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VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 273
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EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com VICE PRESIDENT : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Rebecca Snowden • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Dmitriy Pislyagin • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Corporate Headquarters info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 888-800-9794
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BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : David String • (321) 684-5888 • dstring@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA BEACH : Don Meadows • (321) 436-5895 • donm@coastalanglermagazine.com EMERALD COAST/DESTIN/PENSACOLA : Scott Risher • (850) 428-0996 • srisher@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Scott Deal • (561) 945-6999 • scott@coastalanglermagazine.com Monica Isaza-Deal • (561) 945-8899 • monica@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com
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Cover Image Credits: (Clockwise from top left) Sailfish: Alphonse Fishing Co., Wesley Rapson; Bumphead Parrotfish: Alphonse Fishing Co., Andre Henn; Salmon: Scott Norton; Trout: Big Cedar Lodge; Bass: Nick Carter; Roosterfish: Francisco Mejias © 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers.
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FLY FISHING By Nick Carter
F
ly fishing for bonefish and permit might have originated on the flats of the Bahamas and the Florida Keys, but these islands hardly hold a monopoly on the style of fishing. In the Indian Ocean, about 1,000 miles off the east coast of Africa, there is an archipelago that claims the highest density of bonefish in the world on one of its outer island groups. The Alphonse Group is three small islets on the southwestern end of the Seychelles, a nation of 115 islands in gorgeous tropical waters northeast of Madagascar. Within the Alphonse Group, Alphonse Atoll and St. Francois Atoll offer more 10,000 acres of hard, white-sand bonefish flats as well as a lagoon with channels, finger flats and coral heads where fly fishers sight fish in clear water to more than 60 species of fish. There are characters familiar to Atlantic flats—bonefish and permit—and there are also species exotic to North American fly rodders, like milkfish, colorful triggerfish and seven species of trevally. Instead of tarpon, the Seychelles offer up the giant trevally, which can weigh in excess of 120 pounds. And with a 10-minute boat ride out of Alphonse Island, anglers can access reef species and big pelagics like sailfish, wahoo, dorado, dogtooth and yellowfin tuna. Either trolling or teasing them up and casting flies to them, these offshore species offer a delightful break from the flats as well as a dinnertime treat on the island. “The Seychelles has become known as the best giant trevally fishery in the world and has become the benchmark for anglers searching for an outstanding saltwater flats fishing experience,” said Keith RoseInnes, managing director of Alphonse Fishing Company. “The sheer numbers and variety of fish species has amazed the fly fishing world, with anglers from across the globe queuing up to sample this ultimate fishing playground.” St. Francois is most well known for its bonefish, with ridiculous
numbers of 4to 6-pound fish and the occasional 8-pounder in the mix. “On falling tides, it is often the case that huge shoals of bonefish can be targeted when leaving the flats in what has been described as a continuous river of bonefish,” said Rose-Innes. “You hunt them on foot and not from a skiff, as the sand flats are hard and white.” It’s also as close to a sure thing as it gets for anglers seeking the Holy Grail of saltwater fly fishing. Good numbers of Indo-Pacific permit populate the flats, and Rose-Innes said his guides have near-perfected the art of catching them. Along with natural environs conducive to awesome fishing, a strong conservation ethic ensures an incredible angling experience. Alphonse Fishing Company tightly controls the amount and type of fishing pressure its waters see, and the fisheries are completely closed a minimum of three months per year. That’s the fishing side of the conservation effort. Alphonse also protects the unique flora and fauna of the islands, which makes for a sensational overall vacation experience, with comfortable lodging among beautiful tropical forests and beaches. For more information, see www.alphonsefishingco.com.
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Craig Sutton with a Costa Rica yellowfin.
“M
ost people my age buy a house in Costa Rica to retire,” said Craig Sutton, of Nosara Paradise Rentals and FishingNosara. “When I bought my first house in Costa Rica, my life was just starting to get interesting.” Craig first discovered Nosara, Costa Rica on a surfing trip in the late 1990s and immediately fell in love with the people, the culture and the year-round excellent surfing. He purchased a small house near Guiones Beach, bought out his neighbors’ land, and spent the next 15 years building a nature preserve campus of 14 houses plus a pool, common areas and maintenance facilities. One thing was missing from this surfer’s paradise: good fishing. As a native Floridian, Craig’s passion for fishing runs deep. He has been a regular on the kingfish tournament scene for years, with his boat Fishtastic posting top-5 finishes in the several tournaments.
“The problem with fishing in Costa Rica is that fish are so big and so harsh that they will destroy your tackle, plus the costs for fuel is astronomical at $7 a gallon and rising,” said Sutton. “Captains trying to make ends meet would have to choose between new lines, new tackle and a full tank of gas, or putting food on the family table.” After years of struggling to find a captain in Costa Rica who was willing and able to fish aggressively, Sutton realized his only option was to build his own boats and crew them with hand-picked locals. “These guys had the drive and the talent to be great fishermen, they just lacked the tools and the logistical support,” said Sutton. “The team-centered approach allows FishingNosara captains to pursue the fish as aggressively as a professional tournament boat without being distracted by losing lures or running up the gas bill.” FishingNosara launched their first boat, The Wanderer, in 2009 and have added a boat every year since. The results have been astounding. In the 2017 season, the five-boat FishingNosara team ran over 730 trips with over 80 marlin releases and 800 sailfish releases. More importantly, the team inflicted zero billfish fatalities. “Reviving and releasing billfish is a sacred priority to us as conservationists, plus it makes good business sense,” said Sutton. “We have created a market of charter fishermen, which means billfish are worth more money alive and swimming than they are on a scale at the meat market.” As for retirement for Sutton, don’t bet on it anytime soon. Last April he scored a billfish grand slam (blue marlin, striped marlin and sailfish) to win the Ship of Fools Billfish Tournament in Costa Rica. Sutton is looking to up-the-ante again in 2018. Back in the States, a new version of the Fishtastic came online this year. It’s an exact copy of the 32’ Eduardono Harvester currently in Nosara, and Sutton is already amped up for a new challenge. “My goal with the new boat is to snag a tournament winning king mackeral in July then go catch marlin in August… seems like a good way to bring two worlds together.”
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By CAM Staff
M
urrells Inlet, S.C. has always been a fishing town. Long before Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand began drawing tourists to experience the beaches, shopping, golf and nightlife that have made it famous, Murrells Inlet was a fishing village. And it’s no wonder. The inlet itself is an inshore angler’s dream. It’s an enclosed system, one of very few inlets on the east coast free from the influence of the Intracoastal Waterway or coastal rivers.
There’s no dirty water flowing in from upstream, and this system of marshes and backwaters is a completely saltwater environment, with no freshwater pumping in to reduce salinity. The result is excellent fishing and exploration of backwater creeks for speckled trout, redfish and the doormat flounder that Murrells Inlet has gained a reputation for. Another thing the area has a well-earned reputation for is huge red drum, which hang out around the jetties to provide anglers with the bulldog runs only a big bull red can provide. It’s some of the best red fishing on the east coast, with fish in the 20- to 40-pound range arriving in numbers in both spring and fall. For those who don’t mind a short boat ride to fill the cooler,
there are numerous nearshore reefs that can be easily accessed with a half-day trip and a run of less than 5 miles. Mackerel, sharks, black sea bass, reds, flounder, bluefish, spadefish and more make for an exciting outing even for the family, and you’ll come back with a cooler full of delicious fish. Out to 15 or 30 miles, there is also excellent trolling for king and Spanish mackerel, cobia and amberjack, as well as bottom fishing for snappers, groupers and sea bass. But those who want to get serious should look into a full-day trip to the Gulf Stream. From 55 to 70 miles offshore, opportunities for tuna, dolphin, wahoo, marlin and sailfish abound. Trolling the Gulf Stream for big-game species off the lower end of the Grand Strand is tough to beat anywhere. So… it’s easy to see why Murrells Inlet has always been a fishing village, and perhaps the best way to experience it is from a base camp at the Inlet Sports Lodge. Located at the heart of Murrells Inlet, the Inlet Sports Lodge is a comfortable and classy boutique hotel that caters to anglers and golfers with the finest amenities in the area. It’s minutes away from three marinas, works closely with the area’s best charter captains and can accommodate boats up to 25 feet. There’s a fish cleaning room for prep, as well as gas and charcoal grills available in the courtyard to cook your catch. Or, for those who’d rather let someone else do the cooking, the COSTA Coastal Kitchen and Bar on-site offers up fine, fresh Italian and seafood fare. There are also several other restaurants nearby that prepare the kind of delicious right-out-of-the-water dishes that have made Murrells Inlet the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina.” And don’t forget the golf. If days on the water paired with days on the links sounds like the perfect way to relax, the Inlet Sports Lodge has you covered. With golf packages booking a wide variety of the Grand Strand’s famous courses, there’s more golf than you can swing a stick at, including two award-winning courses with the same ownership as the Inlet Sports Lodge. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and True Blue Plantation are two of the finest courses in the area as well as the nation. For more information on fishing, golfing and the Inlet Sports Lodge at Murrells Inlet, S.C., go to www.inletsportslodge.com/ or call 877-585-9360.
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FLORIDA
By Dianne Poston
T
he South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAC) recently issued a news release stating that they have approved a request to NOAA Fisheries that would allow fishermen access to red snapper in federal waters off the coast of the Carolinas, Georgia and the east coast of Florida. The Council is requesting that NOAA Fisheries allow an interim annual catch limit (recreational and commercial) of 42,510 fish for 2017 via an emergency rule. The annual catch limit would allow for a recreational mini-season with six to 12 days of fishing over a few weekends beginning in late October. The recreational bag limit would be 1 fish per person/day with no minimum size limit. The recreational sector is allocated 71.93 percent of the total catch limit of 42,510 fish for 2017. The Council also approved measures in Amendment 43 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan with
the intent to have a red snapper season in 2018. If allowed, the recreational fishery would open the second Friday in July (July 13, 2018) and the commercial fishery the second Monday in July (July 9, 2018). SEDAR 41 is 805 pages and contains all the information on how the South Atlantic Council arrives at the numbers of fish that fishermen are allowed to catch. During the last season in 2014, biology tables were set up at the boat ramps to assess the red snapper stock. We fished in this last season and believed that the council was interested in how many older, breeding red snapper were available. We noted that the only fish that were making it to the biology table were the older, large fish and no one brought in the smaller red snapper to be assessed. As a result of this, there was a spike in the number of older fish being included in the council’s data. They assumed that fishermen had been discarding the smaller red snapper, allowing them to become dead discards, to catch the larger snapper. The council believed that the dead discards were greater than the allocated number of red snapper to be caught and therefore closed red snapper harvest for 2015 and 2016. During the 2017 season there will also be biology tables to assess our catch. Please be responsible fishermen and report all your catches, large and small, and also the ones you released. Private recreational fishermen will also have an opportunity to report their catch information as part of a voluntary pilot project using the mobile iAngler tournament app. Dr. Duval, of the SAC, is recommending practices such as moving off areas when you have caught your limit and if you need to release fish to use a descending device. Washington state, Oregon and California recently mandated fish descending devices for all bottom fishing. California reopened rock fish harvest after a study using descending devices showed that mortality was significantly reduced when using a descending device. There are several other states currently looking at mandating fish descending devices. There are many fish descending devices on the market. A good one is the Fish Saver by Roy’s Electric Reels. For more information, go to Fishsaverdevice.com.
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nglers in search of big-game sportfishing have chosen the Palm Beaches since the 1900s. Some of the earliest sportfishing boats were built in the area. With the Gulf Stream waters passing closer to the coast than anywhere in the continental United States, the annual migration of Atlantic sailfish to Palm Beach County sets the stage for Operation Sailfish on Dec. 6-10, hosted by the Sailfish Marina and Resort in Palm Beach Shores, Fla. Operation Sailfish is the first leg of the Quest for the Crest series, where the world’s best sail-fishing teams will compete. Prior to the
start of the competition, there is a special event, “Take a Hero Fishing Day.” Men and women of the United States military are invited to join the fishing teams for a fun day of fishing on Dec. 7. Active duty men and women, veterans and wounded warriors are eligible to participate in this event, created to honor and thank them for their service. The Quest for the Crest four-leg series teams are expected to compete for an estimated purse of $3,000,000 in 2018. The series begins at the historic Sailfish Marina and Resort in December. The Sailfish 400, the second leg will be January in Miami. The largest sailfish tournament in the country is the third leg of the series, known as The Sailfish Challenge, with a three-inlet format; Ft. Lauderdale will be the home base. The series wraps up with the Final Sail in Key West in April. The Sailfish Marina and Resort is the perfect venue for the tournament, with accommodations, the waterfront restaurant, ship’s store, dockage, fuel, heated pool and a weekly sunset celebration featuring live music. Many tournaments enjoy the amenities of the resort throughout the year, including The Big Dog Fat Cat KDW, The Silver Sailfish Derby and Blue Water Babes. A family tradition since 1952, the Sailfish Resort and Marina offers transient and annual docking, a charter fleet, 32 hotel accommodations, Peanut Island shuttle, as well as a snorkel trail and beach just a few blocks away. If you don’t compete in any of the tournaments based at the resort, come make some memories of your own. For more information, visit www.sailfishmarina.com.
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By Terry Gibson • Photo by Pete Markham/flickr.com
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he maritime salvage laws on the books today originated well before the days of Christopher Columbus. Today, salvage laws remain relatively unchanged. Boaters in Florida and across the nation should understand how and when these laws apply to them. Otherwise, you could end up with a shocking bill for even basic assistance on the water. A long-time friend of mine is a charter captain in Sebastian, Fla. He was fishing offshore with clients and noticed a slight crack in the hull, which let water in below decks. With an abundance of caution, he headed back to shore and contacted a popular maritime salvage and towing company to provide assistance. This company rushed a boat to his location and tossed him a pump to help minimize the effects of the leak. The company representative never set foot on my friend’s boat. A couple weeks later, my friend received a shocker of a bill—for $3,800. I recently learned about another individual who received a bill for a salvage claim that was several times that amount. This particular individual was a few hundred yards from shore while traveling to Key West when he saw there was more water in the bilge than normal. He got on the radio and called for a friend to help, but a maritime salvage company met him and helped pump water from the bilge. The company employee was on the boat for less than five minutes. Because the company classified the service as “salvage,” this boat owner received a bill for $30,000 even though he had a membership agreement with this company. I don’t share these stories to make people distrust maritime salvage and towing companies. I personally have a membership with one of these companies, and all the assistance they’ve provided was swift and above board. More than half of Florida boat owners invest in a membership for maritime assistance. Every boater should be aware that when you receive assistance on the water, you could be on the hook for a huge bill–even if you have a membership. Unless you have a pre-arranged contract with a salver that protects you, that individual or company has the right to make what’s called a “salvage claim” against the value of your vessel if it’s in “impending peril.” According to numerous maritime attorneys, the salvage fee amount depends upon factors including but not limited to the value of your vessel, the direness of the situation and the risk the salver took. Dishonest salvers know there’s legal gray area and that most salvage claims are settled in or out of admiralty courts. You can prevent an unexpected bill when you need assistance by negotiating a fixed fee or a set hourly rate. That way everyone is clear on what assistance will be provided and what it will cost. Mechanical and hull-integrity issues happen on the water; that’s the nature of boats. When they do, it’s good to know there are services available to help. To keep these challenging moments from turning into real financial problems, know what’s in store before calling on the help of a maritime salvage and towing company. To learn more about this issue or to share you own story about a salvage experience, visit StopSeaPiracy.com.
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By Costa Rica Pro Staff
Photos by Francisco Mejias
W
orld-class sportfishing and the sexy big-game species get a lot of attention on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, and for good reason. However, the inshore fishing can be just exciting. It is action-packed and diverse, utilizing different techniques to target more than a dozen different species. The main target of inshore anglers in Costa Rica is the hard-hitting and powerful roosterfish. They will smash artificials, and even topwater plugs, but the easiest way to catch them is with live bait. We bridle a live runner, sardine, lookdown or even a skipjack tuna on a 9/0 Trokar circle hook. Slow trolling around rocky structure or along beaches is a surefire way to draw strikes. Once hooked, the average 20-pound rooster is as ferocious as it is beautiful, and these beasts can get a whole lot bigger than average. We very often encounter fish in the jack family, including jack crevalle and different species of trevally in many of the same areas as the roosterfish. These can also be caught on live bait but are even more responsive than roosterfish to topwater baits such as poppers and stick baits. The lures are rigged with one or two in-line hooks from Lazer Sharp. We replace the factory treble hooks, which makes the fight much cleaner, the fish handling safer and does a lot less damage to the fish. These are fast fish, and quick retrieves often get the fish’s attention. Topwater does also work for smaller roosterfish, but the larger ones are harder to lure to the surface. Not so for the snappers, including cubera snapper, which will rise from 100 feet to smash a well-worked popper. This is one of the ultimate challenges in inshore fishing. They dive right back down to the rocks, often leaving the angler with a cut leader. Heavy popping gear, with 80- to 100-lb. line is necessary for the big ones. We have put 44 pounds of drag on big cuberas, and they keep going like there is no drag at all! Jigging is also a popular and fun technique we use a lot. Jacks,
trevally, seabass, snappers, groupers and mackerel are common catches. We look for underwater structure like rocks and drop jigs ranging from 2 to 9 ounces. The jigs are rigged with a pair of the new Eagle Claw Trokar assist hooks. On and close to the bottom, a slow jigging pace interests the snappers, groupers and seabass. As you move higher in the water column, a speed-jig style approach with rapid jerks gets the bite from the pelagics. Bottom fishing is also an option we sometimes use for an even larger variety of fish. Costa Rica does have some big bottom fish like giant grouper, broomtail grouper, cubera snapper and big stingrays. Live or dead bait gets the job done. Snook can be found in and around river mouths and are a fun species to target. Live bait works, but artificials like a small stick baits or jigs are more common and more fun. Wazo jigs with a Mr. Twister tail and a Trokar hook have resulted in many double-digit snook. If you haven’t tried inshore fishing in Costa Rica, take the time to try it. It’s great fun.
For more fishing with Costa Rica Pro Staff, go to
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will also have a break-away setup instead of a reel so that the rig (and fish) are attached to your float instead of your gun. There are several good companies that make this specialized equipment, such as Wong Spearguns, Riffe, Omer, Sporasub, Rob Allen, Gannet, and more. Retailers include SpearfishingWorld.com, SpearAmerica.com and many local dive ore than a few spearos have shops. spearing a tuna on their bucket Here are some quick tips to make sure list. Some are surprised to hear me your travel is fun, safe and productive: say that spearing a tuna is actually pretty 1. Go with a mentor or guide the first few easy. It’s the before and after activities times. Safe diving requires that you look out that are more challenging, along with the for one another, especially when bluewater planning. hunting. Due to safety considerations, it’s not the 2. Choose a reputable charter that first species one should aspire to. A more specializes in tuna spearfishing, as this likely progression would start with reef requires an experienced captain who can hunting for hogfish and red groupers, then give you good “drops.” on to mutton snappers and black groupers, 3. Use a Sportube to pack your spearguns and then perhaps some bluewater action and use the wetsuits for padding. Tell TSA with mahi and wahoos. you have “fishing equipment” rather than In addition to experience, going after using the word “speargun.” yellowfin tuna will likely require you to 4. Make sure all body parts are clear of travel, and it will also require special rigging the line when shooting a tuna. Tunas will to withstand the increased speed and size Sheri with 179-lb tuna from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. frequently sound and have a strong initial of this awesome prey. These two factors are Photo by Terry Maas. run. key. Traveling to the right place will increase 5. After cinching up the line through a clip on the float, use a second your chances of seeing them, and having the right equipment will ensure speargun for the kill shot. Do not handle a “hot tuna” with your hands. a successful capture. Don’t be disappointed if it takes a few trips to land your first tuna. It Currently, the most active places to spear yellowfin tuna include Louisiana, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama. In more recent times, may take some effort, but in the end, it’s worth it. It’s hard to think of a spearos have been landing bluefin tuna off the coast of California. The fish that is more beautiful to look at or more delicious to eat. best way to find out which places are productive is through word-ofSheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer mouth and social media. After selecting the right destination, here is what you will need to of The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow take in terms of equipment. Instead of the standard speargun with a “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram. reel, you will use a specially designed bluewater tuna gun. This will most likely be 60 to 70 inches long, the diameter of the shaft will be thicker, For more Sheri Daye, go to and it will have four to five bands (versus 1 to 2). It will have a slip tip and cable (versus flopper and mono)1 for a more Airline_Ad_CoastalAngler_8-1-14_Layout 8/1/14 1:14sure PM hold Pageon 1 a strong fish. It
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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Photo by George Schellenger
A
tiger shark named “Andy,” tagged in Bermuda in 2014 by the Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI) at Nova Southeastern University (NSU), has broken the record for distance travelled by a GHRI tagged shark, covering 33,820 miles in 1,113 days – a little more than three years – and is still going. The GHRI has an extensive history of tagging sharks with satellite tags to study their migration patterns and interactions with fisheries. To date, more than 150 tiger, mako and oceanic whitetip sharks have been satellite tagged around the world by GHRI researchers. Andy has surpassed them all.
The satellite tags used in this study report a shark’s location every time the dorsal fin breaks the surface of the water. Because tiger sharks spend less time on the surface than other species, the battery in their tags tends to last longer than other tagged sharks, including makos. “We have had satellite tagged mako sharks go on some very impressive treks around the Atlantic, but the batteries in those tags tend to run out after a year or two since makos go to the surface and report very frequently,” said GHRI Director and NSU Professor Mahmood Shivji, Ph.D. “Tiger sharks report less often, but in return have provided the longest time and distance tracks—and Andy is the new distance champion.” Named after the angler who caught the shark for tagging, Andy has continued to add to the knowledge base of these wide-ranging animals and is still reporting from far out in the Atlantic, near the mid-Atlantic Ridge. Andy and all GHRI tagged sharks can be followed online in near real-time at www.GHRItracking.org. “To have a shark report for such a long time is providing invaluable data for researchers,” said world renowned artist and Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) Chairman Guy Harvey, Ph.D. “Knowing where these animals travel year after year allows us to see annual patterns and migration routes. This knowledge is fundamental to managing the species.” The GHRI’s western North Atlantic Ocean tiger shark study has shown definitive, seasonal migration paths of tiger sharks between Bermuda and the Bahamas. These findings, along with input from the Bahamas National Trust and Pew Charitable Trusts, were integral to proving the value of Bahamian waters to Atlantic tiger shark populations and compelled the Government of the Bahamas in 2011 to declare their federal waters a shark sanctuary, prohibiting the commercial harvesting of sharks.
To watch his tracks, go to
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New Advertising Options for Retailers, Dealers, Service and Online Businesses. Coastal Angler Magazine is one of the largest outdoor publications in the country with a combined national circulation that is distributed monthly to over 11,000 businesses. Florida alone has a 190,000 statewide circulation to 19 local markets and is Florida’s largest outdoor focused publication. From the Sunshine Skyway bridge in Palmetto Fl to the Everglades City region, 30,000 magazines are delivered monthly to marine specific businesses, fishing guides, sport fishing retailers, outdoor adventure providers, Bait & Tackle retailers, recreational boaters, and high traffic visitor attractions. This unique print, digital, and online advertising platform delivers results by providing readers with local editorial and advertising content within the scope of a national publication. Call now to discuss how an advertising campaign with Coastal Angler will help grow your business and drive customers to your website.
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PRIME TIME’ FISHING IN SW FLORIDA by Capt. Terry Fisher his November may offer T some of the better fishing opportunities of the calendar
year for a number of species. However, surface and water temperatures will dictate the arrival and departure of a number of them. It is my thought that this year may be as good as I remember, in as much as Hurricane Irma (‘Irma’) has created dramatic changes in regards to water levels for inshore fishing, maybe delaying the departure of spawning redfish. On the other hand, it may in some ways, bring an early start to migratory species such as Spanish mackerel and pompano. There was very little fishing pressure during the latter part of September and the early part of October, due in part, to clean up efforts from ‘Irma’. ‘Dirty’ water remained in our area throughout the better part of early October. Additionally, ‘Irma’s’ winds, heavy currents and rains re-arranged some of the habitats utilized by snook, redfish and seatrout, to name a few. I know from experience that creek mouths and all of Pine Island Sound experienced excessive amounts of fresh water ‘run-off ’ to the extent that virtually eliminated all salt content. Area’s around the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River, including Matlacha Pass were inundated with fresh water releases from Lake O.
lifetime’! My suggestions for targeting fish by species are as follows: 1) Look for redfish on the incoming tide around oyster beds, bars and under mangroves. 2) Look for snook on the outgoing tides under docks, close to seawalls, at the points of islands and sandbars, under mangroves and in the passes. (snook season is open until December 1st). 3) Look for Spanish mackerel on the flats, in Pine Island Sound, Charlotte Harbor and in passes along the drop offs. 4) Look for seatrout on the grass flats in about 3 to 6 foot of water. 5) Look for mangrove snapper under docks and under the mangroves (must use circle hooks for these fish). ‘Irma’ should offer new opportunities establishing new ‘haunts’ for fish to occupy. I am looking forward to the challenge and the opportunities that this November offers in SW Florida.
The Annual Ft. Myers Boat Show will be held November 16th19th, downtown on the Caloosahatchee, in the heart of the ‘River District’. It is my 5th year doing the show. I will have a booth to showcase some of our It was apparent during my clients with their ‘fish late September and early of a lifetime’. My 1st October charters, that it was Mate Vicki and I will ‘Irma’ displacing and causing be on-hand to discuss redfish, snook, grouper charters and answer (normally offshore species) to any questions regarding temporarily (or permanently) boating and fishing. I will relocate to different areas be doing fishing seminars for food and protection. throughout the convention at the ‘Fishin’ Village’ as well. Examples: no redfish in These seminars will feature the species written about above or around creek mouths. I along with the techniques I use to catch them. Vicki and I caught large gag grouper are looking forward to seeing our charter friends and new inshore, under and around docks that usually hold mangrove clients at the boat show! snapper, snook, redfish and black drum. The seatrout bite was inconsistent and slow. Spanish mackerel showed up in good numbers, but most were found and caught offshore. This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone ‘tighter’ The good news is that any positive (or negative) residuals from ‘Irma’ should be apparent throughout the month of November. Baitfish should be plentiful for cast-netting, big shrimps are available at the bait shops. Artificial presentations will see plenty of action from snook, redfish, seatrout, ladyfish and Spanish mackerel. Warm weather and good tides will allow anglers a chance to make this November the month to ‘catch a fish of a
lines and safe boating! I am available as ‘Captain for Hire’ (by the hour) on your vessel for safety, navigation, area familiarization, fishing locations and the techniques I use to catch them. Everything designed to make your every ‘outing’ a rewarding success on your private boat. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for more information and fishing reports. Email me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com or call me direct at 239-357-6829 for charter requests. Check out my regular fishing and boating reports on www. goboatingflorida.com (under the section of ‘blogs and tips’) complete with pictures of happy clients and lots of fish.
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without a hook check to see if it was cut by a fish or something else. If your leader has little curly-qs then you can be certain it was a toothy critter, probably a Spanish mackerel or shark. The schools of redfish should be cruising Pine Island Sound all month. Towards the end of the month they will start breaking up and returning to their smaller groups. Once again shrimp or by Capt. Sam O’Briant cut bait will be most effective. The f you have just come back for the winter, things have changed snook will be in transition from their summer quarters to their winter since you were here last year. You may find that some sand haunts. You will start to find them bars have moved or shifted. Your entrances into the mangrove up the creeks and rivers as the end shorelines may have changed. You may find that some of the mangroves have been wiped out or blown into the water. It will of the month nears. They may be looking for food with the approach take years for these trees to totally return. of winter. If snook are your prey of Another problem we need to work around is all the choice this month, either minnows freshwater that has entered the estuary. There was a heavy rain event one weekend followed by Irma the next weekend. Then on of artificial lures should be your bait of choice. You should still drift the top of all that the Corp of Engineers have been releasing water from Lake Okeechobee. There was so much freshwater that the shorelines and pot holes if able. fish were pushed offshore. By now hopefully we have recovered Everybody’s favorite, whether you want to admit it or not are and salted up the water again so the fish have again returned speckled trout. They are pretty, good home. eating, and the larger ones can put The last thing that will affect our fishing this month are up a good tussle on light tackle. As the passing cold fronts. Depending on the differential in always, they will be found on the temperatures, the fish could go on a hunger strike for a day grass flats and around the mangroves. The larger gator trout will or two after the front passes. If there is only a couple degrees difference then you probably will not experience any noticeable be caught on minnows while medium to small ones will readily take shrimp. If kids are involved, use shrimp and watch their change. eyes light up. Now with all these things facing us what might we expect This is a transition month, next month we can expect the this month? The schools of king mackerel, cobia, little tunny, and others will continue their southern trek. We will find more winter habits to take over. So, until then have fun and enjoy Spanish mackerel around the passes and throughout Pine Island while keeping the kids engaged. Capt. Sam is a local licensed guide for hire who may be reached at 239-994-1495 Sound. They will be hit or miss but if your line comes back or captainobriant@gmail.com
Seasonal Changes
I
Let me know how I can assist you!
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Juvenile Tarpon by Capt. James Marko I get the luxury of targeting a lot of species with my business but without a doubt my favorite fish to target with light tackle is Juvenile Tarpon. In this article, I hope to give you some tips that will increase your hook-ups. When targeting tarpon anywhere from 5 to 60 pounds, you gotta down size your mono leader to anywhere from 10lb and at the most 30lb. I’m a fan of the Fishtale Fluorocarbon 30lb, not the most expensive and still gets the job done. If you’re using live bait, nothing beats white bait, but these guys will eat anything from pinfish to finger mullet. If you’re using lures I’m a fan of the Savage Gear mud minnow top water hard bait. I prefer white, but the mullet pattern has worked great as well. So now that you got your bait and line figured out now it’s time to find these guys. Canal systems are great spots for juvenile tarpon.
Look for slick water and wait. You’re looking for a subtle role, a small black dorsal and a flash of silver. Be patient and figure out their role pattern. Generally, there’s never one by itself, so try to discern a pattern, are they rolling in a circle? Are they feeding along the sea wall? Once you have this figured out, position your bait in the most likely directions they’re going. I generally watch anywhere from 10-30 mins. Patience will pay off for you if you figure out their pattern. Now if you have the luxury of a full bait-well, chum some white bait in the general direction of the tarpon rolls and wait for the blows ups. Here’s a tip, stun the bait that you’re chumming with. You want the baitfish to freak out on the surface to see/hear the blow up on the bait. When they blow up, throw your bait in the area and hope for a hook up. Now here’s the hardest part once you’re hooked up, DON’T YANK when the fish breaches the surface. You have to point to relieve the tension so the fish won’t break you off. They’ll jump anywhere from 3-5 times and if fought correctly the fish will be ready to land after 10-15 mins. When targeting these guys, you can use anywhere from 2000-4000 series with 10-30lb braid. So basically, most of your light tackle can catch an amazing sportfish that people pay thousands to fish for with the hope of hooking into one. We’re blessed to live in a state with such an amazing fishery. In my experience, I’ve learned patience and constantly trying to learn about fishing is what sets you apart from the weekend warrior to a season vet. Don’t be afraid to explore new areas or new locations or even new boat ramps. You never know what new fishing luxury is around the corner. Remember to follow us on Instagram @captjamesmarko & FB https://www. facebook.com/james.markovits?fref=search for our daily catches. Check out our website as well at www.Goliathfishing.com for trip information and contact information.
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Memories by Capt. Bart Marx ello fellow anglers, it is Turkey month once again, yup the H time of year to be thankful. I am thankful that my family brought me here as an infant nine months old in 1959 in the
month of November. I learned to fish and walk here. This also brings to mind gag grouper. They have changed the harvesting rules over the years. It is now open till the first of the year at least. We would get up on Thanksgiving morning and go trolling for grouper. Yes, Bruce & Kellie you can troll for grouper. Gags are aggressive enough w/ 18â&#x20AC;? red to come off the bottom fifteen to twenty feet sometimes. On your GPS where you have caught these guys before, troll a deep diving lure X Rap, or stretch lures, or something similar. Close to shore, artificial reefs and hard bottom work well out to the fifty-foot range. As you troll you can use spoons and planers for king mackerel too. These toothy critters will hang in the same areas as the grouper around structure where there is plenty of food/bait. With the kings you need to put some wire on your lures, at least a foot of thirty pound. If you are just starting this trolling thing you could also use the stone crab trap buoys as a place to troll. Yes they try to place their traps in areas where there is hard bottom- this will help you to navigate these structures so you do not hook them. As you troll keep an eye on your bottom machine and mark you some new spots to go back later and do a bottom drop. These are things that we do and are thankful we live here and get to play here. Inshore there should be plenty of reds to be thankful for. These guys should be along the edges of the mangrove and close to the mouths of creeks looking for food. This is the month that the shrimp start to come into the brackish waters to live for the winter, so this makes for shrimp to be Capt. Bart the top bait this time with a nice Red! of year. The reds love shrimp! This too is great trout fishing time along the grass flats and bars with a live shrimp under a popping cork. This method to harvest trout works very well. They named the popping cork that name for a reason you need to pop it for it to work well. Also with this method, you may encounter a pompano! Yes, shrimp are here from Thanksgiving till Easter and are a great bait. If you would like to go along with Capt. Bart Marx give me a call or e-mail captbart@alphaomegacharters.com Singing drags and tight lines make me smile. <*(((((>{
6 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2017 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
Love for the Water
A
by Vicki Fisher
s ‘First Mate’ and co-owner of our fishing charter business I have had many opportunities to enjoy both the art, and fun, of fishing aboard our vessel. Years ago when my children were small I would spend hours along the shoreline at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri helping them catch the small blue gill that were available giving them hours of enjoyment and allowing me the opportunity to spend quality time and making memories that will last a lifetime! After moving to Florida and my love for the water I purchased a pair of waders and my first official rod/reel and headed out to the shoreline to see what was available. Little did I realize the large variety of species that I would encounter so close to shore. My first afternoon working the moving tide I caught many sea trout as well as a redfish! Needless to say, I was once again ‘hooked on fishing’. With little knowledge of what would work and not work, I went on a shopping trip to my local tackle shop and bought myself a few lures, a pair of pliers with a line cutting tool on the side, a floating shrimp bucket and some 30lb. test fluorocarbon line. I was ready for my next day at the beach! My next adventure was just as productive and adding ladyfish and flounder to my list of species caught. Ten years later, I hold the family record for size of many species caught! I love spending time with my husband aboard our vessel fishing and enjoying the beautiful waters here in SW Florida. As a full time, professional fishing guide, he knows where to put me on the fish and I love the excitement of reeling them in! I love an adventure and each day on the water exploring the backcountry of Pine Island Sound is exciting. One never knows what you may catch when your presentation is ‘spot on’. A day on or by the water is relaxing, rejuvenating, and full of adventure! Ladies… let’s go fishing!
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Celebrating 45 Years in Business!
If I can be of any help or assistance feel free to contact me via email at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com or call my cellphone (727) 534-9071. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm of the sport of fishing! Until next month, this is First Mate Vicki Fisher, reminding you to keep your lines tight!
*$0 down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 60 months on purchases of select new Kubota SVL Series equipment from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory is available to qualified purchasers through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A.; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Example: 60 monthly payments of $16.67 per $1,000 financed. Offer expires 12/31/17. See us or go to www.KubotaUSA.com for more information. Optional equipment may be shown.
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Transporting Your Kayak
by Dan Carns
O
ne of the biggest decisions to make when purchasing a new kayak is how you plan to move it to the water. This decision will depend on whether you drive a car, truck or SUV and how much weight can you handle. The three main choices are roof rack, truck bed and Kayak trailer.
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2014 Pioneer 220 Bay Sport - $42,500
Call: (239) 775-5693 Check full listings at: www.LMSFL.com
The simple roof rack with straps is probably the most common, but you must be able to lift your kayak up over your head or get help. There are some very good roof rack systems that act like cradles for your boat, typically these stow your kayak seat up or on edge, but remember if it is a sit-inside kayak, you may want a cockpit cover as you don’t want to fill it up with rain water! Some of these can be loaded from the back so you simply lift the bow up to the back rail to lift and push the boat into place. The new lift assist rack systems for cars and SUV’s is the most convenient to help you load. The primary function is to lower or raise the pivoting cradle with your kayak from the stored location on your vehicle to the side so that it is waist high, from here it’s a simple matter of lifting on and off. Remember these are lift assist systems that carry about half the weight, so you still need to be able to lift some weight. If you drive a truck it seems simple enough to drop the tailgate and load up, but remember to place a red flag off the end as some kayaks are quite long and some truck beds are very short. There are also the new t-bone style bed extenders that simply plug into your trailer hitch to help carry the back end of the boat. As you may know, the new Sit-On-Top kayaks dedicated to fishing come with an array of gear options and once outfitted these kayaks can weigh up to one hundred pounds or more. These kayaks are more and more peddle drive, as its easier to peddle this much weight and they are wider than conventional kayaks for standing stability. Kayak trailers are a great option for these rigs and may be your only choice, of course any vehicle with a trailer hitch can pull these. Companies are designing and building these dedicated trailers with additional storage for gear including rod lockers and additional lock boxes. Many launches are unimproved without ramps, but usually pretty good access, so that you can pull you kayak and trailer close to the water. All in all, kayak fishing has some distinct advantages over boat fishing; it is less expensive, as it requires no motor or gas and often there is no fee to launch! Do some homework, visit or rent from an outfitter so you really understand what it takes to handle and transport you new kayak! It’s a wild world-get out there! Fishman Dan
It’s a wild world-get out there? Fishman Dan, Gulf Coast Kayak, 4120 Pine Island Rd NW, Matlacha, FL 33993, (239) 283-1125
8 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2017 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
Big Hickory Island Preserve by Mike Hammond remote, uncrowded beaches Fbestinding like Big Hickory Island Preserve is the thing about being a local paddler in
Southwest Florida. I often suggest this location to families who want to paddle beach areas, but avoid the open Gulf waters. Paddlers can easily access the preserve from two launch sites in the preserve and remain in the backwaters. Both launches have free parking. One launch is located on the northwest tip of the island. There is convenient parking nearby, at the base of the New Pass Bridge. If you launch from here, paddle southwest, keeping the mangroves to your left. You will enter a small inlet leading to the backside of the preserve’s beach. Do not paddle out into New Pass unless you are an experienced paddler and have taken proper safety precautions. A large amount of water flows through this pass and the current can be very strong and fast.
Another popular launch is farther south on the island, directly across from the Bonita Springs water tower. The paddle from this launch to the beach is a little longer, but I have gone with kids as young as six, in kayaks and on standup paddleboards, who were able to make the paddle without issue. I recommend this launch to novices and families since you can paddle a bit further without the possibility of the wind or currents pushing you into the pass. When I paddle here with my kids, they like to go back and forth from fishing and cast-netting in the backwater to snorkeling, shelling, swimming, and more fishing off the beach. You can only access this beach by water, so shelling is usually more productive than at other beaches nearby. Big Hickory Island Preserve is a great paddling destination for everyone. Free, no hassle parking, a relaxing paddle, and an uncrowded beautiful beach. We can’t ask for much more than that.
BOAT SALES & REPAIRS OUTBOARD ENGINES NUCANOE STORE COME SEE OUR LARGE SELECTION OF
MARINE PARTS & PRODUCTS
Please visit our website for details: ArcherAirboatTours.com ONLY local airboat rides, tours and fishing trips available
For a complete schedule and registration information, please go to: https:// paddleguru.com/races/BattleontheBlueway2017 Mike Hammond is based in Fort Myers, Florida, and is a staff member at Lee County Parks & Recreation. He is the Calusa Blueway coordinator for Lee County. FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | NOVEMBER 2017 | FORT MYERS 9
in the market, the show and the Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association have made a substantial investment in floating docks & equipment which make for more impressive in water displays at the City Yacht Basin. In addition to boats, you will find the largest display of accessory items and marine services of any Boat Show on Florida’s west coast including electronic equipment, motors, boat lifts, docks, clothing and more. Fishing continues to be a highlight of this year’s show. Well know from National Geographic’s “Wicked Tuna” Paul Hebert, captain of the “Wicked Pissah” will be in attendance Friday, Saturday and Sunday to meet and greet show guests at the Maui Jim booth. Fishin’ Frank and his crew continue to make a splash with an expanded “Fishin’ Frank’s Fishin Village” under the Heitman Bridge. Highlights include tackle displays with factory representatives on hand, a seminar area with local charter captains, show specials with factory pricing, and Frank’s popular fishing simulator giving guests a chance to catch anything from a Largemouth Bass to a Marlin. The Fort Myers Boat Show runs Thursday, Nov. 16th through Sunday, Nov. 19th. Hours are Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 per person, and children younger than 16 are free with a paid adult admission. Parking is just $5 in the grass lot at First Downtown Fort Myers makes a splash with the 45th anniversary St. & Altamont Ave. (next to Publix) and includes a short trolley of the Ft. Myers Boat Show on the Caloosahatchee, in the heart ride to the entrance. of the “River District.” Southwest Florida’s Premier Boating Showcase, is set for Nov. 16th-19, 2017 running Thursday through Sunday. With a booming marine industry along with redevelopment in the downtown area, the show’s redesigned and expanded layout features more boats, products, and services than ever. As Mainsail Lodging & Development renovates the Harborside Event Center and builds an adjoining hotel, the show’s entrance has shifted to the west end of Centennial Park. Entering at First St. & Carson St. (next to Joe’s Crab Shack), show goers enjoy attractive displays along the river stretching from Centennial Park through Downtown along Edwards Dr. to the City Yacht Basin. With plenty of accessible parking in the large grass lot at First St. & Altamont Ave. (next to Publix), the show is very consumer and family friendly. Southwest Florida features a wide array of waters from back country flats, bays, rivers, and estuaries to the Gulf of Mexico. With such a diverse boating market, there are a variety of boat types on display including jet skis, skiffs, bay boats, flats boats, center consoles, pontoon boats, deck boats, cruising boats, sport fishers, and more. To accommodate an increasing demand
Making a Splash
Why wait in line? Visit www.goboatinglforida.com to purchase your tickets today For more information about the Fort Myers Boat Show, visit www. goboatingflorida.com 10 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2017 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
5 4 BOAT SHOW ANNUAL
FORT MYERS
November 16-19, 2017
Downtown Fort Myers Centennial Park City Yacht Basin
Southwest Florida’s Premier Showcase of All Things Boating Expanded In Water & Land Displays Over 130 Boat Manufacturers of all Sizes
Marine Accessories & Services Fishing Tackle & Seminars Convenient Parking with Trolley Service On The Caloosahatchee River in Ft. Myers Historic River District Entrance on West side of Centennial Park
(First St. & Carson St. - Next to Joe’s Crab Shack)
$5 Parking with Trolley Service
(First St. & Altamont Ave. - Grass lot Next to Publix)
Admission: $12 (Under 16 Free with Paid Adult) Thurs - Sat: 10AM - 6 PM & Sun. 10AM - 5 PM
FI SHIN’ V I LLAG E
Hundreds of Rods, Reels & Lures Demonstrations - Seminars
Presented By
SWFMIA
Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association
More Show Info at www.goboatingflorida.com FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | NOVEMBER 2017 | FORT MYERS 11
3771 Palm Beach Blvd. Ft. Myers, FL (239) 694-2185
MATLACHA Matlacha Pass Tides - Nov/2017
FORT MYERS
fishfacecharters@yahoo.com 239-357-6829
Fort Myers Tides - Nov/2017 26째38'N 82째4'W
HIGH
DATE
LOW
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
RISE
SET
1
Wed
1:14
1.8
1:42
1.7
8:16
0.5
8:21
0.6
7:37
6:46
2
Thu
1:37
1.9
2:35
1.7
8:58
0.3
8:54
0.7
7:37
6:45
3
Fri
2:01
2.0
3:27
1.7
9:40
0.1
9:24
0.8
7:38
6:45
4
Sat
2:28
2.1
4:20
1.6
10:24
-0.1
9:54
1.0
7:39
6:44
5
Sun
1:58
2.2
4:16
1.5
10:10
-0.2
9:22
1.1
7:40
6:43
6
Mon
2:33
2.3
5:19
1.4
11:01
-0.3
9:51
1.2
6:40
5:43
7
Tue
3:12
2.3
6:34
1.3
11:57
-0.2
10:23
1.2
6:41
5:42
8
Wed
3:58
2.2
8:07
1.3
12:59 11:06
-0.2 1.3
6:42
5:42
9 10
Thu Fri
4:52 6:04
2.1 9:34 1.9 10:22
1.3 1.4
12:34
1.3
2:06 3:16
-0.0 0.1
6:42 6:43
5:41 5:41
Sat
7:46
1.7
10:55
1.5
2:51
1.2
4:21
0.2
6:44
5:40
11
MOON
26째39'N 81째52'W
HIGH
DATE
LOW
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
RISE
SET
9:11
0.3
9:16
0.3
7:36
6:45
1
Wed
2:27
1.2
2:55
1.2
2
Thu
2:50
1.3
3:48
1.2
0.1
9:49
0.3
7:37
6:44
3
Fri
3:14
1.3
4:40
1.1
10:35
0.0
10:19
0.4
7:37
6:44
4
Sat
3:41
1.4
5:33
1.1
11:19
9:53
-0.0
10:49
0.5
7:38
6:43
5
Sun
2:11
1.5
5:29
1.0
11:05
-0.1
10:17
0.5
6:39
5:42
6
Mon
3:46
1.5
6:32
1.0
11:56
-0.1
10:46
0.5
6:39
5:42
7
Tue
4:25
1.5
7:47
0.9
12:52 11:18
-0.1 0.6
6:40
5:41
8
Wed
5:11
1.5
9:20
0.9
1:54
-0.1
6:41
5:41 5:40
9
Thu
6:05
1.4
10:47
0.9
12:01
0.6
3:01
-0.0
6:42
10
Fri
7:17
1.3
11:35
0.9
1:29
0.6
4:11
0.0
6:42
5:40
11
Sat
8:59
1.1
3:46
0.6
5:16
0.1
6:43
5:39
12
Sun
12:08 10:53
1.0 1.0
5:39
0.5
6:11
0.2
6:44
5:39
13
Mon
12:36
1.1
12:23
1.0
6:55
0.4
6:57
0.2
6:44
5:38
14
Tue
1:02
1.1
1:34
1.0
7:51
0.2
7:36
0.3
6:45
5:38
15
Wed
1:26
1.2
2:32
1.0
8:37
0.1
8:08
0.3
6:46
5:38
16
Thu
1:48
1.3
3:23
1.0
9:16
0.0
8:36
0.4
6:47
5:37
17
Fri
2:09
1.3
4:08
0.9
9:52
-0.0
9:00
0.4
6:47
5:37
18
Sat
2:29
1.3
4:49
0.9
10:25
-0.1
9:23
0.5
6:48
5:37
19
Sun
2:52
1.4
5:29
0.9
10:58
-0.1
9:46
0.5
6:49
5:36
20
Mon
3:18
1.4
6:08
0.9
11:33
-0.1
10:12
0.5
6:50
5:36
21
Tue
3:48
1.4
6:50
0.8
12:09 10:42
-0.1 0.5
6:50
5:36
-0.1 0.5
12
Sun
9:40
1.6
11:23
1.6
4:44
1.0
5:16
0.3
6:44
5:40
13
Mon
11:10
1.5
11:49
1.7
6:00
0.8
6:02
0.5
6:45
5:39
14
Tue
12:21
1.5
6:56
0.5
6:41
0.6
6:46
5:39
15
Wed
1:19
1.5
7:42
0.3
7:13
0.7
6:47
5:38
16
Thu
12:35
1.9
2:10
1.4
8:21
0.1
7:41
0.8
6:47
5:38
17
Fri
12:56
1.9
2:55
1.4
8:57
-0.0
8:05
0.9
6:48
5:38
18
Sat
1:16
2.0
3:36
1.3
9:30
-0.1
8:28
1.0
6:49
5:37
19
Sun
1:39
2.0
4:16
1.3
10:03
-0.2
8:51
1.0
6:50
5:37
20
Mon
2:05
2.0
4:55
1.3
10:38
-0.2
9:17
1.1
6:50
5:37
21
Tue
2:35
2.0
5:37
1.2
11:14
-0.2
9:47
1.1
6:51
5:37
22
Wed
3:10
2.0
6:24
1.2
11:55
-0.1
10:27
1.1
6:52
5:37
23
Thu
3:49
1.9
7:17
1.2
12:40 11:21
-0.1 1.1
6:53
5:36
22
Wed
4:23
1.3
7:37
0.8
6:51
5:36
24
Fri
4:36
1.8
8:12
1.3
1:30
0.0
6:53
5:36
12:50 11:22
25
Sat
5:34
1.6
9:00
1.3
12:41
1.1
2:24
0.1
6:54
5:36
23
Thu
5:02
1.3
8:30
0.8
1:35
-0.0
6:52
5:36
26
Sun
6:51
1.5
9:40
1.4
2:21
1.1
3:19
0.2
6:55
5:36
27
Mon
8:26
1.3
10:15
1.5
3:56
0.9
4:12
0.3
6:56
5:36
28
Tue
10:01
1.3
10:46
1.6
5:09
0.7
5:01
0.4
6:56
29
Wed
11:23
1.3
11:16
1.7
6:08
0.4
5:46
0.5
12:34 11:47
1.3 1.8
6:58
0.1
6:27
0.6
30
12:13
Thu
GOLD
1.8
24
Fri
5:49
1.2
9:25
0.8
12:16
0.5
2:25
0.0
6:53
5:35
25
Sat
6:47
1.1
10:13
0.9
1:36
0.5
3:19
0.0
6:53
5:35
26
Sun
8:04
1.0
10:53
0.9
3:16
0.5
4:14
0.1
6:54
5:35
5:36
27
Mon
9:39
0.9
11:28
1.0
4:51
0.4
5:07
0.1
6:55
5:35
6:57
5:36
28
Tue
11:14
0.9
11:59
1.1
6:04
0.3
5:56
0.2
6:56
5:35
6:58
5:36
29
Wed
12:36
0.9
7:03
0.2
6:41
0.2
6:56
5:35
30
Thu
12:29
1.2
1:47
0.9
7:53
0.1
7:22
0.3
6:57
5:35
MOON
MINER
PAWN
Doug Jeffries
CALL: 656-4653
Dan Ferraris Reel-Ality Sportfishing Charters Capt. Larry Conley 4/6/8 hr trips, Inshore & Offshore, Kid friendly
239.980.3880 www.reel-alitysportfishing.com
New n! o o L cati
Next Amoreto Pizza
12 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2017 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
20400 Veterans Blvd, Port Charlotte FL 33954 www.underwaterfishlight.com
PUNTA GORDA/
SANIBEL/CAPTIVA
CHARLOTTE HARBOR
Punta Gorda, Charlotte Harbor Tides - Nov/2017
Captiva Island (outside) Tides - Nov/2017 26°29'N 82°11'W
HIGH
DATE
LOW
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
RISE
SET
1
Wed
10:39
2.3
10:34
2.5
4:20
0.7
4:25
0.8
7:37
6:47
2
Thu
11:32
2.3
10:58
2.7
5:02
0.4
4:58
1.0
7:38
6:46
3
Fri
12:24 11:25
2.3 2.9
5:44
0.1
5:28
1.2
7:38
6:45
4
Sat
1:17 10:55
2.2 3.0
6:28
-0.1
5:58
1.3
7:39
6:45
5
Sun
1:13 11:30
2.1 3.1
6:14
-0.3
5:26
1.5
6:40
5:44
6
Mon
2:16
1.9
7:05
-0.4
5:55
1.6
6:40
5:43
7
Tue
12:09
3.1
3:31
1.8
8:01
-0.3
6:27
1.7
6:41
5:43
8
Wed
12:55
3.0
5:04
1.8
9:03
-0.2
7:10
1.7
6:42
5:42
9
Thu
1:49
2.8
6:31
1.8
10:10
-0.1
8:38
1.8
6:43
5:42
10
Fri
3:01
2.5
7:19
1.9
11:20
0.1
10:55
1.7
6:43
5:41
11
Sat
4:43
2.3
7:52
2.0
12:25
0.3
6:44
12
Sun
6:37
2.1
8:20
2.1
12:48
1.4
1:20
0.4
13
Mon
8:07
2.1
8:46
2.3
2:04
1.0
2:06
0.6
14
Tue
9:18
2.0
9:10
2.4
3:00
0.7
2:45
0.8
15
Wed
10:16
2.0
9:32
2.5
3:46
0.4
3:17
16
Thu
11:07
1.9
9:53
2.6
4:25
0.1
17
Fri
11:52
1.9
10:13
2.7
5:01
18
Sat
12:33 10:36
1.8 2.8
19
Sun
1:13 11:02
20
Mon
21
Tue
22
Wed
12:07
23
Thu
24
MOON
26°56'N 82°4'W
HIGH
DATE
LOW
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
RISE
SET
8:15
0.5
8:20
0.6
7:37
6:45
1
Wed
1:37
1.8
2:05
1.7
2
Thu
2:00
1.9
2:58
1.7
0.3
8:53
0.7
7:38
6:45
3
Fri
2:24
2.0
3:50
1.7
9:39
0.1
9:23
0.8
7:39
6:44
4
Sat
2:51
2.1
4:43
1.6
10:23
8:57
-0.1
9:53
1.0
7:39
6:44
5
Sun
1:21
2.2
4:39
1.5
10:09
-0.2
9:21
1.1
6:40
5:43
6
Mon
2:56
2.3
5:42
1.4
11:00
-0.3
9:50
1.2
6:41
5:42
7
Tue
3:35
2.3
6:57
1.3
11:56
-0.2
10:22
1.2
6:41
5:42
8
Wed
4:21
2.2
8:30
1.3
12:58 11:05
-0.2 1.3
6:42
5:41 5:41
9
Thu
5:15
2.1
9:57
1.3
2:05
-0.0
6:43
10
Fri
6:27
1.9
10:45
1.4
12:33
1.3
3:15
0.1
6:44
5:40
5:41
11
Sat
8:09
1.7
11:18
1.5
2:50
1.2
4:20
0.2
6:44
5:40
6:45
5:40
12
Sun
10:03
1.6
11:46
1.6
4:43
1.0
5:15
0.3
6:45
5:39
6:45
5:40
13
Mon
11:33
1.5
5:59
0.8
6:01
0.5
6:46
5:39
6:46
5:40
1.0
6:47
5:39
14
Tue
12:12
1.7
12:44
1.5
6:55
0.5
6:40
0.6
6:46
5:38
3:45
1.1
6:48
5:39
15 Wed
12:36
1.8
1:42
1.5
7:41
0.3
7:12
0.7
6:47
-0.0
4:09
1.3
6:48
5:38
16
Thu
12:58
1.9
2:33
1.4
8:20
0.1
7:40
0.8
6:48
5:38
17
Fri
1:19
1.9
3:18
1.4
8:56
-0.0
8:04
0.9
6:49
5:37
5:34
-0.2
4:32
1.3
6:49
5:38
18
Sat
1:39
2.0
3:59
1.3
9:29
-0.1
8:27
1.0
6:49
5:37
1.8 2.8
6:07
-0.2
4:55
1.4
6:50
5:38
19
Sun
2:02
2.0
4:39
1.3
10:02
-0.2
8:50
1.0
6:50
5:37
20
Mon
2:28
2.0
5:18
1.3
10:37
-0.2
9:16
1.1
6:51
5:36
1:52 11:32
1.7 2.8
6:42
-0.2
5:21
1.4
6:51
5:38
21
Tue
2:58
2.0
6:00
1.2
11:13
-0.2
9:46
1.1
6:52
5:36
2:34
1.7
7:18
-0.2
5:51
1.5
6:51
5:37
22 Wed
3:33
2.0
6:47
1.2
11:54
-0.1
10:26
1.1
6:52
5:36
2.7
3:21
1.7
7:59
-0.2
6:31
1.5
6:52
5:37
23
Thu
4:12
1.9
7:40
1.2
5:36
2.6
4:14
1.7
8:44
-0.1
7:25
1.5
6:53
5:37
-0.1 1.1
6:53
12:46
12:39 11:20
6:54
5:37
24
Fri
4:59
1.8
8:35
1.3
1:29
0.0
6:54
5:36
25
Sat
5:57
1.6
9:23
1.3
12:40
1.1
2:23
0.1
6:55
5:35
26
Sun
7:14
1.5
10:03
1.4
2:20
1.1
3:18
0.2
6:55
5:35
Fri
1:33
2.4
5:09
1.7
9:34
0.0
8:45
1.5
25
Sat
2:31
2.2
5:57
1.8
10:28
0.1
10:25
1.4
26
Sun
3:48
2.0
6:37
1.9
11:23
0.2
27
Mon
5:23
1.8
7:12
2.0
12:00
1.2
12:16
28
Tue
6:58
1.8
7:43
2.2
1:13
0.9
29
Wed
8:20
1.8
8:13
2.3
2:12
30
Thu
9:31
1.8
8:44
2.5
3:02
5:38
6:54
5:37
6:55
5:37
0.4
6:56
5:37
27
Mon
8:49
1.3
10:38
1.5
3:55
0.9
4:11
0.3
6:56
5:35
1:05
0.5
6:57
5:37
28
Tue
10:24
1.3
11:09
1.6
5:08
0.7
5:00
0.4
6:57
5:35
0.6
1:50
0.7
6:57
5:37
29 Wed
11:46
1.3
0.2
2:31
0.9
6:58
5:37
30
Thu
MOON
11:39
1.7
6:07
0.4
5:45
0.5
6:58
5:35
12:57
1.3
6:57
0.1
6:26
0.6
6:58
5:35
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New Arrivals at Sunset Dreams
by Ron Gorka
he first C-Hawk and Mitzi Skiff boats are beginning to T arrive at Sunset Dreams Boat Sales, Service and Storage on Pine Island Road NW on Pine Island. The dealership, recently
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announced by Custom Fiberglass Products of Bailey North Carolina, plans to slowly build an “in stock” inventory of several sizes and configurations of both C-Hawk and Mitzi Skiff boats. The C- Hawk line in particular offers a very complete custom line of center console and sport cabin models designed to meet the demands of both seasoned charter captains as well as serious inshore and offshore fishermen. C-Hawk boats have been manufactured since 1977 with a brief pause in 2009 when ownership was transferred to Custom Fiberglass Products. CFP published this description of their product: “We believe in the keep it simple philosophy and our design is enhanced by the battleship toughness of our construction. Since many of our boats are used in commercial applications, they must be built to withstand an environment that is much more non-forgiving than that of the recreational environment. We use high quality ArmorFlex gelcote to prevent cosmetic problems. Our laminate schedule calls for alternate layers of woven and chopped mats which are hand-rolled by a team with over 30 years’ experience in lamination. All core materials are “no rot” Perma Ply Marine Core to add to the structural integrity of our hulls. Stringers are 100% encapsulated in glass and resin and our “Unistructure” system bonds stringers, floors and transforms into a single unit providing for additional structural strength. The coastal environment brings with it corrosion, at C-Hawk, we take extra measures to fight Mother Nature’s dislike for metal. We use only the highest quality 316 stainless steel deck hardware. All of your wiring harnesses are custom made in house from the finest trimmed copper wire. Providing you with a quality product and many years of boating pleasure is the goal of each employee at Custom Fiberglass. Their dedication, craftsmanship and pride in their work continue the tradition of excellence started in 1977. The tried-and-true C-Hawk construction methods have proven to withstand the most severe applications.” Sunset Dreams currently has a 19’ C-Hawk center console in inventory with more on the way. Additional inventory build ups are scheduled to include both 23’ and 25’ models. Also in inventory are 17’ center console tournament model Mitzi Skiffs. The Mitzi Skiff line of shallow water boats includes 15’, 16’ and 17’ models, perfect for inshore and fly fishermen. They prowl the flats, loaded with engine, gear and two persons in as little as 6” of water. Sunset Dreams is located at 5149 Pine Island Road NW, 1⁄4 mile east of the 4 way stop on Pine Island. In addition to being a dealer for C-Hawk and Mitzi Skiff boats, Sunset Dreams provides a full service marine facility, a 140 slot storage yard for boats and RVS and consignment boat sales. Visit www.Mitziskiffs.com, chawkboats.net or www.sunsetdreams. com for more information.
14 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2017 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
The Best Angler Photos From Southwest Florida!
Nice Reds, with Capt. Dave Stephens
John Fornito w/ a 47” barracuda outside Redfish Pass.!
Capt. Marko gives his clients snook and smiles!
Chelsey Wilken pulled this dinosaur out of the mangroves in Sanibel. November trout caught with Capt. Mike Manis.
Sheila Gilstrap w/ her 42” Snook in Sarasota Bay near Tidy Island on a Zara Spook chrome top water.
Bill Pfaff, Jimmy Ray & Capt. JoGene Holaway- 4th place, 5 largemouth black bass limit -UBASS series on Lake Trafford.
Kingston & Carson w/ their first keeper Snooks caught on Captain Redfish Rob’s Charters, Naples, Florida
Photos submitted courtesy of: Capt. Bart Marx Capt. James Marko Capt. Josh Roberts Capt. Larry Conley Capt. Mike Manis
Capt. Neil Eisner Capt. Terry Fisher Capt. Jim Klopfer Capt. Dave Stephens
Ann Horton & her catch in PG! Pretty good for a Michigander!
Send us a photo of your catch to: camftmyers@ gmail.com - please include your name, location of where caught, type & size of fish and we’ll do our best to include you in our next edition
FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | NOVEMBER 2017 | FORT MYERS 15
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resh water, salt water, mix it up, you got brackish. That is what we are still dealing with but the good news is there is clear water is on the horizon and the fishing is getting good. Yes, the flats on the east side and the west side are both looking good with schools of redfish and snook up under the mangroves. Now do not be surprised if you hook into a nice size sheepshead back under the mangroves on the flats. Wherever the mangroves have a depression/hole/pocket under them, the sheepshead are making it their house. They have set up camp and it may be a bit unheard of 5 years ago, but over the last few years this has become more common and I think it is a matter of food. The mangroves’ leaves fall into the water and as they break down, there is a mold which grows on the decaying mangrove leaves that the tiny crabs love to feed on, and the sheepshead, which may be having trouble finding food where they would normally hang out, have found the mangrove crabs. Funny how one thing affects each other thing. White bait is still what many people would like to use and for snook fishing it would be great. But I think you might wish to give pinfish a try for redfish. Redfish have been hitting shrimp and pinfish better this year. And then there is blue crab, cut or whole, which have been accounting for a bunch of hooked redfish. With the pinfish, try a float or popping cork and get the pinfish about 6 inches off the bottom. Hook the pinfish sideways across the body, just rear of center under the dorsal fin. The shrimp under a float is again a great way, but I would use a popping cork and slam that pop, don’t be shy about the pop. Another big thing over the last year has been lures under popping corks. The Drunk Baits, DOA shrimp, and even a RatL-trap have been very effective, when used under the popping cork and you work them just like you would a shrimp. I even like to put a bit of smell/scent on them. I use the Strike King Coffee flavor scent. Hey, for years my boat smelled like dead fish/crabs/ whatever scent, like Pro-Cure Blue crab scent. And maybe it does a tiny bit better, but my boat now smells like coffee with cream and sugar, one of my favorite things and I catch fish. So, Win-win best thing ever. Anyway, the fishing is very good but you have to look around and best part of that, there are not many people fishing and lots of room to look around, many places all by yourself. So, good fishing, less people and what are you waiting for. OK, if we all go, it will be crowded again, so disregard what I wrote. No fish and it is nasty out there. Fishin Frank
Fishing’ Franks Bait & Tackle 4425-D Tamiami Trail, Charlotte Harbor, FL 33980, 941-625-3888 and 14531 N. Cleveland Ave., Ft. Myers, FL 33903 239-634-1043
16 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2017 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
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such as pilchards and pinfish are great baits. If you aren’t able to get live bait, shrimp and cut bait will work great also. Probably one of the biggest movers this time of year will be Sea Trout. The cooling water will have these guys schooling up. Deep potholes on the flats will be holding good numbers of fish. Also, bars along the flats are great areas to locate fish. As the water cools, even more deeper water such as residential canals by Capt. Dave Stephens and creeks will see alot of action with trout. Live pilchards are he last few mornings I have noticed it’s been a little cooler. great baits, but shrimp on a jig head and popping cork will You can feel the weather pattern is beginning to change. work great also. Fall trout are great fish to get out the artificial Normally this time of year the water has begun to clear up more. on. Early morning topwater will be hot. As the sun gets higher Due to some storms, we are behind schedule. I have had some switch to jerk baits. situations when I found myself in an area that had some bad Fall fishing on Charlotte Harbor is a great time of year. So water. This can happen from the run off. The rains are starting to get out and experience some of the great fishing our area has to back off, so I don’t think this will be much of an issue any longer. offer. Overall our fall fishery should kick right back into gear. Snook fishing this time of year can be done in a variety of ways. The most popular is on the flats. As long as we don’t have some freak cold weather this month, the flats fishing will remain good. This time of year, I like to focus on areas that have deep water access. Another great snook fishery that is often over looked is residential canals. Snook seek deep water for the winter months. This is the month that a lot of these fish will be moving into these areas. Docks that have depth and moving current are the key places to locate fish. Live bait is going to get the best bite, but this time of year don’t overlook artificial lures. Some of my favorites are top water and jerk baits. Match the color to the water, darker water use dark colors. In clearer water use a lighter color. Red fishing has been good the past few weeks and should stay that way this month. Later in the month the creeks should If you would like to experience some of Southwest Florida’s finest fishing, give us a start holding more fish. On the lower tides work the deeper call or send an email. All of our charters are private and customized to fit you and creeks, as the tide comes in look for fish on the flats. Live bait your party’s needs. Capt. Dave Stephens 941-916-5769 www.backbayxtremes.com
Fall Brings Changes
T
18 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2017 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
Fishing the Winter Waters by Capt. Mike Manis or the most part, this month marks the beginning of a Fcombined winter pattern. The combination of cyclical low tides with strong breezes associated with northern fronts
change everything. In addition to dropping the temperature, the predominant northerly winds also push water out of the harbor making low tides even lower. This is the time small shallow draft skiffs have an advantage, as many areas become just too difficult to navigate safely. Even with the shallower drafting skiffs, caution should be foremost as its way too easy to damage your boat as well as the shallow grass flats. In addition to changing the landscape, the weather is about to change the habits of our snook for a while. Being a sub-tropical species, they are particularly vulnerable to cold temperatures. They don’t like it when the water temperature drops below 70, and below 60 can be downright lethal. It’s possible we won’t see this extreme until next month, but you just never know. When the weather does cool, snook will begin moving off the flats and up creek and river systems where they can find more stable water temperatures. Redfish and trout aren’t bothered by the cold and they’ll stay out on the flats; or, what’s left of the flats on low water. Under these conditions, the fish will gravitate toward the sand holes that are mixed in with the sand and grass. On the higher tide stages, they’ll move around on the flats; but, when the water drops out, they’ll have no choice but to drop into the slightly deeper holes. Deeper is a relative term and on the flats in and around Charlotte Harbor, this can be measured in inches. These depressions are referred to as “potholes” and they’re much easier to find when the sun gets up a bit. It’s more or less like sight fishing. There are flats all over that contain this kind of bottom structure; however, my favorite areas also include good amounts of turtle grass. Three areas in particular, Lemon Bay and Gasparilla and Pine Island Sound hold some of my favorite flats.
On the flip side, there are going to be days where the wind lays down and that’s the perfect time to get out those boats that can’t navigate the skinny water. Pompano should be all over the hard bottom off Cape Haze Point and black drum are a good bet at the U.S. 41 Bridge. A piece of blue crab is great bait. All in all, it’s tough not to stick your nose out of one of the passes and idle around within a mile of the beach, between Boca Grande and Little Gasparilla Pass. Keep an eye out for birds; you’ve got a shot at kingfish, bonita, Spanish mackerel, big jacks and blacktip sharks. Until next month, good tides. Captain Michael Manis is a U.S.G.C. Licensed captain and has been teaching the sport of fly and light tackle angling since 2002. He lives in Punta Gorda, Florida and can be reached at www.puntagordaflycharters.com. 20 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2017 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
FLY FISHING
H
ooking a fish on fly gear is sometimes the easiest part of the game; what happens after the fish is hooked is probably more important. Nothing can demonstrate this more than clearing your fly line after a fish has been hooked. This is what I call the “hero-to-zero in three seconds.” Here is the scenario: you make a 50-foot cast to a school of tuna, a tailing bonefish or a string of tarpon. You begin stripping your fly back toward you, trying to snooker the fish into striking. The fish follows the fly within a few feet of the boat and then strikes. You
First, transfer your thinking from the fish to the line. This is easier said than done. Let the fish run; he’s hooked, and if you keep tension on him he’ll stay hooked. Do not lift your rod tip. Keep the rod angled at 90 degrees to allow line to slide through the guides. Do not hold the fly line. This practice will result in a broken tippet. Focus on clearing the line at your feet, while keeping a light grip on the line with your thumb and index finger. Allow line to run through your fingers until the fly line
Photo by Nick Carter
set the hook, and you’re tight to the fish. The fish makes a lighting-fast run away from the boat. You look down and discover there’s a large pile of fly line at your feet… now what? Clearing all that fly line from the deck or the stripping basket is now the most critical element in fighting the fish. Fly line tangled up in your feet or wrapped around a cleat on the deck will instantly result in a snapped tippet, and possibly a good line burn on your toes. All the work and patience that brought you to this moment will be a total loss if you can’t get the line cleared and the fish on the reel, and you only have a few seconds to do it.
is tight to the reel. This process may seem to take forever, but it actually takes but a few seconds. Once the fly line is on the reel, apply positive tension on the fish and begin to fight it. If, while clearing your line, you notice a knot, do not attempt to undo it. Allow the knot to travel through the guides. In most cases, the knot will not hinder the lineclearing process. Deal with the knot after you have landed the fish. Master the art of clearing the fly-line, and you’ll be considered a greater magician than David Copperfield. It’s the trickiest and most nerveracking three seconds in the sport.
For more from Bowman, go to
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Make reel memories. By Ed Killer - This 6-pound pompano was caught with Native Salt Clam bait in Vero Beach, Fla. Photo by Manuel Briceno.
F
all and winter along Treasure Coast beaches offer up some of the finest fishing there is. Surf fishing is fun, fulfilling and best of all, can fill a freezer in a couple of trips. Whiting, pompano, croaker, bluefish and Spanish mackerel are prime targets. While none of these species will ever earn acclaim for their size, they earn high marks at the dinner table. The hours of the incoming tide and beginning of the outgoing tide are the best time to go. Seas don’t have to be flat calm, but there is a threshold where if the shorebreak is too heavy, it might not be worth the effort. Surf fishing is generally a modified form of bottom fishing. If the waves are too large and require too much lead weight to hold bottom, it makes it impractical to fish. Plus, fish move out beyond casting range when the water is too sandy near the beach. Tackle requirements include a long 9- to 12-foot rod. Some anglers prefer spinning reels, however, the professionals keep one or more conventional reels in play, which helps reduce the potential for line being “spun” up by jacks and bluefish. Light line is the norm, too, about 10-pound test, but no more than 15. Most use monofilament with 1/0 or 2/0 hooks in a double-hook rig. Small pieces of bait like clam strips, pieces of shrimp, sand fleas or artificial bait like Fish Bites work well, as many of the targeted species feed using scent. Using a clip swivel, hook on a sinker heavy enough to hold bottom. Sometimes that weight might be 2 ounces; sometimes it might be a Buick. Whiting are nice to catch, and croaker mix into the cooler just as well. Both produce white flaky fillets and can be prepared in any number of ways. Take the skin off the fillet and bread for frying. Or try a whiting Reuben on rye bread with cole slaw and Thousand Island dressing for a true delight. Bluefish are voracious predators that feed in schools reminiscent of toothy piranhas, except larger. They are fun to catch, peeling off line and pulling like a jack crevalle. The Florida state record was caught in Jensen Beach in 1972. It was a whopper of a chopper, weighing 22 pounds. Spanish mackerel are also a fan favorite, and both macks and blues can be caught with topwater plugs, large spoons like Krocodiles and fast-reeled jigs. Bluefish taste fishy. Spanish mackerel are flavorful, but are best day-of fresh, and not great otherwise. But pompano really draw the crowds. In case there is any question, stop by a fish market and check the price per pound, which hovers around $19.99. Pompano have a delicate, rich flavor and elegant texture. Fillet with the skin on, which leaves them perfect for grilling or broiling. Lemon and pepper and a little tartar sauce make for a great reward for taking one’s fishing rod to a Martin County beach. Ed Killer is an outdoors columnist with Treasure Coast Newspapers and the USA Today Network.
14
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he Bassmaster Classic stands out as one of the biggest bass fishing events each year, and this year three pro anglers will don the signature Mud Hole colors on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell for the 2018 Classic in March. Joining the Classic line-up is a huge accomplishment for any angler, so let’s take a look at how Bassmaster Elite pros Brandon Lester and Bradley Roy as well as FLW veteran John Cox were able to capitalize on their opportunities to make the cut. Brandon Lester Captures His Spot Heading into Mille Lacs Lake in Onamia, Minnesota, Bassmaster Elite pro Brandon Lester found himself on the Classic bubble. On
the verge of either making the Classic or watching his bubble burst, Brandon knew it wouldn’t be easy, but welcomed the challenge. After three days of tight competition and a lot of learning on the lake, Lester caught 43 pounds, 1 ounce to finish in the money and leave with a qualifying ticket for his third Bassmaster Classic appearance. Although he was nervous coming off the lake, he later left weigh-in with a huge smile knowing he’ll be fishing Hartwell in March. Bradley Roy’s Big Return Like Brandon, Bassmaster Elite pro Bradley Roy entered the Mille Lacs event with his mind focused on making the Classic cut and his custom MHX Rods dialed in for smallmouth fishing. But after just day two, Roy could rest easy knowing he bagged 36 pounds, 13 ounces, which also gained him enough points to seal a place in the 2018 Classic. Bradley ultimately finished with 52 pounds, 1 ounce of Mille Lacs bass, a nice check to cash, and a ticket to his second straight Bassmaster Classic. Considering this will be his second Classic and he placed seventh in his first appearance, Bradley is incredibly hungry for a strong return. John Cox Fishing Familiar Water When John Cox finished on top of the B.A.S.S. Southern Open at Chickamauga Lake in Dayton, Tenn. with 68 pounds, 3 ounces, his big win came with more than just a check, it also included a spot in the 2018 Bassmaster Classic. After hoisting the Forrest Wood Cup and making a major splash on the FLW Tour, Cox and his custom MHX Rods are crossing over to fish in the Classic. The sight fishing phenom is excited for the opportunity, especially considering this Classic will be held on Lake Hartwell, where he secured a huge Tour win back in 2016. With his spots and some new rod builds in mind, Cox is a dangerous competitor looking to capitalize on his knowledge and experience of Lake Hartwell. To fish the Pro Tour Rods these pro anglers are taking to the Classic, visit www.mudhole.com/pro-kits.
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FISH & FISHING
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ounds transmitted into the water can either repel or attract fish. The key, of course, is to avoid driving fish away with the wrong kind of sound and, instead, arouse their curiosity or gain their attention with the right kind of sound. Keep in mind that sound travels five times faster in water than it does in air and that fish are extremely sensitive to a wide range of frequencies. You will hardly ever see a fish make a mistake and swim toward an alarming sound. However, the gentle splat of a bait or lure at a respectable distance from the fish will often attract its attention. Although fish don’t have protruding earflaps like those of humans and other mammals, they do have ears buried on either side of the head protected by skin, flesh and bone. In addition to their ears, fish have a second sound-detecting organ known as the lateral line, which is unique in the animal kingdom. Vibrations in the water pass through thousands of openings along the lateral line alerting a fish to their presence. The lateral line works within 20 to 30 feet of the fish. As the fish gets closer to the source of the sound (a baitfish or a lure), it can locate its prey even if it can’t see it. Within 5 feet or so, a fish can accurately strike its prey or a lure without actually seeing it. Sound plays a vital role in the daily activities of fish. Using their ears and lateral line, they can detect any disturbance in the water and react to it, whether
it is food or a predator ready to target them or simply some foreign sound that puts them on the alert. From a fishing standpoint, the key lies in eliminating alarming sounds. You can talk all you want, and the sound will bounce off the surface of the water. If you’re aboard a boat and you scrape a tackle box or bang your feet on the deck, that noise will transmit through the water. On clear shallow flats, it’s easy to see the effect of noise. Drop a lure too close to a bonefish, a 100-pound tarpon or even a large shark, and you can bet it will vacate the area. Even if it doesn’t go far, it’s on the alert and difficult to get to strike. One reason that fishing with live bait proves to be very effective is that its swimming ability is restricted and it sends out signals that it is in trouble. If you can keep the live bait on the surface where it continuously splashes, the results can be even more positive. That’s one reason why kite fishing with live bait proves so effective, particularly if you change baits frequently. Researchers tell us there is little doubt that sound with all its ramifications is a critical factor in the life of a fish, and it is equally important from a fisherman’s standpoint. As an angler, you should be totally aware of the effects of sound on fish and make them work for you both in attracting fish and by avoiding those sounds that would frighten fish or alert them that something is not right.
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ne of my favorite places for fishing, boating and enjoying nature is Hontoon Island in the St. Johns River in Volusia County. Accessible only by private boat or the park ferry, the island offers something for everyone, including the fisherman, canoer, hiker or archaeologist. A walk through the park or a stop in the visitor center can tell one about those who inhabited the island hundreds of years ago, for example Native Americans. The parking lot for the park’s ferry, which operates daily from 8 a.m. to right before sunset, is six miles west of Deland off State Road 44. The boat ride takes just a few minutes, but takes one into a world that seems little changed for hundreds of years. The 1,650-acre island has over three miles of hiking trails and cabins for rent for those who want to spend even more time fishing and swimming and exploring the river. One may learn in the museum there how the island once functioned as a center for commercial fishing. As in many places along the river, fish caught near the island and in the river waters offshore include bass, bream, catfish, crappie, perch and sunfish. What I have particularly enjoyed is boating the side streams around Hontoon Island, where one can find a wide variety of fish hiding in the grasses along the edge of the water. Nearby Lake Beresford, which is two miles long and a half-mile wide, is the site of the Stetson University Crew Boathouse, near which one can see boat crews racing along the waterway. South of Hontoon Island is the very popular Blue Spring State Park, which has the largest spring on the St. Johns River and is a designated manatee refuge. The most amazing finds on the island by archaeologists include wooden effigies called totems. They include what early visitors called a large owl totem carved from a log, a smaller carving of a pelican, and one of an otter holding a fish. One can see replicas of the totems on the grounds, whereas the so-called owl totem is at Fort Caroline National Monument Museum near the mouth of the St. Johns River north of Jacksonville and
near Mayport. The replica on Hontoon Island may represent the largest wooden effigy ever found in a North American archaeological site and the only totem of its kind in the eastern United States. All in all, a visit to Hontoon Island can satisfy the angler in the family as well as those interested in one of the jewels of the St. Johns River.
Whenever I walk the really old paths around the island, I can picture how Native Americans lived and fished there. The island still retains much of the charm of a pristine wilderness in the midst of the river that was the lifeblood of those who lived in Central Florida over a thousand years ago. Kevin McCarthy, the award-winning author of “South Florida Waterways” (2013 - available at amazon.com for $7), can be reached at ceyhankevin@gmail.com.
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ello, and welcome to the scuba diving column in Coastal Angler Magazine! Each month we fill you in on what’s happening below the surface here in Palm Beach County. This month we’d like to give you some basics about diving in Palm Beach County and why it’s so spectacular. To begin with, Palm Beach is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the blue waters provided by the Gulf Stream. The Gulf Stream flows east along the equator turning north as it swings by Florida and up the eastern seaboard. Its clear-blue, warm waters dip closest to the continental United States right here in Palm Beach, and that’s great for us. This current swings in delivering a bounty of underwater creatures in its flowing tropical waters. Everything from small tropical fish to giant whalesharks gather in our local waters, and different creatures show up in abundance at different times of the year. Because the Gulf Stream brings warm water year-round, we dive all year long. Winter water temps average around 72 degrees and summer temps get as high as 84. The cooler winter waters bring big creatures to our area like migratory whales, whalesharks, and many species of shark, including the migratory lemons and spinner sharks. Spring kicks off our sea turtle nesting season with the giant leatherbacks arriving first, followed by loggerheads and then green turtles. By the time summer hits, it’s sea turtle craziness with nests hatching out and frisky adults lounging on the reefs. Fall brings the giant Goliath grouper in by the hundreds to spawn just offshore on our wrecks and artificial reefs. It’s not uncommon to see more than 50 500-pound grouper on one dive here in August and September. And people come from all over the world just to have a chance to dive with our amazing creatures! Palm Beach is home to the third largest barrier reef in the world, stretching from the Florida Keys up through Jupiter and just into Martin County. Because we have thousands of different species on our reefs, no matter what you enjoy seeing, chances are you don’t have to leave the “backyard” in Palm Beach. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy the beautiful Florida waters. As a good friend used to say, “Don’t take Florida for granted... she’s good to ya!”
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lorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) fisheries biologists certified a new state record jaguar guapote, weighing 2.78 pounds and measuring 16.7 inches long. It was caught by 14-year-old angler Jerry Martin from Miami. Martin was thrilled to catch his jaguar guapote in the Snapper Creek Canal (C-2) with live bait. “When I caught it, I freaked out,” said Martin. “I was excited because I knew it could be a state record.” Martin has never targeted jaguar guapote before. He most often fishes for largemouth bass and peacock bass. “It was an accident to catch the state record jaguar, but now I’m planning to start fishing for more records,” he said. Jaguar guapote are primarily known to exist in the urban canal systems of southeast Florida, ranging as far north as West Palm Beach. The species was first reported in 1992 from a photograph of two specimens caught in a farm pond near Miami Canal. The jaguar guapote was made eligible for state record status in 2012, and this is the first confirmed record for this species. Jaguar guapote is one of 34 nonnative freshwater fish species that have become established in Florida. The FWC strongly encourages anglers to catch, keep and eat nonnative fish (except legally-introduced peacock bass and triploid grass carp), as many nonnative fishes provide excellent table fare. In addition, releasing fish from aquariums or moving them between water systems is illegal and could produce detrimental effects.
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TIPS FROM A PRO
FRESHWATER BRANDON LESTER
B
eing from middle Tennessee, I was introduced to many diverse fisheries in my younger years. This area of the country has long been known for great smallmouth bass fishing, as it should be, but in my opinion it can’t compare to the smallmouth fishing in the Great Lakes region right now. I am certainly not bashing the smallmouth fishing down south, but fishing the Elite Series allows me to see some of the best lakes in the country, and the “good ole days” of smallmouth bass fishing on the Great Lakes is right now. Flowing out of Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River is one of my favorites on our schedule because it fishes similar to the rivers back home. The river has a lot of current, which positions the fish. The water is clear, and you can catch smallmouth from 2 feet deep all the way out to 60 feet. The St. Lawrence is absolutely full of smallmouth, and 30- to 40fish days are just another day on the water. In addition to the fishing, the area is also just an awesome place to spend time. Waddington, N.Y., which is our host city when we go, is in a very rural part of New York with lots of cropland and cattle farms. If you’ve not visited this fishery, I strongly suggest you do. Lake St. Clair is on fire right now. The final Elite Series tournament of the regular season was held there this year, and overall bass weights were absolutely phenomenal. The big smallmouth of the tournament weighed almost 7 pounds. In the past, tournaments on St. Clair were won by guys who ran to Lake Erie or Lake Huron, but not anymore. It seems now that St. Clair is the place to be. The style of fishing is different than most smallmouth destinations. Lake St. Clair is just a big bowl-shaped lake with a shipping channel running through the middle of it. That’s about the only real contour change on the whole lake. The big keys are
looking for clean spots in the grass and finding bait. If that doesn’t fit your style, you can run up the river toward Huron or down the Detroit River toward Erie. Both rivers have plenty of current and plenty of smallmouth. After fishing a tournament on Lake Champlain this year, it is my new favorite lake in the country. The smallmouth fishing is phenomenal, and you can catch big largemouth, too. The smallmouth hang out on offshore shoals, old bridge blow-throughs and rocky structure around the shoreline. If you get tired of catching them, there is an abundance of milfoil, docks and reeds where largemouth bass are willing and ready to bite. Lake Champlain, in my opinion, has the healthiest population of bass of anywhere I have ever fished, and that makes it fun, period. Plattsburg, N.Y. is a great place to visit, as well, with lots of cool sites to see. If you make one of these trips, be sure you’re prepared with the right MHX rods, Mustad hooks and Vicious fishing line. Hit Brandon up on Facebook or Instagram with any questions.
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t’s got the beaches, with fine white sand and the emerald green waters of the gorgeous northern Gulf of Mexico. It’s got the nightlife, the shopping and fine dining, the beautiful golf courses and everything else that draws vacationers from around the world. But what Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island—the heart of northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast—have more of than anything else is fishing. Back in 1956, Florida Gov. Leroy Collins called Destin “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” after catching a big king mackerel on a 15-minute photo-op boat ride during the Destin Fishing Rodeo. More than 60 years later, the historic Destin Fishing Rodeo just wrapped up its 69th annual October-long event, proving once again that this fishing village is just as lucky as ever. Daily weigh-ins at the rodeo give spectators a close look at what the waters off the Emerald Coast have to offer. Excitement builds on the docks in front of the landmark AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar when big tuna, wahoo, king mackerel, dolphin, groupers and snappers come to the scales. And in the Billfish Division, the big sportfishing yachts are out there pulling spreads for sailfish—and marlin that easily eclipse the 500-pound mark. There have been a couple grander blue marlin caught on the northern Gulf Coast over the years and a few more that came very close to tipping the scales past the 1,000-pound mark. Even swordfish show up pretty regularly, meaning there’s a real possibility for a grand slam fishing out of the marinas of Okaloosa County. It’s world-class fishing on the Panhandle, which in recent years has seen the big pelagic species moving closer to shore with changing currents. And what’s more, the action is yearround. There’s a good reason the world’s largest charter fishing fleet is based out of Destin Harbor.
Nearshore
Nearshore, warm and fertile Gulf waters coupled with numerous wrecks and reefs to create some of the most bountiful fishing Florida has to offer. With a short boat ride less than 8 miles off the beach, anglers can bottom fish or troll with family pleasing and cooler-filling consistency for amberjack, numerous snapper and grouper species, cobia, blackfin tuna, king and Spanish mackerel and more.
Offshore
Due south about 25 to 30 miles out, the continental shelf drops and there are multiple renowned hotspots, with some of the best big game fishing in the Gulf. South Florida seems to get most of the bright, hot spotlight when it comes to the big pelagics, but serious anglers out of the Emerald Coast quietly and consistently catch serious fish. Whether it’s a full-day trolling trip or an overnight expedition deep into the Gulf, dolphin, blue marlin, tuna and
wahoo are available to those who mean business when it comes to fishing.
Inshore
Those who would rather explore grass flats and oyster beds in search of trout or tailing redfish will also find that on the Emerald Coast. Inside East Pass and Okaloosa Island, Choctawhatchee Bay spreads out vast and shallow. It’s the perfect place to launch a skiff or a kayak into 130 square miles of inshore action that’s some of the best on the Panhandle.
Spring Cobia
Finally, any discussion of fishing options around the Emerald Coast has to include the cobia run, which is one of the best on the planet. Book your charter now, because in spring—peaking in April—cobia that have migrated north along the Gulf Coast arrive off the beaches bringing some of the most exciting fishing there is. This is sight fishing for one of the ocean’s tastiest and hardest fighting fish, and during this spring run they can arrive with weights in excess of 100 pounds. With a spotter in the tower, you cruise the clear blue-green waters looking for the telltale brown shadows of a pod of cobia doggedly pushing west. With a Airline_CoastalAnglerAd_3-2016_Layout 1 3/18/16 1:07 PM Page 1 smooth approach, the boat moves to intercept, and then it’s up to the angler to make an accurate cast with a live bait or a jig. Anticipation is almost unbearable for a few seconds before the take, and then bedlam breaks loose. Cobia put up the most unpredictable fight in fishing. They are capable of long, drag-burning runs, leaps, rolls and deep dives, but sometimes they save the thrashing until they hit the deck. Either way, catching a big cobia is exciting, and there’s no better grilling fish that swims. So, while the Emerald Coast offers gorgeous beaches and all the activity of a top-notch beach vacation destination, on the water it remains what it was before the Miracle Strip and Harbor Boulevard grew up around it. It’s one of the best fishing destinations in the world in terms of quality, quantity and variety of angling opportunities. For information, go to www.emeraldcoastfl. com. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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I
I
At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare” or “comp at” price means that the same item or a similar functioning item was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare” or “comp at” price by another retailer in the U.S. within the past 180 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare” or "comp at" should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 3/1/18.
hft_coastalangler_1117_M-REG109349.indd 1 CANGL_NAT3-NAT18.indd 17
12" SLIDING COMPOUND DOUBLE-BEVEL MITER SAW
Customer Rating
Customer Rating
7
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
JUMP STARTER AND POWER PACK
• 5 mil thickness
COMPARE TO
ITEM 62314/63066 66383 shown
29
SUPER COUPON
$599
99 SAVE 60%
COMPARE TO
1399
LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
5755
MODEL: H-21
99
*52365913 * 52365913
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
29
$
59
*52362225 * 52362225
$
$ 99 *52390682 * 52390682
LOWE’S
• Weighs 97 lbs.
COMPARE TO $ 98 IRWIN UNIBIT MODEL: 15504PKSM
ITEM 69676/69729/63080/63079 shown ITEM 69728/63090/63089, CALIFORNIA ONLY
$
COMPARE TO
99
ITEM 69087 60379 91616 shown
98
*52331956 * 52331956
LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
$8
$3999
COMPARE TO $ 62 PORTER-CABLE MODEL: PCFP02003
Customer Rating
SAVE 65%
3 PIECE 26", 4 DRAWER TITANIUM TOOL CART HIGH SPEED STEEL • 6200 cu. in. of storage STEP BIT SET • 580 lb. capacity
SAVE 85%
YOUR CHOICE
5699
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
99
HEAVY DUTY FOLDABLE ALUMINUM SPORTS CHAIR
$54
ITEM 60637/61615 95275 shown
SAVE 59% $ • Air delivery: 0.6 CFM @ 90 PSI, 1 CFM @ 40 PSI
$1 999
ITEM 62515 66911 shown
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
• GFCI outlets
$
119
99
A. HOT DOG
ITEM 69269/97080 shown
B. PANCAKE
STEP STOOL/ WORKING PLATFORM
Customer Rating
*52352148 * 52352148 • Drill 28 Hole Sizes from 1/8" to 3/4"
B
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
$
SAVE $64
1999
*52331660 * 52331660
MODEL: 7424XP
SUPER COUPON
SUPER QUIET
$
PORTER-CABLE
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
4000 MAX. STARTING/ Customer Rating 3200 RUNNING WATTS 6.5 HP (212 CC) GAS GENERATOR
$9
COMPARE TO
Tools sold separately.
$12999
99
8497
A
SAVE 88%
YOUR CHOICE
MODEL: H2DTWA
Customer Rating
ITEM 93454/69054 63395/62603 shown
$
COMPARE TO
SUPER COUPON
3 GALLON, 100 PSI OIL-FREE AIR COMPRESSORS
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
SAVE $285
• Accuracy within ±4%
Customer Rating
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
60" HARDWOOD WORKBENCH 6" VARIABLE SPEED WITH 4 DRAWERS DUAL ACTION POLISHER
LIMIT 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Earthquake, Hercules, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/1/18.
LIMIT 1 - Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or prior purchase. Coupon good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Offer good while supplies last. Shipping & Handling charges may apply if not picked up in-store. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/1/18. Limit one FREE GIFT coupon per customer per day.
*52330318 * 52330318
LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
*52309815 * 52309815
*52320448 * 52320448
SUPER COUPON
SAVE 70%
ANY SINGLE ITEM
ITEM 63604/63758 98025/69096/63759/90899 shown
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
$9
20% OFF
• 3.5" LCD Display • Battery Included
MODEL: DCD780C2
12 VOLT MAGNETIC SAVE TOWING LIGHT KIT $106
13
51
MODEL: MT-1210
*52324497 * 52324497
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 3/1/18*
$
ANY PURCHASE
7 FUNCTION DIGITAL MULTIMETER
COMPARE TO
HOME DEPOT
SAVE $80
99
ITEM 63100
WITH
Customer Rating
• 576 in. lbs. of torque • 2.5 amp hour battery • Weighs 3.6 lbs.
$7999 $9599 Customer Rating
SUPER COUPON
20 VOLT LITHIUM CORDLESS 1/2" COMPACT DRILL/DRIVER KIT
HUSKY
20"
SAVE $69
Customer Rating
$
FREE
M-REG109349_CoastalAnglerMagazine
DEWALT
BEATS
SUPER COUPON
NOVEMBER 2017
NATIONAL
17
10/6/17 9:40 3:42 AM PM 10/19/17
SUZUKI MAKES IT
EASY AS
1-2-3
The leaves might be falling, but the deals are just starting to spring up at your Suzuki Marine dealer. Make your best Fall Boat Show deal on a new Suzuki outboard from 25 to 300 horsepower and take advantage of not just one, but all three special Suzuki offers. See your Suzuki Marine dealer today and get on the water with a powerful, reliable new Suzuki.
REPOWER FINANCE
1. Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 300 HP.
2. Cash Rebates on select models. See your dealer for details.
3. Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards (OAC).*
Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 300 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 9/01/17 and 12/31/17 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Cash Rebates apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 9/01/17 and 12/31/17. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate rebate form at time of sale. Cash rebate will be applied against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account). There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 9/01/17 and 12/31/17. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2017 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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SZ_Q4Promo_1PG.indd 1
10/19/17 9:40 AM 9/8/17 2:55 PM
COMMON CVRS_1117.indd 3
10/18/17 3:19 PM
© 2017 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
THIS SEEMS TO BE THE PLACE WHERE ALL THE FISH HANG OUT. I THINK I’LL DROP IN.
12”
PROGRAMMABLE
HOT KEYS
PRELOADED
BUILT-IN
BLUECHART® G2 + LAKEVUU¨ HD CHIRP SONAR + CLEARVUU¨ + SIDEVU¨
GPSMAP® 1242xsv
COMMON CVRS_1117.indd 4 17-MCJT512 GPSMAP 1224xsv Coastal Fishing Ad_US-8.125x10.875-CoatalAngler.indd 1
10/18/17 3:19 PM 3/8/17 9:13 AM