SIGHT FISHING SUCCESS TARGETING SNOOK
navigating peace of mind
THE IMPORTANCE OF BOAT INSURANCE
Embarking on the open water is an exhilarating experience, flled with the promise of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a weekend cruiser, safeguarding your vessel with proper insurance is not just a choice—it’s a necessity. Explore the reasons why every boat owner should prioritize boat insurance for a worry-free voyage.
Unpredictable waters
The open water can be unpredictable, with unexpected storms, collisions, or other potential accidents. Boat insurance can give you fnancial protection if there is damage to your vessel, providing coverage for repairs or replacement.
Damage and injury
Accidents on the water can result in damage to other boats, docks, or even injuries to passengers. Boat insurance offers liability coverage, which can pay for damages or injuries you’re liable for while boating, up to specifed limits, and lawsuit costs if you’re sued. This includes damage you cause to another watercraft or if someone on or near your boat is injured and you’re found to be legally responsible.
Theft and vandalism
Unfortunately, boat theft and vandalism are realities that boat owners face. Boat insurance has comprehensive and collision coverage that can protect you against events outside of your control, including theft and vandalism.
Incurred medical payments
Accidents on the water may lead to injuries for you or your passengers. Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you are in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.
Peace of mind for fnancing
If you fnanced the purchase of your boat, most lenders require insurance coverage to protect their investment. Having boat insurance not only fulflls these requirements but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your fnancial interests are safeguarded.
Navigational fexibility
Some water municipalities and marinas may require proof of insurance for docking or accessing certain areas. Boat insurance allows you the fexibility to explore different destinations without worrying about entry restrictions.
Emergency towing and assistance
Progressive boat insurance can include optional Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage. If your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, Sign & Glide® pays for on-water towing, jump starts, soft un-groundings, and fuel delivery.
Wreckage removal
If your boat sinks, Progressive boat insurance will cover the cost of removing your boat from the water (if removal is legally required).
Investing in boat insurance is not just about protecting a valuable asset; it’s about safeguarding the memories, experiences, and joy that come with your on-water adventures. Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your journey—navigate with confdence, knowing that Progressive boat insurance has you covered. Ensure a smooth and worry-free voyage, because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.
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SIGHT FISHING FOR SUCCESS
The rewards of a catch made while sight fshing go well beyond the satisfaction of landing the fsh. Take every opportunity to observe fsh in their natural habitat. To maximize success, an angler should take in as much information while on the water as possible.
By Capt. John Luck
Regardless of your target species, tackle of choice, or home waters, actually seeing the fsh is not only highly enjoyable but one of the best learning experiences an angler can have. It leads to a detailed understanding of fsh behavior.
Te sight fshing angler gets to see fsh react to everything around them, from the lure, bait, or fy presented to them, to the actual structure of the waterbody they live in. Recognizing their cues of interest or disinterest becomes applicable for species in both fresh and saltwater. Obviously remaining as quiet as possible, making sure that you have a good vantage point and during daylight hours having a good pair of sunglasses are all vital to your success. My personal favorite is the Bajio Tech Angler Collection due to their ultra clear polarized lens.
Sight fshing enables an angler to have more control over the outcome and allows you to adjust your bait and techniques to ensure a strike.
Sight fshing isn’t just about catching fsh; it’s about understanding their behavior, engaging with the process, and enjoying the thrill of spotting your target underwater. So next time you’re out on the water, keep your eyes peeled—you might just discover a whole new dimension to your angling.
I hope you fnd this article informative! If you have any other requests or questions, feel free to ask. Tight lines.
Contact Capt. John Luck at luckydogman@msn.com.
South Pacifc Topwater Fight Club
It seems the farther south you go, the tougher the fsh get. Tis holds true in the South Pacifc. If you’re looking to go head-to-head and toe-to-fn with some of the toughest fsh out there, Fiji is a great bet.
Tese fsh are aggressive, fast and strong, and with a fortress built of line-cutting sharp edges, the fsh start with the advantage. Tis is a great place to target giant trevally (GT). Although it is still far away, Fiji is a great alternative to the Seychelles, and it is a destination that ofers amenities for anglers as well as their non-fshing companions. I fshed out of Savusavu, a large remote island that requires an additional hour-long fight on a small plane from the international airport on the main Island. Te remoteness means less fshing pressure, but the island still ofers luxury accommodations. As fshy as Fiji is, it doesn’t get much fshing tourism. It’s a diving and resort destination that happens to ofer amazing fshing. Summers feature a great yellowfn tuna and GT bite, and winters hold marlin and wahoo. I was there during a transitional phase into winter (seasons are reversed there), and there were plenty of resident fsh to target including GT, which is what I was afer. Immersion Fiji is the most experienced guide on the island, and Michael can handle anything from topwater for GT to massive yellowfn and even spearfshing or a cool waterfall getaway.
Te GTs are unquestionably an apex predator and the top quarry. Tese are very aggressive, strong and smart fsh that you need to be battle ready for. My weapon consisted of heavy spinning gear with 100-lb. braid, 150-lb. leader and 350-lb. terminal tackle. When a GT explodes on a 7-inch popper, there is no question that it’s game on. It’s like a bowling ball being dropped from a third-foor window, followed by hooking your line to a semi truck. With drags set at 20 pounds, the fght is as much on the fsh as it is on you. Any less drag would result in countless breakofs in the reef. Te fght will tax your strength, and be prepared for some heartbreaks. Tere is no doubt that topwater fshing for these guys exceeds the hype.
Another fsh that will blast your popper is a Pacifc Spanish mackerel, also known to the locals as walu. Similar looking to our kingfsh, this is one of Fiji’s most prized table fare. It’s much whiter, fakier meat than our mackerel and is a staple in Fiji’s national dish Kokoda (pronounced ko-con-da), which is a ceviche with fresh coconut cream. Tey ofen blow a plug completely out of the water, and they also hit deep trolling plugs, which makes for a nice break
By Will Schmidt
from casting. Long strong runs and crazy aerial attacks make this another great fsh to come across as you search for GTs.
You can also downsize to a foating stick bait for additional topwater action. Smaller, yet aggressive and strong fsh like red bass, bluefn trevally, emperor fsh and other reef dwellers provide plenty of exciting action on the surface.
If giant trevally are on your hit list, Fiji is an amazing destination that fully delivers. Te locals could not be more inviting and friendly, the water is unbelievably clear, and the islands are as peaceful as they are beautiful. It’s truly a trip of a lifetime.
Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about fshing for three decades. For information about fshing Fiji, contact Immersionfji.com.
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TARGETING FALL SNOOK
THATCH MAGUIRE, EDITOR AT LARGE
Snook are a great inshore/near shore species to target. Teir predator style bite and their world class fght make them truly worthy of the gamefsh title, but catching a snook or targeting snook can be challenging. While there are countless fsheries that hold snook, narrowing down the best area is not an easy call. Given that snook season opens on Florida’s east coast September 1st here are a few tips that will pay of in planning a successful snook fshing trip; one that nearly ensures your success.
First and foremost, where are you most likely to catch snook? Tat’s not a trick question. It’s the frst question you should answer before planning your snook fshing expedition. My snook fshing eforts have led me to believe that the Jupiter Inlet on Florida’s East Coast is the most reliable estuary for easily accessible snook for beginners. My catch ratio over the many years that I have fshed the Jupiter Fla. Inlet suggests that the primary species in and around this pristine inlet is snook. Day in day out, if you catch a fsh in the Jupiter Inlet it will more than likely be a snook.
Te next important question for a successful trip is what to use as a bait or lure? For the most predictable success I strongly recommend live bait. Te bigger the better. Pilchards are my number one live bait, but croakers and pinfsh work well too. Keeping your live bait lively
and healthy is a chapter in itself. Changing your water regularly and adding aeration are key essentials to prolonging your bait’s life. Tere’s nothing worse than getting on top of the bite and discovering your bait is dead. We’ve all done it, but don’t let it happen to you.
Next on the check list is tackle. You’ll want to scrap the light tackle approach for Jupiter Inlet snook. Medium to heavy or you’ll invariably lose the big ones. I recommend a 20-pound braid with at least a 40-pound leader. Circle hooks are a good consideration if you’re experienced in using them. Nothing less than a #4. You better have a heavy-duty landing net too because some of these monsters just won’t ft into some of the more modest nets. Te next important question is the easiest to answer. Where in the Jupiter Inlet do I fsh for snook with predictable results? Answer- just about anywhere! Obviously, docks are a great hiding place for snook, and night fshing will normally produce the best results around docks with lights or shadow lines. Flip a big pilchard under a dock light in Jupiter Inlet and watch what happens. You’re about to be tested because you’ve got to horse them away from the pilings or you’ll be kicking yourself for days. Tis is where the braid comes in handy. It’ll allow you to win that battle more ofen than not. But everybody loses that battle from time to time. Seawalls are also a good source for targeting snook. Tey’re cruising the seawalls constantly so just be patient and let your live bait do all the work.
You can use live shrimp if that’s all you can get, but your species catch will not be predominantly snook. You’ll catch a fair amount of junk fsh in Jupiter with live shrimp. I personally don’t want to confuse the efort with all that inferior action, and you don’t have to travel to Jupiter for that catch.
A NEW NAME FOR BASS? ‘FLORIDA’ BASS
Largemouth bass in Florida will now have a new name. Tis new designation may also afect bass in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina as well. Tey are now designated as Florida bass. We’re sure our buddies in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina are going to love that, but a recent study by researchers at Yale University using genetic analysis determined that Florida bass are their own distinct species. Te scientifc name for Florida bass is Micropterus Salmiodes while the scientifc name for largemouth bass will now be Microperus Nigrians.
Anglers have long suspected that bass in Florida grow faster and bigger and now the genetic research confrms that theory. How this new designation will afect the bass tournament circuit and regulations remains to be seen.
According to Michelle Kerr,
Repower Center
spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, “Genetics research gave us a clearer picture of what many anglers and biologists have long suspected: Florida bass are truly unique. Recognized now as a distinct species from the largemouth bass, this new classifcation not only celebrates Florida bass as a symbol of our state’s freshwater legacy but will also orts in conservation and management.”
Given that Florida hatcheries have long been a premium source for stocking and restocking bass estuaries throughout the world, the new designation could have ramifcations beyond the Carolinas and Georgia. Regardless of what the future for bass nomenclatures holds in store, our hats go of to the astute researchers at Yale University for providing proof of what many anglers have suspected for years.
For more information on Florida bass visit myfwc.com/fshing/freshwater/black-bass/forida-bass/
By Emily Hanzlik
events, which is a video of my coworkers and I fshing the local waters. Within the videos are lessons about rigs or lures that best ft the area. Tese videos are the backbone of our online program, which guides new anglers through learning to fsh.
TEACHING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ANGLERS
This summer, I’ve had the opportunity to work on my passion for educating young anglers. Tere is a growing need to bring youth involvement to the sport, and here are some of the ways I’ve been able to target young anglers recently.
I am lucky to work with the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). Most people know this organization for keeping track of record fsh, but they also teach families to fsh. IGFA provides Passports Kits, which are all-in-one teaching boxes with everything needed to put on a fshing clinic. Tese kits are sent all over the world, where individuals teach kids and families the basics.
Within the past few years, IGFA has partnered with the National Park Service to host fshing events. My coworkers and I travel to national parks to help them begin their teaching journey.
We show them how to use the tools in the Passport Kit and help them run an education event. We average about 50 people at these events, and usually half of them are kids. First, families attend a basics-of-fshing clinic, and then everyone fshes!
My favorite thing from these clinics is how excited the kids are about learning to cast. I stand in front of them and tell them to aim at me like they are throwing a ball. Some kids are nervous, at frst, but the fear goes away when they realize it is easy. It’s an amazing feeling knowing you helped change someone’s perspective.
In addition to working with IGFA, I also run my own charter, Emily Hanzlik Outdoors. My focus is to give kids a one-on-one experience learning to fsh. Everything is from land at a local marina where I grew up fshing. I give kids tons of hands-on experiences and teach them about the surrounding environment. I recently completed a trip with three young girls who had fshed before but didn’t know the true beauty of it. I had some mini fsh tanks set up that allowed them to view the tropical fsh they caught. Te youngest girl would catch her fsh and immediately run it over to view it in the tank. Each time she would pull out a book I had given them and try to identify the species. She would sit there for a few minutes admiring the fsh before releasing them. I can positively say all three girls learned to appreciate the beauty of the fshery we have in south Florida.
Take a kid fshing. It might be something they never forget!
Tere is also an online component to these
Emily Rose Hanzlik has caught more than 60 IGFA world records in various categories. Find her on social media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors.
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FWC IMPLEMENTS RED SNAPPER LOTTERY
Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) is giving anglers the opportunity to directly provide data and improve the management of red snapper in the South Atlantic ocean.
With an exempted fshing permit, you can fsh for red snapper and keep them outside of the 1-day federal season. But here’s the catch, only a limited number of anglers can get one.
Te FWC recognizes that a 24-hour Atlantic Red Snapper season is disappointing. Tat’s why they want to recruit recreational anglers to collect better data on snapper fshery. Up to 200 people will be selected by lottery every 3 months for the opportunity.
FWC Federal Fisheries Section Leader CJ Sweetman said about 1,600 exempted fshing permits will be issued to anglers this year. Locally, 800 of those permits will be awarded to the “Hot Spot Fleet” which stretches from the Florida Georgia Line south to Cape Canaveral.
“ Te most recent federal stock assessment for Atlantic red snapper classifed as undergoing overfshing. But the stock assessment also showed that there’s near record abundance of red snapper, which is kind of what everyone sees on the water,” Sweetman said.
EFPs allow harvest for certain fsh and wildlife prohibited under current federal regulation, like red snapper
Having this permit, will allow anglers to give better data to FWC so that FWC can take that to the council and hopefully get it to open back up a longer season.
Te three EFP projects are happening simultaneously over the next 12 months from August 2024 through July 2025. Tey will be broken up into four, three-month quarters.
• Quarter 1: August 2024 to October 2024
• Quarter 2: November 2024 to January 2025
• Quarter 3: February 2025 to April 2025
• Quarter 4: May 2025 to July 2025
Each quarter’s application period will open the month before.
To apply for an EFP, log in or create an account with Go Outdoors Florida and select the project you want to collaborate with the FWC on. In Northeast Florida, you’ll want to select the “Hot Spot Fleet.”
You don’t have to own a boat to apply for an exempted fshing permit.
By Ben Martin, Editor in Chief
HOLLYWOOD FISHES
Passionate anglers are in all elements of our society. Te angling community is inclusive of all socioeconomic strata and political preferences. It’s non-racially biased, non-gender specifc or restrictive, and passionate anglers are found within all professions.
I recently had the opportunity to interview one of Hollywood’s up-andcoming young talents, Alex Neustaedter. You may remember him from his roles in American Rust, Colony, Ithaca, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and a slew of others, but what surprised me during our interview is all he wanted to talk about was fshing.
From the memory of his frst fsh, a sun perch caught from Lake of the Ozarks, to his ofshore kingfsh in South Florida, to his current fy fshing endeavors Out West, I found myself thinking, “He’s one of us.”
Tat commonality within the sport of fshing is so rare in today’s era of divisiveness and exclusionary mentality that I feel compelled to salute us, anglers of all walks of life sharing the joys of something we can all agree on. Fishing is a great sport, and anglers make up a great community.
For more information on Alex Neustaedter and his cinematic career, visit https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2614237.
Florida Keys
The Backcountry
By: Capt. Greg Poland
This summer has been a hot one, as they usually are, but the fishing has been red hot as well. I have been setting my alarm clock for zero dark thirty, which is quite early in the morning, but once you get used to getting up and out early it is really not that big a deal and the spectacular bonus of watching the sun rise while running into the backcountry of the Everglades National Park is something everybody should experience.
There is another big benefit of getting up and leaving early as we have been able to be the first ones on the scene to watch the juvenile tarpon rolling along the shorelines or hearing a snook blast something out of the water for breakfast.
I have not been spending much time on the Atlantic side of the Keys this summer, but my friends who have been fishing out on the reef or offshore are reporting lots of mahi along with some great bottom fishing.
In the coming months, my plan is to get back over into the Atlantic side and catch up on the great fishing opportunities on that side, but honestly, I just love fishing for the snook and juvenile tarpon so much it’s hard for me to do anything else this time of year. As we know, during the summer months we all have to keep an eye on the weather and dodge the storms!
I still have some prime dates open if you would like to experience the beauty and peacefulness of the backcountry with me for a morning you won’t soon forget. Hope to see you around the dock or out on the water.
Summer Storm Season
By: Capt. Angelia Swanson
The summer storms are upon us and they always create a gloomy effect. We dread the summer’s forecast of hurricanes for the season, especially this year with NOAA predicting the busiest hurricane season in history.
The last two years we have run through the alphabet and proceeded to name storms by Roman numerals, but, living in Florida we never lose our hope. We all know that it is not IF our next hurricane will hit, but WHEN.
Two years ago, Hurricane Ian made landfall in Ft. Myers and we were all saddened by the devastation, but it was supposed to hit Tampa Bay where my son and his fiance had just bought a new house, so I was happy for my family, but devastated for my friends in Ft. Myers.
We are approaching the 7-year anniversary of Hurricane Irma in the Florida Keys but will never forget the devastation and change of life for us all. September, but none of us will blink an eye, but Irma will forever be in our minds. There is still some construction being done in the Keys still left over from Hurricane Irma. Since Irma, we have had several strange storm events. Late last November we had an overnight storm system that we were
watching, but it formed a defined eye and perfect winds to become a shortlived hurricane. Just recently, we had what we swear was a small tornado in upper Islamorada. It turned out to be a “Microburst” that wreaked havoc on a couple of miles of US1. It’s interesting stuff!
On top of all of the crazy weather, we have had a ton of waterspouts and tornado activity. We’ve had rapidly warming waters and atmospheric pressures that are ideal for super storms.
The hurricane season is early yet, but I’m betting it’s as active as ever. With our ever-warming water temps and global warming, we mariners who have been watching the sky will be watching more than ever. Research your weather. Use as many tools as possible. Make a float plan and make sure your loved ones have it.
Summer weather can be wonderful, and it can also be dangerous! Be sure to have your safety gear in order and always err on the side of caution. Then, get out there and catch some fish! Watch out for those pop-up squalls, because they’ll get you every time if you are not paying attention!
Head Offshore
By: Capt. Bruce Andersen
Here we are in the month of September already. Time flies, and every year seems to go by quicker than the one before. We’ve made it through the hottest part of the summer and fall is approaching fast!
L ate summer and early fall are my favorite times of year to head offshore here in the Florida Keys. There is a lot of activity offshore, and one of my favorite things to do is to go to one of our offshore seamounts or
humps and target blackfin tuna. These fish can be caught trolling or ver tical jigging, but my personal favorite way to catch blackfin tuna by far is with live bait. We can usually catch blackfin tuna year-round here in the Keys, but I have always found that the most consistent time for the best tuna fishing is the period of time from mid-August through mid-October. Especially the month of September!
In the Islamorada area, places like the Islamorada hump, the 409 hump, the middle hump, and the west hump should all be holding tuna. The days where the gulf stream current is flowing over the humps will usually be the best. The gulf stream brings the crystal clear deep blue water that offshore pelagics like tuna and mahi love. It also creates rips over the humps where the current is deflected towards the surface creating an upwelling and a line of waves that are usually just down current from the peak of the hump. You’ll normally see these rips along with plenty of birds working when there is high activity.
Last summer, we actually got amazingly lucky and caught one of the nicest wahoo we saw all year by accident while we were tuna fishing!
In addition to the tuna, mahi fishing is usually still very good this time of year. Keeping your eyes peeled for working birds, weed, lines, and debris on the way out and on the way back in will usually pay off. On top of all this, there’s always a chance of a wahoo. Last summer, we actually got amazingly lucky and caught one of the nicest wahoo we saw all year by accident while we were tuna fishing! Hopefully we’ll have a great fall season this year with plenty of tuna and mahi offshore and I’m looking forward to seeing you out there.
— www.captaineasycharters.com
You can reach Captain Bruce Andersen at Capt. Easy Charters, MM 85, call 305.360.2120 or email at: captbrucekey@comcast.net
Pelagic Spearfishing
By: Capt. Tony Young
This summer has given us some of the best mahi fishing we have seen in years. It is not often we are able to find schools of fish large and curious enough to have divers jump in on. Overall, there is nothing easy about doing this but it sure is a blast! The hurry up and wait type fishing is what diving is also like. Waiting on the transom of the boat for the right moment, then all of a sudden you are in the water with a pack of fish swimming by your side. There are many ways to catch and shoot Mahi, let’s dive into a few.
Birds, birds, and more birds. If you have speared tuna, any place in the world, you know it is about the birds. The captain will run up in front and time your drop perfectly, just like that you’re in the water. Looking down you will see the whitewash dissipate out from the engines and looking into the sky you will see the set of birds coming your way. Put your face back in the water and see a rushing school of tuna swim below you, it’s time for your dive and a quick shot. Then just like that, you’re back in the boat, chasing the birds again.
This same tactic works for hunting the summertime migrating mahi. They are hard fish to stop, so you need to keep running with them. The diving is tiring but also thrilling, you only get one shot per drop, but that’s all you need! A few weeks ago, we took some very good friends of ours offshore spearfishing. We found a massive pack of migrating fish and dove on them for at least two hours. Motors running hard chasing the birds, setting up, dropping in the water, one shot, back on the boat. It was a true blast, and we were watching well over a hundred fish feed on the bait they were following. The ocean is an aggressive and wild place, to see this in nature and be a part of the food chain is very special.
Motors running hard chasing the birds, setting up, dropping in the water, one shot, back on the boat. It was a true blast...
If you get lucky, you might have the opportunity to slide in on some offshore debris. Last month we took Mike and his father fishing, naturally we always have a speargun on board! Mike is a great diver and when we came across a floating pallet, we had him slide in. Immediately swarmed by mahi and two smaller wahoo in the distance, a spear fisherman’s dream. Mike took the closest and best shot, landing his first mahi on spear! His father and I continued to catch fish, while Mike reloaded and tossed fish into the boat.
The most common tactic is the absolute chaotic mahi fishing we all know and love. Find fish, keep one in the water, pitch out a lot of live bait, and hope for the best! Meaning, the fish will school around the boat and feed aggressively on the live bait you’re dumping into the water. The summertime pilchards are perfect for this, and the mahi will go crazy. This works best with larger groups, having 2-4 anglers catching fish with two divers shooting them. I often say good luck, because it truly is a mess of fun! Fish flying into the boat, divers shooting them, fish blood all over the place, it is a blast!
It has without a doubt been a great summer to live, travel to, fish, and dive in the Florida Keys! The next time you head offshore, think about bringing your speargun with. Take your time, remember to dive under the waves, and take your shot. Keep in mind, there is often a very large bull mahi swimming amongst the smaller schooling sized fish. Our largest mahi we have shot to date was seven years ago by Billy Moscatello. We got into a pack of schoolies and had a larger fish down deep that would not eat. Billy hopped in and placed a great shot on him, this fish ended up weighing 45 pounds back at the dock. Enjoy every day on the ocean, fish patiently, and remember your speargun!
Dive Safe!
— Capt. Tony Young can be reached at Forever Young Spearfishing in Islamorada, FL at 305-680-8879
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FISHING HERITAGE
By: Capt. Rob Modys
I’m pretty sure that most of us that fish do so because of a mentor, and I’m going to guess that a great many of those mentors are relatives. Perhaps grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and even brothers and sisters. In my case it was my father and both of my grandfathers.
We moved from Virginia to the southwest coast of Florida when I was five years old. Shortly after relocating, my father took me on my first fishing expedition to an old bridge that had been converted into a fishing pier, thanks to the completion of a new bridge.
We dropped hooks into the water baited with squid and shrimp. It didn’t take long for my first bite and hookup. I remember reeling and
looking down at the same time to see what was on the end of the line. It turned out to be a small octopus! It was squirting ink everywhere and immediately got the attention of the other anglers on the bridge.
Help was given by most everyone from hook removal to release. Congratulations were given along with pats on the back, and I noticed something even at my very young age. Everyone seem to enjoy my catch as much, and maybe more, than I did. My fascination with fishing began that morning and sixty-five years later I’m still thoroughly hooked.
As time went by, I fished with both of my grandfathers. I learned all about fishing for flounder in the Rappahannock River in Virginia, and going after stripers near the mouth of the Metedeconk River in New Jersey. I also learned the delicate art of catching blue crabs in both locations.
My dad, and my granddad from Virginia, were both spin fisherman where bait was the way. As a matter of fact, it was the only way. My granddad from New Jersey was first and foremost a fly fisherman, and when forced to use a spinning rod always used artificials. This proved to be the greatest fishing education I could have ever asked for because all their expertise rubbed off on me.
In my adult life I continued to fish wherever I lived, which included Kentucky, California, New Jersey and Virginia. I eventually made it back to Florida and started my career as a fishing guide along the coast and in the sounds of Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel and Captiva Islands. I started fishing in the Keys in the late ’70’s, not as a guide, but as an adventurer. I honestly believe there is no better place to wet a line, whether it’s spin or fly.
My love of fishing continued to grow which led to writing articles about the sport, hosting an outdoor radio show and more recently, publishing four books. One of which I wrote to give homage to how this all started for me. The title is “Take a Kid Fishing,” an award-winning book that focuses on giving adults a guide for introducing kids to fishing. It’s based on what I learned over the years as a guide who not only fished the avid angler, but also specialized in family fishing.
Lastly, I’m asking you, the angler, to do your part in spreading the love of fishing. It can be a youngster in the family, or perhaps the kid next door or down the street. I believe that the love of fishing doesn’t start by accident or out of the blue. It almost always starts with a mentor.
Take a Kid Fishing is available at catchyououtdoors.com and Amazon Books.
Mini Season is one of my favorite times of the year. I’m always thrilled to get my limit of the elusive Spiny Lobster. It is always the end of July, bringing a flurry of excitement and activity in The Keys. Boats of all shapes and sizes scout days before opening. One of the most important things to remember while lobstering is to measure all of them for shorts. Plenty of anglers have their favorite spots including certain rocks or structures in the water. The limit is 6 lobsters per person with a license. This year we went bully netting instead of diving. It was a blast! We hit the wa-
LOBSTER MINI SEASON
By Beth Steele
ter at 12:01 the first night and limited out in an hour. The second it was a little windy but thankfully still got our limit. Before mini season began, I would set out on the open water early to go Swordfishing. Swordfish are definitely my favorite to fish for! The seas have been a little rough this month, but they were still safe and fishable. Swordfishing takes a lot of perseverance. After two hours of patiently waiting, there was a tug on the line. After an intense battle, I brought in a 170-pound Sword. It’s the best feeling. A couple hours later I caught a second one. He was a bit on the smaller side, so I released him in hopes he gets bigger, and we meet again. It was an amazing week with the Swords, lots of Mahi and limiting out on lobsters. I can’t wait for my next trip!
— Beth Steele CEO of Hooker Booker fishing@thehookerbooker.com
FB/IG/TW: @hookerbookerllc
ROTARY CLUB OF KEY LARGO
Presents the 24th annual catch-and-release backcountry fishing tournament to benefit Take Stock in Children and other local scholarships.
Online Registration Opens July 15!
Angler Fees include all social for Fri. & Sun.
• $150 Adult & Pro Anglers
(Adult Artificial Lure Subdivision)
• $75 for Junior Anglers (13-17)
• $3 0 for Kid Anglers (12 and under) Also available online:
• Socials for non-anglers
$25 Friday Appetizers & $60 Sunday Dinner
• Tickets for Tom Tharp Cooler O’ Cheer
TAKE ACTION - GO ONLINE!
www.KeyLargoRotary.org
HIGHLIGHTS
• Signature Framed Art Awards by Pasta Ar tByPasta.com roberto pantaleo
• Proceeds benefit Take Stock in Children and other local scholarships
• Captains-Anglers meeting at Doc’s Diner
• Awards Banquet at Elk’s Lodge in Tavernier
• Tom Tharp Cooler O’ Cheer Raffle
• Amazing Silent and Live Auction Event
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR LOCAL YOUTH
Call Shelby Morris 305-393-3686 or Don Horton 305-522-2062
Fishing tournaments have long been a cherished tradition by many locals, whether it be a 50-year classic or a second year Snapper Palooza. Combining the thrill of the catch with the competition is what we’re all after. Not to forget that you can receive the perfect blend of sport, strategy, and overall fun.
So how much do you know about fishing tournaments? At the heart of every tournament, comes a set of rules for fairness, safely and sustainability. The strict guidelines can
Snapper Classic
By: Jessica Hendrie
go from anywhere between the size of the catch, species, techniques or even making rules up as you go.
Some tournaments operate on a catch and release basis, but you have to be sure to take tons of photos and videos proving you were the catching angler. Doing this preserves the fish and promotes responsible fishing. Some are meat fish tournaments where you bring the fish to weigh in and harvest them to eat. In either scenario, the fish are always studied and respected.
The appeal of fishing in these tournaments extends beyond the fishermen or women themselves, bringing the fishing community closer together. Families and friends gather at the water’s edge cheering on their people and sharing the same excitement of each catch. Sometimes they will even offer extra activities such as casting clinics and good food!! Sponsors play a crucial role, too, providing the prizes and extra support.
For me, I love to use social media to my advantage. I am able to let people experience what it’s like in one of these tournaments just by simply posting lives throughout the day. When I have service, of course… Followers can see the action in real time and engage to possibly fish their first one!
Doing so can also help bring more people in and make them more accessible to future anglers. You can never have too many photos! But despite the growing social media platforms, the main thing we should remember is that it’s important to keep the tradition of tournaments timeless and to actually remain a tradition.
Sure, photos are good for memories and to show everyone what you caught but experiencing this in person is a completely different feeling! It’s something we should cherish.
So overall, fishing tournaments is more than just fishing. The memories you’ll have with your team just being together and enjoying each others company or even learning new things is something you can look back on for years to come and just catch yourself smiling from the joy that it brought you. So maybe consider fishing in your next local tournament. If you do, you will surely find out that it’s not just about the fish you catch.
Good luck and happy fishing!
Edition Coastal Angler / Pasta Pantaleo Permit Hoodi
Capt. Joel’sFISHIN’ HOLES
By: Capt. Joel Brandenburg
This was the first year we’ve ever had a three-day lobster mini season in the Florida Keys. In late June, Governor Ron DeSantis visited Dockside Bar and Grill in Marathon Florida Keys. Governor DeSantis announced that we were going to have an extra day of mini season on July 14th before our regular mini season dates which are always the last Wednesday and Thursday of July.
Regular lobster season has always started on August 6th. Mini lobster season was created years ago to give local recreational divers a chance to get the “pic of the litter” prior to the commercial lobster fisherman harvesting mass amounts of lobster from their traps.
Our Governor’s announcement was met with controversy and excitement. Obviously, the commercial lobster anglers did not like the decision because it was less lobster for them to harvest on August 6th opening day of regular season and many of the Florida Keys residence did not like the decision because of all the extra traffic.
I also understand the scientific and conservation community was upset about the decision because July 14th was still inside the last part of lobster breeding season. Florida residents outside of the Florida Keys were very excited about the announcement because it was Florida residents only and the same rules applied as regular season, where you could harvest lobster near bridges and landmasses.
Captains, restaurateurs, hotel, motel owners, and vacation rental homeowners were excited about the extra day of business and considered it a well needed shot in the arm during a record slow economy.
Regardless of whether there is a two-day mini season or a three-day mini season, Mother Nature always determines how many lobsters will be harvested on mini season days.
For example, last year both days of mini season, were met with thunderstorms, high winds, high seas, murky water, and not many lobsters were harvested during last year’s mini season. The commercial lobster fisherman were
crossing their fingers and praying for bad weather and their wish came true. Last year opening week of regular season was a big hit for the commercial lobster fisherman, and they had a big harvest.
This year, all three days of mini season we’re bright and sunny not much wind or current and crystal-clear water. This year’s mini season harvest was a good harvest. The commercial lobster anglers didn’t have a big harvest opening week this year because mother nature threw them a curveball with the August 1st tropical storm Debby blew through and not only delayed the commercial lobsterman from setting all of their traps, they had to go out and relocate several of the traps they had previously put out a few days before the storm, because the storm was so strong she blew a lot of their traps and buoys away.
Our Ana Banana lobster charters limited out during the days of mini season and due to the beautiful weather, we were able to limit out early and catch fish in the afternoons too. We went 25 miles southwest to the Content Keys from our home port at Poncho’s Fuel Dock in Marathon. We got there each mini season day at sun up. Even though we got there at sun up each day, we were met with a Regatta of thousands of boats, stretching several miles down the banks of the Content Keys, I guess we all had the same idea. We snorkeled in 4 to 6 foot of water and caught some of the best quality lobster we’ve ever caught.
Many people who dove the Content Keys had the same story that we did, however, many people who stuck around Marathon and Grassy Key, had a much tougher time gathering their limit. Even the local bullynetters had a tough time mini season nights.
Content Key just happened to be where the lobster migration was at that time. Overall, the lobster harvest for commercial and recreational is predicted to be a good lobster season.
Overall, in my opinion, and the opinion of many others I’ve spoken with say the quality and quantity of lobster is above average this year. Remember Ana Banana Fishing Company does lobster diving charters all season long and August, September and October are great months to book your lobster charter or bully net lobster charter.
— For a charter with Ana Banana fishing company and CAPTAIN, Joel or Jojo Brandenburg Call 305-395-4212 cell 813-267-4401 office or visit our website at Marathonkeyfishingcharters.com or visit us in person at Ana Banana marina located at 11699 Overseas Highway.
MESSAGE FROM THE SHERIFF
The 2024 regular lobster season starts Aug. 6, 2024 and now is a great time to remind everyone of some basic safety rules and laws.
Unfortunately, we’ve had some serious boating-related incidents this year in the Florida Keys already. We can curb these incidents if we work together when it comes to diver-down flags and boating practices.
Always display your diver-down flag unobstructed from the highest point of your boat with a sti ener, so it is clearly visible.
And if you’re operating a boat: Do what I do and stay at least a football field away from anchored vessels in open water, even if you don’t see a diver-down flag.
Better safe than sorry!
Follow the regulations seen on this page. Share them with your friends!
Let’s have a safe lobster season!
Monroe County Sheriff, Rick Ramsay
Today!
FloridaKeys
If you have a catch to brag about send your picture and caption to: flkeys@coastalanglermagazine.com
Jack Cazo @julian_c69 sighted this nice summer Snook near Flamingo.
Baby Biminee caught this Yellow Tail Snapper aboard the “Z Boat II”
ZaideeZ(10)releasedthisbeautiful Unicorn that matched her outfit!
Mia on a 19” Mutton off Marathon
Carlos Lorenzo @keysdeep gaffed a beautiful Mahi off Islamorada
Sheila Khanna caught this nice Mahi off Key West in around 600’
By Wayne Johnson
past it before putting lines in the water.
Before I leave the boat ramp, I like to walk the dock, checking the direction of the tide and taking a good look for gamefsh or baitfsh. Either one indicates there is likely good fshing nearby and what hatch I may need to match.
DON’T PASS UP
FORGOTTEN FISH
How ofen do you load up your gear, tow your boat to the ramp, launch it and then go 100 yards or less, drop anchor and fsh?
Probably never.
I’m beginning to think nobody ever does. If you’re like me, you’re anxious to hit the throttle and head of to some distant location. You didn’t put all that horsepower on the back of your boat to idle 100 yards, but maybe you should.
I have frequently seen nice snook at the dock while launching my boat and then fail to see another fsh that good all day. It got me thinking that there has to be areas so close that boaters pass right by them, yet they are not accessible to shore anglers. Tese areas are also just up or down current from the docks where people clean fsh.
What if I just move a short distance from the boat ramp or across the canal? Tere must be some forgotten fsh that anglers blow right past every day. I started doing just that, and it usually turns out very well. What looks like heavily used areas are
not necessarily areas with heavy fshing pressure, and ofen they turn out to be quite productive. If they aren’t productive, it doesn’t matter. I didn’t burn much time or gas to try them.
Here on the west coast of Florida, south of Fort Myers, Lover’s Key is a great example of forgotten fsh. Afer launching, pretty much every boat heads straight for Estero Bay, to the passes or out into the Gulf of Mexico. Meanwhile, just a few yards in the other direction, I’ve seen redfsh, trout and snapper, and I put a friend on his personal-best snook. Tis spot is so close to the boat launch that even kayakers push
On a recent trip, I picked up a friend at his own dock, just of the Imperial River. We spotted a few fsh right there, and the fshing was so good that we never lef his canal the whole day. We caught four species within a quarter mile of his dock.
Typically, late in the day, when I’m headed back with a few lefover shrimp, I’ll stop just outside the pass and swap the smallest shrimp for ladyfsh. Or I’ll stop and throw a few more casts at some promising shoreline. It’s surprising how ofen I get a few good bites and a little excitement to end the day.
So, before heading out to your dream spot, or on the way back, try the nearby spots. You might just catch fsh everyone else forgot to fsh for.
Got a great fshing story?
Write it up and send with a few photos to editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com. We might just share it with the world.
WHEN HARD BOTTOM ISN’T ENOUGH
As the sun rises, the anticipation of a day on the water flls the air. Rods, tackle, and bait are loaded onto the boat, and the thrill of catching fsh beckons. But where should we go? Before we rush of, let’s explore our options.
If we’re going to be fshing close to the shoreline a few quick considerations will make for a more productive trip. Fish tend to congregate near structures that ofer both food and protection. Docks, wrecks, rip rap, pilings, and artifcial reefs create ideal habitats. However, these popular spots ofen sufer from overfshing, becoming less productive over time.
When the usual spots disappoint, consider rocky expanses known as “hard bottoms.” Tese rugged underwater landscapes provide excellent fshing opportunities. Even spear gun-toting divers appreciate their allure.
Beyond the basics, geographical opportunities present themselves throughout the Gulf of Mexico where vast and diverse bottoms ofers more than meets the eye. Natural formations, shaped by tectonic movements or volcanic activity, play a crucial role. Concentrations of fshable populations can be sparse, akin to desert patches in the
ocean. But structure in these areas remains key.
Te Desoto Canyon and “ Te Nipple” in the Gulf’s Desoto Canyon were formed by tectonic slip faults that plunge to uncommon depths. “ Te Nipple” is an intriguing part of this underwater landscape
near Destin, Fla. and remains a hotspot. Some speculate that its deep waters may also contribute to the area’s shark activity. Shipwrecks are silent havens. Shipwrecks, scattered across varying depths, serve as thriving habitats. Te skeletal remains of old vessels attract big game fsh like amberjacks and Goliath groupers. Tese submerged relics hold secrets and promise exciting encounters. Monoliths are underwater treasures. Tese underwater hills are jagged, solitary, and teeming with life. Monolithic structures encourage nutrient-rich currents to rise from the depths, attracting baitfsh. Predators patrol these underwater oases, seeking smaller prey. Don’t overlook them. Your sonar may reveal hidden fshing gems. Te Middle Grounds are a prime example: Located 100 miles NNW, the Middle Grounds exemplify monolithic fshing grounds. Here, the ocean’s secrets unfold, and every sounder blip could lead to a memorable catch.
In the vast expanse of saltwater, understanding these geological nuances can transform a fshing trip into an unforgettable adventure. So, load up your gear, set sail, and explore the mysteries beyond the shoreline!
Capt. Russ Walker is a USCG Masters licensed fshing guide and owner of Tide Walker Charters out of Cape Coral, FL. www.tidewalkercharters.com (239) 994-7818
Capt. Russ Walker
Geological features that infuence fshing in Gulf of Mexico’s Desoto Canyon.
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SKUZE SHOES: BOATING SHOES THAT DELIVER
As a life-long fsherman, I have tried and worn just about every type of boating shoe in the market. From fip-fops to sneakers and most of all, the big-name brands of deck shoes. Recently I attended ICAST in Orlando, the fshing industry’s annual convention where all things for fshing are on display for all attendees to view, and I found a company who claimed to have the best deck shoes ever made. I was surprised when the owner, Ted Alfen asked me to sit down and try a pair on. Wow, I am glad I did. Afer a brief walk around his booth and near the isle way, I decided to purchase them and give them a try.
Tese deck shoes are by far the most comfortable and lightest boat shoes I have ever worn. Te tremendous support of the removable inner sole is unlike most others in today’s market. Tey are also available in wide widths for those big fat feet like mine. Tey have fast drying, breathable mesh material and non-marking white soles with special slip resistant tread. Te materials used to create these are anti-microbial and made to be odor resistant, mostly due to their quick drying design. Tey have many styles, colors and designs to meet most anglers’ needs, so do yourself a favor and try a pair. Te Del Marina deck shoe from Skuze Shoes is top shelf! Visit Skuze Shoes in Pompano Beach, Fla. or check out their website at www.SkuzeShoes.com or email them at info@SkuzeShoes.com and tell them you read about their great shoes in Coastal Angler Magazine. Use promo code Angler 20 and get a 20% discount.
LESSINGER WINS COSTA’S CAPTAINS FOR CLEAN WATER 2024 STEWARD OF THE YEAR AWARD
The fght to protect Florida’s waters rests on the shoulders of the guides, anglers and business owners willing to join the frontlines and use their voice for change.
For the last six years, Captains For Clean Water has partnered with their fellow water warriors at Costa to acknowledge outstanding individuals that serve as stewards for clean water and make an impact in their community.
Tis year’s winner, Capt. Ozzie Lessinger, is a guide, conservationist, and true steward of our environment.
From educating his clients, to hosting fundraisers, to standing up for our waters in Tallahassee, Ozzie always goes above and beyond to spread awareness and make an impact in the fght.
“I can tell you that in my mind, I never feel like I do enough. As a guide and a steward of our water and our water quality issues, it’s so important— whether you’re one of the corporate partners, whether you’re a fsherman, or whether you’re a guide—to please just educate about Captains,” says Lessinger. “Stay informed, and let people know what it’s all about. It really just takes a few minutes to wear the hat and let people know.”
Tank you to Ozzie for all his eforts in spreading awareness of the mission to improve our fshing environments, and for continuing to stand at the frontlines in this fght for clean water!
And a big thank you to the other nominees for their inspiring impact in the efort to restore and protect Florida’s waters! Capt. Lessinger was nominated alongside fellow captains Cody Rubner of Stuart, Fla. and Brandon Cyr of Islamorada, Fla. Tey are both outstanding individuals that also serve as true stewards of clean water and make an undeniable impact in the fght to restore a national treasure.
For more information on how you can help support the ongoing eforts of Captains For Clean Water visit captainsforcleanwater.org.
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THE ORIGINAL SCENTED LURE
By Tracy Patterson
LADY ANGLER LANDS NEW WORLD RECORD BASS
Maguire’s frst work is a compelling, fast read. His style is like a mix of Hemingway with a sardonic blend of Hunter S. Thompson. I couldn’t put it down...
Ben Martin Editor in Chief Coastal Angler Magazine “ ”
Confessions of a Fishaholic, by Thatch Maguire, is a hilarious and irreverent look at one man’s quest to catch fish in spite of life’s annoying interferences. You’ll travel with this awkward adventurer as he risks home and health to pursue his passion for fishing...regardless of the consequences. Anglers of all expertise levels will immediately identify with why his addiction is incurable. This book defines the blurred line between passion and obsession.
Tournament angler Lee Ann Powell recently set a new IGFA world record with a 10 lb. 3 oz. bass caught on 10 lb. test. She was fshing (for fun) with her friend and charter captain Dalton Smith on O.H. Ivie Lake in Texas when they noticed a school of fsh on their livescope. Powell was using a Damiki jig with a 3 inch Fluke dipped in Spike It Chartreuse Cajun Dip N Glo. According Powell, “Once the big bass took the lure the exhausting fght to bring the monster bass to within netting distance required me to constantly adjust and reset the drag with my record catch going deep each time it neared the boat.”
Afer fnally netting it, Powell says they put the fsh in the live well and headed out to fnd a set of certifed scales to weigh it. Te requirements for registering a potential world’s record fsh are stringent and Powell says she almost missed her window/timeline for submitting her catch for authentication by the IGFA.
About the IGFA: Te International Gamefsh Association is a non-pro organization committed to the conservation of gamefsh and the promotion of ethical angling practices through science, education, record keeping and recognition of outstanding accomplishments in the feld of angling.
We salute the IGFA’s decision in January 2014 to create a separate category for female anglers, opening up thousands of categories for new World’s Record opportunities.
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CHOOSING THE CORRECT FISHING LINE
When it comes to spooling up your reels, the options are endless. For some this can be a bit overwhelming. Hopefully in this article I can help you understand what diferent kinds of lines are used for and what line strength is the best choice for you.
Te three main types of lines are monoflament, fuorocarbon and braided lines. Each has its pros and cons in diferent situations. Monoflament line foats, fuorocarbon sinks and most braided lines also foat.
I rarely use monoflament for bass fshing, but it does have its perks for a scenario or two. When throwing big heavy glide baits, I ofen spool my reels with a very strong 25- to 30-lb. monoflament, as it is very strong and much less prone to breaking on the cast when I am casting a large bait. I also ofen use mono for is a short leader when throwing a topwater bait with treble hooks. I attach about a foot of mono leader to the end of my braid, and it is less visible while also foating to keep a topwater working naturally.
Something to note about monoflament is it’s very stretchy, making it hard to drive the hook of many diferent lures into the mouth of a fsh, especially if you’re using straight mono and have a lot of line out. Te more mono you have out equals more stretch.
I use a lot of fuorocarbon in my arsenal
TYLER WOOLCOTT
of bass-fshing set ups. Tis line has virtually no stretch, it is more abrasion resistant than most other lines, and it is also a clearer line than anything else, making it harder for fsh to see. Unless I am fshing around extremely heavy cover, where braided line is needed to pull the fsh out, pretty much every reel
I use has fuorocarbon on it. I use anywhere from 10- to 20-lb. fuoro, depending on water clarity, types of cover, and the type of lure I am fshing. Braid also serves me well in many diferent applications. Having virtually no stretch, being very strong and extremely thin compared to other lines of the same strength, and outcasting every other line made are just a few perks of braid. Te downside of braid is it’s basically tiny thin rope, meaning if you are around clear water fsh can probably see it attached to your lure. In some cases, you will need a leader attached to the end of your braid.
Every single spinning reel I own is spooled with braid, which helps them cast better and operate much smoother than if they were spooled with the other kinds of lines. Typically, I’ll use 10lb. braid and attach a few feet of a fuorocarbon leader in a size of my choice to the end to keep it stealthy. I have 30- to 50-lb. braid on all my topwater treble hook baitcaster rods to make extremely long casts. When fshing around heavy grass and vegetation, I also use braid, typically in 50- to 65-lb. test. Tis strong line allows you to get the fsh out of the mess and into the boat. With your lure being in the grass, you can get away with using a thick braid, as the fsh won’t see your line around the vegetation.
Hopefully this helps you understand the diferent lines better and helps you put a few more fsh in the boat.
Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfshing.com.
September In The Florida Keys:
All To Yourself Paradise
September’s fshery in the Florida Keys can be unpredictable as we transition into autumn at the end of the month. Cooler northern waters will begin to push fsh back into their southern migration, while we maintain our usual summer species.
It’s always a sweeter deal running ofshore when the mahi are still around, giving more opportunities to diversify the fsh box. Tey will begin to phase out throughout the next several weeks, making this month the last month of the year to reliably target them.
Swordfsh and blackfn tuna are also excellent fuel-burn justifcations this month. With fewer boats on the water, the trafc at the Marathon humps will be less chaotic for targeting tuna.
Te reef fshing is always a good option. Te snappers are snapping year-round and seasonal harvest for black and red grouper are still open.
Tis is a great opportunity to dive for lobster as well, as the water will still be warm, but the excitement over opening season has died down. Te beginning of lobster season can turn our waters into an absolute zoo. It’s unnerving to even
By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
suggest going out during that time and throwing yourself in the mix of that mayhem. Tat hype seems to gravitate mostly towards the mini season in July and the few weeks in August.
Each year when the kids are back in school, the Florida Keys takes a massive hit on tourism. We will experience the slowest time of the year over the next few months.
Although this may be a difcult time for working locals, it’s something to be enjoyed by our visitors. Te prices of accommodations will be as low as they get, restaurants will have ample seating, service will be quick, and best of all, no trafc!
Te furry of summer boaters trailering their rigs down from all over the country will have stopped, making both road and water trafc much more pleasant. Te fshery will experience less pressure, creating a mecca of hungry fsh, for those who are able to get out there.
Being in the middle of hurricane season likely
However, it’s a great time to make an impromptu trip, knowing you won’t have a problem fnding cheaper accommodations and availability for fshing charters.
Hurricane season may seem daunting, but there is more than enough notice ahead of any major storm. Locals are always diligently watching the weather for the frst sign of any potential disturbance and will be able to help you make decisions when booking last minute trips.
While September maybe be our slow season for tourism, that does not apply to our fshery. Come take advantage of having paradise all to yourself.
Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters based out of Marathon, Florida Keys. www.captainquinlyn.com; IG: @captainquinlyn
A Time of Porpoise
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STRIPER ANGLER SNAGS RECORD PADDLEFISH
An angler trolling for striped bass hauled in a 127-pound, 6-ounce Arkansas state record paddlefsh on June 15. Te monster fsh came from Beaver Lake in northwest Arkansas, and it crushed the existing record of 118 pounds.
Mike Schleeper inked his name in the record books while trolling brooder minnows, which are large shiners, about 30 feet deep near a point on the 28,000-acre lake. His friend and fshing buddy Tom Mayberry was there to help during the 45-minute fght.
“I’ve been fshing for stripers up here for about 13 years, and I’ve had the chance to catch some stripers over 30 pounds, but this was diferent,” Schleeper said. “It didn’t strip line and stop in surges like big stripers do, he just sort of pulled the rod down and kept going. I couldn’t turn him, so we had to follow him with the trolling motor for about the frst 20 minutes.”
Once Schleeper did manage to sway the fsh in his direction, the fght continued for nearly another half-hour.
“It was a 45-minute fght altogether,” Schleeper said. “I’d thought maybe it was a really big striper, but then we could fnally see it a little bit. It looked like a giant catfsh at frst, but as we got it closer to the boat we realized what it was.”
Te giant paddlefsh had been hooked in one of its pectoral fns incidentally while the anglers were trolling. Snagged fsh ofen don’t count toward state records in many states, but paddlefsh are accepted because these fsh do not bite lures—they eat plankton—and catches on rod-and-reel are almost exclusively the result of snags.
When Schleeper and Mayberry fnally got the fsh to the side of the boat, they ran into a snag of their own.
“Our net wasn’t big enough for the fsh,” Schleeper said. “Tom wrestled with that fsh for a while trying to fgure out a way to get it in the boat. At one point I told him to just cut the line because it wasn’t worth it. Tom was adamant that we needed to get that fsh in and report it.”
Schleeper agreed with Mayberry and they fnally worked a rope through the fsh’s mouth to hoist it aboard.
“As soon as the fsh fell to the bottom of the boat, the hook popped free,”
Schleeper said. “We got really lucky.”
Paddlefsh are the oldest surviving animal species in North America according to fossil records. In fact, paddlefsh predate some dinosaurs (300 million years). Females may spawn only once every 4 to 7 years.
A recent regulation passed by the AGFC allows a limited, permit-based snagging season for paddlefsh in the White River portion of Beaver Lake from the Twin Bridges Access to the Lake Sequoyah Dam April 15-June 15.
Te world-record paddlefsh weighed 164 pounds, 13 ounces. It was caught by Chad Williams at Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks in March.
For more giant fsh, go to coastalanglermag.com.
