FORT MYERS/CAPE CORAL/CHARLOTTE HARBOR EDITION
FREE Gulf
Rods &
Tuna
Reels Reviews
At Night
Fish
Tales From Costa Rica
Skeeter Celebrates
70
th
Anniversary PHOTO COURTESY OF RANDY KING VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 276
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O P P O R T U N I T I E S
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FAMILY LEGENDS
and fish tales
BUILT FOR THAT
210 FSH ® SERIES
Go where no other boat has gone before. With powerful twin TR-1® Yamaha Marine Engines, ample storage and comfortable bow seating, the all-new 210 FSH provides the shallow-water capability to get to those hard-to-reach fishing spots and the versatility to enjoy watersports with your family.
210 FSH®
210 FSH® Deluxe
210 FSH® Sport
YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M
©2018 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Drive responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and drive. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT YAMAHABOATS.COM OR CALL 1.800.88.YAMAHA.
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1/17/18 1:49 PM 12/22/17 9:22 AM
2018 242CC
FISHING FOCUSED FAMILY FRIENDLY “Sailfish Boats are truly versatile. A great fishing boat and a great family boat all in one.”
2018 220CC ® Exclusive Variable Degree Stepped (VDS) Hull for Performance, Safety & Stability ® 10 year Structural Warranty ® SailTech Construction: 100% Composite, Reinforced with Kevlar® & Carbon Fiber ® Lifetime No-Rot Guarantee ® Bow To Stern Intelligent Ergonomic Design with Premium Finishes ® Family Friendly Features for Fun, Comfort and Safety
www.SailfishBoats.com
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THE NEXT GREAT THE NEXT GREAT
HAVALON HAVALON INNOVATION INNOVATION HAS LANDED. HAS LANDED.
QUIK-CHANGE II ™ Interchangeable Fixed Blade™ QUIK-CHANGE Cutlery System II Interchangeable Fixed Blade Cutlery System9” FILLET 7” FILLET 9” FILLET 5” FILLET 7” FILLET 3” SERRATED 5” FILLET 3” SERRATED
Easy Blade Release System Easy Blade Release System
Opens For Easy Cleaning
KN IVES
Opens For Easy Cleaning
KN IVES
COMING SPRING 2018 COMING SPRING 2018 4
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Rugged Canvas Roll Pack Rugged Canvas Roll Pack
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BLEED TRIM
SAFETY
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 FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com 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
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CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT : Mark & Haley Alberghini • (704) 651-1934 • mark@theanglermagazine.com
COME JOIN OUR TEAM Dear Reader, “Coastal Angler” and our freshwater component “The Angler” magazines are looking to expand our franchise footprint to include numerous Gulf Coast region markets. Having become the largest outdoor publication on the Eastern Seaboard, we’re now ready to continue our expansion westerly all the way to California and northerly to the Great Lakes and beyond. Our franchise system enables localized editions of the magazine to be managed and developed by our franchisee/co-publishers. Publishing your localized edition of either Coastal Angler Magazine or The Angler Magazine can be exceptionally enriching and financially rewarding. Our ideal candidate may never have been involved in publishing before. They would, however, be passionately involved in the outdoors. Obsessive anglers often make great fishing magazine franchisees.
COLUMBIA/MIDLANDS : John Lux • (803) 807-6885 • jlux@theanglermagazine.com MYRTLE BEACH : Mike Masiero • (732) 674-3019 • mmasiero@coastalanglermagazine.com SW GEORGIA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com TIDEWATER/OUTER BANKS : John Tiger • (757) 707-9654 • john.tiger@coastalanglermagazine.com
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Your new career is just a phone call or email away.
GULF COAST MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Adam Nelson • (228) 627-5903 • anelson@coastalanglermagazine.com
This is a chance to own your own business but not be all on your own. Our training and support systems enable our co-publishers to quickly establish their localized edition of the magazine into a viable local business. If you think you would enjoy a career centered around the outdoors and fishing, you owe it to yourself to check out our franchise opportunities. Our expansion goals have numerous territories now available.
Toby Nelson • (228) 623-1761 • tnelson@coastalanglermagazine.com
Best regards,
NEW ORLEANS : Dr. Dave Dunaway • (225) 400-8156 • nola@coastalanglermagazine.com
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INTERNATIONAL PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers. SAFETY
Ben Martin Editor in Chief info@coastalanglermagazine.com
1-888-800-9794
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By CAM Staff
F
ast and stable, with a needle nose that reminded people of a mosquito buzzing over southern waters, the world’s first bass boat was the 1948 brainchild of Shreveport, Louisiana’s Holmes Thurmond. That first Skeeter boat, made of molded marine plywood, caught on quickly with local anglers. It launched the brand
that today, 70 years later, is still renowned for building innovative boats designed specifically for the needs of recreational anglers. Cary Crutchfield, co-publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine’s North Central Florida edition, owns one of those early Skeeter boats. When he bought his first Skeeter in the 1960s, the company was already leading the way in what became an industry-wide transition to fiberglass. His was a 15-foot model with stick steering up front that was powered by a 35hp outboard. “It’s real easy to fish from, and it’s just a neat 6
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looking boat,” Crutchfield said of those early flat-bottomed Skeeters. “It’s narrow, and the way the sides turn up to the cockpit makes it very stable to move around in.” With today’s bass boats, a 250hp Yamaha seems like a necessity to even compete on the tournament circuits. Back then, a Skeeter with a 35hp was capable of reaching speeds in excess of 30 mph. It was a fishing boat superior to any that came before it. The Super Skeeter arose as the boat for serious anglers fishing the large, newly constructed man-made reservoirs that have since fueled the sport. Crutchfield sold his 15-footer in the 1980s and almost immediately began kicking himself. He missed the narrow profile and shallow draft, along with kind of stability that allows him to stand comfortably and pole into very tight places. It wasn’t long before he ran into another old Skeeter he had to have, this one a 14-footer, originally powered by a 25hp outboard that has since been replaced by a 1950s model 12hp. Even with that old motor, it still gets around pretty quickly, and Crutchfield said it’s still the perfect small fishing boat where he launches on the Suwannee River. With the spirit of innovation that gave rise to that first bass boat and an open ear to the new requirements of early bass tournaments, Skeeter grew and evolved with the sport. The Skeeter Hawk did away with the characteristic pointed bow, which allowed for a smoother ride and a raised casting platform. In the 1970s, after moving into its current plant in Kilgore, Texas, Skeeter rolled the dice and introduced the legendary Wrangler to the bass fishing world. Rated for 150hp with a V-bottom, it was an odd and new style that absolutely dominated the competition in performance. It became the template that led to the high-performance fishing machines that roar
around our reservoirs today. In 2018, Skeeter Performance Fishing Boats is celebrating its 70th year of providing anglers with exceptional fishing boats. With modern technology and computer design capabilities, it has continued to lead the industry with innovations such as the first production composite bass boat, the ZX202, in the mid-1990s. The venerable ZX series, in all its versions, has been a staple in the bass tournament world for more then three decades. But listening to the needs of the fishermen who are its customers, Skeeter branched out to produce deep-v boats for walleye tournament anglers on the big lakes of the north, as well as bay boats for saltwater anglers. Skeeter’s acquisition by Yamaha in 1996 brought new resources to the table and advances followed. In 2001, Skeeter again set a new standard for the industry with its Torque Transfer Transom and Stringer System, which provides lift to the entire keel, while eliminating stress on the on the transom, deck, hull and sides. Through all the advancements, Skeeter boats bear little resemblance to Thurmond’s first bass boat. But the same concept, to design perfect
fishing boats for fishermen, is evident throughout Skeeter’s product line. Whether it’s on southern reservoirs, the big northern lakes or the bays and backwaters of the Gulf of Mexico, Skeeter has a nimble, fast and extremely fishable boat perfect for the kind of fishing you do.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
1/17/18 5:06 PM
IT’S MORE THAN JUST A BOAT. IT’S A LIFESTYLE.
STANDARD FEATURES INCLUDE: Center console command center Abundant bow & floor storage Lowrance® Elite 9 Ti touch 40 gallon rear livewell/baitwell Deluxe lean post w/vertical rod holders 14 gallon console baitwell New upholstery styling ...and much more!
ENGINEERED TO BE THE ULTIMATE BAY BOAT Ultimate in the way you get to the fish, with a durability that is unsurpassed. Engineering this one was a dream come true. We put everything you need right at your fingertips to provide you with a true fishing machine. For additional information please visit SkeeterBoats.com/SX240.
$42,995* 2O18 SX21O WITH
YAMAHA VF15OXA
ACTUAL SALES PRICE DETERMINED BY DEALER. PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE FREIGHT, DEALER PREP & T.T.L.
NATIONALLY ADVERTISED PRICE BEFORE REBATE
$
43,495
+
MANUFACTURER’S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE
$
52,060
u
STANDARD FEATURES INCLUDE: White Pro Series 2 Power-Pole® Abundant bow & floor storage Center console command center 25 gallon rear livewell/baitwell Leaning post with vertical rod holders 14 gallon console baitwell ...and much more! 8” setback plate
THE BEST RIDE AT THE BEST VALUE It’s true you really can have it all without spending it all. The SX210 is just the right fit for any situation. Family fun and weekend getaways make this boat a hero. For additional information please visit SkeeterBoats.com/SX210.
UP TO
INSTANT REBATE
*
LIMITED TIME OFFER INSTANT REBATE APPLIED AT TIME OF FINAL SALE BY DEALER.
VALID JANUARY 1-MARCH 31, 2018
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY Limited Lifetime Structural Warranty 10 Year Limited Transferable Structural Warranty 3 Year Limited Component Warranty
Visit SkeeterBoats.com to locate your nearest Skeeter Dealer. Nationally Advertised Price; actual sales price determined by dealer. Price does not include freight, dealer prep, and T.T.L.. uManufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Prices may vary due to supply, location, freight etc. Actual prices are set by the dealer. *Terms and Conditions: Nationally Advertised Price for 2018 SX210 with $1500 Rebate. Consumer benefit for purchasing a new (unused, not previously warranty registered) eligible MY 2018 and prior boat from 1/1/18- 3/31/18 is an instant rebate applied at time of final sale by dealer, at no extra cost to consumer. Actual rebate amount is determined by model selected. NO BENEFIT SUBSTITUTIONS. Promotion is only applicable from authorized participating Skeeter dealers in the U.S.A. and Canada sold to purchasing consumers residing in the U.S.A. and Canada. Promotion is limited to available stock in dealer inventory that is sold, PDI completed, delivered and warranty registered in accordance with Skeeter’s promotion and warranty registration req uirements during applicable dates. No model substitutions, benefit substitutions, extensions or rain checks will be allowed. Not redeemable for cash. Boats sold or provided for commercial, camp, resort, rental, promotional/ demo, government agency, competition, tournament or sponsorship use are not eligible. This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other Skeeter offer or discounts. Some exceptions may apply. See authorized, participating Skeeter dealer for complete details. Skeeter reserves the right to change or cancel this promotion at any time. Other restrictions and conditions apply. ©2018 Skeeter Products, Inc. All rights reserved. This document contains many of Skeeter’s valuable trademarks. It may also contain trademarks belonging to other companies. Any references to other companies or their products are for identification purposes only, and are not intended to be an endorsement. Remember to observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and ride. Dress properly with a USCG approved flotation device and protective gear. +
LOOK FOR US AT THE MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW AT BOOTH A112 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Rods & Reels
G. LOOMIS/SHIMANO CONQUEST
PENN CONFLICT II
PENN redesigned its smooth and durable Conflict reel to bring anglers the Conflict II, the most lightweight PENN reel ever made. It is a superior reel, perfectly suited to inshore applications. True to its origins, the Conflict II features stealthy cosmetics and a smooth and reliable HT-100 carbon fiber drag system. The RR30 Rigid Resin body and rotor are extremely lightweight and durable, and with the redesign, the Conflict II is 20 percent lighter than the first-generation Conflict. Internally, the Conflict II is updated with PENN’s CNC Gear Technology and high quality stainless steel ball bearings, making it the ultimate PENN inshore reel. With the Superline Spool, no backing is needed because of the rubber gasket that keeps superlines from slipping. Other key features include: Slow Oscillation – Leveline System, 7+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearing system and line capacity rings.
WWW.PENNFISHING.COM
ST. CROIX LEGEND TOURNAMENT INSHORE
8
What do you get when you mix proven G. Loomis rod design with Shimano technology? You get Conquest, a line of 12 awesome bass rods, purposebuilt for different conditions and techniques. The new Conquest series includes eight casting rods with G. Loomis’ original “Mag Bass” fast-action tapers and four “Spin/Jig” fast-action spinning rods. With Shimano’s Spiral X and Hi-Power X processes, the blanks are rolled to exact G. Loomis specifications before being handfinished in G. Loomis’ Woodland, Wash. facility. With this partnership, engineers believe they have produced the most technologically advanced rods on the water. They are lightweight and offer anglers a whole new set of performance standards. Some of the benefits anglers will experience are: more accurate casts, increased fighting power, solid leverage for hook sets and reduced rod twist for rod control and durability. The casting rods are fitted with G. Loomis’ “skeleton” reel seats on full-cork contoured grips. The spinning rods feature split grips and Shimano’s CI4 reel seats. Blank-through-handle design on both versions adds sensitivity, as do the Fuji Torzite guides and a durable SIC Titanium tip guide. Whether you’re pitching jigs in thick cover or prospecting open water for smallies, high-performance Conquest rods will help you catch more bass.
WWW.GLOOMIS.COM
PENN INTERNATIONAL VI
Legend Tournament Inshore rods are the blending of the inimitable sensitivity, power and durability of St Croix’s Legend Tournament Bass and Walleye series with components and technology suited for saltwater environments. With good looks and a high-performance feel, the Legend Tournament Inshore was awarded Best Saltwater rod at ICAST 2017. The eye-catching “Belize Blue” blanks are crafted of SCIV graphite using Integrated Poly Curve tooling technology and engineered to eliminate all transitional points, which fosters smooth action, increased strength and sensitivity. They are surprisingly lightweight, yet durable, and are equipped with a Fuji TVS blank touch reel seat on spinning rods and PTS blank-touch reel seat with builtin hoods on casting models. These new Fuji seats are designed to stand-up to the pressure of hard-fighting inshore species. Kigan Master Hand Zero Tangle guides and a Kigan titanium hook keeper provide 100 percent corrosion protection.
After nearly 15 years, the PENN International big game reel will get a makeover. The reel that has become legendary for fulfilling angler dreams offshore has been refined and modernized to once again redefine big game reels. The PENN International VI series features many upgrades including a weight reduction on key sizes, a new silent anti-reverse and a more refined/ adjustable Dura-Drag system. The new series features 28 models in both gold and silver, single speed and two-speed, wide and narrow. Made in the U.S.A. of domestic and imported components at the historic PENN Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Company building in Philadelphia, the International VI will give anglers the edge in chasing that trophy of a lifetime. Key features include: Machined and anodized aluminum body and side plates, stainless steel main and pinion gears, Quick-Shift II two-speed system, sealed DuraDrag system, Versa-Strike Adjustable Strike stop, double-dog ratchet anti-reverse and line capacity rings.
STCROIXRODS.COM
WWW.PENNFISHING.COM
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Product Reviews
TSUNAMI ARMR
MUD HOLE TURN KEY KITS Avid anglers who want to take their fishing to the next level owe it to themselves to check out Mud Hole Custom Tackle’s rod building kits. They include everything needed for anglers to construct their own high-end custom fishing rods. Mud Hole is offering an amazing value on its Inshore Turnkey Kit, which includes all the tools and materials to build a custom inshore rod perfect for trout and redfish. The kit features the extremely popular and versatile MHX SJ842 rod blank. This 7’0” medium-light power rod features a fast action for throwing soft plastics and topwater lures at wary flats fish. Along with the blank, the kit comes with a matched guide set, handle kit and everything from the CRB wrapper, a CRB rod dryer and ProPaste and ProKote Rod Finish and all the tools needed to craft your own custom rod. Visit www.mudhole.com and check out all our Turn Key Kit options or simply Google: Mud Hole Turnkey.
Super smooth and well built, the Tsunami ARMR is lightweight, high-performance spinning reel available in 3000/4000 and 5000/6000 sizes. The Tsunami ARMR has a sleek design and features
high-end components to provide smooth and durable operation for fighting and casting. The lightweight, solid aluminum body combined with hybrid, corrosion resistant carbon infused side plates and rotor and a double anodized ported aluminum spool are what keep this reel feather light in the hand all day long. Seven high-precision, shielded stainless steel ball bearings allow full support to all free-moving parts during the toughest fight or retrieve after retrieve. The look and feel of the Tsunami ARMR reel, enhanced by a light, durable EVA handle knob and braid-ready spool is what separates these high-performance reels from the competition.
WWW.BIMINIBAYOUTFITTERS.COM
WWW.MUDHOLE.COM
SHIMANO SUSTAIN HOOKER ELECTRIC REELS Hooker Electric continues to raise the bar with the fastest, lightest and best looking electric reels on the market, along with second-to-none customer service. The top seller in 2017 was their 80 motor that features level wind and auto stop, mounted on the Shimano Tiagra 80WA. The auto stop feature allows the angler to set the reel to stop winding at any interval, including just before your terminal tackle reaches the rod tip. With both 12- and 24-volt functionality, there is no need for a converter box. Its full variable speed allows line retrieval at up to 500 feet per minute, which makes checking your bait from 1,800 feet a breeze. It also includes bluetooth connectivity, allowing the angler to control the reel through Hooker Electric’s iPhone app, ReelTime. If you’re feeling sporty, the reel can also be used manually, so you can feel the fight. New for 2018, Hooker Electric now offers custom colors in silver, black, blue and even pink. For more information, go to www.hookerelectric.com or give them a call at 954-530-6908.
WWW.HOOKERELECTRIC.COM
T h e Best New Saltwater Reel winner at ICAST 2017, Shimano’s Sustain might just be the best new spinning reel for freshwater or salt. The Sustain series comes in four sizes suitable for everything from finesse baits for bass, to stripers and even small billfish. In all sizes, the reel’s Hagane aluminum body construction gives it a solid feel, and the Shimano Magnumlite low inertia rotor provides sensitive, light rotation and a light start up, which allows anglers to instantly begin the retrieve. Shimano’s Hagane gear has already made waves in the industry for its incredibly smooth operation. The exclusive technology used to engineer the cold forged aluminum drive also makes it extremely strong and durable. The X-Protect feature, which should be of particular interest to saltwater anglers but is relevant in any wet fishing conditions, is a threelipped rubber seal system that offers exceptional water resistance. With Cross Carbon Drag, eight shielded anti-rust ball bearings, and a one-way roller bearing to stop handle backplay, Shimano went in whole hog to produce these award-winning reels. Whether you fish freshwater or salt, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better spinning reel.
FISH.SHIMANO.COM
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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MOTOR UPGRADES ARE AVAILABLE
Marine Wintertime Blowout $209* mon
G2968 Key Largo 160cc
G2661 Key Largo 1800 cc
40 HP Motor
90 HP Motor
WAS $23,849 NOW $15,999
WAS $37,749 NOW $25,999
$194* mon
90 HP Motor
G3149 Caravelle 16EBo 70 HP Motor
WAS $30,746 NOW $19,799
$299* mon thly
thly
G2849 Key Largo 2000
G2646 Key Largo 210LX
WAS $50,787 NOW $35,990
WAS $59,266 NOW $36,990
150 HP Motor
140 HP Motor
WAS $35,833 NOW $23,999
thly
$279* mon
thly
G3068 Caravelle 19EBo
$164* mon
thly
thly
$377* mon
$306* mon
$368* mon
thly
thly
G3010 Key Largo 220BAY
G3054 Razon 238PF
140 HP Motor
200 HP Motor
WAS $61,517 NOW $39,599
WAS $78,605 NOW $49,599
thly
G3081 Razor 247UR 200 HP Motor
WAS $71,288 NOW $48,499
www.factorydirectmarine.com *payments calculated at 180 months for well qualified buyers with 20% down. Please note: Prices do not include freight, dealer make ready, and rigging. Pictures may not reflect actual unit and/or available inventory. Price and payment do not include sales tax or fees. Not responsible for typographical errors.
Ridgeland, SC, 401 Sycamore Drive, 844-280-9753 | Panama City, FL, 8308 Panama City Beach Pkwy, 844-278-2510 Charlotte, NC | 9204 N Lakebrook Road | 980-267-5597 | Rockwood,TN, 2475 Westel Road, 844-271-9582 Hamburg, PA, 20 Industrial Drive , 844-247-1678 | West Coxsackie, NY, 12634 Route 9 West, 844-276-8649
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All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2017.
$136* mon
For over a century, a league of canned crusaders have been fighting to keep boats safe from barnacles, slime, algae and other aquatic evils that rob your boat of its true performance. With advanced know-how and unique capabilities, each antifouling is tailored to different conditions, and has the power to defeat fouling in all its forms. Micron® Extra leads the charge in all waters. Using its signature dual-protection with boosting Biolux® technology, it provides high-quality, multi-season protection that survives hauling and relaunch without the need for repainting. For super-powered antifouling protection and proven performance, choose Interlux®.
All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2017.
The hero your boat deserves!
8953/1217
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Drifting For
Nighttime Yellowfin On Gulf Floaters
By Nick Carter
Y
ellowfin tuna are some of the most sought after gamefish in the world. They are the ahi tuna on the menus at restaurants and sushi bars, and in the water they have the speed and power to wear down anglers and break gear. The signature “spiral” that tuna commence in the waning moments of a fight is responsible for untold numbers of broken lines and broken hearts. After battling 30 mph runs for 20 minutes or more, the weary angler, captain and crew face one final test, a team effort to survive the spiral and get the fish on deck. These tense moments, when a big yellowfin turns sideways and begins to circle, using its body’s mass as leverage, are the most critical minutes of the fight. If the line even touches the boat, it will snap, and the circling fish provides many opportunities for this to happen. These moments are the reason Randy King, of Paparda Rey Fishing Charters out of Galveston, Texas, says the main limitation on their catch is the ability of the angler. The captain, Kenneth Doxey, is solid. He has been running their 54-foot Bertram and their 35-foot Cabo for more than a decade. He was the 2016 recipient
of the Houston Big Game Fishing Club’s Jim Peachey Award. The crew is also top-notch, which leaves the angler as the potential weak link. The good news is there will likely be multiple opportunities on one of their overnight trips to deep-water oil platforms off Texas. King said a great trip with six anglers would yield a dozen yellowfin tuna in the 40- to 120-pound range, and that doesn’t include the shots anglers will have at mahi-mahi, wahoo, marlin and blackfin tuna. Out of Galveston, it’s 100 miles or more into the Gulf of Mexico to reach the enormous floating gas and oil structures off the edge of the Continental Shelf. These deep-water facilities, known as “floaters,” create their own food chain, consolidating bait and gamefish from miles around. On a typical 36- or 48-hour trip, don’t plan on sleeping much. The floaters are brightly lit at night, which is when the tuna fishing is best. After identifying fish on the sonar, chumming and drift fishing with 30-pound-class tackle is usually the most productive method for yellowfin. “Sometimes the tuna will start breaching,” said King. “They’ll jump in the air like king mackerel.” It’s for these occasions, when fish are on the surface, that big spinning rigs armed with poppers are
kept on deck. Drifting and pulling poppers while chugging back up-current to start a new drift goes on all night long. At dawn, the bait rods come in, and it’s time to start trolling. The primary daylight targets are marlin, sailfish, wahoo and dolphin. Between night and day, it equates to a whole lot of big fish packed into a weekend at sea. It’s a grand adventure, and a meat trip of epic proportions in the Gulf of Mexico. Check out Paparda Rey at www.offshorebiggame.com. Information on the Houston Big Game Fishing Club can be found at www.hbgfc.com.
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1/17/18 5:06 PM
FLORIDA
By Capt. Larry Conley
I
f you’re new to fishing out of the Fort Myers, Fla. area, it can be very technical. It can also be very good. Knowing water depths for a certain fish can help you. Grouper typically reside in the 70- to 120-foot depths, and it changes with the water temps and the time of year. Red snapper will be in depths of 140 feet or more. Lane snapper are great table fare and can be found in 40 to 50 feet or deeper. This year we’ve caught more and bigger lanes than I have seen in eight years. Look for hard bottom areas; learn to use your sonar. If it works as you’re running it helps a lot. Watch your screen continuously as you get past 40 feet of water. I’m not going give out a bunch of numbers, but if you watch the sonar you’re going to find a lot of lane snapper in 45 to 65
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feet of water. As you’re running out, watch for rocky ledges, as they will hold mangrove snapper, gag grouper and white grunts. If I spot a new area as I’m running, I’ll mark it on the GPS and label it “RO.” I’ll know it as a run over. If it looks really good, like a bunch of lanes, I sometimes label it “WOW.” That way I know to look for lanes on a future trip. As I get in 40 feet or so, I’ll watch the radar and sonar more than out in front of the boat, and that’s how I’ve found many new spots. I might not fish them for months out, and I’ll delete the ones that don’t produce. As for bait, squid, threadfin and herring are the best and cheapest. Live shrimp work, but it’s one bite and the shrimp is gone, which adds up. Chum with cut threadfin. Cut them small, as you don’t want to fill the fish up. Just give them a taste to get them interested. A few of the best spots I’ve found are “potholes.” I found them by going slowly from one spot to another, watching the bottom machine. In 74 feet of water, I saw the bottom drop just 2 feet and then come back up after 20 yards to form a pothole. I saw what looked like one fish. One more red grouper was more than I had at the time, so I anchored. It took a few minutes, but the bottom came alive and we caught 15 keeper red grouper! That pothole was one of the best places I ever found. So, I continued looking for places that seemed the same and found about a dozen of these potholes. I keep records of the keepers for each spot on the GPS, and I can’t tell you enough how important those records are. When it gets tough, go to the high-numbered spots. Capt. Larry Conley and Reel-Ality Sportfishing offers inshore, offshore, and deep-sea fishing out of Fort Myers. The Reel-Ality offers various trips as well as tournament charters and is licensed to carry up to 6 passengers. Call 239-980-3880, visit www.reelalitysportfishing.com/ contact.html, and check them out on Facebook.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS - Offer only good on purchase of model listed above through participating stores only (new product only). Your request must be postmarked within 30 days of purchase. We are not responsible for lost or misdirected mail. Limit 1 rebate per product, per person, household, family or address. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer. Valid only for residents of U.S., U.S. territories and Canada. Requests with invalid or undeliverable mailing address will be rejected. Offer limited to end-users only. Requests for multiple rebates from groups, clubs, or organizations will not be honored. Your rebate rights cannot be assigned or transferred, and this offer is void where taxed, restricted or prohibited by law. Keep copies of all materials submitted: originals will not be returned. Warning: Fraudulent submission could result in federal prosecution under mail fraud statutes (Title 18, USC Sections 1341 & 1342). Rebate checks will be mailed in approx. 8-10 weeks. If you have not received your check within 12 weeks, call Customer Service Number: 800-953-3098 or visit Customer Service Website: http://www.status-now.com.
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CANGL_FL1-FL16.indd 1
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1/17/18 11:48 AM
By Capt. Ryan Drygas
A
n early morning departure from Key West Harbor puts the motor vessel Reel Time, a 45-foot Sea Hunter, right in the middle of 8- to 10-foot seas. The owner of the boat has been running sea trials for the last few days and has been comfortable running the boat throughout the trip, but has not yet handled seas of this magnitude. The owner made a decision to pass the helm to Paul Myrtetus, a member of the Sea Hunter team, and told him to start heading north. Myrtetus has been a part of several sea trials and is comfortable running
vessels in all types of conditions. After setting his course, Myrtetus began picking up speed and cutting through the swells. Usually, Myrtetus would be standing at the helm with his back resting on the edge of the seat. However, with the design and hydraulic integration of the Llebroc helm chair, he was more than comfortable running the course while remaining seated. In fact, Paul turned around to see the rest of the crew sitting down, as well. Anyone familiar with running in rough seas will tell you it was an unusual sight. Rough seas make for a rough ride, and the lack of a quality seat can cause back injuries quite easily from bottoming out in a chair. The 45foot Sea Hunter was fitted with Llebroc chairs, and the reasoning is quite obvious. Not only was everyone sitting down while running through 8- to 10-foot seas, they were laughing together, joking and enjoying watching wave after wave crashing over the decks and splashing against the window. After four days and 800 miles on the water, the sea trial was complete. Not only was the owner more than satisfied with his new boat, he was also injury free and has another sea story under his belt. Time after time, Llebroc has stood the test and passed with flying colors. Myrtetus is convinced Llebroc is the industry leader in seating and has helped return clients re-outfit their boats to Llebroc chairs. As a former member of the Coast Guard, I can personally recall stories of running in rough seas and bottoming out in helm chairs. The static and dynamic forces that affect the boat and the people inside are tremendous. Not only can they damage your vessel, but they can also have a lasting effect on your body. The equipment with which you outfit your boat determines the performance of your vessel as well as the enjoyment of your voyage. When looking for a comfortable ride, choose comfort, choose durability, choose Llebroc.
SAME SIZE COMPETITOR, SAME DAY, SAME WATER, SAME CONDITIONS......Head-to-Head.....Action Craft will win! *If there is a more stable 17 footer (87" beam that carries forward with shallow draft and easy to pole), then go buy it! *If there is a 17 footer with more finished surfaces on the boat, then go buy it! *If there is a 17 footer with more storage space and livewells, then go buy it! *If there is a 17 footer with a better ride, then go buy it! *If there is a more stable 19 footer (90" beam that carries forward with shallow draft and easy to pole), then go buy it! *If there is a 19 footer with more finished surfaces on the boat, then go buy it! *If there is a 19 footer with more storage space and livewells, then go buy it! *If there is a 19 footer with a better ride, then go buy it! *If there is a more stable 24 footer (102" beam with shallow draft and higher gunwales), then go buy it! *If there is a 24 footer with more freeboard, then go buy it! *If there is a 24 footer with more storage space and livewells, then go buy it! *If there is a 24 footer with a better ride, then go buy it! Action Craft.....if we are not the very best boat in our size range, then buy the other boat. We are so confident we build the best overall boats in each size range, we are willing to tell people to go buy the others if we are not!
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Big Sheepshead Are The Target
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by Capt. Terry Fisher
ar None’: no other species will be more relevant or prevalent than that of ‘inshore’ sheepshead during the month of February. Undoubtedly, sheepshead will be on the minds of many anglers this month and rightfully so. I am always happy to see February come around, as this is the ‘sure-fire’ month that these fish are here in good numbers and big sizes. Most of my clientele love the opportunity to hook up to a five or sixpound sheepshead on light tackle. These fish put up a good fight and reward the angler with a ‘picture of a lifetime’, not to mention the tasty morsels at the dinner table, as a reward for a job well done. These fish will be found along the mangroves, rocks, oyster bars, large stumps and logs with current flow. Look for them under and around docks with natural or man-made structure. Docks and seawalls lining the passes of Redfish, N. Captiva and Boca Grande will also offer opportunity to catch other species such as, redfish, black drum, snook and jacks due to the stronger incoming and outgoing currents. It matters not whether one fishes an incoming or outgoing tide. Sheepshead, like all other species are more active in moving water. Water movement provides oxygen and brings with it, food for the taking. They basically dine on small crabs and shrimps. I encourage anglers who have never caught or taken the time to target Sheepshead to do so, as when all else fails during the months of January and February, this is the species that will not disappoint. I have had many anglers dismiss my suggestions surrounding the opportunity that the month of February offers regarding these fish. Most seem to think that ‘Winter Sheepshead’ mirror their image of the smaller ones inshore year around, but I am writing to say, ‘that it is a mistake to underestimate the size and fighting ability of BIG SHEEPSHEAD’, especially on light tackle! These fish come in during the winter season to spawn and will only remain a couple of months while the water temperatures are cooler and somewhat consistent with their offshore (reef) habitats. Once spring arrives and inshore water temperatures begin to rise, they will move out. Sheepshead have an uncanny reputation of being hard to catch. Nothing could be further from the truth, if one knows what to do and when to do it. Sheepshead school and will move around within a small arena, slightly changing locations during incoming and outgoing tides. When they move, you move! If they are not biting, move but do not hesitate to revisit the previous location an hour or so later. If they are not under or around a particular dock, find one that they are. When the sheepshead are biting, other species will likely not be. When small sheepshead are biting, it is likely that the larger ones are
not eating, and visa-versa. When little mangrove snapper and pinfish are biting, MOVE! Recognizing a sheepshead bite from another species is the key to understanding how and when to set the hook (or when to move to another location in search of them). Hard hits and redundant nibbles are small mangrove snappers, pinfish or ‘trash’ fish. Light ‘tugs’ or gentle ‘pulls’ are sheepshead. Often, they will pick up the bait and swim away to the left or the right of the initial presentation. Any of these events should trigger the time to remove slack from the line and set the hook. My bait of choice is a small shrimp. Some anglers prefer fiddler crabs but they are more expensive and hard to come by. Use light tackle such as a 3000 to 3500 series reel mounted on a light 7ft. rod (shorter rods make it easier to cast in tight situations under docks and with other anglers on the boat). Use 15lb. test braided line for strength and an instant hook set. Add a 2ft./30lb. leader to the line to prevent cut offs from ledges and barnacles on the dock piles. Tie on a #1 or #2 bait hook and place a #5 or #7 pinch weight on the leader about 8” above the hook (use only enough weight to get a good cast and keep the bait down, as too much weight may prevent seeing or feeling a bite. Place a shrimp or fiddler crab on the hook and cast to your chosen location and you’re in business. February water temperatures will determine ‘other’ species to target. Mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel, seatrout, pompano, jacks and ladyfish will all be here so long as baitfish stay inshore. If water temperatures fall too low, fishing will be really slow for everything except the sheepshead and small mangrove snappers. Everything except sheepshead and mangrove snapper will be found on the grass flats in 4-12 foot of water. All ‘other’ species will hit artificial presentations, but I suggest shrimp suspended under popping corks for best results. Offshore will be weather dependent, but bigger grouper and snapper will move from deeper water closer to the outer islands. Sheepshead will be on the reefs as well. This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters at www.fishfacecharters. com. Call 239-357-6829 or email fishfacecharters@yahoo.com for charter reservations. I am also available as ‘Captain for Hire’ on your vessel (by the hour) for safety, navigational and fishing locations and techniques to insure your every fishing trip is a success.
2 FORT MYERS | FEBRUARY 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
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free fishing expo at Sunshine Ace Hardware in Bonita Springs is attracting fishing enthusiasts with a variety of special guests and activities in one convenient location on February 10th, from 9am4pm. Throughout the day there will be a variety of engaging activities. The line-up of captains and vendors at the event is staggering! You won’t want to miss some of the biggest names in the industry giving seminars covering topics ranging from fishing inshore, offshore, night fishing, tarpon tactics, using lures and more. In addition to the seminars, we will have a demonstration tent for visual representation of all the lures and jigs that will be showcased. We have reeled in representatives from manufacturers including Quantum, Okuma, Savage, Mustad, Pure Fishing, Daiwa, Yo-Zuri, Normark, Shimano, G. Loomis, Coleman, Aquatic Nutrition, Spooltek, DOA, Folsom, Big Rock, TFO Rods. These professionals will demonstrate new products and share their detailed knowledge of the gear on sale. Nowhere else in SWFL will you find such a phenomenal wealth of knowledge on one day available to you for FREE. From Feb 6th-19th all of our stores will be having a big fishing sale, with Bonita Store only offers the day of the event, as well. The day of the event there will be blowout offers on Sunshine Ace’s excellent selection of fishing products as well, and a whole lot of fishing tales to go around. For those who don’t fish, we will also have great deals on items like clothing and accessories. Food sampling from food being cooked on Weber Grills and Big Green Eggs will make you smile and want more. Food will be sold to benefits the local MDA. To attend Sunshine Ace’s third annual fishing expo, just be there to “Reel in the Sunshine” at 9100 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs on Feb 10th. Learn more at www.SunshineAce.com/Reel-in-theSunshine.
4 FORT MYERS | FEBRUARY 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
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areas like marinas, narrow channels, and popular gathering spots, major injuries have not been a big issue, but in a period of three days there were accidents which caused a fatality, a life-threatening injury, and a broken bone. All three involved navigational errors.
Two of the incidents involved PWCs (jet skis) in a high busy area off of Ft Myers Beach, while the other occurred in an area in Northern Lee County. It is well-known that one of the allures of jet skis is that they are fast, along with being highly maneuverable. However, compared to other boats, they are small and offer little protection in the event of a crash. Further complicating matters is the fact that many of the jet skis in the Fort Myers Beach area are rentals, which means that the operators often have minimal experience. Thus, despite the best efforts of the rental companies to prepare renters for the experience, there is a risk factor associated with their operation. The first accident involved a jet skier who was reportedly traveling toward the beach and a pleasure boat that was reportedly traveling parallel to the beach. Navigational rules dictate that when two boats are traveling at an intersecting angle, the boat to the right has the right of way and the other vessel must yield, either by altering course, slowing down, or both. Lost in the flurry of the moment, the jet ski collided with the boat, sending the driver of the jet ski airborne where he made contact with the boat, causing life-threatening injuries. Fortunately, rescuers were able to pull him out of the water and administer first aid, but his ultimate fate is still unknown. A similar incident occurred the following day, resulting in the jet ski operator suffering a broken wrist.
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The fatality involved a boat running aground and attempts to free it, with tragic consequences. The object lesson here is that extra care must be exercised when operating water craft in high traffic areas, with the appropriate reduction in speed and being mindful of other nearby craft. The Lee County Sheriff ’s Marine Unit cautions boaters not to assume anything about the actions of other vessels, especially when it comes to navigational rules and to adhere to channel markers, while also being keenly observant when operating in unfamiliar waters. Doing so won’t prevent all accidents, but could greatly decrease the potential for serious injury.
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6 FORT MYERS | FEBRUARY 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
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Go-To Cooler Weather Practices
by Capt. Dave Stephens
n true Florida fashion our Iroller winter weather has been a coaster ride. We had
a couple weeks of temps in the 80’s. Then Mother Nature reminded us it was winter with several mornings dipping into the 30’s in some areas. This can make for some challenging fishing. The main thing you need to do is slow things down. With the cooler water temps fish don’t want to chase their meals down. The past couple weeks the sheepshead fishing has picked up. The cooler waters school these guys up for the winter spawn. Small crustaceans, such as shrimp and fiddler crabs, are great baits. Fiddler crabs can be hard to find this time of year, so my go-to is shrimp. When targeting these well-known bait thieves, I drop my hook size down to a #2 hook and just enough weight to get to the bottom. Since sheepies are crustacean feeders, you want to be around structure. Areas such as old docks, bridge pilings and rock riff-raff are great places to locate fish. If there’s any advice I can give you to catch more of these striped bait thieves, it would be “set the hook about a second before you feel the bite”. Normally you’re feeling them spit the hook out. The cooler water will also have the trout schooled up. This time of year, I locate more fish in deeper water; sand bars with deep water access & pot holes, deeper creeks and rivers. Also, residential canals will be holding fish. Locating fish in these areas is not the easiest, so you might have to do some looking. If we have some consistent warm weather, look for trout to move out on the flats. During the winter months, shrimp is my go-to bait for trout. In the deeper areas, I like to use a jig head. If I’m looking for fish on the flats I prefer a jig head and a popping cork. If you’re looking to practice using artificial, this is a great time. This time of year, trout will take soft plastics very well. Most redfish that I’ve been catching have been in deeper water. Creeks and rivers have been holding good numbers of reds. Also, the deeper points on mangrove islands have been producing. Like everything else, shrimp seems to be the bait getting the best bites. This time of year, I also use a jig head when targeting reds. Myself, I prefer a chartreuse jig. As far as size, if I’m in a low current shallow water situation I use 1/8oz. If I’m in deep water with heavier current I will jump up to 1/4oz. If you would like to experience some of Southwest Florida’s finest fishing, give us a call, 941-916-5769 or send an email to capt.dstephens@comcast.net. All of our charters are private and customized to fit you and your party’s needs. Capt. Dave Stephens, www.backbayxtremes.com
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Learning Curve by Dan Carns here is a learning curve in kayak fishing, as in most things, T and I’ve been observing this curve with many of my past clients. The curve starts with the basics; where to keep your
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paddle, how to handle a fish kayak side, when should we launch and where. As the months turn to years the curve starts to flatten out, as most people start to repeat the things that make catching fish successful. Part of this learning curve could be the simple act of tying knots. Don’t be intimidated by knot tying, as it will certainly increase your catch rate. Make the time to sit at your picnic table with your electronic pad open and find a knot website. Tie a couple of basic knots, choose simple knots at first, repeat them over and over until you can do it without really thinking about it. Same is true for a particular lure, only this time sit in your kayak in your favorite fishing hole and use the same lure repeatedly until you really understand what tricks excite the fish. This could take twenty or thirty repeat visits or knot tying sessions. The point is that you must learn each and every detail in order to master this sport. Granted, you may not be nearly as fanatical or possessed by fishing as myself or others, but there is a certain level of commitment to the two sports (kayaking and fishing) if you want to be more successful. Kayak anglers tend to be a solitary sort, but it helps to fish in a group and observe what works for other anglers. Group fishing will also shorten your learning curve, as it will expose you to places, fish species, and alternate technics that may have taken you years to learn. I’m a lifelong fisherman who struggled badly when I moved here many years ago, until I hired a guide to take my buddy Jim and I out fishing into Pine Island Sound. While we didn’t catch a lot of fish, our guide clued me in on the habitats, lures, and techniques needed to find fish, including rods, reels, and lines. At this point my learning curve looked like an arrow pointed straight up! Month after month, year after year I practiced what it took to be successful here in SW Florida until my learning curve started to flatten out a bit. I’m lucky enough to fish with folks from around the world and find that still today I’m picking up tricks and tips. Granted, given enough time you can go it alone but if you want to shorten your learning curve, find a local outfitter (Gulf Coast Kayak), take some lessons kayaking, maybe even a water safety course, and fish in a group or hire a local guide!
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 | FEBRUARY 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
Advantages of Going Slow
TM
n addition to the many environmental Iunique benefits mangroves provide, they offer paddling opportunities on the Calusa
Blueway. The moment you glide into a mangrove tunnel, you know you are somewhere special. The wind, bright sun and busy waterways are left behind as your focus shifts to the surrounding environment. The first challenge in the tunnels is to slow down. Paddlers who try to go too fast often get stuck among the prop roots or accidently ram the kayak in front of them. Slowing down helps avoid frustration for yourself and your group and will allow you to see a lot more wildlife. Many of the branches you have to duck under have mangrove crabs scurrying out of sight and Periwinkle snails that just seem to appear out of nowhere. Under the surface blue crabs rest among the oyster clusters while snapper, snook, sheepshead and many other types of fish cruise by. I always tell people to remember to look up when in a tunnel. You may see a wading bird waiting patiently for you to pass by or mangrove skipper butterflies somehow avoiding the spider webs throughout the mangroves. Note: The first paddler through the tunnel finds the majority of the spider webs; another good reason to go slow. The experience of winding through a maze that seems to be going nowhere, but then suddenly opens to a small lake or even the gulf is worth the trip. There are many tunnels throughout the Calusa Blueway, but here are three that are easily accessible and have paddle outfitters nearby. San Carlos Bay / Bunche Beach – A few tunnels to choose from at this location. The outfitter on site, Kayak Excursions, leads tours or will provide maps. Tarpon Bay / Sanibel – Commodore Creek has a numbered trail and is wide enough that kayaks and SUPs can pass each other. Tarpon Bay Explorers provides tours and rentals. Buck Key - This is a relatively long tunnel packed with wildlife. Adventure Sea Kayak and SUP has rentals and tours launching from Tween Waters Inn Island Resort. Paddlers with their own equipment can launch from Turner Beach and head into Blind Pass and north towards Buck Key. Whether you visit one of these mangrove tunnels or find your own, you are sure to have an up-close experience with nature you will not forget. 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.
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FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | FEBRUARY 2018 | FORT MYERS 9
Always a Bright Side
by John Cassani
ebruary is hopefully the last Ftemperatures. month for potentially very cold It’s been a tough winter
season for manatees in southwest Florida due to the persistent red tide blooms in coastal and back bay areas and unusually cold temperatures in January. Unfortunately, manatee mortality from boat collisions is also a threat and Lee County leads the state again this past year in that category. Please follow manatee speed zone regulations and stay alert to manatees in distress that may not be able to avoid collisions with boats due to the stress of red tide toxins or cold snaps. Report manatees in distress or mortalities to the FWC Wildlife Alert number 1-888-404-3922. Perhaps one positive outcome to plummeting water temperatures is the sensitivity of tropical exotic fishes that cannot tolerate the cold water. Fish kills of African cichlids and walking catfish have been reported from various coastal areas. Reducing the populations size of any invasive exotic fish is generally considered beneficial. Please report fish kills or algae blooms to the Calusa Waterkeeper at 239-444-8584. Also consider joining our network of volunteer Rangers. For more information visit us on Facebook or on the web at www.calusawaterkeeper.org.
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10 FORT MYERS | FEBRUARY 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
Nex Amotr to Pizzae
Two Markos are Better Than One
by Capt. James Marko
y little brother was visiting home for M the holidays and I decided to take him out for a quick fishing adventure.
My brother, Jonah, is a full-time student-athlete in Ohio. After a long, cold football season I had to make sure he came back to his Floridian roots by getting him back on the water. First, we headed west to North Captiva to get our bait, anything four pounds or less was getting released, as the species we were targeting have larger appetites. On the menu, twelve healthy Jack Crevalles. Our first bait that we dropped in at North Captiva Pass only lasted 3 minutes on the bottom. We hooked into something big on the bottom, my guess was a shark or Goliath Grouper. Jonah grabbed the rod and let the reel scream for about ten minutes, while it took him for a ride. After another twenty minutes of fighting, we finally saw what was on the other end of the line. A large nurse shark who was an experienced counter-angler. This fish was so powerful that it began pulling our boat in the opposite direction of where we were anchored. We handed our anchor off to nearby boaters while continuing to reel in the
shark. We were finally able to beach the boat safely and have a successful release. We traveled back to finish our day by trying our hand at a Goliath. My brother proceeded to hook a bait through its tail and drop it two feet above the ocean floor. And there we are, waiting for a Goliath to initiate contact. As soon as Jonah let his guard down to grab his lunch, the rod was pressed all the way against the boat. Now the race begins. He braced himself while I slowly reversed away from the hole. The boat and I did our parts, now it was up to Jonah to bring the fish to the surface. After a grueling thirty-fiveminute fight with the beast, the Goliath was final revealed. As most local people are aware, the Goliath Grouper species is protected, so it is illegal to bring one out of their natural habitat. We began to slowly make our way towards the nearby shore to get closer to the fish. I quickly beached and secured the boat with my Power Poles and we hopped in the water. I was able to de-hook the fish as we answered some questions about the Goliath Grouper to some people enjoying the beach who took an interest and made their way over after watching us slowly come ashore, fish in tow. We took our picture with our trophy to remember it and safely released it back to the depths. 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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Get the Most from your Fishing Magazines
with before you try the local way. You might have the best lure or style ever used there.
by Fishin’ Frank agazines like Coastal Angler can give you insights into M what and when the next hot bite will be. When you read a report from north of you and the fish are really hitting along
the gulf and the water temp starts to drop, it is most likely that the fish will start to move south, and just the opposite cold weather getting warmer will start the fish moving from the south back north, so don’t just read your area, check out other areas to see what is coming your way. I also suggest that if you want to know the next big flats lure, read some fresh water fishing articles. Why fresh water? Because almost everything crosses over. As I was traveling Europe selling fishing tackle, I found myself trying to fish many places I had never seen or even heard of, some fresh and some saltwater. With no time to learn the water and the different fish and new lures and styles, I decided to just do what I knew how to do. I would get to the water, lake, river, coastal shoreline and look to see water color and movement, temperature, currents eddies, weather conditions all helped me pick the lures, I thought would be good for that. As no one ever told the fish they were a freshwater or saltwater fish, all the fish knew is they were hungry fish, so I did very well. When I did not catch fish, and had the time, I would find out what the locals used and how they used it. But to be truthful in a humble brag, I often out-fished, out caught the locals and they were asking me what I was using and doing. So, use what you know and are good
Many times, a “new” lure which those fish have not seen before is very likely to be very interesting. Maybe the fish strike it to kill a new species or hey, like a new candy bar in the store, just would like to try something different. Cross-over lures and rigs from fresh to salt is nothing new, but we tend to give rigs different names. A Knocker rig for grouper fishing is the same as a Texas rig for bass fishing, and a Carolina rig as a saltwater slip sinker rig. I can name two lures that go from fresh to salt easily. Number 1- the Storm twitch stick, which was invented for the Canadian Bass fishing market but catches everything in saltwater from snook to king mackerel. We have sold thousands upon thousands of twitch sticks and is the #1 snook catching lure in the history of our store. That was an accidental find. Then take one of the best, best known top water lures- the Hula Popper. There is no better top water popper ever made than for freshwater, saltwater flats, or open gulf- fish love them. Please visit https://coastalanglermag.com/fort-myers/ to read Frank’s complete article. 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
12 FORT MYERS | FEBRUARY 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
Adventures in Boating pt. 2
by Tiffany Packard
We got out Sas uccess(ish)! on the water and it is glorious as I thought!
Wind in my hair, the sun is shining…a little nervous so we don’t go too far, lucky for us… We were fishing in shallow water and had to bring the trim up so we didn’t get stuck. As we are packing up to leave, the trim will not go down. Luckily, we didn’t have the entire prop out of the water so we were able to limp back slowly. We still had some bait left and decided to pull off close to the mangroves, near the inlet through which we had to return. We fished, but nothing was biting except for sting rays and catfish- NOT what we had in mind. The sun is setting so we pull the anchor and low and behold the boat will not start. I am nothing close to mechanically inclined, so I have no clue what the problem is. All I know is I am so close to home I could probably swim back at this point and was about ready
to call Sea Tow. FINALLY, the motor started after several frantic calls to some boating friends and my new best friend, the boat mechanic. Apparently two-stroke engines are a bit temperamental-just what I need! Wouldn’t you know as we start to move the trim rights itself magically and we are good to go. Ah, it feels good when stuff works! Docking the boat only took three or four attempts and never mind we almost completely took out the dock in the process. I heard later my neighbors were watching, while cringing and laughing at the same time - thanks for the help my friends! The day could best be described as frantic episodes of panic, driven rage sprinkled with brief interludes of peace and serenity with good friends and family. Maiden voyage complete but NOT a complete success. Again, I may not be the one to call if you have mechanical trouble or for the best fishing spots…BUT if you are looking for a gorgeous home to park your treasured vessel behind, I’m your girl! Call me today to begin your Real Estate Journey! 239-989-3198 or email me at Tiffany@ MiloffAubuchonRealty. com Signed, Tiffany Packard Waterfront Property Expert and Novice Boater
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Tiffany@MiloffAubuchonRealty.com | 239.989.3198 FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | FEBRUARY 2018 | FORT MYERS 13
February Tips by Capt. Bart Marx ebruary in Southwest Florida there FLooking are plenty of species to target. offshore the sheepshead and
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flounder will be in the shallow waters of the Gulf out to 40-45 feet of water. They love the cold waters this time of year, moving out to spawn, and when you find them the action is awesome. The sheepshead is very sneaky; they pick the baits off your hook. I have been told that you need to set the hook just before they bite, yea. They will eat shrimp and most any crunchy bait. Using circle hooks, it seems that they come in buttoned about half way to the boat. I think it is because of the plate of crunchers they have. The hook cannot penetrate it. I use 1/0 inline VMC circles and they seem to do the job staying hooked up. Then you got your flounder that love shrimp. These flat fish can be caught out to the 50-foot line too. They like to lay on the upside of the small hard bottom ledges that are covered with sand. When you find them, they give a good fight and are some anglers favorite seafood. They are good table fare as the flesh is very mild, unlike mackerel. Yeah, you may find Spanish mackerel attacking your bait as you drop or retrieve it, they have teeth that will cut 20lb. leader. In these same areas, you will find lanes and mangrove snapper, along with grunts, porgies, and triggers. So, on the groupers it is a wait and see what the State of Florida is going to do about opening them to harvest. For those that go out deep enough to find red snapper the State is changing some things so they can collect fish catch numbers for the private sector. So, keep your ears and eyes open for the new regulations. They are making it harder and harder to keep up with the changes. With that said I mostly fish State waters any way, even when it is for my fresh fish dinner. Enough about that. Let’s take a look at the inshore fishing this month. Black drum can be found along the pilings of docks and bridges in SW Florida. They will eat some blue crabs, broken in half and placed near the bottom close to pilings. It may be best if you use a 30 or 40lb. class setup. The guys can be found in the XL size and they can pull too. Black drum is good to eat; I like the smaller ones, 16 to 18 inches for eating. This is a great time for your pompano too. They will jump in your wake as you travel along the edges of the bars. They come through the passes where jigging for them is productive to harvest them. They will hit small jigs, some like to tip it with a small piece of shrimp to sweeten it up. The trout action should be in action. Try using a fly rod with a top-water popper to target these guys. It is fun and an 8-weight rig will get the job done. And if you like to search for cobia this month, you can travel along the edges of the sand bars and spot these brown tackle testers. If you see one, they like live anything, pin fish to shrimp, just hook your fresh bait and get it in the line of sight and let the live bait do its thing swimming around. Okay a teachable moment DO NOT set the hook till you FEEL the fish on the line, this will save a lot of heart ache.
Or you could give Capt. Bart Marx a call 941-979-6517 or e-mail him at captbart@alphaomegacharters.com to help you with your angling skills. So always remember singing drags and tight lines make me smile. <*(((((>{
14 FORT MYERS | FEBRUARY 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | FEBRUARY 2018 | FORT MYERS 15
3771 Palm Beach Blvd. Ft. Myers, FL (239) 694-2185
MATLACHA
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fishfacecharters@yahoo.com 239-357-6829
Fort Myers Tides - Feb/2018
Matlacha Pass Tides - Feb/2018
26째39'N 81째52'W
26째38'N 82째4'W
DATE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Thu Fri
HIGH AM
2:13 3:04
Sat
3:55
Mon
5:46
Sun
4:47
Tue
6:58
Thu
10:51
Wed
8:38
ft
1.9
1.8
LOW PM
4:34 4:58
1.6
5:23
1.2
6:23
1.4
5:51
0.9
6:59
0.7
8:33
0.8
7:42
9
Fri
12:44 9:32
10
Sat
1:46 10:33
11
Sun
2:23 11:29
12
Mon
2:50
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Tue
12:18
Thu
1:39
Wed
1:00
Fri
2:16
Sat
2:54
Mon
4:19
Wed
6:14
Fri
9:57
Sun
3:34
Tue
5:11
Thu
7:41
Sat
25
Sun
26
Mon
27 28
Tue
Wed
1.6
3:12
1.6
3:40
1.6
4:08
1.4
4:55
1.1
6:02
1.6
3:27
1.6
3:52
1.5
4:29
1.3
5:26
0.9
6:46
0.8
7:42 8:51 10:11 2:14 11:27 2:37
12:32
1.8
2:59
ft
1.0
1.0
AM
10:35 11:11
1.1
11:45
1.3
12:34
1.2 1.4
1:46
1.4
1.4
0.8 1.5
0.9 1.5
ft
-0.7
-0.5
DATE
PM
9:34 10:31
-0.3
11:30
0.3
12:48
12:17
0.2
1:19
4:26
0.0
5:39
3:05
ft
0.6
0.5
RISE
SET
7:11
6:12
7:10
6:13
0.4
7:10
6:13
0.1
7:09
6:15
-0.1
7:09
6:14
0.3
7:08
6:16
2:33
0.7
7:07
6:17
-0.1
3:33
0.8
7:06
6:18
0.1
1:53
0.5
7:08
6:16
6:39
-0.3
4:54
0.9
7:06
6:18
1.0 1.5
7:29
-0.4
6:05
0.9
7:05
6:19
1.0
8:11
7:00
1.0
8:47
-0.4
0.8
7:04
6:20
1.0
9:19
8:21
1.0
9:47
-0.4
1.1
10:14
-0.3
9:36
1.2
10:39
1.4
11:33
1.5
12:55
1.3 1.5
11:06
1.6
2:07
1.7
4:59
1.6
3:31
-0.4
7:43
-0.4
8:58
-0.3
10:17
0.0
11:55
-0.1
11:03 12:03
0.1
12:33
-0.1
1:35
-0.0
1:04
-0.2
0.8
7:03
6:21
0.6
7:02
6:22
0.7 0.5
7:03 7:01
6:21 6:23
0.3
7:00
6:23
0.1
6:59
6:24
0.2
6:59
6:24
0.2
6:58
6:25
0.6
6:56
6:26
6:54
6:28
0.4
0.7
6:57
6:55
6:26
6:27
6:15
1.0 1.8
-0.4
6:53
6:28
7:17
-0.5
5:52
0.9
6:52
6:29
8:09 8:53
-0.6
7:04
1.1
0.8
6:51
6:29
1.7
1.1
-0.6
8:02
0.6
6:50
6:30
MOON
HIGH AM
3:29
ft
1.4
LOW PM
5:32
ft
0.7
AM
11:40
ft
-0.4
PM
10:34
1
Thu
2
Fri
4:20
1.2
6:01
0.8
12:10 11:32
Sat
5:11
1.1
6:31
0.8
12:38
Mon
7:02
0.7
7:34
Wed
9:43
0.4
8:54
3 4 5 6 7 8
Sun
6:03
Tue
8:13
Thu
11:18
0.9
7:01
0.5
8:11
0.3
9:44
Fri
12:40 10:41
10
Sat
1:46 11:40
11
Sun
2:38
9
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Mon
12:36
Wed
2:09
Fri
3:30
Tue
1:25
Thu
2:50
Sat
4:11
Mon
5:39
Wed
7:34
Fri
10:57
Sun
4:53
Tue
6:30
Thu
9:02
0.9
3:21
1.0
4:23
1.1
5:03
1.0
3:56
1.1
4:45
1.0
5:21
0.9
6:09
0.6
7:21
1.0
5:42
0.7
6:42
0.4
8:07
0.3
9:03
24
Sat
12:37 10:10
25
Sun
1:48 11:25
26
Mon
2:39
27 28
Tue
Wed
16 FORT MYERS | FEBRUARY 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
12:38 1:43
1.2
1.2
3:19 3:52
0.8
12:29
0.9
2:36
0.9
1:30
0.9
3:53
0.0
1:04
-0.1
1:31
-0.1
2:39
-0.1
2:02
ft
0.2
-0.3 0.1
RISE
SET
7:10
6:11
7:10
6:12
-0.2
7:09
6:13
-0.1
7:08
6:14
0.0
7:07
6:16
-0.2
-0.0
7:09
7:07
6:13
6:15
5:21
-0.2
3:22
0.1
7:06
6:16
6:45
-0.3
4:16
0.2
7:05
6:17
0.4 0.9
0.5
9:26
0.9
0.3 0.9
7:51
-0.4
5:18
0.2
7:05
6:18
0.4
8:43
-0.4
6:25
0.2
7:04
6:18
0.5
10:03
-0.4
8:22
0.2
7:03
6:20
0.6
10:58
-0.3
9:51
0.7
11:32
0.9
12:00
1.1
1:49
0.6
10:34
0.7
11:16
0.8
11:50
1.0
12:50
1.1
3:05
-0.5
7:28
-0.4
9:09
-0.3
10:33
-0.3
11:15
-0.0
12:12
-0.1
1:13
-0.2 -0.1
12:40
-0.1
1:52
0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1
7:03 7:02 7:01 7:00
6:19 6:20 6:21
6:22
0.0
6:59
6:22
-0.2
6:58
6:24
-0.1
-0.0 0.1
6:59 6:57
6:56
6:55
6:23 6:24
6:25
6:26
4:46
-0.1
2:37
0.2
6:54
6:26
6:30
-0.2
3:35
0.3
6:53
6:27
0.5 1.2
0.6
9:23
1.2
0.4 1.2
7:44
-0.3
4:51
0.3
6:52
6:27
0.5
8:38
-0.4
6:17
0.4
6:51
6:28
0.7
10:00
-0.4
8:45
0.2
6:50
6:29
-0.4
7:37
0.3
6:50
6:29
MOON
PUNTA GORDA/
SANIBEL/CAPTIVA
CHARLOTTE HARBOR Punta Gorda, Charlotte Harbor Tides - Feb/2018
Captiva Island (outside) Tides - Feb/2018
26°56'N 82°4'W
26°29'N 82°11'W
DATE 1 2
Thu
HIGH ft 2.5
1:55
1.9
2:48
1.3
3:56
Fri
12:01
Sun
1:44
Tue
3:55
Sat
12:52
Mon
2:43
7
Wed
5:35
8
Thu
9
3 4 5 6
10 11
LOW
AM
PM
1:31
1.0
5:30
1.9
12:30 10:37
Fri
9:41
1.1
6:29
2.0
1:43 11:37
Sat
10:43
1.2
7:30
2.0
2:43
Sun
11:20 11:47
1.3 1.4
8:26 9:15
12:24 10:36
15
Thu
12:37 11:13
Fri
12:49 11:51
23 24 25 26 27 28
9:23
7:48
Wed
22
1.9
4:39
14
21
8:21
1.1
12:09 9:57
20
1.6
3:20
Tue
19
7:15
1.6
Mon
18
6:39
1.4
2:20
13
17
1.3
AM
2.2
12
16
ft
Sat
Sun
1:05 12:31
Mon
1:16
Wed
3:11
Fri
6:54
Tue
Thu
2:08 4:38
Sat
Sun
1:26
1.7
2:23
1.9
1:52
1.5
2:59
1.1
4:39
1.2
3:43 5:48 7:08
Mon
11:11
Wed
11:56
Tue
2.1
11:34
1.4
8:24
1.5
10:26
1.4
9:29
1.5
7:49
1.8
8:52
1.9
9:57
2.1
3:33
1.4 2.2
2.2
1.4 2.2 1.4 2.2
ft
-0.9
PM
5:38
-0.7
6:35
-0.1
8:38
0.4
11:09
-0.4 0.2
ft
0.8
7:34
-0.4
6:13
2
6:15
4
1.2
7:09
6:16
7:08
6:17
7:08
6:16
7:07
6:18
7:06
6:18
7:06
6:19
3 5 6 7 8 9 10
Fri
2:36 3:27
Sat
4:18
Mon
6:09
Sun
5:10
Tue
7:21
Thu
11:14
Wed
1.9
1.8
9:01
LOW PM
4:57 5:21
1.6
5:46
1.2
6:46
1.4
6:14
0.9
7:22
0.8
0.7
8:05 8:56
Fri
1:07 9:55
Sat
2:09 10:56
-0.6
3:04
6:20
11
Sun
4:51
-0.6
3:47
1.0
2:46 11:52
7:04
6:21
12
Mon
3:13
5:23
-0.6
4:25
0.9
7:03
6:22
14
5:51
-0.5
5:02
0.8
7:02
6:22
4:15
1.2 1.1
-0.5
5:40
0.6
6:43 7:10
-0.3
6:21
1.7
0.5
2.0
8:07
2.2
9:08
2.3
1:03
2.4
3:21
2.5
4:57
1.8
7:37
2.1
8:37
2.2
9:39
2.5
6:14
ft
2:09
6:18
2.3
7:10
Thu
HIGH AM
-0.5
1.5 2.2
1.6
1
7:10
0.2
12:58
6:13
DATE
7:11
0.0 0.9
-0.2 1.1
7:11
MOON
0.4
0.3
0.7
SET
0.6 0.5
9:50
RISE
2:19 4:13
-0.2
7:07
0.0
7:59
0.5
10:11
0.2 0.8
11:35
-0.7
1:56
-0.8
4:06
-0.8
1.2
3:08
1.1
0.9
Now Factory Direct Fort Myers to Tampa
High end models to entry level models
7:01
6:24
6:58
-0.3 -0.5
6:23
0.1
-0.1
6:20
7:01 7:00
-0.0
1.0
7:04
0.3
0.2
8:59
7:05
6:59 6:57 6:56 6:55
6:24
6:25 6:26 6:26 6:27 6:28
6:54
6:28
6:53
6:29
6:54 6:52
6:51
6:29 6:30
6:30
13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Tue
12:41
Thu
2:02
Sat
3:17
Mon
4:42
Wed
6:37
Fri
10:20
Wed
1:23
Fri
2:39
Sun
3:57
Tue
5:34
Thu
8:04
Sat
1.6
3:35
1.6
4:03
1.6
4:31
1.4
5:18
1.1
6:25
0.8
8:05
1.6
3:50
1.6
4:15
1.5
4:52
1.3
5:49
0.9
7:09 9:14 10:34
25
Sun
26
Mon
2:37 11:50
27
Tue
3:00
28
Wed
12:55
1.8
3:22
ft
1.0
1.0
AM
10:34 11:10
ft
-0.7
-0.5
PM
9:33 10:30
1.1
11:44
-0.3
11:29
1.3
12:33
0.3
12:47
1.2 1.4
1:45
1.4
1.4
0.8 1.5
0.9 1.5
12:16
0.2
1:18
4:25
0.0
5:38
3:04
ft
0.6
0.5
RISE
SET
7:11
6:11
7:11
0.4
7:10
0.1
7:09
-0.1
7:10
6:12
6:13
6:14
6:14
0.3
7:09
6:15
2:32
0.7
7:07
6:17
-0.1
3:32
0.8
7:07
6:17
0.1
1:52
0.5
7:08
6:16
6:38
-0.3
4:53
0.9
7:06
6:18
1.0 1.5
1.0
8:46
7:28
-0.4
6:04
0.9
7:05
6:19
1.0
8:10
-0.4
6:59
0.8
7:04
6:19
1.0
9:18
-0.4
8:20
0.7
7:03
6:21
1.1
10:13
-0.3
9:35
1.0
9:46
-0.4
7:42
-0.4
8:57
-0.3
10:16
1.2
10:38
1.4
11:32
1.5
12:54
1.6
3:30
1.7
6:14
1.0 1.8
-0.4
7:16
-0.5
5:51
8:08
7:03
1.1
8:52
-0.6
1.3 1.5 1.6
1.7
1.1
11:05
2:06 4:58
-0.1 0.0
11:02 11:54 12:02
0.1
12:32
-0.1
1:34
-0.0
1:03
-0.2
-0.6
8:01
0.8
0.6 0.5
0.3
0.2
0.1
7:04
7:02 7:01
7:00
7:00
6:59
6:20
6:22 6:22
6:23
6:24
6:24
0.2
6:58
6:25
0.6
6:56
6:26
0.4
0.7
6:57
6:25
6:55
6:27
6:53
6:28
0.9
6:52
6:29
0.8
6:51
6:29
0.6
6:54
6:50
MOON
6:27
6:30
The perfect combination of a Texas st yle boat and a Florida st yle boat with seating for 5.
A boat for every wallet
Action Craft 2050 GCX (Gulf Coast Crossover) Action Craft Rebel 17cc
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239-574-7800 www.ActionCraft.com Action Craft is pleased to present our affordable family and fishing friendly 17 Rebel CC. facebook.com/ActionCraftHighPerformanceFishingBoats FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | FEBRUARY 2018 | FORT MYERS 17
DOWNTOWN PUNTA GORDA - MARCH 8-11, 2018
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www.PuntaGordaBoatShow.com 18 FORT MYERS | FEBRUARY 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
Someone Hit the Light Switch
by Capt. Mike Manis
ypically, February is an extension of the T previous two months, in that cooler north winds and low tides provide some decent
backcountry sand hole opportunities. This is where redfish and spotted sea trout drop into the shallow depressions on the lower tides waiting for water to come back onto the flat. It’s not unusual to see quite a few shallow running skiffs and airboats working some of the more popular areas. Places like Gasparilla Sound and Bull Bay hold good fish and are easily accessible from close by ramps. In particular, Bull Bay fishes well on these tides. On any given year, this month has the potential to start out resembling winter, but can end up feeling like someone hit the light switch and all of a sudden it feels like summer. It’s like, what happened to spring? With that being said, it’s also not unusual to get a good cold snap in March. I guess the point is that as February winds down and transitions into spring, you just never know what kind of weather, with the exception of wind, that we’re going to see around Charlotte Harbor. In the sound, I like fishing out of Pineland or the Bokeelia boat ramp and hanging
tight to the western edge of the Pine Island shoreline in order to hide from the wind. In Lemon Bay, I like the flats adjacent to and north of Buck Creek. These also provide protection from a strong northeast wind. Later in the month, when it typically warms up, I like to turn my attention towards lee shorelines adjacent to creeks and deeper cuts. Matlacha is one of my favorite spots and the shoreline outside Big Dead Creek and down through Buzzard Bay is well protected from the winds that come out of the north in early spring and the deeper water with strong current hold redfish, spotted sea trout and snook. The open harbor and adjacent bar systems also hold potential as winter winds down. Pompano are still on the bars, like the one that runs the length of the West Wall and down onto Cape Haze Point. Spanish mackerel are scattered throughout the harbor, mixed in with lots of ladyfish outside the bars, working the schools of glass minnows. Sheepshead are under the Boca Grande and Placida trestles in good numbers. This is a great spot to fish with or without a boat. Lastly, area canal systems can also be good. The perimeter canals of both Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte hold lots of species. Redfish, black drum, spotted sea trout, and snook hang close to the cement seawalls that hold heat from the afternoon sun. Corner spots are prime as that is where current moves the fastest. 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.
FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | FEBRUARY 2018 | FORT MYERS 19
20 FORT MYERS | FEBRUARY 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
Plenty of Fish Around ow that we are well into N 2018 and winter is half over, we are having to work
by Capt. Sam Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Briant
harder to find fish. As with January, the tides tend to be running about as low as they will be all year. Because of this, if you are working Pine Island Sound, be extremely careful where you run. The sand bars will be shallower than you expect or are used to in the summer. Thus, it is still a good month to explore. With the water temperatures, very close to the coldest they will be a; year, the sheepshead should be well entrenched in the creeks and canals or around the oyster bars. If you want to target sheepshead, I would take a small hook and put it under a cork with a tiny piece of shrimp. I would then float it along the shoreline as close as you can get it, under the tree overhangs. Oyster bars can be worked essentially the same way. Float your bait over and around the bars using the tide to your advantage. Watch how the water runs over and around the bar, then work it to your advantage. You may even get lucky and pick up a trout or something else that is feeding on the shoreline or oyster shells. Trout as always are our main stay. They should be found in water from 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6 feet over grass if you can find it. I know that with the colder water, the grass tends to die back; however, there should still be plenty left for the trout to be feeding over. Best baits this time of year would be shrimp or grub tails bounced off the bottom very slowly. The grass flats will heat up faster due to the dark background. Snook are defiantly well up the creeks. They will still feed if you can find minnows. They work better than shrimp, which is my second choice. Snook season remains closed so unless you really need to catch one, I would recommend letting them rest. We over fish them enough during the 5 months they are open. Spanish mackerel continue to hang around the passes and back in Pine Island Sound. If you see sea gulls and pelicans working an area, it is always a good thing to check it out. It is a good possibility that you will either find Spanish or ladyfish. Either one is fun to catch unless you are looking for food then you will want the Spanish. Stay warm and off the sand bars. Good luck till next month, Capt. Sam.
Celebrating 45 Years in Business!
Capt. Sam is a local licensed guide for hire who may be reached at 239-994-1495 or captainobriant@gmail.com FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | FEBRUARY 2018 | FORT MYERS 21
22 FORT MYERS | FEBRUARY 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | FEBRUARY 2018 | FORT MYERS 23
The Best Angler Photos From Southwest Florida!
83 YO Richard Klenke told Capt. Tom w/ TnT Charters, “Don’t touch that rod”.
February Red while out w/ Capt. Mike Manis
Matt Enke w/ a 40+” redfish, caught at Blind Pass on a ladyfish tail
Davis Cook thought he had hooked a rock! 50+” & 50+ pds in a Naples Bay inlet.
David Walls of Palmetto w/ a nice 40” flats cobia.
Melissa, Phil and kids from NY enjoyed a great day on Redfish Rob’s Charters showing off their slot redfish.
Photos submitted courtesy of: Capt. Bart Marx Capt. James Marko Capt. Larry Conley Capt. Mike Manis
Capt. Neil Eisner Capt. Terry Fisher Capt. Dave Stephens
24 FORT MYERS | FEBRUARY 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
Brian Butts caught a 31.5” Red out of Sanibel on a paddleboard
Greg Jackman w/ a fat 30” golden snook caught inshore in Bokeelia. Gotta love it here in paradise!
Steven Phillips and a beautiful Osceola turkey!
Text your fish pics to 239-595-8265 or email them to camftmyers@gmail.com. Please include your name, type, size, and location where fish was caught and we will do our best to get you on the board.
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CANGL_FL1-FL16.indd 9
FEBRUARY 2018
FLORIDA
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1/17/18 11:48 AM
Progressive Miami International Boat Show Drops Anchor Feb. 15-19
G
et ready to experience the five biggest days in boating, when the 2018 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show fills up the Miami Marine Park & Stadium with newest and best in boating Feb. 15-19. New Sail and VIP areas will enhance this year’s show, which will be held over President’s Day weekend. Now in its 77th year, the event is expected to draw an estimated 100,000 boating enthusiasts. This year, sail will join power in one location, creating the ultimate destination for boat lovers from around the globe. The Progressive Insurance Strictly Sail Miami moves to Miami Marine Stadium, where boaters and sailors alike will have the opportunity to browse, board and buy more than 1,400 boats in-water and on-land on Virginia Key. From sport fishing boats and high performance boats to personal watercraft and wake sport boats, family cruisers, sailboats and luxury yachts, there is something for every lifestyle and budget. The latest marine technology and fishing accessories will also be on display, making the Miami Boat Show a can’t miss winter destination for those with a taste for life on the water. “Miami’s favorite Boat Show is back, bringing the best in boating and accessories from around the globe,” said Larry Berryman, manager for the 2018 show. “We have all new boats—including worldwide model debuts, more yachts and larger boats than ever before, and every leading boat brand and major engine manufacturer on site. There truly is something for every lifestyle and budget. ” Compare and try before you buy! If
you’re looking to get out on the water, the Miami Boat Show will offer sea trials, where interested shoppers can take the boat of their dreams for a spin in Miami’s open waters. This year, more boat exhibitors will participate, giving boat buyers a chance to testdrive a number of options to find the perfect fit. In addition, following last year’s popular sold-out on-water boating skills workshops, the show will offer its Discover Boating Hands-On Skills Training with more daily power boating and sailing courses. Space is limited; advance registration is recommended. “Center console and sport fishing boats are the bread and butter of our show,” said Berryman. “Buyers will be able to go for a ride on the water and then browse thousands of marine products and accessories featuring the latest innovations and cutting-edge technologies, as well as an entire tent dedicated to fishing.” Attendees seeking the VIP treatment will have access to the new, all-inclusive VIP experience, which includes one-day entry to the show and all its features, as well as complimentary food, drink and entertainment within an exclusive luxury VIP deck offering unparalleled views of Miami and the show. Travel to the show by land or sea! With the streamlining of the show’s venues into one location also comes the streamlining of transportation options. The Miami Boat Show will offer seamless transportation to and from Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin by water taxi and shuttle bus, and include more convenient parking options on Virginia Key. www.miamiboatshow.com
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M
y day started like any other, another early morning shark charter. My clients, two Canadian men on vacation, had no idea about what they were about to encounter. If you aren’t familiar with the migration patterns in Boca Grande, on Florida’s west coast near Fort Myers, sharks follow the yearly tarpon migration starting in mid-spring. The day began with us running roughly 3 miles offshore toward a trough that has been known to hold sharks. I did some rigging and got our baits in the water. Shark fishing is often a waiting game, and so our wait began. It didn’t last long. Within five minutes the Okuma 8000 Series was screaming from the rod holder, with no end in sight. The adrenaline started pumping, and I immediately started pulling up the anchor and prepared for a serious fight with a serious fish. With the boat in position, we started the chase. Airline_Ad_CoastalAngler_8-1-14_Layout 8/1/14I 1:14 PM motor, Page 1 and the fight When we finally caught up to the1shark, cut the
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was on. The next two hours were full of reeling, swear words and sweat. We were dragged over 3 miles of ocean. With my clients at the point of exhaustion, it seemed that the shark was ready to give in, but not without one last run. Finally, we saw gray on the surface. With the shark next to the boat, I recognized it was a spinner shark. I immediately noted that this shark was huge for its species. Spinners are known to be jumpers, but this shark never breached the surface because of its size. My mind went right to the IGFA record. Thankfully, I had enough cell signal to Google the current record, even after the shark dragged us further offshore. The record was 205 pounds. I knew this shark was bigger than that. I made some quick phone calls and realized I would most likely have to kill the fish to get the record. I am usually a catch and release fisherman, so I was against brining the fish in, as were my clients. It took three of us to bring the fish into the boat to get a photo for bragging rights. I primarily deal with the Goliath grouper species, doing research for Florida Fish and Wildlife. This fish was comparable to the 300-pound Goliaths I catch regularly. After a few pictures and measurements, she became green again. She helped herself into the water and swam right off. We estimated the fish to be in the 260- to 270-pound range with a length of plus-8 feet. I loved seeing my client’s faces and reactions throughout the whole fight. All and all, it was just another day at the office. Capt. Marko specializes in Goliath grouper fishing and fishes waters from Sanibel through Boca Grande. Follow his daily catches on Instagram @captjamesmarko and Facebook. See www.goliathfishing.com for trip and contact information.
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Telling Good Fish Stories By Matt Jorn
Laura Price of Lexington, N.C. and a nice Dorado caught with the FishingNosara Explorer on Dec. 5, 2017.
“W
hat did you catch today?” It is a question asked at every marina, boat ramp and backyard dock in the world every day of the fishing calendar. This is your chance to hold up your catch, your fillet bag or your digital camera. It is a chance to reveal (or conceal) details regarding where and how you snared your prey. It is also the chance to spin a wonderful tale of the leviathan that you fought for hours, had right next to the boat, and locked eyes with only to have it spit the hook/break the leader/get caught on the props/ pull you overboard… we’ve all been there! Even the master angler and author Ernest Hemingway’s beloved “The Old Man and the Sea” is a fish tale, featuring the angler we all wish we were losing the fish we all wish we could catch.
The craft of embellishing your catch is a time-honored tradition; however as the curator of the FishingNosara Costa Rica Fishing Report, I take umbrage with the 21st century version of the fish story. For the last seven years, I have documented every one of the 2,000plus trips run by the Nosara, Costa Rica based fishing team. Each report is meticulously checked for accuracy, including the angler’s names, trip date, fish caught, and (most importantly) photographs of the catches. I also encourage my clients to offer their own stories from the fishing experience. In December 2017, we hosted Laura and Michael Price. Here’s what Laura wrote: “My husband and I went out today on the Explorer. We had an AMAZING time!!! We ended the day with six mahi mahi caught with one mahi mahi, one tuna and one marlin getting away. Phenomenal crew! We loved every minute of it!” Here is another example, this time from angler Kevin Bahr: “We went with Capt. William and his mate Johnny. They were very professional and ready to ensure we had a successful outing on May 12. The weather was pretty sketchy, but we were able to locate the fish and ended up with a freezer full of ahi and mahi mahi. We cut our day short due to the weather, but our crew was willing to stay out longer if we wanted to. Despite the weather, it was a great day!” Everyone knows that the Internet is a place where the line between fact and fiction is often blurry; from politics, to sports, to fishing—it is not always easy to separate the truth, from an opinion, from a sales pitch. For instance, a quick glance at a competing Central American fishing charter’s report looks like this: Dec 27, 3 sailfish, 6 mahi-mahi, 1 marlin. Dec 28, 7 sailfish, 2 marlin. Dec 29, 5 mahi-mahi, 3 yellowfin tuna, 1 sailfish. Who is this helping? Why no details, no photos? Is this for search engines, the illiterate, or the lazy? I put it to all anglers in the 21st century posting online: Tell me a good fish story or log-off.
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT INTERLUX MICRON EXTRA ANTI-FOULING PAINT Anglers across the country will be glad to hear that Micron Extra—the classleading antifouling that delivers consistent, multiseason protection against all forms of fouling—is back in stock, thanks to the renewed manufacturing of one of its raw ingredients. Providing boaters with the signature proven performance of the Interlux Micron range, Micron Extra uses Biolux technology to achieve complete protection against shell, weed and slime fouling in all waters fresh and salt. By combining the slime-blocking capabilities of Biolux with a controlled solubility copolymer that releases active ingredients steadily over time, Micron Extra achieves long-lasting, full-spectrum defense against fouling organisms. This copolymer matrix gradually wears away like a layer of soap as the boat moves through water, via a steady polishing process. The result is a continuous, regulated delivery of biocides from each freshly exposed layer, ensuring consistent, long-lasting performance and maximum efficiency. Micron Extra retains full antifouling effectiveness when hauled, and can be relaunched without repainting. Stop by your local shipstore or boatyard and ask for Micron Extra, available in both quarts and gallons, and in all popular colors.
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B
eginning Feb. 1, crappie anglers will have the chance to win part of $172,000 in cash prizes being awarded in the 2018 Weiss Lake Crappie Rodeo in Alabama. More than 1,000 pink-tagged crappie were released into the reservoir on the Alabama/Georgia border. Each of those fish has been sponsored by a local merchant or individual, and tags carry cash prizes ranging from $50 to $10,000. The rodeo, being conducted by the Weiss Lake Improvement Association, will run Feb. 1 through April 15. A highlight new to this year’s event is the One Day Crappie Champion Tournament, which will be held March 31. Guaranteed payout for first place is $2,500, and Big Fish will award $1,000 in this 100-percent payback event. There will be a free fish fry at the weigh-ins. For more information, visit www.weisslakeimprovementassociation.org.
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L
ike enthusiasts of any sport, if you stay with spearfishing long enough, you become intimately familiar with every detail of your equipment. Here’s an overview of what a newbie might want to know before buying that first speargun. Most spearguns are powered by bands, normally between one and three bands. There are two main types. The American style is recognized by the wood stock and is durable, sturdy and easy to load. The Eurogun style has a tubular shaped barrel, rear handle, and a thinner shaft well suited for freediving and smaller fish. In either case, spearguns are equipped with a trigger mechanism. The back end of the shaft engages into the trigger mechanism. Once the bands are loaded, the trigger is pulled and the shaft flies out due to the pulling load of the bands. You do not want to overload a gun by putting more bands than what it’s designed for as it could make the gun inaccurate or unsafe. Most spearguns now include a reel. This is especially needed if freediving and/or spearing larger fish, so the gun is not yanked out of your hands. If spearing a very large fish such as a tuna, which could spool your line in a matter of seconds, a line and float are required so the diver can pull it in from the surface. Shafts come in different lengths and diameters to match the gun, and spearos look for the perfect shaft—one that will not bend, not rust, fly straight in the water, and with a barb that will hold the fish securely. It’s wise to always carry a spare shaft or two on the boat, in case a shaft gets bent or lost. Like shafts, the bands are also replaced periodically, and it’s a good idea to carry spares in case one breaks. When bands get old, they start to get crack lines, or the wishbones can begin to fray, so it’s best to replace them before one snaps. There’s a wider variety of speargun brands than ever on the
market. These include: Wong, AB Biller, Riffe, Hammerhead, Cressi, SEAC, Mares, Rob Allen, Koah, Mako, JBL and more. If you want help selecting your first gun, see if you can find a mentor to help you select one that matches local conditions. Dive shops that specialize in spearfishing can also help. These include Austin’s in Miami, Fla.; Freedivers in Palm Beach, Fla.; James & Josephs in San Diego, Cali.; Freedive Shop in Sacramento, Cali.; and others. There are also Sheri Daye descends with a Wong speargun. custom gun builders who will work with you directly, give you advice, and design a gun to your specs—such as Wong Spearguns from Hawaii or Sea Sniper from California. Good luck and happy hunting! Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.
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LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
ULTRA-LIGHT, CRUSH PROOF WEATHER-RESISTANT LOCKABLE CASE • 14-15/16" L NOW 10-9/16" W
$29
$
Customer Rating
99 $39999
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
99
NOW
$2999
• Weighs 86.4 lbs. • 21" L x 10-1/8" H
37
29 PIECE TITANIUM DRILL BIT SET
BATTERY CHARGER ENGINE STARTER
SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC
20599
MODEL: 23522
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating 2/10/50 AMP, 12 VOLT
COMPARE TO
$
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
$2 99 9 $2999 9
COMPARE TO SHELTER LOGIC
ITEM 63054/62858 shown
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
Battle Tested
$9 99 9 $12999
Customer Rating ITEM 69780 41005 shown
60%
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
NOW
SUPER COUPON
10 FT. x 20 FT. PORTABLE CAR CANOPY NOW
Customer Rating
99
SUPER COUPON
COMPARE TO
2599
NOW
Tools sold separately.
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
Customer Rating 16"
$
Customer Rating
$5 99 9 $7999
LIMIT 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 6/1/18.
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
60" HARDWOOD WORKBENCH WITH 4 DRAWERS
RAPID PUMP® 1.5 TON ALUMINUM RACING JACK
SAVE $40
44
MODEL: 74410
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
MODEL: 887400
SAVE $106
• Height range: COMPARE TO 12-1/2" to 24" REESE SAVE $ 99
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
PROELITE
ANY SINGLE ITEM
5
$ 99
SUPER COUPON
$1 7
9999
COMPARE TO
ITEM 63358 63925/63363 shown
99
179
COMPARE TO
SAVE $394
95
• 12" x 12" • Non-Abrasive
1000 LB. CAPACITY SWING-BACK TRAILER JACK NOW
• Adjustable spray nozzle
99
MICROFIBER CLEANING CLOTHS PACK OF 4
SUPER COUPON
1/2" COMPOSITE PRO 1750 PSI ELECTRIC EXTREME TORQUE PRESSURE WASHER AIR IMPACT WRENCH • 1.3 GPM
NOW
ANY PURCHASE
WITH
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 6/1/18. Limit one FREE GIFT coupon per customer per day.
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
• Weighs 4.4 lbs.
1,999
MODEL: EM4000SX
ITEM 69676/69729/63080/63079 shown ITEM 69728/63090/63089, CALIFORNIA ONLY
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
TORQUE 1190 FT. LBS. BOLT BREAKAWAY
$
FREE
9
33999
20% OFF
SUPER COUPON
TYPE SAE
42304 shown
ITEM 69043/63282/42304
METRIC 42305/69044/63171 LIFETIME WARRANTY
COMPARE TO
HUSKY
$
1797
MODEL: HCW10PCSAE
SAVE 66%
Customer Rating
LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
I
FEBRUARY 2018
I
NATIONAL
25
At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.
1/17/18 1/3/18 5:07 2:12 PM
SUZUKI MAKES IT EASY AS
1-2-3
1. Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.
2. SEL
These are limited time offers. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details or visit www.suzukimarine.com.
N SO S NG ARD AVI TBO T S I OU TANUZUK INSECT S
Instant Savings of up to $800 on select models. See your dealer for details.
3. Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards (OAC).*
REPOWER FINANCE
Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate form at time of sale. Instant Savings will be applied against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account). There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
26
NATIONAL
I
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 26 SZ_Q1Promo_1PG_WIP.indd 1
FEBRUARY 2018
I
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
1/17/18 5:07 PM 12/8/17 2:46 PM
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1/17/18 1:13 PM
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