The Angler Video Magazine | July 2024 Edition

@CAMTAMagazine

ELECTRIC OUTBOARD MOTOR

WORLD RECORD BLACKFIN PHOTO BY CAPT. BLAKE RIGBY COURTESY OF TRIPLETAIL CHARTERS WWW.TRIPLETAILCHARTERS.COM

MAHI MADNESS WATCH VIDEO

LAKE-RUN TROUT

VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 12

F R A N C H I S E

JULY 2024

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

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WORLD RECORD BLACKFIN CAUGHT AT MIAMI TOURNEY WATCH

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VIDEO

monster blackfin tuna caught during The Miami Dolphins Fins Weekend tournament is an unofficial world record. The 50.1-pound blackfin was certified by an IGFA biologist, and it outweighs the existing IGFA all-tackle world record by a little less than three-quarters of a pound.

Angler Robert (Bob) Kowalski landed the huge blackfin aboard the 34’ Express

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Sportfisher Miss Britt, which was captained by Gareth Haddam and chartered by Pete Sinnick and his family. In addition to being a potential new world record, the fish won the largest tuna division at the tournament and earned the team a $30,000 payout.

The existing IGFA all-tackle world record blackfin tuna weighed 49 pounds, 6 ounces. It was caught in 2006 off Marathon, Florida Keys

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by Capt. Mathew Pullen.

Fins Weekend is an annual fundraiser hosted by the Miami Dolphins. It is a two-day tournament with proceeds going to support the Baptist Health Orthopedic Institute Youth Athletic Outreach Program.

For more information, go to bluewatermovements.com.

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CATCHING MAHI FOR PRIZES

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

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or the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure of taking Coastal Conservation Association’s Leiza Fitzgerald out on the water to assist in tagging dolphinfish for the CCA STAR competition. As if going fishing wasn’t enough of a prize, recreational anglers can sign up for this competition, with a donation to a good cause, and participate in this fishing side quest for all sorts of epic prizes.

Tagging trips with Leiza are some of my favorite mahi trips. She is more excited about catching throw-backs than anything we put in the box. Each undersized mahi, and most of the keepers, are handled with care and released with some fancy new jewelry.

With her tagging gun locked and loaded and a towel to lay over the fish’s eyes to calm them, Leiza carefully and quickly turns peanuts into prizes, and sends them on their way.

CCA Florida STAR presented by Yamaha is a summer-long event that invites anglers and non-anglers to participate and win prizes valued at almost $500,000, including boats, motors, scholarships and more. The competition is currently live, and registration is open until Sept. 2.

“In the past nine years, it’s been amazing to see STAR participants support conservation and embrace the catch-photo format,” Fitzgerald said. “Awarding nearly $4 million in prizes, with $900,000 specifically awarded in youth scholarships to the thousands of statewide STAR registrants is exciting, but even more exciting is the awareness STAR has created for the conservation of our marine fisheries.”

The 2024 STAR competition is comprised of eight divisions targeting inshore and offshore species along with trash cleanup.

Wherever your home waters are, there is a way to get involved.

Citrus and Charlotte counties, STAR’s 2024 Destination Counties, which each have eight tagged redfish in their coastal waters.

Six years ago, STAR initiated a tagged fish division for offshore anglers, the Tigress

The most notable of the STAR competitions Outriggers and Gear Tagged Dolphin Division. is for tagged redfish. The best opportunity This division offers one winner a $10,000 cash to catch this year’s tagged redfish will be in prize or scholarship. The first STAR registrant THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

JULY 2024

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who catches a STAR tagged dolphin wins.

The tagged dolphinfish were caught and released off the Florida Keys. These fish will migrate up the east and west coasts, providing anglers a shot at recapturing one. There have only been two tagged dolphin recaptured in six years, and neither angler was registered in the competition. You have to be in it to win it!

Make sure to report any tagged fish you catch, whether you are registered or not. Take photos, measurements, tag numbers and information, and note the location of recapture. You do not need to remove the tag if you are releasing the fish.

Fish are very mysterious, and there is so much we don’t know about them. The more data we collect, the better conservation we can provide.

Capt. Quinlyn Haddon; Sweet E’nuf Charters, Marathon, Florida Keys; @captainquinlyn; captainquinlyn.com; (504) 920-6342.

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Endless Outdoor Adventure Awaits!

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rom boating and fishing to scalloping and wildlife encounters, Plantation on Crystal River is an ideal setting for travelers of all ages and interests to enjoy endless outdoor activities. To follow is just a sampling of the abundance of available outdoor pursuits.

GOLF: Guests can tee off on the resort’s traditional Florida-style 18-hole championship course. Surrounded by native plants and oaks, the championship course challenges guests with a number of difficult fairways and waterways, including the course’s signature No. 11 hole. The Original Golf SchoolTM at Plantation on Crystal River accommodates players of all levels, with experienced professionals offering on-course instruction, with no more than four students per professional instructor.

BOATING: With more than 25,000 accessible acres of waterways, including Crystal River and Kings Bay, Plantation on Crystal River is a boater’s paradise.

In addition to scenic river tours from Plantation Adventure Center & Dive Shop, kayaks, jon boats and pontoon boats can be rented by guests who want to explore on their own.

FISHING: With Central Florida fishing at its finest, Plantation on Crystal River is located alongside the Crystal River inlets and Kings Bay, just a short distance from local lakes and the Gulf of Mexico.

Whether by land or by sea, anglers can cast a line for bass, grouper, snook, flounder, redfish and more. At the end of a successful day of fishing, Plantation’s chefs will be happy to prepare the fresh catch for the guest’s dining pleasure.

SCALLOPING: There is no better place to go scalloping on Florida’s Gulf Coast than Plantation on Crystal River. Taking place in shallow waters, scalloping is a fun family activity that only requires a snorkel, net and a pair of fins; no previous experience is needed.

Scalloping does require a special permit, but licensed group tours and charters are available

RESORT ACTIVITIES:

for those without a license. Scalloping season is typically July 1 to September 24.

MANATEE TOURS: Plantation on Crystal River’s Adventure Center & Dive Shop provides guests with a once-in-alifetime opportunity to swim and interact with threatened West Indian Manatees in the waters of Crystal River and Kings Bay. Snorkelers will find many of the gentle creatures in the crystalclear spring waters migrate during cooler winter months with some that stay year-round.

The manatees can also be easily observed from any part of the Plantation’s expansive sea wall and gazebo point.

Countless on-property amenities also provide entertainment to guests at Plantation on Crystal River. Highlights include a scenic, lagoon-style swimming pool overlooking the river, sand volleyball court, horseshoes, shuffleboard, oversized outdoor chess and checkers and a regulation croquet court. Nearby attractions include Three Sister Springs State Park, Crystal River Archaeological State Park, Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, Coastal Heritage Museum, Weeki Wachee and the Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins State Park.

Transportation is convenient with nearby international airports, including Tampa International Airport only 70 miles away, and Orlando International airport just 90 miles away.

For more information, visit PlantationResortOnCrystalRiver.com

The Place to Stay and Play on Florida's Nature Coast

Plantation Resort on Crystal River offers unforgettable experiences for travelers of all ages and interests to enjoy endless outdoor activities. From boating and fishing to scalloping and wildlife encounters, visitors from around the globe travel to Florida's Nature Coast to enjoy all it has to offer. Reflect on the peaceful joy you'll feel swimming alongside a manatee and her baby, the rush of adrenaline after hooking an evasive gag grouper in the shallow waters of the Gulf...there are so many memories waiting for you here!

Guests will find a full-service resort with classic rooms, excellent dining, a lagoon-style pool, an Aveda spa, and a traditional golf course. Discover all there is to create your next great vacation memory.

Scallop Season Is Here!!!

(July 1 – Sept 24, 2024)

DON’T MISS OUT! Book Your Trip Now!

PlantationResortOnCrystalRiver.com Reservations: 800.632.6262 | Hotel: 352.795.4211

Our reservation team can help you make all the arrangements. We have the best guides that will take you out, which is the best way to ensure a great time on the water. We can also accommodate those do-ityourself folks with a boat ramp and seawall tie-ups if you bring your boat.

LOOK WHERE WE ARE NOW

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Tim Barefoot

ith the best data known to man, we are at a point of complete imbalance in the management of our fisheries.

Take a good look around. What I’ve noticed is that common sense is not so common.

In the Atlantic, we have a gag grouper season that lasted 45 days, a complete closure of flounder for an entire year here in North Carolina, a red snapper fishery that’s closed all year except for one day in 2024 and a shark population that is completely out of control.

On top of that, weather patterns keep recreational and commercial fishermen off the water during these unreasonably short seasons. Over the five decades I have been paying attention to weather, I’ve never seen continuous blowing wind like I’ve seen over the last five years.

Combine weather conditions with continuous reduction of creel limits and a fisheries management system that is completely inflexible by design, and you wind up with the mess we have now. Federal bureaucracy in the form of NOAA Fisheries and its regional counterparts like the South Atlantic Marine Fishery Management Council are hamstrung by law to take the actions they do based on fisheries data they collect. The problem is, this data is flimsy, at best, and it’s made life increasingly and unnecessarily difficult for recreational and commercial fishermen.

Conservation organizations continually plead with NOAA to update its data collection methods to better reflect the reality of what’s going on in our fisheries. Out on the water, the

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reality is different from what the data reflects.

Here’s what I’ve seen personally and what other commercial and recreational anglers are reporting to me about their experiences on the water:

Increasing shark populations in the MidAtlantic and South-Atlantic are getting out of hand. In fishing seminars and articles on bottom fishing, I have long recommended “chumming up the bottom” by taking a couple boxes of frozen squid to use as sacrificial baits to get the bottom “chummed up” directly

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beneath an anchored boat.

Over the last year or two, this technique has become nothing more than a shark attractant. There are so many sandbar, tiger, bull and other sharks that this style is becoming aggravating. We’ve had to stop doing it because of all the “half grouper” we catch. As soon as you get a grouper hooked up, it’s bitten in half by a shark of one kind, or another. It’s a story that’s consistent from all my friends; the sharks far worse than we have ever seen.

I even saw the first juvenile great white shark I’ve ever seen in the Carolinas. It came up right at the boat and ate a red snapper we had on the line.

While bottom fishing, I typically deploy Spanish mackerel on light lines in hopes of hooking up with a passing wahoo or tuna. I can’t do that anymore, either. On my last trip, we put out five baits and had five shark bites on Spanish mackerel almost immediately. We caught sharks, and nothing but sharks on the light lines.

Granted, I’m not a diver, but I do talk to divers, and they are also telling me shark populations are getting terrible. One of my diver friends says they must buddy dive now.

One diver spears fish while the other keeps watch to fend off sharks.

The state of and management of our fisheries is getting extremely frustrating. If you are experiencing what I am, join me in expressing this to your elected officials. They have the power to alter the way our federal agencies manage our fisheries.

See more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com.

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Four of Tennessee’s Best State Park Fisheries When it comes to freshwater fishing, Tennessee has an embarrassment of riches. From massive rivers and reservoirs to small ponds and high-elevation trout streams, the state is home to incredible fishing opportunities. Tennessee State Parks are excellent base camps for on-the-water adventures. They offer amenities for lodging or camping, and many of them are right on the water, with unparalleled access to some of the best fisheries in the nation.

Here are a few great Tennessee State Park fishing destinations: • ROAN MOUNTAIN STATE PARK: Fed from elevations of around 6,000 feet, the Doe River runs clear and cold through the center of Roan Mountain State Park. Its tributaries are home to healthy year-round populations of native brook trout and both wild and stocked rainbows and browns.

The 2,000-acre park is dominated by hardwood forests and rugged ridgelines. It is a beautiful place to be, whether you’re casting flies or just camping and going for a hike.

• HARRISON BAY STATE PARK: Just outside of Chattanooga, Harrison Bay is a 1,200-acre park with 40 miles of shoreline on Chickamauga Lake. If you’re a bass angler, you know “The Chick’s” reputation as a big-bass factory. It is ranked among the best largemouth fisheries in the world.

The massive reservoir is also a great fishery for smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, walleye and big Tennessee River catfish.

• ROCK ISLAND STATE PARK: North of McMinnville, Rock Island is an 883-acre state park on the headwaters of Center Hill Lake, where the Caney Fork, Collins and Rocky rivers meet. These rivers and the lake itself are some of the best fisheries in this part of the world for “The Fish of 10,000 casts.” If the mighty muskellunge is on your hit list, this is a good place to chase one.

The park is also a fantastic place to catch walleye when the rivers fill up with spawning walleye in early spring. There’s plenty of bank space to fish from, and it’s a great area for kayaks, canoes and boats.

• NORRIS DAM STATE PARK: A short drive from Knoxville, Norris Dam State Park is 4,000 acres on Norris Lake. The lake is renowned for excellent smallmouth bass fishing as well as good fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, striped bass and walleye.

If that isn’t enough get you excited, the Clinch River downstream of Norris Dam is one of the best tailwater trout fisheries in the Southeast.

These four Tennessee State Parks are just the tip of the iceberg. With fishing as a primary draw to more than 40 state parks in the volunteer state, you’ll need to do some research to plan your next adventure.

For information, visit tnstateparks.com.

TRIPLE THE THRILL WITH EVERGLADES TRIPLETAIL

By A. deGruchy

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ishing in the Everglades is always a blast, and sight-casting tripletails is one of the coolest challenges out there.

These fish are unique with their three-tail look and tendency to hang out near floating debris. If you want to catch them, using live shrimp and spotting them is a great way to do it. Idle around and look for floating seaweed, as tripletails like to hang around that to camouflage.

Use polarized sunglasses to cut the glare and make it easier to spot them. Move slowly through these areas, keeping your eyes peeled, but fair warning—it’s not as easy as it sounds.

Once you see a tripletail, don’t rush in.

They can be skittish, and sudden moves or loud noises can scare them off. Drift toward them with the wind or current to avoid using your engine.

Tripletails love live shrimp, so get the liveliest, healthiest shrimp you can find.

Hook them through the tail or behind the horn on their head so they stay active and attractive.

Cast your shrimp past the tripletail and slowly bring it back toward them.

Let the current make it look natural.

If the fish is near the surface, just freeline it. If

they’re deeper or the current is strong, add a little weight to keep the shrimp down. Sometimes it takes a while to find and approach tripletails, so don’t rush it.

Use light to medium tackle, 15- to 20-pound fluorocarbon leader is good since tripletails have sharp gill plates. Early morning or late afternoon is usually best, since tripletails are more active and easier to spot then. They should be around for the next couple of months of the summer.

By A. deGruchy Catching tripletail is truly a fun challenge that mixes the thrill of the hunt with the excitement of the catch. Whether you’re a fishing pro or just starting, targeting tripletails in the Everglades is an adventure you won’t forget.

If you are interested on getting on some Tripletail, book a charter with Bean Sportfishing, www.beansportfishing.com.

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TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AND SUZUKI MARINE USA TEAM UP FOR SECOND ANNUAL BUCS BEACH CLEANUP

PARTNERS COLLECT 427 POUNDS OF TRASH FROM BEN T. DAVIS BEACH

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n Wednesday, June 5, Suzuki Marine USA and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers teamed up for the second- consecutive year, with over 150 volunteers across both organizations alongside regional non-profit Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful to remove 427.7 pounds of trash from Ben T. Davis Park.

Collecting over double the amount of trash from the inaugural project a year ago, this year’s Bucs Beach Cleanup Powered by Suzuki saw volunteers collect numerous items, including flip flops, sneakers, life jackets, sweaters, kids' toys, bottles, cans and even a 10-foot wooden dock plank.

Joining the Buccaneers contingent was offensive lineman Luke Goedeke, volunteering at the event for the second-consecutive year.

"As Tampa Bay natives and residents, it’s so important for us to keep our oceans and beaches clean,” said Buccaneers Chief Impact Officer Kourtney Sanchez. “The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are so grateful for our partnership with Suzuki Marine and the opportunity for our employees to come together and spend the day doing good for our community.”

“An event such as this demonstrates what can be accomplished when two great organizations

team up to take action,” said Brandon Cerka, Suzuki Marine USA General Manager Sales & Marketing. “Suzuki Marine and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are dedicated as proud members of our community to give something back and help protect the natural beauty that makes living here so special. Through Suzuki’s global CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT initiative, we’ve seen that an ongoing commitment is needed to make a meaningful impact. I’m pleased that we’ve found such a strong partner as the Bucs organization in this effort and look forward to many great things in the future,” added Cerka.

About the Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter their

49th year as members of the National Football League and compete in the National Football Conference’s South Division. Established in 1976, the Buccaneers have totaled nine division championships, two conference championships and two Super Bowl Championships, including Super Bowl LV that was played on their home field at Raymond James Stadium. For more information, visit www.buccaneers.com.

To learn more about Suzuki’s CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT, or their new Stealth Line of outboards, visit your Suzuki Marine dealer, contact Suzuki Marine at (813) 687-7200 or visit www.suzukimarine.com.

Stories From a Marlin’s Life

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he International Game Fish Association (IGFA) is most well-known for keeping track of record fish. They also do research. Their signature billfish research initiative is the IGFA Great Marlin Race, and it collects some awesome information about marlin and their pelagic travels.

In the Great Marlin Race, fishing teams sponsor and tag marlin during tournaments all over the world. The fish are released, and

the satellite tags track the fish for a maximum of 240 days before popping out of the fish and floating to the surface to transmit data to satellites. Data collected includes where the fish travelled, its diving behavior and the water temperatures it inhabited.

The winner of IGFA’s Great Marlin Race presented by Costa in partnership with Stanford University is the tag that travels the greatest distance each year. But the real

winners are anglers and fish. The data collected can be used by fisheries managers to protect billfish fisheries for the future. The data also tells some amazing stories of the wide travels of the world’s favorite big-game fish.

Below are a couple recent highlights of the program.

For more stories from The IGFA Great Marlin Race, go to igfa.org.

EXILED IN THE SOUTH ATLANTIC A 175-pound blue marlin tagged during last July’s Bermuda Triple Crown lost its tag on March 19 an incredible 4,477 nautical miles from where it was deployed. The fish is estimated to have traveled 8,786 nautical miles in a migration from Bermuda, south to waters off Puerto Rico and then to the middle of the South Atlantic between Africa and South America. The tag popped up near St. Helena, one of the most remote islands in the world, the British territory where Napolean Bonaparte was exiled in 1815.

Amazingly, it was just the third longest blue marlin track recorded in the IGFA Great Marlin Race. The tag was sponsored by Mike Verzaleno and deployed aboard the Reel Steel, captained by Jason Parker.

HAWAIIAN VACATION A 285-pound blue marlin tagged during the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament last August in Kona swam for 152 days to travel 2,615 nautical miles south into the middle of the South Pacific Ocean. It was estimated to have traveled a total of 7,032 nautical miles, and the tag held some pretty cool details. This is a catchable fish. It spent about 50 percent of its time within 33 feet of the surface in water temperatures that ranged from 77 to 84 degrees. Its deepest dive was to 1,476 feet, where the water temperature was 57 degrees in December.

This tag was sponsored by Tim and Heidi McBride and deployed aboard the Maverick.

THE LONG WAY HOME In January, a tag affixed to 60-pound white marlin in the Bahamas popped up just 141 nautical miles from where the fish was tagged last June. But there’s more to the story. Over the 240 days the fish wore the tag, it swam all the way up the coast of the Eastern U.S. to hang out for a while near the Continental Shelf off Cape Cod. Then it hung a right and eased way out into the middle of the North Atlantic before making its way back to the Bahamas. That little guy must like to spend summers in the tropics.

The fish’s estimated tack length was 5,464 nautical miles.

This tag was part of the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund grant, and it was deployed aboard the Shark Byte captained by Rich Barrett and owned by Pete Cherasia.

NOAA PROCLAIMS RIDICULOUS ONE-DAY SNAPPER SEASON WATCH

VIDEO

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. JUDY HELMEY

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n mid-June, NOAA Fisheries announced a one-day recreational season for red snapper in the South Atlantic. Although there was widespread grumbling and gnashing of teeth by recreational anglers, it did not come as a surprise to pretty much anyone.

First the season: Red snapper harvest will be open for recreational anglers in the South Atlantic, from North Carolina through Florida, on July 12. The limit is one fish per angler.

The date is subject to change in case a small craft weather advisory is projected. Any change in the date of the recreational season will be announced in the Federal Register, Fishery Bulletin, and an announcement via NOAA Weather Radio.

Now the reasoning: In 2008, NOAA’s stock assessment indicated red snapper in the South Atlantic were in bad shape and devastatingly overfished. Over the last 16 years, NOAA has essentially shut down recreational fishing for the species, and catch limits for commercial fishing have been kept very low.

Not surprisingly, it worked! Populations rebounded to the point where data indicates red snapper are now more plentiful in the South Atlantic than at any time since such data existed. What’s more, the fishery continues to improve ahead of the projected recovery timeline.

This year, instead of allowing greater access to the fishery, NOAA decided to tighten already draconian restrictions. The overall quota for red snapper was cut by 25 percent for 2024. As the fishery has improved, recreational anglers have gone from a ridiculously short five-day season in 2019 to an absurd one day of fishing in 2024.

According to NOAA Fisheries, the red snapper fishery is in a “recovery trap.”

Abundant red snapper have led to increased incidental catches by anglers, and NOAA extrapolates that data into a formula for

catch-and-release mortality. Basically, they’re telling us that there are so many red snapper that anglers are killing too many of them by catching and releasing them.

The result is tighter regulations in an inflexible system, where highly questionable data is used to shut down access to a public resource. We’re not even going into numerous occasions in recent years when NOAA has been forced to admit its data is shockingly flawed.

According to the American Sportfishing

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Association, work is underway to improve data collection for the South Atlantic red snapper fishery.

In the meantime, try not to get in a boat wreck during the one-day mad dash to catch your one red snapper from the Atlantic. Or you can just trailer your boat to the Gulf of Mexico, where the states finally managed to bludgeon some sense into federal fisheries managers a few years ago.

For more information, go to coastalanglermag.com.

CAST LURES IN A MITZI TOURNAMENT 17

TO FIND A DEALER NEAR YOU, VISIT

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JULY 2024

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MILLENNIUM MARINE PRO-M SERIES SALTWATER BOAT SEATS

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ne of the most important aspects of fishing for any angler is patience. Extending that patience over long hours, especially for saltwater fishermen, can mean the difference between coming home with a handsome trophy or leaving with empty pockets. From the time it takes to get to the fishing spot to the passing minutes—or, in some cases, hours—between strikes, it's patience that can make all the difference.

And a big aspect of that patience is comfort. Few things can erode a person’s patience, like trying to perch in an uncomfortable seat for hours or waiting for that muchanticipated bite on the other end of the line. A lack of comfort can quickly turn into a lack of patience, leading an angler to throw in the towel early in the trip.

Millennium Marine has the answer to those comfort problems with their line of PRO-M Series Saltwater seats for watercraft. The PRO-M series of ComfortMax seats has three distinct models available with anodized, heavy-duty aluminum frames designed to stand up to the rigors of daily use in a saltwater environment.

Millennium’s unique, patented saltwater design provides unmatched comfort and durability, no matter the conditions' severity. It features the

PRO-M 200

PRO-M 300

breathable, cool fabric of Millennium Marine’s ComfortMax seat for mold and mildew resistance. Thanks to anodized PRO-M aluminum construction, the PRO-M 100 Series can withstand elements from saltwater to the blazing sun. Each seat in the series mounts to any standard boat seat pedestal and has a one-year warranty.

The PRO-M 200 features a unique design with lumbar support will enable hours of comfort while sitting, while the PRO-M 300’s unique design allows hours of comfort while sitting, leaning, straddling, or casting. The top-of-the-line PRO-M 100 features a ComfortMAX contoured, tight sling seat that is adjustable and reclining. It also folds flatter than competitor’s seats, allowing better visibility while under way.

All three series come in a choice of MILLENNIUM-OUTDOORS.COM grey or white colors.

B100 BOAT SEATS Millennium Marine’s Pro-M B100 features a unique, patented design that provides unmatched comfort, functionality and durability. Enjoy all-day comfort on the water rain or shine with Millennium Marine.

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After the Great Loop Challenge, this boat will be for sale and 100% of net proceeds will be donated to the NPCF. Go to GreatLoopChallenge.com for more info.

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ancer survivor Capt. Scott “Red” Flowers set off on an epic journey in June. His goal is to set a record for the 6,000-mile Great Loop by completing it in just 30 days, and he’s doing it to raise awareness and funds for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

The Great Loop is a water route that completes a giant circuit of the eastern United States. From the Intracoastal Waterway in southern Florida, it runs all the way up the Atlantic Coast to Chesapeake Bay and then through New York canals to the Great Lakes. Then the route follows inland rivers all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico before the journey is completed where it began.

Capt. Flowers will attempt his recordbreaking run aboard a 28-foot Canyon Bay center console, which was generously donated to the cause by the Florida-based boat builder.

The single-engine vessel has an open helm, and Flowers plans to save time by limiting stops, sleeping on the boat and doing his own maintenance.

The ultimate goal is to raise $1 million for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

While battling his own stage-four cancer, Flowers said he met many suffering children, which set him on a mission to do something for the cause.

“When I see these children fighting cancer, I am amazed at their courage and strength,” he said. “Please help us raise money to give the 43 children diagnosed every day better treatment options; they deserve it.”

Help Flowers reach his goal of raising

From Left: Dr. Michael Bailey, Capt. Red Flowers and Scott Schwerdfeger.

Together, these three will travel 6,500 miles around the continental United States, attempting to break a world record for fastest completion of The Great Loop. Their mission is to raise awareness and funds to help National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

$1 million for critical pediatric cancer research by donating at NationalPCF.org/ GreatLoopChallenge. All proceeds will go to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, which funds research to find less toxic, more targeted treatments for pediatric cancer.

Follow Capt. Flowers’ journey through The Great Loop on social media and by visiting GreatLoopChallenge.com.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

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JULY 2024

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THE FORGOTTEN FISH

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

WATCH

W

hen we inshore anglers gather around the dock, you can count on one or more of these being the topic of conversation: trout, redfish, flounder or snook. Seldom is it the sheepshead.

Although they are not a species frequently targeted with lures, they can provide an aggressive bite and a worthy fight. Keeping them out of the structure they love is the real challenge.

The sheepshead is a fish that my son had never caught until a few weeks ago. We took a trip to South Texas to view our second of four Starship launches at the SpaceX facility. After the excitement and rumble of the launch, we picked up some live shrimp, and he was soon rumbling with many VIDEO sheepshead.

We set our sights on the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway, as it has a nearly unlimited amount of structure ideal for attracting sheepshead. Using the anchor mode on our trolling motor made it easy to stay close to the bridge pilings where the sheepshead were congregated. My son especially liked targeting them because we were under the causeway and in the shade, as opposed to being out on the open flats where we typically fish.

A small sharp hook and a split-shot or two, depending on the current, were all it took to place his shrimp in the strike zone. The strike zone is typically as close to the structure as possible. If you notice the sheepshead swimming around, they always have their noses to the structure.

I find that keeping your bait small helps attract the bite. It is beneficial to keep a tight line, as the bites can be very light. One tactic that served my son well was to walk toward the back of the boat and away from the structure once a fish was hooked. This assisted in pulling it away from the structure. Trying to manhandle the fish out on light tackle would certainly have led to some break-offs.

Stay vigilant in checking your line for frays after several casts and definitely after each fish. Keeping a sharp hook will also help in landing more fish because of their boney, teeth-filled mouths. This turned out to be an extra memorable fishing trip. We witnessed another historic space launch, and his catch landed him in second place for the Texas CCA Star Tournament with his sheepshead.

This is why I always say, take a kid fishing! They might win a college scholarship.

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®

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265 Moody Farm Road, Maggie Valley, NC (828) 926-3761 · info@peppertreemv.com

Welcome To Peppertree Maggie Valley

P

eppertree Maggie Valley was developed in 1981 as one of the mountains premier timeshare vacation resorts. Our 40 two bedroom condos look out over the beautiful Maggie Valley Club Golf Course and beyond to the Great Smoky Mountains that surround the valley.

Owners and renters (from Peppertree Maggie Valley) may enjoy the amenities of the Maggie Valley Club including golf for two people during their stay. The many area attractions are a short drive from the resort.

These include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cherokee Indian Reservation, Harrah’s Casino, and America’s largest private dwelling house, the Biltmore Estate, in Asheville.

Peppertree is affiliated with both Resort Condominiums International (RCI) and Interval International (II) for any who may want to exchange in from another resort and we have rentals and some re-sales available.

A three-mile section of Jonathan Creek has been

classified as the Maggie Valley Mountain Heritage Trout Water. It is hatchery supported and is subject to restrictions that have been established by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. This area provides convenient fishing opportunities to visitors of Maggie Valley. Fishing licenses can be purchased online at www.ncwildlife.org or by phone at (888) 248-6834.

A 3-day license costs $11 for residents & nonresidents age 16 or older and is valid only for waters designated as Mountain Heritage Trout Waters.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has approximately 2,900 miles of streams and provides a great opportunity for fishing, as well. Fishing is allowed year-round from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset. A fishing license or permit is required from either Tennessee or North Carolina. For more information including restrictions and limits visit Fishing in Great Smoky Mountains.

www.PepperTreeMV.com

WATCH

VIDEO

FLORIDA BONEFISH

AGGREGATIONS

DISCOVERED

D

uring the 2023-2024 bonefish spawning season, researchers with the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust documented, for the first time, bonefish pre-spawning aggregation sites in Florida. The first was discovered in the Upper Florida Keys and the second is a suspected site found near Key West. These discoveries are a hopeful sign of continued recovery for the species after a decades-long decline.

“Finding these nearshore areas where bonefish school by the thousands before migrating offshore to spawn in deep water is essential for their conservation,” said Jim McDuffie, BTT President and CE0. “As our science team continues to identify these sites, we will work with our state and federal partners to ensure that they are protected, ensuring a healthy future for one of Florida’s most iconic fish species.”

Over the course of the 2023-2024 bonefish spawning season, which spans from October to April, BTT Florida Keys Initiative Director Dr. Ross Boucek and his team tagged 44 bonefish 36

JULY 2024

with acoustic transmitters with the help of Florida Keys fishing guides. BTT scientists also deployed 37 acoustic receivers on the reef tract, which allow them to monitor bonefish spawning movements.

“We documented seven spawning events during the 2023-2024 spawning season,” said Dr. Boucek. “Four bonefish tagged with archival depth measuring tags spawned during these events; three of the four fish recorded maximum depths of 332 feet, 310 feet, 302 feet. The fourth fish recorded a maximum depth of 180 feet on its first possible spawning or false spawning attempt. The recorded spawning depth of approximately 300 feet is consistent between the Upper Key spawning site and the suspected spawning site near Key West, and with recorded spawning events in The Bahamas.”

During full and new moon cycles from fall through early spring, bonefish migrate 70 miles or more from their home ranges to nearshore pre-spawning aggregation sites, where they prepare to spawn by gulping air to fill their

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swim bladders. At night, they swim offshore and dive hundreds of feet before surging back up to the surface. It is believed the sudden change in pressure as they ascend makes their swim bladders expand, causing them to release their eggs and sperm. After fertilization takes place, the eggs hatch in about 24 hours, and the larvae drift in ocean currents for between 41 and 71 days before settling in shallow sand- or mudbottom bays, where they develop into juvenile bonefish.

“Our long-term goals are to conserve the reproductive cycle of our growing bonefish in the Florida Keys,” said Dr. Boucek. “We still need to know where spawning occurs across the Keys, what threats like habitat loss those spawning fish might face, where their larvae go, and the habitats the juveniles need to ensure that our new population of bonefish can reach their full potential.”

For more information, visit bonefishtarpontrust.org.

NEW FORMAT. MORE SPECIES. BIGGER PRIZES! Because every �sh could be a winner!

BECAUSE EVERY FISH COULD BE A WINNER!

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$500,000 in Prizes & Scholarships First Tagged Tigress Dolphin/MahiMahi Wins $10,000 cash Tagged Red�sh Prizes include Boat, Motor & Trailer Packages or Sea-Doo FISHPRO TROPHY & Can-Am Defender Package

Catch the SUPER STAR TAGGED REDFISH Win $50,000!

- $80 Entry (includes one year CCA membership) - $40 Entry for current CCA members $80 to Register includes One Year CCA Membership - FREE for Youth $40 for Current CCA Members - Over 100 Days of Fishing Prizes for Non-Tagged Species - $500,000 in Prizes & Scholarships Red�sh, Snoo�, Trout, Grouper, Tarpon, Sheepshead, - Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Snapper, �ac� Crevale, Lady�sh � Lion�sh

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BIG FISH EQUALS

BIG MONEY AT BIG ROCK WATCH

T

he 66th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, out of Morehead City, N.C. featured some astoundingly large payouts as well as some fine fishing.

The June 7-16 event, presented by Jarrett Bay Boatworks, hosted a record-setting fleet of 302 boats competing for a more than $7.5 million purse. With 196 blue marlin, 35 white marlin and 37 sailfish, a total of 268 billfish were given sore jaws during the tournament. The top three teams took home staggering payouts of over $1.8 million each.

“Game Time” was crowned the winner of the Big Rock Tournament with their 516-lb. blue marlin, which dominated the leaderboard all week. They claimed the Levels I, II, III, and IV prizes, totaling $1,816,375.

“Release” earned the title of Fabulous Fishermen by securing the Level V win on Day

VIDEO

1 for boating the first 500-lb. blue marlin of the tournament. Their big catch placed them second overall and also brought in a top payout of $2,215,325 (Level I-IV: $485,575 + Level V: $1,729,750).

The 64’ Jarrett Bay, “Builder’s Choice,” demonstrated that it pays to play. Their 431.8lb. blue marlin earned them $1,479,000 in the Level VI: Prime Storage Super 20 Division (a $20,000 calcutta), plus an additional $323,050 for their third-place finish in Levels I, II, III, and IV, totaling $1,802,050.

“Ava D’s” 46.2-lb. mahi set a new benchmark in the Level VII: Dolphin Winner Take All Division, sponsored by Parker Boats. The crew earned $603,500 for their catch, which is a record payout for a dolphin in any tournament globally!

“Sandbob” prevailed in the Level VIII Release Division, earning $150,875 plus a daily

prize of $50,291.67, for a grand total of $201,167.

The team accumulated 2,250 points by releasing five blue marlin and two white marlin in four days of fishing.

“Honky Tonk” won the Level IX Non-Sonar Release Division for releasing three blue marlin, earning a total of $114,750 – $86,062.50 for the weekly prize and $28,687.50 for a daily prize.

“Top Shot” secured the top spot in the Level X & XI Outboard Divisions with four blue marlin releases, earning $50,575.

Teams had multiple opportunities to win part of the $7.5 million purse through daily release cash prizes, overall release point winners, along with daily and weekly prizes for the heaviest dolphin, tuna, and wahoo.

For a full list of winners, visit https://www.thebigrock.com/prize-money/

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UNDERSTANDING

TRIM TABS

WHAT MAKES DOMETIC TRIM TAB SYSTEMS DIFFERENT?

WHAT ARE TRIM TABS AND WHAT DO THEY DO?

HOW DO TRIM TABS IMPROVE FUEL ECONOMY?

Trim tabs help level a boat in any situation, resulting in better control of the vessel for the skipper and a more comfortable ride for everyone onboard. In addition, a quality trim tab system will enhance overall boat performance and increase fuel efficiency by adjusting the vessel to its optimum running angle in various sea and weather conditions.

Trim tabs help get boats out of the hole and onto plane faster. They can also be adjusted to stop a boat from “porpoising” — the cyclic and rhythmic oscillation of the powerboat in relation to pitch and heave. Trim tabs also help keep a vessel on plane at various speeds, for a more comfortable and efficient ride. Lastly, trim tabs can help reduce listing, the roll or tilt of the vessel due to propeller torque or uneven weight distribution.

First, a vessel that gets on plane more quickly spends less time running at inefficient ride angles. Trim tabs can also allow a vessel to remain on plane at lower engine RPM. The

The intuitive dial controller makes both the Dometic Standard and Dometic Adaptive trim tab systems unique. The dial allows for easy and precise adjustment, removing any guesswork from leveling your boat. The controller allows you to easily adjust pitch and roll to get your boat on plane quickly and efficiently. The controller works by simply turning the dial in the direction you want to level the boat. The actuators respond quickly and precisely to adjust the ride. There are also single press Bow Up and Bow Down buttons for manual adjustment, and a Favorite Button

ability to “fine-tune” a boat’s running attitude and balance in the face of wind, waves and other conditions helps reduce hull drag and fuel consumption in various conditions.

to return to boat’s “sweet spot” ride position with the touch of a finger. The system’s Home Button quickly moves the tabs to home position.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY BOAT NEEDS TRIM TABS? Any planing hull powerboat will benefit from the addition of trim tabs. A quality trim tab system can transform your boating experience and provide easy, confident control in a variety of conditions.

Talk with your Dometic marine dealer to figure out the best system and trim tab size for your vessel’s needs.

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DIALED IN With Dometic Trim Tabs

SEASTAR TRIM TAB SYSTEMS Dometic has redefined the ease of use and practicality of a basic trim tab system. Featuring an intuitive dial controller, you can easily adjust the pitch and roll to get your boat on plane quickly and efficiently. A programmable favorites button makes for effortless operation. While its innovative, rugged design and auto-retract feature, ensure reliability and safety on the water, whatever the conditions.

Learn more at dometic.com

REGISTER NOW!! WWW.GIANTBASSOPEN.COM

YOUNG ANGLERS WIN BIG

AT BILL DANCE EVENT B

By Dave Link

ig money was at stake in the April 2021 Bill Dance Giant Bass Open on Tennessee’s Douglas Lake. Bass anglers in youth and adult divisions cashed checks— big checks—in the third event of a series designed by Gov. Bill Lee’s Office, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee State Parks, The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and Bill Dance Outdoors to enhance fisheries management and public access on 14 Bill Dance Signature Lakes.

Joe Vaulton and Walker LaRue of the Alcoa Fishing Team split their $6,075 in prize money evenly, a decision they made before the two-day event. Chase McCarter of the Sevier County Fishing Team opted to fish solo, and he won $2,375. Jackie Hatfield of Alcoa Fishing Team fished one day and won $1,150. Vaulton was the big-bass overall winner in the youth division. His 4.74-pound smallmouth was worth $1,500.

THE FORMAT, STRATEGIES

Each of the two days of the Giant Bass Open was divided into seven-hour periods with weigh-ins at the top of each hour. Each angler was allowed to keep three bass in the

livewell at a time and could weigh in one bass – not necessarily the biggest – each hour.

Prize money was awarded to the top-eight biggest bass each hour with first-place checks for juniors at $500, second-place $250, thirdplace $150, etc. Prize money for adults was doubled.

If an angler fished every hour for both days, they could potentially collect seven checks each day, plus the big-bass check.

“We figured out if one of us gets a good three (bass) in the livewell, then the other one needs to get three, too, so you can double in the hours, almost,” said Vaulton. “Instead of just one of us weighing each hour, both of us can weigh each hour, and we can make twice as much money.” The duo cashed 19 hourly checks, plus Vaulton’s big-bass check.

“The morning bite was better at Douglas, so if you catch a 3-pounder, you don’t want to weigh that in the first hour because there’s a good chance it will get beat, so you kind of want to save that until later in the day, mid-day, when it’s not as good and maybe win an hour,” LaRue said.

It’s a strategy that worked more than once.

Vaulton caught the big bass of the event—a smallmouth—between the 12-to-1 hour on the second day. During the same hour, LaRue

caught a 3.90-pounder, and their team strategy came into play.

LaRue knew Vaulton’s 4.74-pounder would win the 12-to-1 hour, so he saved his 3.90-pounder, weighed a lighter one, and won the 1-to-2 hour with the 3.90-pounder, resulting in back-to-back $500 first-place checks.

Vaulton’s 4.75-pounder was worth $2,000, winning the $1,500 for big bass of the tournament plus $500 for the hour.

TIPS FROM A PRO

FIND BLUEGILLS TO FIND GIANT SUMMER BASS

F

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JULY 2024

ishing during the hot stale days of summer is often thought to be the toughest and slowest fishing there is. I am here to help with that.

Not only are the next few months an amazing time to catch fish, they can also be the easiest time to pinpoint patterns for big bass. Spawning bluegills are the key. Bass will set up around bluegill beds and feed heavily on an easy meal of bluegills that congregate in the shallows to spawn.

Whether you are an experienced tournament fisherman or someone who just gets out every once in a while to stretch a line, this pattern is easily found if you know what to look and listen for.

You heard me right, listen! There are many ways to locate bluegill beds, and my favorite way is to use my ears. When you get around bluegills feeding in grass or lily pads, you will hear distinct little popping sounds of small fish sucking prey from the surface. When you hear this, you know you are in a productive area, and the big bass should be close by.

Another way to locate these areas is to use your eyes in shallow water. Bluegill fan

from a distance. This is typically in very shallow water, and bass use this shallow water to their advantage. Spawning bream make easy pickings.

If all else fails, or in murky water, I find these beds with my electronics. I idle TYLER WOOLCOTT around with side scan in 2 to 5 feet of water to locate crater patterns on my units and out an area on the bottom just like a bass when they spawn, but they do mark them with waypoints to come back and fish later. This is a good way to locate beds that are less pressured, because they are harder for other anglers to find.

There are a few different baits I use to catch bass around these beds.

The most important thing is to stay as far away from these areas as you can, while still being able to get a cast into them. Be stealthy because shallow-water bass are skittish.

I like a bluegill-colored popping frog and also a bluegill-colored swim jig with a trailer to match.

I’ll also throw a weightless wackyrigged Senko and will put a little nail weight in the Senko when fishing deeper beds. A lightweight Carolina-rigged Trick Worm or a shallow-diving squarebill crankbait are two other good options.

Hopefully this summertime bass tip helps you have a fun and it in big groups and create a pattern on sand productive day on your waters! and hard bottom that looks like the surface of the moon. If the water is even a little Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at clear, you should be able to spot a bunch of www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com. odd craters and divots on the bottom even

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Visit Cherokee County

One can never get lost here visitcherokeecountync.com

By Nick Carter

SIT THERE AND FOR GIANT TROUT

P

art-time guide Stephen Budkey catches a lot of outsized trout fishing the streams of western Pennsylvania. Much of his success with giant 6- to 15-pound rainbows and browns has to do with location, but he also uses some interesting tactics that specifically appeal to large fish.

The setting is on Lake Erie tributaries.

These streams vary in size, but generally Pennsylvania is known for smaller flows.

The key to their productivity is the lake. Lake Erie feeder streams experience steelhead runs a lot like the rivers of the Pacific Northwest. Fish grow large gorging on baitfish in open water before pushing into tributaries in early fall to spawn. The lake-run rainbow trout in this migration are called steelheads, and there are bruiser brown trout that run up out of the lake, as well.

Budkey also has access to a stretch of privately managed tailwater, which is an obvious target-rich environment for very large trout. Regardless of where he’s fishing, he uses tactics and gear that might seem odd to trout anglers in other regions.

If you’re a snooty fly fisher, set your tweed hat aside for a minute. This might not convince

you to pick up a spinning rod, but Budkey has an riffles. When targeting large trout, Budkey said undeniable knack for catching giant trout, and he looks for the deepest runs or waterfall holes you might just learn or adapt something from in the creek he’s fishing.

“I’m talking about creeks that are sometimes just the width of your car, and these fish will just stack up in there,” he said. “And when they stack up, they really stack up. It’s wild.”

Budkey said clients who are decent anglers can have 25-fish days that include trout that might weigh 6 to 10 pounds. Most of these trout were originally stocked by the state, but there is some reproduction, and holdover fish that have been in the water a few seasons can grow very large.

Trout don’t grow huge on a diet of insects alone, so Budkey fishes 2- to 3-inchlong baitfish lures to take advantage of the carnivorous tendencies of big fish. These fish have good eyesight, so he fishes 4-pound-test fluorocarbon and said light line can be the difference between catching dozens of fish or nothing at all. his style of fishing.

Now… battling 10-pound trout in current Reading water in western Pennsylvania is with light line is tricky, to say the least. the same as it is anywhere. Trout like the cold, “You really have to wear them out. They’ll well-oxygenated water of broken water and run you all the way down the creek and back up THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

JULY 2024

47

it, jumping and thrashing,” Budkey said. “If you try to muscle them, they’ll break you off every time.”

To even the odds, Budkey fishes a 10-footlong noodle rod, which is extremely flexible to absorb shock during the fight and protect that light line. Another important factor is a big net for landing fish, and it doesn’t hurt to have someone else to serve as net-man. Sometimes it’s not possible to bring big fish to hand, and a net man can wade out to get them.

When trout are aggressive, they are super aggressive, Budkey said. He likes a good-old floating Rapala when the trout are actively

chasing and fishes a 2-inch F05 or a 2.75-inch F07 tied on with a loop knot. He just throws it into the current, gives it a jerk to get it wobbling and lets it sit there until a fish crashes it.

If fish want something on or near the bottom, Budkey fishes jigs. Trout Magnet jigheads in 1/32 and 1/64 ounce—the lightest you can get away with—paired with Gulp! soft plastics are deadly.

Trout are suckers for these scented plastics, and he likes the 2.5- and 3-inch minnows as well as Killer Crawlers and Pinched Crawlers.

The technique with the jigs is slow. Budkey said he just wiggles the rod tip to give the lure some action.

“It’s almost like I don’t want to move the jig toward me very much, at all. I just want it to sit there and wiggle,” he said. “It’s like shaking a donut in someone’s face at the gym. They can’t handle it. They’ll run out and grab it.”

After the take, it’s time to start worrying about how to battle that fish to the net on super-light line. Budkey said that is the most fun part of trout fishing, and he loves nothing more than showing other people how to experience it.

See some of Budkey’s tactics on YouTube @FishFightsPA.

Top 7 Places for the Best Trout Fis

Tennessee Fly Fishing: PART 1Trout Fishing Top 7 Places for the_________________ Best ByBest Taylor PART 1 Klarman Top 7 Places for_________________ the Trout Fishing

I

PART 1

f Tennessee fly fishing is on your bucket list or By Taylor Klarman United States to access this fam _________________ you’re a Tennessean just looking for the next has great water temperatures y Tennessee fishing is on your or you! We By Taylor Klarman United States to this famous Sinb best fly creek to fish, this bucket guide list is for to access a variety species tailwater. including ou’re a Tennessean just looking for the next has great water temperatures year round, it’s took some time to highlight our top 7 rivers that trout, smallmouth bass and he f Tennessee fly fishing is on is your bucket list or United States tospecies access including this famousbrown tailwater.

Since it est creek to fish, this guide for you!

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It’strout, also known fo or hit the streams in our beautiful mountains, The South Holston hasn’t tookyou’re some time to highlight top tailwaters 7 rivers that trout, smallmouth andbrown even stripers ther wanting to hop our on the abundant numberbass of wild trout. making best fly fishing opportunities in the state. their way up from Boonetrout Lake! since It’s alsothe known for2000 its this guide is in for you!

With our regions temperate early ithave thethe streams our beautiful mountains, The Southbrown Holston hasn’t been stocked w Whether you’re wanting to hop on the tailwaters abundant number of wild brown trout. climate, it makes for the perfect habitat for water quality and environment guide is for you! With our regions temperate brown trout since the early 2000’s due to its exce orsupporting hit the streams in our beautiful mountains, The South Holston hasn’t been stocked with healthy trout populations year round. created an excellent habitat ate, it makes for the perfect habitat for watertrout quality and of for cou this guide is for you! With our regions temperate brown since theenvironment. early 2000’s dueThis to itshas, excellent This healthy guide will cover the bestyear waters to fish, what to thrive in. for Boasting nearly 8 orting trout populations round. created an excellent habitat the trout popula climate, it makes for the perfect habitat for water quality and environment. This has, of course, kind of trout you can find, and the best flies to use mile, this puts it at the top of the guide will cover the best waters to fish, what to thrive in.

Boasting nearly 8,500 wild trout supporting healthy trout populations year round. created an excellent habitat for the trout population of trout youwill cancover find,the and thewaters flies to use this it atlist! thenearly top of8,500 the list as our for when fishing there.

Grab abest drink and come see why these trout fisheries Tennessee flyin.puts fishing Book your next fly#1fishi This guide best to fish, what tomile, thrive Boasting wild trout per nkind fishing there.

Grab a drink come see fishing Book next flythefishing trip of trout you can find, andand the best flies towhy use these trout fisheries Tennessee flyHolston mile,list! this puts it your atus theand top of list as our forthe thisSo made our list!

River with experience this#1on beautifu ewhen our list! with us and experience beautiful fishery! fishing there. Grab a drink and come see why these trout fisheries Holston TennesseeRiver fly fishing list!

Book your nextthis fly fishing trip onCity, the South From South Holston Dam to Bluff there made our list!

Holston River with us and experience this beautiful fishery!

Holston Dam to Bluff City, there are numerous 1. Tennessee Fly Fishing: South Holston RiverFrom South points for the wading angler. With the entirety ac o Tennessee Fly Fishing: South Holston River From South Holstonangler.

Dam toWith Bluff the City,entirety there are access points for the ofnumerous this section of r The South Holston River, or SoHo as locals call it, is one of the best wading 1. South Tennessee Fly Fishing: Holston The Holston River, or SoHo asSouth locals call it, is oneRiver of the best points for the wading angler. With the entirety of this section of river blue ribbon trout streams in the as nation.

Anglers come from all over the The South Holston River, or SoHo locals call is one the best Continued, see TENNESSEE FLY ribbon trout streams in the nation. Anglers comeit,from allofover the Continued, see TENNESSEE FLY FISHING Page blue ribbon trout streams in the nation. Anglers come from all over the

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Continued, see TENNESSEE FLY FISHING Page 10

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REAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS & THE UPSTATE

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IGFA Shuffles Bass Records

B

ass anglers have some new opportunities to catch IGFA world records. The International Game Fish Association (IGFA), which keeps track of record catches worldwide, recently announced changes to its bass record categories that will differentiate between Florida bass and largemouth bass and add a new record category for Alabama bass.

These changes come as science better understands black bass genetics, and it opens new record categories for anglers to pursue.

This year, IGFA staff biologist Dr. Andrew Taylor, of the University of North Georgia, co-authored a scientific article that explored current science on black bass genetics to update IGFA’s record keeping.

Florida/Largemouth Bass

Until relatively recently, science had not differentiated between Florida bass (Micropterus salmoides) and largemouth bass (Micropterus nigricans). Other than the fact that Florida bass typically grow larger than their northern cousins, the two species are often indistinguishable without genetic testing. IGFA has implemented the following

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VIDEO

record keeping changes for the two species.

Effective immediately, Florida bass (Micropterus salmoides) are eligible for line class, tippet class, junior and length records under the category: “bass, largemouth (Micropterus nigricans/salmoides).” Genetic testing will not be required for submissions in this category. While the standing All-Tackle Record for largemouth bass (Micropterus nigricans) will remain unchanged, any new All-Tackle record submissions for these species will require genetic verification.

Because the genetic testing process varies by region, anglers interested in submitting a potential world record should contact their corresponding local agency for additional information.

Spotted Bass/Alabama Bass

Through the history of bass fishing, anglers have not differentiated between close relatives spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) and Alabama bass (Micropterus henshalli).

Taylor’s study confirmed that many records previously attributed to spotted bass were, in

fact, Alabama bass. Consequently, the IGFA has corrected these records to reflect accurate species identification.

The IGFA is announcing the introduction of Alabama bass (Micropterus henshalli) as a new species eligible for line class, tippet class, junior and length record categories, effective immediately. This change introduces 35 new record opportunities, including seven new line class and tippet class records for both men and women. With a wide geographic distribution, this popular species will generate exciting new record opportunities within the recreational angling community.

“These updates are a testament to the IGFA’s ongoing dedication to science and conservation,” said IGFA President, Jason Schratwieser. “By ensuring IGFA World Records reflect the most accurate scientific data available, we not only honor the integrity of our sport but also promote the conservation of these diverse species and the habitats they call home.”

Dr. Taylor’s article: “Updating Angling Records to Advance Sport Fish Conservation: A Case Study of IGFA’s Black Bass World Records” can be found at: https://doi.org/10.1002/fsh.11051

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Experience Watauga River Home of world class fishing on the beautiful Watauga Lake, rugged Doe River and designated trophy trout stream, Watauga River

Watauga Lake Doe River PLAN YOUR TRIP AT TOURCARTERCOUNTY.COM

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SAVOR THE SEASONS in Upcountry South Carolina

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ou don’t need an invitation to have fun in Upcountry South Carolina: Come kayak crys-tal blue lakes, hike to rushing waterfalls, dig into local cuisine, attend family oriented events and breathe fresh mountain air. But when you hold a South Carolina fishing license, it feels like an official ticket to enjoy the great outdoors.

Fish bite year-round in the lakes, rivers and streams of Upcountry South Carolina, which is located in the state’s northwest corner in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Devils Fork State Park in Salem is a great place to access Lake Jocassee, which holds state records for rainbow trout, brown trout, redeye bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass and yellow perch. Or try your luck at Lake Hartwell, at Lake Hartwell State Park in Fair Play and Sadlers Creek State Park in Anderson, three-time host of the Bassmaster Classic.

The Chattooga River boasts healthy wild trout populations and is also regularly stocked by Oconee County’s Walhalla State Fish Hatchery. The Whitewater River above Lower White-water Falls is another great option for wild trout. Lake Keowee, at Keowee-Toxaway State Park in Pickens County, swims with largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, crappie, bluegill, yel-low perch, catfish, brown and rainbow trout.

Pick up everything you need—including advice— at local fly shops or book a guided fish-ing trip. Sam Jones, of Jocassee Charters, puts anglers on trophy trout. Buster Green’s Guide Ser-vice reels in stripers, hybrids and bass on Hartwell and Keowee. Chattooga

THE BEST PLACE TO DROP A FISHING LINE

River Fly Shop leads fly fishing trips on the Chattooga and Chauga rivers.

Even if you don’t fish, you can still get on the water. Jocassee Lake Tours offers tours of the lake and of Jocassee Gorges, which National Geographic called a “destination of a Lifetime.”

Some amazing spots can only be reached by boat. Several tours are offered, so you can learn from a naturalist while riding on a pontoon or paddle a kayak through coves and under waterfalls.

Prefer to captain your own boat? There are several rental companies, including Tri-County Boat Rental, on Keowee, Jocassee, Hartwell and other lakes.

If you’d rather be under the water, Jocassee is a world-renowned freshwater diving desti-nation that boasts visibility of more than 50 feet at depth. Lake Jocassee Dive Shop offers lessons and guided trips to see “The Wall,” where a section of mountain was blasted to build the dam, or a 40-foot swim-through wooden sailboat.

From fishing to boating, hiking to camping, biking to bird watching and more, the Up-country’s state parks are a great place to play. Dip into the swimming hole at Oconee State Park. Hike to the tops of Pinnacle and Table Rock mountains at Table Rock State Park.

Explore the 13,000-acre Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area at Caesars Head State Park. Or create your own adventure at any of the Upcountry’s 13 state parks.

Visit UpcountrySC.com to learn more.

Impressionist Rods

By Mike Moroney

“Painters, being dead and buried, speak to a following generation or to several future generations through their works.”

— Vincent van Gogh

L

ike the famous impressionist painters, fishermen have the opportunity for their rods to speak to both current and future generations. Most custom-built rods carry a signature of sorts. I am not referring to the physical signature that a builder might place on a rod she/he builds.

I am speaking metaphorically about the fact that every custom-built rod reflects the owner and the purpose for which the rod was designed, whether that be performance, artistic beauty, commemoration, or something else.

Frankly, even if a rod is designed to be a simple, inexpensive, unfancy fishing rod, that is the reputation, or the inherent message, that the rod will carry for as long as it exists. Suffice it to say that whatever the objective is, the rod speaks to those who see it and use it. And, because the rod often becomes a family heirloom, it speaks to the following generation or future generations.

How often have you known someone that wanted to restore a rod that was owned and used by a loved one? The memories that accompany that rod speak to the person that wants it restored.

A custom-built rod can carry a variety of messages. It could be simply the purpose for which a rod is built. But it could also be more than that. It could be an expression of beliefs or values, a depiction of a great adventure, a tribute to a loved one, or something else significant to the owner for whom it is built.

I recently read about a rod that has weaved

pictures of every member of a family on it. It is amazing work and reflects what is important to the owner of that rod. I also know a fisherman who compiled a collection of rods with weaves of various cartoon characters. It’s an awesome display and it aligns with his desire to encourage kids to take up the sport of fishing. I am hopeful to someday build a rod that will express my faith, though it will be represented more symbolically by colors and various motifs.

Frankly, this is one more reason to “build instead of buy.” In addition to enhanced performance and unique personalization, a custom rod can carry a meaningful message and remind future generations of what was important to the rod’s owner.

If you have taken time to read or watch the various articles and videos that Bill Batson has produced about the Batson Enterprises rod collection, you have witnessed this first-hand. Bill is the CEO/Owner of Batson Enterprises. Each of the rods he describes speak to him in some special way. Each represents a person, an event, a memory, or something that is significant to him. Each area, or rack, where the rods are displayed, does the same in a more collective way. I recently had the privilege of speaking with Bill about one of the rods in the collection that is very special and meaningful to him.

It hangs beneath a giant ulua in his office.

Though it speaks loudly to Bill, we should all treasure its messages.

Imagine growing up on Maui, one of the Hawaiian Islands, living a very simple

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life and frequently needing to fish for food to feed your family. And imagine as a young man, coming home one evening to find your father on the floor with a makeshift handwrapping machine with thread running through a stack of encyclopedias for tension.

When Bill told me this story, I asked him why his father decided to craft a rod. He told me it was to build a better fishing tool because they depended on their rods for their livelihood.

The giant ulua hanging in Bill’s office is a testimonial to the specialized rods that his father built.

Otherwise known as a giant trevally, the ulua is a very elusive fish found around the Hawaiian Islands. Prized for its size and power, it is large enough to provide a feast for a large family. The ulua hanging in Bill’s office was caught by Bill’s father, Bob Batson.

Many fishermen go their whole lives without catching one of these trophies, so you can imagine the memories that fish represents for Bill and the rest of the Batson family.

Yet perhaps of even larger significance is that night on the floor, which began Bob’s journey into custom rod building. Bob eventually formed Phantom Custom Rods where he became well-known for his custom rod building skills and knowledge, as well as his integrity and honesty. He built customized rods for a couple of charter services, was highlighted in the famous book, “Fishing Hawaii Style by Jim Rizzuto,” interviewed on television and more. Suffice it to say that through hard work and high ethics he established a strong position for himself in the rod-building industry. The rod that hangs 58

JULY 2024

beneath the ulua, built by Bill’s father, speaks loudly about Bob’s journey. It speaks about his ingenuity and intentionality, and his courage to undertake something new in hopes of a better life for his family.

Bob eventually closed Phantom Custom Rods and moved his family to the mainland, where the cost of living was lower than on Maui. In the year 2000, after leading another major rod component company for 10 years, Bob Batson took a leap of faith and started a fishing rod blank and component company that would reflect his own mission and values.

Bob and Connie Batson’s first employees were their son Bill Batson and nephew Karry Batson. Bob set out on his mission drawing on his experience, integrity, and network of worldwide manufacturing partners, and in a few short years transformed Batson Enterprises from a humble home-based business into the most trusted rod component supplier in America.

Where the original mission of the Batson family was to make a living and feed their family, they are now part of an industry that feeds thousands, if not more. In some ways, their mission hasn’t changed much!

It should be evident why the rod in Bill’s office speaks loudly to him and the Batson family. Now that you know the story, perhaps it speaks to you as well. It certainly does me.

Although this rod speaks about a journey, a rod might also carry a message that is embedded more deliberately. The family rod and the cartoon collection mentioned earlier are just a couple of examples of messages that were intentionally included.

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As mentioned above, this is one more reason to “build instead of buy.” In addition to enhanced performance and unique personalization, a custom rod can carry a meaningful message, become a treasured heirloom, and speak to future generations about something of importance to the rod’s owner.

If you decide to have a custom rod built for yourself, perhaps you will want to not only be asked questions like, what are your color choices, or would you be interested in some type of decorative flair? Perhaps in addition, you would appreciate some larger questions such as, what do you want the rod to say, and who do you want it to speak to? That will undoubtedly be a most interesting and fun conversation!

If you are a serious fisherman, you might be thinking to yourself, “I just want it to be the most productive and attractive rod I own.” Of course! That is a given. But it can be more. The rod that you will be known for could be one that is both a superior performer and highly customized to your personal preferences with a theme that you don’t want forgotten. It could be a treasured legacy for your family and future generations. And because the rod’s primary purpose is to catch fish, it is a piece of art that doesn’t just hang on a wall. Rather, it can be viewed and enjoyed whenever and wherever it is used. And hopefully that is often!

Note: Some portions of this article contain excerpts from an article titled, “Rods That Speak,” written by this author and published in the Fall 2023 RodCrafters Journal. They have been used here with the journal’s and the author’s permission.

DS

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RUN-AND-GUN TROLLING

Scout Weed Lines Quickly and Effectively

By Mark Ambert

This beautiful mahi fell for a pitched Ballyhoo twitched along a weed-line.

W

ith the advent of weed line formation during the summer, mahi become a favorite target to hunt using the “run and gun” method up and down the east coast. Scouting them out while on the move is a surefire way of putting these tasty and acrobatic fish in the cooler, but we can burn a lot of fuel and effort trying to determine which weed formations will yield fish. A good way to quickly scout if anyone’s home and hungry is a modified version of the troll.

I have to admit, I used to do a lot more trolling in my younger days and now prefer to scout the water with an assortment of live or fresh dead baits and jigs. This is just a personal preference and by no means a complete strategy.

In today’s competitive fishing environment, you must be able to roll with the day as it unfolds, and therefore multiple methods of fishing are a must. To that point, I have observed and adopted a method of trolling used by professional captains—particularly for mahi in the Florida Keys.

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Ballyhoo rigged and ready on some Piscifun gear!

The Setup Having a couple of spinning rods rigged and ready to go with pitch baits that can be trolled is a surefire way to determine if feeding fish are present on a weed line. The rig consists of a 7-foot medium-heavy spinning rod with a 6000size spinning reel—preferably with a baitrunner setting.

If you’re not familiar with the baitrunner

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function, it is a free-spool setting that allows line to pull from the spool while the bail in engaged.

When a fish grabs your bait, it can take it without feeling resistance from the line.

My favorite combo is a Penn Carnage III boat rod with a Shimano Thunnus spinning reel. Spool each reel with 20-lb. mono and add a 40- or 50-lb., 4-foot fluorocarbon leader. I then attach a Gamakatsu size 6/0 or 7/0 Octopus hook using a Palomar knot. Insert the hook under the

large, scattered weed patches. If you are using a baitrunner reel, allow the fish to run a few seconds before setting the hook.

TheAnElectric Alternate alternate to this method that’s ideal for

chin of a fresh frozen, small- to medium-sized ballyhoo. Make sure the point of the hook exits directly between the eyes and you’re good to go.

I like to use a Squidnation Slammer 3” plastic chugger head in conjunction with the bait to produce a bit more action.

Cast this out behind the boat and alongside a promising weed patch while underway. Position it several yards past the last wakes from the prop wash, and slowly work the bait by twitching the

rod tip while holding it above your head. This will cause the ballyhoo to dance and skip across the water like a fleeing baitfish. You can work two baits in this manner by staggering the distance.

If nothing hits within a few minutes, move on.

This method is done at much slower speeds than traditional trolling. If the baits get washed out, replace them with fresh ones. Fresh dead sardines can be substituted for ballyhoo. This method is deadly for locating feeding fish on

a long straight weed line or rip is to use a more traditional trolling setup. I use the Piscifun Saltflow offshore rod and the Kraken electric reel with battery pack for this type of trolling.

I like this setup for its combination of effective features and ease of use. The Saltflow rod is 8-foot, 3-inch in length with a soft tip— perfect for a medium troll and keeping the baits skipping on the surface. This rod has a unique line guide setup that completely eliminates rod twist under a load. Using the Kraken electric reel for this type of trolling is new to me this year and has already paid dividends. It is extremely easy to deploy and quickly retrieve lures or baits, especially with the level-wind keeping the line even on the reel spool. It may not seem like much, but when constantly retrieving lures to clear weeds or move locations, the quickness and efficiency of a lightweight electric reel can’t be beat.

My medium-speed trolling lure is a traditional ballyhoo rig with teaser and bait spring that can be trolled faster and for longer distances without getting washed out. A premade rig that works well is the Mahi Chaser

by Trolling Pro Tackle.

Once you get a hook-up, get some fresh squid, jigs or live baits in the water and hang on.

The Mahi show is about to get started!

Mark Ambert, IG @marksgonefishing_™

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F

orty-nine reservoirs stretch across the Tennessee Valley like a string of pearls. And for those who love to fish, those lakes are just as valuable.

Whether it’s bass, crappie, walleye, or catfish, whether for sport, food, or just fun, you can find world-class lake fishing only hours away from any spot in the Tennessee Valley. From more than 11,000 miles of shoreline or while floating on more than 700,000 acres of water, residents and visitors will quickly learn why this area is considered one of the best fishing destinations in the U.S. and, some would say, the world.

Find Your Own Fishing Hole

Fishing from the shore can be restful and rewarding—and anyone can do it. All you need is a little intel about how to find a spot where the fish might be biting. Here are a few tips for successful shore fishing from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: • Fish are often swimming near the shore in the spring and fall. If you’re fishing from the shore in the heat of summer, do it in the evening or early morning—or even after dark.

• Fish near-unique features such as docks, logs, trees, rocks, or rocky areas; aquatic vegetation; or places where creeks enter the water.

• When fishing in moving water, look at the surface for boils and breaks—this means there is some underwater structure blocking the current, which could be the perfect hiding place for fish.

• Begin fishing (casting) close and parallel to the bank, then work your way outward (fan casting) toward deeper water.

• If you don’t get any bites, try switching baits. If this doesn’t work, move to another hole.

• Wear polarized sunglasses so you’ll be able to see fish as well as submerged objects more clearly. (Your eyes will also be protected from the tackle.)

If you love outdoor sports—boating, hunting, fishing—and the natural world, or if you just like to observe wildlife, build birdhouses, maintain a bird feeder or are just curious about the critters in your backyard, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is here to help enrich your outdoor experience. Visit us at www.tn.gov/twra/.

By Capt. Sergio Atanes

IT'S GOOD TO GET AWAY TO

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ou would think a charter captain who spends more than 220 days a year fishing would vacation on land. Not this sea lover. The last two years we have traveled to Costa Rica to fish and film for our TV show.

We picked Nosara, a small town ideal for fishing, surfing and its nature preserves, located in the northwest of the country just minutes from the Pacific Ocean. Nosara is rich with archeological history. It is not uncommon for landowners to find vestiges of ancient cultures buried in the soil while building or planting crops.

Most vacation spots in Costa Rica are a four- to five-hour drive from airport in the capital city, San Jose. We wanted to find a fishing location that incorporated fishing and family adventure with the true flavor of Costa Rica. We settled on Nosara Paradise rentals, just minutes from shopping, fishing and Guiones Beach, which is known for its surfing.

Our trip consisted of 18 anglers, mostly couples who love adventure. We spent eight days and seven nights exploring and fishing. Nightlife in Nosara is mostly local restaurants that have music, and most resorts and bars observe a 10 p.m. curfew. Fishing out of Nosara made things simple. A short 30-minute run led us to sailfish and marlin. We’d fish offshore in the morning

and on the way home we would do some bottom fishing on one of the many reefs that lie within a mile of the shoreline.

The captains were some of the best I have fished with outside of the country. They are hard workers, polite and knowledgeable. The boats are nothing fancy. Offshore they use 32-foot cuddy cabin boats with twin Yamaha outboards.

Inshore captains use 27-foot and 23-foot island center console outboard boats.

The marine geology of this area features an offshore ledge that brings deep-water fish close to the shore, so you spend more time fishing and less time traveling. The usual fish caught offshore were sailfish with an average weight more than 100 pounds, blue and black marlin,

yellowfin tuna and dorado. Nearshore, we caught cubera snapper, bonita, seabass and roosterfish, and we fished less than a quarter mile from shore. From shore, some of the biggest snook are caught just a few minutes away from the resort in the local river, with some fish going over 50 pounds.

We spent 3 days fishing and 2 days touring the area and a few just enjoying the beach and the nature preserve. Our group caught and released 49 Sailfish, two Marlin, 12 yellowfin tuna, four roosterfish and two cubera snapper.

Other activities included horseback riding, kayaking, eco tours and snorkeling the inshore reefs just a few yards from the shoreline. We all had a great time and look forward to another visit next year.

Next time we plan to zipline in the jungle and make the trip to the volcano.

Capt. Sergio Atanes is a native of Tampa and has been fishing Tampa Bay and Boca Grande for over 40 years. He is owner and operator of S & I charters and can be reached at (813) 973-7132 or www.reelfishy.com.

SCAN TO CHECK US OUT

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COOLERS, the leader in high-performance soft-sided coolers, is hitting the

water this year with new, upgraded fishing products. Our fishing team partners told us what they needed, and we listened!

Products are in stock and ready to ship; The Fishing Cooler Backpack, 2, 4 & 6ft Fish bags, Fillet bags, Boat fenders, EVA Traction pads, Inflatable Docks, ISUPs, and of course, our high-performance coolers specifically designed for use on boats, guaranteed not to leak, and to keep ice cold for up to 24 hours.

Thirty years ago, AO was launched to provide active, hard-core people with quality products at a reasonable price. We started selling our soft-sided coolers to the hard-core, go-fast boaters and fishermen in Lake Havasu. We aimed to keep ice in our coolers for up to 24 hours in 120-degree Havasu heat. That goal was accomplished 30 years ago, and we’re still at it.

We know our customers; they fish and boat in the summer and ride the dunes or trails in the winter. AO products give those high-octane souls greater freedom to embark on and enjoy what’s important to them.

Make sure that your gear does not hold you back from doing what you love. AO products are built to handle whatever offshore adventure is coming next.

AO is flexibly rugged, seriously fun, and honestly real!

We’re looking for active, adventurous folks that demand quality and performance from their gear. Share your adventure and send us your fish story or photo.

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A UTAH FISHING TRIP

I

recently made a trip to Utah’s Green River fishing for trout. I came across a trip provided by a fly shop in Sacramento, Cali. that included reasonably priced lodging and guided fishing. My son accompanied me, and we decided to drive the 2,000 miles to Dutch John, Utah rather than flying.

I decided to take the northern route to Utah and return via the southern route from my home in west Georgia. Traveling through fifteen states over the course of the journey reinforced my awareness of the expanse and diversity of terrain within the United States.

There continues to be wide expanses of open, undeveloped, agricultural and range land in this country.

The Green River is in the northeastern corner of Utah. The arid, mountainous, extremely rocky landscape has low-growing trees and plants. There are no extensive forest lands except on the higher elevations of the

Uinta Mountains. The river flows through a canyon with high red colored rocky bluffs on each side. The area is noteworthy in its geological features that contain fossils from various geological eras to include dinosaur fossils.

On this particular trip, our party encountered high water that was unusual for this time of year. Our guides were challenged to locate fishable water. If fishing in the main river channel, the angler would take a boat ride down the 5 miles of fishable water in an hour or less, as the current was moving so fast. We fished eddies and slack water on the river edges.

Even with the less than desirable high water, each day we caught good numbers of fish, averaging around 12 to 15 rainbow and brown trout. My son had one exceptional day

By Andrew A. Cox

of fishing, catching in excess of 20 fish. It seemed he could not keep trout off his flies, catching trout on most drifts made with his fly rod. The average fish length was 15 to 18 inches.

My son caught a 20-inch brown trout that I believe was the largest fish caught over the course of our three-day trip.

Our fish were caught on double nymph rigs with long leaders and strike indicators.

Some fish were caught on cicada pattern dry flies, but these were few and far between with nymphs being more consistent in catching fish. The water seemed too high and fast for consistent action on surface flies.

Utah’s Green River is an area I would

definitely like visit again to fish in better conditions. The river does receive a good deal of fishing pressure but is noted for an exceptionally large trout population.

Over the course of fishing with my son, I recognized that he has taken up many of my fishing techniques and style. His youth, physical agility, eyesight and reaction times allow him to be more skilled than I am at this stage in my life. However, I take pride in the fact that I still have some old angling tricks up my sleeve.

For the angler who also enjoys travel, there are many magnificent waters to sample in this country that we call home. Hopefully, current and future generations will do their part to take care of and preserve these waters.

Dr. Andrew Cox has been fishing the waters of Georgia, Alabama, and north Florida for over 40 years. He financially supports his fishing habits as a Professor at Troy University, Phenix City, Ala. He may be contacted at andrewtrout@aol.com.

Life on the Water... emeraldcoastgetaways.com

Waterfront • Boat Dock Pool • Hot Tub • Pet Friendly!

Waterfront 5/3 Home Sleeps 12!

Located on Deep Water Canal, Room for 2+ Boats!

Life on the Water is the perfect vacation home for the multi-family desiring waterfront accommodations with multiple living areas.

What You’ll Love:

New Property! All New Furniture and Amenities Dec. 2022!

Distance to Beach: Car 5.7 mile, 0.5 miles Boat.

Located on the Gulf Breeze FL peninsula, on a hidden deep water canal.

Boat Ramp 1 mile away, 2 min to open water, 2 marinas with fuel within a 5 min boat ride.

120 ft. of brand new dockage, fish cleaning station, power and water.

Ultimate outdoor space featuring a pool, hot tub, patio areas with grills, and open-air shower.

The Ultimate Vacation Home for Anglers B e it red snapper season, Blue Angels air shows, or everyday exploration of the miles of Pensacola Beach just three miles away, fishing is a huge part of Emerald Coast Getaways’ Life on the Water vacation rental, and the creation of this property kept that in mind for the discriminating angler and boater.

Located on the Gulf Breeze peninsula between Pensacola Beach and Pensacola, Life on the Water is situated on a deep water canal, with 120 ft. of brand new dockage plus 30 feet under boat house cover, there’s plenty of protected room for two+ boats.

Your boat will be secure, protected from open bay beatings, yet less than two minutes to open water and three miles to Flounders, Pensacola beaches, and the various restaurants accessed via boat.

The property has two driveways, so trailer parking is available, with the Oriole Beach Boat Ramp one mile away, and two marinas with fuel within a five minute boat ride. Life on the Water also boasts a custom fishing cleaning station, power and water for the boats, and there’s even a lower dock landing for the kayaker and paddle boarder. Just out the canal are miles of grass flats with great fishing for speckled trout and redfish. There’s even a pinfish trap on the dock for bait!

If you decide not to trailer your boat, rent a boat! Pensacola Pontoons will deliver a boat right to our dock. Just say when and they will get it delivered. Lets get you on the water!

Guests will fall in love with the ultimate outdoor space featuring

a pet friendly fenced-in yard (pet fee does apply), upstairs and downstairs entertainment decks, 2 gas grills and private pool overlooking the water.

From the coastal decor to the amazing outdoor spaces, this 3,143 sq. ft, 5 bedroom/3 bath home is sure to impress. Just released to the market, this multi-level home accommodates 12 guests comfortably allowing plenty of space for everyone. This kitchen is well stocked and fit for a chef, comes complete with the stainless-steel appliances, Calphalon cookware and beautiful quartz counter tops. The open concept design allows the perfect space to interact with family and friends.

No detail was overlooked in the design and décor, a stately home in a charming neighborhood, making this an unforgettable vacation location! Life on the Water will become your families hidden gem. We truly look forward to hosting your stay!

www.emeraldcoastgetaways.com

CATCHING AIR! FLORIDA’S MAGNIFICENT JUMPING SUWANNEE RIVER STURGEONS

PHOTOS BY OSCAR SOSA

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

SAT2NAV UNPARALLELED IN THE INDUSTRY. SERIOUSLY!

Hilton’s innovative SAT2NAV system connects your Garmin, Furuno or Raymarine chart plotters to HiltonsOffshore. com’s server directly from your MFD. Customize/download the latest dynamic charts and then navigate on them outside of cell range — ALL FROM YOUR MFD SCREEN! Split screen a Hilton’s chlorophyll or sea temp chart along with a bathymetry chart and/or instrumentation.

TOTAL GAME CHANGER.

REALTIME-NAVIGATOR.COM

MORE FISH, LESS FUEL!

S

ince 2004, Hilton’s has helped serious offshore anglers catch more fish while burning less gas. This is the company that pioneered online satellite fish forecasting with timely updated charts that display all of the pertinent fishfinding information at a reasonable cost for the best anglers in the world.

This year, Hilton’s pushed the industry forward again with its SAT2NAV system. In a quantum leap ahead of any other service in the industry, Hilton’s has brought its unparalleled charts where they belong… to your boat’s chart plotter screen!

Gone are the days when a separate smart device was required to navigate on charts downloaded while in cell phone range. SAT2NAV allows you to surf Hilton’s online mapping portal, select desired charts and then navigate on them—all on the water and all from the multifunction display in your cockpit.

Nobody in the industry can do what Hilton’s is doing with SAT2NAV. SAT2NAV is an external device that connects to the monitors of your Garmin, Raymarine or Furuno multifunction displays. It has its own WIFI and GPS antennas and brings access to Hilton’s charts to the monitors at your helm. It is now possible view your vessel’s position relative to temperature breaks, color changes, high-res bathymetry, altimetry, etc. on your multifunction display.

With split-screen, all of this powerful imagery can be displayed alongside sonar, radar or other desired information.

With SAT2NAV, it’s never been easier to identify and navigate to ocean features where bait and gamefish congregate. You can do your homework on the charts at home, but sometimes it’s necessary to call an audible on the water. With Hilton’s charts clearly visible on your monitor, you can find those good currents, minute temperature changes, sea-surface upwellings, color breaks and navigate to them. Perhaps more importantly, you can eliminate dead water, which makes you a much more efficient and effective angler.

Of course, all of this comes with Hilton’s unrivaled service.

Their philosophy, reputation and longevity in the industry rely on the concept that if the information doesn’t help you catch fish, you won’t use it. So, they continually strive to provide the best up-to-date imagery, information and technology, and they’ll go above and beyond to make sure you know what you’re looking at and how to use it.

Hilton’s, again, is leading the industry.

With SAT2NAV they can do what no one else in the industry can do right now. At the same time, they are continually working to be better with additional eye-opening features that will further distinguish Hilton’s as the best in the fish forecasting industry. Stay tuned…

+1 713-530-2267 • HILTON@RT-NAV.COM

COASTAL ANGLER AND THE ANGLER EXPERIENCE CONTINUED GROWTH C oastal Angler Magazine and its freshwater component The Angler Magazine continue to experience franchise growth. Recent additions to the franchise expansion include Middle Tennessee, Puerto Rico and St. Augustine, Fla. According to CEO Ben Martin, the franchise model is the strongest business platform available in today’s publishing space.

“We’re just about to expand into the

Texas market, and we look for accelerated growth throughout the region,” said Martin. “Coastal Angler and The Angler magazines boast dozens of current locations, and these new editions add to our powerful and expanding footprint.”

The franchise publishing model acts as a co-op entity enabling franchise owners to enjoy lower costs on printing and other business purchases. Its training program and support system empower

individuals with no prior publishing experience to launch and operate successful local fishing magazines in nearly any market where fishing is a popular pastime.

First published in 1996, Coastal Angler embarked on the franchise model in 2008. The total circulation for the magazine is now over 250,000 copies per month, and it is recognized as the largest outdoor publication in the country.

For more information on the franchise opportunities available with Coastal Angler Magazine or The Angler Magazine visit:

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Jim Childers grew up fishing and hunting in west Tennessee.

“If I wasn’t working, you could find me in the woods or on the water.” As a kid, his family would travel several times a year to the Panhandle where he and his dad would fish. He fell in love with the area early on and vowed to move there someday.

Jim semi-retired from his print business three years ago. He captained his 42-foot boat down the Tombigbee Waterway, through Mobile Bay, to the Panhandle. He currently lives on the Intracoastal in Perdido Key with his wife, Tami. He has two married daughters who live in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

“I have read and admired Coastal Angler Magazine for many years. I love that I can go anywhere in Florida and pick up a locally Jim Childers The Panhandle produced edition with invaluable local info.

Co-Publisher Not only will it give me fishing tips from local captains but also news on area tournaments and where to go for just about anything to do with the sport of fishing...including where to eat them!”

As Jim takes the reins of The Panhandle Edition, he looks forward to the opportunity to get out and meet the great folks in the Panhandle. “I hope to make some friends, share ideas that will help them grow their businesses, share some stories and just talk fishing.”

PUERTO RICO EDITION

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Enrique Lara and Freddie Nieves’ shared enthusiasm for boating and fishing has solidified a strong bond between them.

Deeply immersed in the vibrant business of acquiring and reselling used boats in Puerto Rico, Enrique has honed his expertise over numerous years. In parallel, Freddie has made a lasting impact in the maritime industry through his role as a marina general manager in Puerto Freddie Nieves & Enrique Lara Puerto Rico Co-Publishers Rico, Miami and St. Pete.

Boasting a cumulative experience exceeding two decades in boating, fishing, boat sales, nautical publications and marina management, these enterprising friends are driven by an unwavering vision to bring the multitude of benefits Coastal Angler Magazine offers to their cherished homeland of Puerto Rico.

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