The Angler Magazine | April 2024 | Lake Okeechobee/Lake Istokpoga Edition

SCOTT MARTIN SETS NEW 3-DAY

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

KAYAK FISHING: RIDE THE AQUATIC SLEIGH

Whether your vessel options are limited or you just want to spice up your inshore fshing experience, fshing from a kayak should not be overlooked as a possibility. When done correctly, it is some of the most exciting fshing. It can also be modifed for the extreme, or an entirely leisure day on the water.

Kayaking is how I fell in love with fshing. Of all the diferent ways I have gone about it, I have enjoyed them all. From packing a lunch and fshing my way to an island for a picnic and a swim, to drifing backcountry mangroves other vessels cannot access, to cruising dock lights at night, or deploying in

1,300 feet of water seeking yellowfn tuna of of the oil rigs, kayak fshing is versatile with endless possibilities.

Tis type of fshing can be dangerous, and its especially important to know your limitations and be overly prepared. Currents and wind change quickly and afect your return trip. Make sure to check tides and weather before venturing or drifing too far. Paddling against the current while battling the extreme heat can put you in a bad situation very quickly. Make sure to have a small anchor onboard as well. Obviously, this will come in handy for fshing, and it can also provide an opportunity to rest if exhaustion is getting the best of you.

Decking out your rig for fshing is an art form, and there are many ways to go about it. Prioritize having a cooler attached to the back over all else. You do not want to get dehydrated out there. Aferall, you are the motor of the vessel, and should be well maintained just like any other motor.

Afx everything to your kayak with the expectation of getting fipped. Of course, do everything to keep yourself from that situation, but things happen. Use dry-storage bags, and clip everything to the kayak itself. Most kayaks are designed to make this a straightforward process.

Fishing artifcials will simplify your set up, but sometimes afer all the paddling, its nice to relax and toss out some live bait. A bait bucket on a rope with shrimp, that can be tossed out between paddles, should be all you need. For more extreme fshing, modify a PVC pipe with holes drilled into it to hold live baitfsh.

Use common sense and check local regulations. Protect yourself from the sun during the day, be properly lit at night, and stay out of high-trafc boating areas and channels. You are also required to carry a PFD and a sound producing device, such as a whistle.

Once you have hit the full safety checklist, go out there and experience the possibilities that kayak fshing has to ofer. Fishing from a kayak will intensify the tug even with smaller fsh you hook up to, so hang on and enjoy the aquatic sleigh ride.

Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters out of Marathon, Fla. See Captainquinlyn.com, @captainquinlyn or call (504) 920-6342.

FR A NKEN-FISH ON THE FLY

Hybrid striped bass are the Franken-fsh of anglers’ dreams. Also known as wipers, sunshine bass and other names, they are hatchery-produced crossbreeds of white bass and striped bass. Tey are stocked into reservoirs across the country for angler enjoyment.

Central Georgia’s Lake Oconee is a hybrid hot spot. Georgia stocks hundreds of thousands of hybrids in the lake, and conventional anglers get afer them with live baits, jigging spoons, bucktails and trolling lures.

Capt. Wayne Moore, of Oconee on the Fly guide service, is probably the only guy you’ll see on Oconee waving a fy rod from his center console. While he admits conventional tactics are more efective, there are three situations when fy fshing is both productive and a boatload of fun.

Oconee is a 19,000-acre impoundment about an hour and a half drive east of Atlanta. Te lake backs up behind a pump-back dam that creates currents that are key to a good hybrid bite. Moore said there is ofen a good afernoon bite when the dam kicks on and hybrids move onto main-lake points to chase threadfn shad. Afer locating bait and fsh with electronics, Moore goes to work on them with 8-weight fy rods and intermediate sinktip lines. He fshes a cadence of fve short strips and a pause with a 2-inch long white/chartreuse Clouser on a 5-foot leader of 12- to 15-pound

fuorocarbon.

When the bite is hot, a good angler might boat 8 to 10 fsh, and 4- to 6-pound hybrids are not uncommon. “A 6-pound hybrid is going to fght like a 10-pound striper,” Moore said.

By Nick Carter

A fy rod is also fun for the mid-lake morning bite. When the water starts moving, hybrids herd shad to the surface and blow up on them in a frenzy. Te action only lasts an hour, but the bite is consistent for two or three weeks during the May shad spawn.

With thousands of newly hatched shad in the water, Cowen’s Somethin’ Else, and Cowen’s Coyote are Moore’s go-to fies. Henry Cowen is a legendary angler and fy tier who developed patterns specifcally for striped bass in Georgia waters. His fies work just as well on hybrids.

Night fshing under the lights is another situation when Moore would rather use a fy rod.

“We don’t have a lot of lit docks here, but the

ones that are lit will be covered with fsh,” he said. Casts must be precise, and the fghts are technical, so Moore reserves night trips for experienced fy fshers.

“You better have that 15-pound leader. A 6-pound hybrid will give you a run for your money,” he said. “Tey’ll run you right back under that dock.”

With the May schooling bite approaching, it’s worth making plans to visit Oconee now…or try these tactics on your local hybrid reservoir.

Contact Wayne Moore at (404) 317-9556 or wmoore1700@outlook.com and check out Oconee on the Fly at www.oconeeonthefy.com.

Cast Lures in a Mitzi Tournament

May 10th & 11th, 2024

Online Registration:

MothersDayDolphinTournament.com

Captain’s Meeting

The Island Fish Co.

Friday May 10th - 6pm to 7pm

Lines In: Saturday, May 11 - 7:30am

Lines Out: Saturday, May 11 - 3:30pm

Weigh-In

Curly’s Cofee

Saturday, May 11th - 3:30pm to 6pm

Awards Banquet

Marathon Yacht Club

Saturday, May 11th - 7pm

Sunday Honor Our Moms

Always in our Hearts JB!

18th Annual Mother’s Day Dolphin Tournament

FISH

An Angler TournamentAngler Entry Fee is a Donation

Catagories

Ladies, Junior (16 and under), Weekend Warrior and Pro Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in all categories

Contact Chris Todd Young at 305-797-5779

Admin@HabitatMiddleKeys.org

Presented by

TROPHY BASS REGS IMPLEMENTED ON ORANGE AND LOCHLOOSA LAKES

Trophy bass fshing in Alachua County was already good. With recently approved regulations intended to grow trophy bass, many anglers and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are hoping it will get even better.

Orange Lake and Lochloosa Lake will both be managed under new regulations, which prohibit killing or possessing any black bass that is 20 inches or longer. Also, the new rules require the use of non-ofset circle hooks when fshing with natural baits longer than 3 inches in length. Te regulations are designed to allow trophy bass to remain in the lakes to grow larger and to minimize injury to fsh caught with natural baits. Bass ofen swallow live baits prior to the hook set, and circle hooks are designed so they are more likely than other hook styles to hook fsh in the lip, rather than in the gullet.

“Florida bass need to have the right genetics and waterbody conditions to grow for a long time,” said FWC Commissioner Gary Lester. “Orange Lake is unique, like in its fuctuations in water levels, that makes ideal conditions for bass to reach record sizes.”

Indeed, Orange Lake has established itself as one of the top trophy bass lakes in the state. It produces numerous 10-plus-pound largemouth bass every year, as documented by the Florida TrophyCatch program. Already in 2024, anglers have caught, released and reported eight 10-pluspounders to the program, and this fgure doesn’t include all the fsh caught by anglers who don’t participate in TrophyCatch. Te largest Orange Lake bass this year, so far, was a monster 13-pound, 4-ounce fsh caught by Luke Bolling on Feb. 15.

Lochloosa is not as much of a trophy bass factory as its sister lake, but it does pump out several 8- to 11-pounders for the Trophy Catch program each year. Both lakes are in Alachua County southwest of Gainesville.

Tese regulations changes support FWC’s eforts to grow larger trophy

bass across the state and allow bass in these lakes to reach their maximum growth potential.

12-year-old Luke Bolling caught this 13-plus-pound Orange Lake bass in February.

FOR THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON

In my years of fshing the Indian River Lagoon, some of my best fshing has been wading.

Tere’s nothing like being in the water with the fsh. It provides advantages you don’t have in a boat. Wading is the most silent and efective way to fsh shallow water. Tere are lots of places you can access the lagoon, and all of them have fsh.

WADERS : You need a pair of chest waders because of the changing water quality, and you can get a good pair for less than $100. Waders protect you from underwater obstacles as well as cold or dirty water. In Florida, neoprene waders are too hot for most of the year. I prefer vinyl waders. If it’s cold, you can wear jogging pants under them.

Waders come with boots attached or sof shoe, which require rubber boots to wear over them. Make sure you don’t get the boot size too small. Wading boots can be very uncomfortable if they are too tight. Wear socks and get a larger boot.

GEAR: I recommend a good spinning reel with a 9- or 10-foot rod for longer casting. I use braided line because it’s strong and the smaller diameter of the line is better for casting. I use 6to 10-pound braid most of the time with 2-foot fuorocarbon leader. I use a 25-pound leader but have used 20- to 40-pound leaders in diferent situations. Carry extra leaders and lures in case your line breaks.

My main lures are search lures for making lots of casts and covering wide areas of water quickly. My favorite lure is a ¼-ounce jig with a sof-plastic body. I use D.O.A. jigs with a chartreuse head rigged with a pearl white paddletail (D.O.A. Shad Tail). It swims but is not erratic, and it’s easy for fsh to locate by sight and vibration. Te other search lures I use are shallow-running crankbaits (Yo-Zuri Inshore in pearl white), topwater lures (Skitterwalk/Zara Spook or Chug Plug), and spoons (Johnson silver or gold). Te jig covers shallow and deep water and can be skipped under piers and mangroves.

WIND: Too much wind, and it’s too hard to fsh. Not enough wind, and the fsh are hard to catch. It’s easier to fsh with the wind at your back because you can cast farther. To get the right wind, you can fsh either the east side or the west side of the lagoon. Most of the time there is an easterly wind. If it’s too windy, fsh around the Stuart bridges, which almost completely block the wind.

LOCATIONS: I wade the southern Indian River Lagoon from Sebastian to Jupiter, mostly between Fort Pierce and Stuart. Here are my favorite spots:

West Side—Walton Road (intersection with Indian River Rd) and Walton Scrub; Midway Road and Old Fort Park in Fort Pierce; and both Stuart Bridges.

April Fishing Forecast:

There’s still a pompano bite on the beaches and in the lagoon. Jig from the bridges or wade while fan casting with jigs. Look for birds and bait to fnd bluefsh, jacks and ladyfsh. Snook will still be deep, but on warm days they will run the beach from the inlets and be around the deeper piers in the lagoon. Redfsh are around the deeper piers.

East Side—Bear Point then Blind Creek in Fort Pierce; North and South Herman’s Bay in St. Lucie; and both Stuart Bridges.

Richard L. Matteson is a long-time contributor to Coastal Angler Magazine who reports for the Stuart Rod and Reel Club.

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Serving Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee, DeSoto, Glades and Hendry Counties

Ron Myrnes

GOLD MEMBER

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SILVER MEMBER

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BRONZE MEMBER

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The New Angler Magazine – Lake Istokpoga/Lake Okeechobee is pleased to announce the New Angler Members Group, and we’d like to invite you to learn more about it and how to become a member.

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But we’re creating this magazine for you, our readers, and we’d like to invite you to become part of the family. As a Gold, Silver, or Bronze member, you’re helping us become financially more vital as we strive to constantly improve the magazine's quality.

GOLD MEMBERSHIP - $100.00: Receive an embroidered Angler Baseball Capand up to 6 months of the Angler magazine mailed to you, regardless of where you live.

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Local Outfitters

Don Norton 863-273-4998

don@theanglermagazine.com

Are you a hunter, as well as an angler? The Angler Magazine – Lake Istokpoga/Lake Okeechobee covers six great hunting and fishing counties in Highlands, Hardee, Hendry, Okeechobee, Glades, and Desoto.

Black Bear Ranch – LaBelle 863-660-4334

Blue Collar Outfitters – LaBelle 904-826-9179

Townsend & Sons Everglades – LaBelle 863-517-4570

Clay Grilly Outfitters – Lorida . 833-464-4868

Chappy’s Outfitters – Moore Haven 863-946-2272

Osceola Outdoors – Moore Haven . 239-253-5878

Big O Hunts – Moore Haven 863-227-0777

Seminole Prairie Safari’s – Okeechobee 863-634-7803

Ron’s Guide Service – Okeechobee 863-866-7667

Kissimmee River Hunt and Fish –Okeechobee . . . . . . . 863-381-8040

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Okeechobee 863 Hunts – Okeechobee 863-634-8109

A3 Outfitters Archery & GunsOkeechobee 863-763-1040

Florida Trophy Outfitters – Okeechobee 239-851-6864

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LaCash Outfitters – Okeechobee . 863-447-7213

Little Lake Lodge – Okeechobee 954-448-0015

Storey Hunts – Okeechobee 863-634-1358

Everglades Adventures – Clewiston 239-404-1950

Everglades Hunting Lodge – Sebring 941-219-5921 Out West Farms – Venus 863-634-3262

Ron’s Guide Service – Venus

LIchtsey Family Ranch – Venus 863-464-0268

Trophy Hammock Outfitters –Wauchula . . . . . . . . . 863-333-5652

Caloosa Outfitters – Wauchula 863-333-5319

Alligator Hunting in Florida –Zolpho Springs . . . . . . . 863-417-9930

Razzor Ranch – Zolpho Springs . . 239-850-3063

Local Small Businesses Sponsors

Help support these small businesses and let them know you saw them in The New Angler Magazine directory

AIRBOAT RIDES

Airboat Wildlife Adventures 863-655-4737

4971 US-98, Sebring

Eagle Bay Airboat Rides .................. 863-824-0500

900 FL-78, Okeechobee

Okeechobee Airboat Rides ............... 863-532-3713

Hwy 78 West, Okeechobee

ARCHERY

*Skull Hill Archery 863-484-0032 1505 Parrott Ave, Okeechobee

BOAT SALES/SERVICE/REPAIR

Lake Placid Marine 863-465-2335

310 US Hwy 27, Lake Placid

McKibben Powersports 863-699-2453

7820 Tractor Rd, Sebring

BOAT/WATERSPORTS RENTAL

*Lake June Pontoon/Jet Ski Rental - lakejunepontoons.com

10 Lake June Clubhouse Rd, Lake Placid 863-464-0236

Lakeview Water Sports 863-253-9568

4281 Lakeview Dr., Sebring

BOAT/WATERSPORTS

Lake June Pontoon/Jet Ski Rental 863-464-0236

HL Bishop Park, Lake Placid - lakejunepontoons.com

CHURCHES

*First Baptist Church ...................... 863-655-1878 1927 Blessing Ave, Lorida

COFFEE SHOPS

Bass Addict Tackle 480-242-3862

490 US Hwy 27, Lake Placid

Owl & Otter Expresso Co . . . . . . . . . 863-531-3308

219 N Main Ave Lake Placid

FISH CAMPS

Hendersons Fish Camp .................. 863-465-21021

35 Henderson Rd, Lake Placid

Mossy Cove Fish Camp 863-655-0119

03 Mossy Cove Dr, Lake Placid

Neibert’s Fishing Resort 863-655-4737

4971 US-98, Sebring

Trails End Fishing Resort 863-655-0134

4232 Trails End, Lorida

FISHING APPAREL/CLOTHING

Shirt Shack 863-314-9212

720 US Hwy 27 N, Sebring

FISHING GUIDES/TOURS

*Angie Doughit ........................... 863-290-3030

Lake Okeechobee Fishing Guide

*Captain Dave Stevens 941-916-5769 www.backbayxtremes.com

*Corky & Tangie’s Guided Bass Fishing Tours

Sebring 606-584-0144

*Poga Boats Crappie/Pan Fishing Tours 937-217-8076 Lake Istokpoga - corky&tangiesguidedfishingtours.com

Ryan' Guide Service 863-458-0266

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FISHING LURES

Bass Addict Tackle ........................ 480-242-3862

490 US Hwy 27, Lake Placid

Fast Break Inc 863-763-0973

1505 FL-78, Okeechobee

Fishbone Tackle 863-531-3699

1451 US Hwy 27, Lake Placid

Garrard’s Tackle Shop 863-763-3416

4375 US-441, Okeechobee

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Lake Placid Marine 863-465-2335

310 US Hwy 27, Lake Placid

Okeechobee Fishing Headquarters 863-763-2248

5286 SW 16th, Okeechobee

FISHING ROD SALES/REPIAR

Red’s Rod Repair & Custom Rods 863-273-4998 3816 Divot Rd, Sebring

Powercore Rods, LLC 256--496-4047

Driscoll Drive, Lake Placid FL

FLEA MARKETS

Firemen’s Field 863- 382-2255 Highlands County Fair Grounds, Sebring

FURNITURE & APPLIANCE

Turner Furniture & Mattress 863-402-1688

2900 US Hwy 27 S, Sebring

ABC Appliance 863-655-499

13611 US-98 , Sebring

Musselman Appliance 863-386--0898

4230 US Hwy 27, Sebring

GOLF COURSE-PUBLIC

River Greens Golf Course 863-453-5210

47 W. Lake Damon Dr., Avon Park

Sebring Golf Club ......................... 863-314-5919

3118 Golfview Rd., Sebring

Sun ‘N Lake /Golf Club .................... 863-385-4830

5223 Tee Time Circle, Sebring

GUN/RANGE/SERVICE & REPIAR

Central Pawn Guns & Ammo .............. 863-699-9006

722 US Hwy 27, Lake Placid

On Target Firearm Service & Repair 863-446-1245

Kenilworth Blvd, Sebring

Spray and Pray Guns & Ammo 863-655-1010

12135 US Hwy 98, Sebring

HEALTH & NUTRITION

ARE Nutrition 863-531-2160

295 E Interlake Blvd, Lake Placid

Food For Thought 863-385-8995

301 Hwy 27 N, Sebring

Good Vibes Juice & Smoothies 480-242-3862

215 N Main, Lake Placid

HEARING AID SPECIALIST

*Lampe & Kiefer Hearing Aid Center 863-202-2323

130 S Commerce Ave, Sebring

HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING

*America First Air Conditioning & Heating 863-273-4998

FL-64, Avon Park

Long’s Air Conditioning 800-725-7571

800 Hwy 27 N, Avon Park

HOME INSPECTION

SUN RAY Home Inspections ...............863- 553-8660

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LOCKSMITH/KEYS

Sebring Lock & Key 863-314-0370

Serves Sebring

MARINA

*Roland Martin Marina & Resort .......... 800-473-6766

Del Monte Ave, Clewiston

PAWN SHOPS

Sebring Pawn & Check Cashing 863-471-0100

419 N Ridgewood Dr., Sebring

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STORAGE RENTAL

Blue Star Outside Storage ................ 863-735-0391

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Clarke Self Storage ....................... 863-465-6424

309 S Main Ave., Lake Placid

Lake & Trail USA Storage 863-357-1890

1200 FL-78, Okeechobee

Okeechobee Store-N-Lock 863-357-2311

4299 US-441, Okeechobee

TAX SERVICE / ACCOUNTING

Heartland Tax & Accounting LLC .......... 863-385-5020

145 Center Ave, Sebring

TIRES

Reds New and Good Used Tires ........... 863-801-4275

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Big T Tire Pros ............................. 863-658-6789

1109 W Main, Avon Park TIRES

*Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce 863-467-6246

www.visitOkeechobeeCounty.com

*

ASK SARA

Catchability of Bass – Recap Rates

Anglers, fishing guides, and bass tournament participants are always curious of the recapture rates on bass. Once a bass gets hooked, what are the chances that the bass will strike a hook again? Similar concerns occur after a big tournament on a lake, where anglers may feel like fishing is slower for a day or two, as fish may not want to strike a worm or lure.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) uses tagging studies to address some of these common thoughts and questions from anglers, as well as to get a better understanding of catch and harvest rates for largemouth bass.

Some tagging studies have results driven by anglers because they can recapture bass that biologists tagged with yellow external dart tags. These tags have been an ongoing study for the past 12 years, and FWC biologists have tagged 1,722 trophy-size bass from 165 public waterbodies within Florida.

Recapture rates for these fish have been as low as 8% to as high as 32%. Similarly, recapture rates for bass that are not trophy sized, but still utilize the yellow external dart tag, see consistent results with anywhere from 20-25% recapture rates up to 365 days post-tagging. Based on these results, it’s likely that you may encounter a bass that has been caught before!

Finally, FWC will conduct research projects using more complex tags. These tagging studies will involve a surgically implanted acoustic tag that sends messages to a digital receiver when a fish passes. Tagging studies involving acoustic tags could address questions around movement or mortality of bass in a waterbody.

For more information, please refer to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Website on largemouth bass research at myfwc.com.

— If you have any comments on any information related in this article, please reach out to Sara Menendez at sara.menendez@myfwc.com.

A FORGOTTEN LAKE

By Ron Myrnes

It appears that numerous lakes in Highlands County have many anglers pursuing fish, while others are mostly quiet.

One of these lakes is Sebring’s namesake, Lake Sebring. Lake Sebring is a 494-acre lake that has a concrete boat ramp with a fixed pier that Highlands County maintains. It is a muck bottom lake, the water being tannin stained with a maximum depth of 17 feet. If you’re looking for a lake to spend some quiet time, this is an ideal spot.

One advantage to fishing a smaller lake is that it doesn’t take long to trav-

el from one end of the lake to the other in search of the wily bass. I’m fortunate to be able to fish during the week, leaving the weekends to the working man. Most days at Lake Sebring, I’m the only one on the lake—several features of the lake help to support the fish population.

Running east/northeast from the boat ramp is a “channel” ideal for trolling with a spoon plug. Also, there are brush piles to provide fish habitat. These features are easily identified on a sonar display. There are boat docks around the lake providing cover, but there are also undeveloped areas with emergent grass. The north end of the lake contains Lilly Pads, Spatterdock, and some fallen timber, which fish call home.

While I haven’t caught anything larger than a 6-pounder on this lake, there are plenty of fish to keep it interesting. The national average catch rate reported for largemouth bass is one per .9 hours or every 54 minutes. On a recent trip there I caught and released seven bass in two hours, no trophies but enough action to keep it interesting while enjoying my time on the water.

Top Angler Profile - Scott Martin

OBy: Don Norton

n Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 Scott Martin won the St. Croix BASSMASTER Open on Lake Okeechobee, setting a 3-day B.A.S.S. OPENS weight record of 90 pounds and 6 ounces.

Growing up in Clewiston, Florida, and the son of legendary bass fisherman Roland Martin, he grew up fishing Lake Okeechobee and was the oddson favorite to win this tournament.

Leading the 3-day event from the first day, Martin averaged five bass weighing 30+ pounds daily. That is pretty remarkable, but catching much of it on film is remarkable.

I watched the final day video on YouTube as he caught and landed his first two giant bass from this incredible fishery. The second bass, also bigger than the first, was caught on a spinning rod.

In an article by David Brown, he wrote, “Bassmaster Elite Series pro Scott Martin’s no weatherman, but his spot-on prediction described a scenario that enabled him to sack up a 31-pound, 7-ounce limit Saturday and lock up a record-setting wire-to-wire victory at the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Lake Okeechobee presented by SEVIIN.

“Whoo! I’ve had to hold it in all week,” said a clearly emotional Martin, who notched his first B.A.S.S. victory. “To win here in front of my mom, in this parking lot where my dad (nine-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year, Roland Martin) won (the 1991 Bassmaster Florida Invitational), it’s just a blessing.

“To have that come full circle and to stand on this stage in front of my family and friends is just so amazing. I’m beyond appreciative of the sport, beyond appreciative of B.A.S.S. This is just special.”

Taking the early lead with a Day 1 limit of 33-2 — the event’s largest — Martin added a second-round bag that went 25-13 and held on to the top spot. After the Day 2 weigh-in, the hometown favorite said he believed the week’s increasingly stable, warming trend could deliver the opportunity he needed to seal the deal.

With Championship Saturday bringing more calm, sunny conditions and slightly warmer water, Martin slammed the door shut with a Day 3 catch that included a pair of 9-pounders he caught about an hour apart.

“This was just an epic day,” Martin said during the Bassmaster LIVE

broadcast. “It was a blessing. Thank you, Jesus.”

With his victory, Martin set the record for the all-time heaviest winning total in a three-day Bassmaster event. Former Elite Series pro Byron Velvick set the previous record in 2000 by catching 83-5 at California’s Clear Lake.

Also, Martin’s Day 1 limit broke the record for the heaviest one-day catch in a Bassmaster Open — a mark previously set by Whitney Stephens’ 32-12 at the 2019 Open on the Harris Chain of Lakes.

“I couldn’t have scripted this any better,” Martin said of his accomplishments. “I just wanted to win a tournament here in front of the hometown crowd at some point in my career. But the records — I had no idea. To win here in front of my mom and dad and to break records, it was just God’s perfect timing.”

Martin edged Tucker Smith of Birmingham, Ala., by a margin of 22-11 and collected the top prize of $50,360. He also qualified for the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors, assuming he fishes the final two Opens in Division 1.

Martin spent his week in the Harney Pond area on the lake’s west side. Fishing in 3 1/2 to 5 1/2 feet of water, he targeted the submerged remnants of cattail clumps.

“I was looking for these clumps on my Garmin Panoptix,” Martin said. “They were like brushpiles. I knew it was going to be a tough tournament, so I knew I had to fish as slow and methodically as I could.

“A lot of tournaments, you run around and you try to do this and that to try and keep your energy level up, but I was the opposite today. I was just covering water and fishing slow.”

While ChatterBaits produced some of his keepers the first two days, Martin caught all of his Championship Saturday fish on a Texas-rigged Googan Baits Bandito Bug and a straight-tail worm, along with a wacky-rigged Googan Baits Lunker Log stickworm.

“ The key was keeping my bait clean,” Martin said. “There’s a lot of muck on the bottom, but I could feel when my bait came into a clean spot, so I would make repeated casts to that spot.”

Martin enhanced his plastics with Bait Pop, a scented paste with visibility-boosting glitter. Also, the additive gave his baits a more well-defined sonar signature, which helped him monitor the presentation and make any necessary adjustments.

Smith finished second with 6811. Keeping himself in the hunt, he took second place on Day 1 with 27-6, remained there with a second-round total of 23-12 and concluded with a Day 3 effort of 17-9.

Queenie

The he Legend of Lake Istokpoga

Capt. Angie Doughit

Okeechobee REPORT & FORECAST

Bass and crappie fishing has been on fire with a record number of big bass, quantity of bass, and crappie limits being caught, so if you haven’t had the chance to book your next fun-filled and educational day fishing Okeechobee, now is the time to book your trip.

—

I can accommodate three people on my boat; multiple trips, as well as meeting customers to fit their schedule. I offer deep hotel discounts and refer you to the best “eats” when in town.

...with that said, the months of April, May, and early June are perfect months to consider fishing and less traffic at the ramps and on the lake.

April typically kicks off the start of the bluegill spawn time of year, which runs through September. I highly recommend avoiding the summer months due to daily rainstorms and high heat temps; with that said, the months of April, May, and early June are perfect months to consider fishing and less traffic at the ramps and on the lake.

Areas to try when bass fishing has been some areas on the Shoal, Monkey Box, and Dupree Bar, around Dyess Ditch, parts of Horse Island, the North end of Tin House, 2nd Point, parts of Kings Bar, and Grassy. On the east side, try areas around Nub N Slough, Hendry Creek, and J & S. Keep in mind water clarity/color.

Areas for crappie fishing have been pretty much the same as for the bass, and again, keep in mind the water clarity/color. Bass lures to consider are worms, swim baits/swim jigs, shallow jerk baits (hard/soft), some top water, flipping/pitching (isolated cover), and shallow crankbaits. Color schemes are shad, bluegill, crawdad, and tilapia. When using the Indian Prairie boat ramp, use extra caution when loading/unloading your boat and with no place to safely get in/out of your boat. Glades County will hopefully fix it soon.

The other three boat ramps used on the west/north sides are in great shape. They are Harney Pond Canal in Lakeport and Scott Driver and Okeetantie on the River in Okeechobee.

To book your next exciting and fun day fishing Okeechobee, call 863228-7263 or log onto www.southfloridabassfishing.com where you can find more trip information, customer reviews, pics, rates and etc.

Sunday

Bible Study — 9:00 am (for all ages)

Morning Worship — 10:30 am

Evening Worship — 6:30 pm

Child care provided

Wednesday

Children’s Service — 6:00 pm

Bible Study & Prayer - 6:30 pm

Jesus said, “Come,” so do we.Come and find the peace this world does not have. Come and find the forgiveness of sins. Come and receive the gift of salvation by grace. Just come and see if Jesus won’t give you real life.

Recipe ofthe Month

Strawberry Angel Food Dessert

Glazed strawberries, angel food cake, and a sweet creamy topping are layered in this colorful, chilled dessert .

Ingredients

• 1 (10 inch) angel food cake

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

• 1 quart fresh strawberries, sliced

• 1 (18 ounce) jar strawberry glaze

Directions

1 Crumble or cut cake into bite-sized pieces Arrange in a 9x13-inch dish; press cake down to form a layer

2 Beat cream cheese and sugar in a medium bowl until light and fluffy Fold in whipped topping; spread cream cheese mixture over cake layer

3 Combine strawberries and glaze in a bowl until strawberries are evenly coated . Spread over cream cheese layer Chill until serving

Prep Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 15 mins

Servings: 18

ISTOKPOGA FISHING FORECAST

Fishing with a “Poga Gal”

The cold fronts and unstable weather were consistent through January and midFebruary this year. Water temps took a sudden dip and remained in the low 60s for most of January.

In mid-February, the water temps rose, and the crappie started showing up more consistently. Once the weather stabilized near the end of Feb, the crappie started moving in for the spawn.

The record for the most crappie caught in my boat this year was broken on February 25th. My clients have been catching very nicesized, healthy-looking crappie this year. Many keepers have measured 12 and 13 inches, with an occasional 14-inch crappie. In past years, it was customary to sacrifice numbers for size; this year is no different.

One thing I have noticed this year that I have not seen a lot in the past is that we are catching several non-keeper-size crappies 4-8 inches long. Of course, those crappies are released unharmed. In my opinion, the small crappie is a sign of a good and healthy fishery.

Fishermen are using techniques such as long polling, dipping, and dabbing minnows with 10 & 11 ft long rods. Specifically, clients in my

boat are using Edgar Rod's “Florida Speck Special” Money Rods. These rods are built for catching crappie, have a soft tip, and plenty of backbone for slinging those big ol crappie in the boat. Dip in holes around the boat; lift the crappie into the boat as the bobber disappears. Countless number of crappie fishermen enjoy jigging for crappie. Edgar Rods has a full line of rods for all types of crappie fishing techniques.

When out on the water, check areas you have not checked before and try to have plenty of crappie fishing spots in mind, several “honey holes”. Check areas with 3 ft of water and visit 2 ft or 5 ft deep water when the bite is tough.

Remember to check along the weed lines near deeper water and look for areas with more than one vegetation type, such as Bullrush and Spatterdock. Tight Lines, my crappie fishing friends.

— “Imma Poga Gal” Tangie Neff.

For more information contact Corky & Tangie’s Bass and Crappie Fishing Tours, Sebring FL www.corkytangiesguidedfishingtours.com | 937-217-8076

Bass & Seasonal Crappie / Bluegill Tours

“My brother and I had a blast fishing with Corky. The fishing was pretty good, as long as you were moving around. Corky never kept us at a standstill, recognizing each time it was time to move to the next one to avoid a doldrum, we were constantly busy. The boat was clean and ready to fish, the waters were cold and Corky was quick and eager to get us fishing. It was a great way to burn up the afternoon, I’m sure we’ll be fishing with Corky again.”

- Christian G

“My father and I had a time crappie fishing with Tangie. The fishing was tough but Tangie was persistent in finding the right spots and we ended up having a very productive day. Plus Tangie is just a joy to be around. Thanks for a great day!”

- David D.

ONE OF THE TOP FEMALE ANGLERS ON LAKE ISTOKPOGA

by Don Norton

Some people grow up fishing, while others are introduced to the sport by their fathers, older brothers, uncles or friends of the family. But Tangie Neff didn’t start bass fishing until about seven years ago, in 2015, when she met her husband, Corky Neff.

Originally from Aberdeen, a small village on the banks of the Ohio River, she and Corky would come down to Florida in three-week intervals until they finally moved to lake Istokpoga in 2017.

Together, they started a company, appropriately named Corky and Tangie’s Bass Fishing Guide Service. It wasn’t long before both Corky and Tangie started making a name for themselves in bass-fishing tournaments like

The Big Show, where they not only won the first couple of tournaments, but Tangie caught the biggest bass.

Spending hours learning to flip and pitch, she learned quickly that bass fishing was pretty serious business to Corky. She learned quickly.

Tangie started a second business named “Poga Boats,” where she takes clients out in her pontoon boat to fish for bass, crappie or bluegill.

As a female angler, Tangie is most proud of how well she’s been accepted by the fishing community. “It means a lot to me,” she said.

Crappie season on Lake Istokpoga is normally the best from January to May, but Tangie knows the crappie don’t just disappear. They simply move out of the vegetation into deeper water.

“I love taking clients in my pontoon boat. It’s got so much room and it’s far more comfortable than a bass boat,” she said in a recent interview.

“And as much as I love bass fishing, catching crappies is a whole lot easier.”

“Sometimes the action is so fast, furious, the time just fly’s by, and the customers have the time of their life catching braggin’ sized crappies.”

Crappie season on Lake Istokpoga is normally the best from January to May, but Tangie knows the crappie don’t just disappear. They simply move out of the vegetation into deeper water.

“You can catch crappie all year long, but it takes a little more patience. Drift-fishing and slow-trolling are the best techniques throughout summer and fall, with the added bonus of catching bluegills, shellcrackers, catfish and an occasional bass.”

— If you’re interested in an opportunity to catch some good-eating crappies, give Tangie a call at 937-217-8076. You can also check them out at www. corkytangiesguidedfishingtours.com

Why support your local pro shop?

Having a great bow technician you can trust isn’t something you can order off the internet. Nor is it easily accessible at most big box stores. Rather than hiring based on expertise, the position is filled quickly with a willing vessel. Not saying its impossible for these big stores to have people with knowledge but it is not an easy find. One must also be weary of counterfeit parts available so easily accessible via the internet these days. Quick and convenient doesn’t always mean quality.

So what are the benefits to visiting these small businesses?

A major one is customer service. A professional bow shop does whatever it takes to make sure their customers never feel like they are just number. Sometimes that means going the extra mile where others won’t. Having genuine care for the archers and future archers that frequent these shops. Whether that’s staying late, loaning bows to save a hunt or even simply answering questions to help you better understand archery. This is what sets professional archery shops apart from the rest.

Piggy backing off of that. Getting a bow set up is no easy feat. Its not like in the gun world where you can just pick up your piece and have it sighted in after a couple shots at the range. Building a bow and getting fitted for the one shooting has a lot of steps in order for it to be successful. One of the biggest hurdles that we see in the shop is proper bow fitment. For example having the appropriate draw length, peep height as well as paper tuning the bow to the person is essential for accurate shooting. This gets overlooked in many cases. New archers will quit archery because they aren’t set up to be at their best. It gets very disheartening to give it your all but your equipment is lacking in performance.

Another benefit of brick and mortar establishment is when something goes bad with your bow, these shops have spent the money to make sure they can assist you with getting your bow back to par. Pro shops are extensions of the bow manufacturer. So when a situation may arise with your rig they have the ability to fix the problem the correct way with the correct parts. Just as if you had shipped it off to the manufacturer yourself. Sometimes even better.

In conclusion, the list could go on and on to the point we could write an entire book on how important and necessary a professional bow shop is. If you are interested in getting into archery or are already involved these establishments are necessary for your success on the line or in the woods. Here at Skull Hill Archery we pride ourselves in being one of those shops. If you have any questions or need anything for your archery venture please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

FULL SERVICE PRO SHOP

A FlyboardAdventureCHASING DREAMS:

By Kristen Smoyer

In 2014, my journey with flyboarding began, and I was introduced to this exhilarating sport that would change my life forever. What started as a mere invitation to learn and teach flyboarding soon evolved into a deep-seated passion that would lead me to new heights—literally and figuratively.

As I delved deeper into the world of flyboarding, I found more than just a sport; I found a family. The fellow athletes I met along the way quickly became more than friends; they became my support system, my inspiration, and my family.

One of the pivotal moments in my flyboarding journey came in 2014 when I had the honor of meeting Ben Merrell, the men’s world champion. Watching his awe-inspiring videos, I was mesmerized by his ability to develop new tricks effortlessly. Encouraged by Ben, I decided to take my flyboarding journey to the next level and participate in competitions.

In 2015, my dedication and hard work paid off when I clinched third place in the Women’s North American Flyboard Championship. This victory not only boosted my confidence but also earned me a spot in the prestigious World Championship held in Dubai. I once again secured third place, solidifying my position among the top flyboarders in the world.

One of the most memorable experiences in my flyboarding career was the opportunity to train as a team and participate in a documentary filmed in Thailand. It was a humbling experience to learn from the best in the sport and further hone my skills.

However, my journey with flyboarding was not without its challenges. Two of my biggest fears—heights and drowning—were constantly put to the test. However, I embraced these fears head-on, using them as fuel to propel me higher and further in the sport.

Since then, my flyboarding journey has taken me worldwide, from France to Dubai, Columbia to China, Japan, and beyond. I have had the privilege of performing at prestigious events such as the Super Bowl and the Daytona 500 and have been featured in various media outlets, including Harper’s Bazaar magazine, a Nickelodeon show, and the big screen in Bad Boys For Life.

But beyond the thrill of competition and the excitement of performing on a global stage, my true passion lies in teaching. I love sharing my knowledge and expertise with the youth, inspiring them to push beyond their limits and achieve their dreams. This passion has fueled my competitive drive and instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility, never to give up, no matter how tough the challenge.

My journey with flyboarding has been nothing short of extraordinary. It has taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, determination, and the power of chasing your dreams. As I continue to embark on new adventures and push the boundaries of what is possible, I am grateful for the incredible journey that flyboarding has taken me on. I look forward to sharing my passion for watersports with others for years to come.

Inspired by my love and the joy of being on the water, I started Lake June Pontoons, a boat and jet ski rental operation in Lake Placid, Florida. Here, I strive to create a space where people can experience some of the joy and excitement watersports brought into my life.  It’s a place where my family and I can enjoy the beauty of freshwater lakes and raise my son surrounded by the stunning natural landscape we call home. If you want to make forever memories with your family on the water, come see me at Lake June Pontoons, 10 Lake June Clubhouse Rd. Lake Placid, FL 33852, or give us a call at 863-464-0236 — Voted BEST Boat Rental in Florida - Guide

Capt. Dave Stephens'

The Past Winter

As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. Well, I, for one, hope the rain holds off as we deal with an interesting winter, January and February being colder than normal, very wet and blowing. Let’s hope it settles down and gets back to our normal patterns.

Over the past couple of weeks water temps starting to stay in the 70-degree range means that the snook will come out and play. I love to fish for big snook, and this is one of the best times of the year to do that. I have been having excellent success on my charters catching some real nice fish.

If you live close to any of our local rivers, or the weather is not cooperating, you can still have a great day fishing. Also, the local flats and mangrove shorelines are doing very well, and many different areas are holding tremendous numbers of fish.

Redfish have been very productive on the higher tides along the mangrove shorelines. I look for the green bushy overhangs. On the lower tides, the reds have been holding in the potholes just off the mangroves. This time of year, stealth is essential due to the clear water. I highly recommend that you anchor your boat as far as possible and make a soft presentation. (In other words, be quiet.)

If you would like to experience some of Charlotte Harbor’s finest fishing, give us a call or send an email. All of our charters are private and customized to fit you and your party’s needs.

The Braggin’ Board

Everett Green

Cindy Lewis

John Perdue

Gerry Brousseau and grandson Hunter

McKaelyn Green

Richard Faubion

Dave Overstreet

With 16-Inch & 12-Inch Heavy Duty Beach Wheels, Custom Axle Kits & Pompano Rigs!

16-INCH:

$129.99/Pair with Bushings

$169.99/Pair with Bearings

12-INCH:

$119.99/Pair w/Bushings

$159.99/Pair w/Bearings

• Fits 3/4 Axles

• 350 lb. Weight Capacity Per Pair

• Stainless Steel Needle Roller Bearings

We Sell 3/4 In. Solid Aluminum Axle Kits for $34.99!

WIN A LOADED ’YAK IN FWC’S TRIPLE THREAT THROWDOWN

The second season of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Triple Treat Trowdown runs from March 1 to Sept. 29, and Triple Treat Club members have a chance to win an awesome fshing kayak bundle valued at more than $4,500.

779.770.2100

Te Trowdown is a part of FWC’s Catch a Florida Memory, which is intended to enhance and increase participation in saltwater fshing. Te Triple Treat Club is for anglers who have achieved all three of Catch a Florida Memory’s recognition programs: Saltwater Grand Slam, Saltwater Reel Big Fish and Saltwater Life List 10 Fish Club. Anglers who reach Triple Treat Club status will be entered into a drawing for the kayak bundle afer the Trowdown season ends on Sept. 29. Anglers who are already in the Triple Treat Club will receive a drawing entry for each new recognition they earn during the challenge period.

“Building of of last year’s successful season, we are excited to announce Season 2 of Catch a Florida Memory’s Triple Treat Trowdown with an even bigger prize from our generous sponsors,” said Jessica McCawley, director of Marine Fisheries Management. “We encourage anglers to get out on the water, make Florida memories and help conserve fsheries by targeting a diversity of species.”

One lucky angler will be randomly drawn to win a top-of-the-line kayak fshing bundle valued at over $4,500. Tis bundle includes a Bonafde P127 kayak, a premium Mustad fshing gear bundle and kayak safety kit. Te award is made possible by Bonafde, Mustad and Russ Vorhis Insurance AgencyState Farm.

Find out how to qualify for the drawing at CatchaFloridaMemory.com.

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SPRING fiSHING CLASSIC EVENT SAVE UP TO $4,000

SPRING fiSHING CLASSIC EVENT SAVE UP TO $4,000

ENDS MARCH 27TH, 2024

ENDS MARCH 27TH, 2024

FLORIDA LITHIUM: BEST-IN-CLASS BATTERIES AND SERVICE

While working for his father’s transformer company, Deltona Transformers, in the 80s, Mike Prelec Sr. identifed an opportunity to provide a smarter battery charging solution to the bass fshing industry. Subsequently, Mike Sr. and the engineers at Deltran designed and built the global brand Deltran BatteryTender®, a leader in battery chargers and accessories.

Fast forward 40 years, and Mike Sr. parlayed his experience with electronics to test and scrutinize a new generation of high-quality, fast-charging lithium batteries. Mike established a central Florida test lab and began ordering samples from several overseas manufacturers. Even the platinumtier manufacturers provided varying quality in components, cells, boards and overall inconsistent construction. Several years later, with a select group of top-tier vendors, Florida Lithium was launched to provide bestin-class deep cycle-dual purpose (800 cranking amps) LifePO4 batteries that meet or exceed all Mercury requirements for lithium batteries. Today, Florida Lithium’s product line ranges from 12V, 36V and 48V batteries, providing versatile options for cranking, house electronics, or trolling motor applications. Teir DeLand warehouse is available for pickups Monday through Friday (by appointment only), and they ofer shipping nationwide. Florida Lithium also provides batteries and accessories to marine dealers, boat builders and marine service/repair shops throughout the Southeast.

Tere is no doubt you can fnd cheap lithium batteries on Amazon or other marketplaces, but when push comes to shove, some of those poorly constructed batteries will fail, leaving you with a very expensive paperweight and the inability to get anyone (stateside) on the phone. Florida Lithium’s customer support team actually speaks English, and in the event you reach their voicemail, a member of the team will respond in a timely manner.

Florida Lithium is proud to provide Florida-based customer service and technical support, coupled with a no-nonsense fx, repair or replace warranty. Lead-acid batteries are quickly becoming a thing of the past. If you are looking for a powerful, lightweight and reliable battery upgrade, Florida Lithium has you covered. Teir team is made up of Florida-based boaters and fsherman, and they understand what’s required to maximize your on-the-water experience.

By Scott Goodman

Custom Spliced Dock Lines & Anchor Rodes

Jimmy Johnson Dishes on quEst foR tHE RINg

Jimmy Johnson’s Quest for the Ring Championship Fishing Week is an annual South Florida event that is renowned for a guaranteed milliondollar-plus purse. It’s the largest guaranteed prize for fshing in the world, so far as we are aware. Te “real prize” is the chance for one team to win diamond-studded Super Bowl-caliber rings that rival any awarded by the NFL.

Te event’s namesake is, of course, legendary Hall of Fame football coach Jimmy Johnson, who is now a fxture in the South Florida fshing community. I had a chance to sit down with Coach to pick his brain about the tournament.

Johnson grew up on the Gulf Coast of Texas and loved saltwater from the get-go. “Daddy had a little14 foot wooden boat in Galveston,” he recalled. Johnson fshed as a child and developed a passion during his time as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

“I liked to get out in the boat early and fsh by myself,” he said. “I found fshing to be so peaceful as opposed to the stress of coaching pro football. I just love it. I have caught and released fve blue marlin by myself… but my favorite fsh is the wahoo because they just scream. I’ll fast troll with lures or slow troll with a ballyhoo and a cigar weight.”

Coach Johnson’s tournament started as a local Florida Keys event.

“Well, it started as a small tournament in the Keys centered around my restaurant, Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill,” he said. “Since bringing on the crew at Fish Hard Events, it has become the enormous experience it is today.”

Jimmy Johnson’s Quest for the Ring Championship Fishing Week, or JJFISHWEEK, includes the main event, the two-day Catch & Release ‘Quest for the Ring’ Championship, featuring a $1 million guaranteed purse; JJ’s National Sportfsh Tournament, for the meat fsh afcionados; and the inviteonly Hard Rock Invitational.

Tis year’s JJFISHWEEK concluded March 9 with an awards ceremony at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. Coveted championship rings were awarded to Owner Sandra MacMillan, Capt. John Louis Dudas and Team Sandman, aboard a 63-foot Spencer, which earned them a cool $300,000. Tis marks Sandman’s third championship, having clinched the title in 2018 and 2020.

Obviously, the money and fshing are big-time, but Johnson likes how the event engages the fshing community and gives back. Tis year’s event raised more than $100,000 for the CI Foundation, which will be gifed to its charitable benefciaries.

“I love the people that it brings together,” he said. “We also have a number of charities that we support. My son has the Tranquil Shores Foundation, which is a drug and alcohol abuse center. He’s got a foundation for people who can’t aford treatment.”

Te next stop for Jimmy Johnson’s Quest for the Ring is an inaugural Atlantic City, New Jersey tournament July 14-20. Next year’s Florida event is slated for March 4-8, 2025. For more information JJFishWeek.com.

Scott Goodman is Co-publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine/Miami.

WORK THE EDGES FOR

SPRING INSHORE ACTION

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

As the seasons change, so should your fshing locations and tactics. In my quest to target larger trout and reds, I modify my approach slightly versus what I have been doing for the past three or four months. However, depending on the weather, spring can be a tricky time to fnd solid and repeatable patterns. With the water temperature swings, the fsh begin to move from winter to spring areas. But a slight cold front will send them right back to their winter patterns, and it will keep you on your toes.

Te frst major transition is from mud to a frmer sand bottom. In my area, the prominent structure will still be grass, but the base sediment will change. If your area structure is shell or rocks, you will still want to fnd harder sand. According to biologists, the primary reason for this is the winter forage, primarily mullet, fnd their food source in the mud during the colder months. We all know fsh follow the bait, and that is why we target trout and reds on sofer bottoms in the winter. As the water warms, the next generation of perch shrimp and other species hatch and will be found in structure with a frm bottom. In my area, that will be grass.

Now that we know where to fsh, let’s cover the how. In spring, staying tight to the cover is important. It is imperative for juvenile forage to stay in tight schools and intermingled in the structure for survival. Keeping your lure near the grass, shell, or wherever you are fshing will be critical to success. I target the borders where sand and grass meet. Each area will vary depending on if it is predominantly sand or grass. If it is mostly grass, I concentrate my eforts casting into the grass and working my lure into the sand, paying attention to the edge and giving the fsh time to fnd my lure at that intersection. On the other hand, if it is mostly sand, I will target the grass patches and once again the edge.

Spring allows us to utilize a wide range of lures. Sof plastics danced along the bottom or topwaters skated across the surface can both be efective, depending on the mood of the fsh. Tis will be determined by water temp and the passing of late-season cool fronts.

Whatever lure you decide to use, concentrate on the edges of the available cover to increase your odds of having a productive day. As always, take a kid fshing; you just might learn something.

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES ®

FISHING THE SECOND SHIFT

Spring is one of my favorite times of year for many species on the inshore menu, including red drum, snook and trout. I usually fsh at night for several reasons including my “day job,” which keeps me occupied for a vast majority of daylight hours. I guess I could become a weekend warrior, but I’ve noticed the best weather typically doesn’t occur on weekends. Tere’s an old saying that goes something like this: “You know what happens afer two days of really crappy weather?”

“MONDAY!”

All joking aside, I believe the best bite for older, wiser, heavily pressured fsh is at night. Tey’re a little more at ease afer the sun goes down and the boat trafc lets up. Tis is when the big girls let their guard down and come back into shallower water to feed. Wherever you fnd shrimp and small mullet along the edges is a good place to take advantage of aggressively feeding redfsh, trout or snook afer dark. Te patterns are similar for all of them.

Just before dark is a good time to get situated to the rising or falling tide and the water clarity, which might be afected by

frequent rains this time of year. Get used to your surroundings and how fast the current is running. Keep the lights low, and allow your night vision to kick in as darkness settles.

Music on the boat is fun, but this is a situation when you’ll want to be quiet. Don’t play the radio loud or stomp around on the deck. Close your coolers and hatches quietly. Try not to talk are laugh too loud. Sound travels extremely well in the water, and when the rest of the world is quiet, the noise you make is even more startling to the fsh.

I don’t even use “spot lock” on the trolling motor at night in shallow water. I think fsh have learned to associate the sound of trolling motors with the presence of a boats and humans… just saying. Make your own choice here.

Color selection is a very important at night. Dark colors, especially with shrimp lures, work better at night, especially when there is a bright moon. It might sound crazy, but dark colors are silhouetted by the moonlight and are easier for fsh to see. Dark brown, purple and black can be extremely hot on nights with a full or nearly full moon.

I’m partial to shrimp imitations, and a lot of times I’ll suspend one under a glowin-the-dark cork for night fshing. Tat cork carries it along perfectly with the current and you can keep your eyes on where your bait is, which is one of the difculties of fshing at night.

If you’re like me and have a job that keeps you occupied during the day, consider fshing the second shif. You might be pleasantly surprised.

See more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com.

Tim Barefoot

By A. deGruchy

CHASING BACKCOUNTRY COBIA in the Keys

Cobia are robust, daring, and always up for a challenge. You know you’re in for some fun when you spot them cruising near the surface, sometimes in pairs or groups, hounding baitfsh like a wolfpack or drawn in by curiosity at the action around your boat. If you’re geared up and ready for them, a little fnesse will have you luring them in like a pro.

Location is key. When fshing for cobia in the backcountry here in the Florida Keys, we look for them to be around structures, wrecks and foating debris, ofen roaming the same areas in groups. Tey’re not pickiest eaters. Pitch a live bait out in front of them, and they’ll usually eat it, and we’ve also had great success with a Savage Gear RTF 3D Shrimp.

Te action when using these Savage Gear shrimps is a hard jerking lif, then letting your shrimp fall, mimicking a shrimp’s natural actions. For the battle, the optimal gear is at least a 4500 reel, but you really don’t need more than a 6500, and we always trust our Penn Authority and pair it with a medium/medium-light Carnage III Rod for maximum control and power.

Te most important thing to remember when hooking a cobia is to be ready, as it’s very common to spot “following” cobia. Tey ofen travel together and like to investigate what your hooked cobia is doing and eating. Tese “followers” can lead to an epic double header, but only if you have enough rods rigged and ready on the boat and hands to cast them.

Cobia are known for powerful runs, ofen scoping up and switching directions in a split second. Keep calm, adjust your drag, and let them exhaust themselves. Stay alert as you reel in your cobia, as they are known for sudden maneuvers, and will sometimes dart under the boat in a heartbeat. And the fght doesn’t end even afer you’ve gafed a cobia. Exercise caution when you bring them over the rail and onto the deck because they ofen cause havoc on the boat. It’s best to tire them out completely during the fght to minimize potential damage.

Since regulations frequently change with cobia, staying informed is important. One keeper cobia can feed a lot of people. Teir meat is known for its steak-like texture and delicate favor, perfect for a mouthwatering sear with butter and seasoning.

For the best shot at spotting a cobia, consider booking a full-day charter. Tis helps your chances to see one, and the timing should be pretty solid for in the upcoming weeks.

Book a charter at www.beansportfshing.com and follow their cobia adventures at “Bean Sportfshing TV” on YouTube.

PRE-SPAWN FISH

BREAK STATE RECORDS

Along with blooms on the trees and frogspawn in the ponds, the annual rites of spring include an uptick in anglers reporting heavyweight catches.

A spate of recent record catches marks the transition to longer days, warmer weather and spring-spawning species putting on weight. In Indiana, an angler caught a monster 8-pound, 4-ounce smallmouth bass that crushed the existing state record by a pound. In Kentucky and Georgia, two anglers boated big yellow perch. Te Kentucky perch set a new state record, while the Georgia fsh earned the angler a tie for the heaviest perch ever caught in the Peach State.

In Indiana, angler Rex Remington caught his big pre-spawn smallie on March 3 at Monroe Reservoir. Te fsh was weighed on certifed scales in the presence of Indiana DNR ofcials before being released. Te new record was adopted a couple weeks later and is listed at 8 pounds, 4 ounces, beating a record that had stood since 1992. Te all-tackle world record smallmouth weighed 11 pounds, 15 ounces. It was caught from Dale Hollow Lake, Tennessee in 1955.

Smaller, but no-less-impressive, Lynn Bumgardner caught his 1.58-pound Kentuckyrecord yellow perch at Lake Barkley on March 2. It beat the existing 1.44-pound record caught in 2010. He was trolling grubs for crappie and knew

he had a heavy fsh when it hit, but he didn’t realize it was a potential record perch until it surfaced. Te fsh was 14.25 inches long.

Tey must grow perch bigger in Georgia. On Feb. 18, Emerson Mulhall caught a huge 16-inchlong, 2-pound, 9-ounce yellow perch that tied the existing state record set in 2013. Mulhall, who usually bass fshes at north Georgia’s Lake Burton was initially confused, because the fsh he’d hooked didn’t fght like a bass. When he realized it was a perch, his father convinced him to get of the lake and go get it weighed on certifed scales.

Te all-tackle world record yellow perch is reported by IGFA to have weighed 4 pounds, 3 ounces. Tat fsh was caught in New Jersey in 1865.

For more record fsh, go to coastalanglermag.com.

TIPS FROM A PRO

HOW TO FIND AND TARGET THE POST-SPAWN FEED

In some parts of the country, the bass spawn is already coming to an end like it is down here in Florida. In others the post-spawn might not start up for another couple months. Regardless of your phase, this post-spawn fshing tip should help you dial in your fshery when the time is right for you.

One thing is the same for every fshery and every species of bass afer they spawn, they are hungry! Tis can create some awesome and fun fshing opportunities. Post-spawn bass have provided some of my best days on the water.

Typically, afer the largemouth bass spawn, there are other fsh that begin their spawn. I’m not a scientist, but I’m sure this has a lot to do with the specifc timing of why bass do their thing when they do. In most areas of the southern United States, bluegill and ofentimes shad start to spawn very shortly afer the bass fnish up. Afer a long couple weeks or months protecting eggs in the shallows, bass use every advantage they can to feed when these baitfsh group up, and this can make for some fun fshing.

Smallmouth bass and spotted bass in the post-spawn phase are very similar to largemouths when it comes to taking

advantage of bait schools. I have seen them group up and attack shad, perch and alewife schools and any other bait that is readily available. Typically, I do a lot of my searching for these things with my electronics and forward-facing sonar, which is a very helpful tool for learning fsh activity and seeing what’s going on under the surface of the water.

Most of the time you don’t necessarily need electronics. You can use clues visible to the naked eye to help you fnd this “feed” that is going on. Birds feeding on the water is an awesome sign of a feeding frenzy, and it’s one thing I always look for. Also, always keep your eyes peeled for fsh blowing up on the surface or shad fickering under the surface. Sometimes the very smallest clue can lead you to much larger picture. Birds standing on specifc banks, the sound of bluegill popping around vegetation, anything that clues you in to bait in the area usually means the bass aren’t very far away.

Hopefully this tip will help you when the fsh in your area get into the post-spawn feed. Find the bait, and you will fnd the bass!

I try to imitate the prevalent baitfsh with whatever kind of lure I’m throwing. For bluegill eaters, I will throw a frog or a swimjig in bluegill colors. For shad eaters, I will throw white or silver topwaters and crankbaits.

Always match the hatch if possible. Good luck out there this season, and tight lines!

Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfshing.com.

TYLER WOOLCOTT

READY FOR

By Will Schmidt

RED GROUPER

With gag grouper closed until late summer for many of us, it is time to be out looking for red grouper to fll our tacos this spring and summer. Fortunately, they are aggressive eaters if you’re willing to make the extra efort to go to their feeding grounds. In general, to get to decentsized reds, you’ll need to head a bit farther out, with the best fshing being found in 80 feet or deeper, especially as the water warms. You are still looking for the same type of environment; Swiss cheese bottom, ledges and artifcial reefs can all hold good numbers of quality fsh.

Te tactics are the same and simple. Tey will eat dead or live bait in most cases. Tat said, I found a combination of the two to be the best bet. I like to start with “stinky bait.” Dropping some frozen squid or menhaden is a great way to get the bite going. Once the bite starts, which is usually quickly if they are around, I like to switch to palm-size live pinfsh to entice the bigger fsh. While dead bait and jigs will certainly get you keepers, the larger fsh are quicker to hit a live bait.

Rigs are simple. Circle hooks must be used with natural bait and 5/0 to 7/0 hooks will do the trick. I prefer to use about 2 feet of leader, then a swivel and my weight, and a knocker rig will also work. A minimum of 50-pound fuorocarbon leader is recommended, as they will run for a hole in the rocks once hooked. Keep a close eye on your leaders, as they tend to get chafed when the fshing is good.

Even though red grouper are typically smaller than gags, I still use my goto big grouper set up, as at these depths you could get a big gag or other sea monster. Fortunately, new lighter combos like the Accurate BV600 reel and 70H rod make a full day of fshing more fun and less fatiguing. Tese two-speed reels have a patented twin drag that will stop the hardiest of fsh, and with that winching power you can use a lighter more parabolic rods to handle the biggest of bottom fsh. Line is important too. Te lack of stretch in braid is a must for landing big grouper. A minimum of 65-pound test, and a metered braid like the Nomad Panderra 8x is great for knowing how close you are to the bottom. Moreover, these rods are sensitive enough to do double duty as trolling rods for kings, sails and mahi.

While they might not be quite as big as some of their cousins, red grouper are great table fare, and it is hard to turn down a grouper taco, no matter what variety it is.

Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about fshing from more than two decades.

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