SIGHT FISHING SUCCESS TARGETING SNOOK
navigating peace of mind
THE IMPORTANCE OF BOAT INSURANCE
Embarking on the open water is an exhilarating experience, flled with the promise of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a weekend cruiser, safeguarding your vessel with proper insurance is not just a choice—it’s a necessity. Explore the reasons why every boat owner should prioritize boat insurance for a worry-free voyage.
Unpredictable waters
The open water can be unpredictable, with unexpected storms, collisions, or other potential accidents. Boat insurance can give you fnancial protection if there is damage to your vessel, providing coverage for repairs or replacement.
Damage and injury
Accidents on the water can result in damage to other boats, docks, or even injuries to passengers. Boat insurance offers liability coverage, which can pay for damages or injuries you’re liable for while boating, up to specifed limits, and lawsuit costs if you’re sued. This includes damage you cause to another watercraft or if someone on or near your boat is injured and you’re found to be legally responsible.
Theft and vandalism
Unfortunately, boat theft and vandalism are realities that boat owners face. Boat insurance has comprehensive and collision coverage that can protect you against events outside of your control, including theft and vandalism.
Incurred medical payments
Accidents on the water may lead to injuries for you or your passengers. Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you are in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.
Peace of mind for fnancing
If you fnanced the purchase of your boat, most lenders require insurance coverage to protect their investment. Having boat insurance not only fulflls these requirements but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your fnancial interests are safeguarded.
Navigational fexibility
Some water municipalities and marinas may require proof of insurance for docking or accessing certain areas. Boat insurance allows you the fexibility to explore different destinations without worrying about entry restrictions.
Emergency towing and assistance
Progressive boat insurance can include optional Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage. If your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, Sign & Glide® pays for on-water towing, jump starts, soft un-groundings, and fuel delivery.
Wreckage removal
If your boat sinks, Progressive boat insurance will cover the cost of removing your boat from the water (if removal is legally required).
Investing in boat insurance is not just about protecting a valuable asset; it’s about safeguarding the memories, experiences, and joy that come with your on-water adventures. Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your journey—navigate with confdence, knowing that Progressive boat insurance has you covered. Ensure a smooth and worry-free voyage, because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.
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SIGHT FISHING FOR SUCCESS
The rewards of a catch made while sight fshing go well beyond the satisfaction of landing the fsh. Take every opportunity to observe fsh in their natural habitat. To maximize success, an angler should take in as much information while on the water as possible.
By Capt. John Luck
Regardless of your target species, tackle of choice, or home waters, actually seeing the fsh is not only highly enjoyable but one of the best learning experiences an angler can have. It leads to a detailed understanding of fsh behavior.
Te sight fshing angler gets to see fsh react to everything around them, from the lure, bait, or fy presented to them, to the actual structure of the waterbody they live in. Recognizing their cues of interest or disinterest becomes applicable for species in both fresh and saltwater. Obviously remaining as quiet as possible, making sure that you have a good vantage point and during daylight hours having a good pair of sunglasses are all vital to your success. My personal favorite is the Bajio Tech Angler Collection due to their ultra clear polarized lens.
Sight fshing enables an angler to have more control over the outcome and allows you to adjust your bait and techniques to ensure a strike.
Sight fshing isn’t just about catching fsh; it’s about understanding their behavior, engaging with the process, and enjoying the thrill of spotting your target underwater. So next time you’re out on the water, keep your eyes peeled—you might just discover a whole new dimension to your angling.
I hope you fnd this article informative! If you have any other requests or questions, feel free to ask. Tight lines.
Contact Capt. John Luck at luckydogman@msn.com.
South Pacifc Topwater Fight Club
It seems the farther south you go, the tougher the fsh get. Tis holds true in the South Pacifc. If you’re looking to go head-to-head and toe-to-fn with some of the toughest fsh out there, Fiji is a great bet.
Tese fsh are aggressive, fast and strong, and with a fortress built of line-cutting sharp edges, the fsh start with the advantage. Tis is a great place to target giant trevally (GT). Although it is still far away, Fiji is a great alternative to the Seychelles, and it is a destination that ofers amenities for anglers as well as their non-fshing companions. I fshed out of Savusavu, a large remote island that requires an additional hour-long fight on a small plane from the international airport on the main Island. Te remoteness means less fshing pressure, but the island still ofers luxury accommodations. As fshy as Fiji is, it doesn’t get much fshing tourism. It’s a diving and resort destination that happens to ofer amazing fshing. Summers feature a great yellowfn tuna and GT bite, and winters hold marlin and wahoo. I was there during a transitional phase into winter (seasons are reversed there), and there were plenty of resident fsh to target including GT, which is what I was afer. Immersion Fiji is the most experienced guide on the island, and Michael can handle anything from topwater for GT to massive yellowfn and even spearfshing or a cool waterfall getaway.
Te GTs are unquestionably an apex predator and the top quarry. Tese are very aggressive, strong and smart fsh that you need to be battle ready for. My weapon consisted of heavy spinning gear with 100-lb. braid, 150-lb. leader and 350-lb. terminal tackle. When a GT explodes on a 7-inch popper, there is no question that it’s game on. It’s like a bowling ball being dropped from a third-foor window, followed by hooking your line to a semi truck. With drags set at 20 pounds, the fght is as much on the fsh as it is on you. Any less drag would result in countless breakofs in the reef. Te fght will tax your strength, and be prepared for some heartbreaks. Tere is no doubt that topwater fshing for these guys exceeds the hype.
Another fsh that will blast your popper is a Pacifc Spanish mackerel, also known to the locals as walu. Similar looking to our kingfsh, this is one of Fiji’s most prized table fare. It’s much whiter, fakier meat than our mackerel and is a staple in Fiji’s national dish Kokoda (pronounced ko-con-da), which is a ceviche with fresh coconut cream. Tey ofen blow a plug completely out of the water, and they also hit deep trolling plugs, which makes for a nice break
By Will Schmidt
from casting. Long strong runs and crazy aerial attacks make this another great fsh to come across as you search for GTs.
You can also downsize to a foating stick bait for additional topwater action. Smaller, yet aggressive and strong fsh like red bass, bluefn trevally, emperor fsh and other reef dwellers provide plenty of exciting action on the surface.
If giant trevally are on your hit list, Fiji is an amazing destination that fully delivers. Te locals could not be more inviting and friendly, the water is unbelievably clear, and the islands are as peaceful as they are beautiful. It’s truly a trip of a lifetime.
Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about fshing for three decades. For information about fshing Fiji, contact Immersionfji.com.
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TARGETING FALL SNOOK
THATCH MAGUIRE, EDITOR AT LARGE
Snook are a great inshore/near shore species to target. Teir predator style bite and their world class fght make them truly worthy of the gamefsh title, but catching a snook or targeting snook can be challenging. While there are countless fsheries that hold snook, narrowing down the best area is not an easy call. Given that snook season opens on Florida’s east coast September 1st here are a few tips that will pay of in planning a successful snook fshing trip; one that nearly ensures your success.
First and foremost, where are you most likely to catch snook? Tat’s not a trick question. It’s the frst question you should answer before planning your snook fshing expedition. My snook fshing eforts have led me to believe that the Jupiter Inlet on Florida’s East Coast is the most reliable estuary for easily accessible snook for beginners. My catch ratio over the many years that I have fshed the Jupiter Fla. Inlet suggests that the primary species in and around this pristine inlet is snook. Day in day out, if you catch a fsh in the Jupiter Inlet it will more than likely be a snook.
Te next important question for a successful trip is what to use as a bait or lure? For the most predictable success I strongly recommend live bait. Te bigger the better. Pilchards are my number one live bait, but croakers and pinfsh work well too. Keeping your live bait lively
and healthy is a chapter in itself. Changing your water regularly and adding aeration are key essentials to prolonging your bait’s life. Tere’s nothing worse than getting on top of the bite and discovering your bait is dead. We’ve all done it, but don’t let it happen to you.
Next on the check list is tackle. You’ll want to scrap the light tackle approach for Jupiter Inlet snook. Medium to heavy or you’ll invariably lose the big ones. I recommend a 20-pound braid with at least a 40-pound leader. Circle hooks are a good consideration if you’re experienced in using them. Nothing less than a #4. You better have a heavy-duty landing net too because some of these monsters just won’t ft into some of the more modest nets. Te next important question is the easiest to answer. Where in the Jupiter Inlet do I fsh for snook with predictable results? Answer- just about anywhere! Obviously, docks are a great hiding place for snook, and night fshing will normally produce the best results around docks with lights or shadow lines. Flip a big pilchard under a dock light in Jupiter Inlet and watch what happens. You’re about to be tested because you’ve got to horse them away from the pilings or you’ll be kicking yourself for days. Tis is where the braid comes in handy. It’ll allow you to win that battle more ofen than not. But everybody loses that battle from time to time. Seawalls are also a good source for targeting snook. Tey’re cruising the seawalls constantly so just be patient and let your live bait do all the work.
You can use live shrimp if that’s all you can get, but your species catch will not be predominantly snook. You’ll catch a fair amount of junk fsh in Jupiter with live shrimp. I personally don’t want to confuse the efort with all that inferior action, and you don’t have to travel to Jupiter for that catch.
brooks@coastalanglermagazine.com
Cooler Weather is Moving In
by Capt. Mike Able, Contributing Writer
You know it’s the end of Summer and start of Fall when morning boat rides require a light jacket and football is back on the television! Fall is one of my favorite seasons that rings in the bell for deer and dove season, cooler weather, and really the start of the best fishing of the year! Whether you are headed out to the deep blue or staying in the creeks, the fishing really starts to improve as the cooler weather moves in.
For the inshore fishery most of your migratory species like tarpon, ladyfish, bluefish, and Spanish Mackerel start to move back south. Even with those fish leaving the area it still gives us plenty of opportunity for really good trout, redfish, black drum, and flounder fishing. I love to target them with artificial baits. For one, you are not having to re-bait your hook every few minutes, but most importantly you cover more ground to find more fish.
In the early mornings I always start with a top water plug. I pickup the lightest rod and reel I own and tie on a Heddon Super Spook Jr, typically in the silver mullet color. I make sure to tie to my twenty-pound leader with a loop knot, so as to not negatively affect the action of the bait. It does require some proper rod tip and reeling action to work the baits but it is explosive when fish hit the bait on the surface. Another sure-fire way for good action is an artificial shrimp under a cork. I use either a Z-Man or DOA Shrimp rigged three feet under a popping cork. As it drifts down the grass edge, I am popping the rod tip abruptly to make the float “clack” and make the shrimp come up in the water column. Once the float goes slack and the shrimp is on the descend is usually when the bite happens. What you really have to focus on is what color bait you are using compared to the water clarity you are fishing in. The dirtier or muddier the water is, the darker the color the bait needs to be. On the flip side when the water is clear I tend to use translucent colors.
And if the fish are holding closer to the bottom, I will typically remove the float from my shrimp rig and just free-line that, or switch to a 3/16 or 1/4oz jig head with a four-inch paddle tail bait. This typically gets to the bottom quicker in deeper water. Don’t forget your Paul Brown soft suspending baits! Those usually catch bigger trout!
Now the offshore side of things can really heat up. The wahoo and tuna bite can be really productive along the ledge, around 180 feet of water. I would make sure to have the following baits in my spread for meat fish; Nomad DTX, Moyes Sicario with FlashAbou, and a cedar plug trolled a hundred yards behind the boat on your center line. Mix in some small ballyhoo in this spread and you’d have a good shot at wahoo, tunas, and sailfish! If you are really just after the billfish, I’d slide a little deeper to the three to six hundred feet of water. Look to mark suspended bait and keep an eye on birds working. If you find that area, work it hard as you are sure to come away with a billfish.
For more tips on how to work topwater baits and fish artificial shrimp under a float, visit our website, haddrellspoint.com. Be on the lookout for upcoming seminars at either Haddrell’s location or just stop in and ask! We want to be your one stop shop for advice and gear when it comes to fishing and hunting!
See you on the water
Capt Mike Able
Haddrell’s Point Tackle & Supply • Since 1983
843-881-3644(Mt Pleasant) • 843-573-3474(West Ashley)
Sloan and Alessia with a nice blackfin tuna
HFolly Beach Pier
by Noah O’Brien, Contributing Writer
>>Rates as low as 7.25%*
*Rate subject to change
Charlie Hamlin, Sales Associates Charleston, South Carolina (843) 709-6364 Cell (800) 286-8073 Office charles.hamlin@unibank.com
urricanes, Labor Day parties, and school has started, oh my. When will we ever have time to fish in September with all these obligations? Well, the good news is that with the cooling temperatures, all day is a good time to fish again. We saw some goodsized species caught all summer and expect it to continue throughout the month. However, this is the time of year for the red and black drum to take the leader boards. Expect to see three pound plus black drum in the shallow surf searching for a tasty crustacean or shrimp to eat. They tend to feed from sunrise till afternoon with a moving tide. Drop a bottom rig just behind the breaking surf and be patient for that good catch. Black drum enjoy the crustaceans off of Folly’s pier pilings and surrounding rock groins.
Move a little farther down the pier and you’ll start seeing red drum of all sizes being caught from juveniles to big bull reds. As always, follow SCDNR’s slot rule of 15 to 23 inches; otherwise, be sure to catch and release these beauties of Charleston. This allows them to continue spawning in our inlets for future fishing generations.
Don’t forget to weigh in your pier catch for the Summer Challenge which will end with the finale of our last fishing tournament, which will be held October 12th so make sure you come and join us for some awesome prizes and raffles! For more information be sure to check out ccprc.com.
Noah O’Brien, Operations Manager II Folly Beach Pier
101 E Arctic Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439
Office: 843-762-9516 / Mobile: 843-814-7344
Noah O’Brien@ccprc.com / CharlestonCountyParks.com
End of Summer Exotics
Snakeheads, Peacock Bass & Clown Knifefish… oh my!
By Katie Jo, Pluff Mud Princess Outdoors
When you fish in the Lowcountry for long enough, you almost get accustomed to the typical species that you can bend your rod, and you can almost guess the species after long enough, just from that first hit. From beloved Saltwater species all the way to Fresh Water… Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Largemouth Bass and Bream are some of your common catches that are readily biting all year round thanks to our warm climate.
But what if I told you there was a place that not only stayed HOT all year round but was home to species that you’ve never even heard of, let alone thought to cast a line for. And while South Carolina is a prime fishing destination, I always find it’s best to push your skills outside of your comfort zone to steadily keep improving them.
So, if you travel a few hundred miles down the coast from us, you will find South Florida is exactly the place to challenge any Anglers skills! South Florida boasts some of the most aweinspiring but also invasive, exotics species in our entire country. From any given canal down in South Florida, you can expect to catch multiple exotics such as Mayan Cichlids, Peacock Bass, Snakeheads, Clown Knifefish and so much more!
And believe it or not, but since these species are nonnative to Florida. Most of these fish were unintentionally or accidentally released from pet stores or unresponsible owners
Pluf
Pluf f mud princess_outdoors
and found their way into the waterways of Florida. Even if that means that their introduction is less than beneficial to Florida’s ecosystem. These species easily make their homes here as they love the warm waters and climate of South Florida. These fish originate from countries & places you’ve likely never traveled to or only hoped to visit. The Peacock Bass from the Amazon, Mayan Cichlids from Central and South America all the way to Tropical Asia and Thailand where the Clown Knifefish call their home.
No matter which species you have on your bucket list or want to take that first catch photo with… South Florida is an incredible Fishery and one that will make any angler envious! So, when I visited last month, I was over the moon to land my own fish clown knifefish and got to witness this spectacular Tropical Asian Species leap out of the water while trying to evade me, all while swimming Backwards only a few feet from my own. Smack dap in a tiny canal off a busy street in South Florida… Things dreams are made of.
And no matter which exotic species you come to target... I will let you in on a little Coastal Angler Magazine Insider secret. LIVE Shriners on a 2/0 circle hook free lined under or around any structure in those canals… WILL NEVER DO YOU WRONG. So, until next month, Tight Lines and Dream Big!
Make sure you check FWC’s regulations and guidelines on handing and releasing exotic, and especially invasive, species as some species are detrimental to Florida’s Ecosystem and release may not be recommended or against the law.
What You Should Know About Fishing Rods
by Jiggin’ Jerry, Contributing Writer
Fishing rods have come a long way through the years, starting out from being made from materials like bamboo, aluminum, fiberglass, etc. They have advanced and have become lighter, using a number of different graphite compounds and other types of fibers that make them more sensitive and stronger, but there are all types of lengths and weights and actions in a fishing rod. You have heavy, medium and light power class rods. You also have them listed as a fast action, moderate action and light action, and then on top of that, you have a line class, usually seeing line weights as, for instance, 8 to 17-pound test. Now a lot of fishermen don’t’ understand what half of that means. Some grab a rod, hold it in their hand, bend it into a curl and say, “I like how this one feels,” and buy it. From my experience, I have seen a lot of individuals do just that, but I would like to help explain what these details mean when it comes to a fishing rod.
The weight class of a rod, heavy, medium or light, stands for the power of the rod. A heavy rod will be a thicker and stronger rod. Following that would be a higher line rating, like 10 to 30-pound test or above. A medium rod would be slightly thinner than the heavy rod and usually run a line rating of about 8 to 15-pound test. A light rod would be the thinnest of the rods and usually run a line rating of about 6 to 12-pound test or lighter.
The action of the rod stands for the stiffness of the rod and the bend or some would refer to as the curl under a load. The stiffness of the rod and the curl also has a major affect on the rod’s casting ability and performance, along with that, it affects the rod’s movement when it comes to using artificials.
A fast action rod is what you would consider a very stiff rod, and the curl of the rod would be from the tip to about two feet down the rod. This does not allow for much flexibility in the rod blank and it is used for very fast casting and casting heavier weight, stronger and faster hook sets. These types of rods are usually best when a fisherman plans on just cranking a fish in quickly.
A moderate action rod is not as stiff and has more of a curl, usually from the tip of the rod all the way to the middle of the rod. This allows for more flexibility, almost as shocks work on a car. The impact from the fight of the fish as it pulls and swings its head left or right or up or down, pulls the rod up and down. The rod acts as a shock absorber and maintains a firm hook set and helps to prevent a sharp, stiff jolt that would pull the hook from the fish’s mouth. This action also aids in the timing and casting of artificials and terminal tackle, almost like the bend in a pitcher’s arm in a baseball game. Light action is a full curl, usually from the tip of the rod down to about a foot from the reel seat. This action is used for delicate fish and lighter tackle. Some anglers enjoy using them for Spotted Seatrout because the curl helps keep the hook in the soft mouth of the Trout. They also make great rods for catching small fish, like Pinfish, Whiting, Croaker, Spot, a great rod for our youths.
Now that we are familiar with some of the technical information about rods, let’s take a quick look at quality and what to look for when buying a rod. Like I’ve said above, rods have come a long way through the years and prices of rods have climbed a lot through the years. There are a number of rod companies that have made a name for themselves, and some of their rods can cost from $100 to $300 and more. But just because a rod is expensive, doesn’t mean that it is a good rod. Companies are out to make money, and once a company has made a name for itself, it has a habit of reducing the quality of its product and selling it to you for the same high price. It is up to the buyer to understand and know what they are buying, and I would like to help you do that.
There are three important things about rod quality. One is the rod blank, two is the reel seat and three is the rod’s guides or otherwise known as the eyes. The blank is usually hard to judge because it is like judging a book by its cover. Unless you can test the action in real world activity, you really don’t know if it is good quality or not. But judging the rod blank in your hand, usually you would want to look for its weight, how it feels in your hand. If it feels very heavy and leans forward when holding it by the handle, it usually means two things. You are either holding a rod that is long, usually 7½ to 8 foot, that would add a lot of front weight, or the rod is made thicker and might be a heavy action rod, causing a heavy front weight. But keep this in mind when judging a rod blank, with today’s technology, most quality rod blanks are light and stronger than a lot of the cheap, heavy blank rods.
YouTube Channel Fishing With Jiggin Jerry or follow me on Facebook @fwjigginjerry
UPCOMING COASTAL EVENTS
September 14
Folly Beach Pier
Cast Off Tournament
7am-2pm.. More info at 843-762-9516
September 21
Mt. Pleasant Pier
Cast Off Tournament
7am-2pm. More info at 843-762-9946
September 28
Carolina Lady Anglers
26th Annual Fishing For The Cure
Captain’s Meeting September 25 at Charleston Rifle Club Info at: carolinaladyanglers.org
October 12
Palmetto Society
Redfish Tournament
Details to come
October 12
Folly Beach Pier
Cast Off Tournament
7am-2pm.. More info at 843-762-9516
October 12
2nd Annual CPR Fall Tournament
Sea Sea’s Honey Hole • 901 8th St. Port Royal, SC *Inshore slam tournament
October 26
Mt. Pleasant Pier
Cast Off Tournament
7am-2pm.. More info at 843-762-9946 Submit
SMount Pleasant Pier
by Chris Pounder, Contributing Writer
eptember is typically a good month for a variety of species like trout, flounder, redfish, and sheepshead, as well as blue crabs. Because of that variety, it’s probably a good idea to have some bait options when you give it a shot. When fishing in a boat and the fish aren’t biting, it’s relatively easy to pick up and try another spot. Pier fishermen may be somewhat limited with the area in which they can fish, yet there are still a number of ways to maximize the opportunities.
Bottom rigs are very common and can be productive; however, if the crabs are thick or the nuisance fish are schooled up you can go through a lot of bait in a very short period of time without much success. One option to consider is to use live shrimp, minnows, or mullet under a poppin’ cork. It’s an effective way to catch sea trout, red drum, and even flounder. Large red drum specimens can be caught with regularity throughout September and into October. The best bet to land one is to target the edge of the marsh grass during high tide. Large “bull” reds may prefer mullet, live or cut, but an overlooked bait that works great is using a quarter of a blue crab. So, when you’re bottom fishing and the crabs are thick, it might be time to grab an inexpensive crab net from the River Watch Café and Gift Shop on the pier and get even.
Another option is to grab some fiddler crabs and work the pilings for sheepshead. A number of anglers have good luck using small size 1 or 2 Gamakatsu hooks on a Carolina rig with 1 ounce or less weight. Drop the line over the side and after the weight settles at the bottom, you’ll want to raise it up a little so it’s not resting in the sand or structure. Sheepshead
bite can be very delicate and anglers sometimes claim you have to hook them before they bite. Keeping the lead weight off the bottom allows you to see the slightest twitch of the rod tip and be ready to pounce. Be prepared to feed a few sheepshead in order to land the one you want, but they’re a lot of fun to catch when you do.
September 21, the Cast-Off Fishing Tournament resumes the series the pier. The tournament runs from 7am – 2pm and prizes will be awarded for the 3 biggest fish by weight along with a category for youth anglers (12 and under) and aggregate weight of 5 fish. Entry is just $5 plus the daily fishing fee and is available on site beginning at 7am.
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
TSea Trout
he water has been so hot this year and the bite has been consistent but the one fish that never lets you down rain or shine, hot or cold is the Speckled Sea Trout. There are so many ways to catch these fish and generally where you find one there are others.
Trout stack up in schools near flowing water. I realize that is kind of vague but they are literally everywhere out here.
From the brackish back country to the salty surf you can find them willing to eat almost anything. I could go into all the different ways to fish for them but I’ll just rattle off a few for you to try.
Winter allows us to use whatever kind of artificial baits we want on them. From a popping cork with an artificial shrimp all the way to a top water plug. Summer (in my opinion) means live bait. Again, you can present it to them lots of different ways but here are my favorites.
Finger mullet are hard for trout to turn down and the Carolina rig is the way to go if you are looking to target the larger ones. No need to reel it back every cast, just let it sit and they should find it if you are in the right spot. If 5 minutes pass without a bit then try something else.
Mud minnow under a popping cork work as well but it involves a little more thought due to the need find the correct depths they are holding in. For example;
by Capt. Justin Ravenel, Contributing Writer
if your leader under the popping cork is too short you may be drifting right over them. If it’s too long then that mud minnow may have gone straight to the bottom and buried himself to where they can’t find him.
I’m not a bug trout guy but they have always been a decent plan B. Too hot? Too rainy? Too cold? No worries because the trout are still biting. The other day my good friend Ed and my K9 companion, Mr. Pin Pin set out for some reds fishing but the water was too choppy to get where we wanted so we decided to go for trout. Ed pointed out a spot he thought was fishy and first cast landed a 21 incher! We let the dog have a few licks then we released her back into the water.
Sometimes I forget how much fun a hot trout bite can be and I the only way to find them is to go look!
Captain Justin Ravenel Ravenel Fishing Charters
843-864-5056
Facebook: ravenelfishingcharters.com
Instagram: justin_ravenel
YOUTH REDFISH TOURNAMENTS
Coastal SC FCA Fishing with SALTT is coming to the Lowcountry this school year with youth redfish tournaments.
You do NOT have to have a team or club at your school so just sign up and fish the events.
Competition boat tourneys will be in the fall and spring from the Ashley River in Charleston and The Sands in Port Royal for students in grades 1-12.
register > virtual check in video the morning of > bring in your fish for weigh ins
We plan to have food, a devotional and so many prizes. Gift cards for the winners plus a grab table for everyone to take home some fishing tackle.
w ww.salttfishing.com
I nstagram: studentanglerleague
Facebook : Student Angler League Tournament Trail
Sea to Table…
Mt. Pleasant seafood is keeping it fresh daily from their storefront. It may not be business as usual but they’re making it happen until the repairs are complete from an April fire that slowed them down. They are also available every Tuesday at the Mt. Pleasant Farmer’s Market.
Beast of a bowfin (28.75") caught this in Santee River with a spinner bait from my Vibe Kayaks Shearwater 125
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THE ORIGINAL SCENTED LURE
By Tracy Patterson
LADY ANGLER LANDS NEW WORLD RECORD BASS
Maguire’s frst work is a compelling, fast read. His style is like a mix of Hemingway with a sardonic blend of Hunter S. Thompson. I couldn’t put it down...
Ben Martin Editor in Chief Coastal Angler Magazine “ ”
Confessions of a Fishaholic, by Thatch Maguire, is a hilarious and irreverent look at one man’s quest to catch fish in spite of life’s annoying interferences. You’ll travel with this awkward adventurer as he risks home and health to pursue his passion for fishing...regardless of the consequences. Anglers of all expertise levels will immediately identify with why his addiction is incurable. This book defines the blurred line between passion and obsession.
Tournament angler Lee Ann Powell recently set a new IGFA world record with a 10 lb. 3 oz. bass caught on 10 lb. test. She was fshing (for fun) with her friend and charter captain Dalton Smith on O.H. Ivie Lake in Texas when they noticed a school of fsh on their livescope. Powell was using a Damiki jig with a 3 inch Fluke dipped in Spike It Chartreuse Cajun Dip N Glo. According Powell, “Once the big bass took the lure the exhausting fght to bring the monster bass to within netting distance required me to constantly adjust and reset the drag with my record catch going deep each time it neared the boat.”
Afer fnally netting it, Powell says they put the fsh in the live well and headed out to fnd a set of certifed scales to weigh it. Te requirements for registering a potential world’s record fsh are stringent and Powell says she almost missed her window/timeline for submitting her catch for authentication by the IGFA.
About the IGFA: Te International Gamefsh Association is a non-pro organization committed to the conservation of gamefsh and the promotion of ethical angling practices through science, education, record keeping and recognition of outstanding accomplishments in the feld of angling.
We salute the IGFA’s decision in January 2014 to create a separate category for female anglers, opening up thousands of categories for new World’s Record opportunities.
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LIFE IS BETTER IN A C-HAWK.
CHOOSING THE CORRECT FISHING LINE
When it comes to spooling up your reels, the options are endless. For some this can be a bit overwhelming. Hopefully in this article I can help you understand what diferent kinds of lines are used for and what line strength is the best choice for you.
Te three main types of lines are monoflament, fuorocarbon and braided lines. Each has its pros and cons in diferent situations. Monoflament line foats, fuorocarbon sinks and most braided lines also foat.
I rarely use monoflament for bass fshing, but it does have its perks for a scenario or two. When throwing big heavy glide baits, I ofen spool my reels with a very strong 25- to 30-lb. monoflament, as it is very strong and much less prone to breaking on the cast when I am casting a large bait. I also ofen use mono for is a short leader when throwing a topwater bait with treble hooks. I attach about a foot of mono leader to the end of my braid, and it is less visible while also foating to keep a topwater working naturally.
Something to note about monoflament is it’s very stretchy, making it hard to drive the hook of many diferent lures into the mouth of a fsh, especially if you’re using straight mono and have a lot of line out. Te more mono you have out equals more stretch.
I use a lot of fuorocarbon in my arsenal
TYLER WOOLCOTT
of bass-fshing set ups. Tis line has virtually no stretch, it is more abrasion resistant than most other lines, and it is also a clearer line than anything else, making it harder for fsh to see. Unless I am fshing around extremely heavy cover, where braided line is needed to pull the fsh out, pretty much every reel
I use has fuorocarbon on it. I use anywhere from 10- to 20-lb. fuoro, depending on water clarity, types of cover, and the type of lure I am fshing. Braid also serves me well in many diferent applications. Having virtually no stretch, being very strong and extremely thin compared to other lines of the same strength, and outcasting every other line made are just a few perks of braid. Te downside of braid is it’s basically tiny thin rope, meaning if you are around clear water fsh can probably see it attached to your lure. In some cases, you will need a leader attached to the end of your braid.
Every single spinning reel I own is spooled with braid, which helps them cast better and operate much smoother than if they were spooled with the other kinds of lines. Typically, I’ll use 10lb. braid and attach a few feet of a fuorocarbon leader in a size of my choice to the end to keep it stealthy. I have 30- to 50-lb. braid on all my topwater treble hook baitcaster rods to make extremely long casts. When fshing around heavy grass and vegetation, I also use braid, typically in 50- to 65-lb. test. Tis strong line allows you to get the fsh out of the mess and into the boat. With your lure being in the grass, you can get away with using a thick braid, as the fsh won’t see your line around the vegetation.
Hopefully this helps you understand the diferent lines better and helps you put a few more fsh in the boat.
Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfshing.com.
September In The Florida Keys:
All To Yourself Paradise
September’s fshery in the Florida Keys can be unpredictable as we transition into autumn at the end of the month. Cooler northern waters will begin to push fsh back into their southern migration, while we maintain our usual summer species.
It’s always a sweeter deal running ofshore when the mahi are still around, giving more opportunities to diversify the fsh box. Tey will begin to phase out throughout the next several weeks, making this month the last month of the year to reliably target them.
Swordfsh and blackfn tuna are also excellent fuel-burn justifcations this month. With fewer boats on the water, the trafc at the Marathon humps will be less chaotic for targeting tuna.
Te reef fshing is always a good option. Te snappers are snapping year-round and seasonal harvest for black and red grouper are still open.
Tis is a great opportunity to dive for lobster as well, as the water will still be warm, but the excitement over opening season has died down. Te beginning of lobster season can turn our waters into an absolute zoo. It’s unnerving to even
By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
suggest going out during that time and throwing yourself in the mix of that mayhem. Tat hype seems to gravitate mostly towards the mini season in July and the few weeks in August.
Each year when the kids are back in school, the Florida Keys takes a massive hit on tourism. We will experience the slowest time of the year over the next few months.
Although this may be a difcult time for working locals, it’s something to be enjoyed by our visitors. Te prices of accommodations will be as low as they get, restaurants will have ample seating, service will be quick, and best of all, no trafc!
Te furry of summer boaters trailering their rigs down from all over the country will have stopped, making both road and water trafc much more pleasant. Te fshery will experience less pressure, creating a mecca of hungry fsh, for those who are able to get out there.
Being in the middle of hurricane season likely
However, it’s a great time to make an impromptu trip, knowing you won’t have a problem fnding cheaper accommodations and availability for fshing charters.
Hurricane season may seem daunting, but there is more than enough notice ahead of any major storm. Locals are always diligently watching the weather for the frst sign of any potential disturbance and will be able to help you make decisions when booking last minute trips.
While September maybe be our slow season for tourism, that does not apply to our fshery. Come take advantage of having paradise all to yourself.
Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters based out of Marathon, Florida Keys. www.captainquinlyn.com; IG: @captainquinlyn
A Time of Porpoise
Amemorable
beach moment: You’re basking in the warm sun, toes in the sand, letting the gentle turn of the foam-capped waves lull you into a state of complete relaxation. As your eyes scan the endless horizon of blue on blue, you’re rewarded with a school of dolphins making their way across the sea.
There’s no denying their signature shape as they leap from the water. If you don’t see anything else extraordinary the rest of day, you can take solace knowing you’ve witnessed one of nature’s most playful and human-like creatures in their natural habitat.
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STRIPER ANGLER SNAGS RECORD PADDLEFISH
An angler trolling for striped bass hauled in a 127-pound, 6-ounce Arkansas state record paddlefsh on June 15. Te monster fsh came from Beaver Lake in northwest Arkansas, and it crushed the existing record of 118 pounds.
Mike Schleeper inked his name in the record books while trolling brooder minnows, which are large shiners, about 30 feet deep near a point on the 28,000-acre lake. His friend and fshing buddy Tom Mayberry was there to help during the 45-minute fght.
“I’ve been fshing for stripers up here for about 13 years, and I’ve had the chance to catch some stripers over 30 pounds, but this was diferent,” Schleeper said. “It didn’t strip line and stop in surges like big stripers do, he just sort of pulled the rod down and kept going. I couldn’t turn him, so we had to follow him with the trolling motor for about the frst 20 minutes.”
Once Schleeper did manage to sway the fsh in his direction, the fght continued for nearly another half-hour.
“It was a 45-minute fght altogether,” Schleeper said. “I’d thought maybe it was a really big striper, but then we could fnally see it a little bit. It looked like a giant catfsh at frst, but as we got it closer to the boat we realized what it was.”
Te giant paddlefsh had been hooked in one of its pectoral fns incidentally while the anglers were trolling. Snagged fsh ofen don’t count toward state records in many states, but paddlefsh are accepted because these fsh do not bite lures—they eat plankton—and catches on rod-and-reel are almost exclusively the result of snags.
When Schleeper and Mayberry fnally got the fsh to the side of the boat, they ran into a snag of their own.
“Our net wasn’t big enough for the fsh,” Schleeper said. “Tom wrestled with that fsh for a while trying to fgure out a way to get it in the boat. At one point I told him to just cut the line because it wasn’t worth it. Tom was adamant that we needed to get that fsh in and report it.”
Schleeper agreed with Mayberry and they fnally worked a rope through the fsh’s mouth to hoist it aboard.
“As soon as the fsh fell to the bottom of the boat, the hook popped free,”
Schleeper said. “We got really lucky.”
Paddlefsh are the oldest surviving animal species in North America according to fossil records. In fact, paddlefsh predate some dinosaurs (300 million years). Females may spawn only once every 4 to 7 years.
A recent regulation passed by the AGFC allows a limited, permit-based snagging season for paddlefsh in the White River portion of Beaver Lake from the Twin Bridges Access to the Lake Sequoyah Dam April 15-June 15.
Te world-record paddlefsh weighed 164 pounds, 13 ounces. It was caught by Chad Williams at Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks in March.
For more giant fsh, go to coastalanglermag.com.
