the chum line behind the boat when feeding. That is when one should make the crab presentation. Big grouper require that one go far offshore to really have a chance. Most success has been reported in 75’ to 125’ of water either on a known, productive location or by drifting. Use sardines or cut squid.

Pictured is Jeremy Berstein (grandson of Cape Coral Captain Jeremy Berstein w/ a red grouper caught offshore.

Dennis Pelligrino), with one of many red grouper they recently caught in about 85ft. of water Marcus w/ a red snapper while drifting. Thanks that was caught & for the picture and report released offshore.

Captain!

Red Snapper may be ‘out of season’ but they are still exciting to catch and are found in deeper waters along with groupers. My fishing friend, John Medsker and his nephew Marcus, recently went out and caught a number of big fish on cut sardines, including a few big red snapper. Pictured is Marcus with one of them. Nice going John. Thank you for the picture and report. I want to be on the next trip when Red Snapper season opens!

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone tighter lines!

Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com and my bi-weekly fishing reports at www.goboatingflorida.com. Call me directly at 239-357-6829 or email me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com to book a charter on my boat or yours. I am available as Captain for Hire on your vessel (by the hour) inshore or offshore, for safety, navigation, fishing location and techniques that will insure your every trip a success.

2 FORT MYERS FEBRUARY 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

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For example, my total leader length is nine feet. I’ll go from 25 to 20 to a 15-pound tippet using a blood knot between three-foot sections. For flies, I like a #1 or #2 and really like clouser style patterns. Particularly,

by Capt. Mike Manis around the holes with bright sun, the fish tend to stay down and the ven though it’s most likely we’ll see a little bit of weight can make a big couple cold fronts in February, we’re difference. If I’m up on the grass moving into what should be winter’s working tailing fish, I’ll go with an last blast. As with last month, negative un-weighted baitfish or shrimp pattern. morning tides dominate much of the For anglers that can’t access these areas, there are calendar providing opportunities to opportunities. Off the intracoastal on the deeper grass flats fish the incoming as the sun warms the spotted sea trout will be active. Two to four feet is best. flats. More than likely, I’ll target redfish Pompano will be abundant on outside bar systems. I’ve always and spotted sea trout and work the best found the best bite on hard bottom, like that off Cape Haze available turtle grass flats. If the wind Point. Spanish mackerel and bluefish will be chasing bait around kicks up, I’ll stick close to adjacent lee channel markers and artificial reef systems. Sheepshead are shorelines. As with last month, low tides may restrict access. As just about everywhere. In particular, piers, docks, bridges, and a result, I’ll try and get out early while the tide is still running artificial reefs. I’m even seeing them all over the flats. out. This allows me to get on the flat I’d like, without damaging Lastly, there are always the canal system docks when you the sea grass. The only downside is that you’re there to stay need to get out and the cold wind and low water are limiting until tide comes up. On the bright side, you might find yourself your options. Between Boca Grande, Port Charlotte and Punta nearly alone on the flat, as anglers that didn’t think ahead will be Gorda, there’s lots of ground to cover. I’m not a big fan of fishing locked out. This advantage will go away soon when winter tides in someone’s back yard; but if you have company in town, it may subside. be your only shot. Redfish, snook, and, sheepshead move into I’ll split my time between Pine Island and Gasparilla Sound these systems with the perimeter canals fishing best. With this and like the Pineland and Placida ramps, respectively. My being said, please be courteous and careful casting up under favorite flats contain a mix of sand and grass and I like to work these platforms. Until next month, good tides. the sand hole edges. Because of the shallow conditions, the fish Captain Michael Manis is a U.S.G.C. Licensed captain and has been teaching the are a bit on the wary side. With a bright sun, they’re on even sport of fly and light tackle angling since 2002. He lives in Punta Gorda, Florida and can be reached at www.puntagordaflycharters.com. higher alert. To adjust, I’ll downsize my tippet, as well as flies.

On the Fly

E

4 FORT MYERS FEBRUARY 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

Dad’s Old Tackle Box

I

by Dick Braun

was able to pick up a couple of reels, one of which I’m pretty sure is a prototype of a Handicap reel based on a Zebco model 154. See the pictures of the reel.

Now the big trick is to find a rod that it will work on so I can demo the outfit. In past articles I’ve talked about the different vintage tackle shows and where you can hunt for the same. The rods, reels, lures and combos of each. This month I thought I’d talk and show some of the other collectible fishing related items you can keep an eye out for.

Let’s see, we’re going to need some line for the reel, how about some Silk Braid, or Dacron braid or Monofilament braid, or Fluorescent mono. Then we better have a line dryer for the Silk line or it will rot. How about fish hooks for the end of the line, sounds like a plan, let’s see. We can find pflueger kirby Fred Arbogast trailer hooks, tiny Mustad Fly fishing hooks or Mustad Viking hooks, Eagle Claw hooks or Single or Dual or Treble hooks from tiny to

super large for shark. Now we have Rod/Reel/Line & Hooks! What else? Maybe a fish scale to see how big the catch is. A Langley or Zebco, a German 25 Kilo Brass Scale, Fisherman’s Pal Scale, Vintage Salter 30lb scale from England or a Chicago Spring & Balance 20lb and don’t forget a Danco #56. Don’t forget a Net to land your fish in. A trout net, handmade net and wood handle, a brass/copper folding net, a floating weighted net to keep your catch fresh, and a Drop Down Bridge net.

If it has to do with fishing someone out there is collecting it, and all of this and more will be on display and for sale at the FATC Daytona Show coming up 22-24 Feb in Daytona Beach Fl. 350 8ft tables full of Vintage items all out of Dad’s old Tackle Box. Until next month, Dick Braun, FATC, 941-661-7187 Florida Antique Tackle Collectors, Inc. is a non-profit, member supported organization registered in the State of Florida. The purposes of the Club are to enhance and promote the collection, preservation and knowledge of old antique angling memorabilia and the history of tackle produced in Florida. FATC sponsors three exhibitions each year throughout the State of Florida. Club Members bring historical displays from their collections of old fishing tackle and also bring old tackle to trade among themselves. The public is invited to attend these exhibitions and encouraged to bring their own old tackle for free appraisals

by Club Members.

FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINE | FT. MYERS/ | FEBRUARY 2019 | FORT MYERS 5

Paddlin’ & Fishin’

by Dan Carns very now and then a fisherman comes across my path that E just stuns me with their natural ability! This particular fellow called our shop to schedule a trip just to get a feel for Matlacha,

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as he is was born and raised here in SWFL, but had not fished this particular area of the Matlacha aquatic preserve. Since I had called him the night before to go over the details I was aware that he preferred lures over bait, but mentioned that I would bring shrimp. Sometimes shrimp can be the difference between a successful trip and a flop!

We meet before day break and launched as the sky began to lighten and I was astounded by the accuracy of this young man’s casting, while we paddled and fished a row of docks on our way out. We hit the first Island just off the launch and instantly hooked and lost a nice snook on a plastic jerk shad, but then managed to hook and land two small snook, at which point my client stated its time to move! Anyone who fishes with me knows that I’m a hunter when it comes to fishing; I’ll give any particular spot just enough time and just enough casts with various gear and then move on, but I’m always hesitant to move from feeding fish to find fish, but he insisted so off we go.

The next hour and a half were a move and fish introduction to the area as we fished point breaks, oyster beds and trout flats.

Fishing was kind of slow and my guy insisted that I fish with him, so as he’s throwing artificial lures and I’m tossing live bait to try to make a point. We finally land in a spot that I’m sure is going to produce a redfish or a decent snook and I make him throw a popping cork and shrimp, but after three tries he insists on going back to a Mirrodine swimbait. Oh yeah, he tags a beautiful snook on an artificial that we boat, photograph, release. On we march, introducing him to all my favorite spots.

He’s throwing artificials, I’m throwing bait and finally we trolled through a trout flat that’s on fire with feeding trout and we anchor up for the next hour. Mind you, I’ve still not caught a single fish on shrimp and so I’m soaking bait in the middle of this frenzy. After he boats a dozen fish and I offered shrimp three different ways to no avail, I surrender the bait tactic. He and I hook, boat and release 40 trout on artificial lures and talk about tides, water quality and the future of fishing. As we paddle back, we’re trolling plastic jerk shads from Gulp Baits and hook our biggest trout pretty close to the launch. Humbled by the confidence and skill my client possesses, I compliment him and wish him luck, although I don’t believe for a moment he needs luck!

It’s A Wild World-Get Out There Fishman Dan Come by the shop at 4120 Pine Island Rd. Matlacha Fl. 33993 (239) 283-1125 and see for yourself what we have to offer as I’m sure you will love our location! It’s A Wild World-Get Out There! Fishman Dan

6 FORT MYERS FEBRUARY 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

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Fishing Adventures

by Capt. Bart Marx

ello fellow anglers. February brings us closer to shore with H the cold fronts blowing through our area. This is a great time to focus on sheepshead and flounder. Sheepshead tend to

move to the close reefs along the coast. They will stack up on any small ledges or structure they can find from the depth of forty feet all the way into the passes, and docks just inside the passes. These guys like crustaceans; shrimp, sand fleas, fiddler crabs, mangrove crabs and barnacles. Yes, they have teeth to crunch things up that they suck it in. You can use a smaller hook, like a #1 and a twenty-pound leader to produce more bites. One of my former employers told me everybody likes shrimp and this is true in salt water fishing. I have been fishing on a shallow reef, 35’, and we were catching sheepshead on one side of the boat and flounder on the other. Flounder tend to bunch up around ledges and reefs too, as there is food there.

They will eat shrimp too, and cut-baits and small fish. They will gather on the upper sides of ledges where there is sand and they blend in with the bottom very well. Flounder are aggressive and will come off the bottom to feed. Both the flounder and sheepshead are great table fare. Some compare sheepshead to spiny lobster and flounder has a very mild taste and desirable by many.

Also this time of year going out past 40’ to some of the ledges and reefs, you can find lane, mangrove, and yellow tail snappers.

Snapper respond well to chumming. If you are catching your own white bait, these work well as bait and chum offshore. I have an older tool to chop up these baits and it hangs over the side of the boat. Every few minutes chop a few more and keep the flow going. If you do a great job at this you can raise the mangroves to the surface where you only need a hook and bait on your line. This is fast and furious and can shut down just as quick as it started. It is as easy to accomplish at night as in the day. Yes, night-time snapper fishing is fun too. Depending on the type of structure you are fishing, using shrimp you may even find a hogfish. They like it around the same areas as porgies, grunts, and triggers; a hard bottom that will hold small crabs too.

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If you would like to have Capt. Bart Marx come along with you, so you can learn some of these methods and where to take your boat. You can always meet me at my boat to learn more about SWFL fishing. Give me a call, 941-979-6517 or e-mail me at captbart@alphaomegacharters.com And always remember, singing drags and tight lines make me smile. <*(((((>{

8 FORT MYERS FEBRUARY 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

New Moon

by Capt. Leighton Ingram wo days before the New Moon, four days after my father T would say aloud to me. Looking high upward to the indigo morning sky, the moon had left its glow today and was falling

towards the black waters of Charlotte Harbor. A lonesome boat ramp, the horizon was fading to a charcoal shade of color, a steady north wind blew softly chasing the falling tide. I thought of my fleece pullover at the warm house, sipping on the black coffee in a smoky haze of the two-stroke’s protest. Popping my collar up to cut the chill, the smell of her perfume tried to change my mind. Creeping out the channel, the earthy tobacco smell of the mangrove jungle reinforced my quest of what might be. The horizon was grey; opening up the throttle I crossed the bar and tucked towards the warmth of the bushes. The water was glassed off under the shadow of the green mangrove canopy. The big blue flew parallel to me. He squawked aloud breaking off my port side, he flew towards the faint pink brush strokes. Spooking mullet “stringing” down the reef.

Poling the skiff up-tide through a twisted maze of button wood trees and mangroves, I followed the warmth of the black water. Mottled ducks silhouetted off the bow, they “chattered” in the wake of their whistling wing tips. A snook pop echoed from the bay to my south. The thrashing and popping became louder, there were multiple snook feeding in the scattered bays in less than a foot of water. I stepped out of the skiff, securing it to a thick mangrove root with a piece of dock line. Grasping a seven-weight loaded with a Jack Allen Popper, I watched a lone snook completely dominate a cove inside the bay eating anything that pushed water. The cast was long of the fish, he turned from the touch. First strip was hard, the “blurp” sound echoed within the bay. The snook came back, I followed up with two short strips “plop, plop”. Locked on the fly and charging, I watched its shoulders wake the surface, two more “plop, plops”.

The fish crushed the Allen fly strip setting and coming tight, the snook reared up out of the water. The fish had two great runs and headed for the tide. Using the whole rod the snook gave in and turned towards the rod tip. Released and healthy I listened to the fish feeding as I poled out with the last of the tide.

Leighton Ingram is a true sportsman and full-time captain. Specializing in skinny water fly fishing and light tackle in the Charlotte Harbor estuary. A native Floridian, he is knowledgeable about Florida’s wildlife and history. His unique trips are an exciting, up close way to experience the charms of an old Florida landscape. Contact him at leighton@truefloridaexpeditions.com or (239) 7762904.

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Welcome Back to All Our Friends

by K. Stephen Carter, Exec. Director

id you know the Cultural Center of Charlotte County has D over 500,000 visitors per year. We do over 12,000 events per year at the center. We have our own café, Beaches Café, it is

open six days a week. The café is open Monday through Friday, 8AM to 2PM. Breakfast is served 8AM to 10:30AM and lunch is served 11AM to 2PM, Monday through Friday. On Saturday, Beaches’ Cafe is open 11AM to 2PM. You can order one of our daily specials or order from our full menu, a meal or sandwich combo. We have a great selection of food to choose from, all at very affordable prices. FRIDAY is “All You Can Eat Fish”. Yes, all the FISH you can eat for only $7.95.

On Tuesday, we have our Chef ’s Choice, Chef Hargrove prepares fantastic Chef ’s Choice specials on Tuesday. I want to personally invite you to stop in to Beaches Café, you’ll be glad you did. Our Omelets are fantastic! We also do our own catering for special events, meetings and celebrations. Our Conference Center is 7,200 sq. ft. For booking information, please call Emily Lytle, Banquet/Catering Manager at 941-625-4175,ext. 215.

The name of our theater is the William H. Wakeman, III Cultural Center Theater. We have a great selection of entertainment scheduled for 2019. To purchase your reserved show tickets, go to the CulturalCenter.com, click on Theater and make your selection. We have a full liquor license for all of our catering events and theater shows. If you would like to take an interesting class, sign up for one of our courses in our Learning Center! Into shopping, stop by one of our thrift stores. The Cultural Center covers eight acres and it has been serving the residents of Charlotte County and beyond for 57 years.

We also have Cultural Center coffee mugs for sale for $3.00 and Cultural Center t-shirts for sale at $9.00. I would like to thank everyone for your support of the Cultural Center of Charlotte County, Inc. We are a 501-C 3, non-profit, we receive no federal, state or county funding towards our operations. I would to invite you to tune in and listen to me on the second and the fourth Wednesday of every month on WCCF 1580 AM , for the Cultural Center Hour from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM . This is a live call in talk show. I’m looking forward to seeing you at the center.

14 FORT MYERS FEBRUARY 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

The Great Calusa Blueway

by Mike Hammond

hen people tell me they are buying their first kayak or SUP, W I consistently advise them to try it before buying. Splash before cash. There really is no better way to be sure you will be

comfortable in the craft you choose. My second piece of advice is to find a local paddle shop and try as many kayaks as you can.

Trying several boats with experienced staff will help narrow down your choices. The first question the dealer should ask is, “What type of paddling do you want to do?” If fishing is your priority, they can quickly eliminate the long slender sea kayaks.

“Are you going to be squeezing through narrow mangrove tunnels or headed out to fish open water?” This may determine the length of your kayak. “How will the weight of the craft affect the way you transport it to the launch?” Kayaks designed for fishing tend be much heavier. There are many convenient ways to get them to the water, but it is wise to discuss this with the dealer. It is important to have the outfitter be an experienced paddler who uses the equipment they are selling. If you plan to fish out of your boat only occasionally during recreational paddling, there are several solid recreational kayaks out there that can be easily accessorized when needed. Find something comfortable first and then ask what angling accessories can be added.

Paddlers interested in taking longer trips may find that the touring / rec hybrids are a great choice. These boats have a fair amount of speed and stability, but you tend to lose easy access to gear as the boats get slimmer. If you are buying a kayak for a child and you want them to enjoy paddling, make sure it fits them. Many people buy short kayaks for their kids, from box stores, that are far too wide. The result is the child bashes their knuckles along the side of the kayak when paddling and they become frustrated quickly. A kayak and paddle made to fit the size of a child will make it a much more rewarding experience for everyone. If you’re considering a tandem kayak, I recommend taking both the boat and your paddling partner out for a test paddle. You may decide to get separate boats.

Many wise people do. There’s a reason some people jokingly call tandems “divorce boats.” But tandems can be fun together time as well.

There are many articles and blogs on the internet discussing how to pick kayaks and the merits of the different brands and models. It’s fun to do research, but when it is time to buy, find a shop with knowledgeable staff and a of variety boats and start trying as many as you can while giving feedback. You and the outfitter can find the perfect fit together. And if you do decide to buy that tandem, good luck.

Deciding on which type is best for you.

For complete schedule and registration information, visit: https://paddleguru. com/races/BattleontheBlueway2018 Additional information about the site and other paddling locations in Lee County are at www.leeparks.org or www.calusablueway.com FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINE | FT. MYERS/ | FEBRUARY 2019 | FORT MYERS 15

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needed for any fishing adventure by offering dedicated sporting goods associates at its stores to provide outhwest Florida is a fishing paradise for both recreational and professional anglers. With more than 1,000 species of fish guidance. in the area, having the proper gear, lines and tackle is the key to Each year, the company shares its founder’s love for fishing through reeling in a big catch. This is a feat Sunshine Ace Hardware has its annual fishing expo, a free helped many fishing enthusiasts accomplish through its wide community event for local fishing selection of top-quality products, expert advice and engaging enthusiasts of any age. Reel in the events, including its annual free fishing expo, Reel in the Sunshine, held at the Sunshine Sunshine, which will take place on Saturday, Feb. 9.

Ace Hardware in Bonita Springs, Back in 1958, Don Wynn established Sunshine Ace Hardware provides a mixture of unique offerings in one convenient with the desire to offer residents a one-of-a-kind retail location. Open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features experience with a variety of premium brands and services to a variety of activities, including the opportunity to participate assist with home repair, maintenance issues and DIY projects. in free fishing seminars led by fishing captains, demonstrations The family-owned and operated hardware store strived to be more than a great hardware store, building strong relationships by vendor product experts and special deals. Attendees can also participate in a prize drawing for the chance to win a variety and going above and beyond to help its customers. Today, Sunshine Ace Hardware’s nine stores serve as go-to locations for of leading products, including a YETI cooler, with proceeds grill masters, beach-goers and professional and amateur fishing to benefit Southwest Florida Muscular Dystrophy Association enthusiasts alike, with friendly, knowledgeable associates helping (MDA). The event will also include a charitable lunch benefiting MDA, offering the choice of a hot dog or hamburger with chips make shopping a breeze. and a drink for a donation of any amount.

Wynn was no stranger to being Fishing hobbyists are sure to catch great deals with blowout on the water and was often found offers on Sunshine Ace Hardware’s exceptional selection of reeling in a big catch aboard his boat, “Miss Sunshine.” Wynn’s love fishing products. The fishing expo features representatives from for angling and Southwest Florida’s more than 20 brands including Costa, Diawa, Penn, Shimano, YETI and more. These vendors will demonstrate new products great fishing spots led Sunshine and share their detailed knowledge of the gear on sale.

Ace Hardware in becoming a To attend the fourth annual fishing extravaganza, just be there major contributor to today’s local fishing community. Sunshine Ace to “Reel in the Sunshine” at 9100 Bonita Beach Rd. in Bonita Springs on Feb. 9! Learn more at www.SunshineAceHardware.

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16 FORT MYERS FEBRUARY 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

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Outdoor Opportunities

by Wayne Nichols

ell the hunting seasons are pretty much over for us here W in South/Central Florida. About the only thing left for hunters to get after are some small game animals like quail

and squirrel...or is it? For years now there have been ample big game species to hunt in Florida that a lot of hunters aren’t aware of and the best part is you don’t even need a license!

I’m talking about exotics. No matter where you live in South/ Central Florida, odds are you are only a couple hours away from an area you can hunt multiple big game species that are not native to Florida, some aren’t even native to the U.S.! A few are Waterbuck, Fallow Deer, Axis Deer, Water Buffalo, Elk, Red Stag, Pere David Deer, Watusi, and many others. There are also places, such as where I live in DeSoto County, that we frequently see escaped animals, such as the Axis Deer and Blackbuck Antelope thriving in the wild, mostly thanks to hurricanes dropping trees on fences allowing them to escape...and they’re doing great with virtually no predators after them.

Do a ‘lil homework on outfitter’s costs before booking a hunt.

Most are comparable based on your traveling time, but some places are REALLY proud of their game and charge a substantial amount more than others. I work with a few of these exotic game preserves and have visited several more and lemme tell you, higher cost does not mean a better hunt or even a better animal. In fact, I’ve found it’s usually the opposite. Most places, for say an Axis Deer hunt and similar sized game, run about

Peace RiverCharlotte Harbor

by Capt. Dave Stephens

this has been a crazy winter. We Sto ogothefarfrom morning temps in the 40’s 60’s. Water temp plays a large roll

in our fishery. The warmer the water, normally the better our fishing. As we roll into February hopefully our water temps will stop the roller coaster effect. Certain species of fish don’t mind the cooler water, so let’s go over a few.

For the most part sea trout are the most winter-friendly fish. Often, on the coolest days of winter the trout fishing can be some of the best of the year. The biggest issue is locating these guys. As water temps drop fish tend to search out deeper warmer water. So, when you locate fish, chances are you will find a large school. Shrimp will be your best option, just remember to fish slow. For you guys that like to throw artificial, soft plastics bounced on the bottom will get the job done.

Another winter fish that has been overlooked is our sheepshead. This fish shares the name of a not-so-desired fish that is found in northern freshwater. Well, the saltwater version is actually in the porgy family, a variety of

$2500 on trophy hunts and $600-$900 on meat hunts, but I’ve seen places go for $3500/$1500 on the same game. Water Buffalo hunts vary from meat hunts, cow hunts, bull hunts, and trophy bull hunts so bad you can’t hardly compare anyone’s rates rationally; I’m talking $800 on a meat hunt to as high as $10,000 on a trophy bull. At that point you might as well get a passport and plane ticket to their native country and hunt them there!

There’s also the elk and red stag hunts; depending on the size of the bulls we regularly stay in the $2500-3500 ball park, but again I see places charging up to $20,000 for some of these hunts!

Again, buy a plane ticket at this point if you wanna spend that kind of money. Value-wise, meat hunts are by far the best value, just about always under $1500 for a variety of game and you get plenty of meat to take home. If you’d like more information on hunting exotics give me a call anytime at 863-990-7650.

Remember to take a kid hunting and fishing, y’all stay safe out there.

If you have any questions about hunting down here, need information on booking a hunt or would like to know more about what we offer, give me a call anytime at 863-990-7650. I’m heading back in the woods now y’all stay safe and remember to take a kid hunting or fishing anytime you get a chance!

fish that feeds on crustaceans, and delicious to eat. These wellknown bait thieves are normally found around heavy structure, such as docks and hard bottom. Shrimp fished on the bottom will normally get the job done. If you can locate some fiddler crabs, you’re ensured a good day of sheepy fishing. These guys are well known bait thieves, so down size your hooks.

This time of year another fishing we do is Rat fishing. I know for the most part this is a new term for most of my readers. However, I’m sure a few know what I’m talking about. I am referring to catching small redfish.

Normally in the winter months, the juvenile red fishery can be very good. We have always referred to these little guys as rat reds. Normally creeks with deep water tend to be the best locations to find these guys. Often ranging 15-22” in length, however the bite can be very good.

You normally have to spend some time locating a school. Once found, I’ve caught as many as 50+ fish in one spot. Shrimp fished on the bottom is your best choice.

I prefer bouncing a jig head to cover an area. Warmer weather isn’t too far away.

Just because its winter, does not mean we have bad fishing, it just means you have to adjust your approach. Don’t be afraid to try new things.

If you would like to experience some of Southwest Florida’s finest fishing, give us a call, 941-916-5769 or send an email to capt.dstephens@comcast.net. All of our charters are private and customized to fit you and your party’s needs. Capt. Dave Stephens, www.backbayxtremes.com

18 FORT MYERS FEBRUARY 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

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The Best Angler Photos From Southwest Florida!

Jack & Margaret Griffin caught this 37” snook caught from shore in New Pass, then safely released her.

Artist Dale Werner w/ a huge sheepshead caught fishing w/ Capt. Barry Cuda.

10 YO Mason & Dad showing of their Lake O catch!

Joe Savoca caught this 37” snook in Estero Bay January 4th.

Great day fishing on the Dalis fishing charter with Capt. Paul and Capt. Mike.

Ron Smits w/ a dandy gag grouper, off Boca Pass in 100’ of water.

Mark Marsh w/ red grouper, off Boca Pass in 100’ of water.

Joseph Burkert with a beautiful snook.

Mike Davidson w/ a nice tripletail, off Sarasota crab buoys.

Photos submitted courtesy of:

Capt. Bart Marx Capt. James Marko Capt. Mike Manis Capt. Neil Eisner

Capt. Terry Fisher Capt. Dave Stephens Captain Tom Bailas

24 FORT MYERS FEBRUARY 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/

Text your fish pics to 239-595-8265 or email them to camftmyers@gmail.com.

Please include your name, type, size, and location where fish was caught and we will do our best to get you on the board.

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1/20/19 1/21/19 10:529:11 AM AM

By Capt. Terry Fisher

L

ast September, my first-mate Vicki and I took off on a whirlwind vacation to explore the waters of Italy. We started in Venice, where other than the shoe leather express, the only way to get around is by boat. To my knowledge, Venice is the only place on earth where unique modes of water transportation play out in day-to-day living.

The Adriatic Sea plays host to yachts, cruisers, pleasure and fishing boats. The Riva de Biasio (The Grand Canal), Venice’s main thoroughfare, is busy with all types boats, like taxis, police, garbage, ambulances and construction cranes, which all share the canal in relative peace. Fishermen line the canals with long poles, catching what look like small baitfish for dinner.

Tuscany, in central Italy, was our second stop, where we hired fly fishing guide, Gianlucca Orselli, of Florence. Gianlucca was one of four terrific guides from a local fly shop in Florence. He grew up fishing the Arno River, which runs through the middle of Florence,

CANGL_FIL1-FIL4.indd 4

but suggested we fish the Lima River, close to the towns of Lucca and Pisa.

During a 90-minute drive to the river, we saw the old castle walls of Lucca and other historical sites we would not have seen without the drive. Once in the mountains, the views were as picturesque as those of northeast Georgia. The river and its feeder creek were comparable to places we’ve fished in Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming.

We worked hard to catch rainbows and browns. Unfortunately, the fishing was not as productive as we had hoped, but it was no different than some days I’ve spent on rivers in the U.S. There are a lot of trout and char streams in Italy to consider, but we would not trade our experience of being together in this lovely setting.

Our third stop, the Italian Riviera, is where Vicki and I left part of our hearts. The Cinque Terre is part of an Italian National Forest located in northwestern Italy on the Liquarian Sea. The rugged coastline is incredibly beautiful. Five villages are built on mountain ledges, with steps up to each cliff-side dwelling.

Fishing and boating are “old world,” existing mostly for locals who make their livelihoods on the sea. A limited number of recreational fishermen on small vessels were seen close to shore or sitting on the rock ledges catching small fish on sabiki-like rigs.

We chose the quaint town of Vernazza as a base and stayed for three nights. I rented a 20-foot boat for two days to explore the waters. There were reports of yellowfin tuna swimming the rocks as close as 300 yards offshore, but all we could do was wish for adequate equipment and bait, as there were no tackle shops. Next time we will take our own.

Explore the possibilities of fishing in Italy at www.flyfishitaly. com. Or contact me by email or phone at fishfacecharters@yahoo. com, (239) 357-6829.

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By Chris Beardsley

A

s an avid surf fisherman, I enjoy the variety of fish that can be caught from the beach. Of course, catching anything worthwhile can be a challenge. Depending on the tide, time of year, time of day, water temperature, lunar phase, what color socks the mailman is wearing and what uncle Eddie had for dinner last night can all play a part. This is especially true when targeting speckled sea trout, especially big gators.

With so many things swimming just off the shore, targeting a

single species from the beach doesn’t always pay. There are, however, ways to increase your odds. Using the proper bait, lures and techniques are paramount.

When surf fishing, I like to consider myself a jack-of-all-trades.

In other words, I like to come prepared. If one thing doesn’t work, I don’t wait long to move on to the next thing. I have favorite confidence baits. There are times, however, when those fail and I’m quick to change it up.

When targeting big trout from the beach, I like to throw a gold spoon. It’s a quintessential bait for nearly anything, and it rarely fails to produce. With low visibility or when it’s slow and the big gators, or little specks for that matter, just aren’t interested, a paddletail with contrasting colors is a great choice.

Again, the gold spoon is killer in low-vis situations, but a 3-inch Bass Assassin Chicken on a Chain rigged with a red or chartreuse jig head also fits the bill perfectly. I also like the Berkley white paddletails with the same color jigs.

Another way to put a good gator in the cooler is try bouncing a Doc’s Goofy Jig off the bottom, just like fishing for pompano. The pink and yellow seem to produce best, and don’t be afraid to be a little aggressive with them.

When fishing a paddletail or a Goofy Jig, let the jig contact the bottom then give a sharp lift and let it drop until it contacts the bottom again. Raise your rod tip straight up and allow the jig to drag across the bottom. Give it an occasional twitch, and then repeat the sharp lift action. Changing the tempo of the retrieve and frequency of your lift can make all the difference.

Long casts are crucial in the surf, and require a medium action rod at least 7.5-feet long. I use 30-pound-test braid. The super thin diameter coupled with the ability to really load up the rod provides plenty of inertia to launch relatively light baits a good distance into the surf.

Targeting gator trout in the surf is challenging, and using the old standbys is often great strategy. But using a variety of baits and techniques can increase your odds of success.

By Steve Wayne

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Florida pro Drew Benton with the BASS Elite Series 2018 Lake Travis Champion trophy. BASS Photo.

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f you have been living under a box of Whopper Ploppers and were unaware of the recent changes in professional bass fishing, the Bassmaster Elite Series roster of professional anglers has changed. With the newly created Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour, many Elite Series pros left the Elite Series in order to compete in the newly formed Bass Pro Tour. The Elite Series responded with a reduction of their tour roster to 75 anglers and welcomed many new faces. Here’s a lineup of the Florida Bass pros competing in the upcoming 2019 Elite Series. Who will you root for?

• Drew Benton, of Panama City: The 2018 BASS Elite Series Lake Travis champion has amassed nearly $300,000 in winnings since 2016. Expect Benton to do very well in 2019 as he is beaming with confidence from a very successful 2018 season.

• Drew Cook, of Midway: A BASS Opens qualifier, Cook had two top-three finishes during the 2018 season of the BASS Opens Series. He has had a good bit of success fishing a variety of waters outside of Florida. Expect him to be a contender for Elite Series Rookie of the Year.

• Koby Kreiger, of Bokeelia: This seasoned

pro returns to the Elite Series after fishing the 2018 season on the FLW Tour. Kreiger has big-league experience and should fare well in both smallmouth and largemouth fisheries.

• Kyle Monti, of Okeechobee: A second-year Elite Series pro, Monti returns after a season-high 34th-place finish at Grand Lake. Monti cut his teeth bass fishing on Lake Okeechobee, so expect him to do well at the first Elite Series stop on the St. Johns River in Florida and grass filled Lake Guntersville later in the season.

• Cliff Prince, of Palatka: This veteran Elite Series pro returns with seven top-10 Elite Series finishes. Prince should be the odds-on favorite to do well if not win on his home waters of the St. Johns River Feb. 7-10.

• Bernie Schultz, of Gainesville: This veteran Rapala pro has amassed over $1.2 million in Elite Series winnings. Schultz is deadly with everything from a spinning rod to a flipping stick. Watch him to do well in 2019.

• Jessie Tacoronte, of Orlando: This second-year Elite Series pro returns after missing the 2018 season due to shoulder surgery. Look for Tacorente to bounce back after a sub-par first season. He should be healthy and ready to go for 2019.

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he Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council would like to gain a better understanding of yellowtail snapper in the Southeast region of the United States. It is seeking information from anglers and divers about trends or “strange things” that scientists and managers may need to know.

A scientific stock assessment of yellowtail is scheduled to begin in February of 2019, and the council would like to know if you have noticed anything “fishy” about yellowtail, or yellowtail fishing, in recent years. The information provided will help inform scientists and managers as they formulate a current understanding of the yellowtail stock.

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FISH & FISHING

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onsider this an important decision.

Other than deciding whether or not to use one, a surprising number of anglers seldom give leaders much thought. As long as there is some type of buffer against the deadly dentures of some species or the abrasive hide of others, fishermen tend to be satisfied.

Their attention shifts to other aspects of the sport.

Choosing the right material and proper construction for an effective leader are some of the most overlooked challenges in rigging. The ultimate, of course, centers on fishing a light line without a leader. That seldom is possible on the saltwater scene.

Experience will prove to you that the fish you hook has teeth, abrasive skin, or the bottom is rugged. Any of these factors will end the battle almost before it starts.

The general rule is that the heavier the leader material, the fewer strikes you will get. The solution demands a compromise. You want the strongest leader possible without sacrificing too many strikes. Monofilament leader invariably produces more strikes than single strand wire or nylon coated wire.

Sometimes you have to use wire or every fish of a given species will cut you off. When you do use wire, rely on the shortest length that will produce favorable results. For offshore trolling, a short length of wire makes it easier to rig a bait.

Some anglers even insist that a skipping offering being trolled works better if there is a short length of wire in front of it.

The length of the leader is equally significant. From

MARK SOSIN a protective standpoint, if the species you seek has an abrasive body, the leader should be longer than the average fish you might catch.

Then, when the fish is moving away from you and the line streams over its back, you have the protective advantage of a leader. This part of the leader does not have to be as heavy as the short length around its mouth and gills, but it should be stronger than the line.

Fly fishermen become aware of a leader’s importance very quickly. In that type of fishing, the leader helps to turn over the fly properly so it lands on the water delicately.

In very clear and shallow water, a longer leader enables the caster to enjoy a more delicate presentation where the fly line lands farther from the fish. This is particularly important on the saltwater flats for a variety of species including bonefish, permit, tarpon and redfish.

Fly leaders take many basic forms, but the most important thing to remember is that each succeeding section should be shorter than the one before.

The majority of tournaments and all recordkeeping organizations establish specific leader requirements.

It makes sense to study them before you decide to compete or fish for a record. Leaders are a critical part of rigging each outfit you use. Cutting corners or ignoring details can be a serious mistake.

If you lose a trophy fish because of a faulty leader, you’ll have a hard time forgiving yourself.

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Queen Conch In The Bahamas Sheri Daye

W

hile hunting for that perfect fish for dinner, you sometimes run across other tasty treats. One of my favorites is from the Bahamas: the famous queen conch.

This creature is as delicious as it is beautiful and deserves to be treated with great respect.

Their slow growth and late maturation makes them susceptible to overfishing. Once abundant in the Florida Keys, it became illegal to harvest them in the 1980s when they were harvested to the point of collapse. It’s taken quite a few years to see the beginning of a comeback, but they will likely need continued protection for years to come in the U.S. In the Bahamas, the importance of this valuable resource has been realized and rules are in place to protect it. The recreational limit is six, and they must have a thick, well-formed lip—meaning they had a chance to grow into adulthood and reproduce. Also, they must be harvested while freediving.

Inside the conch shell is a soft-bodied mollusk, which is in the same family as clams, oysters, octopi and squid. They live near coral reefs and seagrass beds and can reach up to 14 inches long. Besides humans, they have a few predators in the water—loggerhead turtles, nurse sharks, spiny lobsters and more. The meat has been consumed for centuries by islanders in the Caribbean and serves in a multitude of dishes such as salads, chowders and fritters.

Conch Tips:

1) Regulations are subject to change so double check before harvesting any marine life.

2) When diving, it is easy to see that in certain places in the Bahamas, especially close to highly populated areas, the conch are 16

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not as abundant. Do not take any from these areas, even if it’s legal.

3) They are easy to spot and move slowly, so use good judgement. Target mature adults that have reproduced and are toward the end of their lifecycle. Consider taking less than the legal limit.

4) The mollusk is not easy to extract or to clean, so if you don’t know how, make sure you have a professional on hand at the end of the day to help you or teach you.

5) Don’t forget to check for pearls in the mantle. These pink pearls are beautiful and more rare than traditional pearls.

6) The inedible part of the conch (the guts, also called “slop”) makes excellent bait for fishing, especially for mutton snappers. Nothing goes to waste!

7) You might (or might not) want to eat the pistol, also known as “Bahamian Viagra.” It is part of the conch’s digestive system and looks like a clear noodle.

8) The Bahamas exports conch to the U.S., but bringing your own conch meat back to the U.S. by boat is strictly prohibited.

Safe diving and Happy Hunting!

Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.

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As fisherman, we all know how hard live bait can be to find. Seasonal weather patterns change the way fish are biting, so a variety of bait is key. Bait fishing is so important that fishermen spend weeks prior to tournaments catching bait and then keep them penned up all for a couple epic days of fishing.

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he older I get, the more I like to fish inshore for all the usual suspects from the Northeast, down through the Carolinas all the way to the Keys. From stripers and specks, to drum and snook, every fish loves a shrimp or minnow imitation under a float. And this includes many freshwater predators.

I always keep a float rig tied on when fishing inside. Popping, cigar and oval floats all have their place, and an added “clicking” sound adds value, especially when fishing a soft plastic shrimp under the float.

There are plenty of commercially available floats, but I want to share a simple and effective way to achieve the same end result… and one that will rarely foul or tangle. Whether the beads are external or internal, the clicking sound is perfectly married with the splashing sound that drives fish bananas.

To make the simple external-bead-style clicking float, view the video below. Allow 1/16- to 1/8-inch clearance (total, not both ends) between the beads and ends of the pegs to allow the beads to tap the plastic pegs.

Follow the instructions below to make the internal-bead-style clicking float.

Materials: 80-pound fluorocarbon; small plastic beads, like those found in sliding cork kits; small swivels; a commercially available foam slip cork with plastic pegs.

Steps: • Thread braided mainline through the plastic peg and one of the small beads.

• Feed the mainline through to the other side of the slip cork and then tie it to one side of the swivel.

• For the other side, thread a fluorocarbon leader through the other peg, thread on a small bead and tie it to the other end of the swivel.

• Press one peg securely into the slip cork, and then pull the bead and swivel into the float’s interior channel.

• Press the second peg into the cork, and your slip cork is now a clicking float. The tiny beads slide back and forth on the line to tap the plastic pegs inside the float.

• Tie a 3/8-ounce jig head and a soft plastic shrimp onto the leader, and… just add water.

There are a number of opinions on how deep to fish below the cork. I like between 18 and 24 inches of fluorocarbon, depending on water depth.

This same tackle works extremely well in freshwater for striped and hybrid bass in moving water. Just use a fluke-style soft plastic instead of a shrimp. The largest largemouth bass I caught this year was under cigar float with an internal clicker. I was fishing a Super Fluke for striped bass.

Smallmouth bass in rocky rivers are complete idiots over this same rig.

Wherever you are, and whatever you’re fishing for, a float rig is something you should keep tied and ready on the deck.

Visit Barefootcatsandtackle.com.

For video instructions on making a clicking cork, see:

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nglers are catching a lot of big largemouths in Texas. Last year’s Toyota ShareLunker Program, which tracks bass heavier than 8 pounds, certified 486 bass caught from 89 Texas lakes in 2018, and that’s just the fish that were reported.

At the beginning of 2018, the Toyota ShareLunker program debuted a new year-long season for anglers to enter bass for prizes, recognition, and to help enhance bass fishing in Texas.

Anglers entered largemouths into four categories including six “Legacy Class” bass of 13 pounds or heavier that were entered during the spawning window Jan.1 through March 31 and loaned to TPWD for the selective breeding and stocking program. The total number of entries in other categories who provided citizen science data included: five “Lunker Legend” bass 13 pounds or heavier caught outside the spawning window or not loaned for spawning, 107 “Lunker Elite” bass weighing 10 to 12.99 pounds, and 368 “Lunker” bass at least 24 inches or weighing between 8 and 9.99 pounds.

The top five ShareLunker producing lakes in 2018 included Lake Fork near Quitman with 73 entries, Lake Conroe near Houston with 41 entries, Lake Athens in Athens with 28 entries, Sam Rayburn Reservoir near Jasper with 21 entries, and O.H. Ivie Lake near San Angelo with 17 entries.

For updates on the Toyota ShareLunker program visit https:// www.facebook.com/ShareLunkerprogram and https://texassharelunker.com/.

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CA YMAN BILLFISH

RUNDOWN

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others withou Ad while fi length dethro Ga cords, caught longer class r Py der no where ery sin amid,

by Joh

All currency in USD.

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FRESHWATER Nevada’s WORLD-CLASS CUTTHROAT

T

he International Game Fish Association (IGFA) keeps the most extensive list of fishing records in the world. With categories for all types of tackle and species, some records are more impactful than others. This potential all-tackle length world record for cutthroat trout is without a doubt an impressive fish.

Adam Garcia caught and released this giant cutthroat on Nov. 11, 2018 while fishing Nevada’s Pyramid Lake. The fish measured 85 centimeters in length, or more than 33 inches. Once the paperwork clears, the fish could dethrone the old 81-centimeter length record.

Garcia is no newcomer to the record books. According to IGFA records, he holds four line-class world records for weight, all cutthroats caught from Pyramid Lake in 2016 and 2017. Some of those were actually longer than his Nov. 11 fish. The biggest one, which holds the 16-lb. line class record, weighed 24 pounds.

Pyramid Lake is a large and natural desert lake near the California border northeast of Reno. It is the world hotspot for giant cutthroat trout, where anglers can wade from shore and cast jigs for record-class fish. Every single one of IGFA’s line class cutthroat records were caught from Pyramid, as well as the all tackle world record, which was caught back in 1925

by John Skimmerhorn.

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

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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

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TIPS FROM A PRO

Cold-Water Bassin' BRANDON LESTER

F

ebruary is one of those transition months.

Spring is just around the corner, and it might have already arrived in some places, but it’s still wintertime for most of the country’s bass fisheries.

Bass are cold-blooded animals, which means the colder the water is, the more the fish’s core body temperature decreases.

That also means the fish’s metabolism slows down.

Metabolism is the chemical processes that occur which allow the fish to maintain life, grow, heal and make energy.

Humans are warm blooded, so our body temperature stays a steady 98.6 degrees. A fish’s temperature drops with the water temp, which makes them more sluggish the colder it gets. If you’re like me, you’re ready to eat three meals a day and some snacks 365 days a year. It’s different with fish.

In warm water, fish feed every day, throughout the day and into the night. In the winter they don’t feed nearly as often. One reason is they don’t move around as much, so they don’t come into contact with prey. Fish feed-up heavily in the fall when the water is still warm to put on weight. Bait is plentiful then, and instinctually they feel cold weather coming.

I have way more 20- and 30-fish days in spring than winter.

You’re not likely set any records for fish catches in cold water. Fish bite for two basic reasons, either because they’re hungry and the bait looks like food or because the bait has come into their territory

and they instinctively attack it. Reaction strikes are greatly reduced during the winter. In water mid-50 degrees and lower, you really need to make the fish want to eat in order to catch them.

I try and fish the warmest water on a lake, as fish in these areas will be more active. A couple degrees in water temperature can make all the difference.

Slower-moving baits work best for cold-water bass. I like baits that stay in one place and can be worked slowly, like a jig. A suspending jerkbait with Mustad KVD trebles will hang in one place, hopefully right in front of their face. Use lighter line in cold water, as it allows the bait to move more realistically. Eight or 10-pound Vicious fluorocarbon is preferable on a jerkbait.

Objects in the water, especially rocks, retain heat. On sunny days, the shallow water near rocks on the bank will often be warmer. Keep in mind that fish don’t bite nearly as hard in cold water. You will feel them kind of “load up” on the bait instead of slamming it. The fish are just picking up the bait and doing as little as possible to catch it. Those “light bites” increase the importance of having a sensitive rod.

I build my own rods and will tell you that MHX Rods from Mud Hole Custom Tackle help me catch more fish, especially in cold water. Higher quality graphite makes a more sensitive rod. MHX Rods are much more affordable and the quality is better than a vast majority of rods out there. For extremely light bites, I recommend the NEPS series of blanks built with Winn Grips.

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L E A S S EVEN R E T IN T W With Special Offers For the 2019 Boat Show Season Your Suzuki Marine Dealer has exceptional deals in store for you when you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from 25 to 350 horsepower during the winter Boat Show Season. Get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Extended Protection at no extra charge.There are Instant Savings on select models, and Low-Rate Financing is also available. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details.

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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 01/01/19 and 03/31/19 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 01/01/19 and 03/31/19. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com.

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