The new Carnage ™ III series rods are constructed from carbon or an e-glass and carbon blend, for an extremely powerful rod that leaves fsh begging. Yet it’s light enough to keep a fisherman going until the battle is won. Spec’d with high-end components like Fuji ® K-Guides, Sea-Guide ® and Fuji ® reel seats, plus a mix of hypalon/rubber shrink tube handles, the new Carnage III rod promises to be as ruthless as the name implies. PENN. LET THE BATTLE BEGIN ™ .
©2022 Pure Fishing, Inc.
Do you love boating? Then you know how fun and relaxing it can be on the open water. But you also know that things can go wrong sometimes, like storms, accidents, theft, or injuries. That’s why boat insurance is so important. Here are some reasons why.
• Boat insurance can help you pay for damage to your boat, or to other boats or docks, up to specifed limits.
• If you borrowed money to buy your boat, your lender may require insurance. And if you want to explore different places, some marinas or waterways may ask you to show proof of insurance.
• Boat insurance can also come in handy if you need an on-water tow, jump start, or fuel delivery with optional Sign & Glide® coverage. And if your boat sinks, boat insurance can pay for the cost of removing it from the water (if removal is legally required).
Get boat insurance from Progressive and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it.
Scan to get a quote in as little as 4 minutes
Go to progressive.com to learn more.
If
Introducing The All-New NavNet TZtouchXL Series
Transform Your Helm Into A Multi Function Masterpiece
NavNet.com
Over the last few years, a burgeoning fshery has established the Gulf Stream out of Charleston as a big-time billfsh destination. Te ofshore trolling bite has been very good.
Capt. Mike Able keeps close tabs on the fshery. He and his brother, Graham, run Haddrell’s Point Tackle and Supply, a familyowned hunting and fshing store, which has grown to two locations and a fy shop in the Charleston area since their father, Mike Sr., started the business in 1983.
“Charleston has defnitely been put on the map with the billfshing we’ve had the last several years. It’s really been phenomenal,” Able said. “I mean, look at the Carolina Billfsh Classic. In the CBC last year there were outriggers full of sailfsh fags… we’re talking double-digit stuf. And not just the big boats. I mean, the big boats have an advantage, but guys are catching blue marlin from center consoles, too. You know the fsh are really chewing when the center-console guys are hitting fsh like that.”
Te Carolina Billfsh Classic (CBC) is one leg of the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfshing Series. It is held out of Mt. Pleasant each June. Last year, with poor weather
conditions during the one-day shootout, 47 boats released nine blue marlin and 53 sailfsh. Te top boat released four blue marlin. Te second-place boat released seven sailfsh and a blue marlin.
Able said conservation eforts, particularly from the Governor’s Cup, have led to healthier stocks. He also thinks anglers are getting better at fnding and catching billfsh. Te run outside the ledge is still 50 to 55 miles, but these days captains can go straight to potentially productive water. Satellite services make it easy to identify blue water, weed lines, temperature breaks and color changes to make a solid gameplan before leaving the docks. Additionally, technology like Omni Sonar can pinpoint fsh with an efective range of 5,000 feet.
“You could mark a fsh from a half mile away and go over and drop baits,” he said. “It doesn’t mean you can make them bite, but you know they’re in the area.”
Peak season for blue marlin and sailfsh is May and June, but blues will be in the area all summer. Sailfsh can be good into October or November, when wahoo enter the mix heavily. Able said a lot of marlin they catch are 150- to 200-pound “rats,” but they see some 300- to 400-pounders and an occasional 500-pluspound blue marlin. White marlin might also show up in a spread.
One of the perks of trolling out of Charleston in spring is you’ll also likely fll the box with dolphin and blackfin tuna. Capt. Able hung up his charter captain hat a few years back.
By Nick Carter
Now he fun-fshes with pretty remarkable success for billfsh and meat fsh by pulling a mixed spread with dredges, squid chains and circle-hooked ballyhoo from a ’34 Regulator.
Check out Haddrell’s Point Tackle & Supply at HadrellsPoint.com.
Instead of going “bottom fshing” this season, I would focus on going “grouper fshing”… at least for gags while the season lasts. You can go ‘bottom fshing” for the next seven months, but let’s put some gags in the boat while the law allows it! Here are some tips to help you bag some gags.
• Having the right bait is a major part of this puzzle. A pinfsh trap in a productive area for just a few hours and an (otter-proof) foating bait pen at the marina are priceless.
• You must anchor up or use the trolling motor in “spot lock” to properly fsh any piece of good bottom.
• When I frst post up on a good-looking mark on the recorder, I have everyone else on the boat fre down whole frozen squid on a jig. At the same time, I use a sabiki to catch whatever baitfsh are available on the structure. Here’s how it works:
1) Te squid might catch a handful “bottom fsh,” and maybe a grouper or two.
2) Most importantly, it sets a nice chum slick on the bottom that attracts the real predators of the structure directly under
your boat, and they will be ready to eat.
3) Afer four or fve volleys of squid, everyone baits up with a beautiful baseball-in-diameter-sized live bait and sends them back down to the bottom together. Tese baits are too big for most bottom fsh to get their mouths around.
4) Now, the grouper appear on the scene, curious about all the noise and the good smell. What do they see? Tey see a pinfsh from the marina or whatever came up on the sabiki. I like to fsh these baits on one of my Crab Decoy Jigs, which makes it look like the bait is struggling in the grasp of a hungry crab or squid. A big grouper, and especially a gag grouper, sees this as a Happy Meal. Tey love crabs, squid and baitfsh, and with this rig they think they’re getting it all in one bite.
5) An added bonus is that this is clean tackle, free of excess hardware, that sends the correct signal to grouper and results in bites.
• Te downside to this style of fshing is it will attract sharks. It’s all fun and games until the man in the gray suit shows up. Ten it becomes hard work. Sharks of all kinds are drawn to struggling snapper.
For more info on the jig, tackle and/or bait, check out Tim Barefoot’s YouTube channel and website at barefootcatsandtackle.com.
e finally made it. April and May are two of the most anticipated times of the year for fishing in Charleston, and especially at the Folly Beach Pier. This is when we will really start seeing the full extent of the species caught out here on Folly Beach. This time last year, we saw a ton of beautiful Florida pompano and speckled trout. A lot of the trout we saw last year were barely undersized, so we’re hoping some of those trout will come back around another inch or two bigger. March and early April saw a ton of whiting and rays, but the normal drum, pompano, and trout that we’re accustomed to seeing during this time just weren’t there. The bad weather and heavy winds in March and early April did not make for an ideal situation with the surf fishing on Folly Beach. As they always say, “April showers bring May flowers” and we are hoping to see that spring to life with the fishing as well.
As a reminder for everybody planning to come out to the Folly Beach Pier to fish, we are no longer allowing fishing after sunset, but everything else will remain the same. The nice weather also attracts anglers from all over the world, so please be courteous and kind to fellow anglers. We always encourage people to help their peers, and at the end of the day it is just fishing!
Don’t forget to come out to our first fishing tournament of the year on May 25th which will start at 6am and end at 2pm. We will have multiple categories for winners including, Big Fish 1, 2, and 3, Big Fish Youth, and the best 5. You are only eligible to win one category, but always stick around for the raffles, as we will have some awesome prizes to give out! Also, if you like dancing and responsible drinking, come out to our first Moonlight Mixer on the Pier on May 3rd.
Afisherman has to start their joy of fishing somewhere at sometime in their life. I myself started my sport fishing career at the young age of seven, and of course, it was the year that started my addiction that became a career of sport fishing, and it all started at a pond. I fell in love fishing for Largemouth Bass most of all then followed it up with every other game species of fish and non-game I could find, and then when the ponds, lakes and rivers weren’t enough, I was lucky enough that I lived close to the coast and was able to take my love of the sport to inshore and offshore.
But as the years went by and I became older, and of course, with that I became busier, I developed a strong love and attraction to inshore fishing. I know that there are a lot of anglers that feel the same way, but sometimes we find ourselves unable to get to those coastal waters and we need something to feed the beast, the hunger, that addiction to fishing. One of my favorite things to do is pond hopping. What is pond hopping?
Pond hopping is going from pond to pond, neighborhood to neighborhood, location to location, searching for ponds and fishing for Largemouth Bass. For some it could just be pan-fish, but I find Bass the most fulfilling to feed my hunger and hold me off until I can get back to my love of inshore fishing. There are times when I just feel the urge and I either head out on my excursion by myself or I call up some friends and set up an afternoon of pond hopping, fishing pond after pond, hopping around, location to location.
What’s great about targeting and fishing for Bass in different ponds everywhere is you don’t really need a lot of tackle. It just depends on how you want to target them. I personally like to make it easy on myself. The average lures that I use for targeting these pond Bass are rubber worms, a nice jerk bait, some spinners, and sometimes I’ll even throw in a rubber frog. I usually only bring one Bass rod, preferable a spinning rod with 10 to 15 pound test line, medium light or medium heavy blank around 6’ 6” or 7’. The
reason I prefer a spinning rod is because of the locations. A lot of these ponds when you’re fishing from a bank have a lot of brush and growth along the sides of them and have never really been cleared and you find yourself having to squeeze in between bushes and make some really fancy trick shots. These locations don’t allow much room to get a baitcaster rolling, whereas a spinning rod can handle a short flick, sending a rubber worm 30’ easily.
Another thing that is great about a lot of these hidden ponds or neighborhood ponds that have been around for a while is that usually a good amount of them have never truly been fished by a serious angler. I’ve passed by a few and seen some children with push button Zebco rods with a bobber and crickets and worms catching small Bluegill or Pumpkinseeds but not too many serious Bass fishermen. So I find myself wanting to try my luck in those locations to see how big the Bass have grown, especially since they have gone untouched for so long, and usually my instincts pay off and I find myself some really nice size Bass.
After I have fished one pond, I hop to another one, and when I’m done at that pond, I hop to another one, taking pictures and making memories along the way. Sometimes having great days with friends, small fishing competitions, who caught what and how many, who is the reigning champion that day of pond hopping. Almost immediately I have forgotten all about my inshore fishing because I have fed the beast, I have cured my hunger and had a great time doing it, bringing back childhood memories and making new ones, remembering what started it all.
So if you have that urge of fishing and you’re used to going out to the open sea or fishing inshore or headed to the mountains to fish for Trout or just want to go catch some Largemouth Bass and you need to feed the beast, think about giving pond hopping a try, and if you already have, I hope you’re having just as much of a great time doing it as I have. Just remember to please follow local signs. Some ponds are private and do not allow fishing. Some allow fishing but only to local residents and their guests. So if you put yourself together a list of ponds to fish, make sure that they are ponds that you can legally fish and have a great time without being interrupted or getting yourself in trouble. After all, you’re out there trying to have a good time.
I hope this information helps you with your next fishing adventure. Like I always say good luck out there and have fun fishing!
YouTube Channel
Fishing With Jiggin Jerry or follow me on Facebook @fwjigginjerry
May 3 & 4
2024 Dolphin Slam Edisto Beach
Contact Marian at Edisto Beach for more information
May 11
Charleston County Parks
Cast Off Fishing Tournament
Mt. Pleasant Pier
• Info at www.charlestoncountyparks.com
May 18
Haddrell’s Point / Fin to Feather
Fly Casting Clinic
Contact Fin to Feather for more information
May 25
Charleston County Parks
Cast Off Fishing Tournament
Folly Beach Pier
• Info at www.charlestoncountyparks.com
June 8
Lowcountry Open
Family friendly fishing tournament with inshore, Kingfish and offshore divisions, benefitting Prostate Cancer research, awareness, survivors and their families. More info to come.
June 15
Haddrell’s Point / Fin to Feather
Fly Casting Clinic
Contact Fin to Feather for more information
June 15
Charleston County Parks
Cast Off Fishing Tournament
Mt. Pleasant Pier
• Info at www.charlestoncountyparks.com
June 22
Charleston County Parks
Cast Off Fishing Tournament
Folly Beach Pier
• Info at www.charlestoncountyparks.com
Submit your upcoming events or tournament Info to: brooks@coastalanglermagazine.com
Where to fish from in Charleston
MT. PLEASANT
Mt. Pleasant Pier
Pitt St. Bridge
Folly Beach Pier
Folly River Park
JAMES ISLAND
Bowens Island
Sol Legare
Sunset/Demetre Park
Higgins Pier
West Ashley Greenway
West Ashley Park
Northbridge Park
DOWNTOWN
Waterfront Park Pier
Colonial Lake
Alberta Sottile Lake
Brittlebank Park
Boots full of water, hands shaking, and wedged between an outboard and the transom of a Freeman as the shapeless violet glow beneath me materializes into a one hundred pound broadbill swordfish. The fish is pissed, slashing its bill like a windshield wiper blade as it had before to bisect and disorient schools of deep sea squid, only this time as a last ditch effort to prevent a harpoon from piercing its side. Two fighter jets executing a training maneuver fire their afterburners and scream overhead as the fish is hoisted by gaff and harpoon line over the gunwale and onto the deck.The boat’s excitement for the fish is matched only by my excitement for the new footage on my pole-mounted GoPro that recorded every second.
I started experimenting with underwater GoPro photography in early 2021 while working on a commercial fishing boat, capturing dolphins, sharks, and other chance encounters with sea life. I challenged myself to figure out how to take the best underwater stills that I possibly could. I upgraded camera versions four times, taught myself how to use photo editing software, and experimented to find the aspect ratio settings that yielded the highest resolution still images. After leaving the commercial fishing industry I started Fathom Marine Photography LLC, a photography company with a mission of supporting marine conservation through the sales of underwater prints while simultaneously generating sportfishing action shots to be used by charter boats as promotional and social media content. The word “fathom” refers to a unit of water depth equivalent to six feet and is coincidently the exact length of the pole mount that I use for my underwater shots.
When filming aboard a charter boat I have a minimalistic approach designed to maximize the amount of possible shooting a ngles while minimizing my impact on the clients’ experience. I typically run three GoPros at the most including the pole mount, a hand-held gimbal, and a hard-top mount. This achieves the desired effect of being able to capture many different styles of shots (top-down, waterline, underwater, etc.) while staying out of the way of the captain, mate, and clients. I started Fathom well aware that many reputable charter captains were already familiar with GoPros and already used them onboard charters but instead chose to market myself as an additional crew member whose sole purpose was to generate photography content. This allows the captain and mate to focus their undivided attention entirely on catching fish and giving the clients the best experience possible.
Although charter content is the main product marketed by Fathom, my ultimate goal will always be to capture the best underwater stills of marine life that I possibly can while donating a portion of all print sales to support marine conservation non-profits including Wild Dolphin Project, the Billfish Foundation, and 4Ocean. In the early 2000’s, GoPro revolutionized the outdoor industry with the production of a versatile yet affordable action camera. The product’s durability allowed for the average outdoor enthusiast to capture virtually any moment at any time under any conditions.
However,
GoPros
are not a main camera and are most certainly not without their limitations. Their small sensors and relatively low resolution simply cannot compete with a standard DSLR. Nevertheless, the nature and setting of my photography - hanging over the side of thecockpit in front of a billfish or half suspended in mid-air off the front of the boat above bow-riding dolphins - necessitates quick reactions and typically prohibits any idea of getting in the water, especially on a charter. It is in this arena that the GoPro truly shines.
ay is a great opportunity to try something new and possibly introduce youth family members to the world of Charleston pier fishing. As the water continues to warm up, so does the bite. Many youth fishermen don’t care what they catch. Their excitement is in seeing something come out of the water, over the rail, and flopping on the deck in front of them. Some of the happiest moments I’ve witnessed on the pier involve kids catching puffer fish and being mesmerized as the fish puffs itself up. It’s not always about the trophy catches.
To help that youth angler get “hooked” on the sport, a great place to start is with small hooks like a Sabiki rig. You can pick these rigs up at the River Watch Café & Gift Shop on the pier or at your favorite local tackle shop. Sabiki rigs come ready to go so all you have to do is tie them onto your existing fishing line and drop them over the side. Be ready to watch the excitement as the kids get into pinfish, grunts, perch, and puffers that hang around the pilings. Chunks of squid or shrimp work very well with this setup. Whether you’re catching these fish for bait or just for fun, it’s something the whole family can do together.
Kaylee with a 22” trout.
For anglers looking to target something a little larger, May should have something for everyone. We expect to see schools of mullet return to the Charleston Harbor and with bait comes the predators. Anglers should expect the usual mix of red drum, flounder, and sheepshead to continue. Bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and even pompano show up around this time of year as well. It’s time to dust off those reels, clean out that tackle bag, and come give it a shot.
Don’t miss the first Cast-Off Fishing Tournament of the year on May 11. Tournament runs from 6am to 2pm with onsite registration beginning just before 6am. The tournament fee is just $5 plus the daily fishing rate. Prizes will be awarded for the top 3 fish by weight, as well as the aggregate weight of 5 fish, and the top youth catch (for those 12 and under). The first 75 anglers will receive a free T-shirt with tournament entry! Be sure to check out charlestoncountyparks.com for information about tournaments and other happenings in your county parks.
For any additional information about the pier or what’s biting this week feel free to call the River Watch Cafe & Gift Shop on the pier at 843-762-9946
Chris Pounder, CPRP Manager Mount Pleasant Pier
reetings from Edisto Island!
As we begin to warm up here on Edisto I can’t help but notice all the color that Spring offers up. The yellow jasmine bundled up with big bright azaleas and the soft purple hanging wisteria vine are so beautiful. However one color combination that I get especially excited about this time of year is black and white stripes! Sheepshead fishing is definitely a skill and believe me when I tell you that you better bring plenty of bait! These sneaky bait thieves are some of the best around but with a little practice and patience you can really turn some numbers over with these fish.
From time to time I get invited to speak at various functions about inshore fishing in the Lowcountry. After introducing myself I like to start by asking for a show of hands for how many folks know the legal limit for South Carolina redfish. Almost everyone in the room will raise their hand. I then ask for a show of hands on sheepshead and significantly less are raised.
Social media and other outlets have really honed in on redfish in the Lowcountry and as fun as they are to catch, they don’t compare to sheepshead when it comes to taste. Sheepshead thrive on invertebrates and crustaceans. This is really important if you are looking for that perfect inshore species to target for taste and texture. The reason why they taste better than most other fish is because their prey doesn’t have red blood. Crabs, oysters and barnacles for example don’t produce that “fishy” taste. Therefor sheepshead don’t either.
First let’s talk location; these fish thrive on structure just like many others but pilings and rock piles are what you are looking for. These fish are easily accessible fishing from docks; giving you all the more reason to give them a try. There is much to say about fishing for them on the rocks and jetties but I’ll be covering docks in this segment.
When I am scouting a new spot to fish for these striped Spartans I start buy targeting what look to me to be older dock pilings. This means more oyster and barnacle growth, providing a valid food source.
Next let’s discuss baits. I use fiddler crabs that I catch with my two daughters. We herd them or pick them up one by one on the flats behind our place on Edisto. It’s a fun thing to do with my little girls and it’s a good way to save some money. We have several different species of small crabs in the Lowcountry and Sheepshead have and all-inclusive mentality when it comes to them.
As far as gear is concerned, I stick with my tried and true inshore setup. A light action “Star” rod paired with a 3000 Shimano Stradic. 15-20 pound braid connected to 30-40 pound monofilament leader with a Uni-to-Uni knot will do nicely. I know that is a strong leader but keep in mind these fish are going to try their best to wrap you around structure and pop off on whatever is under that dock. Your choice of hooks and weights is crucial. The smaller the hook the better. Even the largest of the species have relatively small mouths. You want something that they can really wrap their mouth around to get that good hook set. Weights are probably the most important part of the rig. Large split-shot weights are great because you can easily add and remove them to adjust for the current.
Finally it’s time to talk about technique. For starters just go ahead and accept that you are going to miss so many bites with these rascals. Once you come to terms with that, start to focus on your rod tip and the angle of the line. When you drop your bait down beside that dock piling, make sure to position it behind the flowing current. Let the piling break the water for you so that your line is going straight up and down. This vertical angle is important when it comes to feeling the bite. When you have the bait down to the depth you want; position the rod tip to where it sits just in the water. This way your hooks set is down low, giving you better leverage when they decide to wrap you around the dock piling a few times.
These fish are a hidden gem in the Lowcountry and they are a lot of fun to battle with under the docks. There are quite a few more secrets and work arounds to use on these “convicts” in black and white but that’s enough to get you started.
843-864-5056
Facebook: ravenelfishingcharters.com
Instagram: justin_ravenel
I caught this 30 1/4 inche red drum in Nowell Creek. I had 2 rods out, when the other started bouncing. Thats when this one shot out of the boat. Luckly enough, it got tangled in the others line. So now I had to reel in my first rod, and then reel in this monster. It was caught on a medium light rod, with 15 pound 8 strand braid out of structure.
The fight for an unforgettable catch begins here, where 100,000 square miles of deep blue waters play home to speedy blue marlin and wahoo, massive tuna and brawny mahi mahi. Deep sea fishing in The Out Islands is a battle of wits, a test of perseverance, and a chance to prove your angler’s instinct. See what could be waiting on the other side of your line.
is true for human visitors, too. Te summertime fshing in Alaska can be astoundingly good.
Imagine awe-inspiring natural landscapes cascading into a sea teeming with marine life. I’ve lived and fshed in Fiji, Te Bahamas, Hawaii and Florida. Tey are all spectacular, but there’s nothing like an Alaskan summer.
My own journey to Alaska began as a young man when I dreamed of one day fshing there. Like most young adults, I strived to get good grades and work jobs to pay bills and tuition. I took the mainstream approach of university studies. Shortly afer graduation, I obtained a position with a fnancial frm. I loved the work; I hated the monotony of a nine-to-fve work life. Afer a year and a half, I called it quits and fed to Alaska with no contacts or the faintest idea of what it would be like. It’s now been 12 years, and I still call Alaska home for the summer fshing season.
I operate Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters. My fshing partner, Jake Smith, and I consider ourselves lucky for the opportunity to provide topfight experiences for clients every day.
Te prime fshing season in Ketchikan is May through September, and we provide customized charters for any group, regardless of age or experience. You can expect to catch halibut, salmon, rockfsh, cod and even Dungeness crab. We ofer full-day and multi-day packages, with daily catches aggregating over hundreds of pounds. In addition, we ofer cruise ship charters for salmon and halibut to ft each visitor’s port times. With pick-up and drop-of from downtown ports, it’s the best way to fsh during an Alaskan cruise.
John Muir, the famous naturalist, wrote that you should never go to Alaska as a young man because you’ll never be satisfed with any other place as long as you live. From frst-hand experience, I believe this to be true.
Alaska still holds riches beyond one’s wildest dreams. Hundreds of millions of salmon food into their native streams and rivers to spawn each year. Giant barn-door halibut scour the deep seas. Humpback whales migrate thousands of miles to feast on Alaska’s annual summer bounty. Eagles, bears and other wildlife abound and celebrate summer, when it’s a feast for all. Tis
Imagine riding to the richest Alaskan fshing grounds with humpback whales breaching on the horizon. Eagles soar overhead and swoop to pluck salmon from the sea. Te fshing is insane, with massive halibut and lightsout salmon fshing. It’s sensory overload in a good way, and an experience that should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list.
If planning a fshing trip in Alaska seems daunting, know that modernday Alaska is accessible to all. Tere’s no need for foat planes or dog sleds. Ketchikan is a two-hour plain ride from Seattle in a commercial airliner that touches down in a modern airport. From there, everything is at your fngertips.
Check out Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters at ketchikanfshingtrips.com. Contact them (907) 617-4717 or e-mail ketchikanfshingtrips@gmail.com.
Boating is unpredictable but with a BoatU.S. Unlimited Towing Membership, it’s easy to keep your cool if something goes wrong. With more than 600+ red boats on the water, TowBoatU.S. will have your back.
Anglers
The year is 2024, and technology is getting better and better. Whether it be the retail tech business or the fshing industry, there are tools now available that a few years ago we would have never thought were even possible. One of those technologies is forward-facing sonar (FFS). Tere’s a lot of debate about FFS in the fshing these days, but there’s no denying it’s an amazing tool when used correctly.
I have been using this technology since its earliest stages, and catching fsh while looking at my screens has become one of my favorite ways to fsh. It is extremely cool to watch a fsh eat your lure in real time, and it can also teach you a tremendous amount about what is happening under the water. Not only do I use this tech to fnd and catch fsh, I use it to pinpoint bait and areas with life, fnd sweet spots and diferentiations in an area, and eliminate dead water much faster ever before.
Figuring out how to use this new technology can be a little frustrating at frst if you don’t quite understand what’s going on. Spending time on the water, doing as much research as possible or getting someone experienced to teach you are the best ways to get an upper
hand. Fishing lakes where catching fsh isn’t very hard in general helped
me tremendously with deciphering what I saw using FFS. Smallmouth fshing in the north country was a big helper, as these fsh are aggressive and you get many opportunities to present baits and dial in your skills.
Another thing that helps you understand the picture on your screen is objects that are visible above the water. Point your transducer at a bridge, dock, tree or grass, and picture in your head what should be under the water while also watching your screen. Tis will help beginners dial in settings and get a better understanding of what is displayed. It takes time, patience and dedication to learn, but don’t get frustrated and try to have fun with it.
Tere are varied opinions on forwardfacing sonar and its place in the fshing industry, but it isn’t going away, it will only get better! Some of the coolest things I’ve witnessed and some of my best fshing days were due to the electronics on my boat.
Spending the time to learn how to use FFS is well worth the efort. Te technology is dominating pretty much every tournament right now, and it absolutely revolutionized the way I break down a body of water.
Tere are many resources out there to help you in your learning process and people like me who are always willing to answer questions. Don’t be afraid to reach out, tight lines!
Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfshing.com.
It’s well known that some of the best kingfsh fshing starts with a livewell full of frisky baits. Unfortunately, catching them can eat up much of your fshing time. Afer that, it can be hours of bump trolling waiting for a fsh to hit. Fortunately, for those who just want to head out for a couple hours of fun and blistering runs, it can be accomplished with artifcials. Besides getting you straight to the fshing, you can cover a lot more ground by pulling hardware, and it is not nearly as tedious.
Like using live bait, wire leader is crucial. Kingfsh have razor sharp teeth that will go through even stout mono with little efort. I prefer single-strand wire and usually opt for at least #7 (80-lb.). Single strand tends to kink afer just one fsh, but that’s not always a problem when pulling big plugs, as they will pull the wire straight. Also, watch your split rings. Tey can weaken the loop where it attaches to the lure, so be sure to constantly inspect your connections. I like to cover many diferent depths in the water column when trolling. I
start with a shallow runner like the Nomad 190 AT that runs 3 to 5 feet deep, which I set way back. I also like the Nomad Madmacs that run just slightly deeper. I run it 30 to 50 feet in front of my shallow long-bait to facilitate turning. Ten I like to go deeper with a DTX Minnow 165. I run that close to the boat and right under the prop wash. Tis is hands down my most productive bait. I fnd speeds of 6 to 8 knots usually work well. Tis allows me to cover a lot of ground and is fast enough to elicit a strike. I ofen fnd any slower and the fsh don’t seem interested. Te other great thing about these lures is the hooks are very large, and they stick once they make contact.
When you’re trolling the deeper-diving DTX 165s, you will need a reel with some signifcant drag, as these big-lipped plugs take a lot to hold in place. Te Accurate BV600, with its dual drag system, is a great reel for the job. Te BV X76H matches perfectly with it and is a great multi-duty trolling rig that doubles as an awesome grouper rod. Even though you don’t need a super-light tip, like with live bait, a rod that gives is a plus with these sof-mouthed fsh.
As for spots, look for hard bottom that holds bait. Wrecks and reefs are great, too. It sometimes pays to make wider circles around these structures to get away from the barracudas.
With a few lures and some know-how, you can easily head out and catch some kings without dedicating an entire day to your eforts.
Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament anglers who has been writing about fshing for more than three decades.
The heritage of American Silver Dollars is rich and diverse, marked by stunningly beautiful designs, leading to an enduring desirability in the hearts of collectors around the world. In this iconic U.S. Silver Dollar set, spanning nearly 150 years, you’re getting FIVE American Silver Dollars issued over the last 15 decades that each reflect the history, culture and economic aspects of the United States.
Each of these U.S. Silver Dollars is sought-after by collectors individually, but this set includes every design of U.S. Silver Dollar in American history, issued from 1878 to 2024!
Morgan Silver Dollar: First struck 146 years ago in 1878, the Morgan has a historic legacy as the coin that helped build the American West. Minted until 1904, then again in 1921, this 90% silver coin with its iconic Lady Liberty design is the most collected vintage Silver Dollar in the world. Extremely Fine (XF) condition coin included in set.
Peace Silver Dollar: With a beautiful design memorializing peace following the end of World War I, the 90% silver Peace Dollar was intended as a one-year only release struck in 1921—but it proved so popular with the American people, it was struck until 1928, then again in 1934-35. Extremely Fine (XF) condition coin included in set.
Eisenhower Dollar: The last circulating U.S. dollar coin, the Eisenhower Dollar, aka the “Ike Dollar,” was prized by Americans, with its design featuring war hero President Dwight D. Eisenhower, backed by an image symbolizing the Apollo II moon landing. First struck with silver 1971-1976, the Eisenhower Dollar in this set was struck in 40% silver for collectors, and you will receive a coin in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition.
Silver Eagle Type 1: The first-ever U.S. Silver Dollar minted in 99.9% silver, these coins were first minted in 1986 following President Ronald Reagan’s signing of the Liberty Coin Act into law on July 9, 1985, which authorized the U.S. Mint to strike America’s new silver bullion coin. This gorgeous Silver Dollar features the original, revered Type 1 “Heraldic Eagle” reverse design by John Mercanti, 12th Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition coin included in set.
Silver Eagle Type 2: In honor of the popular 99.9% silver coin’s 35th anniversary in 2021, the Silver Eagle received a new, esteemed Type 2 “Eagle Landing” reverse design. This is the current issued coin by the U.S. Mint. Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition coin included in set.
SAVE with this Ultimate U.S. Silver Dollar Set! You’ll save both time and money on this 150 Year U.S. Silver Dollar Set, with FREE SHIPPING and a BONUS presentation case, plus a new and informative 150 Years U.S. Silver Dollars booklet! Call right now to get yours before they’re gone!
Ultimate U.S. Silver Dollars Set — Regular Price $249 - $199
Save $50.00 (over 20%) + FREE SHIPPING For fastest service call
