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O P P O R T U N I T I E S
A V A I L A B L E
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THE LIGHTEST PENN REEL EVER MADE The Lightest PENN Reel Ever Made. The all new Conflict II matches an extremely light weight design with PENN’s legendary durability. Featuring our RR30 body, CNC Gear Technology and HT-100 Drag system, the Conflict II is the ultimate inshore reel.
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© 2018 PENN is a registered trademark of Pure Fishing, Inc.
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Solar Shade™ ZERO Long Sleeve Shirt
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CEO / EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com COO : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Rebecca Snowden • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Derrick Oppelt • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Corporate Headquarters info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 888-800-9794
FLORIDA
BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : Chris Milner • (321) 631-1001 • cmilner@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com
flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com
SOUTHEAST
ATLANTA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com CHARLESTON : Jane A. Redden • (205) 725-9616 • jane@coastalanglermagazine.com
Sam Buckareff • (843) 607-8629 • sam@coastalanglermagazine.com
CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT : Mark & Haley Alberghini • (704) 651-1934 • mark@theanglermagazine.com COLUMBIA/MIDLANDS : John Lux • (803) 807-6885 • jlux@theanglermagazine.com MYRTLE BEACH : Mike Masiero • (732) 674-3019 • mmasiero@coastalanglermagazine.com SW GEORGIA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com TIDEWATER/OUTER BANKS : John Tiger • (757) 707-9654 • john.tiger@coastalanglermagazine.com
Laura Tiger • (757) 707-9655 • laura@coastalanglermagazine.com
WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD : Charlie Lamm • (252) 205-6472 • clamm@coastalanglermagazine.com
NORTHEAST BOSTON : George Regan • (617) 488-2842 • boston@coastalanglermagazine.com LONG ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 • lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com CONNECTICUT/RHODE ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com
GULF COAST MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Adam Nelson • (228) 627-5903 • anelson@coastalanglermagazine.com
You guys are everywhere.
A
nglers share some very unique commonalities. One trait that seems standard across the board is that whenever we find ourselves in a new destination, regardless of why we’re there, we always want to find out about “what’s biting.” Normally a quick trip to a local tackle shop gets us up to speed. I often hear from readers that they were in a different state or a different region and found a copy of our magazine at the tackle shop they went into. One such reader recently told me, “I live in Wilmington, North Carolina, and I read your Wilmington edition every month. I was in Mississippi recently on business and I saw a copy of your magazine at a local tackle shop. The next month I was in Key West, Florida and saw a copy of the magazine at a tackle shop there. I just landed in Connecticut today and can’t believe that I just picked up another copy of your magazine at a tackle shop here in Connecticut. You guys are everywhere.” It is true; we are available for free in over 30 market areas, but we’re not everywhere yet. Our franchise publishing model is changing the way American anglers view a local fishing magazine, and we’re looking to further expand our footprint. If you think owning your own business as the publisher of your area’s local fishing magazine is something that would fit your career and lifestyle goals, give us a call for information on potential franchise opportunities in your area. Previous publishing experience is not required. We have a complete training program and ongoing support system that enables our co-publishing partners to quickly establish the magazine as a primary resource for the avid angler nearly everywhere. Best regards,
Toby Nelson • (228) 623-1761 • tnelson@coastalanglermagazine.com
GREAT LAKES WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com
INTERNATIONAL PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers.
Ben Martin Editor in Chief info@coastalanglermagazine.com
1-888-800-9794
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WHO CARES ABOUT PUTTING YOUR LURE RIGHT ON TOP OF FISH?
All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2017.
YOU SHOULD.
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For over a century, a league of canned crusaders have been fighting to keep boats safe from barnacles, slime, algae and other aquatic evils that rob your boat of its true performance. With advanced know-how and unique capabilities, each antifouling is tailored to different conditions, and has the power to defeat fouling in all its forms. Micron® Extra leads the charge in all waters. Using its signature dual-protection with boosting Biolux® technology, it provides high-quality, multi-season protection that survives hauling and relaunch without the need for repainting. For super-powered antifouling protection and proven performance, choose Interlux®.
All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2017.
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Paddlesports Product Review CARIBE TIBURON INFLATABLE SUP You’ll be slithering through the waves with ease and gliding along in true mariner style when you hop on Caribe’s inflatable SUP. Decorated with a shark silhouette and further amplified by a cool camo print, this blue and black paddleboard is always a hit among water-lovers with a penchant for adventure. The Tiburon Inflatable Paddleboard comes with 6 D-Rings on the softpad so you can attach a variety of accessories like a cooler, 2 Kayak Seats, dry bags, etc. it also comes with a D-Ring on the front bottom deck, excellent for anchoring or towing the board. A very wide 34” design provides stability like no other board on the market. It’s ideal for fishing and long rides and has a smooth non-slip softpad that provides grip as well as comfort. Concerned about hooks on board or punctures from oyster beds? No worries! Double deck Tarpaulin layers protect the board from punctures while providing the most rigid inflatable experience out there. All Caribe’s boards come with a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
WWW.CARIBESUP.COM
AIRHEAD SUP BONEFISH 1138 True to its name, the Airhead SUP Bonefish 1138 is a paddleboard specifically designed for fishing. This super-stable fishing SUP has two inflatable sponsons that give anglers the firm platform they need for fighting big fish and navigating rough water. There are four strategically placed mount pads on deck to accommodate four rod racks, Airhead SUP Fishing Racks and Bucket Racks. Two smaller accessory mounts are perfect for small rod holders or other accessories, and two stainless D-ring cooler tie downs round out endless possibilities for equipment customization. A classic teak-look EVA decking provides sure footing. At just 41 pounds, transport of the Bonefish 1138 is easy, and two molded handles fore and aft make carrying it to the water a breeze, even when it’s fully loaded. There is versatility built in with 10 stainless steel D-rings and two stretch tie downs. The Bonefish 1138 comes with a mesh backpack for transport and storage, a Hi Pressure hand pump for quick and easy inflation, a pressure gauge, valve wrench, board strap and repair kit.
WWW.AIRHEADSUP.COM
KAKU WAHOO 10.5 The new Kaku Wahoo 10.5 may be the baddest little ’yak on the water. It is a compact version of the Wahoo 12.5, which has proven itself as a superb fishing kayak. Kaku went and shaved a couple of feet and more than 10 pounds off of the original Wahoo to create a boat that is easier to transport and paddles very well in the tight environs kayak anglers often find themselves in. And while the Wahoo 10.5 gives up size, it does not sacrifice fishability or performance. It has all the features of the Wahoo 12.5. By flattening the rocker and lowering the keel, Kaku has designed a boat that tracks well and is easy to stand on. A sick deck pad rounds out the look of a quick little ’yak that is stable, comfortable and easy to handle.
KAKUKAYAK.COM
MANTA RACKS Whether it’s a mother-ship expedition offshore, a day-cruise to some isolated islands or exploration deep into the mangroves, there are a lot of places paddle-sports enthusiasts want to be that are too distant to access under paddle power. SUPs and kayaks take up a lot of room on the deck of the boat, and Manta Racks has come up with the perfect solution. The Manta Racks system stores your kayaks or SUPs securely to your boat, where they are out of the way, and it utilizes the boat’s rod holders, so there’s no need to drill any new holes for mounting. With a patented 360-degree locking swivel feature, paddleboards, wakeboards, kayaks, kiteboards, water skis and surfboards can be easily stored on the gunnel of the boat without drilling extra holes. All of your boards are out of the way of your passengers, securely fastened to your Manta Racks system. Go farther when you take your boards.
WWW.MANTARACKS.COM
WILDERNESS SYSTEMS RADAR SERIES With its new Radar Series, Wilderness Systems continues to build on its legacy of innovation, performance and quality in fishing kayaks. The Radar Series is Wilderness Systems’ first tri-powered kayak, which means it has paddle, power and pedal capabilities. It features S.M.A.R.T. Hull Technology that combines stability, maneuverability, acceleration, responsiveness and tracking throughout the entire design for ultimate
performance in multiple water environments. In addition to a flat platform for standing and freedom of movement, the Radar boasts state-of-the-art outfitting including expansive SlideTrax rails, a multitude of storage opportunities, and scupper options to deploy the Helix MD motor drive, Helix PD pedal drive and multiple options for electronics, including down-imaging, side-scanning or both. With Helix PD, a built-in steering control system allows for easy navigation that leaves your hands free for fishing. The AirPro Max seat complements the package with optimized positioning for any mode of travel.
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Paddlesports Product Review NUCANOE FLINT NuCanoe made waves when it introduced its new Flint kayak at iCast. Here is a boat jam-packed with features for serious anglers, yet the price tag is way below what you’d expect for such a high-quality kayak. At 11’3”, and less than 70 pounds, The Flint is the perfect boat for exploring creeks, rivers and backwater marshes. It is agile, responding nimbly to the paddle, and it also tracks very well despite its shorter length. Light enough for easy one-man transport, this boat is amazingly stable, and unique scupper hole design provides a firm deck. The Flint cockpit is wide open and fishes like a much larger kayak. There’s plenty of room and stability for standing to fish on an uncluttered deck, and the new Hawg Trough channel keeps your measuring board handy but out of the way. With five gear tracks, handy spaces for tackle boxes and angled flush-mount rod holders, NuCanoe has come up with a simple yet efficient and customizable layout for everything an angler needs. The side handle that doubles as a quick-clip paddle holder is a handy innovation someone should have come up with long ago. Cap it all off with the comfy custom-height Pinnacle seat NuCanoe is known for, and this is a top-notch fishing platform for a reasonable price.
WWW.NUCANOE.COM
PERCEPTION PESCADOR PILOT 12.0 Perception’s pedal-powered Pescador Pilot is a fishing machine that is extremely comfortable and functional for anglers. It excels in flat water and is an excellent kayak for inshore and bay fishing as well as on freshwater lakes and ponds. The Pilot Drive propeller system effortlessly propels the boat, even in reverse, while leaving both hands free. The spacious, sit-on-top design with generous storage and accessory mounts make the kayak easy to customize. Superior stability allows anglers to cast and fight fish while standing. Comfort is absolutely necessary for serious anglers spending long hours on the water. The Pescador Pilot is built for that. A roomy captain’s chair features zonal mesh to promote cooling airflow. On-the-fly seatback adjustment tilts back for relaxed pedaling or forward for sportier pedaling.
With performance, comfort, features, and storage that outdistance its price point, especially for a peddle-driven kayak, the Pescador Pilot is also a great value. This boat is proudly designed, molded and hand assembled in the USA and is backed by a 5-year warranty.
WWW.PERCEPTIONKAYAKS.COM
OLD TOWN PREDATOR PDL Prepare yourself for a totally new fishing experience. Old Town has taken boat control to new heights with forward and reverse via an efficient and easy-to-use propriety pedal-drive system. It gets you to the spot fast, and keeps you on the spot without paddling. With forward, reverse and agile maneuverability, you’ll experience precise boat control while your hands remain free to focus on fishing. The removable pedal drive installs in seconds and tips up instantly for shallowwater docking. The Predator PDL’s specially-designed hull combines the perfect balance of smooth pedal stroke speed and stand-up stability. The Old Town PDL pedals exactly like a bicycle, converting modest pedaling into maximum propulsion. A 10.3:1 gear ratio means that anglers can reach speeds up to 5.5 mph to reach fishing spots fast and efficiently. It also makes trolling through a range of useradjustable speeds easy and effective. The Predator PDL is infinitely customizable with rigging accessories from Cannon, Scotty, YakAttack, RAM and more.
WWW.OLDTOWNCANOE.COM
SEA EAGLE 350FX FISHING EXPLORER For anglers who like to go it alone, Sea Eagle’s 350fx is a terrific choice. The most stable and rugged entry in Sea Eagle’s Explorer Series of inflatable kayaks, it’s a lightweight (51-lbs.) and easily portable one-person fishing machine. Nearly indestructible, the 350fx features a double layer of 1000 Denier reinforced protective layers on the tubes and bottom, a 40-inch fish ruler, plus two spray skirts—each with three rod holders and accessory belts that hold tools, hooks and lures. A fully adjustable foot brace is easily positioned for maximum comfort and more power per stroke while a nifty anchor system quietly locks in advantageous casting positions. Suitable for paddling in waters rated to Class IV, 16 high-capacity self-bailing drain valves make this entry ideal for fishing in moderate whitewater rivers up to Class III. Close the valves to remain high and dry on flat waters, and insert the removable skeg to improve flatwater tracking. Fully inflated in seven minutes, the 350fx fits in a car trunk and handles electric motors up to 34-pound thrust. This inflatable fishing kayak is 11’6” long and has a maximum weight capacity of 575 lbs.
WWW.SEAEAGLE.COM
FLYCRAFT STEALTH The Flycraft Stealth is one of the most versatile boats in the world. Its unique construction and shape give it the functionality of many boats in one. From motoring on the coast or lakes to rowing rocky streams and mild whitewater, the Flycraft Stealth is your one boat answer. The boat’s lightweight and minimalistic design allow it to be easily carried on a roof or in a truck bed. No roof rack? No problem; this boat deflates and packs down to fit in a trunk or closet. At just 98 pounds, one person can easily transport or load this boat solo. For information, call 801-810-4022.
WWW.FLYCRAFTUSA.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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QUIK-CHANGE II ™ Our Innovative, Interchangeable Fixed Blade Cutlery System 9” FILLET 7” FILLET 5” FILLET 3” SERRATED
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rugged canvas roll pack
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FLY FISHING
Michelle Bowman with a Yucatan baby tarpon from an inflatable SUP.
For more Bowman, go to
CAMFLYFISHING.COM
GAME CHANGER Sea Eagle FishSUP Stand Up Paddleboard
Win th Sea Eagle e FishSUP Pro Moto r Fishing Rig Packa ge! Fu
www.Coa ll details at stalAngle rContest.c om
Fits in a Bag! Paddle or Motor
Incredibly stable, the new inflatable FishSUP FS126 Stand Up Paddleboard is an angler’s dream. Lightweight, packable, portable and ready in moments. The FishSUP fits in any car trunk and inflates in just 7 minutes. Stand, sit, fish, motor, troll, fresh, salt or brackish water...the FishSUP goes everywhere. 800-748-8066 M-F 9-5 EST Dept C2048B 19 N. Columbia St., Suite 1
• 12’6” long x 40” wide for exceptional stability • Motor mount holds up to a 55 lb. thrust electric motor • EVA foam pad for secure stand up footing • 36” Built-in fish ruler • Heavy duty two layer drop stitch construction for a solid, super tough SUP board • Multiple d-rings and elastic cord for gear & accessories
MSRP $1149!
Port Jefferson, NY 11777
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NO 26
The best fishing stories start with you getting away.
F F
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PINE ISLAND SOUND, FL
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CoastalA
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2018 242CC
FISHING FOCUSED FAMILY FRIENDLY “Sailfish Boats are truly versatile. A great fishing boat and a great family boat all in one.”
2018 220CC ® Exclusive Variable Degree Stepped (VDS) Hull for Performance, Safety & Stability ® 10 year Structural Warranty ® SailTech Construction: 100% Composite, Reinforced with Kevlar® & Carbon Fiber ® Lifetime No-Rot Guarantee ® Bow To Stern Intelligent Ergonomic Design with Premium Finishes ® Family Friendly Features for Fun, Comfort and Safety
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Take a
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Register at:
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You could get a discount when you combine your auto and boat policies.
geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Multi-Policy Discount available to auto insureds that have purchased a boat policy through the GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2018 GEICO
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Center sp
For a limited time, get Suzuki Extended Protection, Instant Savings and attractive financing on select Suzuki outboards from 25 to 350 horspower. See your participapting Suzuki Marine dealer for details or visit www.suzukimarine.com.
REPOWER FINANCE Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.
Instant Savings of up to $800 on select models. See your dealer for details.
Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboard on approved credit.*
Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/18 and 06/30/18 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/18 and 06/30/18. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate form at time of sale. Instant Savings will be applied against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account). There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/18 and 06/30/18. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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FLORIDA
Photo by Zach Doleac
T
o an angler, sunglasses are a tool that’s as important to comfort and success as anything else on the boat. And when you purchase an expensive pair of high-performance shades from the tackle or fly shop, you don’t leave the store without an eyewear-retention lanyard to keep them safe while you’re on the water. Only you don’t call this device an “eyewear-retention lanyard.” They are called Croakies, and the reason the brand is
synonymous with the product is because Croakies has been doing right by outdoors enthusiasts for more than 40 years. Croakies was born in the mountains of Jackson, Wyoming more than 40 years ago. A deep connection to the outdoors is what drives the company toward greater product innovation and better, more sustainable production practices. Croakies has consistently raised the bar in creating industry-leading products coupled with unique prints and patterns to turn the ordinary into extraordinary for those hitting the water, the trail, the beach or anywhere in between. Today, Croakies is much more than just a strap to hold your eyewear on, though. The brand is home to a broad collection of industry-leading retention products including eyewear retainers, belts and dog collars and leashes. From their technical, adjustable system to keep your earbuds safe and untangled to guitar straps and lanyards for any use, Croakies creates stylish, durable and functional products for active people. On behalf of all of us at Coastal Angler, thanks Croakies for saving our shades and keeping us dialed in while on the water for the past 40 years. For a complete overview of the 2018 Croakies collection, head over to croakies.com or follow the brand on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter using @Croakies. For more on Croakies, go to
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he 11th Annual Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo, an action-packed water sports expo for watersport enthusiasts of all ages, returns to the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center April 14-15. Produced by Sheri Daye, a world-record spearfishing diver, the Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo is South Florida’s premier water sports expo. Daye crafted the expo to be both educational and entertaining. Attendees can learn from renowned speakers about the latest techniques, shop cool products and socialize with like-minded ocean lovers. Spanning 65,000 square feet, the indoor event attracts upwards of 5,000 attendees and more than 150 exhibitors specializing in freediving, scuba, spearfishing, paddleboarding, adventure travel and more. The event also features one of the most extensive marine art and underwater photography exhibits in the country. This year, the expo has added a brand new hook-and-line fishing section.
Several educational seminars, taught by world-class experts and celebrity-speakers like TV personality Manny Puig, Gatorboy Chris Gillette, and others, are scheduled throughout the weekend and are open to anyone who wants to attend. In addition, daily interactive workshops hosted by industry experts offer proven techniques and tips including speargun rigging, lionfish preparation and sampling, knot-tying for fishermen, fish filleting demos, yoga sessions and more. The popular Kids Zone will offer free face painting, art classes and crab races. The Blue Wild offers activities for the whole family to enjoy. “What began as a small charity event has evolved over the past 11 years and flourished into an exciting, must-attend event,” said Daye. “For marine art fans, we truly have one of the country’s most impressive collections—from the world-renowned to the local scene, with artists such as Carey Chen, Pascal Lecocq, Michelle Brener and many more.” Returning exhibitors include Austin’s, OMER, Mares, PADI, Chaos Fishing, Florida Freedivers, Papa’s Pilar, Wong Spearguns and many more. The Expo is pleased to welcome several new exhibitors such as Shimano, Custom Rod & Reel, SeaHunter Boats, Laser Tools Co, Reel Addictive Charters, Sporty Girl Apparel and Scubotics. Adding to the excitement, the Expo also has state-of-the-art water toys, kayaks and Contender Boats. The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo is known for its high-energy crowds and fun vibe. The diverse crowd includes visitors, experts and exhibitors from all over the world who flock to Fort Lauderdale for its desirable and central location. Water-lovers can also take advantage of the year-round tropical weather and warm waters. Entry is $20 at the door and includes a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and free entry to the Saturday night After-Party at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Courtyard Marriott. For information, visit www.TheBlueWild.com or check out a video from last year at https://youtu.be/_QvqnHyxmr0.
For more on the 2017 Blue Wild Expo, go to
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IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME...
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.. NPS photo by Eric Johnston
A
pparently there are more dangerous critters than gators to worry about when paddling Florida’s rivers. Last month, reports of a rampaging river otter emerged out of Manatee County, and the culprit appeared to have been targeting kayakers. According to the Bradenton Herald, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed multiple reports of aggressive otter encounters over two days on a stretch of the Braden River in Manatee County. The first was received Saturday, March 3, when two kayakers reported being bitten by an otter. The next day, Sunday March 4, two more kayakers reported being attacked by an otter. The second day’s encounters occurred about 2 miles from the previous attack. One of the victims, Sue Spector, 77, was interviewed by Fox 13 News after receiving stitches and rabies treatments as a result of the attack. “… I heard someone make a comment that, ‘Oh, there’s an otter!” Spector told Fox 13. “And then all of a sudden he jumped on my kayak and two seconds later he jumped on me.” According to the report, the animal clawed, scratched and bit Spector’s arms, nose and ear. Her kayak flipped and a lifejacket and hat saved Spector from sustaining additional injury as her husband and other kayakers in the group fended the otter off with paddles. FWC posted warning fliers at nearby boat ramps, but the terror might have already ended, as there are reports the otter might also have had a run-in with an alligator.
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THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT
Suzuki Repower Centers are stationed around the southeast to help with your Suzuki service and repower needs.
Performance Bulletin Available
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Request a quote! • suzukirepower.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM • 1-800-545-4574
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Suzuk
DEMO DAYS!
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CANGL_FL1-FL24.indd 9 Suzuki Demo Days Ad FSF 180221.indd 1
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TAKE A KID
CORY GURMAN
A
s winter gives way to spring, anglers from all over begin to experience one of the best times of the year to get out fishing. Many of the easiest and unsuspected places to fish can be right out your front door, leading kids of all levels to connect with a wide variety of fish. There is likely good, fishable water within walking or biking distance of where you live. Many golf course ponds and retention ponds produce big bass and good numbers of fish in the 3- to 4-pound range. While most ponds will hold fish, the most productive ones will have structure to protect fish from predators as well as give shade during the day. Overhanging trees, grass and bushes are all things to look for. One of my favorite ways to catch these bass is by hooking a plastic worm through the middle of its body (wacky worm) and letting it flutter weightless to the bottom near the structure. An occasional gentle twitch will attract attention, and bent rods will be sure to follow. Surf fishing, another favorite of mine, is a fun and easy way to catch dinner while enjoying a beautiful view. Fish travel all along the surf in search of a meal, but if you can concentrate your efforts where the bait is congregating, you will greatly improve your odds of hooking up. Birds diving into the surf is a sure sign that bait is in the area. Find diving birds, and you’ve found a great place to set up. Advanced techniques and high-end gear aren’t mandatory for novice anglers to put some good eating fish on the table. A 10-foot rod, a reel sized similar to a 6500 Penn Spinfisher (spooled with 20lb. mono) and a sand spike will be your basic set up. As far as tackle goes, I use a pompano rig or fish finder rig above a sputnik weight, all of which can be found at almost any tackle shop. For bait, shrimp and clams are good all-around choices. When I use
clams, I generally place them in kosher salt beforehand to toughen them up. Whiting, black drum, the occasional redfish and the ever-tasty pompano are some of the fish you can expect to catch this time of year. To be better prepared for your next fishing adventure, I highly encourage you to tap into the wealth and resources found on the Web. Surf fishing Florida (www. surfishingflorida.com) and other local forums are great ways to find where the fish are running. A search on YouTube will further address some of the things I’ve talked about, and with a visual aspect, you will be well on your way to enjoying the great outdoors. Cory Gurman is a freshman at Ponte Vedra High School in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Besides reveling in the great outdoors, Cory enjoys spending time with his three golden retrievers and rooting for the Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Instagram @fishhunter1119.
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crisp March air was cold enough to have me bundled up tight in layers and a heavy coat. To make things a little more interesting, the previous week of heavy rainfall had the dam wide open, causing swift current and massive waves in high winds. After fishing for half the tournaBy Ryan Kennedy ment day with no success other than a few short fish, I was feeling a little discouraged. have dreamed of certain That’s when things took a turn for the better. As my partner and days that would come I approached a stretch of rocky bank, I reached for a Red Crawdad along for as long as I have Rapala DT-6 crankbait and started slinging casts toward the bank. A been fishing bass tourna- few casts in led us to a small transition area where the size of the rocks ments. Those dreams turn changed. The first cast at this transition started with a bang. into goals, and those goals My St. Croix Mojo Bass Cranking Rod, which is a glass rod, was are attainable with hard work bent heavily. I was in for the first good fight of the day. After what and perseverance. It’s beyond seemed like an eternity, I was holding a 4-pound, 8-ounce Lake Gunamazing to me looking back tersville spotted bass. If you are familiar with the lake, you know a on my most recent tourna- spot of that size is something to appreciate. It’s just 3 ounces shy of the ment to see how God’s plan 4-pound, 11-ounce lake record. came together down to the My demeanor quickly changed for the better. Back on deck, with very rock that I bumped my one cast behind me after landing Spotapotamus, I was laser focused. I crankbait into before catching slung my crankbait as far as I could cast toward a log just past the same the fish I had always dreamed transition area. Within three cranks of the reel, my dream was about about. to become a reality. Moments later, I was holding a 9-pound, 8-ounce The goal that had elud- donkey of a largemouth. ed me thus far in my tournaTo get this straight, let’s go over what just happened. In three casts, ment career was catching an a near-lake-record spotted bass was in the boat, my new personal best absolute giant in a tourna- largemouth bass was in the boat, and 14 pounds of fish were in the ment. Don’t get me wrong, I am always excited to catch a big bass, but livewell. My partner and I ended up with over a 20-pound limit with whenever it happens it always seems to be while fishing for fun on the only four fish and qualified for the 2019 FLW Collegiate National lake or while pond-hopping around my house. This all changed, as I Championship! will forever remember, during the situation I am about to describe. Contact Ryan Kennedy at ryankfishing@gmail.com. Keep up with I was fishing at Lake Guntersville, Alabama, during the second his exploits on YouTube: Ryan Kennedy Fishing, Instagram: @ryankstop of the FLW Collegiate Southeastern Tournament Trail. The fishing and Facebook: Ryan Kennedy Fishing.
I
By Chris Beardsley
Let's Go See
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2 NAPLES | APRIL 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/
by Shug Clawson
B
onita Tackle specializes in designing unique custom rods for the discerning fisherman. Recently Shug Clawson, owner and builder, asked one of his customers why he preferred a custom-built rod to a standard one. The gentleman asks if he could send him his thoughts via email. Below is the letter that was sent. “I was asked recently, ‘Why do I fish using my custom-made rods?’ Rods and reels with assorted other equipment catch fish, so why a custom rod? The first thing that came to mind- they just work better. After fishing a long day with my custom rod my arm is not near as tired as when I use a standard reel and rod combination. There is always the pride in having a custom rod with my graduate school colors in evidence. Having a rod made with superior materials has thus far kept working even after, as fishermen, we are often less than kind to our equipment. When I had my first one-piece custom rod made I wanted it balanced and married to my new reel. When I purchased my second two-piece custom rod, I again wanted the same perfect match. After a good fishing buddy found out that my second rod was purchased by my wife as a birthday present his comment was, “I wish my wife would buy me something like that,” they make great gifts. At one time, I had better than 15 other rods plus my custom rods, now I have just the two freshwater custom rods. It was not that the other rods did not work; it is they don’t work as well. I am presently having a salt water rod made to my specifications. Custom cars, custom shoes, custom golf clubs speak for them-selves, they just work better and last longer. On the days you get skunked, why not at least look good.” Hope you have enjoyed reading a fisherman’s reason for custom built fishing rods. Stop and have your custom rod designed and built today!
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CALL 239.301.8888
TODAY!
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Brent Bensmiller, the owner of Paddle Naples, is an expert at kayak fishing the local waters. He is available for kayak fishing charters and lessons. Watch for Brent’s monthly Kayak Fishing Report in the Coastal Angler Magazine.
hings are heating up quick as we transition into spring. With above average temperatures over the last couple months, the water has been very warm bringing plenty of bait fish and hungry predators to our area. We have had mostly east winds, which has kept the gulf calm, keeping the water clarity at its best. Fishing during the spring in SWFL provides ample opportunities for kayak fishing. The bay, inlets, and gulf will all be productive areas to fish. Incoming tides will push in clear gulf water along with loads of bait fish. You can bet the inlets will be lined with hungry game fish ready to ambush any unsuspecting bait that's within reach. Deeper water with any type of structure should be the first place you pitch a bait. If it's snook you are after, look no further than the inlets. With the clear gulf water rushing in, you can bet they will definitely be feeding on the incoming tide. Try throwing your cast net to catch white bait, cigar minnows, or finger mullet so that you will have prime baits to grab their attention quickly. Target these fish by drifting your bait as close to the mangroves as possible. You will have many snags and break- offs, so it can become frustrating but stick to it and the rewards will be worth it. Snook season will remain open until the end of April. We always encourage catch and release, but if you decide to take a snook home to the dinner table, make sure it’s between the slot range of 28-33". The most sought after game fish in Florida will be arriving in bigger numbers during April. If you want to have your shot at the fish of a lifetime and go for a sleigh ride, the time has come. Tarpon will be cruising the beaches and hanging around inlets, feeding on pass crabs and schools of menhaden. Make sure to get out on the water by sunrise for a shot at hooking one of these prehistoric monsters. Drifting live baits such as mullet, pilchards, or pinfish will get their attention the most. Use at least 60# fluorocarbon leader and strong circle hooks for a better chance at a hook up. If you manage to hook, fight, and successfully land one, be sure to revive the fish for a few minutes along the side of your kayak by slowly paddling the fish along. After you land your first tarpon you're guaranteed to be hooked for life! If you are looking to do a guided fishing tour or even just have a relaxing day paddling with the family, give us a call! Tight lines and we will see you on the water! Brent Bensmiller, the owner of Paddle Naples, is an expert at kayak fishing the local waters. He is available for kayak fishing charters and lessons, as well as guided kayak and paddleboard tours. You can reach Brent by email at brent@ paddlenaples.com or by phone at 239-301-8888. Check out www.PaddleNaples. com and our FB page: https://www.facebook.com/paddlenaples/ for more information.
4 NAPLES | APRIL 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/
Did you try taking Ryobi Reel that we introduced last month? I will talk about fishing line and hooks this month. Reel and rod are important for fishing but fishing lines and hooks are also important tools that are indispensable. You can fish by using just a fishing line and hook, without reel or rod. It is so called hand fishing. Many fishermen are still fishing this way. You should not hesitate to spend a little bit more on lines and hooks and we recommend that you use excellent fishing lines and hooks. As you all know, there are three kinds of fishing lines: monofilament, fluorocarbon and braided. The advantages and disadvantages overlap each other. Elasticity, strong memory and weak against UV are some of the disadvantages. Replacing every two months is also necessary. However, the advantage is putting less damage on the reel. The characteristics of fluorocarbon are their strength, great transparency and fast settlement. But there is less flexibility and moreover, their prices are high. Braided lines are excellent in durability and are popular
lines but they have their share of disadvantages that are not well known. First of all, you should be aware that braided lines are weaker than monofilament. Because each line of four or eight lines is very thin, it is easily damaged and vulnerable to friction. Consequently, when you are casting or reeling, it damages a hole on the rod. Because there is not much expanding and contraction, strong pressure is applied to the reel and the shaft of the reel is easily bent. Do you know that a fourth line, very different from the above three lines, is available now? The line is called Nanodax Crystal Lines. The material is nylon based and crystal processed by Nano technology. They have less memory and excellent transparency and are very strong. It is predominantly suitable for a main line. They are also inexpensive. The only drawback to this line is if you don’t tie it really tight, it might loosen easily. This is a revolutionary line. Hooks also have a very important role in fishing. If you don’t use a good fishing hook, even a person with great fishing technique has a high probability of losing a fish. Hooks that are made in Japan are best. A pure Japan-made hook has very high quality. If you use a hook with high quality you will be able to get satisfactory results. I have not seen Maruto Eagle Waver yet in Florida yet but I strongly believe that Maruto Eagle Wave is the
best hooks I have ever used. Perhaps you may be able to find Eagle Wave this summer. There are many inexpensive but excellent quality products available in the world. Don’t get caught in the past and have the right knowledge and enjoy fishing.
Bruce Andersen Captain Easy Charters Smuggler`s Cove Marina, Islamorada, Florida Tel: (305) 360-2120 Email: captbrucekey@comcast.net 20 years’ experience
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The Marine Industries Association of Collier County (MIACC) is a nonprofit group dedicated to boater safety, boater education and preserving access to Florida’s waterways since its inception in 1981. The MIACC represents its members, the local marine business and the recreational boater, to the government. It is their commitment to the public to preserve the right to safe and fun boating. The MIACC encourages its members to put in place environmental business practices that will prevent pollution and damage to our coastal waters, thus protecting boaters’ enjoyment of healthy waterways and ensuring a sustainable future for the environment and the marine industry. MIACC’s partnership with the community through industry events serves as a platform to educate boaters about safety and enjoyment of the water. MIACC is responsible for organizing the annual Naples Boat Show(s), Marco Boat Show, Kids Free Fishing Clinic at the Naples Pier, and the Christmas Boat Parade on Naples Bay. Through donations and volunteer work, the MIACC and its foundation also supports Paradise Reef, CCSO Build-A-Boat, Freedom Waters Foundation, Leadership Collier, Friends of Rookery Bay, Junior Deputy, Keep Collier Beautiful, Naples Community Sailing Regatta, Kids Don’t Float Life Jacket Loaner Program, the Ricky King Fund and many other great local organizations and events.
Through an alliance with the Marine Industries Association of Florida, membership in the MIACC offers direct access to advance information on Florida’s marine industry and access to the legislative forces and full-time lobbyists that shape its destiny. The MIACC is organized by an executive director, Tiffany SawyerSchank and a nine member board of directors, including President Frank Perrucci of the Naples Boat Club; Vice President Chris Burkard of Burkard Yacht Sales; Treasurer Josh Maxwell of Turrell, Hall & Associates; Secretary Stephen Strassel of the Naples Princess; Past President Kit Sawyer of Sawyer’s Marina; Director Russ Burland of Hilton Naples; Director Ray Jahn of Fish Tale Sales; Director Jim Kalvin of Kalvin & Calvin Marine Construction; and Director Dan Mercier, Sr. of Sea Tow Naples. For more information about MIACC, visit MIACC.org or contact Tiffany SawyerSchank, at (239) 682-0900 Email: director@miacc.org. Follow us at: • Facebook.com/ MarineIndustries • Facebook.com/MIACCBoatShow • Twitter @NaplesBoatShow, • Instagram #marineindustries
6 NAPLES | APRIL 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/
Estuary Conservation Association by Alan Ritchie
A
s previously reported, the Estuary Conservation Association, Inc. (ECA) has been monitoring the progress of the planned 2018 dredge of the Wiggins Pass navigation channel. The following is a summary of the key information on the dredge that followed the formal approval and funding of the project by the Collier County Commissioners in late February. By mid-March, the contractor will have assembled their dredging equipment in the vicinity of Wiggins Pass and will begin this $2+ million-dollar project. The dredge will deposit over 100,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand just off portions of Barefoot Beach to the north and off of Delnor-Wiggins State Park to the south of the pass. Other key facts about this 2018 dredge are: • The dredge will return the channel to a generally East-West orientation to encourage the natural maintenance of the channel depth via tidal and river flow between the mouth of the river and the day marker outside the pass. • The initial depth of the dredge will range from 7 to 13 feet which is designed to maintain a minimum 3-foot navigation channel at mean low water over time. • It is expected that this dredge will provide navigable water in the channel for about 3 years, at which time a maintenance dredge will likely be needed. • Once started, dredging operations will operate 24/7 and is expected to last at least 60 days. • As many as 10 support vessels should be expected in the vicinity of the pass. • The Pass will remain open during the dredge project but the channel will be narrower so it is important to be patient with other boat traffic. • The dredge project is not expected to significantly impede vessel traffic in and out of Wiggins Pass. • This dredge is part of a long- term plan to provide a navigable and well-maintained pass. • The existing course of the pass will not be preserved; as it is the result of anomalous wind and currents from the South and does not optimize the flow of the Cocohatchee River to maintain the channel depth. • All boaters should familiarize themselves with the latest information prior to any voyage through the Pass, be patient with other traffic and become familiar in advance with the operating procedures in the vicinity of the dredging equipment. • The ECA will provide information on the dredge operations by posting flyers and other information in the Cocohatchee Marina gas dock office. • The ECA will also be providing additional information to boaters during the dredge project on the ECA website at COURTESY OF FISH www.estuaryconservation.org. FACE CHARTERS FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ |APRIL 2018 | NAPLES 7
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5725 Collier Blvd Naples, FL 34114 8 NAPLES | APRIL 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/
Off to a Great Start
by Capt. Bill D’Antuono
2
018 has treated us in Southwest Florida right. Warm temperatures and calm days enabled us to get on the water frequently. The visibility has been great also. At the beginning of winter, I try to stay positive and anticipate the cobia run and full moon snapper days, to offset the impending drop in water temperature. We will soon have mid-70-degree water again with divers coming out of the KELLY JOHNSON WITH A woodwork wanting to get back NICE AFRICAN POMPANO at it. SPEARED ON AN OFFSHORE Large snapper, grouper and NAPLES CHARTER. African pompano successfully made it into the boat in 2018 thus far. Some of these trophy fish are far offshore, contact me for a shot to land one. The gulf is littered with dive sites, which also attract nice fish. One tip to finding new spots is to have a nice transducer on your boat, able to scan while at cruising speed. It is not always advantageous to drop in on a potential new spot because the deeper you go, the more ascent time it requires. So, it never hurts to bring a grouper rod along and jig for a quick score. If you pull up some nice fish, you know it’s time to get the dive gear ready. This year I have a lionfish derby planned at 360 Market, along with a spearfishing tournament in the works. My goal in 2018 is to continue to build the dive community in Naples and get people interested in this often-overlooked local activity. My charter, Offshore Naples, has been running out of Gordon’s Pass and it has been quite some time setting up, but we have been having great days on the water. Check SCUBAdventures’ dive schedule as we have regular dives going to the Blue Hole and ‘R’ Tower, along with nearby wrecks and reefs.
2017
BLACK GROUPER SPEARED ON AN OFFSHORE NAPLES CHARTER.
Capt. Bill is a dive master at SCUBAdventures in Naples, in 2013 his efforts helped to lift a 50 year ban on spearfishing in Collier County waters, he is the founder of the Naples Spearfishing League and is available as a local spearfishing guide. You can contact Bill at naplesspearfishingleague@gmail.com - www. spearfishingnaplesFL.com or visit him at SCUBAdventures. FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ |APRIL 2018 | NAPLES 9
In The Wake W
by Capt. JimKalvin
ow – what a “season”! Still not quite over yet, but traffic is thinning out as this story goes to the printer. You know how I know “season” is coming to a close? I actually wave people through ahead of me at a 4-way stop. During December, January, February, and March…..you don’t have to perform that ritual – they’re going to go ahead of you anyway! Now, on to my favorite topic…the water is getting warmer, clearer, and the wind is calming down. My favorite time of the year is right around the corner. It’s time to get the SCUBA gear checked out, and pick a few weekends to go check out the Collier Reef locations. This will be the second full year for the main reef installations and they have been very active! Fishing them is one thing. Suiting up and going down for the full adventure is quite another experience altogether. The spearfishing opportunities are world-class. If you haven’t taken the time to learn how to dive, go see Kevin and the Crew at SCUBAdventures on Creech Road. You’ll meet some of the nicest folks in town, and learn that SCUBA offers a spectacular opportunity to enjoy our nautical world in a way you’ve only seen on the Discovery Channel. Whether you like to hunt, observe, take pictures, or just see our Paradise from a different perspective, give it more than a second thought. It’s safe, easy, rewarding, and surprisingly affordable. And…SCUBA divers are a social bunch. Dive Club meetings generally include a fish fry, loads of sea stories, and the opportunity to meet new people with a great common interest. I remember each of my kids’ first open water dives. They took to the sport at different times, so I’ve had four chances to watch youngsters experience the sheer awe of “inner space” for the first time. Since then, we’ve enjoyed diving throughout the Gulf Coast, the Keys, sink-holes in the Panhandle, the Bahamas, St. Thomas, Tortuga, the Grenadines, and Jonathan and I got a once-in-alifetime chance to dive the continental shelf off of Virgin Gorda in BVI. Jameson and I were on the last plane to fly out of St. Lucia when the volcano at Monserrat erupted. We felt the concussion wave as the plane lurched in the air and the pilot had to tell us what had happened. All air traffic was grounded for weeks behind us due to the volcanic ash in the air. These are memories that will be handed down through the generations of grandkids and great grandkids. Wow – what stories there are to tell. Sometimes I can’t even believe it myself in hindsight. Set a new goal this summer. If you haven’t taken the plunge, give it a try. You will not be disappointed!
Captain Jim Kalvin is a USCG Licensed 100 Ton Master, a local Marine Contractor, and a legislative advocate for recreational and commercial boaters and property Owners. He is available to speak to your group on a variety of boating and legislative topics – james. kalvin61@gmail.com or 239-280-6054. 10 NAPLES | APRIL 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/
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SWFL’s Freshwater Scene by Capt. Roan zumFelde
F
reshwater fishing in Southwest Florida has been excellent most of March and looks as if it will continue great right into April. I would expect continued success on both artificial and live bait on all our waters. The canals should be crushing all this month. I would expect small water fishing around Naples in the canals and ponds to really pick up. Small top water plugs like the Heddon Tiny Torpedo should crush them and they are fun to watch. Come check them out at the shop. Lake Okeechobee fishing in March has been just beyond words for most bass anglers. Great numbers of small fish and many large ones caught on both shiners and artificials. Although from most reports, I have heard that the bigger fish TINY TORPEDO. have been caught mainly on artificial, not shiners. All ends of the lake have been producing and it looks like April should be world class. Winds should calm some in April, which will make running the lake a little safer and more comfortable. Trafford Fishing has been on a high for the first couple of weeks of March. The crappie fishing has been excellent and the bass fishing has been really good also. Bass on Trafford can be tough at times, but March reports say they have been crushing it most days. Now for April let us hope things stay the same or even get better. My guess is that crappie will get tougher to catch, but the bass might even get better. That is if water levels stay relatively constant and heat levels stay low. If these stay the norm then fishing should be great. Still your best bets are shiners trolled behind the boat as you cast worms or top-water plugs, ahead of the boat. There might be some early school fish so keep your eyes scanning the water for explosions. For the Everglades Canals This is one of the best months for canal fishing in the Glades. Bass will still be burning it up and the cichlids that made it through this year’s freezes should be on full seek and destroy mode. So far, I’ve not seen much in the way of peacock bass, but there are some Mayans showing up and plenty of Oscars. Bass in the canals along Hwy- 27 and the Alley are just pulverizing poppers. Catching them on two specific poppers so far, the Trail Hopper and the Wiggle Minnow, both are available at the shop. Come visit Mike and me at Mike’s Bait House and Indian Pass Outfitters on Danford Street, next to Bayview Park in Naples and we can talk fishing. We carry a full line of tackle WIGGLE MINNOW including: fly rods from Echo and Fly Reels from Galvan, all fishing needs for both saltwater and freshwater, great food and drinks, and bait. Thanks, and good fishing. Roan z
If you want to contact Capt. Roan z for a freshwater fishing trip or ask any fishing questions he can be contacted at the Shop 239-775-2248 or cell number 239-269-4426. Check the Web Site www.indianpassoutfitters.com and www. mikesbaithouse.com 14 NAPLES | APRIL 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/
Top Quality Boats Exceptional Service Happiness Guaranteed
Century Boats back at Wolcott Marine 854 River Point Dr Naples, FL 34102 Phone: 239-417-2896
Repower or Replace
W
by Mark Raudenbush
e get calls here at Wolcott Marine almost daily from customers looking to repower their boats. Before we quote those jobs I always have a series of questions for the boat owner. Questions about the boat itself, about how the customer uses their boat, the condition and age of the boat, the history of the boat and what the owner plans to do with the boat after the repower. After those questions and in most cases after a brief survey of the boat, we’ll make the suggestions as to, if in our opinion, a repower is the right choice. In some cases where the boat is a good quality craft and in good condition repower is the absolute right choice. In other cases, where the boat itself isn’t likely to support the value of a repower, it might be best to liquidate the boat and to move on to something new. After Hurricane IRMA we saw lots of boats that had sunk during the storm. Most of these, if there wasn’t any other damage, were good candidates for repower. Boats that are used alot by professional guides or by avid fisherman, that put a high volume of hours per year, are another good candidate. Boats that have been well-kept but are still sporting older two-
stroke outboards, might benefit from the efficiency of a modern four-stroke outboard. Often times however when looking at older boats that have been left to deteriorate, it’s time to move on to a new or a newer boat. Some of the advantages of a new boat include worry free operation of all of the boat’s systems. Not just the engines. Today’s boats are built of modern composites and better materials than were used in the past. New boats will be factory system matched boat and motors which are tested for operation. In a repower the weights of newer engines are probably different than the older unit. Four-stroke engines have different torque curves than do the old two strokes. Let’s just say “It’s Complicated” So, if you are thinking about repowering your boat, give us a call, be ready for twenty or so questions. Then we’ll be glad to help you understand if repower is indeed your best option or if it’s time to look for a new boat. Either way, there is a path to getting on the water, conveniently, safely and dependably. That’s what we’re all after.
Wolcott Marine is located at 854 River Point Drive, Naples, FL 34102, phone: 239-417-2896. Stop in and say “Hi” to Mark and become part of the Wolcott Marine Family where top quality boats, exceptional service, and happiness is guaranteed is their business! FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ |APRIL 2018 | NAPLES 15
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by Capt. Mike Grispo
I
want to share an experience I had in late February, with a couple and their young daughter Isabella. We caught an inshore slam and a variety of other species of fish and I'm sure by the end of the day, we were pushing 50 or more fish. Fishing in inshore offers anglers miles of mangrove shorelines and estuaries that are home to all of our favorite target species. With temperatures warming up a little early this year, we find ourselves immersed right back into our favorite style of fishing: live baiting. Pilchards are my bait of choice and with a few throws of the net, my livewell was full and ready to go. The first spot I chose had a pretty deep edge along the mangroves, with a creek mouth at the end. I whipped a dozen or so baits out with my chum bat and instantly they were getting devoured by hungry snook! Mom and Dad both had a snook in the boat after ten minutes! So now it was Isabella's turn. I use 7' rods and 3000 series sized reels when we are catching mediumsized snook, so I was a little worried it might be tough for her. I cast the bait out for her and told her where to place her hands and before I could finish, whack! That rod tip bent over and her smile lit up! Game on! I helped her, by holding the rod tip up, and she managed to reel it in without having to move from her seat. After I released it, she was ready for another. After a couple more snook for everybody, I made one last cast for Bella and she landed a 19" redfish, almost unassisted! My next spot was a deep channel that had quite a bit of boat traffic for a Friday, but the trout were hungry and they didn’t seem to mind! We caught several nice ones for the dinner table and hung out there for an hour or so catching trout, snook and Jack Crevalle, one after another. After battling a big Jack Crevalle with her father for ten minutes, Isabella was shaking the hurt out of her wrists! We had a blast catching fish for about 4 hours, then the tide slowed down and it was time to call it a day. I took them back to the dock, cleaned their catch and gave them my recommendation to a local restaurant that would prepare their meal. Seeing Isabella’s excitement catching all those fish is the reason why I became a guide in the first place.
2025 Davis Blvd Naples, FL 34104
GULFSHORESMARINA.COM 16 NAPLES | APRIL 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/
If you are staying in the area around Southwest Florida and would like to book a trip, visit my website at www.inshoreexcursions.com or call 239-292-3807Make a memory, Captain Mike Grispo
Mr. Twister Baits
M
by Dan Carns
any of you have heard the name Mister Twister, long-time player in the freshwater fishing world and inventor of the curly tail grub, but did you know they offer an exciting saltwater line as well. The new Exude line of saltwater plastics offers an exciting choice of plastics for those of us that love artificial lures. This bait is scented with fish food and releases a scent trail when it hits the water and also has a very slippery surface, so that it feels like food when a fish picks it up. We’ve all had those days when fish short strike a lure or pick up and drop a lure immediately and the built-in flavor and feel change all that. Here in SW Florida we have three main species that everyone is chasing, snook, spotted sea trout, and redfish and they all eat shrimp. I present the Exude artificial shrimp two ways; rigged on an 1/8 oz. jig head or a weighted twistlock hook. I love one feature about this shrimp, it stands on its head when dropped to the bottom so that the tail is up and keeps the hook out of the grass. Slow twitch and reel seems to elicit the most strikes from redfish, a steady retrieve just above the turtle grass triggers a trout bite, and while presented under a dock this bait elicits that explosive snook hit. My go-to colors for this 3 1/2” shrimp are Natural and Golden Bream, both have a ton of reflective sparkle and really show up under dark water conditions or night time fishing. My next favorite soft plastic is the Exude 5” RT Slug. You can cast this thing a country mile or sling it directly under the mangrove edge, rigged weedless on a twist lock hook, and simply drag it slowly through the roots where the redfish and snook are hanging and out into open water. Slowly twitched and reeled this thing loops and darts like a wounded bait fish and really triggers a strike. I love to chase redfish in really shallow water, rigged weedless, simply drag it slowly though the grass and watch them turn in pursuit. Just a reminder that these are big predators and won’t expect this bait fish to slow down so keep up the speed and even increase just a little as though its escaping. I’ve found that Chicken on a Chain gets the most action followed by New Penny and Baby Bass. I have a lot of other plastic baits in my arsenal but have found Mister Twister to be one of the most consistent and reliable soft plastic bait!
It’s a wild world-get out there? Fishman Dan, Gulf Coast Kayak, 4120 Pine Island Rd NW, Matlacha, FL 33993, (239) 283-1125 FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ |APRIL 2018 | NAPLES 17
Rods not Remotes “Reel Life”
A
by Misty Wells
s we all sit back and take a look around for the next generation out on the water what do we see? I mostly see the tops of kid’s heads as they all look down at their tablets and phones. Most of the kids nowadays are involved in posting 300 selfies daily on their Instagram’s and Snapchats, but what are they posting, they don’t do anything but post? What can we do to make some changes in these kids’ lives, get them outside and engaged in Reel Life? So, you may ask why fishing? So far, after taking over 2,000 foster kids fishing, I have never been with one child that did not laugh and have the best time of their lives catching their first fish. Fishing is such an even playing ground for anyone because you don’t have to be the fastest, strongest, smartest or even have any experience. We as adults also have to slow down and take the time to put a line in the water and take a kid fishing, but make sure to avoid some common mistakes that turn kids off to fishing. First off, don’t wait until they are a certain age, if they can hold a small rod and reel take them out for a bit and get them started early. Kids have a short attention span especially if the fishing is slow, so be sure not to stay too long unless the kids don’t want to leave. Try and make their fishing experiences easy, don’t target hard to catch species, go for a species that offers a lot of action. You’re in luck, as size does not matter and remember their measure of success is different than ours, let them have fun no matter what they catch. I have been with kids that reel up a piece of the bottom and they laugh so hard and want a picture of their rockfish, make it fun. Do not be impatient; so what if they tangle the line, so what if they lose their bait a million times, that happens to me a lot more than I want to admit. Remember to teach them right away, as they are learning about safety and conservation, they are the future of our fisheries, they need to protect it. Give them a sense of accomplishment and ownership and explain why they are releasing that fish and why we leave our fishing spot better than we found it. Teach them to also tie a hook, bait a hook, net a fish and release a fish- don’t do everything for them, nobody likes that. I love it so much when I am with the foster kids and some of the kids that fished with me before, start to help the new kids, as it gives them self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment. There are so many organizations and ways to take kids fishing. The easiest is if you have a kid or two, take them and let them bring a friend. I have a great non-profit that takes kids in group foster care fishing yearround called “A Reel Future”.
18 NAPLES | APRIL 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/
Donate and volunteer with us. There are kids with special needs, kids in a single parent home, kids on the wrong path that need a positive diversion and kids looking for anything fun to do. It is not hard to find an organization that you can be a part of for a day, week, or all year long. I promise you this, you will get way more out of it than you give. I have taken over 2,000 kids fishing so far and I am not stopping anytime soon! Come join the “Reel Life” with me. www.areelfuture.com
Misty Wells Host of the National Radio & TV show “Let’s Take It Outside” airing on the Pursuit Channel 2018. Outdoor Pro –Writer & Adventure Guide for Fishing & Hunting trips. Founder of “A Reel Future for show info or be a guest go to www.mistywells.com
Dads Old Tackle Box W
by Dick Braun
ell, the blind squirrel found one! I received a phone call from a gentleman who said he had an old tackle box full of lures that had been in the attic for over 40 years and just wanted it gone to someone who might appreciate what was in it. I ask if it was for sale and the answer back was, yes. He just wanted a fair price for it. We sat a time to meet, as he and I were in different cities, made the date and I drove to the meeting hoping it wasn’t a wild goose chase. Most of these are just that, a wild goose chase! But it turned out to be a pretty good trip as the tackle box was small but full of lures in the box and most, even though dirty, from 40+ years of just sitting there not catching fish were in surprisingly very good shape. There were 4 old casting reels and two split bamboo rods, one was a 2pc. Casting rod and the other was a 3/2 nine-foot fly rod, both rods weren’t very good, as the 2pc. had been redone with no name on it anymore and the 3/2 was missing about 3 snake guides. Oh well, so much for the rods, no real value. Of the 4 casting reels, 3 of which were in their orig. box, 2 were in real nice shape, the other one would make a nice parts reel. The 4th reel was a small bait caster Ocean City model 2000 which looked really good. Now back to the lures, I looked through what was there looking for missing paint, cracks in the paint, bad hardware, etc. Some good some bad, some had no real value and I just skipped over those. There were some old wood Heddon, Creek Chub, Paw Paw and others. Well, I hemmed & hawed trying to make a fair offer and then spit it out and he put out his hand to shake on the deal and I then knew it was mine and the trip was worth it. I knew from past dealings that some of the items would at least pay me back what I had spent so now it was time to start cleaning 40+ years of dirt and grime off of the finds. In doing some additional research, it became apparent that I did make a good buy and maybe a very good buy in the long run. See the 3 pictures attached: 1st is a Paw Paw frog, 2nd a Heddon Pumpkinseed that will show good on 1 side only, 3rd I’m still trying to figure out who made this one. So, the hunt continues! The last bit of info is there is going to be a regional FATC (Florida Antique Tackle Show) in Punta Gorda 8-9 June at the Punta Gorda Waterfront Hotel & Suites. Come see us, there will be approx. 60 8ft tables full of vintage tackle for show and 4 sale!
Florida Antique Tackle Collectors, Inc. is a non-profit, member supported organization registered in the State of Florida. The purposes of the Club are to enhance and promote the collection, preservation and knowledge of old antique angling memorabilia and the history of tackle produced in Florida. FATC sponsors three exhibitions each year throughout the State of Florida. Club Members bring historical displays from their collections of old fishing tackle and also bring old tackle to trade among themselves. The public is invited to attend these exhibitions and encouraged to bring their own old tackle for free appraisals by Club Members.
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Your Best Shot N
Seafood Shack Recipe of The Month
Overnight
Pineapple Meusli INGREDIENTS • 2 cups Rolled Oats • 1 cup Toasted Sliced Almonds • 1 cup Sunflower Seeds, shelled and unsalted • ½ cup Raisins • 2 teaspoons Cinnamon • 2 teaspoons Sugar • 2 cups Vanilla Almond Milk
Easy to prepare, this muesli is a healthy, nutritious and filling breakfast that you can serve your whole family.
by Wayne Nichols
othing like spring in South Florida! Osceola turkey season is in full swing, hogs are out everywhere, fishing is on fire, the weather is warming up and stabilizing, endless ways to have a great time! Here at Red Eye we’re focusing on the Osceola’s, with hunters coming in and out every couple days, it’s our busy time of year here and yes, we’re still doing alligator and hog hunts at the same time. We’ve got plenty of tags coming in for gators already and a hog hunt makes a great addition to any hunt. I’ve lost count of how many we’ve already taken this season, but it’s still on fire. These hunts absolutely wear us out, waking up at 4am, picking hunters up at 5am, running the woods all day til dark and roosting birds for the next day. I’m lucky to have some of the best and most reliable guides in SoFlo to help, not to mention the captains on the water. An average morning is sitting in the woods well before daylight. Bugs haven’t been too bad, yet. About the time the sun rises, we’re listening to the sounds of Osceola’s gobbling from a tree in the distance. That’s when you start getting fired up, the anticipation is intense! A few yelps and cackles and they’re usually on their way! They fly down, break into their strut gobbling and putting on a show! The hunters then continue softly calling to them, coaxing them into range for a shot. Once he’s close enough and the hunter is confident he can make a clean shot we give them the go ahead, BOOM turkey down! That’s what it’s all about! Our species of turkey is the highly-coveted Osceola. These are highly rewarding hunts for serious turkey hunters and the novice alike. The Osceola is the “Crown Jewel” of the turkey slam, and the only place you can find them is in Florida, leaving a high demand around the world for guides and outfitters. There are several WMA’s that offer turkey hunting, some walk in, some draw quotas. Hiring guides can get expensive, from $1250 to from to $3000, putting in for a draw permit is your best bet for success if you can’t hire a guide. Hiring a guide is your best chance at getting your bird by far, as most average a 75% success rate on private land. Public opportunities usually fall down to 35% with success at about 15%.
METHOD 1.
Place the rolled oats, almonds, raisins, sunflower seeds, cinnamon and sugar in a bowl. Mix to combine.
2.
Stir in vanilla almond milk. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3.
When ready to eat, divide the muesli in bowls, top each with 2 tablespoons crushed pineapple.
E njoy!
Take oa! SHARE YOUR CREATION WITH US ON INSTAGRAM phot @CORTEZSEAFOODSHACK
BY CHEF GERARD JESSE 20 NAPLES | APRIL 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/
If you have any questions about hunting down here, need information on booking a hunt or would like to know more about what we offer, give me a call anytime at 863990-7650. I’m heading back in the woods now y’all stay safe and remember to take a kid hunting or fishing anytime you get a chance!
Offshore with Capt. Tom
A
by Capt. Tom Bailas
PRIL‌By far is the best month of the year to fish offshore. Say goodbye to the winter cloths and breakout the shorts and tank tops. Spring is the time of the year where every style or option of fishing is available. Pelagics are moving through in mass numbers and bottom fishing is second to none. The bait fish are plentiful and to ensure a successful day offshore, we like to head out with at least 60 frisky cigar minnows, spanish sardines, blue runners and pinfish. Don’t forget to stop at the tackle shop on your way and pick up some jumbo hand-picked shrimp. Kingfish are the target species on my list in April. Kingfish are plentiful, and I love hearing them make long screaming runs. The average fish will weigh from 12-15lbs with some smokers mixed in. Make sure you use wire rigs as kingfish have very sharp teeth and 20-30lb tackle is the norm. The target areas for kingfish are as follows, structures, wrecks, live hard bottom and ledges. You can either anchor up and fish free lining live baits as you bottom fish or the most effective way is to slow troll live baits at an average speed of 1.5 -2 miles per hour. You can also use a downrigger while you troll as well. There are no fences out there, so you never know what might bite your lines. Do not be surprised to catch maybe a black fin tuna, cobia, shark, amberjack or an occasional sailfish. There are many kingfish tournaments in April in our area that are family oriented. Here is the information you can go to: Anglerarmory.com to find a list of tournaments near you. Cobia is my second choice to target in April. They can be found around structure or wrecks. I find that most of the time they will surprise you by either following up a snapper that you are reeling in or a few will show up behind the boat in your chum slick. Cobia will readily eat a live pinfish, cigar minnow, small grunt or a handpicked shrimp. You will need to have a rod ready so when they do show up you can pitch them a bait quickly. Remember to always follow the state and federal regulations as they change frequently when quotas are met. You should only take only what need to ensure the fishing for future generations to come. Happy fishing!
Charter fishing from Venice, FL is home to some of the best fishing anywhere! You can reach Capt. Tom at 941-587-2028 or at www tntfishingcharters.com or follow on FB @ tntchartersvenice - specializing in Family Friendly Fishing Adventures. FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ |APRIL 2018 | NAPLES 21
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The Best Angler Photos From Southwest Florida!
Nice sea trout caught while out w/ Dan Carns of Gulf Coast Kayak in Matlacha
A 37 pound kingfish caught out of Venice w/ Capt. Tom Bailas Beauty of a kingfish caught with Capt. Tom of TnT Fishing Charters of Venice
Lloyd displaying his hard fought 25” Redfish with John, Mike, and John out on Captain Redfish Robs Charters in Naples, FL
Team Action Craft finds the reds in the shallows!
Peggy Anderson w/ a 41”, 27#, red caught 5 miles off San Carlos Pass, off FMB
Carie Caldwell from Naples, redfish 27”, 8 lbs., caught near Marco!
Photos submitted courtesy of:
Capt. Bart Marx Capt. James Marko Capt. Larry Conley Capt. Mike Manis
Capt. Neil Eisner Capt. Terry Fisher
Capt. Dave Stephens
24 NAPLES | APRIL 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/
Marc Pantalone and fish dog Bethany w/ their 54” black tip caught 3 miles off Captiva Pass
Dave Gluyas from Naples with a 30” snook, caught near Goodland
Text your fish pics to 239-595-8265 or email them to camftmyers@gmail.com. Please include your name, type, size, and location where fish was caught and we will do our best to get you on the board.
I
f this photo of a happy kid with a humongous fish doesn’t make you smile, nothing will. Chase Stokes, 11, caught his 33.25-pound, 40inch carp on a nightcrawler while fishing at Otter Creek in Panton, Vermont in April 2017. It is one of the three state records caught by Vermont anglers last year. All of them are species not typically targeted. In May, angler Mike Elwood landed a record redhorse sucker while fishing on the Winooski River in Colchester, Vermont. The sucker, landed on a live worm, weighed 9.9 pounds and measured 29 inches long with an 18-inch girth. The third record for 2017 was a cisco, also known as lake herring. Alan Franchot caught his 2.25-pound state record while trolling on Lake Champlain in September. “We saw some incredible catches in 2017, especially Chase’s carp,” said Shawn Good, fisheries biologist with Vermont Fish & Wildlife. “It was an impressive looking fish, but what’s really exciting to me is that we’re starting to see more Vermont anglers fish outside of the box, as I like to call it, by taking advantage of many of the overlooked fishing opportunities we have in our state.” Good said fishing in Vermont remains excellent for traditional species like bass, trout, salmon and pike, but that anglers should take a look at some of the oddball fish like bowfin, drum, gar, fallfish and suckers that can provide great action as well as trophy potential.
It’s Tarpon Time In The
Florida Keys
By CAM Staff • Photo by Pat Ford
I
t is the heart of the tarpon season in the Florida Keys. With the annual migration in full swing, there should be silver kings everywhere over the next couple of months. The big spring run begins most years in February. It can last deep into the summer when conditions are right. This is when the big fish are most vulnerable. Averaging 80 pounds and sometimes running much larger, tarpon in the keys offer a fishery unlike any other in the world. The west coast of Africa might have the world record 286-pound, 9-ounce tarpon, but nowhere in the world has the opportunities to sight fish tarpon like the Keys. Poling the flats, there is a very real possibility of encountering tarpon up to 200 pounds and heavier in shallow and ultra-clear water. Migrating tarpon will push up into the backcountry in the thousands, skirting the edges of the flats and channels. Staking out or anchoring the boat in an ambush point where the angler is likely to encounter numbers of hungry tarpon is best accomplished through a local guide who stays on top of the movements of these giant fish. One thing you’ll notice is that while some captains might guarantee “shots” at tarpon, none promise you’ll actually bring one boatside. With a fly, enticing a big tarpon to eat is something that takes a lot of skill and a little luck. First-timers are probably better off fishing live bait, and a crab fished under a float in the passes and around bridges where fish are
concentrated can lead to multiple hook-ups in a day’s trip. What follows is a fight that cannot be matched by any fish anywhere. The powerful runs and repeated jumps of a hooked tarpon are what made them so highly prized as a game fish. Even experienced anglers are frequently left broken hearted when the line falls slack. Winning a battle with Megalops is an achievement to be remembered. Winning the battle comes with a heavy dose of responsibility, as well. Tarpon have a life span of 50 years or more. They are slow growing, and it takes them seven to 13 years to reach sexual maturity. This and their value as a game fish make them susceptible to population decline. Every effort should be made to release them with the best chance for their survival. All Florida tarpon must be released, with an exception for anglers who have purchased a state tarpon tag for the purpose of achieving an IGFA world record. Large tarpon should remain in the water at all times, which means unhooking and photographing them should be done quickly, with an effort to keep the head and gills in the water as much as possible. Never attempt to drag a tarpon over the side of the boat. Tarpon will often fight to exhaustion, so reviving them after the fight will greatly increase their chance of survival. Hold them horizontally in the water with their mouth open, moving them forward to push water over their gills. Do this until they are able to swim off on their own.
Fish wide open.
If you want to experience true fishing freedom, book a light-tackle charter in The Florida Keys. Our open fish captains are the best in the business. Dolphin, tuna, grouper, marlin, sailfish, cobia, wahoo – the possibilities are endless. Show up, fish, walk away (very likely with a smile and fillets). fla-keys.com 1.800.fla.keys
r spread
S
ummer is just around the corner, and south Florida families will be spending more time on the water. From the bathtub to the open ocean, kids need to feel comfortable and confident about their in-water skills. One of the most important lessons to remember is to use the buddy system. It’s one of the first things we teach young snorkelers during Pura Vida Divers’ Snorkel Summer Camp sessions. Campers know to stay within arm’s reach of their in-water buddy. When duck-diving under the surface, they practice one up, one down. This ensures someone is always alert and paying attention to their swimming partner. At the beach, or when exploring snorkeling spots like the Blue Heron Bridge, show young swimmers where lifeguard stands are located, and point out swim zones that lifeguards patrol. Flags on the beach alert swimmers of the day’s conditions. It’s important that children understand what these flags mean and how conditions affect their experience in the water.
Another important consideration for in-water activities is identification of potentially harmful wildlife. During Pura Vida Divers’ Snorkel Camp, campers are taught to identify many local species. They know how to spot a camouflaged scorpionfish, and which jellyfish to avoid. The knowledge is essential for a great experience in the water, and it also introduces children to a whole new world of animals. Many kids get caught up in the excitement of seeing fish, rays, octopus and other interesting animals. The more confident they feel in their swimming skills, the more they can fully engage in enjoying their adventure. The camp staff has found that the easiest way to introduce kids to snorkeling is to introduce one item at a time. It’s important to choose comfortable-fitting gear, rather than just grabbing a snorkel package off the shelf. Call Pura Vida Divers to set up an appointment for a mask, snorkel and fin fitting, or stop by the shop to chat with staff and learn the basics of choosing the right gear. At Snorkel Summer Camp, we ensure campers are comfortable wearing their masks and looking underwater in shallow, standing water. Once they know how to put on their mask, where the strap should sit and how to use defog, we attach a snorkel and have them breathe first on land and then in water. Once kids are comfortable using their mask and snorkel, it’s time to learn how to swim using fins. Even the most experienced kids can learn to be more efficient. It’s amazing to watch skills and comfort in the water blossom as kids conquer each new technique. This summer, Pura Vida Divers will offer two sessions of Snorkel Summer Camp. We work with kids of all experience levels between the ages of 6 and 10. By the end of the week, even novice snorkelers are swimming alongside their parents during a family snorkeling event at the Blue Heron Bridge. For more information, contact Pura Vida Divers at 561-8408750 or stop by the shop at 2513 Beach Court, Singer Island, 33404.
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ith a new U.S. Customs facility at Witham Field in Stuart, Fla., those travelling from the islands of the Bahamas will have a convenient place to clear customs in Martin County. The Martin County Board of County Commissioners announced a late spring opening of the U.S. Customs Facility at Witham Field, which will process international travelers arriving in Martin County via aircraft and marine vessels, allowing boaters, pilots, residents and visitors to clear Customs without having to travel to Fort Pierce or West Palm Beach. This project is the first intermodal clearance facility of its kind built in Florida. This facility has been welcomed by the marine community not only in Martin County but throughout the State of Florida. With Stuart’s location on the east end of the Cross-Florida Canal/Okeechobee Waterway, boaters returning from the Bahamas will be able to conveniently clear back into the U.S. and continue on their way to Florida’s west coast and the Gulf of Mexico or continue to points north via the Intracoastal Waterway. The Witham Field location is conveniently located within a 10-minute drive of 90 percent of the marinas in Martin County. This facility will greatly enhance Martin County’s tourism efforts, specifically in the recreational boating sector and related marine industries. When complete, the facility will consist of a 3,210-squarefoot concrete block structure with road access for marine trailers, parking lot and a customer-friendly environment. Funding for the project is provided through an 80/20 grant partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation Aviation (Multimodal) Division and the Airport Enterprise Fund. The facility will be operated by U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection. As it is with Witham Field, user fees will cover the cost of operations expenses. The Customs facility at Witham Field is anticipated to open in May. Visit www.martin.fl.us for news and information. Follow Martin County on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MartinCountyBoardofCountyCommissioners/. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Bimini Sands Resort And Marina To Host First Timers Flotilla
Bimini Sands Resort and Marina is on South Bimini, a mere 60 miles from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
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ith the beautiful islands of the Bahamas so close to the south Florida coast, many boaters and fishermen would love to make the crossing, but this adventure can be intimidating for the novice boater. Bimini Sands Resort and Marina, located on South Bimini, will play host to a First Time, Fun, Fish Flotilla. The event is being coordinated by Capt. Chase Camacho. Participants will depart May 2 from a marina in Ft. Lauderdale with a planned return date of May 6. There will be a “How To Cross” seminar at the I.T. Parker Community Center at Harbor Towne Marina in Ft. Lauderdale on April 19. The twohour seminar will cover many of the safety-related issues that are necessary for a safe and fun crossing. The weekend will include a number of family friendly activities and a one-day fishing tournament. Bimini Sands Resort and Marina will provide a discount on accommodations. Minimum boat size for participation is 22 feet. Airline_Ad_CoastalAngler_8-1-14_Layout 1 8/1/14 1:14 PM Page 1 For more information, visit www.bluewaterseries.com click on Flotilla or contact Brad Michael at bradgmichael@gmail.com.
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TIPS FROM A PRO
DON’T FORGET ABOUT SPINNERBAITS BRANDON LESTER
M
any great lures have come and gone in the bass fishing world over the years. Some seem to take the whole industry by storm and then die down once the next best thing comes along. Some prove themselves and become a
Make reel memories.
with dirty water, I like a red Colorado blade for extra visibility and a skirt with a lot of chartreuse. In clear water, I can throw double willowleaf blades for a subtler thump, and I’ll opt for a more
Stuart, located in Martin County, is known as the Sailfish Capital of the World. Sitting on the most biodiverse estuary in the Northern Hemisphere, and the northernmost point of the South Florida Reef, Martin County is home to 100 artificial reef systems and over 800 species of fish. Its climate, waterways and natural environment make it a mecca for fishermen and nautical explorers year-round. An array of unique shops, fine restaurants, great golf courses and quiet beaches make a day ashore fun, too. Inshore, offshore, salt water or fresh, head out for an adventure and reel in the memories.
staple in everyone’s tackle box. There is one lure, though, that doesn’t get the attention it deserves on the tournament scene these days. With all the fancy square-bill crankbaits and bladed jigs, it’s easy to forget about the tried-and-true spinnerbait. Few baits are as good at covering water as the spinnerbait, and this time of the year that is half the battle. Early in the spring, warm days will cause water temperatures to rise. Bass move shallower to look for places to spawn. Water conditions also play a big role in this. More fish move up earlier in dirty water, which warms faster than clear water. When these fish move shallow, they like to get next to a stump, laydown, dock, rock, really anything that holds heat and gives them a place they feel safe. The spinnerbait is my favorite bait for targeting prespawn fish for two reasons. Reason No. 1 is they are virtually weedless. I can throw spinnerbaits in pretty thick cover, and as long as I’m careful it will come right through. It comes through wood especially well. Reason No. 2 is the unlimited options. If I’m faced
natural skirt color. Having all those options is important with the everchanging conditions of spring. When you’re actively searching for fish, keep an open mind. I’ve caught them anywhere from bluff banks to shallow flat pockets and everywhere in between this time of year, so let the fish tell you where you need to be and what you should be throwing. My favorite spinnerbait rod is a 7’2” medium heavy (EPS86MHF) MHX Elite Pro Series rod that I build. It is a great all-purpose blank. It has plenty of tip, so I can make precise casts to targets, and it also has plenty of backbone. I use a 7:3:1 bait-casting reel spooled with 17-lb. Vicious ProElite fluorocarbon. If I could only choose one spinnerbait for the rest of my career, it would be a ½-ounce tandem willowleaf/Colorado combo with one silver and one gold blade and a chartreuse and white skirt. My favorite is made by a new company called Kinkee Baits. It has a combination of wrapped wire down to 18/1000-inch wire, which creates vibration bass have never felt before.
Plan your trip at discovermartin.com
Get more tips from Lester at
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ob and Shelly Stowe, of Jupiter, knew plenty about freshwater fishing from their years living in Michigan, but when it came to saltwater fishing, they weren’t quite sure where to start. That’s when they found out about a local Family Saltwater Fishing Clinic being hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). “We had no experience with saltwater fishing,” said Shelly. “That class was so complete. It was A++. I learned how to set up a pole, how to unhook a fish from the line, how to cast correctly and how to bait a hook. Every single person involved in teaching that class was so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable that if they had it again, we’d take it again.” For years FWC has hosted kids’ and women’s fishing clinics. In 2017 they added adult saltwater fishing clinics. These free, one-day educational events are for anyone 18 and older, male or female. Participants learn everything they need to know to fish on their own, from knot tying and fishing tackle to conservation efforts and marine habitats. Clinic class sizes are kept small for a hands-on approach. At the end of the day, you’ll also get to try catch-and-release fishing firsthand. Bring your own gear or FWC will provide some for the day. And don’t forget your recreational saltwater fishing license. Visit MyFWC.com Calendar for upcoming dates and locations. For women and adult saltwater fishing clinics, you’ll need to register in advance, either on the calendar, or by calling 850-487-0554 or emailing Heather.Sneed@MyFWC.com.
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ne particular type of architecture that Florida fishermen know is the fishing shack, usually a ramshackle wooden structure that looks to be on its last legs, but which can still provide a lot of comfort. Some of our bodies of water, in fact, have become well-known to boaters as places where the lucky can tie up far from shore, cook a light meal, rest and even seek shelter from a mild storm. For example, Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound in the southwestern part of our state have a number of simple, one-story, wood-frame cabins set on pilings. The temporary home-away-from-home usually has no electricity, no plumbing, no phone, and a distance from shore that precludes cell-phone service. They do, however, often have rain gutters to collect water that the fishermen can use for cooking or even drinking. Florida officials declared the shacks navigational hazards and causers of pollution and actually began to burn some of them down in the mid-1980s, but consultants hired by the fishermen pointed out that the water around the shanties was too shallow for boats to collide with the structures and many fishermen used chemical toilets. As a result, some of the shacks have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places because of their importance in local heritage, and that should preserve them until a powerful hurricane hits them directly. The flimsy-looking structures, usually made of pine or cypress, can nicely withstand the subtropical sun, the wind and rain. Metal gable roofs and board-and-batten siding protect those inside from storms, and screened windows keep out the flies. The shacks have a good air flow with shutters that can be propped open.
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The wooden stilt houses in Biscayne Bay south of Cape Florida have long been famous among fishermen in Miami-Dade County. Standing about 10 feet above shallow water on wooden or reinforced concrete pillars, Stiltsville dates back to the 1920s and 1930s. Some of the structures may have begun as places for alcohol consumption during Prohibition and for gambling, which was legal a mile offshore, and some of them became quite elaborate. When Congress expanded the Biscayne National Park in 1980 to include Stiltsville, the existing shacks were allowed to remain, but hurricanes and natural deterioration have taken their toll. Today only seven of the original structures remain, but the park service has added hurricane strapping to help the remaining shacks withstand strong winds. “No trespassing” signs warn interlopers to stay away, and access to the structures is limited to their owners and friends. Stiltsville has been featured enough in magazine articles that many visitors go to Biscayne Bay to see the remaining shacks. That has provided docents an opportunity to teach many non-residents about the rich maritime history of the area. The above-mentioned are just a few of the different kinds of fishing shacks in our waters, some quite elaborate, some pretty basic, but many with a history and allure that makes them part of our fishing history. Kevin McCarthy, the award-winning author of “South Florida Waterways” (2013 - available at amazon.com for $7), can be reached at ceyhankevin@gmail.com.
For more on Kevin McCarthy, go to
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FISH & FISHING
Trolling Tactics
“L it.”
MARK SOSIN
et me show you something,” Capt. Skip Smith said. “Pick any trolling lure and any color combination and I’ll catch a fish on
Of course, our selection included the most non-appetizing color combination we could find. One lure was streamed on either side a respectable distance astern. Within 10 minutes, Skip had a sailfish chasing the baits and striking one of the lures. What he did is etched in memory. Instead of trolling in a straight line, working shallower and then deeper, changing speed, or doing any of the common trolling tactics, Skip took a different approach. He would make a sharp turn to port and a couple of minutes later he made a sharp turn to starboard. This created slack line on the side of the turn and increased speed for the lure on the outside of the turn. When he switched direction, the lure that had sunk picked up speed and headed back to the surface. Let me tell you that the technique works. Fishing with Capt. Bouncer Smith out of Miami, I learned something else. Inshore waters are burdened with no-wake zones designed to slow down fast-moving boats heading for open water. While most anglers are frustrated by the slow progress in these waters and can’t wait to get through this delay, Bouncer takes a different approach. He has two rods rigged with swimming plugs, and he streams them astern as he enters the no-wake zone. It’s surprising how many fish he catches on those plugs in areas that hardly anyone fishes. Another skipper showed me that after he streamed the standard trolling spread, he put another bait directly astern and close to the boat. It surprised me to see how many fish came up and hit that bait. This seems to work particularly well on tuna. If you fail to raise fish on that short bait, try fishing it long down the middle. That puts it farther astern than the other baits.
Aboard some of the bigger boats with outriggers, captains often troll their long and short baits at specific distances astern. The clips on the outriggers are attached so that when each line is clipped on, it positions the bait or lure at the same spot each time. I prefer to adjust the length of the lines based on sea conditions and results. There are days on the water when shorter distances astern work and other times when the results are better if you troll the baits farther back. As a reminder if you troll natural baits, dead or alive, they should be changed frequently. Too many anglers simply put baits or lures astern and steer a straight course. Successful trolling demands concentration and dedication to details. The key lies in making changes from where you position the offerings to the speed you use and the courses you steer. If you’re not raising fish, keep making changes until you do.
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On The Water With
Kaku By Capt. Ryan Drygas
T
arpon Springs, a small town on the west coast of Florida an hour north of St. Petersburg, is a best-kept secret for redfish and snook. It sits within a web of waterways connecting the Gulf of Mexico to rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes and eventually Tampa Bay. This vast system offers excellent inshore opportunities, and it’s a ton of fun to explore under paddle power. I know a local who grew up there and knows the water like the back of his hand. Kevin Hawkins, owner of Kaku Kayaks, invited me out on the water to try his newest SUP, the Voodoo. Kevin lives, eats and breathes fishing. When he’s not fishing from one of his kayaks or SUPs, he’s thinking about ways to design these boats so they’re better to fish from. The Voodoo is a hybrid that melds the best qualities of an SUP, a kayak and a micro-skiff. We launched from his local ramp on a Saturday afternoon a cou-
ple hours before sunset. I don’t have the words to describe the picturesque setting that spread out before me. Mangroves, oyster beds and hidden shoals were in abundance. We paddled to the tip of a mangrove island where a smaller canal led to docks, sandbars and windbreaks. We had to cross the main channel to get there, and there was a 1- to 2-foot chop with the boating traffic and winds. The Voodoo was stable and fast, tracking straight as it cut through the channel. I was surprised the chop didn’t offer more of a challenge, but the hull design of the Voodoo is flawless. It also features a chair, which—without adjustment—offers two seated positions and can be used as a poling platform. The boat paddles well from a seated or standing position, and the ability to make powerful strokes with a low center of gravity came in handy during the crossing. As we rounded the tip of the island, we found wind-shade in a pocket. We poled down to cast right under the mangroves and docks. The Voodoo’s stern has five molded-in Power Pole mounts that allow for dual or single Power Pole Micros. And from a stability standpoint, the boat might as well be the deck of a skiff. Kevin hooked into a 25-inch redfish and fought it with ease from the open deck. As we paddled through the backside of the mangrove islands, we cast to oyster beds and under docks. The final spot Kevin had planned was a back corner of an area with a long sea wall and sand flats. Kevin wanted to hit it right at sunset, when the redfish bite is best. We could see reds tailing over the shoals as the tide went out. If you are looking for a perfect fishing machine, look no further than Kaku. These boats are a fisherman’s Cadillac. Kevin’s obsession with crafting a superior fishing vessel is evident in the sleek, stable versatility of his boats. For more on Kaku Kayak, visit kakukayak.com.
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By Tom Schlichter
Y
ou couldn’t tell by looking in the tannic-stained water, but Capt. Gary Dubiel was convinced redfish were holding just a few feet from the bank. “Toss your line up tight and see what happens,” he instructed. My cork popper landed with a splat and the trailing DOA shrimp settled toward the bottom. I waited a second, gave a “pop” and watched the cork slide under with an 8-pound red in full protest. “They’ll smack that setup every time,” smiled the skipper. It’s no secret that the coastal waters of North Carolina teem with redfish and stripers, but many visiting anglers focus their efforts solely on inlet and ocean waters. For truly amazing topwater action, the bays, creeks and river systems are also well worth exploring. “There’s amazing variety on the inside here,” said Dubiel, of Spec Fever Guide Service (www.specfever.com), who specializes in putting light-tackle and fly-fishing fans right in the mix. Dubiel especially enjoys working the Neuse River area because it hosts stripers and seatrout year-round, plus redfish from spring though mid-October. “These stripers are estuarine and don’t run to the ocean,” he explained. “They typically measure up to 32 inches, which makes them perfect for light gear and fly rods. Even better, they mix in with the specks and slot-sized redfish. We often catch all three on the same trip.” The striper action really heats up in late April when the bass return from spawning farther upriver to offer outstanding surface action from Oriental to New Bern, N.C. Much of the fun takes place in knee-deep depths here in the river’s mouth at Pamlico Sound, and that makes for a ton of topwater thrills. Interestingly, the Neuse River—America’s widest at 6 miles across the mouth— doesn’t have a lunar rise and fall in tides. Rather than look for current, Dubiel works around structure while using a trolling motor to quietly get in and out of
potential hot spots. He likes casting at old wood when possible, often using a Bob’s Banger Capt. Gary Dubiel of Spec popper. “Because the fish often Fever Guide Service works hang in the shallows here, you can call them from a considerthe long wand for shallow able distance if you make a litwater Neuse River stripers, reds tle noise,” he said. “This is also and specks. Photo by Felicia a great lure for covering a lot of Scocozza. water. Some of our wood fields are pretty expansive.” Push up into the Neuse River tributaries above and below New Bern and you’ll also find largemouth bass, crappie and perch. The creeks stay warmer than the river in the winter months, so there are times in late winter and early spring when you might catch any of these along with a striper, redfish or speckled trout as well. “It certainly makes for an interesting mixed bag,” quipped Dubiel. Just an hour drive from Moorhead City, N.C., the Neuse River is easily accessible from Oriental, New Bern or the ICW. For accommodations, consider Bridgepoint Marina (www.bridgepointe.com) in New Bern. It’s within 500 yards of public launching at both Lawson Creek Landing and Union Park Point. For more info on the New Bern area, visit www.visitnewbern.com.
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ho doesn’t have a smile on their face when they’re spending time on the water? You can’t help yourself. Boating is the definition of getting away from it all. And getting away from it all is always more fun with friends. This is where the United States Power Squadrons–America’s Boating Club comes in. Enjoying your time on the water with family and friends starts with being safe and responsible while having fun. That’s what makes America’s Boating Club different than most boating organizations. For over a hundred years, the organization’s focus has been on providing unsurpassed boating safety education. But the organization’s leadership and members are passionate about a membership that doesn’t end on Sunday and doesn’t care if the calendar says it’s winter. It’s about being together and building a community through a variety of events like parties, meetings and even just getting together for no reason at all. Driven by this passion, United States Power Squadrons–America’s Boating Club, the country’s largest nonprofit boating organization, just launched its new logo. This is the first of several planned updates in the organization’s new brand image and identity. Changes to the organization’s website, social media platforms and collateral are expected in the coming weeks.
“We are United States Power Squadrons but we are also America’s Boating Club,” said Gary Cheney, chief commander, United States Power Squadrons. “This is not just a name change, it describes what we do. We go boating and have fun doing it. Our squadrons are social clubs as well as providers of high quality boating education— allowing members to enjoy the sport and camaraderie of boating and any number of activities that keep us together. Togetherness is what this lifestyle is all about. We joined the organization for the boating education, but we stayed for the friends.” Offering classes For Boaters, By Boaters in boat handling, navigation, boat maintenance, weather and related subjects, United States Power Squadrons— America’s Boating Club serves as a virtual “yacht club” with boating and social activities for all types of recreational boaters. With over 27,000 members organized into 356 local clubs across the country, America’s Boating Club is comprised of families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. Members are vital to strengthening the communities they live in and know it’s important to live their values by giving back through public service and volunteer opportunities. Members provide courtesy vessel safety checks, help the NOAA’s National Ocean Service keep nautical charts accurate and organize beach cleanups. “Our commitment is to continue learning, teaching, laughing and helping our fellow members enjoy boating,” continued Cheney. “Whether you’re passionate about cruising, racing, making new friends, volunteering in your community or learning from experienced boaters, your local squadron has the resources you need to engage your passions and, perhaps, instill some new ones.” In February of 2017, the United States Power Squadrons announced its America’s Boating Club co-brand to its squadrons, following an almost yearlong renaming exercise. To learn more about United States Power Squadrons–America’s Boating Club, visit www.americasboatingclub.org.
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Bassmaster Classics Bassmaster photos by Andy Crawford
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n sixth place headed into the final day of the Bassmaster Classic on March 18 at lake Hartwell, S.C., Alabama’s Jordan Lee was in striking distance to do what only two anglers have ever done—win the Super Bowl of bass fishing twice in a row. And he did it. With a final day surge that took him to the scales with 16 pounds, 5 ounces, Lee tallied a three-day total of 47-1 to edge out California pro Brent Ehrler by a single pound. With his Classic win last year at Lake Conroe, Texas, Lee joins Rick Clunn and Kevin VanDam as the only three anglers in the history of the sport to win back-to-back classics. With the $300,000 purse, Lee pushed his career earnings with B.A.S.S past the million-dollar mark.
“It was just a perfect week for me,” Lee told Bassmaster. “I caught fish on five different baits and a lot of different techniques.” Boat docks were the ticket to Lee’s success. Following poor practice rounds, he could not nail down a strong pattern. From Day 1, Lee reverted to his comfort zone and his strength. “I just wanted to cover as much water as I could to give myself the best chance of putting a bait in front of a fish,” he told Bassmaster. “On this lake, I knew boat docks were going to play because they always do—and that’s what I like to do.” Live on Day 1, video showed Lee pumping his fists over a chunky largemouth he finessed out from under a dock with black floats. Black floats tend to warm the water around them, and the fish were staging up prior to the spawn. A strong sack of 18-10 on Day 1 must have buoyed Lee’s confidence in the dock pattern. Despite catching nothing but smaller spotted bass and just 12-2 on Day 2, Lee was still solidly in the top 25 to make the cut to fish Championship Sunday. Lee found his magic pocket on Day 3. Fishing a Strike King Rage Swimmer, a Strike King Ocho and a Strike King Shimmy Stick, he stuck to that one little pocket and pulled fish from beneath almost every dock. Green pumpkin was his primary color. Jason Christie, of Oklahoma, who led through the first two days of competition, dropped back to third place after the final day with a three-day total of 45-15. Ehrler’s 46-1 earned him second place. Alabama pro Mark Daniels Jr. caught the Berkley Big Bass of the tournament, a 6-pound, 11-ounce largemouth that won him $2,500. Reporting by Bassmaster’s Bryan Brasher.
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ike land hunters or rod-and-reel fishermen, spearos also study and perfect some tricks of the trade. Spearos immerse themselves into the fishes’ environment, so the first skill to master is to look like you belong there. Beginners tend to exhibit aggressive behavior, chasing and spooking fish. If fish scatter when you get near, study how calmly an experienced diver moves in the water. Until you achieve a non-threatening aura, all other tips and tricks will be useless. After achieving smooth diving technique, here are some techniques to get near fish. 1) Aspetto (Italian for “wait”)—It starts from the surface with a smooth duck-dive into the water while removing the snorkel. You descend with soft kicks until you begin to free-fall as you scan the bottom. By turning your fin blades, you maneuver to the right spot, perhaps where the reef meets sand. You lie motionless on the bottom until curious fish come to check you out. Moving only your eyes, you pick out the prey, move your gun slowly, and make a well-placed shot. A good spearo will make this technique look easy, but it is not. This is especially effective with evasive fish that become curious when you do not move, such as mutton snappers in Florida, stripers in the northeast, and bigeye emperors in Hawaii. 2) Agguato (Italian for “ambush”)–This is a dynamic stalking technique to get closer to prey without being noticed. The diver navigates the bottom using the environment to get closer to the prey. The diver must consider current, visibility and available bottom structure while moving from one object to another, blending into shadows or hiding behind reef formations. If your body can be hidden while closing the gap, the fish will remain unaware of your presence.
3) Flashers/ Sheri Daye practices “aspetto” technique. chum—Especially Photo by Joe Marino effective for hunting pelagics such as jacks, tunas, dolphin and wahoo. Multiple mirrors dangle below a float, and the flashes of light in the water imitate the reflective glare from a school of baitfish. The fish come in to investigate. Chum can be used in combination with a flasher to bring them even closer and keep them interested. In addition to these techniques, serious spearos are likely to train in a pool, use meditation techniques, and do cardio exercises to increase their breath hold capacity. Many take freediving classes to increase bottom time and safety. While there is no certification required to do it, classes should be a pre-requisite, as freediving is a sport that can lead to “blackout” and death if not practiced correctly. Spearfishing is a beautiful, selective way to catch fish, but it is also physically and mentally demanding. Above all, be safe and happy hunting! Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.
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hen Jesus Chavarria was a small boy nearly 60 years ago, he remembers a giant silver fish with huge scales brought to the dock at his home in the small Pacific river port of Sierpe, Costa Rica. No one had any idea what it was. He went on to captain offshore sport fishing boats all over the west coast of Costa Rica for the next 35 years and retired a few years ago to taking guests fishing the backwaters of the Sierpe River. His specialty is snook but now and then he began to catch tarpon. Tarpon are not indigenous to the Pacific Ocean, but over the years anglers began to encounter a tarpon now and then. The thought is that over more than a century since it was constructed, the Panama Canal has provided passage for tarpon, which now reside in the Pacific. Tarpon capture has been recorded as far south as Colombia and as far north as El Salvador. Saul Porras’ capture of a tarpon that weighed barely 3 pounds at a creek mouth in southern Costa Rica changed the whole thought process. Chances that a fish that small swam through the canal and that far are slim. Are tarpon now breeding in the Pacific? FECOP, the sport fishing advocacy and conservation group in Costa Rica, agreed to sponsor a project to find out more about tarpon in the Pacific. They contacted Didiher Chacon, who had worked on a Costa Rican Caribbean tarpon project almost three decades ago in Barra del Colorado for Dr. Roy Crabtree, of Florida. He agreed to work on the science part of the project. “The Sierpe Wetlands are perfect habitat for juvenile tarpon,” explained Chacon. “That very well may account for the increase in numbers of tarpon caught there in the last few years.” Most of the river tarpon are small, less than 30 pounds, but fish as large as 100 pounds have also been taken. Phase 1 of the project will concentrate in southern Costa Rica. A DNA comparison will be done between Pacific-caught tarpon and tarpon taken from different parts of the Caribbean side of the country. They will also study what the Pacific tarpon have been feeding on. Today this can be done with a small tissue sample without sacrificing the fish. All Pacific caught tarpon will also be tagged. Chacon noted that there is a possibility over time for tarpon to change the ecology of the rivers. It is not yet known what they are feeding on or how they will affect native fish. The Pacific-side tarpon are now showing with enough frequency to make it worth finding out. Tropical storm Nate delayed the project when the massive amounts of rain that fell not only caused major landslides but also completely flushed everything out of most of the country’s rivers. Find out more about Pacific tarpon and other FECOP projects on sport fishing conservation at www.fishcostarica.org.
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N
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