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EDITOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Dmitriy Pislyagin • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Corporate Headquarters info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 888-800-9794 BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : David String • (321) 684-5888 • dstring@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA BEACH : Don Meadows • (407) 960-2340 • donm@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Ed Gocher • (305) 587-9101 • ed@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Scott Deal • (561) 945-6999 • scott@coastalanglermagazine.com Monica Isaza-Deal • (561) 945-8899 • monica@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Flaitz • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Mike Weber • (414) 531-4172 • mikew@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 OKEECHOBEE : Ken Gabryel • (863) 532-3671 • keng@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

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Catching Winter Cobia In The Keys By John Steinhorst

ebruary through April offers some of the most productive fishing of the year in the Florida Keys. An amazing variety of migratory fish species travel to the Keys as cold water temperatures push them south in the Gulf of Mexico and on the east coast. The most convenient place to base a Keys fishing adventure is directly out of Marathon, which comfortably rests in the middle of this tropical island chain. Marathon encompasses a unique collection of islands, creating the ideal boating and family destination with access to both ocean and gulf waters but far enough from the crowded streets of Key West. Capt. Chris Morrison, a 20-year Keys veteran who guides out of Marathon, enjoys hooking excited anglers up with these hungry migrating species, which include record-breaking cobia, king and Spanish mackerel, trophy sailfish and several species of jacks. Versatility is the name of the game, and options are abundant. Most often the best plan is to just decide where you want to fish, from the immense Gulf or blue ocean waters to the many reefs and wrecks surrounding the islands. Then be ready for anything when you get there. There are several techniques that work for each species, and Morrison utilizes a wide variety to keep his 8

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Temple Fork Outfitters’ Gary Loomis Inshore boat, although cobia sometimes swim with bull sharks and rays. Start drifting live shrimp back Series rods bending and his clients smiling. Live bait and jigs are most productive to with light monofilament leader and small hooks, ensure positive results. Pinfish and live shrimp and you are bound to get action from one of are among the easiest to obtain, since most local several species of snapper. If you start getting bit bait shops carry them. Deep jigs, such as butterfly off clean, add a piece of leader wire and you will types, and ¼- to 1-ounce bucktails are essential likely get hooked into a cero or king mackerel. to carry in your arsenal. For catching cobia, If you decide to fish the bay or gulf side of the present the pinfish on ocean-side wrecks and Keys island chain, you might want to anchor reefs as well as Gulf waters from 15 to 100 feet in 10 to 15 feet of water and hang that chum using the same rig for grouper down deep. Limit bag for landing Spanish mackerel. Head out to is one per person with a 33-inch size minimum. deeper Gulf waters and expect more cobia, king On sunny days, Morrison likes to spot cobia mackerel, and goliath and gag grouper. The with his polarized sunglasses from the tower of wintertime fishing action in the Florida Keys will his SeaVee boat above the reef line or in blue be sure to heat up your reel. If you need an expert light-tackle fishing water when a color change edge is present. When you see a cobia on the surface, cast the bait in guide, Capt. Chris Morrison has guided anglers front with no weight and at least 60-pound to more than 100 world records and received monofilament leader. Wire is usually necessary a Lifetime Achievement Award from the on your jigs as king, Spanish, and cero mackerel International Game Fishing Association. Visit are numerous throughout these prime fishing www.captchris.com for more info. grounds. John Steinhorst has contributed to many If you do not have a guide, the reef line on the ocean side from 25 to 40 feet is a good place publications during the last 20 years and can to start. Anchor and hang a chum bag over the be contacted at www.JohnSteinhorst.wix.com/ IslandMedia. side with ground-up frozen baitfish. Chum brings the For more Cobia fishing in the Keys, go to party to the back of your COASTALANGLERSALTWATER.COM

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Captain Fantastic.

How have so many of Marathon’s light-tackle guides achieved super-hero status? Because whether it’s tailers in the shallows, migrating tarpon out front or snook and redfish out back, our professional captains come to the rescue by putting you onto some amazing angling action. fla-keys.com/marathon 1.800.262.7284 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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RodsandReels Product Review AVET REELS SXJ 6/4 RAPTOR Since 1999, Avet Reels has been bringing to the market revolutionary reel designs that set the standard for performance. Their innovative SXJ 6/4 Raptor lever drag casting reel features Avet’s patented dual carbon fiber drag system, which produces twice the drag of the original Avet reels. The powerful system features adjustable strike pre-set and a strike stop button to prevent accidental advancement. The reel’s one-piece frame is precision machined 6061 T-6 marine grade aluminum with stainless steel components and is anodized for superior corrosion resistance. An offset machined handle arm reduces center-line profile and cranking wobble and is capped with a comfortable soft-touch handle knob. The two-speed transmission has a user-friendly shifting mechanism. Avet’s silent dog and gear anti-reverse system and M.C. Cast adjustable magnetic anti-backlash cast control system, both patented, are some of the most innovative and reliable in the industry. The SXJ 6/4 Raptor has nine stainless ball bearings, an alarm clicker and a light, narrow spool designed for optimal jig casting efficiency and less line leveling on the retrieve. It’s proudly made in the U.S.A.

CANYON REELS EX-80 TWO SPEED TROLLING REEL In case you hadn’t heard, Canyon Reels has redesigned its powerful EX-80 Two Speed Trolling Reel to give anglers the edge when pulling spreads for huge fish. The original EX-80 was extensively tested and matched up very well against the giants off the Northeast coast. When the captains made suggestions, Canyon listened, and the result is an even better EX-80, which features multiple upgrades that make it smoother, and easier to use. The EX-80 is a monster reel. It boasts a max drag of 105 pounds at strike and more than 155 pounds at full drag. A pre-set feature allows for accurate drag settings with an easy one-touch shifter. Upgrades include additional harness lugs that provide better balance control, an all new double drag system for drag runs that are even smoother than the original, and an oversized T-bar handle for additional cranking power. Several other improvements have also been made to increase the durability of this already remarkable reel. The end result is an incredibly smooth and user-friendly reel with the power to stop any fish in the ocean.

WWW.AVETREELS.NET

WWW.CANYONREELS.COM

ENIGMA HPT TITANIUM CASTING RODS

JP ROSS BEAVER MEADOW

Enigma Fishing is raising the bar on performance, while lowering the price point. Every aspect of their HPT Titanium Casting Rods were designed with extreme attention to detail. These high-performance tournament level rods are designed with premium, ultra-light Japanese Toray Carbon proprietary blend blanks. The HPT rods were designed and tested with input from professional anglers such as three-time Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year, Aaron Martens. Enigma Fishing has customized and precision balanced each individual HPT rod to be ultra functional, exceptionally beautiful and tailored to exacting actions and specifications demanded by today’s tournament anglers. All rods feature premium American Tackle components, including the multiaward winning MicroWave Line Control System, which increases casting distance and accuracy. The blank-through reel seats offer finger-to-blank contact for unparalleled sensitivity and incredible ergonomics and palmable comfort, while further reducing weight as well. Premium cork grips balance out each rod perfectly! Enigma Fishing’s new HPT series features a sleek black rod blank, cork handles, stylish purple wraps and chrome accents. Delivering technique-specific performance second-to-none, the all-new HPT series raises the bar for all others!

WWW.ENIGMAFISHING.COM

MUD HOLE TURNKEY INSHORE ROD KIT

The JP Ross Beaver Meadow is a fly rod meticulously designed to fish the beaver dams and plunge pools of small trout streams where an 11-inch fish is a trophy. That’s not to say this rod can’t handle an 18-inch brown on big water, but blue lines are where it shines. It is a short, sensitive rod with the feel needed for the gentlest of nibbles but enough power to reach out 50-plus feet with a hopper-dropper rig. The Beaver Meadow is available in a 5’ 2/3-weight, two-piece and a 6’6” 2/3-weight four-piece for fishing small streams with wet flies and dry flies. The 6’6” also has the ability to cast medium weighted streamers. The 7’6” 4-weight four-piece, the 7’9” 3-weight fourPhoto by Draper White piece, and the 8’0” 5-weight four-piece all have the shorter length required for tight quarters but the backbone to land larger fish and cast streamers and multi-fly rigs. JP Ross rods are custom-made by hand in Upstate New York. Each rod is made to order, so the details are exquisite, and components can be customized from the grip and reel seat to the guides and thread color. The Technology used to achieve this awesome balance of sensitivity and power is breakthrough technology, the joining of carbon fiber and fiberglass that JP Ross calls Carbon Silica Hybrid interface. It makes a beautiful casting and wonderfully sensitive rod.

WWW.JPROSSFLYRODS.COM

Mud Hole Custom Tackle is offering amazing value with its inshore fishing rod building kit. This turnkey kit includes everything you need to build your own custom inshore trout and redfish fishing rod. The kit features the extremely popular and versatile SJ842 rod blank. This 7’0” medium-light power rod features a fast action for throwing soft plastics and topwater lures at wary flats fish. Along with the blank, the kit includes a matched guide set, handle kit and everything from the CRB Wrapper, a CRB rod dryer and ProPaste and ProKote Rod Finish along with all the tools needed to build your own custom rod. This is a great set for the avid fisherman who wants to take his or her fishing to the next level. To get started custom building your own high quality rod, visit www.mudhole.com and check out all our Turn Key Kit options or simply Google: Mud Hole Turnkey.

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RodsandReels Product Review OKUMA KOMODO SS BAITCAST REELS

The original Komodo 350 size baitcast reel has been the recipient of tremendous accolades. It is considered an extremely tough reel and an excellent value. For 2017, the Komodo family welcomes the Komodo SS, featuring a new 450 size and stainless steel drive system. The Komodo SS is built around a heavy-duty stainless steel main gear, pinion gear, drive shaft and spool shaft to deliver an internal foundation of unrelenting strength and corrosion-resistance. Komodo SS reels use rigid, machined aluminum frame and spool, aluminum side plates, high-output Carbonite drag system capable of a maximum drag output of 30 pounds, and updated 6-pin Velocity Cast Control System. Performance features include six or seven (depending upon size) stainless steel High Performance Bearings, plus roller bearing, for outstanding corrosionresistance. The synchronized level-wind system does not disengage for casting, which allows it to maintain alignment at all times and eliminated drag pressure spikes when using braided lines. Bait clickers are standard on all models. The Komodo SS series includes two sizes, 350 and 450. The 350 size includes a 6.4:1 gear ratio and maximum drag output of 25 pounds. There are four models in the 350 size. The 450-size Komodo is available in a 6.3:1 gear ratio and a hyperfast 7.1:1 ratio. Komodo SS series baitcast reels are covered by the Okuma 3-Year Limited Warranty.

WWW.OKUMAFISHING.COM

UGLY STIK BIGWATER SERIES Ugly Stik has refreshed its iconic Bigwater series with all-new Ugly Tuff saltwater guides and an updated look. Beginning with Ugly Tech construction, the Bigwater series maintains the toughness for which all Ugly Stiks are known. One-piece Ugly Tuff stainless steel guides eliminate insert pop-outs and provide durability and corrosion resistance for those harsh saltwater applications. The Bigwater series retains the traditional Ugly Stik Clear Tip design for more strength at the tip of the rod. Comfortable EVA handles and conventional reel seats give anglers a non-slip, comfortable grip no matter the conditions. The fly, standup, downrigger/dipsy diver, surf, spinning and casting models have also been upgraded to include a standard seven-year limited warranty. Four Bigwater spinning combos and two trolling combos for downrigger applications are also available. The combos feature a graphite spinning reel, available in sizes 50, 60 and 70, and have a durable aluminum spool. The reel featured on the Bigwater downrigger combos is a size 30 line counter round reel with a metal handle and power knob.

PENN SLAMMER III The Penn Slammer III, which won Best of Show in the saltwater reel category at iCast 2016, is the reintroduction of the heavy-duty reel that has become trusted by charter captains around the world. Slammer III reels feature a new IPX6 Sealed System, which keeps water out of the gear box and drag system in heavy spray and sea conditions. An updated Slammer Drag System now utilizes a proprietary Dura-Drag material. With the computer-controlled CNC gear technology system, the precision brass main, pinion and oscillation gears are individually machined for exact tolerances to provide the smoothest operation. Eight models of the Slammer III are available, ranging in size from 3500 to 10500 models. Gear ratios range from 6.2:1 with 37 inches of line retrieve on the smaller reels to 4.2:1 with 43 inches of line retrieve on the largest. Maximum drags start at 30lbs in the smaller models and run to 60lbs on the largest. The oversized reel handle grip gives the angler added control during the fight. The 3500 Slammer III is the smallest of the family weighing 13.9oz while the 10500 weighs 43.1oz.

WWW.PENNFISHING.COM

DANCO BAIT STIK Danco’s Bait Stik is the original rod and reel combo developed specifically for catching bait with a sabiki rig, and it is still the best. The rod in this combo is 7’3” and features two-piece construction with an extra-hard phenolic tip for superior strength and extreme sensitivity. Comfortable EVA grips and a gimbal butt with cover means anglers will be yanking bait from the water with ease. Anyone who has ever tried to store a sabiki rigs knows the frustration of attempting to keep them from becoming a tangled mess. With the Bait Stik, that is not a problem. While not in use, the sabiki rig can be safely and conveniently stored inside the rod, which is a huge plus. The combo comes with either a casting or spinning reel. The spinning reel comes with an anodized aluminum spool, a graphite body and rotor and an oversized eggshaped knob. The casting reel has an aluminum body and side covers, brass gearing and a star drag. Catching bait has never been so easy. When the bait tank is full, rinse everything down with fresh water, store the sabiki rig in the rod and forget about it. Look for the Danco Bait Stik in your tackle store.

WWW.SHAKESPEARE-FISHING.COM

OCEAN 2 RIVER TOURNAMENT COMBO

ZEBCO BIG CAT SERIES Zebco is launching an impressive offering of beefedup rods and reels called “Big Cat” to accommodate serious value-minded anglers who passionately pursue catfish. The spincast reels are built with a titanium nitride plated stainless steel spinnerhead to add durability and reduce friction. Big Cat XT conventional-style reels will likely be the top pick for the most avid trophy hunters from the Mississippi River to Santee Cooper and all waters in between. Two conventional reels will be offered. The Big Cat XT 30 conventional trolling reel will hold 455 yards of 30-pound test. The Big Cat XT 350 round baitcasting reel holds 200 yards of 20-pound test. Worth noting is that a headlamp handy for nighttime catfishing will be free to consumers who purchase rods and reels within the very affordable Big Cat and Big Cat XT series.

WWW.ZEBCO.COM

Ocean 2 River (O2R) Tournament spinning combos are designed to perform to the exacting standards of serious tournament anglers while standing up to the grueling conditions and treatment offered up by hard-core fishermen in the marine environment. The IM-7 fast action graphite rods come with Seaguide Atlas Performance aluminum oxide guides, comfortable cork split grips and a graphite reel seat with a cork inlay and cushioned stainless steel hoods. These rods combine strength with sensitivity and excellent casting power. They are available in medium and medium heavy weights to suit a range of line and lure weights. The reels feature a solid aluminum frame, graphite side covers and rotor and a double anodized aluminum spool to stand up to the saltwater environment. A 5.1:1 gear ratio is suitable for fishing a wide range of lures all day long without wearing out the angler’s wrists and hands. Stainless ball bearings and a comfortable oversized T-knob provide for longer casts, smoother drag runs and comfort while fighting fish. Look for the O2R combo and other fine Danco products in your tackle store.

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ON THE COVER

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Editor’s Note:

Each month, Coastal Angler Magazine and The Angler Magazine staff search our vast coverage area for photos that will grace our covers. With well over a million readers in diverse coastal and inland markets, our magazines strive for broad national appeal as well as local-level intelligence to put anglers on fish. The cover is different depending on which edition you, the reader, are holding. The following is a little information about this month’s covers.

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE The Florida Keys, Marathon

FREE

BIG BEND EDITION

The February edition of Coastal Angler Magazine features a cover image of Capt. James Platt with a 35-pound cobia he landed onboard a SeaVee boat about 10 miles out from Marathon’s Tarpon Creek Marina on the ocean side of the Florida Keys. The photo was provided by Capt. Chris Morrison of Keys Light Tackle Fishing Charters, who Local was fishing with Platt when they caught a limit of cobia, along with king mackerel, mangrove snapper and grouper. Morrison uses medium-heavy, Gary Loomis-designed Inshore Series rods from Temple Fork Outfitters along with 30-pound test Cortland Master Braid line to handle cobia and many species he targets in winter months. Home to the world-famous Seven Mile Bridge, Marathon is a group of tropical islands perfectly situated in the middle of the Florida Keys island chain. This ideal boating and family destination offers easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, Everglades and Gulf of Mexico waters for an amazing diversity. Wintertime in the Florida Keys means anglers see large numbers of migratory fish such as cobia, king and Spanish mackerel, wahoo, sailfish and blackfin tuna pushed down from colder northern waters. Marathon is an excellent destination to base your Keys vacation for an unforgettable adventure. See writer John Steinhorst’s article on winter and early spring fishing out of Marathon in this month’s issue. Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events

VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 265

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THE ANGLER MAGAZINE Ice Fishing On Golden Pond, New Hampshire

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This month’s cover image for The Angler Magazine was taken by Chuck Fritz on the ice at Squam Lake in Holderness, New Hampshire. Old Timers might remember the 1981 movie “On Golden Pond.” It was filmed on Squam Lake, and the most interesting storyline in the film had to be the cantankerous Local character Norman’s obsession with catching a humongous rainbow trout named Walter. Squam Lake looks a lot different with a layer of ice over it than it does in the movie, which was shot in the summer. The fishing is still good, though. Just ask Tim Moore, the ice fishing guide who was photographed for the cover with a pretty yellow perch he caught through a hole in the ice. The ice fishing season on Squam and nearby Lake Winnipesaukee generally runs from January through March each year, and anglers target giant white perch and lake trout as well as smallmouth bass, crappie, sunfish and yellow perch. If there’s anyone out there who knows where Walter is hiding after all these years, it has to be Tim. See Tim’s story inside this months issue and check out his website at www.timmooreoutdoors.com. Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events

VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 264

F R A N C H I S E

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MERCURY MARINE’S VESSELVIEW MOBILE AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD

ercury Marine’s VesselView Mobile app is now available for free download on the App Store and Google Play in North America. Available for iOS and Android mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, the VesselView Mobile app instantly provides users access to their boat’s SmartCraft digital data in the palm of their hand. The product recently won a prestigious IBEX innovation award. The VesselView Mobile module, which is needed to fully utilize the app, is available for purchase at participating Mercury Marine dealers, from the VesselView Mobile app or on www.vesselviewmobile.com. The product is compatible with all Mercury SmartCraftcapable engines built since 2003. One module supports single through quad engine applications. SmartCraft is a fully integrated suite of digital technologies, including marine gauges, sensors, vessel systems and computercontrolled features, giving users a higher level of control over their boat’s propulsion and electrical systems. Now, with Mercury Marine’s VesselView Mobile, users can see SmartCraft engine data right on the screen of their mobile device. The app also includes useful new features such as Fuel Information, Maintenance Reminders, Mapping, Performance Summary, and Fault Code Diagnostics. VesselView Mobile makes preparing for and spending a day on the water easier, safer 14

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and more enjoyable by letting users perform the following functions from their mobile device: • Connect to the SmartCraft data network in your boat from your iOS or Android mobile device via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0) • See SmartCraft engine parameters like engine hours, fuel burn, water temperature, battery voltage, RPM, etc. (parameters available are specific to each engine family). • Get fault code diagnostic information so you know and understand if that fault is something to be addressed when you return to the dock, or is more urgent. • Fuel Management provides accurate fuel usage data along with fuel remaining plus indicates time and distance to empty when the user enters fuel added via the app. • Locate your nearest Mercury Marine dealer • Get points of interest information for your body of water, including fuel and restaurant locations, and more • Record a moment on the water for future reference • Access checklists associated with your boating lifestyle • Get maintenance reminders and access historical maintenance information logs. Mercury Marine’s VesselView Mobile app also provides users with a Web-based account that gives them and their preferred dealer app and module will be on display at the 2017 an even deeper connection to their boat. The Miami International Boat Show.

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Core Concepts Make

Ice Fishing Easier By Tim Moore

pending hours on a frozen lake isn’t easy. Your body works overtime just to stay warm. Then, add the activity level that often accompanies ice fishing, such as drilling or chiseling holes and chasing tip up flags, and it can be downright exhausting. The degree of difficulty extreme cold temperatures add to fishing is what keeps most people from trying ice fishing. While there is a ton of gear designed to make ice fishing easier, core concepts, such as efficiency and mobility go a long way to make ice fishing easy enough for even the most warm blooded people. When you strengthen your core muscles with exercise, you train the rest of your 16

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muscles to work in harmony, which leads to better balance and stability. The same can be said for ice fishing. Exercising core concepts on a regular basis not only improves technique and lure control, but ice fishing actually becomes easier. The hottest new lures and trending techniques might catch a few fish, but they do little to improve your ability as an angler, especially when everything is frozen. Efficiency is arguably the foundation of any core. A highly efficient ice angler accomplishes more tasks in a shorter amount of time, and therefore catches more fish. Being efficient means eliminating unnecessary steps. Fewer steps means more time fishing, and more time fishing means more fish caught. Every second you spend with your line out of the water is time spent not catching fish. Efficiency begins off the ice. There are many things you can do before you leave your house that will make you more efficient. Start by leaving equipment and lures you won’t need at home. If you’re going fishing for panfish and you have larger rods mixed in with panfish rods, you will have extra gear to deal with on the ice. It doesn’t seem like a big deal until you’re fishing in subzero temperatures and the rods you need get tangled with the rods you don’t need. Rigging multiple rods with different lures before you leave your house will also reduce steps on the ice. Then you can cycle through pre-rigged rods rather than tie new jigs in the cold, wind or snow. Have you ever seen the deck of a tournament bass angler’s boat? They have many rods rigged with different lures so they don’t have to re-tie while they are fishing. The same goes for ice fishing, especially when it’s freezing out. The work you do at home pays off on the ice, but there is more you can do while fishing to make things easier, such as putting gear back in its place when you’re not using it. Then when you want to move you have less equipment to put away. Sometimes we are so

excited to get fishing that we tend to lay gear on the ice when we are done using it rather than put it back where it belongs. By the time we decide to move there is gear all over the place, which makes moving harder. The Godfather of modern ice fishing Dave Genz always says, “If it’s easy you’ll do it.” Focus on ways to make everything easier and you will be more productive. The little things add up. Just as backpackers try to shave ounces off their packs to make hiking easier, successful ice anglers are always trying to shave off unnecessary tasks to make fishing easier. The equipment you use also contributes to your efficiency. A Vexilar sonar flasher removes a lot of the guesswork. Figuring out if there are fish under you and their depth could take hours without a flasher. A sonar flasher is easy to use. It will instantly show you the entire water column including the bottom, your jig, and anything else that shows up under you, such as a fish. All in real time! Clam Outdoors makes a number of items specifically designed to make certain tasks easier on the ice. Prices range from a few dollars into the $1,000 range. The simple lowcost products often make a big difference. The Clam Can allows you to carry bait in your pocket. Not a big thing, but it makes a huge difference when it’s cold. Rod Slicks keep ice rods from getting tangled, and Fish Trap shelters get you out of the cold quickly and allow you to move around easier. The parts all have a sum that equals success. Mobility is another important core element of ice fishing. Mobility allows you to cover more water, which allows you to put your lure in front of more fish. Think of ice fishing the same way you do when open water fishing. We rarely head out onto the water and cast in the same spot over and over again. Ice fishing is no different. Every hole you drill is a cast. Make more casts and you’ll catch more fish. If you make a lot of casts in an area and don’t catch anything, move to another area and repeat. Give yourself a time limit, and don’t stay in the same area if you’re not catching fish. Ice Fishing doesn’t have to be cold and difficult. Core concepts that make ice fishing easier also make it more fun. Establish a routine and it will become second nature. By constantly thinking of ways to strengthen your core, you make ice fishing easier. Before you know it, you will be catching more fish than ever before. And who doesn’t love catching more fish? Tim Moore is a full-time licensed fishing guide in New Hampshire. He owns Tim Moore Outdoors and the New England Ice Fishing Academy. For more information visit www. TimMooreOutdoors.com. For more Tim Moore, go to

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or those seeking ultimate enjoyment at one of the world’s largest and greatest boat shows, the VIP Experience is the hot ticket for the 2017 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show Feb. 16-20. In its second year at the iconic Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin, the show will offer more boats, large yachts, marine product debuts, transportation options, dining and fun than ever before. There will be excitement for everyone, but those who prefer more of an upscale experience should treat themselves to the VIP Experience. With ticket packages ranging from $70 to $100 per day, guests will enjoy exclusive access to

the VIP Lounge aboard a 111-foot luxury yacht docked at Pier 9 among more than 100 of the biggest and most extravagant motor, cruising and super yachts ever displayed at the show. The VIP Experience includes upscale dining and beverage service, live music daily, an air conditioned indoor lounge, an open sky deck with stunning views, private restrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi and an array of complimentary services and luxury product displays. All of this comes on top of what the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show is recognized for: a worldclass boat-show experience for more than 100,000 attendees and exhibitors. This year’s show will be the best ever. Organizers anticipate more than 1,300 new boats on display with more new model debuts than ever before. What’s more, the number of boats in-water is expanding to an estimated 550 boats and yachts— all located in the show’s state-of-the-art marina. From sport fishing boats and high performance boats, to personal watercraft and wake sport boats, family cruisers and luxury yachts, there is something for every lifestyle. The show will also once again offer sea trials, where shoppers can take boats out for a spin. This year, more boat exhibitors will participate, giving boat buyers a chance to test-drive a number of options. And be sure to come hungry and thirsty. A highlight of the 2017 show is an enhanced food and beverage program featuring more than 150 options ranging from luxe to casual fare. Whether you choose to come by water taxi, shuttle bus or car, the show offers seamless transportation to and from the show as well as ample and convenient parking options. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the show. Regular admission packages range from $25 to $100 for multiple days, and children younger than 15 are free. For more information, go to www.MiamiBoatShow.com. To learn more about last years boat show, go to

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AN AUTUMN SAIL STORY By Michael Landress

e blasted through the Boynton Inlet on the first full day of fall and set lines in 33 fathoms near one of the many reefs just a short pelican’s glide offshore. It was ramp-to-reef in minutes for the five of us, Capt. Chris Lemieux, Carson, Jeff, Mike and his father-in-law, Joe. It’s one of the many perks we enjoy fishing out of Boynton Beach, also known as the Gateway to the Gulf Stream. Our goal this day was modest, to catch and release Florida’s premier game fish for our senior angler, Joe. During his 84 years, Joe had never battled a sailfish. Unfortunately, any hope of doing so on the reef was quickly trammeled by a school of ravenous rainbow runners that pillaged our lively baits at an astonishing rate. A relative of the greater amberjack, rainbows are feisty on hook and line, but offered no food value for the men of this vainglorious crew. We decided to run farther offshore into deeper water to hunt the harlequin green and yellow denizens of the deep—dolphin! After a short run on a flat

FLORIDA

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sea, we arrived at a large patch of pelagic weed drifting in 800 feet of 86-degree water. Baitfish soon rained down upon the blue water after being violently wacked from a cozy dip net by the well-placed palm of our determined captain. After a few minutes, it became evident this seemingly perfect, floating asylum harbored zilch predators. Then, a dark silhouette suddenly appeared against the morning glare 50 feet from the bow of the Conch Cruiser. Shark or marlin I thought. “Sail, sail, sail!” we screamed like school boys. It was Florida’s fish, the sleek marauder that we sought earlier on the reef. As she laggardly cruised on the surface with sail raised, Chris pitched a live threadfin herring a few feet in front of her… a perfect cast. Enticed by the presentation, she gobbled the bait and the fight was on. Lit-up and furiously angry, she raced across the ocean at warp speed. Chris barked for Joe to take the rod, and the grizzled angler complied. After 20 arduous minutes, first mate Carson captured leader and the billfish was free. Underwater GOPRO footage indicated a successful release as her large symmetrical tail propelled her into the depths. There is no photographic evidence of Joe’s multiple naps later that day, but more importantly a fine and weary man was able to complete one of the items on his (chum) bucket list: dueling an autumn sail! For a great sailfish catch fight, go to

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By Gene Dyer

and deep drop fishing for yelloweye snapper, blackfin snapper, queen snapper and mystic grouper. Even when the east winds are howling in the spring and summer months, comfortable fishing conditions exist on the leeward side of the island. When the wind lays down, The Bridge is a short 16-mile run from the marina. The Bridge runs from the southern tip of Eleuthera to the northern tip of Little San Salvador. It’s a 9-mile underwater ledge that averages depths of 200 feet between the two islands with drop offs to 800 feet on the Exuma Sound side and 3,000 feet on the Atlantic Ocean side. Big wahoo, dolphin and yellowfin tuna can be expected here, and you never know when a blue marlin will show up in your spread. The resort offers world class accommodations in the form of 14 two-story, luxury villas with views of both the sunrise and sunset. There is also a well-stocked ship’s store, a new waterfront restaurant, bar and swimming pool. The marina is a state-of-the-art, Blue Flag awarded facility with average depths of 12 to 14 feet that is flushed on every tide making the waters crystal clear. All slips have 30 and 50 amp power and water with dockage for vessels up to 200 feet. There’s a full fuel dock with both gasoline and diesel. Pump out services are also available. Getting here is relatively easy, as there are several carriers with daily flights to and from Nassau. From Nassau, it’s a very short flight to Rock Sound, which is just 30 miles from the cape. Both Bahamas Air and Pineapple Air offer service to and from Rock Sound several days a week. Watermakers Air offers direct service from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport to and from Rock Sound four times per week. From Rock sound, a cab ride will cost you about $70. There are also car rentals available. The Stuart Sailfish Club, in its 75th year, has announced a Flotilla to Cape Eleuthera for May 5 to May 14. Fifteen member boats have already signed up. If you would like to participate in the Flotilla to the cape, you must be a member of the club. Family memberships are available for just $200. For more information, visit the club’s website at www.stuartsailfishclub.com. For more information on the Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina, go to www. capeeleuthera.com.

ESCAPE TO THE CAPE

hose living in South Florida are fortunate to have Bimini and West End, Grand Bahama a short boat ride from the shoreline. But there’s an undiscovered jewel of the Out Islands within reach for those looking for something more. Just 56 miles southeast of Nassau, lies the Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina. From bonefish on the flats to blue marlin on The Bridge, this special place is no less than paradise. Just outside the marina in the Exuma Sound, you will find some of the best yellowtail snapper fishing on the planet, consistent gaffer dolphin action

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SWIMMING WITH SHARKS

can systematically decimate their food sources by feeding so much in one area that they permanently impact the ability of that food source to regenerate. Sharks act as a regulatory body in these instances through their mere presence. Just by having a shark around, fish and other animals are forced to expand their hunting or grazing grounds and seek out food over larger areas, where their impact will be less dramatic. Sharks play such an integral role to the health of marine ecosystems that studies have found a decline in their populations results in a correlating decline of many commercially significant fish species, including those, like tuna, that are a favorite on our dinner plates. Without sharks in our local waters, we would not be able to enjoy the wide variety of fish species and marine animals that we take for granted. As anglers, there are easy ways to “fish friendly” Photo by Melissa Johnson • A scuba diver watches as two when it comes to sharks. If you’re fishing from shore, try Lemon Sharks swim by on a local reef. to keep the shark in water as you release it so they can maintain a constant flow of water through their gills. If very February at Pura Vida Divers, we dedicate a month to it’s hard to remove a hook from the shark, it’s better to cut the line than shedding light onto one of our favorite, but often overlooked, marine animals: sharks. As scuba divers and nature enthusiasts, we spend more time exerting yourself and stressing the animal. Using non-stainless circle hooks helps lower the longevity of the hook rely on this keystone species to help hold in place the precious balance of underwater, which is beneficial to hammerheads and other species that life that allows our coral reef systems to thrive. Sharks are an easy scapegoat, portrayed by films and most media as are particularly susceptible to exhaustion during catch and release. Helping preserve shark populations is one step towards ensuring aggressive predators. In reality, sharks play an important role policing and that the activities and ecosystems we enjoy today remain healthy for even strengthening the populations of their prey. Sharks are opportunistic predators that feed on old, weakened or generations to come. If you’re interested in learning more about sharks or conservation sick fish. This in turn ensures that only the healthiest members of a fish population reproduce, overall strengthening a species gene pool. efforts, we invite you to join us on Friday, Feb. 24 for a fascinating Similarly, by targeting prey made weaker by disease, sharks help prevent presentation by Angela Smith of Shark Team One. The event will be hosted at Pura Vida Divers, and details can be found on our website at the rapid spreading of that disease through a school. If fish or other marine species thrive without a predatory threat, they www.puravidadivers.com.

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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.

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Center sp By Richard L. Matteson Jr.  Stuart Rod & Reel Club Staff

Don’t Chase Rust, Protect Your Gear! Save your Fishing Rods, Reels, Tackle Boxes & Especially your Boat!

ading puts you in the water with the fish. You are now part of their element, and this gives you an advantage over a noisy boat with a motor or trolling motor and anglers bumping around on it. As a wader you can silently fish under piers and under mangrove branches where boats can’t go or even approach without spooking the fish. Winds and Tide When you wade the lagoon, you need to know the tide and the wind. You don’t want to fish during a slack tide, and you might not want to fish if it’s too windy. You might want to fish out of the wind or with the wind at your back. The tide determines if you fish shallow or deep as well as where the fish are.

Finding Fish  As you enter the water, start looking for signs of bait and fish activity. Look for birds on the water or over the water. Use search lures like C.A.L. jigs that can be cast and retrieved quickly and cover a lot of water area. Use heavier jigs in windy conditions. Move quickly without making noise. Vary the speed of retrieve. Fast retrieves in the top of the water column catch ladyfish, jacks and snook, but you might miss trout, redfish and flounder. When you find fish, slow down and fish the area carefully.

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Areas To Wade The South Indian River Lagoon The South Indian River area I fish stretches from Vero Beach to Stuart. The Bridges: Fort Pierce has two bridges. The north bridge has a boat ramp on the east side from which you can wade, and there’s an area across the bridge from Little Jim’s on either side of the second boat ramp. The south Fort Pierce bridge has an area on the east side that stretches to the inlet. South of the bridge on the west side is a fishing area. In Stuart, the north bridge (Jensen Causeway) can be waded on either side and the same is true of the south Stuart bridge (Earnest Lyons). There are two bridges on the St. Lucie River, but they are hard to access for waders. The Shoreline: My favorite wading areas are Walton Road (Port St. Lucie), Walton Scrub, Midway (Ft. Pierce), and Wilcox Road (Vero Beach). On the east side there’s Herman’s Bay (PSL) and Bear Point (Ft. Pierce).  Be Respectful Remember the pier owners have the access rights to their piers and don’t want waders parking along the pier areas without permission because it blocks their view of the lagoon.   Happy wading! For more wading in the Indian River Lagoon, go to

CAMINSHORE.COM

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1/18/17 10:18 AM

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

GULF SEASONS CHANGES FOR AMBERJACK, GRAY TRIGGER, GAG

ith the coming of 2017, several recreational fishing season changes in Gulf waters went into effect. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) manages marine fish from the shore to 9 nautical miles in the Gulf of Mexico. • Greater Amberjack Season Open The greater amberjack season in Gulf state waters had been closed since Sept. 10. This temporary closure was put in place because NOAA Fisheries estimated the 2016 annual federal recreational quota was exceeded and the recreational harvest season in adjacent federal waters closed. The quota is the poundage of fish that can be caught each year while maintaining a sustainable fishery. Federal rules require that any harvest in excess of the quota for this species must be deducted from the next year’s quota and could result in a shortened federal season. State waters closed early in 2016 to help minimize negative impacts of a quota overage on Florida anglers and the 2017 season.

FWC Photo

• Gray Triggerfish Season Closed The gray triggerfish recreational season will remain closed Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2017 in Gulf state waters in response to an announcement that the 2016 federal gray triggerfish quota was exceeded by more than 200 percent and that federal waters will be closed through Dec. 31, 2017. The state waters closure will help avoid a quota overage in 2017. The FWC will consider a limited gray triggerfish season for fall 2017 at an upcoming meeting. • Gag Grouper Season Closed Gag grouper closed for recreational harvest in most Gulf of Mexico state waters and all Gulf federal waters Jan. 1, 2017. This is an annual closure. The season will reopen June 1, 2017. State waters off Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties are open from April 1 through June 30 only and are not open during the June 1 through Dec. 31 season. Monroe County is also excluded from the June through December season because it follows Atlantic rules for gag grouper.

For more fishing on the Gulf of Mexico, go to

CAMOFFSHORE.COM

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FEBRUARY 2017

WEST COAST FLORIDA

1/17/17 2:03 PM

2nd Annual

Reel Sunshine in the

FREE FISHING EXPO

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 | 9AM – 4PM

JOIN US inside AND outside Sunshine Ace Hardware Bonita Springs for our second annual fishing expo! Special Guests & Activities Include: l

Reel Talk Radio Broadcasting on Site with Captain Rob Modys (7:00 AM – 10:00 AM) Meet Captains Tales Creator/Producer Robb Murchison Vendor Demonstrations Blowout Offers Seminars

Casting Contests

Knot Contest

Demonstration Tank

Hourly Giveaways

New Products

A Whole Lot O’ Fish Tales

Reps From 40+ Manufacturers Including:

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FEBRUARY 2017

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Naples • Marco Island • Everglades • Immokalee • Bonita Springs • Estero

www.coastalanglermag.com/naples PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Mike Weber

ARTIST

FEBRUARY 2017 20TH ANNUAL NAPLES

FREE Kids’ Fishing Clinic PROUDLY PRESENTED BY

Lauren Zimmer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bill D'Antuono Capt. Mike Avinon Brent Bensmiller Executive Chef Corey Heath Capt. Jim Kalvin Capt. Dean Murphy Capt. Paul Nocifora Capt. Billy Norris John Paeno Capt. Pete Rapps Alan Ritchie Tiffany Sawyer-Schank Capt. Roan zumFelde

SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 2017 at the Naples Municipal City Pier Registration will begin at 9 am and close at 12 pm

This is a photo Catch-and-Release Event. Participants must be accompanied by an adult. FREE ROD & REEL FISHING COMBO to be given away to participants between the ages of 5 and 15 upon completion of the clinic, while supplies last, compliments of our sponsors.

CONTACT INFORMATION For advertising inquiries, editorial comments, article submissions, press releases, calendar updates, photography, artwork and all other inquiries, please contact:

Mike Weber (414) 531-4172 MikeW@coastalangler magazine.com

VISIT WWW.MIACC.ORG TO DONATE TO THIS WORTHY CAUSE!

Sponsored by

permit off the coast of Naples.

DentistryofNaples.com 10 NAPLES | FEBRUARY 2017 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CAM Naples 201702.indd 10

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OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE ADMISSION

February 24 - 25 - 26

Friday & Saturday: 10am - 6pm Sunday: 10am - 5pm Presented by:

Boat Show Party : Saturday February 25th • 4pm-6pm Complimentary Beer, Wine & Appetizers Backwater Jack’s Restaurant open for lunch at 11:30!!

Bonita Bay Marina Boat Show Events • Boats on display from the Manufacturers listed below • Boat Show Party February 25th 4pm-6pm • Boating & fishing gear, gadgets and more from various vendors on-site; Marine Electronics on display for demo from Garmin, Simrad and more! • Local experts are on-hand Saturday to answer your questions for Fishing, Engine Maintenance, Marine Electronics and Boat Care

27598 Marina Pointe Drive, SW Bonita Springs, FL 34134 (239) 495-3222 www.bonitabaymarina.net

CAM Naples 201702.indd 11

1/16/17 7:45 PM

FISHING FORECAST

Jig of the Month

Naples “Best” Custom Jigs

CAPT. ROAN ZUMFELDE

by Mike’s Bait House & Indian Pass Outfitters

Blue and T White Ultra Minnow

o matter what size you pick up, inshore or offshore these jigs catch everything. We tie them with a special synthetic material that is both durable and filled with flash. They come in sizes from 3/8 thru 8 oz. 1 oz pictured.

Naples Best Custom Jigs available exclusively at: Mike’s Bait House & IPO 2052 Danford St Naples, FL 34112 mikesbaithouse@gmail.com www.mikesbaithouse.com

Mike’s Bait House has everything you need for a day on the water. 239-775-BAIT (2248)

Live and Frozen Bait – Tackle – Beverages Including Beer & Wine - Snacks

Tip of the

Month

CAPT. BILLY NORRIS

Wintertime

ow that we finally have some colder weather, our local fish should start getting into their wintertime patterns. This being the case, we can begin to target them accordingly. The redfish bite should pick up on the flats and around the mangroves. In addition, trout should be hot to bite and can be caught by drifting over the grass flats using popping corks. Snook will be harder to catch in the winter but not unattainable. Many of the larger snook will move up river so looking in more brackish areas will prove successful. A wintertime favorite, sheepshead, have already started to arrive in numbers and will continue to provide action all winter long. Shrimp on the bottom with a small circle hook is your best bet. Don’t forget, when fishing for sheepshead even small bites are more than likely bigger fish than you think. Sheepshead tend to peck rather then hit, so have patience. Fishing has continued to be great so get out there and catch them up! Capt Billy Norris owns Pale Horse Fishing Charters, he can be contacted at 239-285-7710 or by email at palehorsefishingcharters@gmail.com, his website is www.palehorsefishingcharters.com.

Southwest Florida Freshwater Scene

he Hype of the New Year is over and we are on to February. I hope all had a great start to the New Year and I hope our weather in February is nice and mild with no freezes this year. I will have to first apologize for the February article because it is not my favorite fishing month in South West Florida. At the time I am writing this I just do not know what kind of weather we are going to have in February and how it will affect the way we will be fishing. Please do not shoot the messenger on this piece if I do not get it exactly right I do not have a crystal ball when predicting the unpredictable. Anyhow here goes nothing. Lake Okeechobee bass fishing, weather permitting, should be seeing a good number of spawning fish on both the new moon and full moon in February. Even if we have cooler than normal conditions it should not affect this too much. Bass are bass and they will want to make babies this month especially if the weather turns spring like early. There should be continued success for the crappie fisherman using small jigs or Missouri minnows (also called fat head minnows) under small corks. I would expect low water conditions on the lake to be in affect so be very careful running around at high speeds I have seen many lower units and transoms ripped off of boats. If the lake gets down to extra low levels then the fly fishing in the Rim Canal should get very good and really concentrate some bass and bluegills this should hold true for the river also. If the weather is warm then small poppers will be great if not you might have to use small wooley buggers or other small weighted flies to get down a little. I highly suggest any fly you throw to have a weed guard on it. Lake Trafford should still be seeing great success for the crappie anglers and the same type of rigs and bait apply from the previous paragraph. Trafford Marine should have plenty bait on hand. If we get some warm weather in February the top water bite for bass should get started on the lake. They will want to move out of cover and to the shallower edges searching for food and building for the spawn so they will be hungry. I like to throw yellow poppers on this lake, not sure why but they seem to work the best for me we have plenty at the shop. For the Everglades Canals this will probably be the most up and down month for fishing. I would expect pretty good bass action both on top and underneath. The cichlids will mostly be dormant and this will lead to more bluegill and bass on the line. Water will be dropping so there should be more fish in the main canals and out of the marshes. Not my favorite month to fish the canals but you can still catch some nice fish if you fish slower than normal and downsize your lures or flies. Tiny crankbaits, run parallel to the drop off edge usually out from the main bank about five feet work very well and with the cooler water you will probably have less worries about taking off cichlids. My spotlight for fishing this month is any of the many small lakes that are dotted around Naples. And up to North Fort Myers. There are really too many of these to list but I will give you some examples and you can take it from there. One such body of water is the small lake in front of Lowe’s on North Airport Road there is some great bass fishing and it has some cichlids. Google earth or Map Quest is a great resource for finding these little honey holes. There seems to be a little fishing lake on just about every road in Naples you just have to find them. Santa Barbara Blvd. comes to mind. Most are public access but make sure to read the signs. If posted like the airport pond is, no Trespassing means stay out or suffer the consequences. Some of these ponds lend well to fly fisherman but I would carry a bait caster or a spin rod just in case you have little room to cast. Good luck and hope to see you at IPO and the bait house. 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 including: fly fishing needs and both saltwater and freshwater gear, food, drink, and bait. Thanks and good fishing. 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.

12 NAPLES | FEBRUARY 2017 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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KAYAK FISHING GEAR REVIEW JOHN PAENO

To paraphrase Shakespeare, “Whether it is nobler to paddle or pedal? That is the question?”

oday kayakers have several options when it comes to propulsion. In the last article we talked about sails for your kayak so in this one we talk about peddles. The two top pedal kayaks in the SWFL are Hobie and Native and each are a little different. The Hobie is a push pull action kind of like a stair master but sitting down. It has two fins that make a paddle back and forth motion under the kayak to propel it forward. The fins are on a central drive you insert into the center column of the kayak and they project down under the hull 10” to 14”. LOCK DOWN the drive to keep it from falling out if you flip (this happens more than you would think). One of the great features in my humble opinion is the seat. The raised seat is nice. They are heavy and most of them you would rather trailer than put on your car roof. They are slow to paddle if your drive malfunctions or worse you forgot to lock it in and you flipped (now sitting in Davie Jones Locker). It does not back up and drafts more than most kayaks. Price range $1,200 – 3,200 without trailer Native Kayaks have a pedal action more like a bike and a propeller more like a motorboat. The prop is also on a drive inserted in the center of the yak and projecting under the hull. This must also be LOCKED DOWN. Again a great raised seat. It is not a light yak and you would probable want to trailer it. It drafts more than most other yaks also. But a nice feature is that the Native will back up. Price range $1,400 - #2,500 without trailer

If I had issues with my hands and arms and could no longer paddle well I would favor the Native personally. But my belief especially because I PADDLE to remote places is to keep it as simple as possible. The less moving and mechanical parts (other than me) the safer I feel when out there. Until next time, be safe. John Paeno is an owner of CGT Kayaks in Bonita Springs, you can reach John by email at calusaghosttours@gmail.com, or by phone at 239-221-8218. Visit the CGT website at www.cgtkayaks.com.

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STANDING WATCH CAPT. JIM KALVIN oaters all across the State of Florida lost a true Friend in January with the passing of Capt. Bob Mercer. Bob was a heart and soul boating advocate who loved the Crystal River area, and spent most of his discretionary time educating the public, and fighting for the funding, permits, and infrastructure to restore Kings Bay and the surrounding areas from damage done over decades by a variety of factors. He was the Founder and past President of Save Crystal River, which was an organization that actually had to sue government agencies to get permits to clean up and revive Crystal River and the surrounding waterways including King’s Bay. While agency staff and “environmental” advocates sat on their collective hands, and claimed to have no power or discretionary funding to help restore the area, Bob and his Friends raised the funding, educated the public, and began the legal process to get “permission” from regulators to get the reclamation effort underway. Your Board of Directors at Standing Watch supported these efforts from afar, and we thank Bob, as well as all of those at Save Crystal River for their time and efforts over past years, and the pro-active work that they have been able to accomplish. Of note is that they literally had to fight with State and Federal agencies, as well as “environmental” advocates, to effect this positive trend in Crystal River. As a matter of fact, Save Crystal River is the group responsible for forcing the US Fish & Wildlife Service to obey their own federal Endangered Species Act, and act on their own science to “review” the listed status of the manatee. As an “endangered species”, high concentrations of manatees in the area prevented certain de-mucking and dredging operations crucial to the restoration of the area. Without those procedures, Crystal River and the waters around Kings Bay would have continued to deteriorate. Close to a thousand manatees call Crystal River home each winter now, and the natural seagrasses have been denuded. As well, the waste stream from such a high concentration of 1000+ pound herbivores have had a predictable effect on the eco-system, as well as all other inhabitants there-in. SCR engaged the Pacific Legal Foundation, and compelled the Service to act on their internal research, and release a preliminary finding that the species should be removed from “endangered” to “threatened”. The words “endangered” and “threatened” are similar to the casual observer, but the legal interpretations can mean the difference between life and death for Kings Bay and Crystal River, as well as other “wintering” habitats around Florida. Favoring the status of one species over the health of the entire local eco-system has proven to be disastrous, and Bob and SCR have brought reason and science to an otherwise emotional and very profitable environmental issue. They have had two successful filings to force the agency to comply with their own law, and they are ready to go to round three if the Service doesn’t act. Thank you Bob and the rest of the crew at Save Crystal River. As a group of citizen volunteers, you have left a legacy of intellectual honesty, actual scientific advancement, and an honest love for our aquatic environment. Your efforts are astonishing, and prove what can happen when true Environmentalists come together for the good of the resource. You will be missed, but your Spirit will be with us always! Join us as we move into the New Year in defense of your rights of access to Florida’s vast aquatic resources. Go to standingwatch.net and join us on line at whatever level you are comfortable. Or, you can email Capt. Jim Kalvin directly at james.kalvin61@gmail.com.

Standing Watch is Florida’s largest grassroots Boating Advocacy organization. 2017 will mark 17 years of serving the water access needs of all Boaters in the State!

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TOURNAMENTS & EVENTS THE 10TH ANNUAL BONITA BAY MARINA BOAT SHOW will take place February 24 -26 at the Bonita Bay Marina, admittance to the show is free and it is open to the public. For more information see the Bonita Bay Marina website at www. bonitabaymarina.com or see their ad on page 11. SUNSHINE ACE HARDWARE’S 2017 REEL IN THE SUNSHINE SALES EVENT – will take place on Saturday February 25th 2017 at Sunshine Ace Hardware in Bonita Springs. Watch for announcements on special guests, as well as special deals!

Fishing Expo Hooks Attendees with Celebrity Anglers

free fishing expo at Sunshine Ace Hardware in Bonita Springs is attracting fishing enthusiasts with a variety of special guests and activities in one convenient location on Saturday, Feb. 25. The “Reel in the Sunshine” event will begin with Reel Talk Radio Broadcasting on site with Captain Rob Modys, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. The expo opens to the public at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. with a variety of captivating activities in between. For example, attendees will enjoy the opportunity to meet Captains Tales creator/producer Robb Murchison, and participate in free one-hour seminars, demonstrations, casting contests, knot contests, a demonstration tank, hourly giveaways and new products. Perhaps the greatest attraction for fishing hobbyists is the lineup of free one-hour seminars by notable fishing experts going on throughout the event. The schedule kicks off with a lesson on Freshwater Fishing in Southwest Florida by Captain Mark Goodson, along with seminars by Captains Andrew and Mallory Herzog on Nearshore and Inshore Fishing Tactics, Captain Patrick Sebile on Fishing Sebile Baits, and Captain Chris Turner on Inshore Fishing Tactics. The afternoon lineup of seminars includes Chasing Monster Fish with Captain Jeff Maggio, Tarpon Fishing in Southwest Florida with Captain Ryan Clase, and seminars led by Yozuri Captain, Steve Sewell. Our final seminar of the day is led by Captain Geoffrey Page on Fishing for Redfish in SWFL. Naturally, there will be blowout offers on Sunshine Ace’s excellent selection of fishing products as well, and a whole lot of fishing tales to go around. The event reeled in representatives from more than 40 manufacturers including: Penn, Quantum, Okuma, Costa, Weber, Shimano, G. Loomis, Yeti, St Croix and Accurate. These professionals will demonstrate new products and share their detailed knowledge of the gear on sale. To attend Sunshine Ace’s second annual fishing expo, just be there to “Reel in the Sunshine” at 9100 Bonita Beach Rd. in Bonita Springs on Feb. 25! Learn more at www.SunshineAce.com/Reel-inthe-Sunshine.

THE FOURTH ANNUAL FALLEN EAGLE REDFISH CLASSIC put on by the FGCU Fishing Club will be held on Saturday February 25th out of Port Sanibel Marina in Fort Myers. With both boat and kayak divisions, this is a tournament for everyone. The captains meeting and final registration will be held on Friday evening, February 24th from 5:00 p.m. at 7:00 p.m. at Rusty’s Raw Bar and Grill, located at 16520 S. Tamiami Trail in Fort Myers. All proceeds benefit the Jesse M. Woodyard Academic Scholarship, endowed through the FGCU Foundation. Each year the scholarship is presented to a local marine science student at FGCU who needs financial assistance. Please come out and show your support for this wonderful cause even if you are unable to fish as there will be food, raffles and prizes for everyone. For more information please visit: falleneagleredfishclassic.com or find us on Facebook at: www. facebook.com/falleneagleredfishclassic 20TH ANNUAL NAPLES FREE KID’S FISHING CLINIC – Saturday March 11th 2017 at Naples Municipal City Pier. Registration will begin at 9am and close at 12pm. This is photo catch and release event. Participants between the age of 5 and 15 must be accompanied by an adult and will receive a free Shakespeare fishing combo upon completion of the clinic while supplies last. Visit www. miacc.org for more information or to donate to this worthy cause. See their ad on page 1. If you would like your tournament or event listed here please send a short description along with contact or website information to mikew@coastalanglermagazine.com. PURE FLORIDA EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY Pure Florida Specialty Cruises

Date/Time

Location

Details

Valentine's Day Sunset Cruise

February 14 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Tin City, Naples The Marina at Edison Ford, Fort Myers

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a sunset cruise! Buy one, get one free drinks available and a complimentary rose for every couple.

Tin City, Naples

Join Mr. Glenn from Super Science for a sightseeing cruise and interactive science show! FREE child admission with purchase of full adult ticket.

Kids Science Cruise February 18 with Mr. Glen 10 am - 11:30 am

Bark on the Ark

February 18 8 am - 11:30 am

The Marina at Edison Ford, Fort Myers

Guests and dogs are welcome on board the M/V Edison Explorer for a river cruise and playtime at a nearby beach!

Free Kids Cruise

Every Saturday in the Naples 10 am - 11:30 am

Tin City, Naples

Free child admission on the 10 am sightseeing cruise in Pure Florida's Naples location. Free child admission valid with purchase of full adult ticket.

Book online at PureFL.com! Call 239.263.4949 for reservations in Naples. Call 239.919.2965 for reservations in Fort Myers. Call 239.574.0804 for reservations in Cape Coral. See Pure Florida ad on page 5.

16 NAPLES | FEBRUARY 2017 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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CAM Naples 201702.indd 17

| FEBRUARY 2017 | NAPLES 17

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NAPLES ON THE FLY

Fly of the Month

Brought to you by Indian Pass Outfitters & Mike’s Bait House Fly Provided by Rz’s Leaders & Flies

CAPT. PAUL NOCIFORA

C Small Top Water Popper

he fly for this month has been around for just about forever. Small top water poppers have been made in all sizes and shapes. Pictured are my favorites and my favorite colors. Check them out at the bait house or on our online blog.

Fly of the Month available at: Mike’s Bait House & IPO 2052 Danford St Naples, FL 34112 mikesbaithouse@gmail.com www.mikesbaithouse.com

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old fronts wind and low tides make February one of the most difficult months of the year to pattern and find fish. One week of nice weather followed by a cold front forces the fly angler to stay on top of his or her game, as fishing tends to change almost daily. What was true yesterday may not be true your next fishing day. However, this cold water fishery can be excellent, if caught on the right day. Redfish are the main target, and they are willing to eat a small fly if presented effectively. Look for these fish around oyster bars or tight to shorelines on shallow banks. To target these fish effectively, use a small natural colored baitfish pattern on a lighter tippet than usual. I like to use 15-pound fluorocarbon this time of year. Sheepshead can also be a fly target this time of year. These fish are notoriously hard to catch on fly, often fleeing at the first sign of angler movement. However, over sandy bottom a small crab or shrimp pattern can be effective. Let the fly sit, and let the fish come to it. Finally, make sure you fish the right tides this month. Reading the tide and/or wind wrong can result in you and your boat being stranded until the tide starts coming in, which is no fun for anyone. Good luck, and until next month. Capt. Paul Nocifora does catch and release fly-fishing charters, he also owns Captain Pete’s Bait & Tackle at 550 Port-O-Call Way in Naples. You can contact him at 239-206-0177 or by email at captpaulnocifora@gladesflyfishing.com or visit him at Capt. Pete’s or his website at www.gladesflyfishing.com.

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You can receive the full fair market value as a lawful IRS tax deduction... Donate a boat today! The Marine Industries Foundation accepts boat donations as well as donations from those who wish to fulfill their philanthropic goals. The owners of a donated boats have an opportunity to use the value, when the boat is sold, as a tax deduction. Proceeds are used to organize, develop, produce and support programs related to recreational boating. These programs concentrate on education and safety for local boaters as well as on the enhancement of our local marine environment. Marine Industries Foundation is a 501 C3 Mari ne Indus trie s Associa tion of Coll ier Count y Founda tion

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CAM Naples 201702.indd 21

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ESTUARY CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION ALAN RITCHIE MANATEE SPEED ZONE CHANGES COMING SOON The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has been reviewing the speed zones in the waterways of the Cocohatchee River estuary that are established in the 1997 Collier County Manatee Protection Plan. Among other things, this plan establishes manatee protection speed zones in Collier County waters. The review process, which is now largely completed, involved meetings between the Collier County Local Rule Review Committee (LRRC) and manatee advocates, local boaters and city representatives. This review was completed in June, 2016. After a state level staff review, changes were presented to the FWC in November. Currently, the changes for the waterways in the Cocohatchee estuary that are being recommended are limited and can be summarized as follows: • Remove the speed zone in the Cocohatchee River east of US 41. • Change the current 30/20 MPH speed zone from Marker 18 to Marker 10 south of Hickory Bay to a “Slow Speed Zone”. Final approval by the FWC is now expected in April, 2017. WATER QUALITY TESTING CONTINUES IN THE COCOHATCHEE ESTUARY The identification of water quality issues in the Cocohatchee estuary is an important factor in keeping these local estuarial waters clean. This long-term testing program, partially funded by the North Naples-based Estuary Conservation Association (www. estuaryconservation.org) has been tracking water quality since 1996 with 15 testing stations, primarily within the Vanderbilt Lagoon canal system. As expected, the southern parts of Vanderbilt Lagoon, farthest from Wiggins Pass had less tidal frequency and/or amplification and therefore lower circulation and less flushing. This is typical of a canal-based system. In addition, dead-end canals in the vicinity of stormwater outflow pipes were consistently higher in temperature, nutrients and mineral parameters. Also, at the southern end of Vanderbilt Lagoon, the levels of dissolved oxygen at the surface continues to be below the state standard. The ECA continues to be interested in identifying practical solutions to improve water quality in that part of the estuary. COASTAL FORUMS AND WIGGINS PASS NAVIGATIONAL BRIEFINGS CONTINUE The ECA is continuing its free Coastal Forums and Wiggins Pass Navigation Briefings for the general public. Up-to-date information on the Forum and Briefing schedule can be obtained on the ECA website at: www.estuaryconservation.org. In addition, the results of depth soundings in the Wiggins Pass channel are posted on the wall, just inside the gas dock office at the Cocohatchee Marina. Alan Ritchie is a member of the Board of the Estuary Conservation Association based in North Naples, FL. If you would like to learn more about ECA’s ongoing efforts to restore and sustain the environmental health of the Cocohatchee estuary, please see www.estuaryconservation.org.

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| FEBRUARY 2017 | NAPLES 23

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THE BRAG BOARD

Capt. Brandon and Greg Heyrman with a gag caught and released on a recent Solo Lobo Charter. CAM photo.

Joe Palladino and Capt. Brandon with a lane snapper caught on a recent Solo Lobo charter. CAM photo.

Kevin caught a porgy on a Solo Lobo Charter. CAM photo.

s with his buddie Jeff celebrating s nice 22 â&#x20AC;?4lb hi from Kentucky e back county th in ht ug ca sh redfi s Charters. ob R h fis with Red s. by Redfish Rob Photo submitted Photo submitted by Capt. Billy Norris.

Photo submitted by Capt. Paul Nocifora.

Bill Pfaff and Capt. JoGene Holaway holding up their five best Lake Okeechobee largemouth black bass at the United Bass Anglers Sportsman Series Tournament. Photo submitted by Capt. Holaway.

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Lee Droll with a little warrior from the Miami Canal, Photo submitted by Capt. zumFelde.

Connor showing off his pompano catch while fishing with Grandpa, Connor was wearing his “Best Day Ever” shirt. Photo submitted by Capt. Bohley of Charley’s Charters.

Photo submitted by Capt. Billy Norris.

Capt. Dean Murphy with a nice gag grouper and some happy anglers. Pure Florida photo.

Chad, Kennedy, Elechia and Landen showing off Kenndey's keeper trout caught on a Charley's Charters trip. Photo submitted by Capt. Bohley.

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NAPLES SPEARFISHING LEAGUE BILL D’ANTUONO e officially are in our winter months. Water temperatures are in the high to mid 60’s and if winds allow us to get offshore the fish will be waiting. Cold water brings a variety of fish. Amberjack will be closer to shore. Any large, deep structure will be holding lots of amberjack. Amberjack is one of the gulfs best kept secrets and is very tasty smoked. Last year we landed a 40lb amberjack on the Doctors 5-mile reef the first week of the year, so you never know when they will show up! Cobia can be found at any depth at anytime during the cold months but can be a bit elusive. Always be prepared shooting big fish. I recommend a 5/8” shaft and a large speargun with enough stopping power to make your only shot count. Another fish that can be hanging around at the right spot during winter is hogfish. Keep in mind FWC will be changing the 12” minimum size to 14”, the bag limit is still 5 on the gulf coast as opposed to one on the East Coast. Hogfish can be found on live bottom areas and we have also harvested some from artificial reefs. That’s the great thing about spearfishing, you never know what type of fish you will come across. Being prepared with knowledge and fish sizes and what types of fish are edible can go a long way. Porgies can be seen on almost any dive, but most people would pass them up without knowing they are some of the best fish to eat. We are currently running a Winter Spearfishing Challenge, please contact me if you would like to get involved! Lots of great prizes and sponsors and plenty of opportunities to win!

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.

Photo submitted by Bill D’Antuono

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In the Wake by Capt. Jim Kalvin

t’s crazy how ideas for the next article fly through my brain while I’m miles away from my desk – usually miles offshore trading sea stories with clients and passengers. It happens all the time. I’ll actually laugh out loud remembering something that happened years ago on a fishing trip, a delivery, a dive trip, a service call, or just a day near the water interacting with the other “crazy people” that call themselves “Boaters”. That happened several times to me last month leading up to deadline - I couldn’t wait to get back to the office, and find some quiet time to get in front of my computer and get to “work”. Then…..middle age happened I guess. Total “blank”. How could something so funny and memorable just disappear? And….why does it seem to happen so often now? Oh well. I guess I need to start carrying a little note pad around…. along with both pairs of reading glasses (one for low light, one for bright light)…and my Costas…and my phone…and my pen. And that’s just what I have to carry in my shirt pockets! On my belt, I carry my leatherman and my calculator. On fishy days, I have to have my pliers and a filet knife hanging there as well. Running a boat for private citizens these days requires that I carry a lot of other things with me each time I leave the dock too. And these are things I had better not forget! First, I need a USCG Captain’s License – harder to get than a building permit! It requires years of documented experience, a small fortune for books, classes, testing, a physical, witnesses, testimonials, a drug screen, and the requisite fees that go along with all of those separate things. After the physical examination, a licensed Captain is issued a “health certificate” which they must have with them at all times. And….we are required to have current CPR and First Aid certification as well. Next is the Transportation Worker Identity Card (TWIC for short) which one is required to have just in case a Captain might operate a boat in or near a Port. Can’t operate in or near a Port without a TWIC card don’t ya know! Getting this just requires two trips to either Port Manatee, or Ft. Lauderdale – one to sign up for the credential, pay the fees, swear to all of the swearable things you have to swear to, and to authorize a background check. Then you Renovation Repair Re-Decking Pile Repair & Encasements Boatlift Service & Repair Maintenance Dredging U/W Surveys Consulation A Jim Kalvin Company - Serving Collier County’s Waterfront Since 1982

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have to go back a few weeks later and pick up your TWIC card once it has been manufactured – assuming that everything checked out on your background check. They will not mail it to you. If I’m taking a group fishing, I utilize my “Guide” permit that I get from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission – costs about $480.00 for the year. I have to have an SVRS# issued by Customs and Immigration in case we go to the Bahamas. Not that we can’t go to the Bahamas without one, but it makes it a lot easier to come back to America if you have this piece of personal identification – on top of your passport, your Captain’s license, your TWIC card, your first aid card, your CPR card, your health certificate, your driver’s license, etc. Customs doesn’t care about my Guide permit, but it’s there just in case….just sayin’. I also have to have a license from Collier County to operate as a “Guide” whether I’m fishing or not. Running boats for financial compensation requires an occupational license. That’s 9 different official Government pieces of paper I have to have to run your boat for you. Only 7 if we don’t plan to go to the Bahamas. Pity the poor guys that are running their own boats – they have to have about 3 more official Government pieces of paper! Want to get a Captain’s License, and “get paid to go boating”? Make sure you factor all of the above bureaucratic certifications in to your decision! And the best part? They all expire on different schedules! My wife has to help me with this – there’s no way I could keep it all straight. To boot, I don’t ever tally the annual cost of keeping it all current – I might decide to let it all go! Captain Jim Kalvin is a USCG Licensed 100 Ton Master, a Florida Native, and a Licensed Marine Contractor. He is available for a variety of your waterfront and boating needs, and can be reached at 239-280-6054, or via email at james.kalvin61@gmail.com.

In the e BKnow

LOCAL TIDE CHARTS can be found online at www.freetidetables.com For current FLORIDA FISHING REGULATIONS and to buy a FLORIDA FISHING LICENSE visit the FWC website at www.myfwc.com FLORIDA FISHING LICENSES can also be purchased by calling 888-347-4356

28 NAPLES | FEBRUARY 2017 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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CASTING DISTANCE POWER AND REEL SETTINGS

By Tobin Strickland • Photo Courtesy of Lews Reels

ne of the first things any angler can improve to catch more fish without getting new gear is to increase his casting distance. The first adjustment to make is the “spool tension” knob on the right hand side of any baitcaster. With the lure just hanging from the end of the rod tip, first tighten the knob, then release your thumb and slowly unscrew the tension knob until the lure just begins to fall. On the left side plate, you’ll see the centrifugal brake external setting. If you are new to throwing a baitcasting reel, start with a setting of about 4-6. If you have an internal centrifugal brake, set at least two brakes “out / engaged.” If you want to cast far, you have to make a powerful, rod-loading, casting stroke. It’s compact and uses 2 hands. It’s not a big one-armed cast. Tighten the spool tension knob about a quarter turn and practice casting hard. Once you’re throwing your hardest without backlash, slowly begin loosening the settings and feathering the spool edge a little. Slowly adjust the centrifugal brake setting looser, one click, or one brake, to maximize cast distance. Then slightly re-adjust the spool tension knob. In the end, I find that I can still adjust slightly lighter and manually feather the spool edge with the thumb. This is where you’ll get your longest cast distances. Cast hard my friends. Tobin Strickland (aka TroutSupport) is a field staff angler for Lews Reels.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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1/17/17 2:03 PM

MUTTON SNAPPER REGULATIONS CHANGES Photo by Andy Blackledge

everal mutton snapper management changes approved at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) September meeting are in effect for 2017. • Recreational, commercial, importation and sale minimum size limits will be 18 inches in all state waters. • Recreational bag limit will be five fish per person within the 10-fish snapper aggregate bag limit in all state waters. • Commercial trip limit will be five fish per person, per day or per trip from April through June in Atlantic state waters. This replaces the prior May through June commercial trip limit for all state waters. • A 500-pound commercial trip limit for the remainder of the year (July through March) in Atlantic state waters. Though mutton snapper is not overfished or undergoing overfishing, the 2015 stock assessment indicated that the population is smaller than previously estimated. Atlantic federal fishery managers recently approved measures that would make Atlantic federal regulations similar to the recent state changes. Gulf federal fishery managers are also considering making similar measures for Gulf federal waters. These changes are intended to prevent harvest from exceeding the planned federal quotas, or number of fish that can be harvested. To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Snappers.”

VERY EXPENSIVE FISH By CAM Staff • Photo Courtesy of Canyon Reels

hen you think about it, it’s not as ridiculous as it sounds. According to the Associated Press, a sushi chain boss in Japan recently made a $632,000 winning bid for a 466-pound bluefin tuna at auction. That’s the second highest amount ever paid for a bluefin, and it equates to more than $1,356 per pound. That’s a mighty pricey chunk of fish. But when one looks at the money a recreational angler spends on fishing each year, $1,356 per pound is really not all that outrageous. The average angler in the United States spends about $1,261 per year on the sport. This average includes everyone from the bank-bound bucket-sitter to the guy who spends a million clams on a sport-fishing yacht. The range of expenditure is wide; as is the per-pound return on that expenditure. Someone who fishes bait from shore might only spend a couple hundred bucks a year on gear, bait and gas to get there. If they’re good, they might bring home several pounds of good protein every time they fish. It’s a tradeoff that is economical if one disregards the lost wages from time spent watching a rod tip. On the other end of the spectrum, it would take a lot of fresh-caught dolphin at market price to pay for a decent offshore rig and the gas to run it. This is a scenario in which the angler likely pays a whole lot more per pound than the Japanese sushi boss. And then there are the catch-and-release purists. Whether its billfishing, fly fishing for trout or tournament bass fishing, those who catch fish to release them are looking at a price per pound that is infinite.

WEST COAST FLORIDA

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Marsh Harbour, Abaco features its share of quaint resorts, including the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina the Sandpiper Inn and Cottage and Four Winds Cottages. Treasure Cay boasts the luxury Treasure Cay Beach, Marina and Golf Resort, a highend spot frequented by celebrities. Out on the flats, the water is still, a perfect mirror reflecting the cloudy sky. It is a gorgeous day to bonefish. Albury maneuvers through the flats like only a native could. He swerves through tightly packed mangroves at breakneck speeds until we reach the spot. At that moment, he cuts the engine and begins poling the boat. I sit at the bow, rod in hand with shrimp for bait. Albury surveys the waters and points out a bonefish at my two-o’clock. I cast my line but miss. “Throw it out again,” Albury says. I cast again and reel it in just enough. Suddenly, a splash on the surface and a tight line tell me the fish has the bait. We fight for a moment until I reel him to the edge of the boat. Albury grabs him and turns him on his back sending the fish into a catatonic state. There is excitement onboard. As we surveyed for another catch, I explained to Albury that my father is a bonefish guide in Crooked Island. “I love fishing,” I say to him. “You know if you love fishing once you hook a fish,” Albury says. “If that doesn’t excite you, nothing will.” Interested fishermen can reach Jody at jodysbonefishing.com.

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e set out on a small boat shortly after 8 a.m. on a warm Wednesday morning. For Jody Albury, this is just another day of bonefishing in Abaco, Bahamas. He’s been a professional guide for 10 years, but an avid fisherman since he was a boy. Jody, a quiet yet jovial Abaconian, has serviced fishing enthusiast from the around the world. He quit his day job to make a living doing what he loves, bonefishing. Abaco, one of the 700 islands of The Bahamas, is regarded as one of the world’s premier destinations for bonefishing. Thousands of anglers descend on the Abacos during the winter months in search of the elusive gray ghost. The island and its cays are in the northeast Bahamas 91 miles northeast of Nassau, Bahamas, a 20-minute plane ride, and 120 miles from Miami or an hour plane ride with flights from American Eagle and Silver Airways, to name a few. The Abacos are made up of nearly a dozen cays. Unlike most other islands in The Bahamas, visitors can take a ferry to the various cays including Hope Town, Green Turtle Cay and Great Guana Cay. Some rent yachts or other boats and sail the cays themselves. My first stop in Abaco was Hope Town with its scenic beaches and historic candy striped lighthouse. Hope Town features a small community where most everyone moves around by golf cart or bicycle. The island is quiet yet filled with life, hotels, small properties and bed and breakfasts. The architecture features colonial design, a lingering tradition from the Loyalists who settled in the Abacos centuries ago. Hope Town fuses rustic charm with modern advances. It’s easy to sit on a hammock under two palm trees and watch Netflix.

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n nearly 20 years of kayak fishing, I’ve seen the boats radically change. These days they are purpose-built for angling, and much more stable and forgiving. On the other hand, the thinking on what makes a good kayak rod has scarcely evolved. There’s been little need. For most applications, off-the-shelf gear made for the general fishing market works fine. A standard bass or flats quiver will suit you well whether you’re fishing from a ’yak, a powerboat or the shore, although the adjustable butt of Manley Rods’ offerings is a nice feature. It’s only when you get to big game that the need for specialized kayak sticks is magnified. Let’s cover the big exception: the rod tip. When landing a fish from a kayak, you’d do well to have some glass for shock absorption. High-sticking is almost inevitable. Most big game kayak anglers fight their fish while sitting. An intermediate length butt is an advantage, something on the order of 12 to 13 inches, about 2 to 4 inches shorter than normal. That’s just right for tucking into your belly while seated. A strong backbone is a plus for easier fish management, particularly when the battle is in its closing stages. Rod length is a matter of preference. It’s nice to have enough reach to get the tip around the bow, but it isn’t strictly necessary. If you’re hooked up and you point your rod tip at the bow, the fish will pull the kayak around to face it.

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water, but they will still have an eye on what’s going on, as a prey in their stomach is still necessary to fuel them. What I like to do is fish slowly, twitching suspending baits once or twice between long pauses. And sometimes these pauses are truly long pauses. I’ve found that’s one thing most people have a hard time doing. Most are unable to pass the two or three second mark without feeling the need to twitch their bait again. When I’m on a spot that’s worth it, or if I catch a By Patrick Sebile glimpse of a nice fish, I will hold my suspending Stick Shadd still for up to 30 seconds. It might feel like an eternity; it might feel worthless, but some of my best inshore catches came on such long, 15- to 30-second pauses. I keep the rod tip down close to the water, and I don’t rely on feeling a bite. I leave a little slack in my line, no more than 6 or 8 inches, and watch the line very closely. Most of the time the bite is just a tiny tap that is hard to feel but very easy to see on the line. If the line moves just an inch or two, that’s it. Set the hook without delay. You might be surprised at the trophy fish you’ll catch with such minimal action. Another technique that produces well for me on cold water is simply to cast and retrieve my suspending twitch bait super slowly. I sometimes retrieve it so slowly that it This nice trout was caught in Vero Beach, Fla. on a suspending Stick Shadd 114 using won’t even have any side-to-side action at all. Yep, you very minimal action and long pauses. read that right. Just the lure moving through the water straight ahead and slowly is the right presentation on o matter where you are in North America, winter brings cold winds some days. In cold water it will often out-produce the and sore throats to all. And the effect is even more brutal on fish than typical action-packed movement of this type of bait. men. Immersed in the water, in an unstable environment that changes It may seem surprising, but it’s efficient. In both cases, a suspending bait quickly, they have no choice but to exist the best they can where they are. is key, as well as the patience and confidence to resist working it too quickly There’s no option for fish to go on a cruise in the Bahamas to tan their or erratically. scales in the tropical sun. And the shallow-water inhabitants feel the impact Patrick Sebile is the owner and lure designer of Sebile Innovative Fishing even more than the deep-water ones, given that the skinny depth they live (www.sebile.com). in can drop in temperature sharply. Their behavior can turn sluggish, but For more tips on cold water fishing, go to they still need to feed. It is therefore crucial to adjust the lure’s action to their temperature-driven mood. Airline_Ad_CoastalAngler_8-1-14_Layout 1 8/1/14 1:14 PM Page 1 Seatrout and redfish will dive into grass to limit their exposure to colder

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By Brandon Tourigny Brandon Tourigny with an Everglades bass caught on a Lefty’s Deceiver.

f all the different methods of fishing, fly fishing has a reputation for being one of the more overpriced methods for landing fish. With all of the extremely high-end rod and reel brands in the fly fishing world, it can be a little disheartening for those trying to get started. As a broke college student who has to also buy food, gas and textbooks, purchasing the newest Sage rod and Tibor reel just wasn’t in the budget for me. Since not fly fishing wasn’t an option, I had to find ways to get quality gear at a more reasonable price. Here are a few brands I personally like that have proven to be affordable and reliable pieces of equipment for me. Temple Fork Outfitters produces some fine rods for the money. With all their rods ranging from under $100 to around $450 for their most expensive rod, it’s not hard to find a rod in their line that fits your budget. A rod I highly recommend is the TFO Mangrove. This rod comes in sizes from a 4 weight all the way up to a 12 weight, costing anywhere from $250 to $300. Another thing TFO has going for them is their no-nonsense lifetime warranty. A good warranty is something a lot of fly rod makers provide, and it is an important consideration because rods break. For reels, the best deal I’ve seen are actually some of the off-brand reels found on Amazon and produced by brands like Piscifun or WetFly. The thing about fly reels is you don’t need them to cast. Until you get a fish on and need a smooth drag or to pick up line quickly, all they do is store line. If your targets are panfish, small bass or seatrout, it’s likely you will seldom even need a reel except to hold your line. On the other hand, if you expect to do battle with bonefish, tarpon or redfish, a good reel becomes very important. Although they don’t carry the prestige of the American-made reel companies, reels like the Piscifun Sword are made from 100 percent CNC machined aluminum, and based on my experience and the testimony of other fly fishermen, these reels hold up considerably well. When you also factor in that most of these reels come in under $100, it’s hard to find a reason to not at least give these reels a try. If you are a stickler for only buying American products, I would suggest taking a look at the Waterworks-Lamson Liquid and Remix which both come in at $160 or less and are both assembled in Lamson’s factory in Idaho. At the end of the day, fish don’t care how shiny or expensive your equipment is. The only thing that matters is if you can present a fly to them in a manner realistic enough for them to eat it. So, if you’ve been hit by this incurable disease called fly fishing but can’t afford the high prices, there’s no need to fear thanks to affordable and highperforming rods and reels

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peargun selection is one of the most hotly debated topics on spearfishing forums. Fortunately, there are many great brands nowadays – such as Wong, AB Biller, Riffe, Hammerhead, Cressi, SEAC, Mares, Rob Allen, Koah, Mako, JBL and more. Over the last century, spearfishing equipment has evolved from very simple muscle-powered slings and polespears, made with wood and rubber bands, to the modern-day spearguns equipped with a trigger mechanism and more exotic materials. Interestingly, slings and polespear are making a comeback—but that’s a topic for another month—so let’s concentrate on how to select a modern-day speargun. If you walk into your local dive shop, you will notice there are two main categories of band-powered spearguns: the American style, usually recognized by the wood stock, and the Eurogun, which has a tubular shaped barrel and a rear handle. The Eurogun originated in Europe where most spearfishing is freedive-only, fairly deep, and for small, easily spooked fish. Hence these spearguns have a low-profile, streamlined design and thinner shafts. If you are diving in similar conditions, the Eurogun style might be for you. On the other hand, if you want a sturdy, durable and easy-to-load gun that will handle bigger fish, you might lean toward the American/wood-style gun. This is also the style used for big powerful tuna guns, because they can be ballasted and accommodate up to six bands. There’s also a hybrid design, which incorporates the best elements of both with wood stock in the back and a carbon fiber tube in the front. Once you’ve chosen between styles, the next question is length. Most Eurogun sizes are 90 to 160 centimeters, and most American guns are between 36 and 65 inches. So, with the conversion from centimeters to inches, they have pretty much the same length range. If you are diving in low visibility or hunting in rocks like they have in California or Rhode Island, you would choose a shorter gun. If you are hunting spooky fish in clear waters like mutton snappers in Florida, you would opt for a longer gun. If you are just getting started and expect to dive in variable visibility, 130 centimeters or 50 inches would be a good medium length for an all-around reef gun.

Sheri Daye hunts with a Wong Hybrid Speargun. Photo by Joe Marino.

Here are some additional tips: 1) Join a local spearfishing club and learn from the more experienced people. Observe what equipment they use and ask for advice. 22) Shop at a dive store that caters to spearfishing. They carry more choices and have experienced personnel to help you choose. These include Austin’s in Miami; Florida Freedivers in Palm Beach; James & Josephs in San Diego, Calif.; Freedive Shop in Sacramento, Calif. and more. 3) Check out the custom-gun builders. There are some high-quality builders who will work with you directly, give you advice, and design it to your specs—such as Wong Spearguns from Hawaii or Sea Sniper from California. Most importantly, you should pick a style that suits you and the conditions you dive in. Chances are you will get hooked and add more spearguns to your arsenal in the future! Follow “Sheri Daye” & “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” April 22-23, 2017 – Ft. Lauderdale - Instagram and Facebook.

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FRESHWATER THE REBIRTH OF 8- TO 10FOOT BASS RODS BRANDON LESTER

ver since I can remember, there has been a rule in B.A.S.S. tournaments barring the use of rods longer than 8 feet. To my knowledge, it is because Dee Thomas and other Californians were using 10-foot and longer rods for “flipping” when the technique was first invented. Evidently the powersthat-be back then didn’t like this new way of fishing, so they banned the use of long rods. At the conclusion of 2016, B.A.S.S. decided to change this rule and allow us to use any rod up to 10 feet in length. Bass fishing has evolved

they fight. The extra rod length will help keep the line tight during the fight, giving the fish less opportunity to escape. For the small wooden crankbaits, the longer rod gives control over how deep the bait dives. Hold the rod tip up, and the bait dives shallower. Stick a couple feet of the blank in the water, and it runs deeper. Add longer casting distance and you will be hitting depths never before achieved with some baits. A longer rod will also be beneficial for flipping and pitching. We all know what

tremendously in the past several years, and there is no doubt this rule change will be another big breakthrough. Will long rods become the norm in everyone’s boat? I don’t think so, but I believe these rods will have a time and place in bass fishing. I have been busy building and testing a few of these longer rods with the guys at Mud Hole Custom Tackle. We’ve made encouraging findings. The first long rod I built is a 8’6” medium power spinning rod. I wanted a rod to cast small, wooden crankbaits on light line for more distance. I also wanted this rod to act as a drop shot rod for open-water smallmouth fishing. Although I don’t see myself using this rod all the time for drop shotting, imagine a scenario where you are casting a drop shot in current and need that extra length to control the way the line drifts. Also, anyone who has ever fought a river smallmouth knows how hard

happens when we set the hook on a 12-inch bass with a 7’6” rod, well imagine what will happen when you set the hook on one with a 9-foot flipping stick. We’ll be jerking 3-pounders out of the thickest cover! When that 10-pounder bites, she might not be the one that got away anymore. There might be cases where a long flipping rod is more efficient, as well. The technique of flipping, as it was done originally, by stripping line through the guides and never using the reel, will probably come back to light because we can now use a rod long enough put a bait where it needs to go. I will be building a long flipping stick before the elite series heads to Lake Okeechobee. What better place to try it out than the land of the giants? Keep tabs on 8-foot-plus rod building by visiting www. MudHole.com, and hit me up on Facebook with any questions.

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ackle geeks have climbed high rungs of reel optimization for decades. Their basic game remains the same today: super-tune fishing reels by adding premium components and applying best cleaning and maintenance practices. But better materials and technology have elevated expectations of what fishing reels can be made to do. Russ Lane, who has earned six appearances in the Bassmaster Classic, took his habitual tackle tinkering to high-tech heights several seasons back. Lane today replaces standard reel parts with premium components that extend reel life and enable spools to spin at dazzling RPMs. What’s the fisherman’s takeaway after these reel transformations? The clearest advantages are longer casting distances, better control, heightened casting accuracy, and improved feel and sensitivity. Some premium reel components—strikingly colorful multi-textured reel knobs and anodized star drags and cast control caps, for example—can practically turn reels into showpieces, too. “Fishermen can’t believe what custom components can add to a reel’s capability,” said Noah Arroyo, owner of Off the Hook Reels. “And some fishermen are just as attracted to the unique colors and finishes you can bring to a reel and the rich look of premium parts.” Consider replacing standard reel parts with these upgrades: • Ceramic bearings – Ceramic bearings or ceramic hybrid bearings (the latter feature ceramic balls in a stainless steel or plastic cage) can elevate reel performance dramatically. Ceramic bearings can range up to 60 percent lighter than stainless steel bearings. They generate less heat and lower vibration levels, too, reducing friction as the spool revolves. Spool RPMs may climb dramatically, extending casting distance and improving accuracy by reducing the effort required to execute a cast. They also possess five times the life expectancy of stainless steel bearings. The one downside is that they produce a very audible hum, a turn-off to some anglers. HawgTech promotes its ABEC-7 hybrid bearings in nylon cages as allowing “a more free spinning bearing that also runs quieter.” • Carbon Fiber Reel Handles – Lightweight carbon fiber reel arms are

the most common reel upgrade. The difference in weight and sensitivity from conventional reel handles is discernible. They also give a sleek, skeletal look to the reel. • Winn Reel Knobs – Reel knobs made from Winn’s patented WinnDry polymer deliver the same all-weather “tacky” feel and security that Winn grips bring to fishing rods. “The Winn knobs available from HawgTech are so good, your grip never slips even when hands are wet or coated with fish slime,” said Arroyo. Two of Lew’s Best of Show awards at ICAST 2016 featured fishing reels with Winn reel knobs. HawgTech offers these knobs in several bold colors. • Anodized Aluminum Star Drags, Cast Control Caps – Colorful anodized aluminum can give a reel an “auto show” glow. You can go with matching or complementary color options for star drag controls, cast control caps and related parts. Maintenance steps: Of course, flashy parts alone won’t optimize reel performance. Make sure the internal workings of your reel are flawlessly cleaned and lubricated, too. “You have to optimize everything when you super-tune. Polish and clean ends and shafts and pinion gears,” said Arroyo. “When you do and then add your ceramic bearings and premium parts, you really end up with a great piece of machinery.”

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TAUTEN LINEWELDER Sick of having to learn and tie complex knots? The Tauten LineWelder creates a weld that is actually stronger than any knot. The device creates a “sleeve” of thermoplastic polymer around both ends of a looped line, holding the loop in place without bending or weakening the line. Knots weaken the line, and most lines’ strengths are rated with a knot, so using a Tauten LineWelder in place of tying a knot lets you get a connection that’s stronger than the advertised strength of most lines! The process is quick, easy, consistent and doesn’t require you to tie complicated knots. It’s perfect for new fishermen or veteran anglers who don’t want to bother with finicky knot tying. Just loop the line in the device, pull it taut and push the button to create a weld. This device can help fishermen who don’t want to tie complicated knots by removing the need entirely and allowing anglers to focus on the sport they love. The LineWelder works best on 10- to 12-pound-test monofilament nylon and fluorocarbon lines and 10- to 50-pound-test braided lines. Using an experimental technique, it can even join braided lines with monofilament nylon or fluorocarbon leaders to eliminate the need for a swivel. Accessories to weld a wider variety of lines are currently in development and will be available in the future. Visit tauten.com for more information and to see videos of the LineWelder in action. The Tauten customer service staff is always eager to answer any questions, so don’t hesitate to contact them.

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UR-Cut features the same legendary DEXSTEEL, super-sharp edge, and just-right flexibility that you are used to with Dexter... 1.Dip handle in boiling water for 2 minutes. 2. Dip in cold water for 1 second. 3. Grip and form handle for 10 seconds. 4. Put back in cold water for 10 seconds and your done.

DEXTER UR-CUT FILLET KNIFE Dexter UR-Cut Fillet knives are the only fillet knives that allow you to custom mold the handle to your hand. UR-Cut provides the ultimate in comfort and control and is virtually non-slip in your hand. It’s simple and takes only minutes to customize UR-Cut to fit your hand. First, grip the handle and determine your grip position, paying attention to your thumb position. Dip and completely submerge the handle in boiling water for 2 minutes. Make sure the pot is deep enough so the handle does not contact the bottom or the sides of the pot. Then dip in cold water for 1 second, grip, squeeze, and hold the handle for 10 seconds. Dip back in cold water for 10 seconds and let cool. You now have a custom fillet knife, molded to fit your hand. Just like other Dexter knives, UR-Cut features the same legendary DEXTSTEEL blade, with super-sharp edges that are easy to re-sharpen and have just-right flexibility. UR-Cut fillet knives are made in the U.S.A. and are available in 6”, 7” and 8” lengths. Available at your local and online retailer. For more information and to view all Dexter fishing knives visit dexteroutdoors.com.

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FISH & FISHING

A DIFFERENT APPROACH MARK SOSIN

small sign on the corner of my attorney’s desk warns his clients to “Assume Nothing.” That caveat is just as valid on the water as it is in the practice of law. If an angler does not start catching fish within minutes of arriving at a spot, he begins to assume that his quarry must be elsewhere. The assumption, of course, is that he has chosen the right bait or lure and presented it in a natural and appealing manner to a fish that is ready to eat. A fish’s behavioral patterns, honed over eons, follow very specific guidelines with few deviations. Anything that differs from the norm instinctively alerts a fish that something may be amiss and it thinks of its own safety first. Regardless of size, a predator does not expect to be charged or attacked by its prey no matter how small the prey is in relation to the predator. That’s why a 3-inch fly made of feathers can spook a 100-pound fish. And remember that fish do not feed constantly for a variety of reasons. Most species use tidal currents, water flow, or the neck of a funnel to their advantage as they search for food. They either hold facing the current, swim against the flow, or work across it. Whenever you present a bait or lure, it should be upcurrent from where you expect the fish to be so that your offering appears to go with the flow. That tenet even applies when you are casting to a cruising fish. The more natural the presentation, the better the chance of a strike. Your quarry automatically measures energy tradeoff. The idea is to exploit each situation so they will expend the least amount of energy for the value received. That translates into the fact that they frequently refuse to chase a bait or lure very far before turning away. An ambush feeder merely wants to dart out, grab its prey and return to its lair. Bottom denizens follow a similar practice. If your offering isn’t close to the sea floor, it’s difficult to get them to swim toward the surface to get it. Successful bottom bouncing starts upcurrent and allows the bait to drag along in the productive zone. Once it sweeps above the quarry, the potential for getting a strike diminishes rapidly. Water temperature enters the energy tradeoff equation. In cold or even cool water, fish react sluggishly because the water temperature slows down their metabolism. It might even force them out of their usual lair in search of warmer water. In those situations, choose baits or lures that are easy for a fish to catch and slow down the retrieve or the trolling speed. And remember, in cooler water it takes fish longer to digest food so they feed less frequently. Those who catch fish consistently study and comprehend the basics of feeding strategy. You can be sure that the behavioral patterns of each species are not about to change. That puts the onus on you to modify your tactics until you uncover the combination that works. Before you abandon a spot because you think it doesn’t hold fish, make sure you have explored the full gamut of options. If you do make any assumptions, convince yourself that a fish is looking at your bait or lure right now. The results might surprise you.

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NEW INTERLUX MICRON WA BOAT PAINT Micron WA (Water-Activated) is the newest addition to the AkzoNobel’s Interlux industry leading Micron Technology product range. It is a showcase antifouling paint that offers long-lasting, multi-seasonal protection in a water-based formulation. Micron WA combines powerful antifouling performance while reducing impact on the environment, leaving a smooth, clean hull. This paint is ideal for cruise, power and sailboats and suitable for all waters. Using a novel paint technology called Water Activated Matrix, Micron WA delivers a crisp, vibrant color and uniform appearance to provide a striking, attractive finish, while at the same time efficiently releasing the active ingredients to deliver powerful antifouling performance. More information is available at: www.yachtpaint.com/usa/diy/ products/antifouling/micron-wa.aspx

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