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4 NATIONAL
JULY 2022
’GILLS, ERS ’CRACK
e m i t r e Summ AND
By Nick Carter
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very now and then, it’s good to rediscover what ushered you into fishing in the first place. For many of us, it all began with small ponds and eager bream. The simplicity of just catching fish, without concern for size or species, is a pursuit that brings back a certain child-like joy. It’s even more fun when you take a kid. Witnessing the light of discovery and pride pass over a child’s face turns untangling lines and dodging errant casts into a labor of love. It doesn’t need to be difficult. If you time it right and have a good place to go, it’s easy to load a stringer full of fat bluegills or redear sunfish in a hurry. They are easy to clean, and they are delicious dredged in a seasoned cornmeal-flour mixture and fried crispy. The traditional preparation is to behead them, gut them and scale them, which yields those great crunchy fins. They can also be filleted for folks who don’t like picking through bones, and the resulting bream nuggets make tasty fish sandwiches or tacos. Throughout the spring and summer, bluegills return to the beds to spawn around each full moon. They spawn in groups, so their fanned-out beds look like honeycombs on the shallow bottom. Shallow flats with a sand or gravel bottom are the preferred areas, and they pile up on these beds for three days or so on either side of the full moon. In all but the most dingy water, you can see the beds on the bottom. Once you find them, the same spots will provide fast action year after year. A cricket under a bobber and a long cane pole is probably the way your grandfather yanked ’gills off the beds. If your young angler is competent with an ultralight spinning combo, a 1/32-oz. crappie jig can also be deadly when reeled steadily across the beds. Fly rodders can wear them out with a small popping bug or small streamer. Redear sunfish, also known as shellcrackers, can be more difficult to locate and catch than bluegills, but it’s worth it once you find them. They are the heavyweights of the bream world and regularly grow up to a pound or two. They fight very hard on light tackle. Shellcrackers spawn in early spring and prefer similar areas to bluegills, only deeper. Their beds can be difficult to find because they are usually too deep to see, and they don’t spawn throughout the summer. When they are on the beds they are very aggressive and will hit small jigs, spinners and flies. When they move off the beds, it’s time to switch to live bait. Shellcrackers feed near the bottom on snails and mollusks. After the spawn, they move off the banks to feed around grass or submerged structure like stumps and treetops. A red-wiggler, either slowly dragged across the bottom with some split-shot or a lightweight dropshot rig are both effective for ’crackers. Once you find one, you can usually find several.
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Red Snapper
The Official Fish of Summer Vacation By CAM Staff
R
ed snapper should be the official fish of summer vacation. These hard-fighting and delicious reef fish are the traditional driving force behind the Gulf of Mexico charter fishing industry. The season dates are set to align with the arrival of tourists seeking fun in the sun, and whether you’re pulling your own boat to the Gulf for a week-long fishing expedition or you plan to hire a captain for a day on the water with the kids, here’s a state-by-state look at what you need to know to get in on the action.
Non-stainless steel circle hooks are required when fishing with natural baits. At least one de-hooking device is required and must be used to remove hooks. A descending device or venting tool that is rigged and ready for use is required when fishing for reef fish in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Federal For-Hire Season
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Gulf-wide, most of the recreational catch of Gulf red snapper comes from federal waters, which begin 9 miles offshore for purposes of reef fish management. Charter operations targeting red snapper and other reef fish in federal waters must have a federal for-hire reef fish permit to fish federal waters. The 2022 red snapper season for federally permitted vessels began June 1 and will close on Aug. 19. The bag limit is two fish per person with a 16-inch minimum length limit. Captain and crew may not retain a bag limit. Each state sets its own regulations for private anglers in state and federal waters as well as for charter boats in state waters. FLORIDA: Florida’s season opened June 17 and will run through July 31. Florida has also set aside the following weekends for snapper harvest in fall: Oct. 8-9, Oct. 15-16, Oct. 22-23, Nov. 11-13 and Nov. 25-27. The bag limit is two fish per person, per day with a 16-inch minimum length. The open season includes the These seasons apply to recreational anglers fishing from private vessels Monday of Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. The season in Florida Gulf state and federal waters. For-hire operations that do not have will remain open until recreational landings approach Louisiana’s allocation. a federal reef fish permit may also participate in the season but are limited to Anglers must have a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) to fishing for red snapper in state waters only. All anglers who intend to fish for fish for or possess red snapper and electronically report their catch via the or harvest certain reef fish, including red snapper, from a private vessel are ROLP app or the ROLP website. required to obtain the State Reef Fish Angler designation. MISSISSIPPI: Mississippi’s red snapper season opened for private ALABAMA: The season for private and state-licensed charter vessels recreational anglers and state for-hire vessels on May 27, with a mid-season opened May 27 in Alabama state and federal waters. The season consists of closure date of July 4. The mid-season closure allows for compilation of four-day weekends, Friday through Monday, until the private angler quota landings to examine a potential season extension. is projected to be met. The daily bag limit is two per person, per day with a The season will be open seven days a week in both state and federal waters minimum size limit of 16 inches. and will close if the annual catch target for recreational anglers is reached. One angler per vessel, per trip is required to report through the MDMR Alabama uses Snapper Check to monitor landings during the season and provide weekly updates at outdooralabama.com. Anglers must have an Tails n’ Scales system. The daily bag limit is two fish per person with a 16-inch length limit. Alabama Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement. The owner or operator of each vessel is required to complete one landing TEXAS: The private recreational angler red snapper season in federal report per trip through Snapper Check prior to removing red snapper from waters of Texas opened June 1. Red snapper fishing is open year-round in the boat or the boat from the water. Red snapper caught from non-powered state waters. The bag limit in federal waters is two fish per person daily, with vessels, piers and the shoreline are also required to be reported through a 16-inch minimum size limit. In state waters, the limit is four fish per person Snapper Check. A landing report may be submitted through Snapper Check daily with a 15-inch minimum. Red snapper caught in federal waters count in the Outdoor AL app, which is available at outdooralabama.com. as part of the state bag limit. No more than two red snapper in federal waters LOUISIANA: The season opened May 27 in state and federal waters of and four red snapper in state waters may be in your possession while fishing. Louisiana. It will run weekends only (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) with a For more information, go to gulfcouncil.org. daily bag limit of three per person and a 16-inch minimum size limit. 6 NATIONAL JULYfish 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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LURES
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TYPES OF LONG-DISTANCE LURES
L
ong-casting lures are not limited to one shape or style, and that is a good thing. Distance is sometimes important in reaching fish, and a specific action or type of lure is important in convincing them to bite. Here’s a look at several lure styles and the pros and cons of fishing them. Diamond Jig: The first longdistance lure ever was likely the diamond jig and other elongated metal spoons. Originally designed for handline jigging, it just turned out that this lure’s shape allows it to cut through the air to reach great distances. This one is always worth carrying. It allows you to cover a lot of water and cast in high winds pretty well. This said, the diamond jig being made of metal makes the lure size relatively small compared to its weight. It’s not the best option when fish are looking for larger prey. Topwater: Nothing is more exciting and eye opening than topwater action. When water explodes with snapping mouths as predators gobble prey on top, it gives you an obvious target to cast a lure to. Poppers, pencils, chuggers and walkers all belong to the noble
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or a fast retrieve. In most situations, I prefer topwaters that sink at rest. They draw those exciting topwater strikes, and they regularly achieve 50 percent or longer cast distance than PATRICK SEBILE floating lures. Swimming Plugs: This category includes race of lures that we all love just about anything with swimming action. I to fish because they are fun, group billed minnows, hard swimbaits, darters, especially when you can cast bottleneck swimplugs and others into this to fish that are feeding actively and visibly. category. I do not, however, consider soft-plastic swimbaits such as a paddletail/jigheads to be distancecasting lures. Like topwaters, floating versions of these plugs are common, but they limit the distance you can cast. Longdistance “rocket” or “bullet” models are typically heavier and sink at rest. They have the ability to reach fish far from the boat or shore, and they will also draw strikes right at your feet. A key point about sinking distance-dedicated lures is they cast much better into wind than floating models, and this matters because the bite is often best—especially for large fish—when the wind is in your face and the water is white. Next issue we’ll dig into the Floating topwater lures are traditional, but appendices and lure designs for long distance. they don’t cast the farthest. Some topwaters Legendary angler Patrick Sebile is a world are designed to be fished at the surface, rather than on top of it. These sinking and/or heavily record holder and an award-winning designer loaded lures significantly improve range, and of innovative lures and fishing gear. Check out his creations at abandofanglers.com. they can be worked on top thanks to design
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NATIONAL 9
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39TH NASSAU SPORT FISHING ASSOCIATION KINGFISH TOURNEY IS AUG. 6
ig-time kingfish tournament action returns to Fernandina Beach, Fla. this August with the 39th Annual Nassau Sport Fishing Association Kingfish Tournament and Fishing Rodeo. This Southern Kingfish Association-sanctioned event is slated for Saturday, Aug. 6 with Fernandina Harbor Marina as headquarters. There’s up to $10,000 on the line for first place in the Kingfish Division, and with eight different species in inshore and offshore divisions of the rodeo, there’s a shot at the leaderboard no matter what style of fishing you prefer. There are also Single Engine Boat,HOURS: Lady Angler and Youth Angler Divisions. FISHING For Division, early bird entry is just $350 6:30the AM Kingfish – 5 PM through July2-5 15. WEIGH-IN: WEIGH 5 PMThe entry fee rises to $400 from July 16 through AWARDS:Aug. 7 PM4. The on-site fee is $450. For the Rodeo Division, early bird entry is just $100 through July 15. Then it’s PUBLIC INVITED/FOOD NVITED/FOOD $125 through Aug. 4 and $150 on-site. Anglers may choose to ENTERTAINMENT fish either division or both, so make your plans and get ready for SILENT AUCTION one of the hottest tournaments of the season. Boat numbers will be issued Friday Aug. 5 from 3 to 7 p.m., and then $ at 7 p.m. at Fernandina Harbor ST will be held INGFISH a mandatory IVISIONcaptains meeting LACE (BASED ON 100 PAID BOATS WITH 80% PAYOUTa.m. ) Marina. Fishing begins at 6:30 on Saturday, Aug. 6, with all boats SINGLE ENGINErequired BOATback , LADY NGLER OUTH ANGLER at theAdocks by AND 5 p.m.YThe public is invited to come take part in THROUGH food, live entertainment and Asilent as boats EARLY BIRD ENTRY IS $350 JULY 15 TH . T HEN $400 THROUGH UGUST 4auctions TH , T HEN $450 ON-SITE.and fish return to the docks for the weigh-in. The scales open at 2 p.m. The awards ceremony will begin after weigh-ins. ODEO IVISION PECIES AID Proceeds from the tournament go to benefit the Nassau Sport Fishing (BASED ON 100 PAID BOATS WITH 80% PAYOUT) Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and ST ND in the Nassau County promoting area while adhering to $ saltwater fishing $ LACE LACE state, federal and local regulations, to encourage compliance with rules of EARLY BIRD ENTRY IS $100 THROUGH JULY 15 . THEN members $125 THROUGHand AUGUST , THEN $150 ON-SITEand . to promote youth water safety byTHclub the4THgeneral public, related community activities. If you or your company are interested in becoming a sponsor for this event, contact NSFA at Info@nsfafish.net. NSFA meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at Kraft Athletic Club on Amelia Island. Anyone interested in joining should visit the website at NSFAFISH.net.
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For more information or to register for the tournament, go to NSAFISH.net.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DEANNA PRITCHARD MORTGAGE SERVCES
For details and to register visit www.nsfafish.net/rodeo Pick upNS your boat August MPA 5 from 3 to 7 p.m. YOUR C E N TE R CO Onumber L EFriday,CO N ION Mandatory Captains Meeting at 7 p.m. at Fernandina Harbor Marina
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JULY 2022
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BAMA BOAT THREE-PEATS AT MGCBC
By Capt. Dave Lear
O
wner/angler Nick Pratt, Capt. Chris Hood and the It Just Takes Time team swept the blue marlin divisions by weighing the only qualifier during the 2022 Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic. The 763.6-pound blue gave the team an unprecedented third consecutive win. That feat has never been accomplished in the 26-year history of the Classic or in any other Gulf Coast big game tournament. It Just Takes Time, a 72 Viking based in Orange Beach, Ala., took home a payout of $630,985 for the marlin tournament award, crew division and all
marlin optional entry categories. The total prize purse this year’s event was $1.36 million. Quantified, a 64 Spencer with Capt. Justin Drummond at the helm, had an impressive showing, too. Angler Cyler Pape wound in the top dolphin at 37 pounds and the team released three sailfish and three white marlin to score 1,500 points in the release division. With tournament and optional entries, the team earned a payout of $140,060. The top release boat with four blue marlin on its ledger (2,400 points) was Ramble On, a 67 Billy Horton run by Capt. Shannon Allman. With an optional dolphin entry (25.9 pounds), the team won $120,170 for the tournament. Shock Wave, a 69 Spencer with Capt. Shelby Johnson on the throttles, scored three blue marlin in the release division, good for a check totaling $47,025 in optional entries. Sunrise, a 53 Guthrie (Capt. Billy Blount) also had three blue marlin releases, along with the third-place dolphin (Chris King/32.8 pounds), a 102.4-pound tuna and a wahoo optional, good for a $42,065 payout. Angler Drew Phillips outlasted a yellowfin tuna weighing 206.9 pounds after a 45-minute fight. Phillips was fishing aboard Second Wind, a 72 F&S run by Capt. Marlin Brown. The team earned $36,695 for that record catch. Rising Sons’ two optional entry tuna (52.1 and 50.9 pounds) paid out $34,650 for angler Evan Crochet and Capt. Toby Berthelot and the team. Rising Sons is a 58 Viking based in Orange Beach. Capt. Dennis Bennett and the Destin team aboard Salt Shaker (58 Viking) capitalized on two blues and a white marlin release in the Catch and Release Division. That score earned the team $32,760. Owner/angler Timothy O’Brien on Panhandler scored the second-place dolphin at 36.1 pounds. Capt. Nick Millsap was at the helm of the 63 Hatteras. With the tournament award and optional entries, that fish was worth $22,864. Iona Louise was the first boat to weigh on Saturday and the 52.5-pound wahoo they hoisted aloft held on to take first place in the division. Capt. Clip Hopkins runs the 58 Hatteras and Christopher Nolan for the angler. A total of 73 boats and 360 anglers competed in the 2022 MGCBC. The fleet caught 56 blue marlin, eight white marlin and three sailfish. In the game fish categories, 29 yellowfin tuna were weighed, along with eight dolphin and five wahoo. For complete results, see mgcbc.com.
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EAST TENNESSEE AND KENTUCKY
Hydrodynamic Dozen – Fly Fishing Hot Spots in the Tennessee River Valley By Julie Graham and Mark Engler
Y
ou don’t need to go out West to find top fly fishing experiences. Welcome to the cold-water heart of hot Southeastern fly fishing. The tailwaters and tributaries in the great Tennessee River Valley basin provide top fly fishing that rivals better known geographic hot spots
Knoxville TN June 2022–
World Fly Fishing Day will be recognized on June 25, 2022 by anglers around the world. Here in the Tennessee River Valley, the cold-water streams and rivers, along the with the tailwaters that are managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), are hotspots for fly fishing enthusiasts. Anglers know that these waters are filled with trout and small and large mouth bass. The history of fly fishing in the United States dates back to the Europeans who settled this new country. Fly fishing served early pioneers well by providing a skill to catch fish to eat and as a recreational pursuit. Early mountain men were often portrayed carrying a pole and spool on their journeys. As the sport continued to evolve with longer lines and more refined poles, the beauty of the sport remained constant. A pole, a spool and line, an artificial fly, and a clear stream was all that an angler needed for a good day of sport on the water. Even today, anglers that float and fish only need a canoe, jon boat, or raft. There is no need for the expensive electronic gear, supercharged boats, or yards of concrete needed to build ramps and parking lots for the bass fishing crowds. In 1933, the newly created TVA was charged with the responsibility “To improve the
navigability and to provide for the flood control of the Tennessee River; to provide for reforestation and the proper use of marginal lands in the Tennessee Valley; to provide for the agricultural and industrial development of said valley; to provide for the national defense by the creation of a corporation for the operation of Government properties at and near Muscle Shoals in the State of Alabama, and for other purposes.” To control flooding and improve navigation, a series of dams were built, which restricted the freeflowing water. The negative impact on aquatic habitats ultimately spurred the TVA to develop methods to increase dissolved oxygen levels, maintain minimum flows to prevent riverbed dry-out, and to manage cold water releases that improved the populations of trout and other fish species. On any given day, the tailwaters of the TVA dams provide fly fishing anglers a day of great sport. We’ve assembled a stringer-full of trout-hooking, happy places throughout the western-oriented drainages of Southern Appalachia. These are in no particular
2 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE
JULY 2022
order, and as any obsessed fly angler will tell you, the best place to be at any given moment is on the water anywhere the moment when the fish start rising.
Whitetop Laurel Creek, Virginia
Considered the best freestone trout stream in the Virginia commonwealth -- and maybe all the Southeastern U.S., Whitetop Laurel Creek is easily accessible, sensationally beautiful and it produces great catches of wild and stocked fish. The stream’s diverse population of aquatic insects are hatching all year long, so there’s always a chance to catch a surfacefeeding wild and hatchery-planted brown or rainbow, or even wild brookies. Located within the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and meandering along the renowned Virginia Creeper Trail, the area is a prime destination for all manner of Appalachian outdoor recreation and is a topdrawing feature for fly fishing
guides based in Abingdon and Damascus.
South Holston, Tennessee
The “SoHo” is arguably America’s best brown trout fishery on this side of the Mississippi. It is the pride and joy of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s dedicated team of tailwater aquatic-habitat improvement specialists, who have endeavored to turn the river into a self-fueling engine for producing both healthy wild fish and steady, jobs-sustaining financial returns for the Kingsport-Bristol-Johnson City region’s thriving recreation economy. “TVA has worked really hard in reservoir-release improvements to oxygenate the water,” said agency zoologist David Matthews. “The weir dam helps oxygenate it, and the insect life exploded after that, it just took off.” Catches below the South Holston’s weir dams are mostly naturally spawning browns, with a few stocked rainbow throughout nearly 20 miles of prime angling
Continued, see HYDRODYNAMIC DOZEN Page 4
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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 3
HYDRODYNAMIC DOZEN continued from page 2 water. Size and numbers, and prolific insect hatches are what the South Holston is known for -- with fish populations estimated at 6,000 per mile, including a wondrous abundance of weighty lunkers lurking in the swirling pools and choppy riffles.
Watauga River below Wilbur Dam, Tennessee
Were it not for the nearby SoHo, the ‘Taug would be the feature fly angling stream in Northeast Tennessee. Suffice it to say, it’s no second-rate fishery. The 20 miles of cold, tumultuous, trout-invested river below Wilbur Dam that flows through Elizabethton and ultimately into Boone Lake itself a praiseworthy trophyproducing water body that holds ruddy rainbows and brawny browns, both stocked and wild, in numbers that ensure any hole or run likely holds a predacious crew of quality fish. “There are people who come a long way to fish the rivers up here,” says local guide Jason Reep. “I hear from a lot of them that they had a better time here -- that they caught just as many or more fish than they did on trips to Montana or Colorado or Wyoming or wherever.”
Clinch River below Norris Dam, Tennessee
Trout Unlimited’s quarterly magazine in 2018 listed the Clinch River -- as well as the ‘Taug & SoHo superduo -- as among America’s greatest tailwater destinations, alongside such legendary fisheries as California’s Trinity and Henry’s Fork in Idaho: Fishing can often be technical, especially during low flows, and long leaders, light tippets and midges are pretty much a requirement. When the current is cranking, such as during power generation, it’s time to get in a drift boat or raft and rip big, meaty streamers. It’s not easy fishing, but it’s a good way to connect with trout best measured in pounds,
not inches. Clinch River hookups in the first dozen miles below Norris Dam are typically rainbows and browns in the 10-15 inch range, and sometimes lots of ‘em. Nothing uncommon on the Clinch about netting an 18-incher any day of the year either. The state record brownie behemoth cruised these waters, tipping the scales at more than 28-and-a-half pounds.
Little River, Great Smoky Mountain National Park
For about 18 miles, the Little River flows in the borders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and then runs another 30-or-so to join the big Tennessee mainstem in Knox County. The East and Middle prongs offer classic Smoky Mountain fly fishing of the sort you’ll fondly recall for the rest of your days. “This Smoky Mountain stream features some of the most diverse fishing opportunities in the Park,” reports David Knapp at Trout Zone Anglers. “Fly fishing Little River offers something for everyone. The highest tributaries of the East and Middle Prongs featuring native brook trout. Sometimes wild rainbow trout mix in with the brook trout in the higher elevations. As you head lower, brown trout start to show up and brook trout give way to rainbows. Little River probably contains some of the largest brown trout in the entire Smokies.”
Tellico River, Tennessee
The Tellico River and its tributaries have long been known as one of Tennessee’s most productive trout fisheries - ranking also among the best watersheds in all of Southern Appalachia for hooking both wild and stocked fish. TWRA describes it as “a very large freestone mountain stream with a network of fine native trout laden tributaries.” Its popularity with fly anglers is owing to the rugged landscape in the region, which is laced with stellar smaller
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waters holding iridescent wild fish, including native brook trout. “The Tellico gets the bulk of the fishermen and the bulk of the spotlight,” says Cody Fisher, the aptly named owner of a local fly shop. “But there’s something like 300 miles of trout stream up here, and all but about 30 miles of it is wild trout habitat. A lot of folks don’t really know about that or think about this area that way, but it really is some great fishing for wild trout.” A stream located within the heart of the Cherokee National Forest, the Tellico’s headwaters gather in North Carolina and flow for almost twenty miles across the state line through Tellico Plains and on to Tellico Lake below. Fishing the heavily stocked mainstem requires a special permit, although a basic trout stamp covers the tributaries. Stop in and consult Tellico Outfitters to get the lowdown on the special regs and spectacular rewards that accompany fishing this popular high-country paradise. “We get a lot of people who come to Tellico just to fish — people from Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, the Midwest,” Fisher said. The system is home to Bald Creek, considered by many to be one of the best wild brown trout streams in East Tennessee -especially given its near proximity to so much other premium fly angling. Also in the area is Citico Creek, draining more than 20,000 acres of epic Unaka range wilderness. If high-country adventure fly angling is what you are after, “this area provides ample opportunities for solitude and backcountry experiences,” promises the National Forest Service.
Toccoa River, Georgia
No getting around it -- and nor should one even try -- the North Georgia upcountry punches its substantial geographic weight and then some when it comes to superb offerings for avid anglers. Trout fishing in the southernmost
reaches of the Appalachian Mountains by no means ends with a whimper. North Georgia has enough trout destinations to keep a serious trout angler occupied for the rest of a lifetime. One of the gemstones is the Toccoa River below Blue Ridge Lake in Fannin County. “The river is noted among anglers for its sunfish, trout and bass,” TVA understatedly puts it. The Toccoa River -- which forms the upper reaches of Tennessee’s Ocoee River, was hailed ten years ago in Game and Fish Magazine as “one of the best tailwater trout streams in the Southeast. The Upper Toccoa above Blue Ridge reservoir -- to the south of the lake, in fact -- is fed by numerous feeder streams, most prominently, Cooper, Noontootla and Rock creeks. “These are great places to spend the day also with decent populations of trout,” says guide David Hulsey. And here’s another good part, he goes on, “Fly selection need not be too complicated with general purpose nymphs, streamers, and dry flies working well most of the time. Wooly Buggers, Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tail, and Hares Ear Nymphs will normally catch a trout or two subsurface fishing. A Parachute Adams, Yellow Stimulator, and Elk Hair Caddis will take surface feeders”.
Santeetlah, North Carolina
Santeetlah Creek in Graham County, North Carolina is a special cut of gem set amidst a shining array of other notable crystal mountain treasures deep in Southern Appalachia. The stocked lower section holds out hope for rustling up a formidable tussle with a rainbow or brown of either stocked or stream-spawned origin -- either way a wild fight assured. This is the kind of stream that seductively runs its way into your heart and then makes a permanent home there. Santeetlah Creek “is not a designated wildtrout stream, but it has all the characteristics of one,” wrote one
Continued, see HYDRODYNAMIC DOZEN Page 10
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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 5
The Chain O’Lakes Bizz
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he fox chain of lakes located in the northeastern part of Illinois, in Lake and McHenry Counties, covers 488 miles of shoreline and almost 6,500 acres of water. The Chain O’Lakes is made up of 15 lakes (Pistakee, Fox, Redhead, Catherine, Petite, Channel, Bluff, Grass, Marie, Matthews, Brandenburg, Spring, Dunn, Duck, Long and the Nippersink). It is home to some of the best fishing in the state. Early mornings and afternoons tend to be better fishing due to no limitations of horsepower on the second busiest waterway in the nation. The Chain is home to many Bass, Walleye, Crappie, and ice fishing tournaments. Due to its easy accessibility to major cities, the Chain O’Lakes has also been a tourism and vacation destination commonly referred to as the fox chain region. With access to
By Steve McClone
professional Fishing Guides that specializes in multispecies angling. Captain Steve McClone, with Moonpie Outdoors, LLC is an upand-coming guide in the region. He focuses on Specific species daily from bass and panfish and beyond. He also has a special interest in Vets, youth, and getting disabled individuals out on the water. His background includes 12 years as a fishing guide captain and professional bass angler fishing many top circuits across the country. It’s not uncommon to see captain McClone tossing his Bizz Baits Pad Daddy attached to his owner wide gap hook, while fishing lily pads across the Chain O’Lakes that, at one time, were harvested for their flowers. While a sassy stick and killer craw are also seen tied on to fish, many find their way into the matted grass and docks throughout the waterway.
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Another unique character often spotted in the region is outfitter Trevor James. James is most often seen Ice fishing while in the offseason managing kayak rentals, fishing schools, and guides, covering the river from the state line through the metropolis. The Fox Chain of lakes is undoubtedly Illinois’ premier musky fishery. With huge support from Muskies Inc., Midwest Muskie Club, and area guides all supporting stockings. Local fishing guide Austin Wiggerman with Austin Wiggerman Guide Service LLC. specifically targets large, toothy critters. His vast knowledge of the Chain O’Lakes region, as well as his above and beyond drive to find these fish, make him one of the best in the region. Chris Taurisano, A.K.A. T-Bone, is the operator of the notorious
T-Bone Guide Service. He has a staff of guides specializing in multispecies angling opportunities. While there are many guides in this area, these guides stick out with their contributions to the community, youth angling, and angler education. Starting at the state line, the Fox River Chain is a fisherman’s paradise, hosting over 42 species of fish. There are many area hotspots frequently visited by Bugs Moran, Al Capone, Michael Jorden, and many other Chicago land elites. Thursday night thunder is brought to you by Blarney Island with power boat racing until dusk weekly. The Lake House on Pistakee offers great food, great times, and live entertainment. So, whether you’re casting a buzz bait or catching a buzz, the Chain O’Lakes has a little something for everybody.
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C
Captain Jim - KY Fishing Report By Captain Jim Durham
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wner StriperFun Guide Service, Tennessee and Kentucky Walleye, Bass, Crappie and Muskie Charters, Superbaittanks.com, Captain Jim Marine Electronics and much more…… DATE OF REPORT: June 9th, 2022
Greetings to my readers! I hope that the world finds you and your family doing well!
STRIPER FUN GUIDE SERVICE ON THE CUMBERLAND RIVER
Captain Jim’s StriperFun Guide Service Cumberland River Adventures in Tennessee. We fish the Cumberland River in Tennessee for several reasons. • First, the Stripers are much larger in the Cumberland River system in Tennessee. Per the Tennessee Wildlife Board, there is an average of over 15 Stripers caught annually in excess of 50 pounds and 40-pound fish are not
uncommon. The smallest fish we generally catch daily is over 3 feet long! These fish mostly eat high protein Rainbow Trout and also fight the current all day, making them much heavier and stronger than “lake” fish. The TN State record is 66 pounds and was caught right where we fish! • Tennessee allows the use of Rainbow Trout as bait. Rainbow Trout (known as “Striper candy!) is the ultimate Striper bait! In the cold waters of the Cumberland River, the caught fish survive very well and can be released unharmed. The average size Trout we use for bait is 8 inches with some up to 16 inches long (“Yes” the Stripers in the Cumberland River are large enough to eat a 16-inch piece of bait!). When a big river Striper comes after a Trout, the Trout will be tail dancing all over the surface trying to get a way. Sometimes the “dance” will last half a minute
(as you watch the big predator circling the prey!) until the Striper finally gets the Trout then its “Kabam”!! The rod gets yanked down and the reel is screaming! As I advised above, throughout the year, it is not uncommon to see 40 or 50 pound “goliath” Stripers pulled from the beautiful waters of the Cumberland River in TN. This fishing is not for the faint of hear! These big fish hit like freight trains, making long powerful runs in the constantly flowing waters of the river! We use large rods, heavy duty reels, 50-pound test line and titanium hooks! JULY, AUGUST, AND SEPTEMBER ARE GREAT MONTHS TO FISH! It is great to be alive and be a “free” American! I look forward
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to seeing all of you this year on the water. Always remember to stop and shake the hand of a person in uniform or wearing garb that shows they are a veteran! Their service is why you speak English, can vote, and can enjoy the freedoms you do! Until next time, blue skies and tight lines!
With full State licensing and insurance, any of Captain Jim’s Guide Service guides (16 guides on 14 waterways) can take you on a safe, fun and unforgettable fishing adventure! Check out all of our fishing services as well as our exclusive “online” store at www.striperfun.com or call 931-4032501 to make reservations today.
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Fly Fishing Small Streams in the Southern Appalachians
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By Becky Hulsey
f you are looking to get away from it all, look no further than the picturesque small streams of Western North Carolina. There is a plethora of streams to choose from here. You can trek through the Great Smoky Mountains, hike around Standing Indian, or climb up Snowbird. There are plenty more places to mention to fly fish in this area. I often wonder if anyone has ever seen them all in their lifetime. Summer is my favorite time of year to wet wade, which means no waders. Just some quick dry pants/shorts and wading socks/ boots or wet wading sandals. I load up my trusty lanyard with the nippers, hemostats, flotant, couple of spools of tippet, and a small fly box filled with dry flies and a couple nymphs. Dry flies for the Southern Appalachians…Oh, let that roll off your tongue! Lowe’s Rattler, Yellow Palmer, and Hazel Creek are some tried and true flies
that I have presented to entice the wild trout of these cascading streams. I am so thankful David and I got to meet and visit with Roger Lowe when he had his fly shop in Waynesville. You could feel the historic presence just walking in and to see Roger tying
up flies at his desk was a delight that I will always remember. For nymph patterns, you cannot go wrong with the Tellico nymph or Yallerhammer wet fly. Roger Lowe’s Fly Pattern Guide to the
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Great Smoky Mountains and Tying & Fishing Southern Appalachian Trout Flies by Don Howell and Kevin Howell are two must have fly tying books for the Appalachian angler or fly tyer. I believe you can catch Roger Lowe at Brookings Anglers in Cashiers and Kevin Howell at Davidson River Outfitters in Pisgah Forest. As I continue preparing for my trip, I will gather a backpack with water, food, and other essentials like a couple of 7 ½ foot 5X or 6X monofilament leaders. After my favorite southern fly patterns, I look forward to getting out my small stream rods. Sometimes it is a tough decision to go with either my bamboo or fiberglass rod. I like to use a 6 ½ foot 3 weight with an old Orvis CFO click and pawl reel or my father’s vintage Hardy reel for casting flies in small streams. You are less likely to get
Continued, see FLY FISHING SMALL STREAMS Page 12
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Is There A Green Boat in Your Fishing Future?
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oticed the recent media storm of ads and commercials for electric cars and trucks? As the result of this massive marketing blitz, the current, record-high cost of fuel and the rising pressure to go greener, more people than ever are at least thinking about hybrid and electric vehicles. But what about all those floating vehicles we love to use in the great outdoors? They’re being transformed, too. One day you could be zipping down your favorite lake, river or coastline to the sound of little more than wind and wake or your favorite 80s hair rock. I know—a lot of you are thinking, “Yeah, right! They’ll have to pry my four-stroke from my cold, dead hands.” Well, don’t fret too much. There likely will be a market for gasoline outboards for a long time to come—unless, of course, gas gets so expensive it comes down to the choice of filling up the ‘ol Ranger or filling up the ‘ol Ranger. So, what is the real-world 411 on electric outboards? First of all, electric outboards are not trolling motors. An electric outboard is designed and built to provide the primary drive power for a full-size fishing or sport craft. And some of them now come with plenty of said power for the job—something for which no trolling motor ever had the muscle. For example, Torqeedo, an e-motor builder that for the past
By David A. Ramsey
decade or so has made a name for itself in the lowpower arena, now offers the equivalent of an 80 HP model that will more than hold its own against comparable gas models. Another interesting new beast, from a company called Vision Marine Technologies, is the E-Motion 180E outboard, which boasts 180 zero-pollution, zeroemission, near-zero-noise horses. But be warned, at present these and other full-size electrics come in at about the same price as a whole top tier bass boat and trailer rig, with the gas engine. As for performance and cost aspects of the new e-motors, here are a few very general comparisons to their ICE counterparts:
POWER–
A cursory online scan of currently available e-motors gives the impression there are now a fair number of models rated comparably in power to many common ICE models (under 200 HP), but there’s a little more to consider here. First, e-motors are technically rated in watts or kW, 1 kW being about equal to 1.3 HP, and ratings can seem confusing from company to company. It will pay to drill down in your
HYDRODYNAMIC DOZEN continued from page 4 chronically smitten angler: “I’ve had numerous romances, affairs, dalliances, one-time stands and flirtations over years — too many to care about counting. Only one do I return to time after time, the one that I never tire of, the one that always makes my heart and soul sing, my one true love: Santeetlah Creek in Graham County”.
Nantahala, North Carolina
The Nantahala River flows into Fontana Lake and offers immense opportunities for elevating an angler’s adrenaline levels. Hardy
tug-hunting wadefishers and instream rockhopping fly-flickers will cast to willing takers in a “nymph-fishing paradise.” “An outstanding trout fishery,” writes Ken Kastorff of Endless River Adventures. Recognized as a Top 100 American trout stream with “great population of both native and stocked rainbows and browns,” the Nantahala has produced two state recordbreaking specimens of the latter. “While the Nantahala is a popular rafting river, with a good guide at the oars, you will not have any
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comparison research when considering an e-motor vs. a gas model. Also, battery types and costs are much more relevant with e-motors. Just as with ICEs, your relative need for speed will directly determine your power consumption. With either type motor, you can go easy on the throttle and get up to a full day on the water or run ‘er full tilt and you’ll be headed back to shore in an hour or two. Hence, a major limiting factor for high-powered e-motors is the difficulty of conveniently and quickly recharging. ICEs still win big in that game.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT–
Oeration of e-motors produces no air, water or significant noise pollution, winning hands down over ICEs in this category. The carbon released in producing each kWh of electricity for the battery of an e-motor is a fraction of the C02 produced from a gallon of gasoline in the tank of an IC outboard. And older two-stroke ICEs are notorious for the amount of gas and oil pollutants they release. Because of
their inefficient carburetors, those old units pump up to 30% of their unused gas/oil mix straight out of the engine into the water. One EPA study showed that older outboards that don’t meet 2006 emission standards produce roughly the same pollution level per hour as 500 cars operated at about the same speed! And according to the American Boating Association, certain personal watercraft models can emit the same amount of pollution in seven hours as a new passenger car will produce when driven 100,000 miles. Whoa! The takeaway? E-motors, with comparable HP ratings to those of current, full-size ICEs cost a whole lot to purchase, yet next to nothing to operate. They win easily over ICEs in an environmental impact comparison and make very little noise, but recharging during an outing is still a challenge. There are clearly some strong factors and trends driving us toward a greener boating future, but with the current limitations of e-motors and all the many power and pricing options still available for IC outboards, it looks like the big, green-power wave is still out there, somewhere over the horizon.
David Arthur Ramsey is an outdoor photographer, writer and conservationist, born and raised in the mountains of northeastern Tennessee. His outdoor writing and photography have been published locally, regionally and nationally and are most often associated with work to preserve and protect threatened lands and waters throughout the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
trouble catching a good day’s worth of beautiful rainbows and, an occasional, large brown,” coaxes Kastorff. “The trout are so accustomed to the river traffic that it is not unusual to catch fish out from under a passing raft.” Hiwassee River, Tennessee Top-quality trout fishing is always on tap in the cold upper sections of the Hiwassee. On the Hiwassee, in some minds Tennessee’s best trout river, you will experience “the big-water feel of large western rivers, spreading over 75 yards wide
in some stretches.” Casting for surface-sipping browns and hardbrawling topwater rainbows can be particularly productive and rewarding in the sprawling runs, riffles, rapids and eddies of the river’s upper six miles. “The Hiwassee River is most noted for its wonderful dry fly fishing, as top water action can be found most anytime of the year,” reports Reliance, Tennesseebased Southeastern Fly Anglers, which guides fishing trips all over East Tennessee but considers the Hiwassee their bread-and-butter home waters.
Continued, see HYDRODYNAMIC DOZEN Page 19
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SOUTH CAROLINA
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USA Bass Coaching Staff leads an All-Star Team of anglers at the upcoming 2022 Bass Fishing World Championships
tate College, PA: USA Bass is excited to announce that Charlie Evans and Anthony Gagliardi will be coaching the USA Bass Team at the 2022 Bass Fishing World Championship. These experienced anglers will provide leadership and strategy to our USA Bass Team that will be competing on Lake Murray this fall. “Charlie and Anthony will give our team that extra winning edge,” says USAngling President, Tony Forte. “USA Bass will be hosting the World Bass Fishing Championship at Lake Murray in Columbia, SC this October 16 – 22nd. We are fishing for Gold and a signature performance from our USA Bass team.” The USA Bass team will be competing against teams from around the globe including: Italy, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Australia, South Korea, Spain, Portugal, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and others. The host community is Capital City Lake Murray Country RTB and anglers will be fishing legendary Lake Murray. The 2022 USA Bass World Team includes: Team Captain Scott Martin, Jacob Wheeler, Scott Canterbury, David Dudley, Fred
Roumbanis, James Watson, Mark Rose and David Fritts. They will be coached by Charlie Evans and Anthony Gagliardi. “We are excited to host the World Bass Championship and that Lake Murray, a world fishing destination, is the first to host this inaugural event. We look forward to welcoming the various countries from around the world and showing them our Southern hospitality,” stated Miriam Atria, President/CEO, Capital City/ Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board. Charlie Evans is the former President/CEO of FLW Outdoors and now fishes professionally on the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit. He travels America with his state of the art “PAW Patrol” rig and encourages young anglers to get involved in the sport he loves. “Everyone who loves this sport needs to TAKE A KID FISHING and encourage families to get their kids outdoors as a family activity” said Evans. Anthony Gagliardi is a former Forest Wood Cup champion and FLW Angler-of -the-Year. He currently competes on the MLF Bass Pro Tour and the MLF Tackle
FLY FISHING SMALL STREAMS continued from page 9 snagged in the rhododendrons or mountain laurels by going with a shorter rod. I like casting a slower action rod in these streams for a delicate presentation with no drag, especially since the wild trout seem pretty keen on what looks natural to them. Keep your casting simple. No need to double haul here and you will rarely overhead cast either. Water haul, bow and arrow, or roll casting are typical casts for small streams. I also will present the fly on my back cast if
having difficulty getting my fly where I need to on the forward cast. The only other equipment you might need is a hiking stick or wading staff. I have found staffs to have many uses like waving off unwanted wildlife. Be sure to check out the North Carolina Wildlife website or the Great Smoky Mountains visitor centers to get information on stream fishing regulations. Always watch where you place your hands and feet. For that matter, be aware
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Coach Anthony Gagliardi to provide USA Bass Team with Gold medal tactics and strategy
Warehouse Pro Circuit. Lake Murray is in Anthony’s backyard and his experience on Lake Murray will be a huge advantage for the USA Bass team. Expect some big bags of bass to come out
of this collaboration. Visit usabass.org for USA Bass team updates. Follow the USA Bass team on Facebook at: https:// www.facebook.com/usabassorg
of your surroundings for wildlife or changes in the weather. Most of all, while you are fishing up the stream look around and take in what is around you. We happened to be fishing up Noland Creek when a nice sulfur hatch was coming off. It looked like little yellow sparkles all over the creek. Definitely time to get out your sulfur patterns. Some folks have a yearly tradition of heading to the Davidson River when the Green Drake hatch is expected. Anyway,
I could go on and on about Western North Carolina fishing. David and I have been blessed to make many memories, caught many fish, and made many friends while exploring these streams. We hope you will get out your favorite small stream rod and go cast a Southern Appalachian dry fly there too. As always, visit your local fly shops and guides to learn more about fishing these majestic mountain streams.
Give David and Becky Hulsey a call at (770) 639-4001 to book a class or a guided trout trip. Visit their website at www.hulseyflyfishing.com.
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I
Built out of the ashes on a strong foundation
n 1990, Mike Bartley and Hugh Moseley partnered with Kevin Prater to give Greenwood a sports bar to enjoy games and good times. That goal was accomplished for 24 years… until January 29, 2014, when a fire destroyed the local icon at 909 Montague Avenue. Without hesitation, these men,
with their management team and staff, went to work putting together a brand new Sports Break for Greenwood and the Lakelands to enjoy. We’re dedicated to providing a great casual dining and entertainment experience for your family and friends. All of us at the Sports Break
are dedicated to providing you the best quality food, fun and enjoyment. Not only will you be greeted at the door with a friendly smile – all of our waitresses, bartenders, chefs and managers are here to serve up a great experience. And since we’ve
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been a Greenwood restaurant institution for almost 30 years – we treat our customers like family. Simply said, we’re committed to exceeding your expectations – while providing you a safe and comfortable entertainment and dining experience.
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Capital City Fishing
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By Mike McSwain
he Capital City region is rife with fishing opportunities, and the onset of summer means splendid fishing, particularly on the Broad River. Summer months offer hot fishing on the Broad. And not just because we see air temperatures in the 90–100-degree range. Biologists who stocked smallmouth in the Broad in the mid 80’s were pleasantly surprised to see how these fish behaved in hot weather. Smallmouth Bass are certainly thought of as a COLDER water fish. We often think of them when we think of fishing in Maine, Canada, or the Great Lakes. Biologists weren’t quite sure how the smallmouth would would react to warm summer temperatures here but they were pleasantly surprised to see the fish maintain a high metabolic rate; In warm months the fish don’t get lethargic. Instead, they eat like crazy. I have literally dozens of clients who have questioned me when I say “speed up. Move that bait faster.” It’s almost as if the fish sees a crawdad or a spinner bait flying by and can’t resist the challenge of catching it and eating it. Fishermen who are accustomed to slowly twitching a worm across grass or logs are shocked to see their number of bites increase as they speed up. The same for spinner bait fishing. An adept angler on the Broad can make a spinner bait change direction a fraction of a second before it hits the water and literally make a topwater wake for the first few feet of the return.
And while we’re talking spinner baits, June is absolutely a great time to throw any type of spinner bait. The river carries an abundant supply of threadfin, as well as many other bait fish, and once the fish move off the beds, they are simply chasing bait fish and crawdads. Take a good variety of offset and inline spinners with a good variety of blades. The Mepps Aglia lures in sizes 3 and 4 are wildly productive. They are extremely well built and closely resemble the threadfin forage. You should be able to find which blade and which size they’re eating if you’re willing to make adjustments. Water levels fluctuate less in summer, but still may vary quickly, so know how to check and monitor water levels. A USGS website allows us to do that. Go to USGS. gov, find real-time water data, then find SC and the relevant marker. Understanding and interpreting the data requires a rudimental understanding of the Broad’s flow and path, so I highly recommend anyone wishing to fish the river be familiar with the USGS site. The river app (the icon is a white paddler on a blue background) uses the same data and offers simple customization of content. The factors determining level are numerous and complex. Rainfall and hydrology of the land are probably the two biggest factors, but not always, since hydroelectric production occurs at several points along the Broad’s path. In addition, Parr Reservoir
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levels are associated in a complex manner to flow in and out of Lake Monticello, which is monitored and maintained closely due to its relationship with VC Sumner Nuclear Facility. The bottom line is: know how to check water levels and know which levels are good for certain sections of the river. But also know the levels can quickly change.
So, stock up on spinner baits and soft plastics and hit the river. Just remember to keep safety at the center of what you do out there. Send questions or comments to Mike McSwain at 843-7633805, or Facebook profile “Michael L. McSwain,” or Instagram and Facebook page @broad river smallmouth. TIGHT LINES
Mike McSwain is from Charleston, SC but maintains residence in Columbia, SC on the Broad River. He guides for smallmouth bass on the Broad as water levels allow, usually from late Spring through November.
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The Time Loop
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By Matt Mittan
ith all the multi-versefocused movies out there, with all the alternate timelines storytelling that dominate today’s entertainment, I felt compelled to offer a thought. Aren’t fishing rods time machines? Stick with me on this. When you hit a familiar, favorite fishing hole that you have fished most of your life, especially if you get to do that with a friend you’ve known for years and years, don’t you see and feel every moment you’ve ever experienced in that place, simultaneously? Aren’t you casting to the very spots you know they’ve hit before, with each strike replaying in your mind - as your cast approaches its landing zone? Aware of what can happen, are you not able to see your fishing future - as you move from spot to spot?
I recently got to experience these very things at a small pond with the guy that’s been my best friend since we were 5 years old. Jay and I spent countless hours fishing this place when we were growing up and, as adults, we inevitably find our way back to it just about every time we get to see each other again – which is maybe once a year, twice if we’re lucky. As life started digging in its roots, our worlds settled into grounds about 1,000 miles apart. That’s a long way from when we thought we’d end up sharing a place somewhere, doing a landscaping business together, and fishing any day of the week we wanted to. Life rarely plays out the way our 12 year old minds think it will. But one thing that brings us right back to the same idealistic joy, freedom of focus and youthful playfulness is fishing together.
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Let me set the scene... It’s late afternoon, the middle of the week. Jay’s workday is done. I’m already at the pond texting him to come on over and be prepared to catch some fish. He’s tired. Being a mason who works with heavy stones and cement blocks all day takes its toll on the body. So he hesitates, until I send the picture of my first catch – a respectable 2
lb Bass. He’s now on his way. Before I get into anything else, I should tell you something about me and my friends’ relationship. It can get pretty competitive at times. Something I should tell you about me and my friends’ competitiveness, there’s a lot of jawing back and forth along the way. Over the years, our circle of friends has turned trash talking
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into an art form. But it’s always for sport and never taken personally. By the end of each trip, we find a category that we can each win. For instance, I usually caught more fish, but Jay caught the biggest fish of the day. Or he gets the highest weight total, but I get the most species variety. Bottom line, we just have fun. OK, the stage is set. We are at one of our favorite honey holes, one that is frozen in time. I have officially challenged Jay to a friendly little tournament. One loop around the 5-acre pond. Challenge accepted. (When I say accepted, I mean he arrived. It wasn’t really a choice at all.) It’s on! Using my favorite time machine, remember the time machine thing? We’re back to that now. I start targeting all the exact spots where I have pulled out fish over the past 40 years, where we had the exact conditions of the current day. My trusty time machine is working like a charm. Before Jay can catch his first fish, I’m already at 11 Bass. The chatter is
well underway. Every time I hear a groan... “Ugh!” I have to quickly dart my eyes down the bank to see if he’s just lost another fish, so that I can properly taunt him. Soon, I realize that he’s making the same noise whether he misses a fish or if he’s tweaked his bad shoulder on a cast. Unable to tell the difference between the two utterances, I yell out a snarky suggestion, “Maybe, every time you miss a fish just yell out ‘Owe-eee’ (delivered in my whiniest voice), so that way I know the difference.” He suggested I move swiftly to a rather warm, fiery, location far below our current elevation. As we went around the pond that evening, we were sending updates and pictures to an old neighborhood friend through a FB thread. Everybody fell right into character as we collectively had a blast trash talking and celebrating all at the same time! For that couple of hours, it might as well have been our entire lives. Because each cast was mirrored on top of thousands that came before
it and landed on future days we hope to see. We truly tapped into a timeless zone through fishing, friendship, and temporary freedom from the stresses of our daily lives. So, I end where I began, as I often do... You don’t need to go to the movies to tap into a multi-verse of memories
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and possibilities, or to find a few hours of isolated escapism. Just grab a fishing pole and call an old friend. It’s the best time machine your money can buy and right up there as one of the best ways to spend a few hours in the here and now.
Matt Mittan is the Owner of Serenity Canoe Guide Service and Co-Host of “Matt & Michele Outdoors”, an outdoors-themed show heard on Biz Radio Asheville. Contact him via email at MattMittanOutdoors@gmail.com
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School’s Out! By Karl Ekberg
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Here’s a great pic from the Kids Fishing Derby @ Burrell’s Ford
ndependence Day brings families together with cookouts, barbeques, fireworks celebrations over the evenings, and remembrance of the risks that our forefathers took to create a new nation. “Land of the free. home of the brave”, comes to mind as we seek cooler waters, in higher elevations, as the summertime descends upon us here in the Southeast. Longer hikes, early mornings, a small fly box with a selection of dry flies, nymphs, and a few small streamers,
seems to be the order of operation for most days. Finding cooler waters and leaving lower elevation trout alone is crucial for their survival during the heat of the summer. When it comes to trout, there are many ideas out there regarding temperature and their comforts; this will help in the grand picture: The optimal feeding temperature range for trout is between forty- four and sixtyeight degrees. If water temperatures continue to rise above the seventy plus degree range and reach the seventy-five and above for an extended time, this can be lethal. When the water temperature hits sixty-seven, trout start to decline in eating habits significantly. This is due to the trout conserving energy, as their stress levels increase with the higher temperatures. If the water temperature reaches eighty degrees, the trout can survive, although only if the temperature
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declines within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. The rivers have been in great shape with some significant rain in June, and some cooler nights dropping in the low fifties. Trout have been taking a good array of top water flies, although with the increase of water temperatures, this bite will subside. Nymph and streamer fishing will be good as well, early mornings, and in the early evening to sundown. As summer rolls, terrestrials are always a great choice. Smaller creek and higher elevation fish thrive upon these little flies and devour them flies as they hit the water. The beetles, ants, and inch worms should be in everyone’s arsenal of flies. This is a great time of year to take the kids fishing! School is out for the summer break, water temperatures
are great, and there are plenty of fish to be caught. We had the pleasure of participating, as sponsors, for the Kid’s Fishing Derby, at Burrell’s Ford Campground this past month, with the U.S. Forestry Department, Andrew Pickens District, South Carolina. Many thanks to the Walhalla Fish Hatchery for the awesome fish, and all the volunteers for making this great event come together. Introducing kids to the greater outdoors and nature is a wonderful time and catching a few fish will add to the experience for all. Remember to bring your camera along for your trip and share your photo, you might see your photo in the next edition on the “Brag Board”. As we are all guests of the forest, let’s remember to “leave no trace”, and pack out what we bring in on our trips to the rivers. Keeping the forests clean, will add to the enjoyable experience for all. We hope to see everyone out on the rivers!
Karl and Karen Ekberg are co-owners of Chattooga River Fly Shop, located at 6832-A Highlands Hwy, Mountain Rest, SC 29664. Give them a call at (864) 638-2806 and visit their website at www.chattoogariverflyshop.com.
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Friends Reel in South Carolina Record Walleye in Upstate
he S.C. Department of Natural Resources recently certified a state-record walleye caught in the Upstate over Memorial Day weekend. Chris Edlund, of Spartanburg, and Dave Starzek, of Greer, caught a 10-pound, 1.44-ounce walleye from Lake Tugalo in Oconee County on May 29. Edlund pulled the fish in and is the angler on record, while Starzek netted the fish. “When it surfaced, we got excited and knew if that wasn’t a record, it was going to be close,” Edlund said. The fish will officially share the state record with a 10-pound walleye caught in Lake Russell in 1994. While Edlund’s catch is slightly heavier, a fish weighing less than 25 pounds has to exceed the previous record catch by at least 2 ounces to replace the record holder. Walleye require a coolwater habitat not found many places in South Carolina. South
Chris Edlund, of Spartanburg, poses with a walleye he caught on Lake Tugalo in Oconee County on May 29. The 10-pound, 1.44-ounce fish will share a state record from 1994.
Carolina has a small reproducing population, primarily in the Tugalo River arm of Lake Hartwell, that move up the Tugalo River to spawn in the spring. Georgia Department of Natural
HYDRODYNAMIC DOZEN continued from page 10
Upper French Broad, North Carolina
The tributary system of the Upper French Broad forms a dazzling labyrinth of angling opportunities across a sprawling range of beguiling mountain landscapes. “Beyond providing literally hundreds of miles of waters for trout anglers to explore, the French Broad watershed includes streams of all sizes and waters that fall under several different management schemes,” wrote all-around all-star angler James Samsel. “Therefore, whether an angler wants an easy limit, likely catch-and-release action, or wild trout in a remote setting, something in the French Broad River system should fit the bill.” Among them is South Mills
River, which is listed in Trout Unlimited’s “Guide to America’s Best 100 Trout Streams.” On the SMR you’ll encounter “one deep pool after another” and great populations of wild and sometimes weighty browns and rainbows. “The trout probably average about eight inches, but they get much larger,” according to James Marsh of The Angler. Another area dream stream is the East Fork of the FBR mainstem, which offers a set of circumstances most wade-anglers can’t resist: technical fishing, easy access and highly visible trout holding in gin-clear currents. “Come prepared with a 4wt-5wt for shooting long casts to catch rainbow, brown, and brook trout on a dry fly,” advises Southern
Resources has also stocked walleye in Lake Tugalo and Lake Yona over the years. Starzek, a Michigan native who grew up walleye fishing, has Appalachian Anglers. “Many of the regular hatches, common to Western North Carolina, can be found here. Dry flies are primarily the fly of choice due to the shallow, clear water stream. Sight fishing is very popular in the East Fork and is one of the best ways to catch trout. Cast dries early in the morning matching a hatch or late in the evening to get a chance at catching a big brown or brook trout.”
Elk River Tailwater, Tennessee
Surging from beneath Tims Ford Dam in Lower Middle Tennessee, the Elk River is the furthest downstream year-round trout-bearing tributary flowing into the Tennessee River. The Elk is a small and widely wadeable stream -- one of its prime selling points -- and is stocked to crowd-please with trout of
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JULY 2022
targeted record walleye in South Carolina and Georgia throughout the past seven years and crafted a worm rig with a hand-painted lure he designed specifically to land trophy fish in the Tallulah basin. “It’s a passion for me, and it’s been a long time coming,” Starzek said. Starzek and Edlund were on the water by 6:30 a.m. and trolled less than two hours in the 13-foot Lowe boat before hooking up with the fish. The men searched for an open store with a state-certified scale for hours before being able to officially weigh the fish at a grocery store in Greer. Lake Tugalo is a 597-acre mountain reservoir on the Georgia border and is owned and operated by Georgia Power Company. Fishing South Carolina lakes requires a freshwater fishing license. For more, visit www.dnr. sc.gov.
quality size and numbers for at least fifteen miles below the TVA impoundment. There aren’t any wild fish in the river, but “catching a good size brown trout is very possible,” reports Middle Tennessee Flyfishers. The idyllic hill-flanked and farmland-banked river is known for robust aquatic insect life that the plump and pugnacious fish are partial to gobbling up all year long. “This river is full of scuds but it also has a few mayflies and caddisflies,” says MTF. “There are plenty of midge larvae in the river and imitations of their larva, pupae and the adults will work year-round. Fly fishing the Elk River tailwater with streamers is a good way to catch the brown trout.”
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Post Spawn Patterns By Scott Norton
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s the spawn is wrapping up in the Northern Hemisphere and higher elevations of the mountains, bass will hit that post spawn funk and people start to wonder where they went. The spawn is very hard on bass, and they go through a period of rest right afterwards. There are signs to look for when figuring out what part of the funk they are in. The first sign you will see is when you go to the lake, you will notice all your catches are small males. Why this happens is that those males guard the fry, after the eggs hatch, from predatory losses. The females and males both are really not looking to feed during this time. In fact, they focus on different tasks. Do not forget they have not fed since they went on beds. They only bite to protect the nest and/or the fry. After the
females lay their eggs, their job is done so they focus on recovering to heal from what they just went through, while the males focus on keeping the predators away from the fry, so their job is not done yet. This explains why you experience a lot small bass catches all of a the sudden. Not all hope is lost when you want to catch something of quality. During the funky stage, you want to break out your plastics and figure out if you can catch some of those early spawners. You will have a wave of bass that are already looking to start feeding up after they recover, you just need to find them. How this is done is you just check the secondary points going to the main lake point to find hungry bass. Once you find them, they will be in schools. You want to find a lure that you can
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fire the school up with. I like to use something with a single hook so you can get them off and get that lure back in as fast as you can. Once a schooling situation starts to happen bass have to compete to feed. This is also a situation where the fisherman wins. Now it’s time to figure out the easiest way to find these schooling bass. I believe it is more efficient to start at the main lake point until you meet up with the first wave. If you start from the bedding areas, you might get distracted with bites coming from the second and third waves, which are not as aggressive as the first wave. Plastics are important right now because you will find lots of bass in the shallows, in the junk, and
you need something weedless. Some bass go deep and, usually these are the bigger variety that feed on shad and trout. Bass in the shallow areas will feed on bluegill, frogs, worms, and crayfish. Let us talk about the shad spawn. Bass from shallow and the deep will catch on to the shad spawn, which happens early in the morning, and overcast days in low light situations. It usually happens for a few hours then dies out. On rainy days, it could last even longer. This is a special situation because they focus on this bite not so much the fisherman. Knowing what to look for this time of year can bring a lot of fun and good times with friends and family.
Scott Norton is a Western North Carolina native. Born in Asheville, N.C., he is a long-time hunter, angler and weekend warrior.
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Lake Hartwell Fishing Forecast for July 2022 By Preston Harden
Water level- 1 ft. Above Full Pool Water temp.-84 Degrees Water clarity- Clear
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s we enter July, the transition to the summer pattern is almost complete. The hybrids and stripers have moved out of the creeks and upper lake and migrated to the main lake. The largemouth and spotted bass have left the banks and moved to deeper brush piles. Crappie have also moved to deeper structure. Electronics become very important to find fish in deeper water. Look for hybrids and stripers from mid lake to the dam. If you locate a school, drop a lively blue back herring on a Carolina Rig to the
depth of the fish and hang on. A big spoon or a big jig and swim bait will also work. Look for bass around brush piles 15 to 30 ft. deep and drop a shakey head or a drop shot on top of them. I always have a top water plug ready for surface activity. My favorite is a lucky craft sammy in color ghost minnow. Crappie move out of the shallow creeks to brush piles 20 to 30 ft. deep. Crappie minnows on a slip float or a 1/16 oz. Jig head and a soft plastic will catch crappie. The weather is hot this time of year and lots of people quit fishing. That does not mean the fish quit feeding. Just follow the fish to their summer locations.
Preston Harden / Bucktail Guide Service / 706-255-5622 / bucktailguideservice.com
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The Perks of a Traveling Songwriter
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fter college open mic nights proved more important to me than the paper that I received declaring a ‘BS’ in psychology, I decided to set out in my SUV with a couple of guitars in the back seat, to try my hand as a touring songwriter. That journey has been an education without end, providing an indispensable, cyclical process of inspiration by way of travels that inform the next song that I then play on the next tour. I probably anticipated, or at least hoped for that exact process, but I had no intuition that this journey’s second-best perk would be the making of so many fishing buddies across the United States, one among them I’d consider perhaps the finest soul I’ve ever met. Perhaps I should have seen it coming. I’ve been an angler longer than I’ve been a songwriter. As a kid, long before I picked up a guitar, I bought a cheap fly rod and an
By Andrew Duhon
instructional VHS, hawked by the ESPN Saturday morning fishing shows, and I managed to tie an absurd number of unintended knots in that fly line learning how to fly cast in my backyard. Ever since, fly fishing has been the majestic apex of my attempts to convene with nature, though with all the touring, I’d probably never get out on the water were it not for the invitations of strangers who invite me to their favorite spot the morning after a show. Come to think, I didn’t even own my own a decent rod and waders until a couple of years ago. I hadn’t needed to. I’d always borrow a rod and waders from a generous soul on the road, and on a lucky day off, I’d follow them down the bank to some lovely spot familiar to them, and priceless to me. I’d like to think that the sharing of these songs is sort of opening a window into my soul to strangers, and an angler sharing their favorite
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stretch of a river is, to them, a similar sharing. I made one such friend after a show in Tuscaloosa. An older timer with a big, strong handshake who introduced himself as Jim and said, ‘I hear you’re a fly fisherman.’ Jim was a lover not only of fishing, but of old guitars, Cajun cooking, and literature. There was no end to our conversation. This is no hyperbole when I tell you Jim was the model of a man, not tall, but towering in every other way. He had the kindest heart, strong shoulders, and though about twice my age, he spoke to me like a peer. Soon enough, we were fishing buddies, and went on several trips, and I ain’t talking ‘the local pond’ trips. Jim took me to Saskatchewan to fish for giant dinosaur pike on the fly in water so clear you’d see the beasts approaching your fly and just have to keep stripping while your teeth chattered with excitement. We fished giant
private lakes near his childhood home in Lake Charles pulling out monster bass and though, I admit I’d switched over to a spinning rod, Jim stayed true to his fly rod, even choosing to fish with his own tied flies for the pride of fooling the fish with his own creation. It was over the post-fishing dinners and wine that I’d learn just how much Jim believed in me as a songwriter. Jim was a man of more books than I’ll ever read. Words were everything to him, and his belief in mine filled my heart up. I’d never felt such friendship with a man as much my senior as Jim, and it was nothing short of the honor of all my journeying to have found a friend such as he. I was in New York for a gig when I got word from a mutual friend that Jim had passed. He was on his fishing dock in Tennessee. He was fishing. I wish all the time that we could go on one more trip together, and talk more about the metaphor
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of the river we were standing in. I wish we could talk just a little further down that river, but alas, Jim has headed down that river in the sky, and I’ll bet he’d have wanted to do so fishing as he did. The moments at which I am most thankful to be a songwriter are these moments of sorrow. The moments when my heart aches so, but a song is where I can put the memories, the feelings, so that I can get them out and put them somewhere safe that won’t be
for my first stretch of solo shows in I’ll fool a bass or two thanks to Jim. years. I’ve graduated from the two I don’t know that it was ever lost on guitars in an SUV to a van and a me, but Jim’s memory galvanized trio of musical compatriots, which those moments when I’m able to leaves little time to consider wet- take a morning amid the endless ‘You’d make a plan to go out ting a line, but since it’s just me on touring, quiet the ambition and the fishing. You’d call me up to come this run, I’m bringing a fly rod and a motion in my mind, and discuss along. I revered you for your certain box of flies. It was Jim’s box with a near stranger, rods in hand, wisdom. You believed in my song. of flies. I’ll sit at the edge of a pond the metaphor of the river that just And the fishing guide, he was sur- in Tennessee, and I’ll go through keeps moving around us. prised to hear that we were no rela- those hand tied creations, and I bet tion. But in a way, I believe we told Andrew Duhon is an award winning singer songwriter and a lifelong him wrong. You were my brother.”
forgotten. I wrote a song for Jim called “My Brother,” because despite our age difference, that’s how he felt to me. In the first verse:
As I write this, I’m packing up
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fishermen. His fourth album, “Emerald Blue” is out now.
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WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA GREAT SMOKIES
Hybrid Bass Mayhem on Lake Chatuge
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n July, fishing on Lake Chatuge, which borders Western North Carolina and North Georgia, really gets fired up and I mean FIRED UP! With warmer water temps, the hybrids and bass school up, which means we are able to load the boat with tons of trophy hybrids and spotted bass. Currently, Lake Chatuge is at full pool. Water temps are in the low 80s, and water clarity is clear throughout the lake. Hybrid fishing is explosive for us right now. The fish are really schooling in large numbers, and moving to deeper water. We are catching some big quantities, probably averaging between 25 and 35 hybrids and bass in just a couple of hours. Most of our hybrids are averaging 7-10 pounds. These are
By Darren Hughes
some of Lake Chatuge’s hardestfighting fish, and we’re having a blast wearing them out. The early morning bite has been prime. Look for schools of fish off shallow humps along the main channel, clay banks, and off points. Downlining live blueback herring has been the best technique. Search out your areas and watch your electronics. When you mark fish, drop your lines. Fish will be slightly shallower in the early morning hours and will move to deeper water by midmorning. Top-water bite remains very good as well. When these fish start busting on bait, it’s always a good idea to have a plug, spook, or red fin at the ready. July is a fantastic month for catching a lot of trophy hybrids and spots on this North Georgia
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lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1-rated guide service put you on some of Lake Chatuge’s best trophy hybrids during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We are Murphy, NC’s and Blairsville Georgia’s premier fulltime guide service, specializing in
striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Hiwassee and Nottely, and Lake Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, GA. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!
Darren Hughes is a member of The Angler Magazine Fishing Team and a guide for Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. Look him up at www.bigolfish. com or give him a call at (706) 745-6569 or (828) 361-2021
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It’s Another Lake Hiwassee Striper Feeding Frenzy
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f slaying schooling summertime stripers and hybrids is what you want, then look no further. Lake Hiwassee offers some of the best striper fishing in the southeast and we are so privileged to be slapdab in the middle of it all here at Big Ol’ Fish Guiding service. July’s warm summer temps really get these deep mountain stripers schooled up. It’s definitely the time of year to catch tons and tons of hard fighting fish. Check out our Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service Facebook and Instagram, and see for yourself. Currently, Lake Hiwassee is at full pool. Water clarity is clear throughout the lake, and water temps are in the low 80’s. Striper fishing has been excellent. We have been loading the boat with some big fish in
By Shane Goebel good quantities, averaging 20 to 30 stripers a morning. The earlymorning and evening bites are your best times to see action. As far as technique, it’s been all down lines for us. With water temps on the rise, the fish are moving to deeper water. Target creek mouths and points off the main lake channel. Also, during the hot sunny days of summer, search out areas with some good shade. The majority of our fish have been caught from Point 7 to the dam. The top-water bite has been great as well. Keep a spook or a Red Fin at the ready to snag surface-busting fish. The fish will continue to school up through the next couple months and will move to even deeper water. Just remember to keep an eye on your electronics and watch for schools of stripers when cruising the lake.
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Also, remember to try to get the fish back into the water as quickly as possible after they are caught. July is a fantastic month for catching a lot of trophy stripers on this Western North Carolina lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1-rated guide service put you on some of Lake Hiwassee’s best trophy stripers during the fishing
trip of a lifetime. We are Murphy, NC’s and Blairsville Georgia’s premier full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Nottely (in North Georgia), Chatuge, and Lake Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, GA. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!
Shane Goebel owns Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service and is a member of The Angler Magazine Fishing Team. See the website at www. bigolfish.com or call (828) 361-2021
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H
ey folks, the heat is here and it’s gonna’ be around for a while. You can pile up in front of your air conditioner or hit the pool to get a little relief, or you can do what I like to do and grab your fly rod and wading boots and hit the Creek. We’re fortunate to be living in the middle of the best fly fishing in the state. No matter whether you like to work a streamer in the Tuck or Little Tennessee, or float a dry fly back in the park or one of our many national forest streams for wild Brooke, Rainbow, and Brown Trout, it’s gonna’ be cool and relaxing. My favorite is the dry fly fishing and this is the perfect time for it. Lots of bug activity with good early morning hatches and steady fishing till dark. There’s absolutely no better eating fish than a wild caught trout cooked right on the stream with a big pan full of fried taters. Usually this time of year the trout aren’t real picky on what fly pattern- I think in part because of all the different insects falling into their dining area. With ants, spiders and all sorts of flying insects at their disposal, it’s no wonder they don’t turn
Head To The Smokies By Ronnie Parris
down most dries so long as they’re presented right. That’s usually what makes the difference. You can’t slap the water with it and expect to get many hits. Probably what saves more fish from being caught than any other thing is drag, which is simply letting your line get pulled by the current in an unnatural manner. There are 2 ways to prevent this: the first is to strip line to keep too much slack from sinking or you can do what I prefer and shorten your cast and simply raise your rod as the fly floats back to you to keep from getting to much slack. This is my preference but whatever works for you is fine. Hook sets have to be immediate or the trout will spit your fly. If you’re just getting into fly fishing and don’t want to spend a lot of money, Temple Fork makes a great low cost but very good feeling rod. On most of our creeks, I would suggest the signature series 7 to 8 ft, 3
weight rod; it has great feel and the short rod works well in the overgrown tree canopies. If I were picking just 4 dry flies, I’d go with a Royal Wolf, Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, or a stimulator. Probably the best fly tier in the state lives and sells his flies right here; his name is James Connor.
He’s a native North Carolina fisherman who can hook you up with what you will need as far as the flies are concerned. As I said before, these are probably the best eating fish your gonna’ find but they can be easily overfished, so only take what you’re gonna’ eat and try to release the rest without touching them if possible. I usually keep a pair nippers on my vest and just use them to hold the fly at an angle opposite the way it went in and a gentle shake will send the trout back in the water, no worse for wear. Stay safe and as always, take a kid fishing!
Fontana Lake Fishing Guides – Ronnie Parris, Owner & Head Guide LAKE, CREEK & RIVER FISHING • FLY FISHING • CAMPING We offer both full and half day trips with the most competitive rates available. All tackle and supplies you will need while you are on your trip is covered by our listed price.
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1012 East Alarka Road, Bryson City, NC • 828-488-9711, Cell: 828-736-9471
smokymountainoutdoorsunlimited.com
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Find the Fish on Fontana
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very year it’s going to happen, regardless of what’s going on in the world, there comes a time in a guide’s life when the anglers are swarming and the fish aren’t. July kind of epitomizes that combination of events. The phone rings off the hook...”I fished with you last spring and we took a later vacation this year but want to catch those spots like last time, we killed them.” Without a doubt, the springtime bite here is awesome. Fish are on the beds either pre, actual, or post for months and everyone is a hero; you just throw your favorite on the bank and you are hooked up. But then the fish move off, now what do you do? At Fontana, we start to troll, some people fish at night but I am too old to stay out late, you don’t want to meet me on the road at 2 AM. Most folks, especially south of here, have never trolled for bass and it’s not difficult, just different.
By Capt. James McManus
There are basically four types of trolling rigs: flat line, leadcore, dipsy divers, and downriggers. Here are the basics top down. Many of our bass, both spots and smallmouth, cruise open water once they leave the banks. Our lake is 400 feet deep at the dam and at full pool most areas hold between 120 and 220 feet of water. Shad and blue backs cruise open water, filtering food in schools large and small. Early morning finds most close to the surface and that makes locating fish easy with breaking fish visible. I tend to run small minnow imitation lures like shad raps, x-raps and flicker shad. These cover from the surface down to 6 or 8 feet and typically run a couple on spinning gear. To cover more area, I use side planers which carry baits out to the sides. Don’t forget a swivel and bead to keep your planer from going all the way to the bait.
Next step down to leadcore and dipsy diver rigs. There are advantages to both and be aware that both can knit a nest that a squirrel would be proud of. I tend to run leadcore more, while taking some of the fight out, it hits that 15-to-30-foot depth without too much hassle. You can also team these with side planers and eliminate some tangles if you are fishing smaller openings with tighter turns. I run a 10-to-12-foot fluorocarbon leader and the same lures as my surface rigs. You control the depth by letting out line which changes color at 10-yard increments, typically 5 to 7 feet of depth a color. Dipsys to me just take most of the fun out of actual catching, although my buddy Ronnie catches a ton of fish on them. They require stiffer rods and most of our fish are two pounds and under so that’s just me. My favorite outfits for trolling
are downriggers, they are the most precise and let you fight fish with light tackle unencumbered. You will need to monitor your electronics and when fish are marked, simply dial down 5 to 10 feet above them and get ready. As the summer rolls on, fish can move as deep as 100+ feet, we have found that while you can mark them, most won’t feed unless they are in that 35-to-60-foot depth. So, when those bank fish leave, remember, most are way out yonder and there are ways to get to them. Start out simply and with experience, you can add more rigs. Just fished Lake Michigan for salmon and lake trout and we used all of the above for a total of 12 lines at a time. Unless you have a big boat, I don’t recommend that at first, but give me a call if you want to see the basic setups. Thank God for our beautiful lakes and catch you later. Capt, James
Capt. James McManus owns 153 Charters. Give him a call for a great day on the water at (828) 421-8125.
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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 33
Fly of the Month - Hopper Juan
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t is hot. The streams are beginning to get low and very clear and there are no hatches to be found. To find trout in North Carolina that will respond to these extremes, you are either fly fishing remote, highly canopied headwaters where it’s cooler, or you are on a larger stream looking for the deeper waters along an undercut bank that is overgrown with vegetation. So, what fly do you pull out of the fly box that will most likely attract a trout from the only comfortable place it can find. The Grasshopper is fished as a dry fly, but not in a traditional since. Foremost, a grasshopper is a larger, bulky fly that defies a delicate presentation. However, as an exception to dry fly fishing, you really want your presentation to make a good, noisy splash just as a natural grasshopper would do as it falls into a stream. This would normally spook a trout in the spring or fall, but during the hot days of summer, a trout is typically hiding or feeding along the bottom or just into the shade along an overgrown or overhanging bank. In either case, the splash can invoke the attention of the trout. The larger, bulky Grasshopper will also not float very long before it begins to slowly sink. Normally, when a dry fly begins to sink, it is immediately time to re-apply floatant to make sure you have a long, high drift on the surface. However, as yet another exception to dry fly fishing, you really want your presentation to gradually sink, just as a natural grasshopper would do, as it drifts downstream. Trout will take a Grasshopper on the surface as well as in the upper water column depending on how long the trout takes to follow and move over into a position for the take. Once the Grasshopper fails to initially float on the surface, you should re-apply floatant to assure some surface drift, and then work
By Tom Adams, Alen Baker www.rockyrivertu.org/dry-fly-patterns.html
through a few passes again. The Grasshopper may be tied in a number of sizes, styles, and colors. Sizes used on trout streams range from size 14 down to size 6. The styles vary from somewhat simple attractor patterns to very elaborate, almost realistic patterns. Watching Dave Whitlock tie his world-famous Dave’s Hopper fly will give you a whole new meaning to fly tying. I had to practice to be able to tie a Dave’s Hopper in less than 30 minutes. But one must consider that the fly is so highly effective that you need a few in the fly box even if you have to purchase them. Grasshopper patterns on the market are typically unique in style and sold simply by size with a few patterns that may come in an alternate color. For example, Dave’s Hopper, Joe’s Hopper, and a few other patterns are tied with a yellow body or a green body. Sometimes the green body can also represent a katydid as there are only a few Katydid patterns. A black or brown pattern is typically a Cricket as there are a good number of patterns that parallel specific hopper styles such as the Letort Hopper and the Letort Cricket. Over the years, I have purchased many different hopper patterns and have literally collected the various styles. I have three full boxes, each with 18 slots and each slot with a different hopper pattern. I am sure there are many more I have not encountered. To fish the Grasshopper, use a larger 2X-4X tippet size to better match the Grasshopper size. I use fluorocarbon which is more transparent in water than mono such that a larger size is less noticeable. Cast upstream and across for a drift much in the same manner as fly fishing a traditional dry fly. The larger, bulky Grasshopper will take some adjustment in the pause time on
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the back cast as it drops quickly. The Grasshopper is presented in the same manner as a dry fly except the sheer weight of the fly will plop the surface with a good splash that demands the attention of any trout nearby. Drift the hopper down each feeding seam as well as very, very close to the stream bank, literally under the overgrowth if possible. Let the hopper sink for a few feet further downstream just in case a trout is following or even waiting for the hopper to get close for the take. My most memorable experience using a Grasshopper is a day in Yellowstone Park on Gibbon River in 1988. The Gibbon River is a fast flowing, freestone stream down to Gibbon Falls, then the streams meanders through Gibbon Meadows until it flows into Firehole River. The stream through the meadow flows through overhanging wild grass on both sides, ideal hopper country throughout. My first cast that did not hang up in the grass drifted only a few seconds before a huge fifteen-inch brown chomped my Yellowstone Hopper and headed down stream like a freight train. I recall catching the most
browns ever in a single day on several different hopper patterns. This is a fly for the dog days of summer in North Carolina.
Fly of the Month 8.12 Hopper Juan Hook: Streamer, 3x to 4x, Tiemco 5263 or equivalent Size: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 Thread: UTC 140 in color to match Body: 1.5mm Closed Cell Foam two colors of choice Wing: Plain Web Wing material (MFC) Note: There are numerous foam patterns available. This is a straightforward yet handsome grasshopper imitation with great visibility, good support for droppers, durable and easy to tie. There are also other photo illustrations for classic variants of hopper patterns. They are time proven and quite honestly not a difficult tie. Try them all! Detailed tying steps may be found at the Rocky River Chapter of Trout Unlimited at www. rockyrivertu.org/dry-fly-patterns.
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Directions: 1) Cut the two foam pieces to size for the hook of choice. You may cut the pieces with scissors or craft knife. Make sure if you cut them without a manufacturers cutter, you allow sufficient length. The foam should extend past the hook eye and the bend by one hook gape for each position. Rounding the front is not necessary and I trimmed the tails after tying in everything else. In use, for the patterns shown, are MFC Hopper/Stonefly cutters. These are available from most fly shops and come as a set or individual based on hook size. Closed cell color foam is available in fly shops or craft stores. The fly shops will have the best assortment of the correct colors, but either will do. Vary color patterns to suit the time of year and location where you are fishing. 2) Choose the bottom color of foam and skewer with the hook point allowing a segment to protrude beyond the hook bend. There will be sufficient length to extend beyond the hook eye. Slide the skewered foam into position such that it is under the hook shank. Rotate the foam out of the way and wrap the tying thread on, beginning two eyelengths from the hook eye. Spin the thread counter clockwise, flattening the thread and wrap in, in tight, overlapping wraps to above the hook barb. Let the bobbin hang. 3) Return the foam, laterally along the hook shank and after aligning take the bobbin and make the first wrap to bind the foam to the hook. Apply the thread in a very vertical and perpendicular (to the hook shank) wraps, fashion and secure with no more than three turns, one on top of the other. Let the bobbin hang. 4) Select the other piece of foam and match the tail ends. Holding the two pieces with your left hand, wrap the thread in the exact place as the bottom section. Once you are happy with the position make two more, tight
wraps maintaining that single line of thread, and secure the top to the bottom. 5. Advance the thread to the next bottom segment (pushing the top foam section out of the way) location. The distance of the segment should be the next third of the hook shank. Wrap one or two soft wraps to assure you like the position, then no more than two firm wraps to secure. You will notice that a concave dimple has occurred between the two segments of the bottom. Place a small drop of CA (Zap-A-Gap style) cement in the dimple and place the upper section of foam in alignment and make one soft thread wrap for position and then two firm thread wraps to finish that segment.
Tom Adams
Alen D, Baker
the eye) using one light wrap for position and one firm wrap to secure. You do not want any buildup of thread at this point. Make sure your wraps remain directly on top of one another. Let the bobbin hang.
that it does not protrude past the wing. Let the bobbin hang.
10) Select four or five strands of sparkle and tie in with two 6) Advance the thread to the wraps on top of the wing. These next position, one third of the will trim slightly longer than the remaining space to the hook eye. wing. Let the bobbin hang. Pull the bottom segment up to the bottom of the hook shank and 11) Select a portion of elk hair make one or two soft wraps to and after cutting, cleaning and verify that you like the position. stacking tie in on top so that the Wrap tight with two turns and evenly matched tips are rearward apply the cement. and slightly longer than the length of the abdomen. When tying the hair wing in use the pinch method for placement and make two firm but not tight wraps. Using your left hand keep the hair on top and tight as a unit while you add two more turns of thread but with a lot more pressure than before. You want the wing to lift but not stand straight up. Trim the excess directly in front of the tie in. You will notice after securing the hair 8) Add the cement and bring wing has shortened somewhat so the top foam down as you did above. There will be a section of foam protruding past the eye that remains untrimmed at this point. Bring the thread across the top of the first segment (closest to the eye) with one movement making a forty-five-degree line across the top of the top piece of foam. Let the bobbin hang. 7) Bring the top piece of foam down and secure with one or two soft wraps. When you are happy with the placement secure with two firm wraps. Advance the thread to half the distance to the eye hook and secure the bottom piece of foam. Before bringing down the top piece trim the bottom foam so that the eye is free.
12) Use your right hand to bring the top piece of foam back to the hair wing and secure with two firm wraps. Trim the excess foam and let the bobbin hang. 13) At this point if you so choose you can add a bright or white piece of Antron to act as an indicator. Just tie in a small piece with two wraps and trim to the height you prefer. 14) Choose two pieces of round rubber striped or unstriped legs. Place one at the tie point and make one soft wrap to hold it in place. Repeat on the other side and make two firm wraps to secure them. There are many, many hopper fly patterns including Hopper Juan Green, Hopper Juan Red Orange, Hopper Juan Red Tan, Joe’s Hopper, Madam X Olive Hopper, Madam X Hopper and Letort Hopper.
9) Cut the wing material in a similar manner to the body but taper it slightly so that it is more narrow towards the eye. Tie in at the first segment (closest to
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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 35
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nglers who catch trophysized fish that do not qualify for a freshwater fishing state record can have their catch officially recognized by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission through its N.C. Angler Recognition Program (NCARP). If a fish meets or exceeds EITHER weight or length requirements, anglers can
submit their catch information in exchange for a certificate of recognition featuring a color reproduction of the fish species by renowned wildlife artist Duane Raver. Anglers who collect six NCARP certificates receive a Master Angler certificate and patch. Because either lengths or weights can be used to certify fish
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as NCARP-eligible trophy fish, anglers can practice catch-and-release with their fish. Apply for an NCARP certificate by completing an NCARP application. Applications are also available at many bait and tackle shops, sporting good stores and other Wildlife Service Agent locations and in the North Carolina Inland
Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest. A $5 fee with each application covers costs associated with the program. Youth age 15 and younger can apply for a Youth NCARP certificate for any of the fish species listed below. Minimum length and weight requirements are waived. For more information about NCARP, call (919) 707-0220.
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ur conservation needs are not one-and-done. Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and our fellow members of the Land for Tomorrow coalition are working with North Carolina’s state leaders to build on the foundation of conservation funding. Every generation deserves to have healthy functioning land and water that are not only beautiful but also provide clean air and water. We commend our governor and legislators for passing a budget in 2021 that prioritized land
and water conservation. Our state leaders put our parks, game lands, forests, trails, and farms at the top of the priority list and we are thankful for that. This historic spending allocation was the highest since the 2008 recession and will benefit people and nature for generations to come. Land and water are North Carolina’s most important economic assets. The four engines of North Carolina’s economy – agriculture, tourism, forestry, and the military – depend on natural and working lands and clean water. Protecting
these vital natural resources is essential to ensure these economic drivers will continue to flourish and provide jobs. North Carolina’s conservation trust funds ensure that the North Carolina Land and Water Trust Fund (NCLWF), Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF), and the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund (ADFPTF) are fully funded to be the safeguards for the state. These funds enable conservation groups to continue working with state agencies to protect North Carolina’s
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valuable natural resources, ensuring that both current and future generations will continue to benefit from all our land has to offer. In 2022, we are asking for our legislators to invest in our state’s future. With necessary increases in funding to the conservation trust funds, we will all be able to protect our state’s clean water, parks and recreation land, and farmland. North Carolina state legislators alone determine the fate of the conservation trust funds and important legislation that helps our state thrive. Forward planning is what we’re asking for today.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 37
‘Conservation: It Starts With Us!’ By Ethan Hollifield
“...So, I go to the mountain and stare at the dying trees that now cover nearly its entire summit and below, and I understand that even setting aside a wild land, a mountain, or a river, any piece of remnant wildness does not guarantee its survival. Against winds heavy with ozone and toxic metals and acid rains, laws that call for protection cannot begin to ensure preservation or survival.” On the Spine of Time, Harry
Middleton in reference to Mount Mitchell. Talking about conservation is oftentimes one of the most challenging aspects of my job. It’s incredibly important, and I would argue a necessary qualification for any guide to be able to break down in simplistic terms, why our mountains and streams are so important to protect to the average person. It still amazes me how little everyday anglers are educated on the basics of aquatic ecology, and I’m afraid it’s led to the dumbing down of our responses to any threat facing the streams we fish on here in the mountains. We’re often taught, especially in the fly fishing scene, how important “public lands” are and why we need to protect them. However, the exact processes for that seem to become an afterthought, but at least it makes
a great idea for a quirky bumper sticker. Laws and regulations protecting public lands only go so far. I’ve unfortunately had plenty of experience witnessing how some of the places I fish and guide on have fallen victim to a whole host of abuses. Anything ranging from massive rock dams being made adjacent to signs saying “don’t move the rocks” to someone physically washing their dishes at a campsite with bleach and dumping it all into a trout stream. It’s easy to blame government agencies for the lack of enforcement, but can we fairly expect a handful of wardens/ law enforcement officers to cover thousands of acres of land? Let alone the ever-increasing amount of traffic these places get. Besides, in most places trying to call a game warden to report any wildlife violation is impossible due to the lack of phone reception. Addressing this problem is a tricky dilemma. I think the first step is opening up a dialogue in the outdoor community about ways to counteract some of these scenarios that are starting to have dire ecological impacts, especially on some of our trout streams. Do people dump bleach or litter with ill intent? Does someone always have malicious thoughts when building rock dams or killing plants and animals unnecessarily?
Honestly, in my opinion I don’t believe so. It’s all down to human ignorance. Does that excuse some people’s behavior? Absolutely not. I have written in the past on personal responsibility, and how I think that ultimately, the protection of any stream or river, regardless of whether it’s on public land or not, falls on us as anglers doing the majority of the work. Something that I think the fishing community, as a whole, has fallen short on is educating anglers on conservation. I encourage those of you who are reading to really dig into the idea of a stream or a river you fish being your own. Conservation isn’t just about catchy tag lines for Instagram or picking up random bits of trash, it’s understanding why it’s allimportant to the future of our fisheries. If you don’t understand it for yourself, then there’s no way you can pass on that knowledge to others. It’s not realistic to expect some government agency or conservation group to handle protecting all of these places on their own. Laws on a piece of paper or a sign on a tree ultimately do very little. It falls on our shoulders to protect our mountains and streams, and preserve not just public lands, but every natural area that we can for future generations of outdoor adventurers.
Ethan Hollifield is a member of a conservation organization called 2% For Conservation and a guide for Southern Appalachian Anglers
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A Unique Fly Fishing Experience
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By Ken Kastorff
ell summer is here. This week starts the hot dog days of summer that oft time signals the end of quality trout fishing in the mountains of North Carolina. Even the streams coming out of the Smoky Mountains will start to get warm enough to make the trout hunker down and get a bit lethargic. But there is one river in western North Carolina that has consistent 50 degree water temperatures all summer long With the consistent cold water releases, the Nantahala River, gives anglers some of the best summer trout fishing anywhere. This will mark 45 years for me guiding and fishing on this fantastic 8 mile long tail water run. I’ve been guiding trips long enough now that just about everyone that we see on a float trip knows me. I laughed the other day when one my guests said “You are like the Ernest Hemingway of the Nantahala!” I told him, well if I am it is because
of my 70 year old age not because of my writing ability. But the 45 years of experience on the river certainly helps when putting anglers on some good fishing. The Nantahala River is a unique fly fishing experience. One of my friends who has fished and guided with me for years calls it combat fishing. While it is a popular white water rafting river don’t let the other river traffic worry you, I have had lots of people hook up good fish right next to a passing raft or kayak. The real challenge can be getting a good sized Nantahala brown or rainbow to the net in the fast water. Last year we had a 28” rainbow that drug us through three rapids before we were able to bring it to the net. This is not that unusual, two state record brown trout have been caught out of the Nantahala. A few years ago we netted and released another 34” monster brown with a 25” girth that potential could have been another state record. Over
the years I have seen countless other huge browns eat rainbows that were being fought to the net. Most of the fishing we do is nymphing. I specialize on teaching anglers how to euro nymph. Tight line nymphing is by far the best technique for success on this river with its combination of shallow fast
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runs punctuated with deep fast pools. If you want to experience a fantastic day of learning tight line euro nymphing on one of the most amazing tail water runs in the United States come and join us at Endless River Adventures for a Nantahala River Float trip
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 39
The Famously Hot Lake Murray!
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By Tim Kelley
he beautiful Lake Murray, also known as The Jewel of South Carolina, is located in the Midlands of South Carolina, just outside of Columbia. It is a sprawling 50,000 plus acres with over 500 miles of shoreline. The lake is a staple in SC for striped bass, largemouth fisherman, and is known as a herring lake which is the predominant foreage for all game species. The lake can be broken down into three sections: the upper end (a.k.a. The river area) where the Saluda and Little Saluda Rivers come together to form Lake Murray; the mid-lake area which starts around the Buffalo Creek area and goes down to the Dreher Island area, and the lower-end which covers from Dreher Island down to the dam. These three sections offer multiple options when it comes to bass, striper, and catfishing. There are also some great panfish species. Let’s start with the upper
end, this area of the lake is more bluegill, crawfish, and shad foreage for the anglers that aren’t familiar or comfortable with the herring bite on the lower end. There is tons of coverage including bank grass, willow bushes, lay downs, ledges, humps, etc in this area for both bass, catfish, and striper fishermen. The mid-lake area starts to get into the herring feeding schools where you can find a mixture of largemouth or stripers or mixture of both. You also have a lot of bank cover, such as docks, standing timber, bank grass, etc. The lower-end is predominantly your schooling and off-shore style fishing because the predominant foreage in the area is the herring. The fish on the lower end are a lot more nomadic, stripers and bass tend to roam a lot more in search of the herring. If you go after the herring bite, keep in mind that the herring like bright sunny days, so you will find them
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near the surface on these particular days. As of recently, there have been multiple five plus pound largemouth caught regularly along with stripers that average from a couple of pounds to ten-to-fifteen pounds that have been caught during local tournaments. The weekend of June 11th & 12th, the American Bass Anglers AFT Division 96 held their twoday championship tournament on
Murray. There were multiple five fish limit bags weighed in that were over fifteen pounds, and the overall heaviest weight was almost thirtythree pounds for two days. There are numerous guides in the area that can accommodate whatever type of fishing you want to get into. You can also checkout the Lake Murray Tourism Information Center at www.lakemurraycountry.com.
Timothy Kelley is the tournament director for American Bass Anglers, American Fishing Tour Division 96 in South Carolina. He also competes in the MLF Big 5 Circuit which also visits multiple lakes in South Carolina. Tim is married to his beautiful wife Robin,who also serves as the Assistant Director for American Bass Anglers Division 96.
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CATCH HARD-FIGHTING
JACKS
On Top or On Bottom
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID JUNQUERA (IG: DAVID_ROCCA_)
are widespread in the Atlantic. They inhabit the western Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Uruguay and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Juvenile jack crevalle live inshore, where they prefer moving water of upstream currents. They thrive in a wide range of salinity and are often found in brackish waters and sometimes freshwater canals. Adults, on the other hand, usually move out of the estuaries and occupy currents, reefs and other nearshore and offshore structure, generally within the bounds of the continental shelf. Large individuals can absolutely be caught in shallow inshore areas, but deep-water jacks are usually larger. The largest IGFA-recorded jack crevalle weighed 66 pounds, 2 ounces and was caught out of Angola off the western coast of Africa. When food, such as mullet, is abundant, jacks get excited and will chase prey right up on the sand, against seawalls or into a boat. In open water, they herd baitfish into a mass before plowing through it from all sides. I target monster jacks from the beach or an inlet. Fishing with live bait on the bottom is the easiest method. I drop baits in the deep trough, just on the backside of a sandbar. Baits in the 10- to 12-inch range work best for bigger fish, and I prefer using whatever baitfish is around. My favorite for jacks is needlefish. If you’re looking for more of a challenge as well as heart-stopping explosions, try fishing topwater plugs. David Junquera is a dedicated plugchucker from West Palm Beach. Using topwater lures, he has landed 23 jack crevalle heavier than 40 pounds. His heaviest to-date weighed 46.3 pounds. Junquera said time of day, winds, tides, migrations and location of bait are all crucial factors for successfully targeting jacks with topwater plugs. Anglers should get out and explore to determine the best patterns for the areas they fish. At a minimum, Junquera recommends a 6500-size spinning reel with By Emily Rose Hanzlik 50-pound braid and an 80-pound leader. Junquera prefers to throw lures that outh Florida boasts some of the best surf fishing in the world. High are 6.5 to 8 inches long. The faster you work the plug, the more strikes you’ll profile species are regular catches from the beaches of the sunshine state’s earn, he said. A whip retrieve is ideal. southern Atlantic coast. The jack crevalle is one of my favorites. It is a Emily Rose Hanzlik holds 51 IGFA world records in various categories. fierce, stubborn and dynamic gamefish that can be caught bottom fishing with She hails from West Palm Beach, where she has a part time Bowfin live bait or by casting plugs. Whichever method you choose, you’re sure to Guide Service as well as fishing classes for Jr. Anglers. Find her have a battle on your hands once you hook up. on Social Media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors. Shore-based fishing for jack crevalle is not limited to Florida. These fish
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14 NATIONAL
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LESTER WINS ELITE TOURNEY WITH SNEAKY PATTERN AT PICKWICK By TAM Staff
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ver the years, Brandon Lester has become known as one of the most consistent anglers in tournament bass fishing. Yet, in nine seasons on tour, an Elite Series win has eluded him… until now. The Tennessee pro and former The Angler Magazine columnist won his first Elite Series tournament on Lake Pickwick in early June. He did it in spectacular fashion, weighing a four-day total of 20 bass for 86 pounds, 1 ounce. He beat out the next closest competitor by almost 6 pounds. Pickwick is a long 43,000-acre Tennessee River impoundment that runs north from Alabama into Tennessee along the Alabama/Mississippi border. It is renowned for excellent largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing, and in summer dam-driven river currents combine with the lake’s many offshore humps and ledges to produce some pretty consistent patterns. Threadfin and gizzard shad make up the majority of the forage base, so big flutter spoons, large deep-diving crankbaits and swimbaits are summertime staples. Lester said he knows the Pickwick ledge bite well and that doing something just a little different from everyone else put him on a sneaky pattern with some less-pressured fish. “It was shellbed, and where the current rolled up on that bar, from 8 feet to 4 feet, there was a hard spot,” he said. “The fish were sitting up on that spot. It was small, maybe three times the size of my boat. It was a typical Tennessee River feeding spot, right off the main river. There was a ton of bait in there — gizzard shad, threadfin shad. It was the perfect combination.” Most of Lester’s fish came on a Strike King 4.0 crankbait in chartreuse shad. He also fished a Berkley MaxScent Magnum Hit Worm in plum apple
Neko rigged with a 1/8-ounce nail weight. His sacks topped 20 pounds each day of the tournament, and the morning bite was key for him. A 6-pound, 13-ounce largemouth caught with a football jig anchored his sack on Day 3, and he entered Championship Sunday with a 3.5-pound lead. On Sunday, he poured on the gas, catching 22 pounds, 14 ounces, which earned him the VMC Monster Bag of the tournament. In the morning, he caught 17 pounds within the first half hour of fishing. He culled a few fish and then shut the door on the competition with 6-pounder caught at about 1 p.m. from a main-river ledge that dropped from 14 to 21 feet. He caught that fish on a Scrounger head with a 5-inch Castaic Jerky J, which is a bait that hadn’t produced all week. “This is unreal,” he said. “That Open win, I was super proud of it. It’s a stacked field in the Opens. But an Elite Series win is next level. I guess it’s between an Opens win and a Classic win. That’s the only thing that can top it. These are the greatest bass fishermen in the world.” The $100,000 first-place prize at Pickwick pushed Lester’s career Bassmaster earnings past $1 million. For more information, visit www.bassmaster.com.
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JULY 2022
NATIONAL 15
Enter To Win!
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2 DAYS
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PHOTO COURTESY OF ecreational SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS harvest of red snapper in federal waters of the South Atlantic will be two days long this year. The July 8-9 season opens at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 8, 2022, and closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 10, 2022. The season is for Atlantic waters off North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. The recreational bag limit is one red snapper per person per day. Captain and crew on for-hire vessels may retain the recreational bag limit. There are no minimum or maximum size limits. Allowable gear includes vertical hook-and-line, including hand line and bandit gear, and spearfishing gear without rebreathers. When fishing for or possessing snapper/grouper species in federal waters of the South Atlantic, the following regulations apply: • Use of a dehooking tool is required. • The use of non-stainless steel hooks is required when using hookand-line gear with natural baits. In waters North of 28-degrees N. latitude, the use of non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks is required when fishing for snapper grouper species using hook-and-line gear with natural baits. • A descending device is required on board all vessels and must be readily available for use (attached to at least 16 ounces of weight and at least 60 feet of line).
For more information, go to safmc.net.
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JULY 2022
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t first glance, this fish might look like a deformed dolphinfish (mahi-mahi), but it’s not. It’s a pompano dolphinfish, and it’s a new North Carolina state record and a potential world record. Charles Kenneth Noonan, of Sumter, S.C., caught the 11-pound, 5.4-ounce fish at an abandoned raft, about 42 miles off Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina on June 8. Noonan said he is applying to the IGFA for certification of the fish as the all-tackle world record. The current certified world record pompano dolphinfish weighed 8-pounds, 8-ounces, and was caught off Maryland in 2008. Noonan’s fish measured 30.5 inches fork length and had a 17.25-inch girth. He was fishing with Capt. Tyler Hailey and First Mate Bailey Auten of Salt Fever Guide Service in Ocean Isle Beach. They were aboard the Glory Daze, a 37-foot Freeman Boatworks Catamaran.
CAST, the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, will spread out across the expansive floor of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. July 19-22, showcasing the latest innovations in gear, tackle, accessories and apparel. From Super Tuesday on July 19 to the final bell on Friday, July 22, it’s almost a full week of events that have become a cornerstone of the sportfishing industry. From seminars and “learning lunches” to a show floor jam packed with quality exhibitors displaying the products that will drive the industry in the coming year, ICAST is the place to make valuable connections and stay on top of the trends in fishing. Many companies choose to roll out their latest innovations at ICAST each year, and the New Product Showcase is a chance for them to shine a spotlight on their latest and greatest. These new products are the hottest new lures, tackle, clothing, electronics and gear that anglers will be purchasing in the coming year. ICAST is the one-stop shop for retailers and manufacturers to connect in-person and make valuable business relationships. Orlando’s world-class dining, lodging and entertainment will be bustling with the movers-and-shakers and the up-and-comers of the industry, as the sportfishing world convenes to determine what drives the next year in fishing.
For more information North Carolina state records fish, visit ncwildlife.org.
For more information, go to www.ICASTfishing.org.
TEEN ANGLER CATCHES PENDING WORLD RECORD
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JULY 2022
NATIONAL 17
SLOW DOWN AND COVER THE ENTIRE WATER COLUMN
Tim Barefoot
I
’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: wahoo and tuna don’t wear Maui Jims. They use depth to regulate the amount of sunlight they are exposed to. So, while normal trolling at 6 to 8 knots and high-speed trolling at 15 to 20 knots are good things at first light and up to 10:30 or 11 a.m., it’s time to slow down once the sun gets directly overhead. I slow it to a crawl and even fish some baits down deep under a sliding cork on the drift. Spreading baits across the water column is the best way to continue that morning bite when the midday doldrums arrive. Darker colored baits like red-and-black or purple-andblack work well when fish are looking up to feed. The dark silhouettes of darker colored baits show up well against the bright surface. Yet, it doesn’t make sense to continue trying to convince fish to come to the surface to eat a bait 50 or 75 feet above them. When pelagics drop down in the water column, it’s better to put a bait right in the
“strike zone” where they are. There are several baits that provide a natural presentation down deep, but a big
beautiful squid checks all the boxes on this one. Squid rise to the surface at night and descend to the depths as the sun gets higher… just like the fish. This is the natural choice, as you are trying to match the hatch, so to speak. There is nothing in all the seven oceans of the
SUMMERTIME FISHING...
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world that is more common than the squid. Squid could, and should be called the “rice of the oceans.” Frozen squid are readily available for bait, and everything in the ocean eats them. I have the ultimate example of this as one day we were on anchor grouper fishing when a couple of nice dolphin swam under the boat 20 to 30 feet below. I could tell they were nice ones and started throwing out cigar minnows and sardines to get them fired up. They didn’t want any part of the free minnows. So, I pulled out a whole frozen squid and hooked it up on light tackle and threw it out about 50 feet. I just let it start sinking. After all the minnows they let go by and sink out of sight, the biggest one of the pair saw that sinking squid and inhaled it! It just goes to show, they will eat a squid when all else fails. The other good news is a squid is so easy to rig to swim perfectly. Whether you are fishing a natural frozen squid, a live one or an artificial one, just slow down a little to allow the bait to get down to the level where the fish are staged during the middle of the day for some serious bites. See more from Tim Barefoot at barefootctasandtackle.com.
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JULY 2022
NATIONAL 19
COLUMBIA
BANS SPORTFISHING By CAM Staff
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olumbia recently banned sportfishing. That should serve as an eye opener even for anglers who have never considered travelling to fish. A potential destination fishery, with rivers famous for exotic species like peacock bass and a coastline that boasts excellent fisheries for roosterfish, tuna, marlin, sailfish and cubera snapper, has decided that catch-and-release fishing is cruelty to animals and has deemed the practice unconstitutional. With an 8-1 vote in favor, the ruling came down from the Columbia Congressional
20 NATIONAL
JULY 2022
Court in May with a plan to begin enforcement next year. The court, which is roughly equivalent to the U.S. Supreme Court, decided that while commercial, artisanal and subsistence fishing remain constitutional, catching fish and returning them to the water should be banned. If you catch a fish, you must kill it in order for the catch to be legal. It’s enough to scramble the brains of anglers and conservationists. Anyone who has paid a lick of attention has watched the rise of catch-and-release lead to the rebound of coastal and inland fisheries around the world. At presstime, Columbians were voting to elect their president, with Gustavo Petro, an extreme leftwing candidate by U.S. standards, leading in a runoff election against Rodolfo Hernandez, a businessman and former city mayor running on an anticorruption platform. Columbian attorneys are already contesting the sportfishing ban, but if Petro wins the election there’s a good chance parts of the ruling will be enacted. Columbian lawyer Luis Guillermo Valez Cabrera lambasted the ruling in op-ed for the website La Republica, saying the ruling “may be the stupidest decision a constitutional court has made in recent history. It’s really laughable.” “What the court wants to tell us is that, since we do not know if the fish can suffer, to protect the environment, we must prohibit sportfishing,” Cabrera wrote. “The possible impact on the environment is due to commercial fishing and artisanal fishing, practices that were not constitutionally prohibited. Think of the meshes, the dynamite and the dragnets that kill anything, sentient or not.” While this court’s ruling might be easy to write off as nonsense from a nation more well-known for corruption and cocaine than anything else, it’s a reminder that hunters and anglers must remain vigilant. Germany banned catch-and-release fishing in the 1990s, and the animal rights movement has successfully restricted hunting in many places around the globe, including in Columbia. As with most political debates, money is the key. Politicians who’ve never held a fishing rod need to realize that fish in the water can be far more valuable economically than they are served up at restaurants. Just ask Costa Rica, which boasts of a recreational fishery that generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually. For more information, see the July issue of The Angler Video Magazine at VidMag.com.
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By Nick Carter
EPA MOVES TO PROTECT THE WORLD’S LARGEST SOCKEYE RUN
P
ebble Mine, a proposed mining development in the headwaters feeding Bristol Bay, Alaska, is in the news again. The latest development in this two-decade struggle is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to veto the project under authority of the Clean Water Act. It is a next step toward establishing lasting protections for the largest remaining salmon fishery in the world. The Pebble deposit is an enormous accumulation of gold, copper and molybdenum in the headwaters of the Kvichak and Nushgak rivers, which feed Bristol Bay and the Bering Sea about 300 miles southwest of Anchorage. In 2001, the first steps toward mining the deposit began, and ever since it has been a source of controversy as mining rights have changed hands through several multi-national corporations and actual development of a massive
open-pit mine has been tied up in red tape. At stake is one of the few remaining truly pristine areas on the planet. Back in 2005, my wife and I spent a glorious week with Alaska Sportman’s Lodge fishing the Kvichak, Nushgak and several other rivers in the Bristol Bay drainage. It was a once-in-a-lifetime type experience in the most beautiful and unspoiled place I’ve ever been. The fishing was phenomenal and featured 40-plus-pound king salmon, a sockeye salmon run so thick you could have walked across their backs, 30-inch rainbow trout in their native waters, as well as grayling and Dolly Varden in places where anglers share water with brown bears, moose and bald eagles. Getting there is difficult and expensive, but the experience is highly recommended for anyone interested in arguably the best fly fishing destination in the world. But there’s more to it than a recreational fishery so good it will spoil you. Bristol Bay is also the most important salmon fishery on earth. It provides half of the world’s wild sockeye salmon. If your local grocery store carries “wildcaught sockeye salmon,” there’s a good chance it was caught by Bristol Bay’s commercial anglers. According to Bristol Bay Defense Fund, the unspoiled natural resources of the region support a $2.2 billion economy that employs tens of thousands of people in commercial fishing, hunting, sportfishing, outdoor recreation and tourism. Earlier this year, Alaska Department of Fish and Game projected 2022 will be the second record-breaking year in a row for Bristol Bay’s sockeye salmon run. The estimate calls for 73.4 million fish to swim up area rivers to spawn. This annual run supports an amazing ecosystem that has for time immemorial thrived on the transfer of nutrients far inland from the ocean. And while proponents of the Pebble Mine likely speak the truth in their assertion that a mine would bring added wealth and jobs to the region, it would come at the potential expense of a natural phenomenon that perpetually and sustainably supports humans as well as the native flora and fauna. EPA’s public comment period on the proposed veto is open until July 5. To get involved, go to www.epa.gov/bristolbay.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JULY 2022
NATIONAL 21
THE GULF’S PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES
BOUNTIES
W
hen the surf is on, it can be some of the best and easiest fishing around. For those in the know, we keep a keen eye on the beachfront starting in May and when the conditions are right, we make sure not to miss it! During July, the shrimp migration hits the beachfront and many hungry predators are following on their tails. Trout in the 5- to 8-pound range are not uncommon while trout shorter than 20 inches are found in large schools. There are many productive tactics that can land you a hefty stringer of these speckled beauties from live shrimp and finfish to an array of artificial lures. I prefer the latter, and here are some of my favorites. Topwater! There is no beating a topwater eruption as the sun is peeking over the horizon. I use a wide range of plug sizes and let the size of the seas determine what I throw. I like a larger heavier lure when the surf is rough. When it is flat, a small or large can be effective. Switching out the standard trebles to single circle hooks is a good approach to lessen the chance of injuring yourself. Bouncing around in the surf trying to land a stout surf trout can lead to an accidental hook in you. Singles also save time unhooking, which leads to more time fishing and catching. Slow-sinking hard baits with rattles also make it into my box when heading into the suds. I like to cast these lures out and let them sink for a few seconds. Most of them have a relatively slow sink rate, so I give them a little time to get lower in the water column. A series of fast twitches followed by a pause usually draws their attention. Many solid trout have fallen for the old faithful ¾- to 1-ounce silver spoon. The presentation is as simple as it gets. Cast and reel; that’s it. This inexpensive lure is an attention getter for sure and casts like a bullet. I typically start my day before sunrise. During the course of my wade, I will hit all structure from a foot deep to eight feet deep. I give equal attention to the depth of the guts to the top of the bars. I see a lot of fishermen go straight out to the second or third gut and stay there the entire time. You will miss many opportunities if you choose to do this. The fish are not always in that gut. At times, I only catch them on top of the bar. Start early, broaden your target area, be safe and catch fish! Surf ’s Down!
The Return of a FROM THE BEACH By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
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ripletail have long been a prized target for anglers in the Southern Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, and they are gaining popularity farther north. A big 16-pound, 12-ounce tripletail caught from Chesapeake Bay last summer was recently certified as a Virginia state record. A press release from Virginia’s Marine Resources Commission suggested the rise in popularity of sight fishing for cobia is also pushing tripletail into the spotlight. Richard H. Stuart Jr., of King George, Va., and his father, Richard Sr., were sight fishing for cobia in southern Chesapeake Bay last July 23 when they spotted a flash in the water and decided to pursue it. On approach, they identified the fish as a tripletail on the surface. Richard Jr. convinced it to eat on the second cast of a 2-ounce cobia jig. Tripletail are not a new arrival to Chesapeake Bay, but with the rise in the popularity of sight fishing for cobia, encounters are increasing. Along the Atlantic Coast tripletail have been collected as far north as Massachusetts but are rarely found north of the Chesapeake Bay. Their flesh has been compared to other mild-tasting white-fleshed fish like snapper and grouper. The IGFA all-tackle world record for tripletail was caught off Zululand, South Africa in 1989. It weighed 42 pounds, 5 ounces. For more information, go to mrc.virginia.gov. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JULY 2022
NATIONAL 23
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