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

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE EDITION

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PHOTO COURTESY OF TONY ADAMS FACEBOOK: @GONEFISHINGWITHTONY VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 321

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WINTER CRAPPIE

ake a look at what guide Tony Adams does during the winter on Alabama’s Lake Eufaula. With all the slab crappie he catches this time of year, it’s worth considering a fish fry for Christmas or New Year’s festivities. Gone are the days when crappie fishing was a springtime-only endeavor. Anglers have figured out how to pattern these swimming fish sandwiches year-round, and Adams has them dialed in on Eufaula. It’s a pattern that probably translates well to many reservoirs across the South. Lake Eufaula is an impoundment of the Chattahoochee River that stretches out to more than 45,000 acres on the southern end of the Alabama/Georgia border. Centered around the town Eufaula, Ala., hard winter is usually shortlived. Instead of being hunkered down in the depths this time of year, Eufaula crappie are still in a fall feed-up mode. “Lake Eufaula doesn’t get as cold as a lot of lakes. They’re chasing shad in the mouths of the creeks or on the flats in 8 to 10 feet of water,” Adams said. “It’s one of the best times of year to catch bigger fish. They’ve pushed up out of

By TAM Staff

the depths to feed and put on fat to take them through the winter into the spawn.” Adams said loading a cooler with fillets can be pretty easy in these conditions. The fish might be as scattered as crappie get, but they are actively feeding. This makes catching them easy once you find them. Adams has a milk-run of brush piles in different locations and depths. His Humminbird electronics tell him quickly whether or not a location is holding fish. Once fish are located, most of Adam’s clients prefer to fish old school. Jigs catch fish, he said, but most of his anglers prefer fishing minnows the way their grandfathers taught them. Adams’ War Eagle boat is equipped with three Hi-Tek rod holders in front of each angler’s seat. His 10-foot B‘n’M rods are rigged with spinning reels and 6-pound high-visibility line. On the business end, he ties on a No. 2 hook for a lip-hooked minnow and pinches a splitshot about a foot up the line. He Spot-Locks the trolling motor over active brush and lets his anglers go to work tightlining. Sometimes, when it’s windy, he’ll add another split-shot to keep the lines from bowing.

“If you fish all three rods at different depths, you can figure out what depth they’re biting at,” Adams said. “Then you can leave all your baits at that depth.” Anglers should watch rod tips, of course, but keeping an eye on that high-vis. line is also important. Sometimes fish swim up after eating, and you’ll only notice that by watching the line. Give Adams a call if you’d rather be heating up oil than a grill on New Year’s Day. Contact Tony Adams through his Facebook page—Gone Fishing With Tony—or by calling him at (334) 695-3003.

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ish are everywhere in the Florida Keys. From big pelagics on offshore humps to vast backcountry flats teeming with tarpon and permit, the options are so varied that decisionmaking can be difficult. Throw in wrecks, reefs, bridges and ledges, and one boat just isn’t enough to do it all. If you wanted to experience all the fishing the Keys have to offer, you’d need several different types of vessels. Joel Brandenburg, of Ana Banana Fishing Company, understands this. Based in Marathon, he’s pulled together a fleet of boats and the captains to fish it all. With five boats ranging from a 53-foot Hatteras to a 24-foot Hanson, they are equipped to chase big game at the famous Marathon Humps and beyond, and also to fish skinny backwater flats and everything in between. The options are enough to make a visiting angler’s head spin, but Joel will be your guide. Putting clients on fish runs in his blood. When his son Jojo Brandenburg earned a master captains license about five years ago, it extended the family business into its third generation. They’ve had a “no-fish, no-pay” policy for more than 20 years, and in all that time they’ve only had to honor it three times. Joel certainly dialed up a good option when I contacted him on short notice this fall. I was looking for a quick half-day while on family vacation in Islamorada. With the winds up on the Atlantic, he suggested a backcountry trip. We’d trade the excitement of blackfin tuna, mahi mahi and sailfish for fast snapper action. That was just fine with

By Nick Carter

my 10-year-old son and me. Back home, the boy is a bream slayer. “It’s like crappie fishing on steroids,” Joel said as he lowered a chum bag off the stern. We had run 13 miles over skinny water into Florida Bay to anchor off a small wooded island called East Bahia Honda. The boat bobbed at the edge of a deep channel that cuts through the flat like a green vein. The action began immediately. On light tackle, we pitched baits and hauled in mangrove snappers as quickly as we could turn to get another pilchard or ballyhoo chunk from first-mate Eddie Traylor. With a five-fish limit per person, we threw back a bunch of fish and filled the cooler with a quick limit of the chunkiest mangos. Then we bumped around a while, waiting for the tide to turn and throwing Cuda Tubes to wood structure. Casting and working a lure for the visual thrill of a barracuda streaking from cover is a lot of fun. It was tough to put the rods down when Joel suggested we go check out the bridge. On the way in, we got a good look at an endangered hawksbill sea turtle. Anchored near Fred—the storied Australian pine tree that grows from the roadbed of the Old Seven Mile Bridge—we chummed and pitched pilchards into the tide that rushed between pilings. Joel knew we’d get into some yellowtail snapper, and he was hoping for some yellow jacks and maybe a big shark. “Best as I can tell, yellow jacks started showing up around here about 12 to 15 years ago,” Joel said. “I’m happy to have them. They fight like jack crevalle and taste like tuna.” Yellow jacks average 5 pounds around the bridges, but they reach weights in the 15-

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S T s to 20-pound range, Joel said. We didn’t boat any yellow jacks, but a big jack crevalle ran the boy around the rails twice, and a nice mutton snapper went into the box along with some keeper yellowtails. When the bite slowed, Joel took us to the docks at Castaway Watefront Restaurant in Marathon with a lot more than a fish supper. They’ll cook your catch any way you want, and it was the perfect end to a day on the water. If you’re looking for a winter get-away, it’s hard to beat winter fishing in the Keys. Joel said they’re targeting sailfish and blackfin tuna and high-speed trolling for wahoo right now. Snapper, grouper and other species are biting on the wrecks, reefs, ledges, bridges and flats. The cobia will show up on the Gulf side in January and February.

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1/12/2021 12:00:28 PM

Hall of Fame Weekend November 5-6, 2021

he Angler Magazine Great Smoky Mountains and The Upstate was honored to cover the Fly-Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians Hall of Fame induction ceremony November 5-6 in Bryson City. We not only got to meet many of our heroes during the “Lagers

with Legends” event at Mountain Layers Brewery on Friday night, but we also got to watch Curtis Fleming and his crew tape an episode of their TV show “Fly Rod Chronicles” on Sunday. I got to watch U.S. Fly Fishing Team member Michael Bradley guide Hall of Famer Davy Wotton on

the Ocunaluftee River. Then to top everything off, guide extraordinaire, Joy Ponder from River’s Edge Outfitters, jumped in the water with Hall of Famer Jackie Greene. The episode should be available in December. The ceremony took place at the Fryemont Inn in Bryson City.

The Fryemont is legendary in WNC. Great food and wonderful mountain hospitality are what they are famous for and they did a wonderful job hosting the event. Look for more information in our December Video Magazine at VIDMAG. COM.

Joy Ponder & Jackie Greene. Photo by Mike Kesselring.

Davy Wotton, Mike Bradley. Photo by Mike Kesselring. Joy Ponder and friends introducing Jackie Greene. Photo by Mike Kesselring.

Film Crew & Joe Woody. Photo by Mike Kesselring. 2

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

DECEMBER 2021

Curtis Fleming, Davy Wotton, Mike Bradley. Photo by Mike Kesselring. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Here Are This Year’s Inductees:

Jackie Greene, North

Don Kirk, Alabama

Malcolm Leaphart, South Carolina (Conservation) — Inducted for his many contributions to fly fishing as a volunteer leader, citizen scientist, conservationist, fly fisher and writer.

Dave Whitlock, Tennessee/

Carolina (Ambassador) – Inducted for her many contributions to fly fishing as a volunteer leader, conservationist and fly fisher. Jackie is a full-time volunteer and a true ambassador for the sport of fly fishing.

(Communications) – Inducted as the author of numerous fly fishing publications and for trailblazing the online Southern Trout family of magazines. (posthumous)

Davy Wotton, Virginia

(Crafts) – Inducted as a professional fly tyer, tying materials developer, guide and fly fishing industry leader.

Ryan Harman, North

Carolina (Humanity) – Inducted for his dedication to fly fishing as a volunteer leader, conservationist, fly fisher, competitive fly fisher and co-founder of PHWFF Camp Keystone.

Oklahoma (Recreation) 2019* – Inducted for his many contributions to fly fishing as a conservationist, innovator, fly fisher, fly tier, writer and artist.

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DECEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 3

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA GREAT SMOKIES

Cold Weather Fishing Tips

ecember is here! It’s the holiday season, and this time of year gives us the opportunity to spend time with friends and family. It’s also a great time to take a break from the stress of planning and shopping and hit the river. Here are some quick fishing tips to keep in mind before you get on the water. Tell someone where you’re headed to fish. This applies yearround, but safety should always be your number one priority before you hit the water. Dress for the conditions: we can’t stress this enough. Layers of Merino wool or synthetics followed with insulation like a synthetic down jacket will keep you warm and comfortable. Merino wool and synthetic down stay warm even when wet, so

By Jacob Milholland

these materials are what we wear. Not only is it uncomfortable to be out in the conditions without the right gear, it can be downright dangerous! Check your waders for leaks before you hit the water for the season. Nothing will ruin a day faster than leaking waders. This is also why we keep a set of back up clothes, a towel, and duct tape or a wader patch kit in the car. You can rescue a day on the water with a little preparation. Downsize when the fishing gets tough. I keep a box full of flies in the 16-22 hook size range like Jujubee Midges, unweighted soft hackle Pheasant Tails, or SplitCase Blue Winged Olives. Swing the fly! At the end of every drift, I let the current catch my flies and carry them “down

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

DECEMBER 2021

and across” till they reach an angle directly downstream, then slowly strip back upstream. Be prepared at all times! I catch a good number

of fish at the moment that I raise my rod tip to make another cast. This is an excellent technique year round but can really shine on the

Continued, see COLD WEATHER FISHING Page 8

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Getting The Gang Together By Ronnie Parris

me catch a few fish, park right on top of where they see me working and try to block me. When fishing these deep fish, it’s hard to put them back after being brought up from the depths so fast so don’t continue to fish after your limited out. If you do hook a fish that you want to put back and it’s really deep

take your time and bring it up slowly; you may lose a few but survival rate is much better. Remember to dress warm, especially if your taking children, nothing can sour a kid more than freezing for hours on the boat. Remember to always take a kid fishing

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.

ey folks! Hope everyone is having a great end of year and enjoying the colder weather. This is absolutely one of my favorite times of year, the weather is cool but not bone chilling cold, the water temps are great, the fish are bunching up and putting on their feed bags, the lake doesn’t have the number of boats that summer draws, and I’m finally getting some time to fish on my own without my beautiful new bride. Without the pressure of filling the live well with fish for clients, just a day on the water enjoying the time outdoors. This is also the time of year you’re going to see the biggest schools of bait and fish. These fish are going to be looking for mainly threadfin shad, which in turn are looking for the perfect water temperature. This, in my opinion, is when your electronics

can turn a good day into a great day. Look for subtle temperature changes-2 degrees can make a huge difference. Don’t get sucked into the ‘ol honey hole theory and go fish the same spot as the day or year before, these fish may move with the sun rising and only be 50 yards from you, but if you fly down the lake and start pounding water without scouting with your sonar first, you’re missing out. Watch for breaking fish even if the target fish are walleye and are going to be 70 to 100 feet deep. If I’m seeing breaking bass, I look hard at the deeper view and will usually find the white bass and walleye I catch this time of year. When you do get on a hot spot remember to be courteous and try to practice good fishing etiquette. I usually troll and nothing makes me angrier than to be trolling over a school and have another boat, after seeing

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Fly of the Month By Eli Crumley

Blackhawk Fly Fishing keepemwet94@gmail.com

WD 40 Hook: Tiemco TMC 2457 size 16/18/20 Thread: UTC 70 denier (color) grey Tail and Wing Case: Mallard Flank Thorax: Grey Dubbing Finish with Head Cement

As water temps start dropping, dial down the size of your flies to pick up those finicky fish. Try one of my favorite flies, the WD 40, when the going gets tough.

Fontana Lake Fishing Guides – Ronnie Parris, Owner & Head Guide LAKE, CREEK & RIVER FISHING • FLY FISHING • CAMPING We offer both full and half day trips with the most competitive rates available. All tackle and supplies you will need while you are on your trip is covered by our listed price.

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DECEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 5

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

DECEMBER 2021

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Lake Hiwassee Monster Winter Stripers

By Shane Goebel

rophy Striper Season is Here! If the thrill of a 30-pound striper exploding on the end of your line as if a bowling ball was dropped on it from a two story building is what you are looking for, then winter striper fishing in Western North Carolina is for you. These are by far the most wicked fighting freshwater fish around, and we are very fortunate to have several area lakes stocked with these monster fish. So, after opening all those Christmas gifts, come get your fish on with Lake Nottely and Lake Hiwassee’s #1 striper guide service, Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. Also, remember all of our December half day trips are $50 off and Christmas gift certificates are only $300. That’s a savings of $50. They make a perfect Christmas gift and can be used anytime. Sale ends January 1st. Check out our Facebook page or www.bigolfish. com for more details.

Lake Hiwassee is currently about 24 feet below full pool. Water temps are still in the lower 60’s. Lake clarity is clear and stained in the backs of creeks. Striper fishing has been extremely excellent lately. The big boys are really starting to feed. We’ve been catching tons of 15–30-pound fish every morning in all of our boats. These fish are still schooling up and headed towards shallow humps and into the creeks. Look for these big stripers anywhere around the lake; however, most of our fish are being caught in the mouths and backs of creeks. This is a great time of year to start using bigger bait. Start off by pulling planer boards and free-lines early in the morning. Live bluebacks and gizzard shad are working best. Top water bite has been wicked good and should be getting even better as the water continues to cool, so as you’re pulling baits, keep a Red

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Fin or a spook tied on and work those banks and points. As the sun comes up and the day gets warmer, the fish will move a little deeper. Switch to down lines and weighted free lines. Remember, this is the time of year to keep an eye out for seagulls. Where there are birds, there is bait, and where there is bait, there are fish. We want to wish everyone out there a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thanks for an awesome year of fishing, and we hope to see you again in 2022. Remember, December is a fantastic month for catching a lot of stripers on this beautiful mountain 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 only premier full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Nottely and Chatuge (in North Carolina), and Lake Apalachia. 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

DECEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 7

Improving Our Lakes with Diversity

hat a difference a couple of years make. Back eight or ten years ago, if you asked me which time of year was best on Fontana I would have said without question, any time close to Christmas. There were times when fish would be breaking on top and all along the banks close to Lemmons Branch Boat Ramp and around Greasy Branch and the only question was, did you want to catch bass or did you put on something to get below the bass and catch walleye and white bass? Now, it’s spots or nothing. After getting set up in my new boat this summer I have spent a lot of time on the water. Most, but not all trips have been trolling, partly because of my parties’ abilities but also because it just works. The depths have varied but forty to sixty feet deep has been the sweet spot. In years

By Capt. James McManus

past, that would have resulted in a lot of walleye and white bass but I can count on my fingers, no toes, the number of those species I have brought in. It’s just incredible how this lake has morphed. Spotted bass have completely taken over and after a couple of down years, they are on the move upward as to size and quantity. This isn’t my first article on this subject, but now is the time to try and improve our lake with diversity. There is more bait in the lake now than I have ever seen before. Bluebacks mark the surface any morning, any place you go, and schools of threadfins are thick to the point that sometimes you have to move away from the bait to find fish that are actually hungry. Adding stripers or hybrids to the mix would seem to me to be a no brainer. All our sister lakes have them, Hiawassee, Chatuge, Nottley, Watauga and our bigger lakes south, Lanier, and Hartwell. The advantage these lakes enjoy is their diverse fishery. Now, I love my spotted bass but I also love crappie, stripers, walleye and perch. Looking at all these lakes together, the only difference is the introduction of stripers/hybrids. I feel like they put pressure on the bluebacks like no other fish- to the point that other species are given a break and can spawn and have a reasonable rate of survival and successful proliferation. Just look at all the other lakes

I’ve mentioned, their fisheries are not just one species. Contact our wildlife biologist Powell Wheeler at NC Wildlife and encourage him to consider stocking Fontana

with striper/hybrids. It will make a difference in the fishability of our lake. Enjoy God’s gift of the season, Later, Capt James.

Capt. James McManus owns 153 Charters. Give him a call for a great day on the water at (828) 421-8125.

COLD WEATHER FISHING continued from page 4 Delayed Harvest waters this time of year. Streamers like Wooly Buggers excel on the swing as well. If you head to one of the many Delayed Harvest streams, try something new! While these fish will likely eat a Pink Squirmy or Y2K, everyone fishes these flies! Try a new color like a purple San Juan, or throw a natural pattern like a Pheasant Tail or Hare’s Ear nymph with a hot head bead or collar. If you’re looking to hone a skill like short-line nymphing

or streamer fishing, Delayed Harvest streams provide a great opportunity to build confidence in new techniques. If you’re heading to the water or doing some holiday shopping, don’t forget to stop by the shop located in downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia. We’re fully stocked on all of the gear and terminal tackle you need, but we also carry a range of great gift ideas. We’re also happy to give advice and fishing reports over the phone at (706) 946-3044.

Jacob Milholland is the Store Manager at Cohutta Fishing Company. You can find their website at www.cohuttafishingco.com 8

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

DECEMBER 2021

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DECEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 9

Check Your Fly: Trout Fishing the Smokies

ly-fishing. What does it mean to you? When I first heard the term, I pictured somebody trying to put an itty-bitty housefly on a hook. Boy, was I way off. Or was I? The word “fly,” as used by trout fly fishermen, can mean anything from a nearly invisible midge to an inch long hopper or a threeinch streamer meant to look like a small fish. Most flies used by fly-fishermen mimic the different stages of an aquatic insect’s life cycle. Among them are wet flies tied as nymphs, pupae and larvae and are fished below the surface. Dry flies float on top of the water, imitating three other stages; emergers, adults, and spinners. To better understand trout food and their imitations, brushing up on a little entomology is always a plus. Mayflies, Caddis flies and Stoneflies are the three most imitated flying insects that fish eat. They don’t look like a housefly, but

By Mike Kesselring

they do fly. When airborne, the Mayfly resembles a helicopter, the caddis fly, a delta wing jet and the stonefly, a cargo plane. The variety of styles, colors and designs of their imitators are endless. Many are named after their creator, such as Wulff, Adams and Hendrickson. Names of flies can also describe what they are made of, (Elk Hair Caddis), a stage in an insect’s life cycle, (Parachute Adams), or the variety (Quill Gordon) and color (Blue-Winged Olive) of an insect. Once you become familiar with the names, you learn how they should be used. The list of flies is long, but most fly fishermen rely on as few as six of their favorite and most effective flies. The endless varieties of flies are simply bits of feathers, fur and thread tied to a tiny hook. Oh, and a spot of glue to keep it all from unwinding. Fly tying is an art. As you can see, I wasn’t that far off. It is a fly on a hook, but you won’t

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need a flyswatter or flypaper to harvest your bait. Fly-fishermen come in as many varieties as the flies they use. From big-city businessmen with the best gear money can buy, to the local good-ole-boy in blue jeans that lives up the holler, to the old-timer who knows all the old-fangled tricks. They all know something the others don’t, so don’t limit yourself to a fishing buddy that’s just like you. You can learn something from everybody. Besides, having a fishing buddy with you when you’re in a beautiful

trout stream may save your life some day. The buddy system isn’t just for recreational swimming, especially if you end up swimming downstream after a misstep. Where can you go fly fishing for trout around here? I prefer the native and wild trout waters of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The GSMNP straddles the Tennessee and North Carolina state line with hundreds of miles of fishable waters. The types of creeks in the Park are as varied as the flies and fishermen that end up in those creeks. One unique

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thing about the Park’s geography is all of its watersheds flow out of the Park giving them some protection in their isolation from invasive species. I haven’t fished the whole Park yet, but one of my favorite streams on the Tennessee side is the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. This river parallels Hwy 441 on the Tennessee side of the Park. It starts just below Newfound Gap as Walker Camp Prong. This small creek, where a short 6-7 foot fly rod works best, is home to Native Brook trout locally known as Specks. Walker Camp Prong grows as it tumbles past Alum Cave Creek where it becomes the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River.

As the elevation drops, the river grows bigger and louder. Here’s where an 8-foot rod will work fine for rainbows. As the river falls down the mountainside past Chimney Tops Trail, it tumbles over and around car sized boulders, creating numerous small waterfalls and cascades with icecold pools where trout lie in wait for their next meal. Here, the steep mountainsides of the gorge are also the banks of the river. A couple of miles past Chimney Tops picnic area, the river starts to level out where boulders are much smaller, river is wider, and the banks are at eye level. The last three or four miles before reaching Sugarlands Visitor

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Center are calmer and more relaxing. A 9’ or 10’ rod works great here for the bigger rainbows and more open water. Let’s not leave out the North Carolina side. My second favorite river in the park, is the Oconaluftee River. The Oconaluftee also flows down a wide range of elevations, but it is a gentler drop and a wider river. It, too, parallels Hwy 441, starting out just below Newfound Gap as Beech Flats Prong. Because of the rhododendrons and laurels along its banks, the narrow Beech Flats Prong requires some bushwhacking and a 4’ or 5’ rod. Here you frequently sling shot your fly under the branches to catch Specks waiting for lunch to fall off those same branches. The Oconaluftee is different from the Little Pigeon with its mosscovered rocks and nice brown trout often caught in it. Well, they aren’t all nice; some of them were kind of grouchy. These are two of the longest and most accessible streams in the Park. There are hundreds of

miles of fishable waters. But I leave them to you to discover on your own, especially the high elevation bluelines not so easily reached. Two of the best things about flyfishing is watching a trout break the surface to grab your fly and wading down the middle of nature’s highway. If you take a camera, don’t forget to shoot a picture or two and not just of your fish. That is, if you can stop fishing long enough. NOTE: A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the GSMNP. Either license is valid and reciprocated on the NC and TN sides of the Park.

Mike Kesselring is a professional photographer, writer, fly collector and a long time GSMNP volunteer. He lives in Bryson City, NC and Walland, TN.

DECEMBER 2021

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ASHEVILLE / HENDERSONVILLE / BREVARD

Fall In Love

hen I think about fall, I think about bass feeding on shad. This time of year, bass are trying to pack on as much weight before the winter. All the fish start schooling up and you will see lots of action as bass focus on shad. When fishermen are hunting this time of year you can take advantage of being the few that are out there. Fall also mirrors the action you see in the springtime as the need to feed is at its peak. Typically, I like to use shad pattern baits. Baits, like A-rigs, swim baits, spoons, blade baits, lipless crank baits, jerk baits and spinner baits are a few rigs I always have on deck. You would also say that warm weather is for topwater baits but on the contrary now is the best time for it, especially walking lures. Deep crank baits are a great

By Scott Norton

selection on rocks in the morning when the sun warms up those types of shorelines The temperatures are falling but the days are getting shorter, so your time out is also limited. The cooler water temps make bass more active throughout the day so those mid-day shutdowns, like you experience in the summer, are over. You will also experience more aggressive bites than any season of the year. For some anglers it is their favorite time to catch new personal best records. Bass have already moved from the main lake points to the creek channels looking of pockets and secondary points to ambush forage. If you stick to the key features, you will run across some impressive numbers of catches. The reason for the numbers is that these schools of

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bass get so fired up during a frenzy because of the competition between other bass. Right now, they are at their peak of aggression trying to winter up before it gets too cold. Do not be afraid to take a kayak out because all the feedings are going on all around the launch areas. All the recreational boaters are done for the season and even most bass fishermen are hunting right now so, fish to your hearts delight. Keep your eyes on the shad and do what they do. Match your lures length to what they are keying in on. If you see schools of three-inch shad, use the same size lure, and use something that stands out from the rest of the shad like rattles and flash. Keep an eye on the clarity of water so you will know what

color of lures to use. Mainly you will be using a natural color with a variation of ghost and opaque lures, due to the sunlight available. It is so fun in the fall that some fishermen do not hunt, they cash in on the opportunities. Take people who are not advanced anglers so they can experience what we avid anglers experience all year. They may get to taste what it’s like to be experienced and end up being good fisherman like the rest of us are later.

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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Holiday Gifts for That Outdoor Person in Your Life

By Andrew A. Cox

he holiday season is upon us once again. If you are like me, you are most likely racking your brain to identify and purchase gifts for those important people in your life. Finding gifts for people who enjoy angling and outdoor pursuits can be a dilemma; it can be easy yet difficult to locate such gifts. Some anglers have a multitude of angling items and gadgets, so finding something that they do not already have can be difficult. On the other hand, finding a fishing item that they may actually use over the course of a fishing season can be another dilemma. This holiday season is particularly difficult with supply chain shortages making available gift selections slim at area stores and online shopping sites. I recently visited a big box outdoor supplier and was shocked at the limited stocks of available outdoor-oriented items. As you search for holiday gift purchases, consider shopping at locally owned angling and sporting goods stores. These are many times small businesses that are the foundation of America’s economy and seem to be having a difficult time competing with the large, national, so called “big box” stores as well as online sales outlets. Over the years, many of these smaller family owned businesses have gone out of business. Browsing around these stores may provide some gifting ideas for those sportspersons in your life. Most of these smaller stores have knowledgeable sales staff with excellent customer service that can provide gift ideas to you geared towards the angler’s preferred type of fishing. Many times, these outlets carry tackle and product brands not found at big box tackle outlets or have specialty angling niches focused upon particular angling methods.

be picked up and viewed by the potential purchaser. Sometimes, though not always, sales and customer service staff are knowledgeable and can provide guidance relative to a particular product line or angling style. A disadvantage is that these outlets only carry selected product lines. Accordingly, you may not find the specialty or niche fishing items found at smaller, locally owned sporting goods stores. Good gift ideas for the angler or other outdoor person in your life do not have to be expensive. Food items, outdoor clothing and accessories, specialty angling tools and accessories such as pliers, hook hones, fish handling items such as grippers, as well as

outdoor enthusiasts, I enjoy Another thing that I enjoy about local sporting goods outlets, browsing around the big box though they may have a smaller outdoors stores. They have a inventory, sometimes classic large selection of items that can leftover stocks of lures and similar Continued, see HOLIDAY GIFTS Page 19 products no longer available at the big box or online sales outlets can be found. Finding original balsa Bang-a-Lures, Big O’s, or other discontinued tackle lines has occurred to me more than one time over the course of my browsing. As years go by, I seem to be doing more and more of my angling purchases through online outdoors and angling websites and vendors. These sites have a large inventory with a substantial array of items for selection. Multiple purchases can be made from your computer allowing completion of gift purchases for several persons at one time without leaving your office or home. This certainly saves time and the frustration dealing with crowds at various shopping areas. A disadvantage is that you can read about an item to be purchased, yet not able to view it until the item arrives. Sometimes the quality or nature of the purchased item does not meet your expectations, requiring time and expense to initiate an item return and exchange. Like many anglers and other

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DECEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 13

HIGH COUNTRY

Convenient to Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and Beech Mountain

Three Great Entry Level Fly Rods

Our resorts offer the perfect vacation or getaway in the mountains of Western North Carolina

I 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.

By Ethan Hollifield

think one of the most intimidating things for a new angler is selecting their first “decent” fly rod. Most people when they are first starting out can’t justify spending the cost for a Sage X or an Orvis Helios 3, as nice as those rods are. There are also more and more entry level rods on the market today, now more than ever, which makes the process of selecting one even more confusing for some. I’ve personally owned many fly rods in my life and even more so into my guiding career. I’ve narrowed it down to three fly rods with their respective blanks that in my opinion, for the money, are some of the best “entry” level rods on the market. They’ve proven to be tough, have great warranties, and are also not going to break the bank for someone just getting into the sport.

1. Temple Fork Outfitters Lefty Kreh Professional Series II This one rod series has been a favorite of mine for many years. These rods are some of the most durable I have ever used, with one 9’ 5 weight of mine having lasted through almost 4 years worth of guiding abuse without breaking (that’s 4 years of getting stepped on, slammed tip first into tree trunks, etc). At a price point of less than 200 bucks, it’s a great rod to get started on, with the confidence of a lifetime warranty backing the rod as well. Recommended blanks: 9’ 5 weight, 8’ 4 weight, 7-6” 3 weight 2. Orvis Clearwater The new line of Orvis Clearwaters have really impressed me compared to their previous models. They

Continued, see ENTRY LEVEL FLY RODS Page 19

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 14

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DECEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 15

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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DECEMBER 2021

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A visitors use of t 18-hol with a

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

DECEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 17

EAST TENNESSEE GREAT SMOKIES

Wintertime Fishing

he beauty of fall has now left us as well as the crowds on the streams. Old Man Winter is perhaps right around the corner. This should change your approach to trout fishing as they will no longer be feeding on the surface. Keep in mind that we cannot be careless about the clothing we wear, and always let someone know when you will return along with having some safety planning in place before the trip. Wintertime fishing requires us to fish differently. Be persistent in your fishing method. Slow down while fishing and cover the water. You cheat yourself when just casting blind. Look at the stream and divide it up into lanes as you look across it. Lanes should be a foot or less apart. Trout will

By: James Bradley

become more selective and will not chase food or flies in cold water. Make your cast into each lane and allow your presentation to remain in that lane for the entire drift. Use smaller flies if you are not getting any takes. Remember, the least current is on the very bottom of the stream, and this is where the fish are. Use weight and long leaders if needed to get that fly down to the fish, and the larger the X size of the leader, the faster your fly will sink. Wintertime fishing is a nymphing game, so become a master at nymphing! Wintertime fishing requires us to dress properly with most of the heat loss being through the head. Go with a solid cap instead of mesh. A toboggan or beanie cap is another good way to prevent

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heat from escaping, and you’ll be able to keep those ears covered. Use thermals as a base layer. The mid-layer or outer layer should be fleece or wool. Make sure your bottoms have stirrups or closures around the ankles as this will prevent the legs from riding up. Use a rain jacket as your outer garment. Most rain jackets are lightweight and breathable which make them very convenient. They help trap heat and create a wind barrier, which is a plus on a cold windy day. Your feet can be the hardest to keep warm. Do not use cotton socks at all. Sweaty feet get cold first and will stay cold if you use cotton. A thin pair of wicking socks helps draw the sweat away from your feet. Follow with a

second pair of socks made from Merino wool. Your hands can be hard to keep warm. Keep a pair of Hot Hands close so you can put your hands on them to warm. Half-fingered wool gloves should help keep your hands comfortable. Be sure to carry a small hand towel with you to dry your hands after getting them wet! Safety is an important issue during the winter months. You can take your vehicle to most auto parts stores and have your battery tested for free. A battery being cold loses some of its amps for cranking. No one wants to walk out for help after a cold day on the water. Be sure to change the batteries in your flashlight. Keep a lighter or waterproof

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ENTRY LEVEL FLY RODS continued from page 14 matches with you, and always tell someone where you are going and when you’ll be back. The Delayed Harvest steams in our area have been producing very well. Keep in mind that these streams get hammered sometimes, and the trout get smart pretty fast! If you find yourself not getting any takes, change flies. With higher water levels, use weight to get those flies down to the bottom. Most of these fish have been well educated since the start of the DH season. Those reaction strikes to junk will slow way down. Switch over and begin using flies that mimic the naturals as these are the ones that trout live on. Stoneflies, Prince Nymph, Pheasant Tail, and Hare’s Ear are the common

patterns that represent what the trout see and eat. Common sizes to are 12 to 18 and have them with and without bead heads. If you are a beginner wanting to learn how to fly fish, we have a great staff of instructors who have been schooled in the art of fly fishing. One of the best ways to learn about fly fishing is to spend time with those of us who are professional full-time guides. Don’t forget to ask us about our float trips. Currently, we are doing floats on the Toccoa Tailwater and will begin floating the upper as soon as water levels allow. Give us a call to book your amazing trip on the water and don’t forget that we offer gift certificates!

James Bradley is the only Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide in North Georgia’s Historic High-Country region. Reel Em In Guide Service has been offering their services to fly anglers since 2001. They have permits for guiding in North Georgia and North Carolina, offering over 6 miles of private trophy waters across Georgia, and operate drift boat trips on the Toccoa River in GA and the Tuckasegee River in NC.

are light, cast very readily and are built with good components, considering their price point. They also have a myriad of length and weight options that would cover everything from small mountain creeks to the flats of the Florida Keys. Their rods are backed with a 25-year warranty, and also have excellent return windows for broken rods. Recommended blanks: 9’ 4 weight, 10’ 2 weight (for euro nymphing), 8-6” 4 weight. 3. Redington Vice One of Redington’s newer models that has really impressed me is their Vice series, more specifically their 8-6” 4 weight. While their 9’ 4 weight is a great all-around nymphing rod, the 8-6” 4 weight is one of the best budget friendly rods I have ever used. It casts like a dream, and

I would even hold it up to rods that are in the 500–600-dollar category. While it is the most expensive out of the three rods listed (pushing 300 dollars retail) I would gladly spend the money, specifically to have the 8-6” 4 weight. If you wanted one rod to fish almost anywhere in Southern Appalachia, it would be hard to go wrong with that blank. It is also backed by a lifetime warranty from Redington. Recommend blank: 8-6” 4 weight There were several other rods that came very close to making the list, but these three are the ones that I have personally had the most success with in both my personal fishing and in my guiding career. I am very confident that any of these rods would be an excellent choice for anyone looking to buy their first fly rod.

Ethan Hollifield is a member of a conservation organization called 2% For Conservation and a guide for Southern Appalachian Anglers

HOLIDAY GIFTS continued from page 13 quality tackle storage items are good gift ideas. Don’t forget about homemade angling or angling oriented items. If you tie flies or jigs, making these in various color or size combinations are nice gifts. Flies and jigs can range from fly rod size micro flies and jigs to more standard size lures for use with spinning and casting equipment. Fishing also seems to stimulate one’s appetite. Prepared specialty and snack foods such as deer or beef jerky or similar foods that can be consumed while on the water are good gift items. I certainly spend my share of hard-earned dollars at the big box stores and online angling websites.

Their large inventories of fishing products in one location, allowing for the purchase of multiple items are certainly a draw. However, remember to spread some of your wealth around to your local sporting goods outlets or specialty stores. Don’t forget about those special angling gifts that you can make. You just might be able to find the perfect gift for that sportsperson in your life this holiday season; maybe even a gift that will be treasured for a lifetime. If all else fails, relative to gifts for that hard to please outdoors person, you cannot go wrong with a gift certificate. This allows the receiver to choose their own items for purchase.

Dr. Andrew Cox is a contributing writer to outdoor publications and newspapers. His writing interests specialize in angling and travel, human interest, and general fishing technique oriented topics. He is a member of the Georgia Outdoor Writer’s Association. He has been fishing the waters of Georgia, Alabama, and north Florida for over forty years. Dr. Cox financially supports his fishing habits as Professor Emeritus at Troy University, Phenix City, Alabama. He may be contacted at andrewtrout@aol.com. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

DECEMBER 2021

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE 19

The Shop for Fly Fishermen of All Calibers

ahoney’s was founded in 1960 by Harold and Irene Mahoney at the corner of Sunset Drive and Knob Creek Road. What started as a simple Army/ Navy store, eventually evolved into the premier outdoor store that it is today. In 1970, when their son Dan returned from the Army, Mahoney’s began its evolution into the outdoor store you visit today. Dan added categories for clothing, footwear, hunting, and camping. In 1980, Dan’s wife Katie joined the business and took over

Dan Mahoney

the management of the ladies department. This addition added just the touch the department needed to make it the best women’s apparel shop in the area. In 1991, the area’s largest full service fly fishing department became a part of Mahoney’s history. It is now the shop for fly fishermen of all calibers. In 1992, Dan’s son Sean joined the business. He became the firearms department manager, as well as chief buyer for archery, firearms, muzzleloading, reloading, and cutlery. In 1993, Mahoney’s Outfitters opened on Roan Street in Johnson City, as a specialty outdoor store featuring hiking, camping, climbing, and paddling goods. In 2003, Mahoney’s opened its third location in Abingdon, VA. This location also boasts a large hunting, archery, and reloading department. It is southwest Virginia’s premier hunting dealer. In 2005, Mahoney’s opened the newly remodeled store with 20,000 square feet of a sportsman’s paradise. Our Outfitter’s store, previously located on North Roan Street, moved into the Sunset Drive location to

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make shopping more convenient. In 2009, Mahoney’s launched their first adventure outside of the store by becoming an online retailer and expanding their line of products even greater. Here at Mahoney’s, we love the outdoors as much as our customers.

We provide a broad range of clothing, footwear and equipment to all our customers, from weekend warriors to avid trail trekkers. We have only the best quality when it comes to our customer service, and we stand behind all of our products 100%.

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UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA

Fishing With Santa

By Capt. Cefus McRae • NutsAndBoltsFishing.com

ometimes, your wish can come true. I have a couple of the “Fishing Santa” ornaments we hang on the tree each year. I’m sure you’ve seen them. It’s the one that has Santa dressed in a Hawaiian shirt with white sunglasses and short pants, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to fish with Santa. This summer, my Christmas wish materialized a little early. As a matter of fact, it was one of the hottest days in August. Kris Kringle, as he is called the rest of the year, showed up on a warm summer morning. He was dressed exactly as I expected in a Hawaiian shirt, shorts, and those white sunglasses. As we left the dock, he reminded me that he was used to driving the sleigh. So, we put him up top in the second

station, gave him some reins, and the ShearWater sleigh came to life. Instead of eight tiny reindeer, we had 500 Honda horses propelling us down Lake Hartwell at 50 miles per hour. At our first stop, a school of stripers came out to play. They were nothing huge, but nevertheless, a lot of fun, especially for someone who typically fishes ‘hard water’. Whenever a rod would bend, Buck the Wonder Dog let us know, and Kris handled the fish like an old pro. And speaking of old, some say Kris is 1,751 years old. Imagine how many cookies he’s eaten over those years! As the day wore on, we wrestled with stripers, hybrids, catfish and even a gar or two. Although the fishing was fun, the best part was simply having someone so full of joy on the boat. With each fish, I

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could see Kris’ eyes light up, his grin got bigger, and the belly-laugh got louder. By mid-afternoon, Kris had some nice catfish filets to take home for dinner, and I had experienced an adventure like no other. For a few hours, I removed logic and practicality from my brain, and simply reveled in the moment. I was five years old again. I believed. In this era, it’s nice to have something to believe in, maybe not the reality of the person, but the spirit that person represents, and I do believe the spirit of Christmas lives in each of us. We just have to let it show. A kind gesture, a warm greeting, a helping hand, and the remembrance of what Christmas is really about is something we should exhibit throughout the year. I think the world would be a better place as a result.

DECEMBER 2021

Stay tuned for a new season of Nuts & Bolts of Fishing adventures on FOX Sports, CarbonTV and coming in 2022 on Amazon Prime. If you’d like a sneak peek at the Christmas in July episode, just drop by NutsAndBoltsFishing.com and get your Christmas started a little early too. From our family to yours, we wish you the happiest and most joyous holiday season. Tight lines and calm seas.

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Fishing the Christmas Season

By Karl Ekberg

he entire gamut of weather has run through the mountains here in South Carolina. From high temperatures in the 70’s to lows in the 20’s, some bluebird days, to downright brisk January winter feeling. The extended outlook seems to trend towards a cooler than normal December, and about average in the precipitation department. A White Christmas? we’ll have to wait and see, last year we did have an early morning dusting. On the fishing side of things here on the South Carolina Delayed Harvest areas, the fishing has been hot! In large part due to the incredible fish that the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery has raised and continuously stocked by trucks, aided with the helicopter stocking in early

November. Many huge Brook Trout have been caught along with stout Rainbow Trout too. Many large Brown Trout are being caught as well now, as they entered the waterways a little later. Struggling to find fish? Let our guides help you on a half or full day guided trip on the rivers. As the temperatures fall, along with the water, the trout move to comfort areas. Larger, deeper runs and pools with low water temperatures will be the areas to target. Fishing double nymphing rigs, with heavier tungsten beaded flies will be crucial to having the rigs descend to the river bottoms, to finding most fish. Streamer fishing is a great option during the winter months. One great thing about streamer fishing in the colder

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months is that you’re moving about, which keeps the body a little warmer. At times, a sink tip leader can be a great addition, as this keeps the streamers down in the water columns where the fish are awaiting a large meal. As the water temperatures do cool way down, slow down the retrievals of the streamers as, not only do the baitfish become lethargic, but so do the big fish. On much colder days, do not be in a crazy rush to get out and fish, target the warmer parts of the day, as this will be when the fish are most active as well. It will only be a short time before the “Jolly Ol’ Man” slides down the chimney with gifts,

and we have a tremendous supply to fill your Christmas wish list here. From gift certificates, full line of apparel, tying supplies, rods & reels, waders & boots, we can help a loved one pick out the perfect gift. From all of us here at Chattooga River Fly Shop, we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Karl and Karen Ekberg are co-owners of Chattooga River Fly Shop, located at 6832-A Highlands Hwy, Mountain Rest, SC 29664. Give them a call at (864) 638-2806 and visit their website at www.chattoogariverflyshop.com.

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CHANGES COMING FOR GULF OF MEXICO REGULATIONS

FWC PHOTO

he Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is considering changes that might affect regulations for recreational anglers in the Gulf of Mexico. The council is the regional authority charged with managing fisheries in federal waters of the Gulf, and it met Oct. 25-28 in Orange Beach, Alabama. The following is a summary of actions from that meeting. Cobia: The Gulf Group cobia stock is managed jointly with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and includes both the Gulf Zone and Florida East Coast Zone. A recent stock assessment showed Gulf Group cobia are not overfished but are experiencing overfishing. The Gulf Council chose to reduce Gulf Group Cobia stock overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, and annual catch limits with an increasing yield stream for the years 2021-2023. The bottom line for anglers is: the council chose to retain the 36-inch fork length minimum size limit for cobia, reduce the daily possession limit to one fish per person and create a twofish vessel limit for both commercial and recreational sectors in the Gulf Zone. In the Florida East Coast Zone, the council decided to increase the minimum size limit to 36-inches fork length, reduce the daily possession limit to one fish per person, and create a two-fish vessel limit for both commercial and recreational sectors. These changes must be agreed upon by

the South Atlantic Council before they are submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce for approval and implementation. Red Grouper: The Council took final action to increase the red grouper overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, annual catch limits and annual catch targets. This recommendation, if implemented by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, would set the stage for a loosening in regulations for red grouper. King Mackerel: A recent update stock assessment determined king mackerel is not overfished or experiencing overfishing. However, the spawning stock biomass was found to be below the level necessary to achieve maximum sustainable yield. The Gulf Council chose to retain the 24-

inch minimum size limit for king mackerel. The South Atlantic Council, which jointly manages the mackerel fishery, opted for a 22-inch fork length minimum size limit. The councils will have to reach agreement. Greater Amberjack: Greater amberjack is both overfished and experiencing overfishing. Catch-limit reductions are likely to come soon. Gag Grouper: Gag is both overfished and experiencing overfishing. A recent assessment indicated that a lack of males might be having an effect on the productivity of the stock. The council indicated it is not in favor of total closure. Catch-limit reductions are being considered. Vermilion Snapper: Increased vermilion snapper catch limits are being considered. A recent stock assessment determined that vermilion snapper is neither overfished or experiencing overfishing. After hearing public comment, which cautioned against increasing catch limits dramatically, the council recommended staff include alternatives with smaller increases than were recommended. The council selected a preferred alternative that would increase the vermilion snapper overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, and annual catch. The Council will solicit public comment before taking final action.

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touch of a finger. The s y s t e m’s Home Button quickly moves tabs to the home position. Further simplifying operation are LEDs that indicate port and starboard tab positions. The dial controller also features Auto Brightness that senses ambient light conditions and adjusts the dial brightness for optimum visibility. Dometic’s all-electric actuators reduce complexity of the system while increasing longterm reliability. For instant response, quieter operation and a better boating experience, these actuators feature a planetary gearbox, hightorque DC motor and freewheeling Ball Screw

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mechanism. For reliable performance over the long run, these actuators feature rugged housing with a simple two-piece design to minimize possible water intrusion points. They also feature dual housing seals, a rear seal in a protected bushing area, and a wiper that removes particles from the shaft and protects the rear seal. Heavy-duty 12 gauge 304 stainless steel tabs complete the system. They feature 316 stainless steel marine grade fasteners, heavy-duty 14 gauge stainless steel hinges and sturdy ¼-inchthick hinge pins for added strength.

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49-year-old angler from Kingsland, Georgia landed a big red grouper off the Georgia coast on Oct. 4 that crushed the existing state record by nearly seven pounds. Bruce C. Bartlett Jr.’s 26-pound, 6.4-ounce fish measured 34.5 inches in length. It was certified by Georgia DNR and broke the existing record of 19 pounds, 7 ounces, which was caught by John Wren in 2012. The IGFA all-tackle world record weighed 42 pounds, 4 ounces. It was caught in 1997 off St. Augustine, Florida. Bartlett landed the red grouper using a 5-foot, 8-inch Ugly Stik Tiger rod with Shimano Torium reel with 65-pound Power Pro line using a live cigar minnow as bait. His terminal rig was a fish finder sinker slide with an 8-ounce bank sinker to a 100-pound barrel swivel, followed by a 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and 6/0 Eagle Claw circle hook. He was fishing east of Navy Tower R4, about 60 miles off of Cumberland Island, Georgia, aboard his boat Fishslaya Duece.

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For the current list of Georgia saltwater fishing records, as well as information on how to submit a catch, visit CoastalGaDNR.org/SaltwaterRecords.

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ost bass released after tournament weigh-ins eventually return to the area where they caught. This interesting tidbit came from a research project conducted on Big Rideau Lake and was reported on by the nonprofit organization Blue Fish Canada. According to the report, researchers used acoustic tags to look into the survival rates and behaviors of bass after they were released at the weigh-in site. Over three tournaments, 88 largemouth and smallmouth bass were tagged before release. Their movements were tracked using sensors placed throughout the lake. Researchers selected each of the fish in the study based on whether the angler could accurately provide a location where the fish was caught. Upon release, the fish piled up within 300 meters of the release site for a short time before dispersing back toward the main lake. All of the bass eventually left the area. It took largemouths an average of 4.6 days to leave. The smallmouths were gone within a day. One of the researchers, Dr. Steven J. Cooke, told Blue Fish Canada’s Lawrence Gunther that each of the bass caught and tagged eventually returned to the area where they were originally caught. That’s pretty amazing, especially considering the size of the lake, which has a surface acreage of more than 100 square miles.

For more information on this study, go to bluefishcanada.ca.. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 201667_DOA_7.14_CAL ad_Coastal Angler_3.75x5.indd 1

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DECEMBER 2021

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This big Wels was caught from Italy’s Po River in 2015 by Italian angler Dino Ferrari. It measured 8.8 feet long and weighed more than 265 pounds.

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n late October, news of a giant wels catfish caught from Spain’s Ebro River made the rounds on the Internet. The fish, caught by British angler Mark Steward-Brown, weighed 234 pounds, according to Field & Stream. It was a monster fish, but it fell well short of the record for wels catfish. Although they are rare, it seems fish heavier than 200 pounds are caught every year in European fisheries. Fish heavier than 100 pounds are commonplace. Wels have a long time to grow during a lifespan of 50 years or more. The IGFA all-tackle world record was caught from Italy’s Po River in 2010. It measured longer than 9 feet in length and weighed 297 pounds. Fish like that are a good reason for hardcore catfish anglers to look into a European vacation. In U.S. waters, an angler might spend a lifetime pursuing a blue catfish heavier than 100 pounds. According to Field & Stream, Steward-Brown caught four fish heavier than 100 pounds during his first day fishing in Spain. Spain’s Ebro River, especially at Mequinenza Reservoir in the northeastern corner of the country, is renowned for good numbers of big fish. In northern Italy, the Po River and its delta on the Adriatic Sea, produced the world record as well as some other huge fish over the years. In France, the Rhone River and several of its tributaries have earned a reputation for big catfish. A Google search will reveal guide services and “holiday packages” offered for all of these destination fisheries and more. From an angler’s perspective, Wels are interesting species for more than just their massive size. Like all catfish, they are bottom feeders. They like stinky bait, and are often caught on pre-made bait-pellet rigs. However, they are also voracious predators with giant mouths. Many anglers prefer to pursue them with large, loud lures. Wels have poor eyesight, so vibration and noise are important. Their natural diet is made up mostly of earthworms, mollusks, insects and fish. As they grow larger, they begin feeding on anything they can fit in their mouths. Frogs, mice, rats and aquatic birds are all prey items. In southwestern France, an isolated population of Wels has learned to ambush pigeons on land, like orcas attack seals on the beach. That should be the cue for some innovative fly tyer to twist up an ultra-realistic pigeon fly. For more information, go to www.coastalanglermag.com.

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