The Angler Magazine | June 2021 | Great Smoky Mountains & The Upstate Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE EDITION

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FROGGIN' TACTICS

SUMMERTIME

TROUT

6.3-POUND SHELLCRACKER

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN CUMMINGS

VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 315

F R A N C H I S E

THEANGLERMAG.COM O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

W O R L D W I D E

JUNE 2021

GO FROM FISH TO WAKE TO DAD OF THE YEAR IN THE SAME AFTERNOON.

Go from fishing to wakesurfing to conquering the water. The all new 25-foot FSH® Series from Yamaha is perfect for those who want to get the most out of their boating experience. With fishing-friendly features like a GPS Simrad® system and dual livewells, along with a premium layout and the patented Yamaha swim platform, the new 25-foot FSH Series guarantees you’ll be in the center of everything you love about life on the water. #RUNTHEWATER YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M

©2021 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Drive responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and drive. Any references to other companies or their products are for identification purposes only, and are not intended to be an endorsement. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT YAMAHABOATS.COM OR CALL 1.800.88.YAMAHA.

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deep waters it was designed to explore and it’s sporty screw-down crown can take the pressure in stride. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you are not completely convinced you got excellence for less, simply return the Explorer Dive Watch within 30 days for a refund of the item price. At Stauer, we never leave our customers high and dry. Limited Edition. Sure you could give your hard-earned money to those other guys, but why would you? We’ve got the thinking man’s timepiece right here. This watch takes six months to engineer and it’s already making waves, so we can’t guarantee it will be around for long. Call today, and experience how good it feels to get true luxury for less.

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EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com COO : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Laura Kelly • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Ryan Clapper • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING & FRANCHISE INQUIRIES:

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$375K GJKT Slated for July 12-17

his month’s CAM cover is dedicated to the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament (GJKT) and all of the die-hard kingfish anglers out there. The GJKT, from July 12-17, is a weeklong celebration of fishing in one the East Coast’s great fishing communities. With a festival featuring food, exhibitors and all things nautical, along with several different tournaments, including kids’ tournaments and a redfish tournament, the GJKT has grown into a lot more than just a spectacular kingfish tournament. With the traditional king mackerel tournament season upon us, GJKT is holding one of its richest tournaments ever. Teams will fish July 15-16 out of Jim King Park in Jacksonville, Fla. This year, teams will compete for a first-place prize package valued at more than $160,000. Catch the largest kingfish over two days of fishing, and you could be the proud new owner of a brand new 25T Contender sport fishing boat powered by twin 150hp Yamaha motors. If that’s not the biggest single prize in kingfishing, it has to be close. Fifty other places and divisions will also be paid out, including Lady and Junior Angler prizes, so anglers can still win big even if they aren’t the lucky angler to catch the largest kingfish. The weigh-ins are a sight for spectators to behold, and the total purse is valued at $375,000. The GJKT, one of the oldest kingfish tournaments around, is now in its 41st year. The tournament reached 1,000 entrants before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, and it is now on the way back up. Jacksonville Marine Charities (JMC), a 501c3 corporation, is the

parent organization of the GJKT, and all proceeds from the tournament are used to promote and enhance fishing in Northeast Florida. To date, several hundred thousand dollars have been donated for such projects as reef enhancement, marine science education and boater safety issues, to name a few. For more information about the GJKT or JMC, visit kingfishtournament.com.

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JUNE 2021

NATIONAL 7

FOR GROUPER SEASON, IT’S... By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

ith the opening of gag grouper this month throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Florida grouper season is basically open across the board. The regulations for grouper vary greatly from state to state and even within specific regions of each state, so make sure to the latest legal harvest information in the location you plan to fish. With that out of the way, game-on and good luck; it sure will be nice not to have to vent and release these chubby, spotted, pre-sandwiches. Grouper fishing can be a challenge in regions that don’t have surface markings, where anglers rely primarily on coordinates of small hard-bottom patches. The numbers that aren’t completely overfished have been acquired by fishermen who’ve spent years cruising the ocean. Hiring a salty and experienced charter captain is highly recommended for targeting grouper; paying attention to what they tell you is equally as important. If you choose to go it alone, there are a few things recommended to ensure your best chances of success. As opposed to pelagic fishing, where a school of fish can move through, and it may be better to have lighter leader starting out just to entice a bite, you’ll want to gear-up for grouper.

8 NATIONAL

JUNE 2021

Losing that first grouper bite can result in shutting down the entire spot. When a large grouper breaks off, especially if it takes the entire rig with the hook and lead with it, that fish will swim back down to its home—where all the other fish are—and sound the danger alarm by grunting. It’s best to start out with heavy line to avoid this, especially if you don’t have more bottom numbers nearby to bounce around to. Make sure your drags are set tight, your gear is on the heavy side, and that you are paying attention when you first arrive at a spot. Cigars can be lit, beers can be shotgunned and rod-holders may be utilized only after you have been at a spot for the second half, or immediately after losing a big fish. If you want to catch spotted sandwiches, or just not cripple your anchor-pulling deckhand, this is important information to apply to your trip. When fishing for grouper, there are many ways to rig for them. Utilizing 60-plus-pound leader, the correct lead for your current and a large circle hook, many different kinds of baits will work. Experiment with squid, shrimp, crab, sardines, live bait and pieces of fresh fish cut a number of different ways. Keep a variety going down, and pay attention to what is getting bites. Don’t forget that if you lose a big one, you are on the right tide and are still marking fish, that you

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might have chased the bite away. This is the time to take your lunch break, light that cigar, or move spots entirely. If you come visit Marathon this grouper season, there are several restaurants that will cook your catch, but none more specialized in preparing this species for the table than Castaway Restaurant. Their Dijonnaise-style grouper, which is a heavy cream reduction sauce loaded with mushrooms, is top of the line. Remember to ask your crew to cut out the cheeks while they fillet your grouper, especially if you harvested enough of them to add up. Happy hunting, and good luck out there. Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Blue Magic Charters, docked at Castaway Restaurant in Marathon, Fla. Contact Blue Magic at (504) 920-6342 and keep up with Quinlyn through her social media @CaptainQuinlyn.

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t’s not often you happen upon a blade smith who has gem cutting skills. In fact, you stand a better chance finding a needle in a haystack. But finding needles in haystacks is what we do best, so when we saw this master craftsman’s handiwork, we made certain to procure some of these Southwestern masterpieces to complete our collection. The stainless steel blade, bolster and pommel are exquisitely etched and would have looked great with a less ambitious handle. But the results of overachieving are stunning here. The turquoise-blue colored handle is ablaze with assorted stones like jasper, marble, sunstone, and coral that have been hand cut and inlaid in a Southwestern motif that conjures images of intricately beaded belts and moccasins. Whether you collect blades, EXCLUSIVE interesting stones, or are a lover of the great American Southwest, the Sedona Knife is more than cut out Stauer® 8x21 to do the job. Compact Binoculars But we don’t stop there. While -a $99 valuesupplies last, we’ll include a pair with purchase of of $99, 8x21 power compact the Sedona Knife binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Sedona Knife. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect

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“Navigating around storms, locating the best fishing spots and rocking out on the water… SiriusXM Marine has me covered!” — Shane Murray, Team Total Vision, 35' Marlago Boater receives complimentary subscription.

OFFER DETAILS: Activate a new monthly subscription to either: (i) SiriusXM Marine Fish Mapping or (ii) SiriusXM Marine Fish Mapping and SiriusXM All Access audio on the same device, and receive your first (1) month free for each activated service (a savings of $99.99 on Fish Mapping and $21.99 on All Access), plus get free device activation (an additional savings of $25). A credit card is required on this offer. Service will automatically renew every month thereafter and, at the beginning of your second month, you will be charged at then-current rates. Fees and taxes apply. You must cancel your subscriptions during your promotional period(s) to avoid future charges. Please see our Customer Agreement at siriusxm.com for complete terms and how to cancel, which includes calling us at 1-800-985-9200. All fees, content and features are subject to change. This offer may be modified, suspended or cancelled at any time. Subscription and hardware sold separately.$100 Rebate from SiriusXM available through Dec 31, 2021 with hardware and subscription purchase, see Rebate Offer Details at siriusxm.com/fishmapping. © 2021 Sirius XM Radio Inc. SiriusXM and all related logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its respective subsidiaries. All rights reserved.

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With a 14-degree deadrise hull, the 23 Center Console C-Hawk gives you a better ride in rough water. It is designed to be versatile—equally at home on bays, inlets and flats as it is graceful offshore. With plenty of room to move around, this model can be rigged out to suit whatever style of fishing you do, from fly fishing to bottom dropping. The large console offers plenty of storage space. Add a T-top, and you’ve got a boat for all seasons. The flat gunnel appeals to recreational and commercial anglers alike. A long list of options lets you set this boat up for family fishing, as well. Have one built with a leaning post, livewell and raw water wash down to further enhance your fishing experience. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT CHAWKBOATS.NET.

SPECIFICATIONS C-Hawk Center Console

LENGTH: 22’4” BEAM: 8’ DRAFT: 12” DRY WEIGHT: 2,430 lbs. COCKPIT DEPTH: 22” Fwd/ 20” Aft FUEL CAPACITY: 66 Gal. MAXIMUM HP: 225 DEADRISE: 14 degrees TRANSOM: 25”

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JUNE 2021

NATIONAL 11

FIND SOME

SUMMER SOLITUDE S

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

chool is out! This has always been my marker for the official beginning of summer. I know the bays will be filled with everyone getting out to enjoy Mother Nature, so finding solitude is key to catching fish. My family and I will be there too, but if I’m lucky, you won’t see me. Here are some methods to avoid the crowds and catch a lot of fish! Let’s focus on kayaks and areas only small vessels can access. Small, shallow-draft watercraft help us elude the summer crowds and find our solitude. Pushing farther back into the shallows and marsh areas requires some planning, so let’s start with some satellite scouting on the computer. The first thing to do is find areas that have tidal movement. One way to determine this via satellite is to zoom in on the openings of bayous and drains. If you notice a deeper hole at the mouth, this lets you know it has good current flow, which is what causes a washout in the mouth. If the mouth looks shallow or silted in, search for another spot.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES

Once you have identified areas with sufficient current, find the structure. I like areas with scattered grass, shell, or both. Add in some depth changes around bends, and you are set. Depending how deep into the marsh you are going, and if you are new to the area, taking a GPS is a great idea. Once you get in the marsh, it looks completely different on the way out. Cell phone service might not always be reliable, and I know on my phone the bright sun really makes it hard to see the satellite imagery. Now let’s get down to the business end and talk about lures and presentation. I generally like to throw a paddle tail. If I am fishing a new area, I’ll have one rigged weedless on a weighted swimbait hook. I prefer this style of lure for a couple of reasons. One, it is a great search bait. I can simply

cast, reel and cover a lot of water. It is also my preferred soft plastic when fishing shallow water, which is what you find in the marsh. Redfish will not hesitate to hit a lure reeled in a straight line with a vibrating tail. Adding sound into the mix really grabs their attention. Like the clicking sound of a fleeing shrimp, the Knockin Tail Lure, with its built-in tail rattle is my lure of choice in this scenario. These swimbaits rattle on a steady retrieve and can make the difference between just fishing and catching. Be safe, find an out-of-the-way area, and catch some fish! I know my family and I will be tucked away in the backwaters in June. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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Actual size is 40.6 mm

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This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Silver Eagle. It’s also the final mintage to feature the coin’s original eagle design by John Mercanti, 12th Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. “Lasts” are always a big deal for collectors—almost as big as low populations. This Emergency Production release is both. In fact, it’s tied for the fourth lowest bullion Silver Eagle mintage ever! But how do we tell which coins are from the Emergency Production run?

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Due to the pandemic, the West Point Mint—the U.S. Mint branch that normally strikes Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) Silver Eagles—temporarily locked down. Demand was skyrocking, and so the U.S. Mint turned to its other branches, ordering them to strike special “Emergency Production” runs of Silver Eagles. It was great news for silver buyers, and even better news for collectors. Here’s why:

Silver Eagles have no mint mark to tell us where they were produced. But thanks to some skilled detective work, the experts at Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), one of the world’s leading third-party grading services, were able to certify our coins as being struck at the San Francisco Mint during this Emergency Production run. What’s more, a number of these coins have been graded as Mint State-69 (MS69) condition—just one grade point away from perfection—and sealed with labels certifying them as being struck at the San Francisco Mint during the series’ 35th anniversary!

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IN THE LAND OF THE MAYA

t incited excited Spanish chatter from the crew when the fish’s bill slashed the surface. “Marlin blanco?” was the only phrase I could decipher. I clung to the rod as Tony Tuz and his father Lorenzo cleared lines. “Billfish! Billfish!” Tony barked so the gringos understood. Then my 10-year-old son gasped. A 7-foot sailfish went airborne and tail-walked for 20 yards off the stern. It was awesome, exactly what I envisioned while e-mailing Charter Fishing Cancun prior to a recent family vacation. My son and I were the only anglers aboard the 35-foot Bertram Xaviera III. We could have used some help cranking in all those fish. Cancun, Mexico is a great place to fish. The resorts overlook the Straits of Yucatan on the northeast tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s the pinch point between the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, a highway for pelagic species. In March, we were early for the headliner species. From April through July, summer is peak season for blue and white marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo and mahi-mahi—which they call Dorado. Snapper and grouper species, as well as amberjack

By Nick Carter and huge barracuda can be caught year-round. No matter. We just wanted bent rods, and Capt. Jorge Rivas steered us toward open water with baitwell full of small jacks and blue runners. The action began almost as soon as Tony and Lorenzo got lines out. We pulled a spread with bird teasers, a squid chain, skirted ballyhoo and several flat-lined live baits, which almost immediately brought up a big Dorado that came unbuttoned. Then we drove into birds. Gulls diving on flying fish were enough to get me excited. Tony was not impressed. “Bonito,” he said with a shrug. “Sea gulls mean bonito. Frigate birds mean tuna.” Sure enough, my son took the rod to catch bonito for the bait bucket until big fork-tailed frigate birds

started diving all around the boat. The boy could definitely tell the difference when a gorgeous 20-pound blackfin tuna took the bait. It wasn’t even 8:30 a.m., and we had seen a lot of action. But the captain and crew had more to show us. When the tuna bite died, we stopped over a ledge in 350 feet of water. Lorenzo worked quickly to cut bonito into baits. He sliced away the entire dorsal section and tail of each fish to leave streamlined head-and-belly baits. We jigged them deep, and in short order were tripling up on amberjacks up to 40 pounds. We battled big AJs until weary arms begged for mercy and then headed to deeper water and the sailfish. We finished the day with three big barracuda, which are a ton of fun when they’re 4 to 5 feet long. After all that activity, my son crashed in the shade for the ride back. Seeing him smile in his sleep is something I’ll never forget. To book an inshore or offshore trip out of Cancun, contact Charter Fishing Cancun at cfishingcancun@gmail.com. Check out their website www.charterfishingcancun.com.

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Meet the Beauty in the Beast Discover this spectacular 6½-carat green treasure from Mount St. Helens!

or almost a hundred years it lay dormant. Silently building strength. At 10,000 feet high, it was truly a sleeping giant. Until May 18, 1980, when the beast awoke with violent force and revealed its greatest secret. Mount St. Helens erupted, sending up a 80,000-foot column of ash and smoke. From that chaos, something beautiful emerged… our spectacular Helenite Necklace.

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Helenite is produced from the heated volcanic rock of Mount St. Helens and the brilliant green creation has captured the eye of jewelry designers worldwide. Today you can wear this massive 6½-carat stunner for only $149! Make your emeralds jealous. Our Helenite Necklace puts the green stone center stage, with a faceted pear-cut set in .925 sterling silver finished in luxurious gold. The explosive origins of the stone are echoed in the flashes of light that radiate as the piece swings gracefully from its 18" luxurious gold-finished sterling silver chain. Today the volcano sits quiet, but this unique piece of American natural history continues to erupt with gorgeous green fire.

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EAST TENNESSEE GREAT SMOKIES

Early Summer Fishing

une in the Blue Ridge Mountains can be a great time to hit the water! The weather and water levels are usually more stable than in the transition time of spring. The water temperatures haven’t got too critically high yet, even in the lower elevation trout streams. Trout feeding activity will begin shifting to more early and late-day snack time. Fly hatches of light colored and yellow Mayflies, Caddis, and Stoneflies will be main aquatic insects riding the surface of your local river. Light Cahill size 12, Tan or Yellow Elk Hair Caddis size 14, and Yellow Stimulators size 12 will excite a few fish enough to make your day interesting. Terrestrial insects will be getting more important to the trout’s diet by the day. Tan Foam Hoppers in size 10, Black Beetles in size 12, Green Inch Worms in size 12, and Black Ants in size 16 should produce fish anywhere there is an overhanging brush or grass above the river. Careful presentation of

By David Hulsey

terrestrial patterns on the water need not be delicate, a good plop is usually better. Some fish get tuned in to hearing the dinner bell and will search out, or instantly clobber, a big fat bug hitting the water. Early summer is a good time for a tune-up before you head west for that lifetime trout trip! Being able to cast into the wind and getting some good distance on your cast can be the difference between a great time and a pile of frustration. We love teaching fly casting to beginners and advanced casters alike. An inexpensive hour or two can really be helpful when the pressure is on. Being able to double haul and knowing a few wind casts can keep you in the game all day long. Fishing from a drift boat is also a lot different than wading. Most trips to the big western rivers will include a day of floating to reach the best areas. If you’ve never fished from a drift boat before we can help

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there too! A short half-day float can get you ready for your fishing vacation. We’re on the water every day and would be glad to set up a customized trip just for you. Check

out our website for a variety of trips and classes that can expand your knowledge of fly fishing and turn up the fun factor!

Give David Hulsey a call at (770) 639-4001 to book a class or a guided trout trip. See his website at www.hulseyflyfishing.com.

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d trout g.com.

Fishing The Clinch River

By James Marsh

ly Fishing The Clinch River Tennessee: The Clinch River is a tailwater trout fishery located just north of Knoxville, Tennessee below Norris Dam near the town of Clinton. It is stocked with rainbow, brook and brown trout by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Both the rainbow and brown trout holdover from year to year because the stream stays very cold even during the summer months. The main attraction of this stream is its

huge brown trout. Fly fishing the Clinch River can be challenging at times but equally as rewarding. The river can be waded when they are not generating water through the dam. It can be fished from a drift boat when they are operating the turbines. Some of the best brown trout fishing occurs when the river is running fast and high. Anglers that are familiar with the schedule of the dam discharges can time their fishing locations such that they can fish upstream until the

dam begins to generate power and then move a few miles downstream and fish for a good time prior to the high water arrival. Caution should be used anytime you are fishing the Clinch. There are two basic ways to fish the Clinch that are almost opposite of each other. One requires the use of tiny flies and the other requires large streamers. The opportunity exists to catch a large brown trout on a streamer when

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the water is running high and fast. Heavy weighted streamers can produce some huge brown trout. It takes a lot of casting and retrieving but if you can keep it up, chances are good that you will hook up. Midges are the number one type of flies for the Clinch River. Midge larva, pupa and adult imitations will catch trout year-round. There are not many hatches on the river other than midges which hatch

Continued, see CLINCH RIVER Page 4

JUNE 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 3

ANDREWS / MURPHY

Insane Hybrid Fishing on Lake Chatuge

By Darren Hughes

or us, the most exciting trips of the year begin in June. Summer fishing on Lake Chatuge, which borders Western North Carolina and North Georgia, really gets fired up. With warmer water temps, the hybrids and bass really school up, which means we are able to load the boat with 30 to 50 hybrids a morning. It’s also not uncommon to do that in less than a couple hours. These hybrids are Lake Chatuge’s hardest fighting fish and we can definitely put you on some. You’ll have the fishing trip of a lifetime! Currently, Lake Chatuge is at full pool. Water temps are in the mid 70s, and water clarity is clear throughout the lake. Hybrid fishing is great as the fish are schooling in large numbers, and we are catching some big, big quantities. Most of our hybrids are averaging 6-10 pounds. 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 te chnique. S e a r c h out your areas and watch your electronics. W h e n you mark fish, drop your lines. Fish will be slightly shallower in the early morning hours and will move to deeper water by mid-morning. Topwater 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. Spotted bass fishing remains

excellent, too. We are still catching some huge spots throughout the day, and it’s not uncommon to put 30-40 of these feisty fish in the boat in one trip. Early morning top-water bite has been strong. Top-water plugs, spooks, and jerk baits have worked well. Our downline bite has also been very productive, especially in the mid-morning hours. Look for fish to be schooled up on shallow clay banks, humps, and off

points. In terms of location, the upper end of the lake has been producing slightly better numbers than the lower end. May is a fantastic month for catching a lot of trophy hybrids on this North Georgia 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 full-time 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 the owner of Hughes General Store & Bait Shop, 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) 7456569 or (828) 361-2021.

CLINCH RIVER continued from page 3

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throughout the year. There are a few mayflies and stoneflies and there are a few caddisflies that offer some dry fly opportunity at times. Small flies from a hook size 18 down to a size 26 are considered the thing for the Clinch. We have taken several samples from the stream that indicated a huge amount of midge larvae exist about anywhere the bottom is checked. Fly Fishing Guide to the Clinch River: The Clinch can be a tough river to fish for some anglers. Its water stays clear and cold and it flows smooth in many places you need to fish. Success demands long, light leaders and tippets under these conditions. Most of the time the flies you will be using will be no larger than a size 18. Midges are the main aquatic insect that you will need to imitate. There is a weir dam located about a mile below the dam. It forms a large pool of slow moving water. Although it is usually full of trout, they are very

difficult to catch. We suggest you don’t waste time there unless you just enjoy experimenting. In the Miller’s Island area there is a public boat launch that provides a good place to fish if you are planning on wading. The water isn’t as smooth flowing as it is in most other places and it is somewhat easier for many anglers to fish. There are some riffles and runs in this area. The best way to fish the Clinch River is to float it. If you use your own boat be sure you are aware that it does have a lot of shallow rock ledges. You can tear up a boat fairly easy if you are not careful. The best time to fish the river from a drift boat is during the times one generator is operating. Two generators operating bring about some fast moving water. It is certainly possible to catch trout under these conditions but you will drift down the river very fast. It is also possible to drift the river in a canoe provided they are not running any water. You can move

Continued, see CLINCH RIVER Page 11 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Lake Hiwassee Stripers: Summertime Feeding Frenzy in the Mountains

ummer is finally here! The weather is beautiful, the water is warmer, and the fish are going absolutely crazy—it’s the perfect time to hit the lake and catch some amazing stripers! What’s the best way to do that? By booking a trip with Murphy, NC’s #1 striper guide service: Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. Lake Hiwassee is unbelievable for summer striper fishing. There’s nothing like starting your day off with the birds chirping, morning fog lifting, and an explosion of stripers slamming all your rods. It’s a feeding frenzy of schooled-up stripers and mass chaos of loading the boat with tons of fish. It’s not uncommon for us to boat 3040 fish per trip out here on this serene Western North Carolina lake. Currently, Lake Hiwassee is almost at full pool. Water clarity is clear throughout the lake, and water temps are in the mid-to-upper 60’s. Striper fishing is unbelievably

By Shane Goebel

excellent. We have been loading the boat with some big fish in good quantities. We’ve been averaging about 20 to 30 stripers a morning with several of our fish in the 20-35 pound range. We’ve even had a few 35-40 pound fish on other nearby lakes. The early-morning and evening bites are your best times to see action. In the early morning hours, we are still mixing it up with planer boards and free lines with live blueback herring and shad, Very light tackle and down lines. As the sun comes up in the later morning hours, start to focus on deeper water and switch to all down lines. Target creek mouths and points off the main channel. As the top-water bite has also been excellent, keep a spook or a Red Fin at the ready to snag those surfacebusting fish. By mid-month, these fish will really start to school up and we’ll switch to all an all-down line bite. Just

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remember to keep an eye on your electronics and watch for schools off stripers. Also remember to try to get the fish back into the water as quick as possible. June is a fantastic month for catching a lot of trophy stripers on this 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 fulltime guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Nottely and Chatuge (in

North Carolina), 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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JUNE 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 7

Stealth on the Stream: Part 2–The Approach By Jim Parks

ast month’s article focused on what to wear to reduce your likelihood of being spotted by those skittish, wild trout and wily browns of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). This week, we’ll cover the approach. So, you’re dressed for success and your fishing buddy can’t see you when you stop moving… Now what? In a recent article where guides were asked for the single biggest mistake made by clients, 5 out of 15 (33%) mentioned approach. So, even though you’ve dressed to blend into the surroundings, if you go stomping into the water, all your efforts are wasted. The approach begins before you reach streamside. Many years ago, I was hiding behind a tall tree, looking at the lower end of a large, popular pool in the GSMNP. There was a particularly large brown I’d been “chasing” for a few months. He was slowly finning no more than ten feet from shore! While I was watching the behavior of my target and planning my approach, two fishermen walked right past me, stepping into the creek before they’d even tied on a fly. Maybe I was blending in so well, even the fishermen didn’t notice? Doubtful, but for certain, they didn’t notice that huge trout they had just flushed out of his feeding lane. Believe me, it happens a lot. The first step, literally, when approaching a stream with wild trout is to engage with your eyes. Even a cheap pair of sunglasses (no offense to ZZ Top), can open a new world,

but it takes time and practice. When I first took deliberate steps in looking for trout, I had to pay my dues and spend time that I’d rather have been spending casting a line. Over time, as I trained my eyes and brain, I began to notice shapes and movement, such as an object that looked like a rock at first, but wasn’t, a shadow on the bottom of the stream, a tail fin wave, the flash of a trout’s body, or a mouth open. I soon realized the more I looked, the more fish I saw. I learned to sometimes wait for a “window” of smooth water to pass over the area of

interest offering a better glimpse. My first real achievement was “Teflon”. He was a trout of 28-30 inches that I spotted while walking up the road overlooking the creek. He was about 8-10 feet deep on a large, flat rock. What I thought was a dark spot allowed me to see only his tail slightly wave as a “window” passed over. He got the name “Teflon” after a couple of us hooked it, but could never get the hook to stick. Once you start spotting small trout before they move, you’ll gradually progress to larger trout. First in clear, shallow water on a sunny day and eventually in deeper water on overcast days. At times, when “hunting”, you may need to tilt your head from side-to-side to obtain different angles whereby the polarization of your glasses works so that the glare is lessened, allowing greater visibility into the water. Another trick is to block the sides of your eyes from incoming light. I’ve found side shields that slip onto the

side of the glasses help very much. If not available, your hands can help, but be careful that moving your hands doesn’t spook trout. Also, I ALWAYS wear a hat to shade my eyes from overhead light, even on cloudy days. Ever wonder why many wise old trout hide in dark places? From darkness, they have protection but they’ve learned they can see out into the lighted areas better. Back when I did some saltwater fishing, I applied black shoe polish to the underside of the bill of my cap to limit reflection from the water. Not only did it help me see better, it resulted in less eye fatigue at the end of the day. Now, I can’t help but laugh when I see a fisherman with their hat on backwards looking into the sun. Style points rarely lead to better fishing. Another old trick is to approach with the sun at your back. From the trout’s perspective, it’s hard to see an approaching fisherman when looking into a bright light. However, never allow your shadow to move into the area you’re fishing. That’s a cardinal sin that will lead to trout scurrying to the nearest hiding place. The best way to prevent your shadow from hitting the water is to stay as low as possible. So, what if the water is dingy and/or it is raining and making it difficult to see into the water? Well, for every condition, there is a pro and con. If you can’t see because of the rain pelting the surface or the water is too dingy to see far into it, or both, neither can the trout see you if you’ve dressed to blend. Now, use that to your advantage. I’ve found heavy, sudden downpours to be the best time to hook up with trophy trout. Not only do they seem to get a bit bolder as they feel hidden and cannot see you through the water’s surface as you approach, but more food is washed into the stream, putting them on the feed. If you’re familiar with a stream and know

Jim Parks, a native of Newport, Tennessee, has spent forty-three years fly-fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which he considers his home waters. Check out his book “Tails of the Smokies” in local bookstores. Jim currently resides in Kodak, Tennessee, with Trena, his wife and best friend of thirty-three years. 8 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

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WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA GREAT SMOKIES

The Casting Corner: The Rod Hand

By Rene Hesse

reviously, we spoke of the line hand and all that it can do for us; where it should be and when, as well as how it helps us cast. It is a compliment to the rod hand when casting and will help accelerate the line when we haul. The line hand keeps the fly moving when working a fly on the retrieve. The line hand will help set the hook and gather line on the reel when it’s time, too. So if that hand is doing all of that, what is left for the rod hand? For starters, it holds the rod, and that can be done several different ways. The traditional thumb on top is one way to hold the cork, but that can have its disadvantages. There is the V-grip, which lends itself to more wrist rotation that can lead to increased rod tip speed through rotation. There is the finger on top that is often used for accuracy, but not much for distance casting. The good casters will use several

different grips depending on the situation. Where we place our hand on the rod is important, too. Don’t get fooled by in thinking the thumb has to be on top where the cork and the rod meet. That position will reduce the amount of lever action by shortening the lever. Grip the cork as far back against the reel as you comfortably can. I have my little finger touching it or slightly over the butt end of the cork on the grip. Get used to doing that, and it will never be something you have to think about again. Apply a good grip on the rod with the style that fits your situation. The rod hand will need to travel in the correct direction and accelerate at the right time. As a reminder, there is a 180-degree consideration when making a normal cast. We want the rod to travel in a straight

line 180 degrees away from the target on the back cast, and then 180 back to the target. It is the most efficient motion. There are casts that we make adjustments on the back cast. For example, an oval cast, but that cast will end up being 180 degrees behind us at the end of the rod travel on the back cast. One of the hardest things the rod hand has to do is apply the proper amount of power at the proper time. We want a smooth constant rate of acceleration to a stop. That applied power will vary on the distance or if casting into the wind, but we always want to start slow with a lift and then progressively go faster until the end of the stroke.

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Let the rod do the work. Get the feel of the line bending the rod against your hand. That loading or bending of the rod is the heart of the cast. Train your rod hand to feel

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 9

Generational Fishing By Capt. James McManus

his month I was thinking about the guide business. I am in my 14th season and there have been many highs and luckily only a couple of lows. The greatest thing going is obviously all of the wonderful friends I have shared my passion with. Along with this, it becomes obvious that families that fish together, stay together. The pictures here are of a young man I have taken fishing, almost since I began guiding. This past spring we again caught some good stripers on Hartwell, the strange part is that since I took last year off for some surgery and COVID, it had been a couple of years since we last shared a boat. I could not believe how much he had grown in just a few months. A solid reminder that your kids grow up way too fast and you need to make room (insert time) for your sweetest possession. My favorite type of trip includes one or two parents, a kid or two, and a grandparent or two.

Generational sharing eliminates the need for generational healing if not enough interaction has occurred. On that subject, my least favorite type of trip includes the “boss”; you know him, he’s the one that’s paying and expects nothing less than the most incredible trip, huge size, crazy numbers, all having nothing to do with his skill level, which is typically low on the scale. Throw in enough beers and it can almost make you wish for a desk job. I remember one such trip where the boss didn’t want to go early, even though that’s when we were catching. When we finally started, I actually found a few hybrids and heard how small they were. After removing another fish from his rod and again hearing about the lack of “lunker” size for his catch, I began re-baiting with another blueback. Now, these fish were fairly deep since it was later in the day. When fishing deep and

in windy conditions, I sometimes use 2 to 3 ounce egg sinkers. Upon hearing another jeer, I swung around quickly to at least let the boss know I was hearing what he was spewing. Not thinking, at least consciously, as he was getting another beer from his cooler, my egg sinker caught him right in the temple. At that moment he sat down, looked away and never uttered another peep. I am an old dog but I learned a new trick that day. I don’t usually resort to violence but just know it’s part of the arsenal in a guide’s bag of tricks. Luckily, I can count on less than one hand, those types of trips. Bring your kids or parents and let’s start making great memories. 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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Sister Lakes

By Ronnie Parris

ey folks! Hope the nice warm weather has got the fish in your home lakes doing well. Fontana, after having an extremely slow winter, has finally turned on with a really good smallmouth and spotted bass bite. The main reason for the slow winter was the overload of bait, both threadfin shad and blueback herrin. This brings me to my thoughts on this article; Lake Hiwassee, in Murphy, North Carolina, is probably the closest in size and feeder streams to any other. Hiwassee seemed to go thru the same bait overload with the bluebacks taking over and the walleye numbers dwindling. You can look back and make many comparisons with Fontana. The turning point seemed to be with the stocking of the striped bass. Almost immediately, the blueback numbers seemed to be put back in check with this being the stripers favorite bait source.

A big school of stripers will get on a school of bluebacks and follow ‘till they get triggered to feed and eat hundreds at a time. Just a few years after the stripers were introduced, we began to see the other gamefish species making a comeback and making Hiwassee one of the best lakes in the state for both size and numbers of all fish species. I talked to our state Biologist, Powell Wheeler, at one of our boat ramps recently about the comparisons and got the feeling he agreed with me that stocking the stripers could be a big success in Lake Fontana. Hopefully, we can get a lot of positive angler feedback in support of the striper stockings. These striped bass are one of the best fighting fish and make great table fair. If you’re interested in getting the ball rolling on the striper stocking,

I would suggest contacting our fisheries biologists and letting them know you would like to see this species and give them a chance to try and get Fontana headed back to the number one lake it used to be. Although I do take a few of my regular clients to Hiwassee to striper fish, it’s about a 2-hour drive for me, so I don’t like to guide on it as much as our closer lakes. If you would like to go to Hiwassee and try to catch

Ronnie Parris is owner and head guide of Smoky Mountain Outdoors Unlimited-Fontana Lake Fishing Guides, headquartered in Bryson City, N.C., heart of the Great Smoky Mountains www. smounlimited.com; (828) 488-9711.

CLINCH RIVER continued from page 4 around the river and stop to wade when the conditions are suitable. The two big things to keep in mind is that the water discharges are of utmost importance on the Clinch River. You have to fish according to what the dam is doing. The other thing to keep in mind is that fishing dry flies is usually not the way to go. If you don’t like fishing nymphs and/or streamers, they you would be happier fishing somewhere else other than the Clinch River. Clinch River Hatches and Trout Flies: Our information on aquatic insects is based on our stream samples of larvae and nymphs, not guess work. We base fly suggestions on imitating the most plentiful and most available insects and other foods at the particular time you are fishing. Unlike the generic fly shop trout flies, we have specific imitations of all the insects in the Clinch River and in all stages of life that are applicable to fishing. If you want to fish better, more realistic trout flies, and have a much higher degree of

success, give us a call. We will not only help you with selections, you will learn why, after trying Perfect Flies, 92% of the thousands of our customers will use nothing else. 1-800-594-4726 There are a few mayflies and quite a few caddisflies that emerge on the Clinch River but the hatches are not consistent day in and day out. There is a sulphur hatch that can be good at times. It is about the only mayfly hatch of any importance. It starts in late April and peaks during May. By the first of June it has ended in most areas. Many days you will be lucky to see midges on the surface. Most of the fly fishing should be done subsurface. The river has a population of both scuds and sow bugs and at times it seems they are the preferred food of the trout. However, as plentiful as they are, imitations of them don’t always work. There are several species of Cinnamon Caddis. They can hatch off and on from June through the month of September. Little Sisters are also present in limited

some of these hard fighting bass and see how you like them on the table, I would suggest booking a trip with my buddy, Aaron Kephart, Owner of Mountain Lake Guide Service of Murphy, North Carolina. In my opinion, he is the most knowledge about Hiwassee Lake and the striped bass movements. Well folks, hope you have a great spring on the water. Stay safe and take 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.

1012 East Alarka Road, Bryson City, NC • 828-488-9711, Cell: 828-736-9471

smokymountainoutdoorsunlimited.com

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 11

ASHEVILLE / HENDERSONVILLE / BREVARD

Youth Fishing Events Planned Across the State May Through June National Fishing and Boating Week is June 5 - 13

RALEIGH, N.C. (May 14, 2021) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, along with Neuse Sport Shop, the U.S. Forest Service and Trout Unlimited North Carolina, will sponsor over 25 fishing events for children across the state in May and June in recognition of National Fishing and Boating Week, June 5 - 13. The fun kicks off this weekend in Caldwell and Ashe counties and will continue through June 19 in Alleghany, Haywood and Montgomery counties. Children can fish for free – no license required – and register to win prizes at each event, including a statewide grand prize drawing for a lifetime sportsman license. The

license, donated by Neuse Sport Shop in Kinston, includes both fishing and hunting privileges. Also available is a freshwater lifetime fishing license donated by N.C. Council Trout Unlimited. The Wildlife Commission is also providing 100 additional fishingrelated prizes, such as tackle boxes, rods, reels and more. Drawings will be held at the end of June and published on the Commission’s website, ncwildlife. org, in July. Local sponsors may also provide prizes and gifts at fishing events to registered participants. The Commission will stock fish at many of the sites prior to the events to give anglers a better chance at reeling in a catch. “We anticipate stocking thousands of fish,” stated Chet Clark, program manager of the Commission’s Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation initiative. “We’re excited to get these events back on the calendar. Last year we had to cancel most of them due to COVID. This year the excitement is high. Once they catch one fish, they’ll be hooked.” For a full list of fishing events, visit the Commission’s website. For more information about National Fishing and Boating Week, visit the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s website, takemefishing.org.

About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

ncwildlife.org to purchase fishing, trapping and hunting licenses and to renew a vessel registration.  Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities. Get N.C. Wildlife Update — news including season dates, bag limits, legislative updates and more — delivered free to your Inbox from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

Due to COVID-19, we encourage the public to visit

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2021 Fins and Gills Classic

he “Fins and Gills Classic” is a fishing tournament for kids and families. There are three divisions to the tournament, kid, teen, and adult. Prizes are awarded to the anglers in each division for largest stringer (total weight 1-10), biggest fish, smallest fish, fist boy, first girl, first teen, first adult, largest trash bag, biggest game fish, “The French Broad Buffet” (five different species) and whatever else we can think of. The first 100 kids will receive a free rod and reel, tackle, tackle box, and bait. Lunch will be provided for all that attend. There is a trout pond, train rides, and live music for all to enjoy. The adults and teens will receive a tackle pack as well. There are door prize drawing every fifteen minutes from 10am to 2pm for kids,

teens, and adults. There is about $7,000 worth of prizes to win. We have bicycles, kayaks, furniture, you name it we have it to give away as prizes for the anglers. There will be people available to help with anyone that needs help.

I started this tournament for the sole reason of teaching kids the joy of fishing. I have worked in a number of sporting goods stores and so many parents would come in and say my kids want to go fishing and I don’t know anything about it. I have had

the joy of seeing many kids catch their first fish and I think I get more excited about it than they do. It is truly a blessing to see the joy in their eyes. We will have the tournament on June 19th at Woodfin Riverside Park in Woodfin, NC. The tournament starts at 8am and ends at 2pm. The anglers can weigh in five fish, once a fish is weighed in, it cannot be culled. Angles can float, wade or fish from the bank in the designated section of the river. All the fish that are weighed in have to come from the river. And remember, it doesn’t matter what you catch as long and it has “Fins and Gills”. I would encourage you to visit our Facebook page and our website (finsandgillsclassic.com).

SUMMERTIME HOT SPOTS FOR 2021

By Capt. Cefus McRae NutsAndBoltsFishing.com

ow that we’re able to move about the country a little more ‘freely and safely’, folks have been asking me about my favorite places to fish. Since summertime is upon us, I thought I’d share my top 5 places in the Southeast to go fishing in the summer. There are literally hundreds of great destinations, but these are my go-to places where you are sure to stretch a string. 1. A neighborhood pond or lake. There are small bodies of water throughout the Southeast that are brimming with fish, and there’s probably one within a couple of miles of where you live, provided you get permission from the landowner. These little freshwater gems provide a great way to spend an afternoon fishing for bream and bass, and you don’t need a boat or expensive tackle. A spinning reel, a tube of crickets or a tub of worms, and a couple of bobbers, and you’re set. If you can arrange to fish on a full moon, the bream will likely be on bed, and this is the perfect time to take the kids along and get them hooked on fishing. 2. Trout fishing in the North

Georgia, Tennessee and Carolina mountains. Take a break from the summer heat and spend a day on a cool, mountain stream fishing for trout. Depending on the stream, you can fish with crickets or worms, small spinners and crankbaits, or learn to fish with a fly rod. There are numerous designated public trout streams, all stocked by the DNR. There are also plenty of managed, private streams where you can go with a guide and learn the ropes of fishing for trout. A couple of my go-to guide services are Unicoi Outfitters in Helen, GA, and Cohutta Fishing Company in Blue Ridge, GA. Give these folks a call for an exciting adventure on the water. 3. St. Simons Island, GA. The

coastal waters off Georgia’s barrier islands are an awesome fishery. In late June, the big fish show up along the coastline. Bull redfish over 30 pounds, spinner sharks that put on a saltwater acrobatic show, and large tarpon all roam the nearshore waters in search of their next meal. A great resource on the island is the St. Simons Fishing Center and Capt. Mark Noble. 4. The Southeastern striper and hybrid bass impoundments. There are at least a dozen reservoirs that offer excellent summertime fishing for stripers and hybrids including Lake Lanier, Allatoona, Oconee, Hartwell and Clark Hill in Georgia, Lake Murray and Greenwood in SC., Lake

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Martin, Lewis Smith and Wedowee in Alabama. In North Carolina, High Rock, Norman and Badin Lake are great summer fisheries. As the water warms up, the fish tend to go deeper, so umbrella rigs and leadcore line are tactics commonly used to put your baits in the strike zone. 5. St. Augustine, FL. In June, and throughout the summer, herds of king mackerel gather just a couple of miles off the coast. Mixed in with the kings will be cobia, large jacks and sailfish. Trolling large natural baits and diving plugs will draw strikes all day long. If the sea conditions keep you inshore, you can wrestle with big flounder, speckled trout and redfish in the backwaters. Call Capt. Scott Shank of Full House Charters for a great time on the water. These are just a few places that will satisfy your fishing hunger, and there are so many more. Do a little homework and start planning your next fishing adventure in the Southeast. If you’re having trouble deciding, check out our recommended guides and destinations on the Nuts & Bolts of Fishing website.

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Staying Safe on the Water By William Reed

eeping yourself safe while on the water is paramount to any angler. All seasoned boaters or kayakers know the importance of a quality lifejacket, or Personal Flotation Device. If you fish tournaments, you know PFDs are required by participants anytime they are on the water. Statistics show there is at least one fatality a day from boating and kayaking incidents. In addition to a quality life jacket, there are a few other items you should carry with you on the water for safety. Step one is choosing the appropriate lifejacket for the type of water you are on. Make sure the lifejacket is US Coast Guard approved. Type three and five are the most common lifejackets used for boating and fishing. Based on the water conditions and weather, I use both of these. For the winter, and on faster moving rivers, a class three keeps

me warm and offers added safety. The one drawback is a standard type three will run a bit hot in the summer and slightly restricts movement. For the summertime and while out on my boat, I prefer a class five which is an inflatable lifejacket (also called a class three inflatable). An inflatable life jacket is much less cumbersome and almost disappears once you put it on. The class 5’s are lightweight, much smaller, and fit like a t-shirt. The noted difference is that the inflatable must be worn at all times, while on the water, to meet Coast Guard regulations where a class three can be stored in an accessible location on the boat. Regardless of which one I take with me, I still wear it at all times on the water. There are many brands of PFD to choose from. For the fishing enthusiast, my favorite life jackets are Gill Marine, Astral and Stohlquist, for class three standard PFDs. The

Craig Dye, Nucnaoe Tournament Team

Gill side zip PFD allows you to paddle with ease, has great ventilation, and its quality is second to none. If one wants added visibility, the colors range from black to yellow and red. For a class 5 inflatable, the two brands I prefer are NRS and Mustang Survival. For NRS and Mustang, you can either get a model that auto inflates when it gets submerged in water or one that requires a pull tab to inflate. In addition to a life jacket, there are several additional safety devices to consider. A loud sound device, like a whistle, is the best $1 anyone could spend to save one’s life. Other items you should consider that cater to kayaking are safety flags and lights that stick up several feet above the water. YakAttack makes the Visipole that not only has a flag but also a white

anchor light that makes you nightlegal and enhances your visibility to fast driving boaters. A great device for anyone who ever paddles alone is a personal locator beacon known as an EPIRB or PLB. A locator will send a GPS signal if you ever get in trouble, where emergency services can find your exact location. EPIRBs are used more for offshore fishing and PLBs more for rivers and lakes. They both essentially do the same thing. Being a tech and safety junkie, I am always trying new accessories and safety gear while on the water. Safety is a great concern to me because I am alone a lot of times on the water. I hope I convinced some of you to start being more safety conscious and wear your life jacket while on the water.

William Reed is a Nucanoe National Pro Staff Writer. You can contact him at will@nucanoe.com or find him on InstaGram @wde_will 16 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

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Bed Time

By Scott Norton

any anglers wait all year for bed fishing. It is definitely the time to catch the fish of a lifetime. Each season, you can build your technique to a science. It is a changing of the gears, if you will. I believe this is one reason why anglers enjoy bed fishing so much. The monotony of chucking and winding can make it feel like a grind. New technologies, such as power poles and GPS spot-lock, have changed the game a lot. It is almost not fair for the bass. Even the lures in the last decade have gotten so realistic with the import of baits from other countries. The choices are endless. The best of the domestics are the hand made baits here in America with the best imported being baits from Japan. They do come with a bit of sticker shock but if you’re at the top of your game then you won’t loose lures like you did in the beginning.

During this time, bass will not eat for substance; they only bite out of territorial aggression. This is why they gorge on forage in the prespawn. Iodine in crayfish helps the females break those egg sacks before they lay eggs. This is why we use red in the pre-spawn as well. It is a good way to just go after the females. The game of bed fishing consists of catching the male and to getting the females to bite. You have to put the male in the live well in order for her instinct to protect the nest to kick in. Then you’re ready to catch the female. Now the deal with tournaments during this time has two camps with one saying they are fair game and another saying it harms the process of making the next generation. I am starting to see the rules changing for the better so we can have it both ways. Putting the bass in the live well to go to weigh-in, I will say, is

definitely not good. The rule I am seeing now is that weighing in on the boat with an official to document the catch, is a great direction the sport needs for conservation.

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Spring is the super-bowl of fishing seasons. Have fun this season and keep learning. The balance of nature is in your hands.

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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HIGH COUNTRY

Popper/Droppers for All Kids

nglers are kids at heart. Some of us have just had a few more birthdays. And all kids like action! As we transition from spring to summer, here’s a rig that will generate lots of action and entertain kids, young and old. It’s the popper/dropper (P/D) rig. Let’s start with youngsters who want to learn how to fly fish. Mentors, please lead them AWAY from trout streams due to swift, changing currents and tangles of trees. Lead them TOWARD the promised waters of a local pond, preferably with a tree-less bank where casting will be easier and its resident school of hungry, competitive bream will make fast action. Rig up with a short (7.5 foot, 4X) leader and tie on the smallest white popper or rubber spider that you can find. Size 10 is good. To the bend of its hook, tie on 2 feet of 5X

By Jeff Durniak

tippet (or 4-lb mono). On the end of that short line, tie on your dropper fly: a size 16 trout nymph, wet fly, or black fur ant. There’s your P/D rig! Use small bugs so even the smallest bream can inhale them. Remember, with kids, everything is a trophy, and numbers are more important than size. Also, crimp down the hook barbs to protect everyone’s fingers and ears and some fish lips. Aggressive bream will slurp in the popper with a loud “tick,” while hesitant siblings will eat the dropper. The popper will twitch and be the strike indicator! Practice first on open water. After your student gets the hang of it, slide closer to fish cover like weeds, dock pilings and downed pauses between them. Your action trees, where bream schools hide will be better in the cool shade from bass. Retrieve the rig with a or low light of dusk, so pick those few twitches and strips, with long

18 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

places and times to hook more fish and land your new fly-flinger. Keep the session short to match their

Continued, see POPPER/DROPPERS Page 21

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Catch More Value with Trout Insurance

e met the staff of Trout Insurance recently in Weaverville NC. From here, they serve the needs of their clients through the mountains, the upstate and beyond. Think Martinique. A forward looking and innovative group of dedicated professionals, we discussed some recent trends: New Savings on Health Insurance The Covid relief bill increased Marketplace subsidies. And you can change plans for better coverage. Plus, the income cap on savings has been eliminated. It’s a great time to review. No Exam Life Insurance As we have seen over the last year, financial protection for those you love is primary. And life insurance is more affordable than ever. Get a quote directly from their website.

For Business Owners They offer all lines of business coverage. And most important in today’s labor market; a benefits package to find and retain great employees. More dollars in the catch bucket.

More Value and Protection for Your Auto & Home

As an independent, they shop the market for you. New driving apps can provide savings. And for you readers Fifty Plus - special values thru AARP.

And Yes – they do Boats

Talking with Dave Trout, I discovered he is not a great angler, despite the name. However, prior to insurance, he was a chef for twenty-five years. We talked fish after the catch. Dave has agreed to share recipes!

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 19

Convenient to Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and Beech Mountain Our resorts offer the perfect vacation or getaway in the mountains of Western North Carolina

Pyatt Creek in the Highlands of Roan

S Located on the headwater of the Watauga River, we are convenient to all of the wonderful attractions of the High Country like Grandfather Mountain, Tweetsie Railroad, Linville Falls, Gem Mining and more. Enjoy the adventure at affordable rates! Hook up your RV, pitch your tent or rent on-site lodging. We are conveniently located 10 miles south of Boone on Hwy. 105 or 7 miles north of Linville on Hwy. 105. You’ll find the High Country of N.C. offers many activities for everyone in the family!

Call Today 800-788-2582

www.grandfatherrv.com 125 Proﬁle View Rd., Banner Elk, NC 28604 20 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

JUNE 2021

AHC accepted transfer of 36 acres of conserved land, located at the headwaters of Pyatt Creek in the Highlands of Roan, from the North American Land Trust (NALT). This Pyatt Creek preserve is located in a network of land SAHC has protected in the Yellow Mountain State Natural Area. The Pyatt Creek property in the Yellow Mountain State Natural area reaches 4,080 ft. in elevation and contains exemplary native habitat and pristine headwater sources, including a headwater tributary and portion of the main branch of Pyatt Creek. “SAHC’s acquisition of this property continues our ongoing work in the Yellow Mountain State Natural area, securing high elevation habitat and water sources in a network of conserved land,” says Land Protection Director Michelle Pugliese. “This tract is about a mile south of our Yellow Mountain Connector project, in which SAHC protected a conglomerate of small, high elevation parcels in 2019. Land protection often reminds me of putting together a puzzle – we work with willing landowners whenever possible to protect tracts that contain important

habitat and water resources. Over time, it is exciting to see these puzzle pieces come together in a connected network that permanently secures wildlife corridors, watersheds, and wide scenic views.” The Pyatt Creek preserve is located within the NC Natural Heritage Program Yellow Mountains/Raven Cliffs Natural Area, within the Grandfather Unaka Priority Amphibian Reptile Conservation Area, and state priority forest types identified on the property include Rich Montane Seeps, Northern Hardwood Forest, and High Elevation Red Oak Forest. Ruth Williams donated the property to the North American Land Trust (NALT) in 2010. NALT intended to hold it for a short time before transferring to a local land trust for permanent preservation. “We are grateful to the North American Land Trust for transferring this property to become an SAHC preserve, and to Brad and Shelli Stanback for donating funds to cover the survey and other transaction costs associated with the transfer,” adds Pugliese.

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e n

POPPER/DROPPERS continued from page 18

interest and attention span. See the trip through their eyes, using THEIR value system, and they’ll ordain you as Champion Guide. Let’s not forget us big kids. We like P/D rigs, too! We just upsize them for fewer, but bigger fish. Before the evening shadows fall, it’s tough to convince river spots, shoalies, and smallies to eat a surface bug, so we’ll put a dropper behind our bass popper or Kent’s Stealth Bomber. I typically add 2-4 feet of thin 8-10 pound mono

and then tie on a #4 black Woolly Bugger or Hairy Fodder. We’ll deaddrift, twitch, and then strip the rig back in. For summer’s low-water, spooky fish, we’ll just drift with smaller droppers like a #8 Bugger or Rubberleg Stonefly. Let the P/D rig entertain your fly fishing kids, both young and old, this summer. Call (706) 878-3083 or visit our fly shop if we can help you further, since Jake and Wes are the “Huck and Tom” of summer fly fishing!

You can find Jeff Durniak at Unicoi Outfitters. Stop in or call the Helen shop at (706-878-3083) or our Clarkesville store on the square (706-754-0203) if we can help you further. After all, we are pretty darn good trouting caddies!

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 21

Eastern America’s Highest Town B eech Mountain is the highest town in Eastern America and an ideal vacation spot in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Our elevation (5,506 feet) sets us apart 12 months a year. A visit to the Town of Beech Mountain offers exciting outdoor recreation and milehigh relaxation. In summer, adventure seekers flock to the Emerald Outback at Beech Mountain, a trail park which features more than eight miles of gorgeous trails near the top of the mountain. Hiking, mountain biking and trail running are prevalent in the Emerald Outback, as well as on several other miles of in-town trails maintained by the parks & recreation department. Downhill mountain biking trails, complete with lift service, are available during the warmer months at Beech Mountain Resort. Those trails range from beginner to advanced. The most challenging trails at the resort have twice hosted USA Cycling’s Mountain Bike

Gravity National Championships. The resort’s biking operation is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and offers bike rentals and lessons in addition to lift service. Families and seniors also covet summer vacations on Beech – hiking to waterfalls, enjoying 100-mile mountain vistas, visiting the animal habitat at nearby Grandfather Mountain and taking in a round of mini-golf in mild temperatures that average in the low to mid 70s. Fly anglers enjoy finding hidden trout streams across the mountain, while recreational fishing is available at Buckeye Lake and Coffey Lake, both of which are stocked annually. Coffey Lake also has a paved 1/8-mile trail around the lake that’s ideal for walking and jogging. The Mountain Heritage Trout Water (MHTW) program is all about convenience. It allows North Carolina residents and nonresidents to fish in MHTW streams simply by

Buckeye Recreation Center

Beech Mountain Resort

A fabulous indoor facility for residents and visitors with a full-size gymnasium, indoor tennis court, pickleball courts, meeting areas, fitness area with state-of-the-art equipment, kid’s playroom, living room area, and indoor walking track.

The premier winter ski resort in North Carolina, providing skiers and snowboarders with upscale amenities, superb terrain, and learning center. In summer, the slopes convert to downhill mountain biking trails, making it the highest lift-serviced mountain bike park east of the Rockies.

(828) 387-3003 1330 Pine Ridge Road Beech Mountain, NC 28604 beechrecreation.recdesk.com

828-387-2011 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mountain, NC 28604 beechmountainresort.com

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purch alread specia Tr stream Febru parkin Cente as it fl are se stocke Po hook Comm Lakele stretch inhabi Ot and B by the is des Bucke receiv brook inland Be Beech of Bee Learn appro info an

A p visitors use of t 18-hole with a s

purchasing a three-day license for just $5. Anglers who already have a statewide fishing license do not need the special MHTW three-day license. Trout Fishing Buckeye Creek is a hatchery-supported stream (open first Saturday in April through last day of February) that flows out of Buckeye Lake, with nearby parking available at the town’s Buckeye Recreation Center. Buckeye Creek has some nice pools and riffles as it flows out of Buckeye Lake, and further downstream are several good fishing areas below a waterfall. It is stocked annually with brown, rainbow and brook trout. Pond Creek is designated catch-and-release single hook artificial lures only by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Parking for Pond Creek is available off Lakeledge Road at Lake Coffey. Pond Creek has a longer stretch of available water than Buckeye Creek. It is inhabited by native brook trout. Other options on Beech Mountain are Lake Coffey and Buckeye Lake, two small lakes stocked annually by the Wildlife Resources Commission. Lake Coffey is designated as delayed harvest trout waters, while Buckeye Lake is designated hatchery supported. Both receive a large annual infusion of brown, rainbow and brook trout. Anglers need a regular North Carolina inland license to fish in those lakes. Beech Mountain Guided Fishing presented by Beech Parks and Recreation. Get in the back country of Beech Mountain’s streams and secrete fishing holes. Learn to read water, bait selection, fly casting and how to approach mountain fishing. Call 828-387-3003 for more info and RSVP.

Trout anglers have multiple options on Beech Mountain

Beech Mountain Club A private club offering activities and facilities for visitors to enjoy year-round. Most lodging rentals include use of the Club and entitle visitors to amenities such as the 18-hole mountaintop golf course stretching 6,099 yards with a spectacular view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

828-387-4208 103 Lakeledge Road Beech Mountain, NC 28604 beechmtn.club COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Campfire By Ben Bailey

ver the years, I’ve spent countless hours sitting around a campfire. A campfire is not just warmth and light…it’s more than that. I don’t know if there are words to describe the effect that a campfire has on those within its circle. I guess the word comradery comes close, but even that doesn’t seem enough. Darkness is usually associated with evil and light, with all that’s good and noble. Warmth speaks of friendship and goodwill. I can attest to the fact that friendships forged in

the flames of a campfire will stand the test of time and trout, baked over its coals, are just a little better. I have spent a few, not many, nights in a camp without a fire and it was worse then Aunt Jemima’s pancakes without her syrup. The conversation and laughter wanes and we drift off into darkness to cold sleeping bags. It’s a welcome site in the morning, waking to the sound of a snapping twigs and somebody building a fire. A few years ago, I, and two others, were walking the last leg of the trip from Clingmans Dome to Proctor. We were tired after four days on the trail and it was raining. Our buddies, who had come to pick us up by boat, had prepared a fire pit and covered it with plastic. They lit the fire as we walked into camp. It was such a beautiful sight and gesture… I will never forget that moment. A campfire is meant to be shared and, once shared, never forgotten. The charcoal and

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circle of stones is like a shrine to all that was said and done here. Others who may pass this way will know a kindred spirit has been here and in some small way, as they sit around their fire, we are joined and become fellow travelers. We are told by science that fire is the giving off of energy that has been stored in the wood from all the sunshine that the tree has been exposed to over its life. If that’s true, then I would think that we, as we sit around that fire, would also soak in a little bit of that energy. I’ve also seen people soak in a little moonshine while sitting around a campfire and even if that doesn’t work for you, you’re bound to soak in some of the wisdom that is passed around and through the flames. I’ve heard it all from humor, to theology, to how to achieve world peace. I remember a poem by Hector Donald called “The Land of Heart’s Desire”:

Did you ever watch the campfire When the Wood has fallen low, And the ashes ‘gin to whiten Round the embers’ crimson glow, With the night sounds all about you Making silence doubly sweet, And a full moon high above you That the spell may be complete? Did you ever sit there thinking ‘Mid your pipe’s gray, pungent breath, While the fire’s last, feeble flicker Met a magic, glow-worm death— Tell me, were you ever nearer To the land of heart’s desire, Than when you sat there smoking With your feet up to the fire

Ben Bailey, is a native of Western North Carolina, Master Carpenter, Avid Angler, and Naturalist.

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Fish Every Chance I Get

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By Gary Turner

tacy Fleming and I booked a couple of quick trips to go fishing with our friend and guide, Dewayne Proffit. When I say quick trips, it means we get off work, drive over to Summerton, South Carolina, crash at the hotel for a few hours, meet Dewayne at the dock around 6:00 a.m., fish all day, and get the fish cleaned with Ms. Yoi while we grab a bite at either the Goat Island Restaurant or the Lake House. Once dinner is done, we pick up the fish and start homeward. We usually get back home around midnight, tired, a little sunburned, and smiling. Why do we do such things? Because we love fishing on Santee, and we have to save our extended times off work for West Palm, Florida! So, the first trip we hit the weather right. We arrived at the dock, loaded up, and headed out

tonight, and y’all should have been here today.” That’s always the way it is. You should have been here yesterday! I told him we would see him in the morning. We met at the dock at 6:00 a.m. as usual. The wind was pretty still as we headed out. We got to the first spot and set up. Lucky for us, the fish were still biting and we caught some nice blues! One was a little over 30 pounds! We caught several 10 to 20 pounders. Then the wind turned. Sometimes the wind turns them on and sometimes it turns them off. We decided to set up some drifts. Here is where things got interesting. We were marking large schools of fish, some large fish and lots of small. We are using 7/0 circles meant to catch bigger fish. All of

“Y’all need to be here now! I’m out by myself, and I’m loading up. I just released a 40 pound flathead!” to find hungry fish! We caught a cooler full, with several over 20 pounds and lots of fish under 20. An added bonus was two bald eagles, which we saw several times. We also saw a few large gators, one over 10 feet. It was a great day on the water. We told Dewayne about some of our West Palm trips, and he said he wanted to go with us sometime. Fast-forward a couple of weeks. Stacy and I are driving toward Santee, and Dewayne calls and says, “Where are you?” I say, “Well, we are about an hour out of Athens.” He says, “Y’all need to be here now! I’m out by myself, and I’m loading up. I just released a 40 pound flathead!” I’m like, “Well shoot, we are rolling!” He says, “The weather is changing

a sudden, the baits are getting hit over and over. We started holding the rods and trying to hook the guys. The big fish have all quit biting and now it’s amateur hour. All the fish are 12-16” blues with the occasional large bullhead mixed in. We are still marking the large fish, but none of them are biting. Those who have fished a lot know exactly how it goes. We started talking about trips again and decided the three of us should get down to West Palm soon. We are headed down there this week, so stay tuned! Hopefully my next article will be about all of the fish we caught on some of my upcoming trips, so remember, if you have an empty seat on your boat that needs filling, shoot me an email and maybe I will come fishing with you!

If you want more information about fishing, you can reach Gary Turner at gary@purgeright.com.

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Splash into the River this Summer!

rench Broad RiverCamp seeks to educate and empower the next generation of watershed stewards. We provide opportunities for river and watershed exploration for rising 3rd-8th grade students. Guided by RiverLink staff, campers will engage in hands-on environmental education, river recreation, and service-learning projects. By the end of our time together, campers will have a newfound appreciation and love for their watershed. We will be hosting our typical

week long day camps for 2021! Registration for this summer will open on Sunday April 11th at noon. Each session will go from Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm with options for early drop-off and late pick-up. $275 per session with financial assistance available. We have spaces reserved for financial assistance campers. So even if a session is full please apply for financial assistance if you need it, we may still have space to include your camper!

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Rising 3rd-5th Grade June 14th-18th July 5th-9th

At our summer camp we are Ecologists: We learn about what makes our stream and river ecosystems tick. Naturalists: We take time every day to make observations and appreciate our surroundings. Adventurers: We raft, swim and hike throughout the watershed.

Rising 6th-8th Grade June 21st-25th July 12th-16th Wildlife biologists: We search for life in our forests, rivers, and urban communities. Environmental stewards: We work to make a positive change in our environment, and spread love for nature. For info visit the Riverlink website at riverlink.org/work/rivercamp.

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UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA

Information Overload

By Jay “Striker” Barnett

o matter where you are today, you can find technology invading your headspace. There is so much information in today’s world of tournament bass fishing that it can really start to be overwhelming. Don’t get me wrong about having information; I believe that having knowledge is necessary to be successful. We have technology infused in many aspects of the industry. Our trolling motors can see underwater, Google Earth is on our phones, and we even have a way to see 360 degrees around the boat. How do you take all the information and find ways to catch fish? Let’s discuss some ways to navigate some of the information overload that can easily lead to analysis paralysis. Information is key to having an idea of what you may want to do on the water at any given time. On our phones, we can just about

do a whole week of pre-fishing without even getting on the water. Google Earth is mapping software that allows you to look anywhere on earth using satellite imaging. This technology enables an angler to know where he wants to fish before heading to the lake. However, this can be a blessing and a curse. Google Earth can show you what the lake looks like but deosn’t give you current lake conditions, such as if the lake level is down or if a sandbar has formed along a certain route, and other factors. Using such technology is helpful, but it does not beat “good old fashioned being on the water” in determining what is happening in real-time. Having 16” fishing graphs on the boat are lovely tools. Knowing the bottom composition and seeing fish below you helps break down

water quickly. More importantly, it helps eliminate water that you would otherwise waste time fishing. Today, graphs provide details that are amazing and connect to computers to allow you to make your own map of the lakes. It’s great to have, but for most, it’s something that many can get by without. Trolling motors that link to satellites in space keep your boat anchored, keeping you on the bite longer. This is one of the biggest game-changers in the world of bass fishing. The technology will continue to evolve. There is a need for anglers to upgrade their knowledge and ability to use all the latest and greatest gadgets, if they wish. However, the cost of this technology is the price you might pay for a small used car and will set you back $10,000 for a set of graphs

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JUNE 2021

and trolling motor, installed. Today’s technology in bass fishing can and will be everevolving. The data that is received from all of the technology carries the information that can shape our thinking to the point that we forget to just go fishing. It’s great to have the latest technology, but catching fish is still a game of chance and has been since the beginning of time. The quantity of information can overload the circuits in our brains. Just go fishing and lower the information noise volume, and you will do just fine catching fish. I am genuinely blessed and humbled to write for the Angler Magazine. I hope you enjoy it. Please take some time to follow me on Instagram at JayStriker52 and on the web at www.jaystriker.com.

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CLINCH RIVER continued from page 11 quantities. They hatch in late June and on into the first two weeks of July. Other species are present but not in large quantities. This is an excellent river to fish large streamers in for two reasons. When they are running two generators, it is about the only way you can fish it. The other reason has to do with the huge brown trout that exist in the river. Fish from twenty to thirty inches long are not uncommon. They are used to eating large baitfish. This method requires a lot of cast and plain work but it can be very effective. Just don’t expect a fish every few minutes. When you do catch one, it most likely will be a good one. The best condition for a drift boat trip is when they are running one generator. You can occasionally catch trout on a dry fly, provided a hatch is occurring when one is running, but most often you will need to fish subsurface. It is also possible to catch a trout on a dry fly midge imitation. It

depends on the water levels and flow conditions and, of course, the hatch. Most of the time, you will be better off fishing a midge larva or pupa imitation. If you notice any midges hatching, go to the midge pupa imitation. If you don’t, fish a midge larva imitation. We prefer to fish either of them without a strike indicator, but they do work fairly well on the Clinch. You should add a small amount of split shot above the larva imitation and adjust the indicator depending on the depth and speed of the water. You can fish imitations of scuds and sowbugs the same way as the midge larva flies. Add some weight to the tippet a few inches above the fly and fish them on or just above the bottom. Strike indicators can also be used with them if you prefer. Don’t forget streamer flies. They work great, especially when the water is running high and fast, or when it is off-color from heavy rain. Double or tandem rigs are popular on the

Clinch. Some anglers fish a larger mayfly nymph and a small midge larva or pupa together. Others fish two midge flies a few inches apart, both a midge larva and a pupa imitation. We don’t prefer these multiple rigs but they do catch trout. If you haven’t done so

already, please give our “Perfect Flies” a try. We feel sure you will find them to be very effective on the Clinch tailwater. Our Scud and Sowbug imitations are the best you can buy. Our Sulphur imitations work great on this river as well as any where else for that matter.

James Marsh has made his living fishing since 1980 through hosting and producing the first ever national syndicated weekly TV series on saltwater fishing for five years; hosting and producing forty-six instructional saltwater fishing videos more of which have been sold on saltwater fishing than anyone’s in the world; and for the past twenty-two years hosting and producing nineteen instructional videos on fly fishing and founding the Perfect Fly Company.

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JUNE 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 29

Asbury Hills Camps

With different types of camps—there is something for everyone!

sbury Hills is a Christian summer camp and year round retreat center. Just a short drive from Greenville, South Carolina, Asbury Hills is on 2,000 acres nestled in the northwest corner of South Carolina in the Blue Ridge mountains. Our mission is to serve all people for Christian birth, growth and renewal. We offer summer camp experiences for children and youth, and retreat events for children, youth, adults and families throughout the year serving churches, non-profit organizations and the community. With new and updated facilities and accommodation ranging from private rooms to cabins with bunk beds, Asbury Hills can host groups from 8 to 280 guests any time of the year. Named one of the 30 best family camps in North America by babble. com, Family Camp offers a chance to experience summer camp with your

entire family. Experience a weekend of contemporary worship, family centered devotions, group games, and activities of your choosing. This year’s dates are July 16-18. Asbury Hills has access to many trails, including those to Moonshine Falls and Raven Cliff Falls. Depending on our guests, we welcome hikers to these trails yearround from 9am-5pm, except from May 15 to August 15, as summer camp may be in session. Please call ahead during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM) before hiking the trails at Asbury Hills: 864.836.3711. We’ve installed a security gate at the entrance; when you call ahead and arrive at an acceptable time, you will be given a seasonal access code to enter the property. Parking and access to the trails is at the bottom of camp near the dining hall. Please do not park on the basketball courts. While we do wish to know who

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is on the property, we may not notice if you fail to return to your vehicle. The trails at Asbury Hills connect with other public lands, creating a network of miles and miles of trails. We are not responsible if you get lost. Please come prepared for your hike and situations that can arise on the trail.

For a life-changing experience in a setting of natural beauty, we are ready to serve you. Whether it is our summer camp program in the mountains or a retreat to get away with your group any time of year, we are ready to welcome you! For more information visit asburyhills.org.

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JUNE 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 31

Trout Fishing for June is Looking Great!

s we sit here today writing this article for June, it is the middle of May but it’s feeling like January: Rain, with the midday temperature in the mid 40’s, and the prediction of not hitting 70 degrees for the next few days. Global warming, not sure about that, but what we are sure about is that the rivers are in excellent shape heading into the early summer. The below average daytime temperatures have kept the water temperatures low for this time of year. Along with lower temperatures, the weekly rains of one to three inches have the river levels and flows in great shape for fishing. All of the above notwithstanding, the trout fishing for June is looking great! It’s a terrestrial time of year, and throwing some larger dry flies always brings great joy to all. For clear waters, let’s lengthen the leaders out, tie on a few terrestrial patterns, and find a few overhanging bushes. Look for water below these bushes to be one to three feet, and shaded. Cast the bugs well up under the overhanging shrubbery, and allow good long drifts. After the bug lands upon the water and starts to drift, small twitches with the rod, making the terrestrial look to be struggling, will provoke strikes. Be persistent, stealthy, and follow the shade. As the daytime temperatures rise, so will the water temperatures, driving the trout to find thermal refuge in the deeper parts of the rivers. Streamer fishing this time of

By Karl Ekberg

year can be very productive in the early morning and evening hours. Taking notice of the small baitfish in the back eddies, and slower moving waters, is very beneficial. Using like colored and sized patterns of these baitfish will liven up the trip. Big fish can’t help themselves; they eat baitfish patterns. At times, a sink tip leader may be helpful in higher flowing and cloudy river levels produced from an afternoon thunderstorm. All trout are present most of the year, but this time of the year also brings bass and panfish into the river fishing picture as well. Switching gears, from trout to bass/panfish is truly quite simple. Summer means ditching the waders, having a pair of shorts, wading boots and neoprene socks, one fly box, a lanyard with a couple of essentials attached, and having a cool way to spend a summer day in the water. Top water patterns should fill the fly box, and finding slow moving waters will make for an exciting day on the water. Please don’t struggle out there on the water, we offer guided fly fishing trips for these fine fish, along with all the gear as well. As summer rolls up on us, thunderstorms can pop up at any given time, so keep an ear to the sky and an eye on the water level around the fishing spot. At times, thunderstorms roll over the upper river, and water will rise downstream after their passing. Let’s all remember to “Leave No Trace”

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out there, as it is the watershed that we all enjoy, so walking out with a little more than we walked in with will always help keep our rivers

clean. Stop in and see us for all your fishing needs and pet Guss on your way to 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.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

WHEN YOU can feel it in your hands, you see it in your mind, and the angler within you goes to work.

, e . e The more you feel, the better you fish. The Fenwick HMG® Inshore series is designed to provide ultimate sensitivity to fish the inlets, bays, channels, and estuaries with even greater precision and skill.

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JUNE 2021

NATIONAL 17

CustomBilt Pondtoons

The Pondtoon is the perfect small-water boat for the avid river and pond angler, duck and bow hunter, as well as the family with children or grandchildren. It’s easy on, easy off, so it is the perfect boat for the elderly. All boats are all-welded aluminum construction made in the USA with premium options LENGTH: 14’ to 16’ to meet every fisherman’s needs in boating. BEAM: 5’ to 6’ With a vision to build MAXIMUM HP: 9.9 innovative, durable and CONSTRUCTION: comfortable aluminum .090 Marine-Grade Aluminum boats, CustomBilt has emerged as a leader in the design and building of small to mid-sized pontoon boats. Steve J. “Bassin” Bynum, designer of the all-welded aluminum Pondtoon boat, strives to offer quality, premium options to meet every fisherman’s need in boating. Pondtoon boats are factory assembled in three standard sizes with options and additional features that allow you to equip the boat for your fishing and hunting style at a very affordable price. Contact us at (334) 684-2210 or pondtoonboats@gmail.com with any questions to help “customize” your very own CustomBilt Pondtoon boat.

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ooker Electric’s Deluxe Livewell Sea Chests are essentially plumbed boxes installed in the bilge by the boat builder or dealer. One or two supplies fill the sea chest that contains two to four livewell pumps that, in turn, deliver clean, bubble-free seawater to the individual bait livewells. There are many advantages to this type of system. It helps remove air and prevent air locks, especially if you have a lot of aeration with stepped hulls. With the pumps mounted outside, you have more volume of water and the ease of swapping a pump quickly should the need arise. Hooker Electric’s Deluxe Livewell Sea Chests are manufactured with corrosive-resistant 316L stainless steel and powder coated for extra protection. They are affixed on top with ¾” thick high-grade acrylic for quick visual inspection. Stainless steel boxes are simply more durable than the mainstream “X” fiberglass competitor models. Precision tapped seal ring and neoprene gaskets combined with stainless steel fasteners assure a lifetime of use in the corrosive saltwater environment. Hooker Electric’s 2,500-, 4,500- and 7,500-gallons-per-hour pumps are variable flow and can run multiple livewells and tuna tubes through a Hooker Electric manifold. Hooker Electric’s Sea Chest simplifies the entire system. It allows you to run all your livewells and raw water feed from one system. Visit hookerelectric.com to learn more or call (954) 530-6908 Mon-Fri HOOKERELECTRIC.COM 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. EST.

Hooker Electric’s compact bait pumps are designed for high flow performance. Engineered from sturdy 5086 aluminum & durable PVC. Variable flow or on/off capability. 12V DC electrical system.

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JUNE 2021

NATIONAL 19

SUMMER IS HERE Time to Get Out There!

he long days of summer are here, and we all know what that means—more time to fish. It also means blazing sun and stifling heat. That’s reason enough to take inventory of your gear to make sure you’re prepared to take on the summer heat. GILLZ technical fishing apparel is designed in Florida, one of the hottest places on the planet in summer. Gear that keeps you cool and comfortable here will keep you cool anywhere! Constant innovation has led to superior fabrics and designs that push performance to new heights. This gear is designed with the single goal of allowing you to fish longer and harder in total comfort. Consider the Flex Mesh Woven Short Sleeve shirt. On the boat or at the bar dockside, this shirt is up to the task. The incredibly unique fabric has thousands of micro holes acting as vents, keeping you cool and comfortable. Performance features include UPF 30+, two chest pockets, snap collar and quick dry. Plus, the shirt comes in three colors: Aquatic Water, Hawaiian Ocean Grunge, and Hi Rise Grey Grunge. So, you don’t have to wear the same one every day, because trust us, you’ll want to. Next, check out the new Men’s Tournament Short Sleeve. Proprietary, chemical-free GillzTec fabric provides 30 percent better cooling than other shirts. The revolutionary cross-breeze ventilation system brings another blast of cooling air, making it the coolest shirt you’ll ever own! Featuring incredible stretch that effortlessly moves as you move, this is a must-have shirt for any serious angler. Check out the website at gillz-gear.com

20 NATIONAL

JUNE 2021

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Eye-opening innovation. Performance in every stitch. Ventilation like nothing else. GILLZ technical fishing apparel crushes the elements, keeping you cool, comfortable and protected so you can always be in the moment. Unique fabrics breathe like nothing you’ve ever worn. Built tough and durable to get you far.

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22 NATIONAL

JUNE 2021

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HYDRASTEPP’S NEW 18’ FLATS-BOAT By CAM Orlando Owner Phil Wolf

he new Hydrastepp 18’ is a high-performance flats boat resulting from years of trial and improvement by renowned racing boat designer/ builder Steve Stepp. With 35 years in the industry, Stepp racked up 14 world records with his company, Velocity Powerboats, of Sanford, Fla. His advanced designs achieve performance and efficiency most manufacturers are unable to match. His latest venture, Hydrastepp Boats, manufactures this new vessel in Lake Mary, Fla. As owner and co-publisher of the Orlando edition of Coastal Angler Magazine, I wanted to see if Stepp’s newest production vessel could measure up to claims made in their advertisement with us. Eager to climb aboard, I met Stepp at Lake Monroe and the I-4 Bridge on the St. Johns River. The boat was equipped with a 140 hp Suzuki 4-stroke with half tank of gas,

Coast Guard-required equipment and a modest amount of gear. Stepp said it would get on plane in less than three seconds with both of us in it. Each of us weighs more than 200 pounds, and it did just that… effortlessly. Heading into a moderate quartered-sea chop at about 32 to 34 mph, the ride was extremely smooth and incredibly dry. With those boxes checked, we returned to calm water in the river. This boat has a large gunnel and a 94” beam, extremely wide for an 18’ boat. It was very stable when I walked around on the gunnel. It has a huge storage compartment up front, with a removable tackle-storage system, and two large storage compartments in the rear. There are front and rear livewells. The custom, divided sport seat with a removable backrest is like those on offshore racing boats. The console is sleek and sports a 9” monitor screen/fish-finder/ GPS and all the normal gauges: tachometer, water pressure, temperature, gas, speed by GPS, all linked to the motor and fuel system. Very cool! This boat gets up to 10 mpg while cruising between 30 and 32 mph at 3,400 to 3,600 rpms. Back in the river, we cruised at about 32 mph and the monitor read 3,400 rpms. Then Stepp hammered the throttle, and the boat quickly achieved over 65 mph at 6,200 rpms with a little throttle left. It was very impressive for a stock 140 hp engine with a rear poling platform creating drag. I jumped at the chance to drive back to the ramp. Once acquainted with the throttle and trim, I drove with confidence. Cruising over 55 mph, we only burned about 6 gallons per hour on the gauge. This boat also floats in 10” or less and has room for four anglers with a huge front deck. If you’re in the market for a flats boat, the new Hydrastepp is worth a test ride. Hydrastepp is taking production orders, so get in line! This vessel is nicely equipped at around $60,000 for boat, 115 hp motor and custom trailer by Ameratrail. Or, you can upgrade to the fully loaded version with a 140 hp for $75,000. See this boat online at www.HYDRASTEPP.com.

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JUNE 2021

NATIONAL 23

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JUNE 2021

Angler Lands World Record Shellcracker

hen sunfish get this big, are they still considered panfish? On Tuesday, May 4, Thomas Farchione, of Wisconsin, caught this 6.3-pound redear sunfish at Lake Havasu on the Arizona/ California border. The fish, which measured 17 inches in length, with a 20inch girth, is a potential world record if accepted by the International Game Fish Association. The existing IGFA All-Tackle World Record was caught in Feb. 2014 by Hector Brito. It weighed 5-pounds, 12.8 ounces (5.8 pounds). Brito’s fish was also caught from Lake Havasu. Wait… it gets better. Before Brito caught his fish, the world record for redear was 5 pounds, 8 ounces. Can you guess where it was caught? You got it. In May of 2011 Robert Lawler landed a 5-pound, 8-ounce record redear at Lake Havasu to set the mark at the time. Obviously, this 19,300-acre impoundment of the Colorado River has earned its reputation as the best place in the world to catch enormous redear sunfish, which are also known as shellcrackers because they feed on snails, mussels and other mollusks using teeth in their throat to crush the shells. According to USA Today, invasive quagga mussels were discovered in Havasu in 2007. The fast-spreading mussels have provided an abundant food source to grow the largest shellcrackers in the world. Farchione caught his monster redear drop-shotting a nightcrawler in 25 feet of water. For more information, see www.azgfd.com.

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TIPS FROM A PRO

FROG FISHING FOR HUNGRY POST-SPAWN BASS

ENTER TO WIN! 1 SEA TOW GOLD CARD MEMBERSHIP

TYLER WOOLCOTT

hat a fun time of year to fish! In most parts of the country, bass are finishing up with spawning. This leads to awesome fishing as bass feed up after coming off the beds. You will find very aggressive fry guarders, often times a shad spawn, and also fish roaming the banks feeding on bluegill and other forage. There are many ways to catch these hungry and aggressive bass, and a hollow-body frog is one of the most fun and effective techniques. A frog duplicates many different types of baitfish, it can be fished through a wide variety of cover, and it flat out puts big fish in the boat! There are many different styles, sizes and colors of frogs on the market. When choosing, think about the forage, the type of cover and the size of fish you are targeting. My favorite frog is a 13 Fishing Trash Panda. It comes in a walking model and a popping model in a variety of colors.

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JUNE 2020

LOCATION 1

A fry guarder is a bass guarding a big ball of tiny bass hatchlings. These bass are extremely aggressive and territorial and will chase and eat pretty much any fish that gets near the babies. In this scenario, I go down banks through areas where bass have recently spawned. I stay off the cover and cast a frog through it. I like a bluegill-colored walking frog in this scenario, which means the lure will have a yellow or orange belly. Bluegill are a common nemesis to the bass and their fry. This color pattern drives bass crazy when they spot it near their babies. Often, you can find a shad spawn in the low light of early mornings and evenings. Look for birds lined up along the banks to find spawning shad. The shad often relate to hard cover (rocks and wood), grass lines and slow tapering points. A shad-colored popping frog in a white or silver color is an awesome lure to pick up bass feeding on shad. With the hollow-body frog being so weedless, it can be thrown where many other baits would get hung up. These are the places where shad spawns occur. A hollow-body frog is an awesome way to cover a lot of water, and it can produce some extremely fun topwater strikes. Whether you’re targeting late spawners, fry guarders or fish that are on the feed, a frog puts fish in the boat this time of year. Frog Fishing Gear: Typically, you will be fishing a frog around some type of heavy cover, which calls for some heavy gear. I like to throw a 13 Fishing 7’4H Omen Black rod paired with a Concept A 8.3 reel spooled with Seaguar 50-pound Smackdown braid. This setup allows you to haul fish out of heavy cover and into the boat! Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JUNE 2021

NATIONAL 25

G o to An ch or Pu lle ri st he W ay or Be lo w ,E -Z D ec k Ab ov e Above-deck on the 3025 GFX or below-deck inside the rope locker of the 35’ Sea Chaser HFC, the Rebel drum anchor winch is included as the standard or optional upgrade feature on these and other 2021 models. The compact design and 316 stainless steel components ensure E-Z Anchor Puller drum anchor winches can be retrofitted into tight spaces and perform in harsh, saltwater environments.

E-Z ANCHOR PULLER MFG. CO. America’s Anchor Winch Since 1990 Call 1.800.800.1640 | ezanchorpuller.com E-Z Anchor Puller’s drum anchor winches are complete 316 stainless steel with patented motors. This jam-free, hands-free solution neatly stores any diameter rope and chain right on the spool - no more tying off to a cleat!

Y EARS ANNIVERSARY

E-Z ANCHOR PULLER MFG. CO. DEBUTS NEW PRODUCTS IN 2021 New Offers Include Pre-Spooled Rope Kits, Bowsprits and a Break-Away Anchor Design

fter 30-plus years of specializing in the windlass-replacement anchoring solution, E-Z Anchor Puller debuts its branded anchoring products engineered to suit each drum anchor winch. Widely used anchoring accessories such as hawse pipes, bowsprits, guide rollers and more have been added to the catalog, manufactured specifically to accommodate the Hero, Patriot and Rebel drum anchor winches. “To offer improved level winding of the rode onto the drum, we now have 4-inch wide flat rollers that let the rode wander back and forth to create a better spooling onto the drum,” said company President Aaron Knopp. “The 4-inch wide flat rollers allow more travel to ensure the rope is not centered onto the drum.” “We knew our catalog needed to include inventory totally unique to our drum anchor winch dimensions,” said Sara Hitchins, Office & Trade Show Manager. “The standard anchoring accessories you see on the market now cater to the traditional windlass, for example, narrower guides on the roller, however, narrower guide rollers mean pile-up in the middle of the winch.” Hitchins said the company’s expanded inventory will enhance boaters’ experiences on

the water, as well as improve the buying process for customers who prefer a “one-stop-shop” experience over researching and selecting other brand accessories. “For a while, we’ve identified ourselves as the drum anchor winch experts, but really, having dealt with various consultations and unique boating experiences over the years, we’ve really become boat anchoring experts along the way,” Hitchins said. Two other notable products, the Shear Magic galvanized plow anchor and the pontoon anchoring solution are also on sale. The 15-, 22and 35-pound anchors were designed with a shear pin designed to break, so boaters no longer have to worry about cutting away their anchor rope and anchor when they get caught in coral reefs or other obstructions on the seabed. With the pontoon anchoring solution, an under-deck mounted configuration utilizes the structural integrity of the pontoon and is powered by the drum anchor winch. To further compliment the

catalog, the company will begin offering spools of anchor rope in July, 2021, further eliminating guesswork and wait time for customers. Vice President Christy Funk said the pre-cut nylon and dyneema will be shipped the same day as the customer’s anchor winch. “We’ve offered consultations on winch size and appropriate rope configurations based on boating needs for years,” said Funk, “so it’s exciting to be able to provide them with what they need right off the bat, when they need it, rather than ordering the winch first, then ordering the rope and having to wait for that.” E-Z Anchor Puller will attend the in-person ICAST boat show, July 20 at Booth 3817 as well as the 30th anniversary IBEX show in late September, Booth 3-2130. The “Trade Only” Tampa-based event caters to marine industry professionals and is “dedicated to advancing the business of boating.” For information, go to www.ezanchorpuller.com.

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NATIONAL 27

GULF SNAPPER SEASONS OPEN FOR 2021

I DOA 2.75 Shrimp

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. GREG RAPP

n April, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council approved a slight increase in the annual catch limit for red snapper for 2021. It’s nowhere near the increase some expected after the Congressionally funded Great Red Snapper Count (GRSC) indicated an abundance of red snapper far higher than estimates being used to set regulations in the fishery. The Gulf Council’s scientific review committee chose not to include GRSC data in its 2021 acceptable catch recommendation. However, the Gulf Council requested catch level recommendations for 2021 and beyond be revisited with consideration of the GRSC final report. The Gulf red snapper season for federally permitted vessels is June 1-Aug. 2. Each Gulf state sets its own season for private recreational angling and charter operations without federal permits. Check state regulations for gear and reporting requirements. The daily limit is two fish per person, with a 16-inch minimum size, except in Texas state waters, where the limit is four fish per person with a 15-inch minimum size. State seasons are as follows: Florida: June 4-July 28. Alabama: Four-day weekends, Fridays-Mondays, beginning May 28 and continuing until the private angler quota is projected to be met. Mississippi: Opened Friday, May 28, with an expected mid-season closure on July 5 to compile data and examine the potential for a season extension. Louisiana: Weekends only (Friday-Sunday), including Memorial Day, Labor Day and the 4th of July regardless of the day of the week; Season subject to change. Texas: Open year-round in state waters until the quota is met.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. GREG RAPP

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