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JUNE 2019
LIFE ON THE COAST IS BETTER WHEN YOU STAY CENTERED.
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Make the most of the open water with Yamaha’s 190 FSH® Series. Our all-new 19-foot center console boats have been redesigned from the ground up for more fishing and family fun. A saltwater corrosion resistant driveline protects you from the harshest elements. And with an extra spacious layout and new storage pods to keep all of your gear, the 190 FSH Series will put you in the middle of everything you love about living on the coast. Starting at $29,799.
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YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M | #RunTheWater ©2019 Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Ride responsibly, wearing protective apparel and USCG-approved personal flotation device. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvering, and respect others around you. Never drink and ride. Shown with optional accessories.
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Rupp Marine Halyard Line Retainer Excess rigging line can be a mess, and cleats have a tendency to get in the way when not in use. Rupp Marine has come up with a simple yet ingenious way to solve these problems. Their all-new, patent-pending “clamp-on” Halyard Line Retainer is an easy way to store halyard lines while telescoping outriggers are rigged and in the retracted position. Simply clamp a set of these line cleats onto the outrigger pole at the desired distance. Excess rigging line wraps around the pop-up cleats to keep lines neat and orderly. This one-of-a-kind system allows the cleats to be folded out of the way when not in use. Rupp’s Halyard Line Retainer system fits any 1 ½-inch diameter outrigger poles. Sold as a set of four to equip two outrigger poles, they are rugged and durable, with spring-loaded cleats for positive locking and unlocking.
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MHX Push Pole The MHX Push Pole is a game changer for shallow-water anglers. Utilizing a combination of uni-directional and off-axis carbon fibers, MHX has created a push pole that produces the greatest amount of power in each push, while maintaining excellent hoop strength under load. There’s no wasted energy, and it’s feather light for long days on the water. When you’re sneaking up on a single shoreline tailer or positioning the boat for a shot at schooling fish, you’ll appreciate the benefits that state-of-the-art technology brings to this simple tool. The MHX push pole has been widely recognized as the best option on the market due it’s lightweight mobility, incredible durability, and superior value. At just under five pounds, you’ll be able to push all week long without the residual fatigue. Legendary Florida angler, Capt. Keiland Smith said, “In all my years of guiding, I would have to say that I have never found a push pole to be this good. The weight of this pole and the strength of it are amazing… I would have to say I think this the best push pole ever made.” The MHX Push Pole includes a fork, a tip, and a 316 stainless steel replacement point just in case.
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Park trailers of any size with ease! Parkit360’s Electric Trailer Dollies are lightweight and great for mixed terrains, tight corners and up to a 6 percent incline. With weight capacities ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 pounds, these portable powerhouses can handle the most difficult parking challenges. Unlike a driver who relies on mirrors and backup cameras, the user faces the trailer, giving them complete visibility and control while parking. They can see exactly where the trailer is at all times and steer within inches of an obstacle if needed. The dolly’s compact design allows the user to park hitch-end forward as a serious theft deterrent, something that is nearly impossible to do with a vehicle. Powered by a 12V trailer-mounted or dolly-mounted battery, Parkit360’s Force and Transformer dollies are simple to set up and intuitive to use. Just freewheel the dolly to the trailer and attach it with one of the provided hitch balls, or one of their special hitch adapters. Then, it’s simply a matter of using the forward/reverse thumb toggle switch on the handle to steer the trailer into place. Have a tough parking situation? Parkit360’s Electric Trailer Dollies are a great solution!
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Looking for a better way to secure your push pole? SeaSucker has come up with the perfect solution for holding your long and inherently unwieldy push pole when it’s not in your hands . A SeaSucker vacuum mount equipped with a rubber clamp and an adjustable strap is the perfect way to quickly and securely stow gaffs, nets and push poles. The adjustable strap holds objects with diameters ranging from 1 to 1.95 inches, and the 4.5-inch SeaSucker has the strength to hold just about anything you choose to strap down. Each 4.5-inch SeaSucker is pull rated at over 120 lbs, and an orange indicator band begins to appear if the vacuum mount loses some of its suction, letting you know it’s time to re-pump. There’s no licking required to attach SeaSucker products to glass, metal, fiberglass and most non-skid surfaces. The primary requirement is that the surface is non-porous, and SeaSucker will even attach to lightly curved surfaces. Another huge benefit is that SeaSucker can be mounted or moved wherever it’s convenient, with no need to drill holes in your boat.
www.seasucker.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Whatever happened to Sea Cat? By Thatch Maguire
A
bout 20 years ago, I had the opportunity to ride aboard a dual-hull, 21-foot center console called a Sea Cat. Like many others, I’ve been a fan of cats ever since. The ride of a dual-hull vessel, especially in choppy seas, is dramatically different from that of a mono-hull. The stability of a two-hull system creates a cutting effect, as opposed to the bounce associated with the plaining of the mono-hull. Study after study has confirmed this effect affords “cats” substantially better fuel economy as well as a much smoother ride and shallower draft. The “cult” of the dual-hull cat has its origins in Australia, where catamaran-style hulls have long been the choice for Australia’s working fishermen. The consistent chop in their seas requires the stability of a catamaran hull. In the United States, several companies pioneered development of the catamaran-style boats for our waters. In the late 1950s, Ray Leger began producing the Power Cat series on the West Coast and several other companies including Manacat and Ocean Star began producing cats in the East. Years after my ride aboard the Sea Cat, I purchased a 26-foot World Cat. I was told Sea Cat was now World Cat. I visited the North Carolina World Cat factory, where I was told they no longer produced the Sea Cat. Recently, I learned the Sea Cat is still being produced in Greenville, N.C. After a few phone calls, and a little Googling, I found Forrest Munden at Sea Cat Boats. The following interview with Mr. Munden attempts to unravel the mystery of “Whatever happened to Sea Cat?” Q: Mr. Munden, how is it you are today selling a vessel that many thought was no longer on the market? Weren’t you associated with the original Sea Cat I fell in love with? Munden: Yes I was. Sea Cat was originally created by Graham Flanagan in 1992. I was manufacturing Leisure Cat boats with Regal Marine in Orlando, Fla., and Graham was manufacturing Sea Cat boats in Greenville, N.C. The innovations developed on the Sea Cat seemed destined to have substantial influence on the boating industry. The boats were super fuel-efficient and rode smoothly in nearly any conditions.
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Q: Well what happened? Munden: In 1996, I purchased Sea Cat boats and its Greenville manufacturing facility. During my first year with the brand, I designed and developed the World Cat line of catamaran boats. World Cat molds were manufactured by Vectorworks Marine in Titusville, Fla. by my good friend Jeff Gray, CEO of Vectorworks. Once we received the new World Cat molds at the plant in Greenville, we started making the World Cat and stopped making the Sea Cat. That was early in 1997. The Sea Cat molds were stored for another year and a half until my good friend Ken Hall (previous CEO of Proline/Donzi) purchased them. He owned the Florida boat company Sportcraft and wanted to add a catamaran line. He called the Sea Cat boat the Sportcat. Unfortunately, Sportcat and Sportcraft did not survive the 1998 economic downturn. The next I heard of Sea Cat was when a former Sea Cat dealer and two brothers from Columbia, S.C. splashed the 19-foot Sea Cat mold. Then, Jerry Semers purchased that mold from the brothers, who had closed their business. Mr. Semers’ started the new venture in Titusville, Fla., utilizing Vector Works Marine as a home base. He called the boat Sea Cat. After Mr. Semers passed away, the molds and tooling sat vacant for years. In 2017, a good friend and ex-Sea Cat and World Cat dealer invited me into a venture to make a new catamaran with the Sea Cat name. I reached out to Mr. Gray at Vectorworks and proceeded to do the tooling and mold building through their team. The result, introduced in 2019, is the new 260 Sea Cat Hybrid bay boat built by our partner Pete Caldwell, Caldwell Marine Designs. The original Seacat Boat built in 1992 was built again 27 years later at the same Greenville plant. Today’s vessel is capable of power up to twin 300 horsepower. Today’s 26-foot Sea Cat has handling characteristics far superior to the original that you fell in love with. The legend of Sea Cat continues as the most practical, smoothest-riding and fuel-efficient vessels this side of Australia. “The Legend Returns,” Seacatboats.com
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or centuries, a Damascus steel blade was instantly recognizable and commanded immediate respect. Recognizable because the unique and mysterious smelting process left a one-of-a-kind, rippled texture on the steel, and respected because Damascus steel’s sharp edge and resistance to shattering were the stuff of legend. If you carried Damascus steel, you were ahead of the curve. Today, you can own the legend.
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ifty years ago, Bud Craig started formulating a design for a new type of boat. His goal was a craft that corrects the shortcomings of conventional small boats. He felt the experience of small boats was like “sitting in a bathtub.” Most 12- to 20-foot boats have very little freeboard and they are inherently unstable. They tip and take on water in adverse conditions. He wanted to design a boat that doesn’t take on water and is unsinkable. In 1990, Craig Catamaran Corporation launched a revolutionary compact boat with fun and safety as the primary design factors. The CraigCat is one of the safest small boats on the market. Today’s
CraigCat offers a compact, high-performance sport boat with exhilarating performance, superior handling, a comfortable dry ride, and side-by-side seating not found in other small boats. CraigCat’s longevity is a testament to its popularity and the enjoyable experience it provides boaters. “People love the ride,” Craig said. “The CraigCat is very easy to operate, making it great for the beginner boater. The CraigCat also appeals to the seasoned, experienced boater who downsizes to the CraigCat just because they love the performance and function.” The secret to its high-performance is the patented design. The CraigCat is a true catamaran and is the world’s only banking catamaran. It leans into turns like a V-hull yet retains the stability of a pontoon boat. It reaches speeds up to 30 mph in just a few seconds, designed with Automatic Stability Control that translates even erratic commands into a smooth easy ride. It’s a very exciting runabout that is used for sightseeing, fishing, diving and other pursuits. Two full-grown men can walk around on the CraigCat and it remains flat in the water. It drafts 3 inches with the engine up and operates in less than 14 inches of water. It is very easy for divers to get off the boat into the water and easy to get back in the boat because of its stability and no freeboard. The CraigCat is fun, easy to operate, comfortable, extremely portable and economical. Craig Catamaran has just released its 30th Anniversary Edition called the Florida Gulf Stream. It has a South Beach Florida vibe, designed in seafoam green and finished with chrome. Craig said there will be a rush for this good-looking new edition of the CraigCat. Stop by CraigCat’s Orlando Headquarters or give them a call soon. It’s a family owned and operated business that gives personalized customer service. They build and handle their boats with pride. For more on CraigCat, go to www.craigcat.com, call (407) 2908778 | 1-833-CraigCat, or stop by their headquarters at 4333 Silver Star Rd., #100, Orlando, FL 32808.
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Photo by Nick Carter
C
CA Florida STAR presented by Yamaha has anglers in hot pursuit of valuable blue tags! Since the event’s launch on Memorial Day weekend, anglers have been chasing tagged fish and logging non-tagged species in 17 inshore and offshore divisions for a shot at $500,000 in prizes and scholarships. Winning anglers have their choice, in the signature iHeart Radio Tagged Redfish Division, of prizes including a new GMC Sierra Pickup from Conley Buick GMC, Bradenton or one of several Yamaha-powered boat packages including a Contender 22 Sport, Pathfinder 2200TRS, Hewes Redfisher 16, a 21 Carolina Skiff and a Relentless Aluminum Bay/Flats boat. “It really can happen, and you would get to pick from the prizes available. You just need to be a member and registered for STAR when you go fishing,” said Leiza Fitzgerald, STAR director. Since 2015, almost 100 STAR-tagged redfish have been recaptured. Only six were caught by CCA members registered for STAR. Those six anglers were awarded with either a truck or a boat, motor and trailer package. To date, there have been nearly $900,000 in prizes awarded with $400,000 of that being college scholarships. On average, four tagged redfish are released per coastal county, with Brevard, Citrus and Charlotte counties being destination counties, each with eight tagged fish released in their waters. You might want to plan a fishing weekend in one of those counties. But you better be registered and a CCA member or it will just be another sad fish story. STAR also has some other terrific prizes for catching nontagged redfish, snook, trout, tarpon, grouper, kingfish, dolphin or grouper. Submit a photo of your legal catch in the Open, Ladies, Kayak, Fly or Conservation Divisions. The Costa Kick Plastic Division encourages collection of trash from coastal waters and shoreline. Submit a photo of every full 5 gallon bucket collected and include The Official West Marine 2019 STAR Measuring Device in the photo to earn a shot at $1,500 in cash from Waxhead Sun Defense, Body Glove SUP, Costa sunglasses or a $250 gift certificate from AFTCO or West Marine. The Youth Scholarship Division presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors offers over $100,000 in scholarships. Youth anglers (ages 6-17) can register for free with their current $10 CCA Florida youth membership and are eligible for prizes in both tagged divisions as well as the Youth Scholarship Division and Trash Division. Prizes for the first two youth anglers in the tagged redfish division include a Carolina Skiff, sporting Humminbird electronics, Minn Kota trolling motor and powered with a Yamaha 40 HP motor with trailer, and the first registered youth angler who catches one of 20 tagged dolphin is eligible to win a $10,000 scholarship. As a “catch, photo and release” competition, STAR’s smart phone app promotes proper handling and eliminates the requirement for harvest or transport of fish. Registration is $40 for current CCA Florida members or $75 for non-members, which includes CCA Florida membership. For information, go to www.ccaflstar.com or call (844) 3877827.
CCA Florida STAR is the largest family-friendly saltwater fishing competition in Florida, and it’s unlike traditional fishing tournaments.
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• Tagged Redfish Prizes Include Truck & Boat, Motor, Trailer Packages from...
A CCA FLORIDA EVENT
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n March, the second-heaviest largemouth bass ever approved by FWC’s Trophy Catch Program was caught from Orange Lake south of Gainesville. Brian Hammett was punching grass mats when he caught and then released his 15-pound, 13-ounce giant. The TrophyCatch Hall of Fame fish is one more indicator of a rebound for the lake, which was fishing lights-out this spring. After producing a large number of trophy bass in 2010 and 2011, Orange Lake went almost dry in the winter of 2011. Following several years of sustained high water, coupled with FWC staff working with local stakeholders to manage the lake, habitat on Orange Lake is once again very good and the fishery has bounced back. Not only has crappie and panfish fishing been very good, but anglers are catching bass again, including tro-
phy bass like Hammett’s, as well as nine other TrophyCatch bass weighing at least 8 pounds that were approved in the program since January. Six of the 10 TrophyCatch-approved 2019 Orange Lake bass weighed more than 10 pounds. FWC staff worked with stakeholders to write the Orange Lake Habitat Management Plan in 2015-2016 and continue to manage the lake’s habitat according to the plan. Management activities are discussed at public meetings twice a year, and have included vegetation shredding, tussock harvesting and invasive plant control. These management activities not only enhance habitat for fish but also for other species such as wading birds. In addition to habitat enhancement projects, FWC staff also continue to monitor the fish populations through fish sampling, creel surveys (angler interviews) and research projects, such as tagging studies. FWC biologists have collected nine bass on Orange Lake weighing more than 8 pounds in the past two years. The largest bass weighed 13.5 pounds and was collected this spring—the same week Hammett’s Hall of Fame TrophyCatch bass was caught and submitted. The second-largest bass collected by FWC biologists on Orange Lake was collected in March 2017 and weighed 9.75 pounds. That bass was tagged, released and later recaptured by FWC biologists in November 2017, weighing 13 pounds. TrophyCatch is a partnership between the FWC, anglers and fishing industry leaders, such as Bass Pro Shops, that rewards the catch, documentation and release of largemouth bass weighing 8 pounds or heavier in Florida. In order to be eligible for prizes, anglers are required to submit photos or videos showing the entire fish and its weight on a scale to TrophyCatch.com before releasing it back into the water. FWC biologists use TrophyCatch data for bass research, to make informed decisions about the management of Florida bass fisheries and to promote the catch and release of trophy bass. In the past six seasons, TrophyCatch has awarded prizes for the catch and release of more than 8,000 largemouth bass weighing at least 8 pounds. For more information about the TrophyCatch program, email Amber Nabors at Amber.Nabors@MyFWC.com. For more information about the Orange Creek Basin Interagency Working Group or to view the Orange Lake Habitat Management Plan, visit OrangeCreekBasin.wordpress.com.
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By Capt. Billy Black
Dave Terrazas and mate JB Stone with a 60-pound wahoo.
W
e all know that the winter months bring weather that makes it a little bit sporty to cross the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas. I have been fortunate to find weather windows that have allowed me to do multiple fishing trips through March, April and May to Grand Cay and Walker’s Cay. I am always reminded as I see the two islands in the distance how fortunate I feel to return to this spot to fish again. We are always greeted warmly at Rosie’s place when we arrive. It never gets old enjoying the superb cooking of conch, fish, stone crabs and lobster in season at Ron’s Hot Spot or Rosie’s Restaurant. We often shoot pool at Dee’s Place. Fishing is always good, and returning to the dock with numerous species is the highlight of the trip. The excitement continues to build as we watch cranes working at Walker’s Cay Marina getting ready for the opening in 2020. Words cannot express how grateful I am to Carl and Gigi Allen, the new owners of Walker’s Cay. I began to believe that I would never see this magnificent island restored in my lifetime. My dreams have been answered and seeing work on the island lets me know we will be back there soon. We all think that the reopening of Walker’s is good for us from the States, but words cannot describe the symbiotic relationship that Walker’s and Grand Cay have to each other. These two islands are at their best when they are able to work together for the betterment of the Bahamas and the people of Grand Cay. Contact Capt. Billy Black and Duchess Sportfishing at Captbillyblack.com or call (772) 233-1048.
Reel in the memories. Sitting on the most biodiverse estuary in the Northern Hemisphere, Martin County is a fisherman’s paradise. Ocean, lake and river ecosystems are home to more than 800 species of fish, from the ever-popular sailfish and snook to largemouth bass and perch. Forget your gear? Visit one of Martin’s many bait and tackle shops or outdoor retailers. Inshore, offshore, saltwater or fresh, head out for an adventure and reel in the memories.
DiscoverMartin.com 6
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John Cabaniss, Mackey Cooper, Dave Terrazas, Dave Orshowitz, and Duchess mate JB Stone (from left) returning to the docks at Grand Cay with dolphin and wahoo.
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FLY FISHING
Basic Casts You’ll Need To Know Learn The Double Haul
Developing a solid double-haul is the foundation of a quick and accurate cast. It is essential for the long casts required by many saltwater species and for cutting through wind. Not only does the double haul help with distance, if executed correctly, it reduces the number of back casts the angler must make. It is well to remember that the more time the fly line is in the air, the less time the fly is on the water. The best way to learn the double haul is to find a grassy area like a park, making certain the park’s area affords you enough room to make the back-cast portion of the double haul. Strip out 40 feet of fly line and make a forward cast, allowing the fly line to lie on the grass in front of you. Next, lower your rod tip to where it is touching the ground in front of you. Then, pick up the fly line and make a back cast, allowing the line lay out behind you. This is the single haul. Next, pull the fly line off the grass behind you with your line hand while the fly rod is moving forward, and with the rod moving forward, pull the line down towards your belt line. As you feel the fly rod load while it bends on the forward cast, release the line from your line hand, allowing the fly line to shoot forward through the guides. This is the second haul of the double haul, an effective cast when long-distance casts are required, but also important for the short, quick accurate cast.
The Quick-Cast for the Short Game
Perhaps most important when fly fishing saltwater is the abundance of great sight-casting opportunities. You never know when or where a fish will appear. Achieving distance is important, but the ability to execute short, quick, accurate casts is a skill you’ll need to be successful. Nothing is more important than a short, quickly executed, casting game. It may seem counterintuitive, but the short cast is one of the most difficult casts to make in fly fishing. A fly rod made for short casting has yet to be built, and the use of a 9-foot rod places you at a disadvantage. You can make the needed adjustment by merely shortening the amount of fly line you have outside the tip of your fly rod. When fly fishing in saltwater, unless I know I’ll be making long casts, I keep roughly 30 feet of fly line stripped into a line management basket (bucket if fishing from a skiff) and 20 feet of line outside the fly rod’s tip-top. The first 15 of the line will easily load the fly rod with minimum false casting. You need to keep the fly between your index finger and thumb of the hand not holding the rod. If a fish is spotted at close range, make your back cast while at the same time releasing the fly from your hand and cast. As with anything, practice makes perfect. So, master these casting techniques and you be on your way to becoming a better angler.
The Back Cast is Important
Much of your success in fly casting is dependent upon the development of a smooth back cast; that is the ability to cast 20 to 30 feet of line quickly behind you whenever demanded. Remember the fly fisherman’s adage that “your forward cast is only as good as your back cast.” A good cast is essential when sight-casting flies to redfish, bonefish, tarpon and permit. If a fish appears behind you, make a forward cast, and with your fly line on the water, simply pick up the line and shoot it behind you. Retain eye contact with the fish’s position. Success is achieved by having the rod tip low on the water and slowly bringing the fly line off the water then recasting. I’ve witnessed far too many fishermen rush to recast, and in doing so, miss their target on the second-cast, resulting in the spooking of the fish. Here’s a rule of thumb: Put the brakes to your back cast.
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BOAT REVIEW Mitzi Skiff 17 Tournament
For those of you that use a push pole to navigate the shallow waters and grass flats the Mitzi is one of the easiest to pole as it tracks amazingly straight. The poling platform is made of aluminum tube specially for Mitzi and it places you 34 inches above the deck giving you optimal viewing for sight fishing with friends or clients. Mitzi is a skiff you can pole all day long and not feel like you have worked. Mitzi Skiffs comes in 15’, 16’, 17’ and 17’ tournament versions. These can be outfitted to meet any need that you have from tiller motors in the 15 versions to the fully loaded 17 Tournament Editions.
SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 25’10”
The Mitzi Skiff line of boats started years ago, when Tom Mitzlaff couldn’t find the particular boat he wanted. The idea was simple. It needed to have a clean layout for fly-fishing, a shallow draft, and remain quiet yet still be inexpensive to own and operate. So Tom, being the resourceful person he is, ended up designing his own line of skiffs, and the Mitzi Skiff was born. As the Mitzi Skiff boat company moves into a new era, we are guided by those very same principles. We build all composite, wide shallow water skiffs from 15 to 17 feet for the shallow water enthusiasts that are affordable. We continue to improve and innovate while still Keeping It Simple! When you talk about Mitzi skiffs the thought that comes to mind is the room on the bow; it has more room than other boats similar in size. It’s a great place to put a beginner fly fisherman or a couple with light tackle. Underneath the bow you have the Carolina Flare which cuts through chop and when the chop gets big the flare actually directs the water down which helps to keep you dry and comfortable.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT:
• 3 – Dry Storage areas BEAM: 6’5” • 6 – Fly rod tubes under gunwales – Fits 9.5 Fly Rods FUEL: 120 gallons • Built in fuel tank HULL WEIGHT: 530 lbs • Walk around gunwales • Accon pull-up stainless cleats BUILDER: • Teleflex steering • Foam floatation filled hull bottom Mitzi Skiff Boats • Self draining cockpit into bilge • Aluminum Poling Platform Frame CONTACT: w/non-skid top • Huge front casting deck (252) 235-3461 (A fly fisherman’s dream) • Hull color options & 17 Tournament decals • Baitwell console • Console rod rack
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Center Consoles… Things have changed By Art Hodax
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f you’ve been to a boat show lately, you’ve no doubt been stunned by the array of large center console boats. They’re big, they’re quick and they’re ocean capable. This class of boats represents one of the most innovative areas of boat design. For many, they balance the best in design, power, comfort and range. Today’s selection of larger outboard-powered boats results from a game of industry leapfrog. The interest in larger center consoles drove the development of larger outboards, and more powerful outboards have allowed marine engineers to create even larger center console boats.
At a recent boat show, George Smith from Marine Max in Stuart, Fla. showed off some “open” boats that are easy to maintain, are capable of offshore runs even on less-than-perfect days and have the accommodations and safety features to comfortably cross the Gulf Stream from the Florida coast. Today, there’s no problem finding outboard-powered boats over 40’ with consoles large enough to include a berth, head with shower, galley and air conditioning. Smith talked about how the market for these boats has changed over the past four or five years. One of the driving changes to boat construction has been the use of vacuum-infused fiberglass. In the past, hulls were thick to provide strength and more resin was used than needed. Now, boats are computer engineered using fiberglass as well as high-tech fabrics like Kevlar and carbon fiber to create stronger and lighter hulls. In addition to these high-tech fabrics, new construction techniques allow materials to be vacuum sealed into the mold by adding a layer of plastic film over the cloth during construction. Using vacuum pumps, resin is then drawn through hoses into the cloth, impregnating it while vacuuming excess resin out of the mold. The result is a lighter and stronger construction, which allows for larger more complex hulls and cockpits to be produced. We boarded a new 42’ Boston Whaler Outrage. As an outboard boat, there’s a massive amount of space inside the hull. This boat is designed to handle up to 1, 675 hp spread across up to four engines. This brings us to the issue of outboard evolution. Large outboards are now six- or eight-cylinder, four-stroke powerhouses. These engines commonly benefit from supercharging and from new alloys that allow them to withstand added compression and torque. Among the options are Mercury Marine’s Verado 400 hp inline six-cylinder, the 425 hp Yamaha XTO Offshore V8, or for those who want more, the Seven-Marine 627 hp supercharged and intercooled V8. These engines are reliable, quiet and smooth. These days, center consoles can compete in many ways with larger flybridge boats. Things have changed in the market for open boats.
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FLORIDA
11 4/17/19 7:58 AM
COME OUTSIDE & DISCOVER
Lake Okeechobee OKEECHOBEE AND MARTIN COUNTY, FLORIDA
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By John Lidington
Divers start to prepare their gear as Pura Vida Divers’ boat Sirena heads out at sunset for a blackwater dive. Photo by John Lidington.
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t’s 8 p.m. and I’m watching the sun disappear behind Palm Beach from Pura Vida Divers’ charter boat Sirena. We’re running southeast to the Gulf Stream, where water is at least 400 feet deep. Our purpose is to witness a tiny part of the largest animal migration on earth. Every night, countless marine organisms move from the ocean depths to surface, offering us the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife rarely encountered. This will be my initiation to blackwater diving. What will it be like? How black is black? I love night diving, but even then, I’m still aware of the bottom. It’s comfortable having boundaries. In cave diving, the blackness is absolute outside the beam of my light, but that beam still reveals surrounding structure. On this dive, though, the bottom will be hundreds of feet below. That’s
effectively bottomless. How will I feel completely surrounded by unstructured liquid nothingness? There’s plenty of time to set up and double check equipment on the trip out, especially my lights. Primary, back-up, and tank light. I want to see and be seen. We’ll be splashing a few miles offshore, then drifting with the current for even more miles. This is not a place to get lost. To avoid just that, Sirena’s crew deploys the “Christmas tree.” It’s a large, red, illuminated buoy with a 40foot weighted line hanging down that holds lights clearly marking 10-foot depth intervals. Floating freely with the current, this becomes a highly visible reference. Entering the water, I immediately see that disorientation is not going to be a problem. Sure, A comb jellyfish’s iridescent body flashes a of colors under the light of a blackthe water is black, but the red and rainbow water diver. Photo by Andrea Whitaker. white lights of the Christmas tree are visible, and there’s a blue glow from Sirena’s underwater lights behind me. The lights of the other divers move through the surrounding dark space like fireflies. Hanging weightless with glowing beams moving around me in the blackness, I wonder if this is how an astronaut feels on a spacewalk. As I float along, something small, long and thin flashes quickly through my light beam. I start looking closely at the “stuff ” floating nearby. I see a small shadow ahead, outlined in the glow of the distant Christmas tree. Moving near, my light picks out a comb jelly. Lit up at night, it becomes an opal, with a rainbow of colors pulsing through its transparent body. Suddenly, I’m hooked! The remainder of the dive flies by. I find a couple more comb jellies and a tiny jellyfish. Nothing to excite a seasoned blackwater diver, but for a newbie it’s enough. Check out www.puravidadivers.com for details and scheduling on their frequent blackwater dive charters, or sign up to become a PADI Blackwater Specialty Diver.
LLGF Screamin' Reels Tourney June 21-23 Islamorada, Florida Keys
Ladies, Fish Sat. & Sunday on inshore or offshore charter boats - win prizes! We will team you with others No experience or boat necessary $89, Charter Rates Add'l or use your own boat. Can't come? Check out Oct. 18-20 Fishing Fever Keys w/ full day seminar to learn!
www.ladiesletsgofishing.com Register in advance
Maryanne Vondertann, of Ft. Lauderdale, Mary Moll, of Big Pine Key, Cindy Clegg, of Islamorada, Dawna Young, of Cape Coral, Betty Bauman, of Ft. Lauderdale and Theresa Gaissert, of Cape Coral, (from left) with the catch from a fine day in the Keys.
W
omen, teens and males can learn and have an option to charter fish at the Ladies Let’s Go Fishing LLGF Screamin’ Reels Tournament June 21-23 at Islamorada, Fla. The event kicks off with an educational presentation and appetizer contest at the Tavernier Elks Club, at 92600 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070. Fishing is on Saturday and Sunday, followed by $1,200 value of awards on Sunday at Whale Harbor Marina upon the boat returns. There will be some daily prizes on Saturday. Guided charter fishing with equipment and license supplied should be booked early as charter boats fill quickly. Registration is $89 per adult angler early entry, $99 regular and $45 for teens and includes about $20 in gifts. Contact: (954) 475-9068; email info@ladiesletsgofishing.com; website www.ladiesletsgofishing.com; Facebook www.facebook.com/ ladiesletsgofishing.
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WE’RE WORKING RIGHT NOW. HOME-BASED BUSINESS WITH LOW OVERHEAD. COMPLETE TRAINING PROGRAM WITH ONGOING SUPPORT. PROVEN FRANCHISE MODEL WITH OVER A DECADE OF REFINEMENT. Misti and Gary Guretin, Treasure Coast Co-Publishers
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Capt. Cliff Lumpkin, Publisher 305-849-9093 www.coastalanglermag.com/florida-keys April Lumpkin, Publisher 305-849-9104
by Greg Poland
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t’s springtime and the tarpon migration is in full swing, this means great fishing on the oceanside in 3-6ft of water for the guys looking to sight cast for silver kings. If you have never sight casted to a migrating tarpon you should really get out on the water and experience it, but beware it is going to change your life! Standing on the bow of a boat in gin clear water and watching a school of 4-5ft fish swimming at you is sure to make you wobbly at the knees, but once he opens that mouth and inhales your offering you will be hooked for life. That is what happened to me and I look forward all year long to the arrival of the silver kings and my chance to take anglers out to experience the greatest fish that swims. Whether you are a fly fisherman or simply casting a live crab at a school of tarpon is by far and away my favorite type of fishing, after the bite you can expect a summersault much like a gymnast trying out for the Olympics then a fight that will put your tackle to test. We have world class tarpon fishing in the keys and this time of year I spend a lot of time fishing around the bridges, when you hook up near a bridge it’s going to be a bit of a rodeo but it’s always fun when you make it through to the other side and the teamwork of angler and captain is a strong bond after releasing a big fish that tried to wrap you up in a bridge piling. If you want to get out and try a little tarpon fishing, I suggest a rod with 30lb Braded line, 10ft of 50lb fluorocarbon leader tied to a circle hook with a live mullet for bait. I have some prime tarpon dates in May & June available if you want to get out for a trip & I can show you my favorite type of fishing. Here are a few photos from recent trips.
Capt. Greg Poland 305.393.3327 gregpoland.com Instagram gregpoland Facebook: Fishing in the Florida Keys with Capt. Greg Poland
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by Capt. Dallas Hopper
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he days are getting longer, the weather is calming down and its feels like that mid day sun will never cool off. It sounds just like summer time here in the keys, let’s get into the fishing. The mahi showed up a little late this season but now were finding them pretty consistently in the 250-600 ft range. Look for grass lines, debris, frigate birds and royal terns working, all these signs will point you in the right direction. After finding a body of water that looks promising, we’ll start by putting out a four line trolling spread with a mixture of lures and rigged ballyhoo. We like to troll around six knots, this speed works well for us. Once we find a school of mahi we then make a switch over to 20lb spinning gear with 60lb leader and a 6/0 mustad long shank hook. These fish usually aren’t too picky, you can throw just about whatever kind of bait you want. Squid, ballyhoo, pilchards, bonita chunks, goggleye all seem to get the job done. When searching for mahi you’re going to have to cover ALOT of water, a quality pair of binoculars will make the search for these fish more successful. There has been a nice bite going on around the deep water wrecks in 200-300 feet here in the upper keys. A variety of bottom creatures have been making their way to the fish box, mutton snapper, black and red grouper, amberjack, almaco jack and even some vermillion snapper. Dropping live and dead baits out here should bring you plenty of action or if you’re looking for a change of pace try working some vertical jigs and just hang on! When fishing around the wrecks you’re tackle has to be on it’s A game, anything less and you’ll be headed back home empty handed. In the shallower water along the edge of the reef there has been a steady bite of yellow tail, mutton and black grouper. Were focusing on the rocky bottom in 110-140 feet of water. For the grouper we’re using 50lb class tackle rigged up with a heavy duty three way swivel and 15-30 ft of 125-200 lb test for leader. Give em some big baits, grunts, speedos, blue runner, yellowtail or even rainbow runner wont go unnoticed. When targeting the mutton you’ll have to scale your tackle some , they’re a bit line shy. We’ll start off by using 30-40 ft of 50-80lb fluorocarbon, but on the days when this fish are super finicky we’ll drop down to as little as 40lb. Live cigar minnows, pinfish, de-boned ballyhoo, and live ballyhoo are prime baits to fooling these fish. The kids are getting out of school this month and the weather is absolutely gorgeous, take a day off and go get offshore. If you’re around the upper keys and looking to do some fishing, give us a call we’ll get you out there.
Capt. Dallas Hopper Fantastic II Charters “guaranteed fish” 305-451-2890 www.charterkeylargo.com
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Key West to Key Largo 305-852-2881 2 FLORIDA KEYS
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Our business is to help you catch fish by providing the right fishing tackle plus advice from locals who fish these waters daily. Penn – Daiwa – Shimano – Fin Nor – Okuma Rod & Reel Sales / Service / Repair Bait: Live – Frozen – Fresh Ice: Bagged – Block – Bulk Guide Service & Fishing Charters
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5/16/19 9:02 PM
By Capt. Chris Johnson
The waters off Marathon offer abundant opportunities for a wide spectrum of species during June. On the reef, it’s all about the snapper fishing, with yellowtails and mangroves providing most of the action. Large amounts of chum will keep the fish interested. We supplement our frozen block chum with a mixture of oats and YellowtailUp from Aquatic Nutrition. Any cut baits, such as ballyhoo or bonita belly, work well. The most productive depths typically are 50 to 80 feet of water. The yellowtails eat cut baits or shrimp, while the manLimit of black grouper and a nice mutton for Lenny and his groves take chunk baits or small live baits buddies aboard the SeaSquared such as ballyhoo or pinfish. Wreck fishing for mutton snapper is with Capt. Jason Bell. usually very good during June, with all depths from 100 to 250 feet worth investigating. There are lots of larger fish in the 12- to 18-pound range, plus we often find our heftiest muttons of the year at 20 pounds and greater. Live baits, including pinfish and ballyhoo, work best for the muttons, although a butterflied ballyhoo will sometimes outproduce a live bait, so it’s always worth a try. And, there are still plenty of amberjacks, almaco jacks and we usually see some African pompano during June as well. The Benson group caught muttons As for wide-open fishing, this is and a big jack crevalle with the time of the year we see the peak of Capt. Wayne Burri and the dolphin (mahi-mahi) run offshore SeaSquared Charters. of Marathon. Large quantities of these colorful gamefish pile through the Florida Straits every day. What the dolphin may lack in size, they make up for in quantity. So, if you’re looking to fill your freezer, you’ll be able to load up on schoolie-size (five- to ten-pound) dolphin, with the occasional bigger fish in the 15- to 40-pound category. All the standard dolphin fishing tactics will work. Try trolling or looking for weed lines, birds working the surface or floating debris. If you find some floating debris in these deep areas, you may luck into a wahoo or two. For best results, troll lipped plugs past the debris or drop large bucktails or butterfly jigs to 200 feet and retrieve them to the surface as fast as possible. While there’s still some tarpon action at the bridges, it tends to wane dramatically by midmonth. So, if catching a Silver King is on your bucket list, get out there early in the month for a shot at a mature tarpon in the 80- to SS The Earp group caught their limit of 150-pound class. black groupers, a nice mutton, and a Shallow-water, catch-anddozen yellowtails with Capt. Jason Bell and release shark fishing in Florida SeaSquared Charters. Bay is red-hot during June. Lemons are the primary shark species this time of year, but you may also see blacktips, bulls, hammerheads and more. 4 FLORIDA KEYS
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These sharks range in size from five to eight feet, and it’s not unusual to find yourself with a 200-pound toothy critter on the end of your line. They give you a good fight, with acrobatics, before you reel them in to the side of the boat for a photo opp and then release them to fight another day. Capt. Chris Johnson Specializes in offshore, reef/ wreck, gulf/bay, saifish, shark, tarpon and lobster fishing with SeaSquared Charters 305-7435305 SeaSquaredCharters.com For daily fishing reports with pictures, please click over to Facebook.com/ MarathonFishing
The Cammer group landed all three of the tarpon they hooked at Bahia Honda with Capt. Jason Bell
SS Tom O’Riordan with a nice black grouper caught with Capt. Jason Bell and SeaSquared Charters
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Get to your fishing spot more often with your savings on a quick and easy Keys Boat or Engine-Only Loan! • Great rates from 5.5%APR* • Fast Local Decisions • Affordable Payments
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8 FLORIDA KEYS
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FLORIDA KEYS BRIDGES OPEN TO FISHING:
• Channel 2 (MM 73) • Channel 5 (south end, MM 71) • Long Key (MM 63-65) • Tom’s Harbor Cut (MM 61.2) • Tom’s Harbor Channel (access from north end only, MM 60.6) • Seven Mile Bridge (south end only, MM 40) • Spanish Harbor (MM 34) • South Pine Channel Historic Bridge (MM 30) • Kemp Channel (MM 23) • Bow Channel (MM 20) • Park Channel (MM 18.5) • Shark Channel (MM 11)
FLORIDA KEYS BRIDGES CLOSED TO FISHING: • Little Duck Key-Missouri Historic Bridge, (MM 39.5) • Missouri-Ohio Historic Bridge (MM 39) • Ohio-Bahia Honda Historic Bridge (MM 38.5) • Lower Sugarloaf Channel (MM 15.8)
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FLORIDA KEYS 9
5/16/19 9:02 PM
By Capt. Mike Weinhofer
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une fishing is the calm weather large fish time of year everyone loves. In the blue water offshore this year the sail has just showed up at the end of April and are going to feed well into to June. The water was late to warm this year and fish don’t have calendars, so they follow water temperatures and bait migrations. The dolphin will be in 600-1500 feet of water offshore. Look for the birds and debris. The birds will lead you to the fish and the fish will hide under debris. Take your time around the debris sometimes the dolphin will wonder off to go to find something to eat but they will find their way back. This is the time of year when you want to make sure you have a float onboard so you do find that hard to see debris you can mark it so you don’t lose it as you drift away sighting the first school of dolphin. When you do find the debris after you have caught your dolphin don’t forget to drop down a Magnum 30 rapala plug for your wahoo. Troll them about 100 feet behind the boat and about 6 knots. It will surprise you how many wahoo are there that you never saw. The reef also comes alive in June the snapper are moving out to spawn on the reef and it is a blast. As always it is important to use light fluorocarbon leader and small hooks. On the inshore side of things, the flats, backcountry and harbor channels are in full swing. Tarpon has migrated in late but now have settled in for the feed. The Key West harbor is full of tarpon snapper and yes even big permit. Anchoring down and dead bait chunking can be extremely successful. Just free line your chunks back or you can drift live pinfish as well. The flats are full brimming with daisy chaining tarpon and permit skirting the flats. Live crabs and shrimp work extremely well on the flats. On the Gulf of Mexico side, the shrimp boats are full of bonita, blackfin tuna and sharks and even cobias at times. The wrecks in the gulf are full of Jewfish (goliath Groupers), sharks, snappers and yes even permit. Each wreck will act differently, some will be full of nothing but sharks while still others will be full of snapper. Look to the wrecks with sharks having cobias swimming with them. All in all, the June fishery is alive. Whether you decide to fish shallow or deep enjoy the calm waters and beautiful days. Just go Fishing. Capt Mike Weinhofer Compass Rose Charters 305-395-3474 • www.KeyWestFloridaFishing.com
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5/16/19 9:02 PM
By Robert Trosset
Gear Maintenance
Part of every new scuba divers open water course is to learn how to care for the life support equipment used in the sport. Just like any of our dive skills it is something that needs to be practiced making sure it is up to date. Many experienced divers are guilty of cutting corners or stretching the service date of equipment. While it may seem innocent, the consequences of a failure while diving can be very serious. The first step is always to start with quality equipment. Name brand regulators and B.C.D.S have thousands of hours of testing performed on them before they ever see the customer. This testing has ensured a quality product that will last for many years. Before you leave the dock you should always do an assessment of your equipment. When was the last time you had it serviced by a trained technician? I have spent many hours in classrooms learning how to properly disassemble a regulator and replace each component. If even once part is out of place the consequences could be massive. Follow your manufacturer’s recommendations for service but a good rule of thumb is to have it serviced at least once a year. Do you own your own tanks? If so, the visual inspection is due every year and the hydrostatic test is due every 5 years. The main reason for inspecting the tanks is to prevent a catastrophic failure. Finz Dive Center has trained technicians that can perform these inspections. If you will be diving for lobster season get this done early. There will be hundreds of divers trying to get the same service performed and could cause you to miss opening day. The proper way to store any dive equipment is to keep it out of the sun and in a cool dry place. I prefer to store my bcd in my closet rather than my garage. Make sure to rinse out the bladder and power inflator to keep the salt
from building up. For the regulator set make sure to keep it pressurized or be careful to not depress the purge button when cleaning. If you do it may allow water to enter the system and cause corrosion. Wetsuits can be a breeding ground for bacteria. I always clean mine with simple green and let them dry inside out. This lets the part that touches my skin dry first so nothing can grow. I will come back the next day and turn it right-side out to finish drying the rest. Make sure to keep them on a wide hanger to prevent creases that could turn into rips. Spearguns are often left outside in the elements. You should remove the bands and other rubber components and store in a cool area. This will keep the ends from cracking and make sure it is ready for the next hunt. Take care of your equipment and it will last for many years to come. Robert Trosset FINZ Dive Center • 5130 Overseas Hiwy,Key West 305-395-0880 • Info@Finzdivecenter.com • www.Finzdivecenter.com
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5/16/19 9:02 PM
John Sipes with his first and impr essive 35 inch, 13.5 lb queen snapper.
Former Coastal Angler Magazine Florida Keys Publisher Ed Goucher and son Adam landing a nice variety of fish
Captain Ryan O’Sullivan, of Show & Tails charters in the lower keys, with a awesome wahoo.
w and
Jose Garcia, ca ught these nice cubera snapper from his dock in Layton Florida us ing fresh ballyhoo. 12 FLORIDA KEYS
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If you have a catch to brag about send your picture and caption to: cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com or april@ coastalanglermagazine.com
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5/16/19 9:02 PM
By John Saporito
H
ard plastic, soft plastic, jig heads, popping corks, backward-swimming lures, live or frozen, weighted or freelined—with such variety available to those casting natural and artificial shrimp, it can be tough to know which option is best. However, when it comes to optimal presentation, soft plastic is king. Fitted with a single upright hook and just enough belly ballast to keep it stable in the water, this classic has stood the test of time for good reason. The key is that the angler has complete control over the action of the lure. In skilled hands, it will out fish the real thing. The problem with live shrimp is they never swim naturally be-
cause even a light leader and thin braided line is a lot of resistance for these little guys. It’s like putting a heavy leash on a Chihuahua. Conversely, the movement of the artificial version is only influenced by the wind, the water current and the angler’s own actions. The soft plastic shrimp will not have a mind of its own; it’s an extension of the angler. Although the lure is a proven fish catcher right out of the package, I like to replace the stock hook with a sharper, sturdier model. Choose a hook that’s strong enough to handle your biggest possible target without affecting the lure’s action. Lots of fishermen will recommend a loop knot to join the lure to your leader, but I use a small stainless-steel lure clip instead. This allows for freedom of motion without compromising on strength. The loop knot is too much of a liability for my taste. If you like, you can even outfit the lure with a tiny glass rattle, adding to its sound appeal. These lures come in an endless array of colors, which may all produce under the right conditions. Choosing a lure with some degree of translucence is probably a good step toward replicating a natural shrimp. When fishing from above—docks, piers and bridges—it’s a good idea to pick a pattern that is visible to you. That way, you can keep track of exactly where the lure is and what it’s doing. The most important aspect of using any lure is presentation, and the soft plastic shrimp lets you mimic the real thing better than any other shrimp lure on the market. You just have to take the time to observe the movements of a live shrimp. Whether it’s the bait tank at a tackle shop, from atop a lighted bridge or underneath dock lights, a live viewing offers an invaluable learning opportunity. Pay attention to the pace, the timing and the nuances of the shrimp’s behavior. Learn how it moves, and then try to replicate it with your lure. When you’ve gotten it right, the results will speak for themselves. John Saporito is a lifelong fisherman and student of the seas. Visit him online at www.guerillaangling.com.
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CA_HMY_SFL 5_19 submission.qxp_Layout 1 5/13/19 10:42 AM Page 1
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t its May FWC Photo meeting near Tallahassee, FWC approved early season closures for recreationally caught greater amberjack and gray triggerfish in Gulf state waters. The greater amberjack and gray triggerfish recreational closures are consistent with recent federal actions. Greater amberjack closed May 3 to recreational harvest in Gulf state waters and will remain closed in both Gulf state and federal waters through July 31, reopening for the fall Aug. 1 through Oct. 31 season. Gray triggerfish closed to recreational harvest May 11 in Gulf state and federal waters and will remain closed until the federal season reopens. For more on these changes, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and click on “Commission Meetings,” followed by the May 1-2, Tallahassee “Agenda” link.
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*Plus Tax, Tag, Freight, & Prep. Pre Owned *Plus Tax and Tag.
By Capt. Terry Fisher
B
oca Grande Pass on the southwest coast of Florida is home to one of nature’s most spectacular displays. During “The World’s Biggest Tarpon Migration,” Boca Grande Pass offers the best tarpon fishing in the world. Each spring, thousands of these prehistoric fish make their appearance to mate, replenish, grow, and survive their species. It’s the Promised Land for big game hunters looking for the Holy Grail. It is an experience of a lifetime to hook and to land a huge tarpon. Over the years, I have observed only a handful of captains satisfying clients with a fish of a lifetime on a consistent basis. Only about 5 percent (probably less) of all boats fishing the pass experience hooking and catching a tarpon. I decided to hire the most successful guide willing to teach me a technique that works on a consistent basis. I have followed successful guides, and among them chose Capt. Dave Markett of Odessa, Fla. He has had the most hook-ups and catches on a consistent basis of any guide while working the pass. Capt. Dave has been a professional guide for 48 years, and that includes 28 years of fishing Boca Grande Pass. Last month, I met Capt. Dave at the Placida Boat Ramp. Accompanying us was Nadeen Welch, of Coastal Angler Magazine’s Southwest Florida region. Capt. Dave explained the history of tarpon as well as Airline_Ad_CoastalAngler_8-1-14_Layout 1 8/1/14 1:14 PMand Page 1 the development and re-developments of tackle techniques utilized
to catch these monsters. We arrived in the pass at daybreak and were surrounded by tarpon rolling on the surface. Capt. Dave believes the smaller rolling tarpon, from 100 to 125 pounds, are males vying for favor of the larger, 175- to 300-plus-pound) females foraging along the bottom of the pass. Those bigger fish showed up on his sonar. Capt. Dave was quick to point out any and all flaws during and throughout each and every drop into the schools. Any movement of the rod tip during a presentation will cause a school of tarpon to flush like baitfish when spooked. Any wrong presentation will not get a bite. If a presentation is not finessed or natural looking, all bets are off. Nadeen and I hooked and fought six tarpon with an estimated range from 175 to 225 pounds. However, we missed at least a dozen other opportunities to hook and land one. This time of year, there are other techniques utilized to catch tarpon in the waters of southwest Florida, including along beaches and in back areas. Many captains, including myself, are successful in those arenas. However, if one wants to catch huge tarpon in Boca Grande Pass, contact Capt. Dave Markett at (813) 455-3056 or email him at dmarket@aol. com. His website is: captdavemarkett.com. Capt. Terry Fisher owns and operates Fish Face Charters. Contact him at (239) 357-6829, e-mail fishfacecharters@yahoo.com, and check out his website: www.fishfacecharters.com.
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Costa Rica’s
Transition To Summer
N
By FishingNosara
orthwest Costa Rica’s fishery undergoes an annual change in May. The dorado give way to yellowfin tuna, and it’s a great sign to see these giant yella’ fellas sweep through the area. It’s proof that the white-hot summer bite has begun! Schools of yellowfin come down from the north and are corralled by giant manchas (or pods) of porpoises, which gives the crews of FishingNosara some of the most action-packed trips of the year. The 32-foot Wanderer and Discoverer led the way this month with lots of sailfish releases backed up by some big yellowfin tuna. The marlin bite slowed down after an exceptional Ship of Fools tournament in April, but they are back now. At the end of April, we had
a sweet blue marlin on the Discoverer. The Explorer and Adventurer kept the pressure on the inshore fishery with lots of great catches. These smaller pangas (27-foot and 23-foot, respectively) also scored several sailfish releases, proof you don’t need a big boat to catch big fish in Costa Rica. Legendary North Carolina angler Dan Johnson was fishing hard during the Ship of Fools tournament, and he stuck around for a week after. On the May 9, he scored two nice sailfish on the Explorer. He also had blue marlins in the spread, but they wouldn’t bite. Later he nabbed two grouper and other bottom fish. Feeling adventurous and on a whim, Ms. Elaine Hepburn chartered the Harvester for a five hour trip on March 30. She had never fished before, but with Captain Alex’s help she was catching like an old pro in no time. It’s always a real treat to introduce new anglers to sport fishing, especially when the fish cooperate. On April 14, our friend Leo Folse made his pilgrimage to the mega panga Harvester. Mr. Folse is a serious panga enthusiast that has been following the story of the Harvester since we first acquired the raw hull. He was so impressed with our build and the performance of the 32-foot hull that he purchased two Eduardono hulls for himself. This was his first time to enjoy the Harvester in action, and Leo performed brilliantly with several sailfish releases and a big dorado for the dinner table. It’s great to deliver the goods for this fun-loving Florida angler. Most recently, Mr. Jason Stote joined the Harvester and tipped the scales with potentially the biggest yellowfin tuna of the season, which is pictured here. This monster was followed up by several other big yella’ fellas, which on many other days would be the big fish in the box. Clearly this group will eat well! If you have been reading this report and waiting for the right time to visit, stop reading and call FishingNosara ASAP so we can get you down this summer. Call (904) 591-2161 so we can secure your housing and boats.
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Above. INF8135M marine titanium 8” three way speaker with built in perimeter RGB ring and center mount RGB lighting. 500 watts. Also available in 6 ½” coaxial and 10” passive subwoofer.
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TIPS FROM A PRO
Finding And Fishing Summer Ledges BRANDON LESTER
I
grew up fishing lakes known for large schools of bass that spend the summer months offshore. When we get into the summer and the water temperature starts hitting 80 degrees, it is a safe bet that fish are going to be on offshore structure like ledges, humps and dropoffs. I start looking on main lake areas, on the lower half of the lake, where most of the good summer ledges are. Using the mapping on my Lowrance electronics, I search for places that top out from 12 to 20 feet and drop down to anywhere from 50-60 feet. Bass will start heading out there when the water gets to 70 degrees, but when it hits 80 they will definitely be out there. They spawn with a water temperature of 62 to 64 degrees, so as the water warms after the spawn they will start heading that way. Some fish stay shallow all year. The ones that move out will definitely be schooled up on the ledges as the temperatures approach 80 degrees. The biggest deal is finding the depth range of the fish. When they first arrive on offshore structure, they like 12 to 17 feet. The longer they’re there, the deeper they’ll move. It could take a week or a month, but they’ll drop down into 18 to 25 feet and
maybe even as deep as 30 feet. To find the depth range of the fish, I will graph and look for the bait and then the fish. Usually I can see the bass on my Raymarine units, but I will often fish around a big school of bait in case the bass are hiding right under the thick bait. If I don’t see bait or bass, I won’t make a cast. Electronics are too good these days to fish places just because there were fish there at some point in the past. I always start with a moving bait, such as a deepdiving crankbait, to see if I can get the fish fired up. The biggest ones in the school will bite a crankbait. I like a Strike King 6XD and 8XD fished on a MHX CB907 cranking rod that I built myself with supplies from Mud Hole. I always put new Mustad hooks on the baits. I prefer #2 KVD Triple Grip trebles. I use 10- to 12-pound Vicious fluorocarbon for the 6XD and 15- to 17-pound on the 8XD. I like a slower 5:4:1 gear ratio reel to help crankbaits dive to their deepest depths. When those fish start grouping up out on the ledges, you can really have a lot of fun. Hundred-fish days are possible, and I get excited just thinking about it. When that water temp gets close to 80, it is time to get out deep and get healthy in a hurry come tournament day.
For more on Lester visit,
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FISH & FISHING 20
Know Your Quarry MARK SOSIN
A
nglers are frequently guilty of what scientists call anthropomorphism. It’s nothing more serious than giving fish and animals human characteristics. We expect them to behave and react much as we would. Fish are basically creatures of habit. No matter where in the world you catch a specific species, its behavior patterns are similar right down to the battle it wages once it is hooked. All of us have a tendency to overcomplicate fishing and fishing techniques. Our quarry focuses on nothing more than feeding, escaping predation and hanging around long enough to spawn and continue the species. An understanding of these goals and the methods employed to reach them results in more meaningful catches. Those who consistently score well are keen observers of what takes place on the water. Rather than trying to force a fish to accept what they are offering, successful anglers change approaches continuously until they discover what will entice the fish to inhale a bait or lure. It’s a system that works. Simply by looking at the shape of a fish and its tail, you should have a basic concept of the territory it will occupy and its feeding behavior. Bottom species are tailored to live around some form of structure. They are typically slab-sided with broad, full tails that enable them to weave in and out of rocks, reefs and wrecks. Two or three sweeps of their tail drive them forward quickly to gulp an escaping meal, but they won’t follow a potential meal for any distance. The fastest species such as the tunas and marlins have forked tails. These are open-water or pelagic fish shaped to move through the seas easily in a relentless search for food. Fish such as flounder or halibut are destined for a life on the bottom lying in wait for their prey to come to them. Elongated creatures typified by the barracuda charge their prey from ambush with lightning speed or ease along in the water column and strike with a suddenness that defies the human eye. There is always a tradeoff. The faster swimmers tend to lack maneuverability. A grouper can spin on a proverbial dime, while striped bass and bluefish can turn in a tight circle. And, if you look at
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a fish’s mouth, it will give you insight into its feeding habits. The underslung mouth of a bonefish is termed inferior and indicates that bonefish root on the bottom. Redfish have a hard nose and similar mouth with eyes set high on the head. They are built to cover the bottom in areas of low visibility. The protruding lower jaw of the tarpon tells us it is built to strike on the same plane or upward. Understanding how each species feeds is critical in effectively presenting a bait or a lure. That’s why the knowledgeable and observant angler gains an effective edge in catching fish. He remains alert to everything around him and tailors his techniques to the species he seeks. If there are secrets or panaceas for fishing, most of us have never heard them. Consistent catches reflect a total understanding of fish behavior. There are no shortcuts to success.
For more from Mark Sosin, visit
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Model 1720 Gen III is the latest addition to Action Craft Boats’ successful lineup of flats fishing boats. The new 1720 focuses on the ergonomics of the anglers. The addition of a small bait well in the bow casting platform alleviates the need to move to the stern to rebait while fishing. This small bait well is large enough to hold two dozen shrimp or other small bait and then be replenished from the main bait well. It keeps anglers in the game while cruising mangroves and prevents missed opportunities. To achieve this, the design team moved the redesigned fuel tank from beneath the bow casting platform to under the deck in the stringers. This opened space for the bait well and also provides additional storage space in the large hold in the casting platform. Action Craft has also designed a one-person leaning post and raised helm console to provide a more comfortable helm position. The fold-down bench seat that Action Craft is famous for is now more comfortable and spacious than ever, giving the new 1720 unmatched comfort for the captain and passengers. “The worst part of any flats boat has been the lack of comfort for the helm, especially for tall anglers,” said Steve Washington VP of sales and marketing. “While the small consoles are efficient, they are very uncomfortable to use for longer runs. Looking behind the boat while sitting down is also very difficult to do at speed. Being able to stand at the leaning post allows you to be comfortable and have great visibility.” The 1720 remains easy to trim and run. With the same shallow draft as before, this Gen III 1720 is ready for any inshore fishing and long runs in choppy water. Available in fiberglass and Kevlar hybrid, each boat is made to order. The leaning post and raised helm console can be ordered for all Action Craft’s flats boats, 17’ and above. For taller anglers, the leaning post can be ordered specifically to your height requirements.
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Length: 17’2” Beam: 87” Draft: 7-8” depending on load Weight: 910, fiberglass Fuel Capacity: 28 Gal Maximum Hp: 140 Deadrise: 17 degrees at transom
ACTIONCRAFT • (239) 574-7800 • ACTIONCRAFT32@YAHOO.COM
F
or 2019, the daily bag limit is two gallons of whole bay scallops in-shell or one pint of scallop meat per person. With a maximum vessel limit of 10 gallons whole or one-half gallon of meat. Direct transit of legally harvested bay scallops through closed areas is allowed. Bay scallops may only be harvested in state waters from the following zones: St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County: Aug. 16Sept. 15. Franklin County through northwestern Taylor County: July 1-Sept. 24. This region includes all state waters from the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County to Rock Island near the mouth of the Fenholloway River in Taylor County. The remaining portion of Taylor County and all of Dixie County: June 15-Sept. 10. This region includes all state waters east of Rock Island near the mouth of the Fenholloway River in Taylor County and north of Alligator Pass daybeacon #4 near the mouth of the Suwannee River in Levy County. Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties: July 1-Sept. 24. This region includes all state waters south of Alligator Pass daybeacon #4 near the mouth of the Suwannee River in Levy County and north of the Hernando – Pasco county line. Pasco County: July 19-28. This region includes all state waters south of the Hernando – Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, and includes all waters of the Anclote River.
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Llebroc SX Helm Chair Earns Prestgious Award By ??????? • Photo courtesy of ????????
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t this year’s Marine Fabricators Conference in Long Beach, Cali., Llebroc Industries was awarded another accolade for a line of chairs widely regarded as the finest helm chairs on the market. Llebroc’s SX Helm Chair with Tidal Wave Technology received a 2019 Fabrication Excellence Award for design excellence in marine fabric applications. From a pool of 90 entries, winners were selected by a panel of certified Master Fabric Craftsmen based on complexity, design, workmanship, uniqueness and function. Llebroc’s winning entry, designed and fabricated by Bryan Corbell with project manager Greg Carman, definitely met the goal of a functional SX model helm chair that achieved a high-end automotive appearance. The SX chair required development of a specialized molded back as well as an extensive amount of fabric, foam and starboard engineering that included quilted material sewn in conjunction with flat fabric. The overall engineering was unique and complex, with 3-D modeling and CAD used in the development stages. The project began with Tidal Wave anti-pinking marine vinyl to provide a solution and warranty against pink staining. The vinyl had to be compatible with quilting and foam lamination. The seat construction started with CNC cut foam and each piece was engineered for an exact fit before the vinyl was installed. The vinyl was also CNC cut to match each foam piece prior to fabrication for an exact fit and finish.
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KEEP IT GENUINE PRECISION PROTECTION
Whether you take your boat out to the lake or the ocean, your 4-stroke outboard needs ECSTAR Suzuki Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil so it can run long and strong. ECSTAR features special additives that protect the engine in harsh salt and fresh water environments, advanced detergents that keep engine parts clean, and viscosity index improvements that help the engine start in cold conditions. No matter where your next boat ride takes you, go confidently with ECSTAR.
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Evinrude Gives Boaters the Confidence to Pursue THEIR LIFE ON THE WATER
W
ith this month’s Spring Into Savings sales event, Evinrude has made a tremendous offer on the cleanest, most powerful outboards in the world. The innovation and performance of the E-TEC engines gives boaters confidence in any situation. From the small but powerful 15 H.O. all the way up to the white-knuckle-inducing 300 HP E-TEC G2, Evinrude’s daringly inventive outboards outperform everything else in the market. What else could you expect from the original inventor and continuous re-inventor of the outboard engine? Evinrude refused to compromise and drift along with the rest of the industry. With the innovative fuel-delivery technology in their direct injection system, they developed two-strokes that burn more efficiently. The result is a two-stroke that is quieter, cleaner, more fuel efficient and more powerful than comparable four-strokes. Evinrude outperforms the competition and they are not shy about it. The E-TEC G2 is a powerful engine designed to muscle through big water and take you offshore quickly and efficiently. With up to 30 percent more torque, its throttle response is unmatched. It’ll put you on plane quicker with the power to pin you to your seat. And all that muscle in the E-TEC G2 is cleaner and leaner thanks to Evinrude’s Engine Management Module, which brings computer-controlled precision to fuel injection. By delivering exactly the amount of fuel needed to the engine, the system provides amazing fuel efficiency to go along with instant throttle response and smooth quiet performance. It has up to 15 percent better fuel efficiency, which will keep dollars in your wallet and extend your range. It’s also the planet’s cleanest outboard. With unbelievably low hydrocarbon emissions, no out-
board, two-stroke or four-stroke, runs cleaner than the E-TEC G2. Using advanced technology, Evinrude is committed to creating environmentally responsible engines with cleaner exhaust emissions. The E-TEC G2’s reportable emissions are lower than any other engine in its class. These are bold claims that are backed by the numbers. You can see for yourself with the performance reports on the Evinrude website (www.evinrude.com). Right down to the gearcase, everything about E-TEC engines is designed to optimize performance. Their advanced SLX Gear Case provides superior handling and performance with reduced engine drag and the ability to easily shed weeds. Freshwater or salt, no matter where you do your fishing and boating, E-TEC and E-TEC G2 engines set the performance standards for outboard engines by boldly going against the grain. And Evinrude has made it easy to handle all that power. All E-TEC G2 engines were designed to make boating easy and intuitive. The Evinrude Intelligent Piloting System, which includes the all-new iDock, is a suite of integrated engine features that instills confidence in all boaters, seasoned and novice alike. If you’re shopping for a new boat or if you’re in the market to re-power the one you’ve got, Evinrude is making decisions mighty easy right now. With five years of coverage and a rebate up to $2,000, going with the best engines on the market is even more of a no-brainer. You’ll have to act fast, though. The Evinrude Spring Into Savings sales event is only available through June 30.
0 0 0 , 2 $ P H 0 0 3 – . O . H 0 20 0 0 0 , 1 $ P H 0 0 2 – . O . H 0 15 0 0 5 $ P H 115 HP–150 $300 . O . H 0 9 – P H 40
For more information, go to www.evinrude.com.
000,2$ PH 003–.O.H 00 2 000,1$ PH 002–.O.H 05 1 005$ PH 051–PH 511 003$ .O.H 09–PH 04
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Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. In the state of CA, program • THEANGLERMAG.COM I Hathaway JUNEInc.2019 NATIONAL provided through Boat Association Insurance Services, license #0H87086. GEICO COASTALANGLERMAG.COM is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire subsidiary. ŠI 2019 GEICO
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LET’S TURN UP THE RESOLUTION WITH ELEMENT™ AND HYPERVISION™ LIFELIKE SONAR IMAGING Element’s 1.2 megahertz HyperVision™ takes sonar to a new level of precision. DownVision, SideVision, or stunning RealVision 3D, Element’s HyperVision™ mode lets you see structure and target fish with lifelike clarity. And with quad-core performance and the intuitive LightHouse Sport operating system, Element will put you on the spot fast, helping you to see and catch what other anglers can’t.
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BOAT REVIEW SPECIFICATIONS CustomBilt Pondtoons Length: 14’ to 16’ Beam: 5’ to 6’ Max HP: 9.9 The Pondtoon is the perfect small-water boat for the avid river and pond angler, duck and bow hunter, as well as the family with children or grandchildren. It’s easy on, easy off, so it is the perfect boat for the elderly. All boats are allwelded aluminum construction made in the U.S.A. with premium options to meet every angler’s needs in boating. There are several styles to choose from that include: Fishing Series, Hunting Series, Pleasure Series, Farm/Pond Workboats, Search and Rescue and our new Camo boat. There are even wheelchair-accessible models. Our Pondtoon boats are factory assembled in three standard sizes with options and additional features that allow you to equip the boat for your fishing and hunting style at a very affordable price. Contact us at 334-684-2210 or pondtoons@gmail.com with any questions to help you “customize” your very own CustomBilt Pondtoon boat.
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eff Bonawitz, of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, had already caught several 30 pounders from the Susquehanna River on April 6 and was running low on bait. He selected the biggest bluegill from the bait tank, and the fish that ate it turned out to be a 50-pound, 7-ounce new state record flathead catfish. “I could tell it was big. It kept hanging down deep and when it finally came up to the top, we thought it might be a mermaid,” joked Bonawitz. “I’ve fished the Susquehanna for years, and I’ve never caught anything quite like it.” It took 25 minutes to land the fish on an 8-foot, medium-action spinning rod loaded with 25-pound-test mono. Bonawitz kept the fish alive in an aerated container at his home until the following day. On April 7, the fish was officially weighed, setting a new state record for the species. The previous record, caught in 2006, weighed 48-pound, 6-ounces. There are several organizations that claim larger fish as the world record, but IGFA recognizes a 123-pound flathead caught from Elk City Reservoir in Kansas as the All-Tackle World Record. Upon weighing the fish, Bonawitz with assistance from his nephew, Dylan, 8, released the catfish back to the Susquehanna River. “It was such an amazing fish,” said Bonawitz. “I thought the best thing to do was put it back so that maybe the next guy could catch it. I have a feeling this record may not last very long.”
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99
NOW Customer Rating
SAVE 50% ITEM 69623/66983 shown59
MODEL: 1394500
$
99
COMPARE TO
EVERBILT
8
$ 97 MODEL: 18614
SAVE 66%
ITEM 61674/62761/47835 shown
$299 4
$ 99
*67170753 * 67170753
*67181384 * 67181384
*67186348 * 67186348
*67194253 * 67194253
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 10/3/19*
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 10/3/19*
LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 10/3/19*
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 10/3/19*
At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I JUNE 2019 I past NATIONAL advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the 90 days. Prices advertised 25 by others
*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 10/3/19.
may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.
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Start the new boating season off right with the Ultimate 4-Stroke Outboard from Suzuki. Buy during our Spring Sales Event and get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Extended Protection at no extra charge.There are Instant Savings on select models, and Low-Rate Financing is also available. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details.
3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection
Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.
INST
ANT SAVIN GS SAV
SELECE RIGHT N T SUZ UKI O OW ON UTBO ARDS
REPOWER FINANCE
Instant Savings on select models when you buy during this promotion. See your dealer for details.
Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]
To learn more, visit www.suzukimarine.com. Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. (Suzuki will, in turn, credit Dealer’s parts account.) There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2019 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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NATIONAL
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JUNE 2019
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Access our Dealer Locator and find an authorized dealer near you today. optimusportal.com/locator-ss
Set Your
DESTINATION and
SeaWays is the autopilot upgrade to the Optimus 360 system, and is included FREE with SeaStation.
seastarsolutions.com
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