UNICORN HUNTING INSHORE AFTER DARK
navigating peace of mind
THE IMPORTANCE OF BOAT INSURANCE
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Unpredictable waters
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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
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THEHIGHS OFUNICOR HUNTING
Throughout chc year, the Florida KC)'S provide excclltnt billlish oppor1unitics.
Bycapt.QulnlynHaddon
Sailfish c.an be foulld year.round and are most reliably targeted in late autumn through the spring when they feast on ballyhoo at the reef.
Swordfishing is grc.1t any time ofthe year. as lcmgasM!3.lhcr accommodal('S!he l<>nsrnn l() the decpwa1cr JcdgcS. Tai:gcting them during tht:: day re<1uii:csdroppingabaitLothebottom.
�fariinfishi11gjsdoableduri11gsummer.butit$ certainlyJess thanreliable. 'Ihey a.-eoftenhooked as bycatch while fisltillg for the mahi or tuna on whichtheyarefeeding.
I recently had the pleasure of taking a trip solely targetingmarlinandswordfish.\Vehadtwo fishermen on board who were firs1 1liners with both.spl't'i<$. It wasintcro:,ting ,vatching them go 1hrough thebipolarswingsofbUlfishing. ·n1eywere
there LQ a$$i:.land learn, and I got lo watch them enjoy nnd suffer through thefull experience. Initially. there was opliini.sm as the su1\ rose a11d wedeployed ail elaboratetrolling spread. 1he setupmust haveseemedfantasticaltoanewcomer, with the giant lures.strange-looking teasers and lines everywhere. like we were captained by a coffoc fuclcdspider.Thedaywas )'Oung.1hcspread ,rasaworko(an,andthenc,,·bieshadnoreasonto doubt ourchances.
Frustrationsoo1lfollowed.Aswewerewtapping up marlin 1rollillg to head for the swordgrouods.
wepa.ss«1agorgeous weed linefull ofhma birds. It looked likeourbestchance... until the right rigger caught grnss. Upon• gentle rc1ricvc10dc.1rtheline,itpopf)OOthe rigger, foll1hroughthespreadam.lauempll-'<ll.Omate with the teaser al the worst time. We packed up inthemiddleof1hegiantflockof birdsthat mockedusforquitting.Ahh,disappointinent It was time co hii Lhe swordgrouncb and beginthecycleagain.Our nextelaboratesetup wo,dd drop to 1,500 feet.and the doe e)eS of optimismmadetheir nextappearance. 1hc dance belwccn doubt. lx)rcdom and forcedoprimismcontinued.a,,;ourfirs1bitedidn1l occuruntilafter4 p.m. It wasaheavyhit.a reelstopping, drag-pulling, set-up-the-harpoon type hit that had us giggling like children. El'eryone was re�1dy to t.1keon dutieswhen, JOO.feet from theweight, the rod tip popped up and everrone experiencedgut.wrenchingheartbreak.
On Lhc nc:ic1 drift, we hooked up again, and cvcrronequietlyheldtheirexcitement untilthetlsh hit the deck. l don't m.�d to cxplah\ the foe-ling in that Jlext moine11t, but with smiles and high fives a1J around > it was the 011e we wereall looking for. We tookhomesati.sfactio11.exhaustio11.andbigbags ofm<.".ll.
Hunting swimming unicorns is hands-down m)' favorite fishing. If youwant toexperiencethe emotional rollcrcoaS1cr of chasing the fish of a lifetime,givemeacallalSwce1 E'nul'Charters.
Capt, Quinl)'u Hmtdcm guides wit/1 Swed E'Nu/Clwrlers, Mnratliot1, Florida Keys. ww1�capt<1inqui11ly11.ccm1; <fi>captai11q11i11/y11; (504) 910�-12.
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TACTICS FOR DOG DAYS BASS 4
It’s hot. Te lakes and reservoirs are covered with jet skis, wake boats and party barges full of sun seekers.
Dog days conditions can be tough for bass fshing, but fsh settle into patterns this time of year that can lead to productive days on the water.
Finding cooler water is the key to catching bass when the surface temperatures reach uncomfortable levels, and there are several ways to do this.
Go Deep: Te huge schools of fsh that concentrate on ofshore ledges and river channel bends at many of our large reservoirs have already been beaten into submission by every angler with sonar by this time of year. You might still be able to pick a few out of the school with deep crankbaits, drop-shots or footballhead jigs, but sometimes it’s worth fnding less obvious fsh to target.
Tere are other areas that hold fsh. Tat 30-footwide shell bed of the main channel might not be covered with bass, but there will be some fsh there if there’s some current, and these bass see much fewer lures and are more willing to bite this time of year. Search with a crankbait, wiggle a football-head on the bottom or drag a big Carolina rigged worm over the shells and see what happens.
Cool-Water Tribs: A tributary stream feeding cooler water into the lake attracts baitfsh and bass. Fish ofen stage on points where a feeder creek enters the main body. Eliminate water quickly with crankbaits or spinnerbaits to see if there’s anyone home before
slowing down with a jig or a worm.
By CAM Staf
Extend the Night Bite: Bass do a lot of their feeding at night this time of year, and anglers can take advantage of this by fshing the frst couple hours of daylight.
Tis pattern will also show you that not every fsh in the lake goes deep. Shallow rocks and grass edges hold bluegill, shad, crayfsh and all sorts of other tasty critters. Start on top at or before dawn with a walking bait or popper and cover as much water as you can before the sun gets up. Tis is not really a numbers game, and the bites will be scattered, but it’s a lot of fun when a big fsh blows up your lure.
Fish the Shade: When the sun gets high and hot, you’ll fnd fsh hunkered down in the shade. Docks, laydowns, overhanging trees or matted vegetation all provide the shade bass and the things they eat look for. Bank shade is also where you’ll fnd bream beds where bass like to feed.
Skip a wacky rig up as far up under a dock as you can get it. Drop a jig into that blowdown. Work a frog over matted grass or punch through it with a heavy Texas rig. Cover water and pick apart those shady areas. It’s a fun style of fshing that can also be productive under less-than-perfect conditions.
For more bass tips, go to coastalanglermag.com.
Coleman Roberts caught his 9-pound, 4-ounce bass in July at Lake Istokpoga, Fla.
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RUN-AND-GUN TROLLING Scout Weed Lines Quickly and Effectively
By Mark Ambert
With summer weed line formation, mahi become a favorite target for the “run and gun” method. A good way to quickly scout if anyone’s home is a modifed version of the troll. I have observed and adopted this method used by professional captains for mahi.
The Setup
Keep a couple of spinning rods rigged and ready with pitch baits that can be trolled. Te rig consists of a 7-foot medium-heavy spinning rod with a 6000-size spinning reel—preferably with a baitrunner setting.
If you’re not familiar with the baitrunner function, it is a free-spool setting that allows line to pull from the spool while the bail is engaged. When a fsh grabs your bait, it can take it without feeling resistance.
My favorite combo is a Penn Carnage III boat rod with a Shimano Tunnus reel. Spool up with 20-lb. mono and add a 40- or 50-lb., 4-foot fuorocarbon leader. Tie on a Gamakatsu 6/0 or 7/0 Octopus hook using a Palomar knot. Insert the hook under the chin of a fresh frozen, small- to medium-sized ballyhoo. Make sure the point of the hook exits directly between the eyes. I like a Squidnation Slammer 3-inch plastic chugger head
with the bait to produce more action.
Cast this behind the boat along a weed line while underway. Position it several yards past the last wakes from the prop wash, and slowly work the bait by twitching the rod tip while holding it above your head. Tis will cause the ballyhoo to skip like a feeing baitfsh. You can work two baits in this manner by staggering the distance. If nothing hits within a few minutes, move on.
Tis method is slower than traditional trolling, and it is deadly for locating feeding fsh on large, scattered weed patches. If you are using a baitrunner reel, allow the fsh to run a few seconds before setting the hook.
The Electric Alternate
An alternate method that’s ideal for long straight weed lines or rips is a more traditional trolling setup. I use the Piscifun Saltfow ofshore rod and a Kraken electric reel with battery pack for this type of trolling.
Te Saltfow is 8-foot, 3-inch rod with a sof tip. It has a unique line guide setup that eliminates rod twist under a load. Te Kraken electric reel is new to me this year and has already paid dividends.
beneft when constantly retrieving lures to clear weeds or move locations. A traditional ballyhoo rig with a teaser and bait spring is my choice for medium-speed trolling. A good premade rig is the Mahi Chaser by Trolling Pro Tackle.
Once you get a hook-up, get some fresh squid, jigs or live baits in the water and hang on. Te Mahi show is about to get started!
Mark Ambert, IG @marksgonefshing_™
Cast Lures in a Mitzi Tournament 17
LOBSTERING IN THE KEYS A FUN & FLAVORFUL ADVENTURE!
By A. deGruchy
If you’re craving the thrill of the hunt and the taste of fresh lobster, the Florida Keys are your paradise. Here’s a quick guide to help you fnd these delectable critters, catch them, and turn them into a simple, yet fancy meal. First things frst, you’ll need the right gear. Grab a tickle stick, to push lobsters out of their hiding spots, and a lobster net to scoop them up once they’re on the move. Snorkel gear is essential for getting up close and personal with these lobsters, and don’t forget gloves to protect your hands from sharp rocks and lobster spines. Lastly, a measuring device is required to make sure your catch is legal size. Tey are measured in carapace length, and it’s important to know how to measure
them before gathering them.
Now, let’s talk lobster hotspots. Spiny lobsters love to hide in crevices, under ledges, and around coral reefs. Te regular lobster season runs from August to March. Once you have your snorkeling gear, you can generally fnd them in as shallow as 6 feet deep. Keep an eye out for their long antennae sticking out from their hiding places, and then gently use your tickle stick to encourage them out before swifly scooping them up with your net. Teir behavior is to swim away, naturally, and spiny lobsters use their tail to swim backward. Make sure your net is in position to anticipate them swimming backward into your trap. Once they’re in it, it’s also important to close the
Repower Center
netting to prevent any slip ups and runaways.
Once you’ve got your catch, it’s time to enjoy. Te easiest way to prepare lobster is to grill them. Split the lobsters in half lengthwise, brush with a mixture of melted butter, garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice and grill them shell-side down until the meat is opaque and slightly charred. Serve with a side of melted butter for dipping, and you’ve got yourself a fancy feast.
So, gear up, dive in, and get ready to enjoy the freshest lobster you’ve ever tasted. Happy hunting!
Visit www.myfwc.com for more information and updates on Florida Spiny Lobster regulations.
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
Tim Barefoot
Fishing under lights at night is a good thing to do 12 months out of the year, but it is especially good during the hot summer months, when daytime temperatures can make standing on the deck in the glaring sun less than appealing.
During the hottest days of the year, snook, trout and redfsh follow bait directly to bright light, like moths to the porch light. Being that I sell boat lifs for a living, I suggest installing the biggest brightest lights on your docks that you can. Some systems can be controlled remotely with an app on your phone.
To turn your dock into a fshing Mecca, you must learn to use existing facilities for maximum return on investment. You can also feed shrimp and minnows with cornmeal and keep them attracted with lights at night. Once you get the bait concentrated, you will have the fsh concentrated as well. For more information on this, check out my Youtube channel.
If you don’t have a dock, you can still light up the night with powerful and lightweight lithium battery spotlights or purpose-made fshing lights that run on your boat’s electrical system. Some of these are submersible. Turn the lights on and hang out for a few minutes. You’ll be amazed at how many baitfsh show
up.
I like an artifcial shrimp jig or live shrimp best. Live shrimp are the most efective bait out there, but I like artifcials because it limits the amount of tackle and hassle. A good technique is to drif down a series of lighted docks and cast to the lights. When you fnd fsh, concentrate on that area with repeated drifs.
A word of advice: Be quiet! Older and wiser snook or trout are not stupid. Use the trolling motor only when it’s needed and not at all when possible. In my humble opinion, fsh become wary to the sound of a trolling motor. Remain calm and make as little noise as possible on your drifs. Don’t play music, stomp around on the deck, talk loudly or slam cooler lids.
Te light attracts the fsh and catching them is up to you. Match the hatch by taking notice of the type and size of the bait you see. Tis might require casting smaller jigs or even small shrimp or baitfsh fies when the fsh get picky.
Tis is the perfect atmosphere for showing children how to catch fsh. Te visual aspect of this technique is very entertaining and educational. Check out my Youtube video for a perfect example of fshing a well-lighted dock properly.
For more information, visit barefootcatsandtackle.com and check out his YouTube channel.
FLAMINGO
by NestorAlvisa
As we move into August, air temperatures are almost unbearable, and the water temperature is very hot. Red fish like hot water, as do the snook, snapper and trout you will find a little deeper. During this month I still find myself juggling trips between fishing Flamingo as well as out of Miami, on the reef for snapper or offshore for mahi.
On the reef we are anchoring up on a section of a reef, chumming, and letting the yellowtail snapper come up to the chum. I like to let them get comfortable before we put hooks in the water, about 20 minutes or so before we start. Once we are ready to catch them, silversides, ballyhoo strips or squid chunks will work great.
On our mahi trips we are mostly running and gunning looking for seaweed patches, birds or debris. Once we find our object that is holding fish, my anglers will pitch out a live pilchards that will more than likely never get turned down by a mahi! I always keep bucktails, side winders and poppers available for pitching.
In Flamingo, I like to concentrate my time fishing around the beaches looking for snook and reds cruising the surf to sight cast with jerk baits or swim baits. I will also have my clients blind cast just in case there’s fish sitting on the troughs where they’re not visible. Just off the beach during this time you can find tripletail free floating and drifting around with the wind and current. Once you spot these fish a small swim bait, artificial imitation shrimp or live shrimp placed near them will do the trick.
Nestor Alvisa
HookedOnFlamingo.com
@hooked_on_flamingo_charters
786.387.2443
TheFisherman Traveling
by Capt. Bouncer Smith
August is a HOT month. But lobsters open on the 6th, August and night fishing is good for mangrove snappers. If you can tolerate the heat you can drum up some mahi most days. Afternoon sea breezes can really turn on mahi that you couldn’t find all morning. Watch for birds pushing hard to the South.
Meanwhile, June and July offered me some great Florida fishing. I joined the Johnny Jigs team and Mike Falk on the Anglers Envy, with Chris and Adien as crew. We slow pitched off Cape Canaveral and caught red snappers and snowy grouper. Then I wreck fished off Miami with Tom and Jimmy. We caught 5 amberjack, a big almaco jack, a barracuda and two red snappers in state waters where you can keep them.
Next it was the Fourth of July with Pat Smith and Falk to score loads of mangrove snapper and a tarpon and snook. Unfortunately, all day bottom fishing Friday and all day Sunday for swordfish were unsuccessful with my longtime friend Steve “pumpkin eater”. Monday, I met Wayne Conn and Dan Kipnis aboard the party boat Blue Heron out of Riviera Beach. The action was fair with numerous bonita, a big barracuda, lots of small mutton snapper, a few yellowtails and a great show by hungry sharks circling the boat. Ben Eskanazi and I fished with Glyn Austin out of Sebastian Inlet and Ben caught 2 tarpon and a snook. Yours truly jumped 2 tarpon. Please boat carefully with lobster season open and watch your guests and self for heat stroke.
Capt Bouncer Smith • 305-439-2475 • captbouncer@bellsouth.net
Miami’s Freshwater Hotspots
by Captain Mike Tojdowski & Captain TonyTojdowski
It’s that exciting time of year again when tarpon season sweeps through the waterways of Miami’s urban landscape. With the onset of heavy rains and thunderstorms almost always present in August, the levees connecting lakes, canals, and rivers to the ocean must open to manage excess water. This prevents floods in streets and local homes. These man-made canals, a legacy from the early 1900s, crafted by the Army Corps of Engineers for drainage, flood control, and water storage, now serve as gateways for saltwater fish like tarpon, snook, and jack crevalle to venture into our canal estuaries.
For those targeting tarpon or snook, the prime times are early mornings just after sunrise and again about 45 minutes before dusk. Watch for tarpon surfacing and taking in air near the water’s surface, this is a behavior caused by decreasing oxygen levels as water temperatures rise. They’ll show their dorsal fins and a bit of their backs, resembling whales surfacing for air. Tarpon can also be found in connecting lakes, usually surfacing in the middle, so a boat or kayak is ideal for reaching them in deeper water. Urban canal bridges with flowing water are excellent spots for landing freshwater tarpon and snook. When targeting tarpon you want to lead them as much as possible while retrieving your bait back towards them with an erratic motion and finally over top waiting to set the hook hard and strong when they do hit to make sure you penetrate their boney mouths.
Snook sit a little deeper and usually by structure, so using a slow sinking bait or live shiner will work much better in this case. #2 circle hook with 20-30lbs clear fluorocarbon leader will get the job done. Live baits are preferred but 3-4 inch soft plastic lures that match the local of finger mullet or similar will do the trick.
Capt. Mike Tojdowski & Capt. Tony Tojdowski
Urban Legends Fishing Charters
Call/Text 305-998-3375
Facebook / Instagram
@Urbanlegendsfishing or check out our website ULFish.com
Peacock Bass can always be caught in high numbers throughout the month. You’ll find them sitting near the shade of trees and other structure areas waiting for small baits to pass before ambushing them. You can target them with a small shiner or a 3/8 oz. jig with a fluke. We have been having much success with neon green and pink colored flies as well as your deep diving assortment of lures that match the local hatch. You’ll want to target them during daylight hours or just before sunset when they are most actively feeding about 5-10 ft range. Their feeding patterns tend to follow the cooler water temps this time of year, with best results found in water temps between 78-84 degrees. Anything warmer will force them to relocate and feed in cooler waters. Peacock bass are nomadic in nature, and we have found them to move 2-3 miles sometimes to find cooler water in the summer.
Capt. Ray Rosher
305-788-3474 • Ray@missbritt.com www.missbritt.com
Miss Britt Charters
Instagram @missbrittcharters
Perfect Cubera Bait
by Ray Rosher, Contributing Writer
August marks a special month in South Florida fishing. It’s the month for cubera snapper. The biggest challenge to successful cubera snapper fishing is the bait. Lobster is the bait of choice and there are a couple things that you probably should think about to make sure you have a successful trip. First of all, you have to make sure that if you have lobsters in your boat during mini season, you cannot go past midnight on the second day of Mini season or you could be ticketed. Secondly, it is probably best with fishing heavy tackle… 80 pound test braid or monofilament main line is generally considered to be the minimum strength line in recent years. The shark predation on the snappers has increased to the point that without heavy drag and a fast fight you most likely won’t get the fish to the boat. It also ensures a healthy release for the snapper if he comes to the boat in a lively condition. Another helpful tip is to use a long handled de-hooker so that you can dislodge the hook out of the fish instead of sending them back to the bottom with a very strong hook in his mouth. Another thought would be to make sure you have a good harness or fighting chair system, but most importantly put a safety rope on the rod. Either clip it to an eye loop on the bottom of the real clamp or simply tie rod off with 5/16” or 3/8” inch rope between the reel and the first guide. You will be fighting any fish that bites with a heavy drag and safety is the first priority. Generally, Fishing within a week of the full moon is suggested but not mandatory. The best fishing usually happens between 150 and 300 feet of water, typically around structure. People typically use a heavy jig with a trailer hook or simply a 24 to 32 ounce weight on a three-way swivel with a 10 to 20 foot leader that is generally 300 pound test, mono, fluorocarbon or stainless wire. Wire is probably your best bet for not getting cut off by the cuberas, sharp teeth.
by Capt. Bouncer Smith
AEl Pescador Pescad or Viajero
con Tom y Jimmy; pescamos 5 serviolas, un gran jurel almaco (o medregal), una barracuda y dos pargos rojos en aguas estatales donde se pueden conservar.
Después de esto, pasé el 4 de julio con Pat Smith y Falk atrapando un montón de pargo manglar, un sábalo y róbalo. Por desgracia, la pesca de profundidad del día viernes y la búsqueda de pez espada el domingo, con mi viejo amigo Steve “comedor de calabaza”, no tuvieron éxito.
gosto es un mes CALIENTE, pero a la vez, muy interesante ya que la temporada de langostas abre el 6 de agosto y la pesca nocturna va genial para los pargos de manglar; además, si tolera el calor, podrá pescar mahi-mahi la mayoría de los días. Si en la mañana no encuentra suerte, las brisas marinas de la tarde pueden hacer que aparezcan más mahis. Esté atento a las aves que empujan con fuerza hacia el sur.
Recapitulando el verano, junio y julio me ofrecieron una pesca estupenda en Florida. Me uní al equipo de Johnny Jigs y Mike Falk en el Anglers Envy, con Chris y Adien como tripulación. Hicimos pesca lenta frente a Cabo Cañaveral, donde capturamos pargos rojos y meros nevados. Luego pesqué en el fondo del mar frente a Miami
El lunes, me reuní con Wayne Conn y Dan Kipnis a bordo del barco de fiesta Blue Heron de Riviera Beach. La acción fue buena con numerosas bonitas, una gran barracuda, un montón de pequeños pargos criollos, algunas seriolas y un gran espectáculo de tiburones hambrientos dando vueltas alrededor del barco. Ben Eskanazi y yo pescamos con Glyn Austin en Sebastian Inlet, y Ben pescó 2 sábalos y un róbalo mientras que su servidor consiguió 2 sábalos.
Por favor navegue con cuidado y evite los golpes de calor mientras disfruta de la pesca de verano, en especial con la temporada de langosta abierta.
Capt Bouncer Smith 305-439-2475
captbouncer@bellsouth.net
Trucos para la pesca dulce de Miami
por Capitáns Mike & Tony Tojdowski
Ha llegado una vez más esa emocionante época del año en la que la temporada del sábalo arrasa con las vías fluviales del paisaje urbano de Miami. Con la llegada de fuertes lluvias y tormentas, casi siempre presentes en agosto, los diques que conectan lagos, canales y ríos con el océano deben abrirse para gestionar el exceso de agua. Así se evitan inundaciones en calles y viviendas locales.
Estos canales artificiales, un legado de principios del siglo XX, creados por el Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército para el drenaje, el control de inundaciones y el almacenamiento de agua, sirven ahora de puerta de entrada a peces de agua salada como el sábalo, el róbalo y el jurel, que se aventuran en los estuarios de nuestros canales.
Para los que buscan el sábalo o el róbalo, las mejores horas son por la mañana temprano, justo después del amanecer, y unos 45 minutos antes del anochecer. Esté atento a los sábalos que salen y toman aire cerca de la superficie del agua, un comportamiento causado por la disminución de los niveles de oxígeno a medida que aumenta la temperatura. Se parecen un poco a las ballenas, pues al subir a la superficie muestran sus aletas dorsales y un poco de la espalda.
El sábalo también puede encontrarse en lagos conectados, normalmente saliendo a la superficie en el centro, por lo que una barca o un kayak son ideales para alcanzarlos en aguas más profundas. Los puentes de los canales urbanos con agua corriente son lugares excelentes para pescar sábalos y róbalos de agua dulce. Al pescar sábalos, debe guiarlos todo lo posible mientras recupera el cebo con un movimiento errático, luego espere a que golpeen para clavarles el anzuelo con fuerza y asegurarse de que penetre en sus bocas huesudas.
Urban Legends Fishing Charters
Llamada / Texto: 305-998-3375
Facebook / Instagram
@Urbanlegendsfishing
www.ULFish.com
Los robalos se sitúan un poco más profundo y por lo general cerca de la estructura, por lo que el uso de un cebo de hundimiento lento o un tiburón vivo funcionará mucho mejor en este caso. Un anzuelo circular del nº 2 con un bajo de línea de fluorocarbono transparente de 20-30 lbs será suficiente. Los cebos vivos son preferibles, pero señuelos de plástico blando de 3-4 pulgadas que coincidan con un salmonete o similar servirán. Ahora, el pavón siempre puede ser capturado en grandes cantidades durante todo el mes. Los encontrará sentados cerca de la sombra de los árboles y otras zonas de estructura esperando a que pasen los cebos pequeños antes de emboscarlos. Puede pescarlos con un pequeño shiner o un jig de 3/8 oz. con un fluke. Hemos tenido mucho éxito con moscas de color verde neón y rosa, así como con el surtido de señuelos que coinciden con la eclosión local. Usted querrá apuntar durante las horas diurnas o justo antes de la puesta del sol, cuando se alimentan más activamente alrededor entre 5 a 10 pies de distancia. Sus patrones de alimentación tienden a seguir las temperaturas más frías del agua en esta época del año, con mejores resultados encontrados en las temperaturas entre 78-84°F. Los pavonees son nómadas en la naturaleza, y hemos encontrado que se mueven 2-3 millas a veces solo para encontrar agua más fría durante el verano.
Capitáns Mike & Tony Tojdowski
FLAMINGO
por Nestor Alvisa
Amedida que nos adentramos en agosto, las temperaturas del aire son casi insoportables y las del agua muy cálidas. A los peces rojos les gusta el agua caliente, al igual que a los róbalos, pargos y truchas que encontrará un poco más profundo. Durante este mes todavía me encuentro haciendo malabares entre la pesca en Flamingo y la afueras de Miami, en el arrecife (para el pargo) o en alta mar (para el mahi).
Para la pesca en el arrecife decidimos anclarnos en una sección y allí dejamos que el pargo de cola amarilla se acerque a la carnada. Me gusta dejar que se sientan cómodos, alrededor de unos 20 minutos, antes de poner los anzuelos en el agua. Una vez que estamos listos para pescarlos usaremos los pejerreyes, las tiras de ballyhoo o los trozos de calamar ya que funcionan muy bien. En nuestros viajes para pescar mahi, la mayoría de las veces buscamos parches de algas, aves o restos. Una vez que encontramos el objeto que retiene a los peces, mis pescadores lanzan sardinas vivas, que probablemente nunca serán rechazadas por un mahi. Siempre tengo a mano bucktails, side winders y poppers para lanzar.
En Flamingo, me gusta concentrar mi tiempo de pesca alrededor de las playas en busca de róbalos y peces, con lo cuales uso jerk baits o cebos de natación. De igual forma, les pido a mis clientes que lancen a ciegas por si acaso hay peces en los canales donde no son visibles.
Finalmente, justo al lado de la playa durante esta época, se pueden encontrar tricolores flotando libremente, a la deriva con el viento y la corriente. Una vez que vea estos peces use pequeños cebos de natación, camarones artificiales o camarón vivo, pues son las mejores opciones.
Returns to Orlando Sept. 5-7
Surf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow, returns to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., from Sept. 5-7, 2024. Held in the West Concourse, the September event features an expansive selection of exhibiting brands and an exciting lineup of events and networking opportunities.
“We are thrilled about the array of exhibitors that will be at our upcoming September event,” said Surf Expo Show Director Roy Turner. “From the established major brands to the next wave and start-ups, retailers will be able to meet face-to-face with key players and fnd the next new.”
to the preservation of our environment and coastal waterways.
“Surf Expo allows retailers to preview styles from fshing and marine products, top surf brands, hard goods, apparel, footwear, swimwear, boutique fashions, and souvenirs,” adds Turner.
Retailers attend Surf Expo to stock their shelves for adventures on or near the water and fnd the gear and goods to keep customers coming back for more. Whether it is surfng, paddling, fshing, hiking, camping on the beach, wake surfng, tubing or simply soaking up the sun, Surf Expo has everything needed to cater to customers with a passion for waterborne thrills, outdoor adventure or just the sun-loving beach vacationer.
Te Shoreline category at Surf Expo is the hub for brands that specialize in inshore and ofshore apparel and accessory products; sportswear, technical apparel and gear, footwear, outerwear and hardgoods as well as games and accessories to transition from a day on the water to stretching out on land. Tis helps target businesses associated with outdoor amenities and recreation found in lake and beach towns nationwide and ofers crossover opportunities for buyers and manufacturers alike.
Te Surf Expo show foor is organized by product category with complementing cross-selling categories in adjacent aisles making it easy for retailers to navigate so they can easily discover the newest brands and products in person, all while making purchasing decisions.
Chris McCotter from Lake Anna Outftters, Virginia, refects, “As frst-time attendees, we did not know what to expect beyond a strong recommendation to attend from a supplier. Te show was exactly what we needed to take our shop to the next level with the merchandise and brands we wanted to stock.”
A wide range of both returning and new exhibitors will be represented that cater to the watersports, coastal life and outdoor industry such as; ORCA Coolers, GCI Outdoor, Teva, Xtratuf, POP Board Co., Salt Life, Hurley, CHUMS, Salty Crew, Captain Fin, Dark Seas, Howler Brothers, Rip Curl, SUNSKI, Deep Blue Gear, Fish Hippie, Jetty, Hook & Tackle, O’Neill, Reel Skipper, I-SEA Sunglasses, Chubbies, Vissla, Tommy Bahama, DIFF Eyewear, Katin, Outerknown, Free Fly Apparel and many more.
In September, Surf Expo will feature a full schedule including daily fashion shows, retailer learning labs, industry networking events, happy hours and parties.
For more information about the show visit www.surfexpo.com.
50,000 Plus Anglers Strong Promoting TakeAction Initiatives For Preserving Our Fisheries And Supporting Our Community.
At 18’2” in length and with a 70” beam, the Mosquito is a very capable hull for many situations – however it’s designed to do one thing with absolute perfection: silently stalk inshore game fsh in the shallowest coastal waters.
BUST A GULF COAST SCALLOP REPORT
Scallop season is underway for most of Florida’s Gulf Coast, and the reports we are getting so far are mixed—but mostly good—with some areas experiencing outstanding scalloping in terms of numbers, size and water conditions.
Scallops are regionally managed by the state, so diferent zones along the Gulf Coast have diferent seasons, with most remaining open well into September. Tere’s still plenty of time, plenty of scallops and plenty of places to go if you’re interested in an underwater egg hunt. Keep in mind, weather and water conditions can change quickly, and it can dramatically change the prospects for fnding bay scallops. Plan your trip accordingly.
Starting down south in Pasco County, the Anclote River area is apparently on fre this summer. Following a mediocre season last year, we’re hearing people rave about quick limits and good-sized scallops coming from shallow water. Te season opened July 10 in the Pasco Zone, and early on at least one person called it the best scalloping she’s ever experienced. Tese are big scallops, too, and we’ve heard talk of throwing back legal-sized scallops to fnd bigger ones. In mid-July, the shells were in as little as 4 feet of water, and with such a good early season, there should be some lef up until the season closes Aug. 16.
Just to the north, Hernando County scallopers were of to a slow start, but a little farther up the coast, the Crystal River to Homosassa area was very productive. We’re hearing reports of scads of scallops in as little as 3 feet, with a majority of boats concentrating in the 7-foot depths. Te size has been good, and it has apparently been difcult to fnd an undersized shell. With good weather and water conditions, good scalloping should hopefully last until the season closes Sept. 24.
We are also hearing good things farther north out of Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee, where the scallops are apparently very thick and close, although they might be trending smaller this year depending on your location. Limits in an hour or less were reported, with scallops hanging out in grass at 3- to 6-foot depths. Te Fenholloway-Suwannee River Zone opened June 15 and will close on Labor Day.
In the big bend, reports have not been great out of the St. Marks area, where heavy freshwater infux, low salinity and poor clarity are being blamed for scarce fnds during the early season. Some are pointing to better days ahead in late summer. As wind and water conditions change, scallops holed up in the 15-foot depths sometimes shif closer in, where they are easier to fnd. Te Franklin-NW Taylor County Zone remains open until Sept. 24.
Finally, over to Gulf County and Port St. Joe, the season opens Aug. 16 and runs through Sept. 24. Tere’s nothing yet to report, but historically this zone has been a good late-season option for grass fats that haven’t been picked over yet.
For seasons and regulations, go to MyFWC.com.
Commercial Gear for Anglers!
on high alert, and the noises of the day silenced, the bites can be startling and give the impression that the fsh is larger than it is. Tat’s part of the excitement of a topwater bite! I only use this tactic in areas I know well, for safety reasons, of course.
I know wading isn’t for everyone, and night wading is for even fewer anglers, but there are other methods. Fishing from a dock, boat or kayak are all good options. Focusing on dock lights, causeway lights and lighted piers can provide excellent fshing. Many canal homes have lights, both underwater and above the surface, that attract baitfsh, which attract the gamefsh we target. I’d say trout are the most prolifc, but reds and snook can be found mixed in with trout if you have them in your area. I like to target these areas with smaller lures, either a sof-plastic rattling paddletail or a small, hard, lipped bait with or without rattles. I prefer natural colors in some shade of white or clear with some silver mixed in.
I also enjoy fshing granite jetties at night. Setting up for this is a little more work but can yield terrifc results. When jetty fshing, I bring a generator and two 1,500-watt stage lights. Tese areas typically have more current, so my hard-lipped lures may be slightly larger, but I still go with the smallest lure I can work properly in the current. I stick with the same colors as mentioned earlier. Te channel and surf side of the rocks can both be productive depending on the tide, water clarity and bait. I recommend pointing one light in each direction until you determine which area has the best conditions.
Fishing at night brings new challenges, but it can ofer some of the best catches of the summer. If you decide to give one of these three methods a try, remember safety frst and don’t fsh alone. Enjoy some cooler times on the water and be safe.
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
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STUD AJ IS A SOUTH CAROLINA RECORD!
Fishing out of Murrells Inlet on May 23, angler James Carroll battled in a 129-pound amberjack that is a new South Carolina state record. Here is the story in Carroll’s own words:
We set out from Murrells Inlet, S.C. at the crack of dawn, heading ofshore to the Winyah Scarp area, about 60 miles out. Our goal was to catch some mahi or wahoo. Afer a few hours of trolling along a weed line and the ledge without success, we decided to move closer in and try bottom fshing.
We relocated to a spot about 50 miles ofshore in 100 feet of water. I switched to a Connley Fishing kingfsh rod paired with a Penn Fathom 40, rigged with 80-lb. Momoi Diamond Braid and a two-hook bottom setup.
At this location, we caught vermilion snapper, black sea bass, grunts and porgies, sometimes two at a time. It was a productive day. I began waiting afer getting a bite, hoping to hook a second fsh. While doing this, something big hit the line without getting hooked.
Finally, I hooked a monster fsh. Afer about 45 minutes of fghting, I told my great friend and captain of the Liberty Call, Gordon Jobe, to put the boat in gear to help bring the fsh up in the water column. Around the one-hour mark, we landed what turned out to be a South Carolina state record greater amberjack.
Using a Garmin InReach, we contacted friends onshore to check the state record weight for South Carolina. Tey replied with 123 lbs. We knew we had surpassed that mark but had to wait a few hours to confrm.
Back at the dock, we went to Seven Seas Seafood Market in Murrells Inlet, S.C., to weigh the fsh on their certifed scales. Te fsh weighed in at 129 lbs. and measured 69 inches in length. Afer certifcation by Kris Reynolds, of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the crew at Seven Seas processed the fsh for me.
For more giant fsh, go to coastalanglermag.com
Throw Yourself a Bone
The very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature. If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for.
The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its resistance to corrosion.
The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world.
This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers.
But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 8x21 power compact binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Huntsman Blade
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. Limited Reserves. A deal like this won’t last long. We have only 1120 Huntsman Blades for this ad only. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!
Huntsman Blade $249* Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $170
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Stauer® 8x21 Compact Binoculars -a $99 valuewith purchase of Huntsman Blade
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14091 Southcross Drive W., Dept. HBK237-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com
*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.
California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
• 12” overall length; 6 1/2” stainless steel full tang blade • Genuine bone handle with brass hand guard & bolsters • Includes genuine leather sheath
