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A V A I L A B L E
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BOOST YOUR CATCH w/RezBoostTM Technology
Interested in getting the most out of your own trusted transducer, or not sure you’re ready for the expense of installing a new CHIRP transducer? Furuno has a solution that will get the very best performance from your traditional narrowband transducer. Our RezBoostTM Fish Finders deliver clearer images than ever before, we’re talking up to 8x sharper. Whether it’s NavNet TZtouch2 or the FCV588/FCV628 stand-alone Fish Finders, RezBoostTM will boost your catch!
Get up to 8x sharper resolution, using a standard narrow band transducer, to more clearly define fish targets.
Assess individual fish size and depth based on echo strength for fish from 4 inches to over 6 feet.
Identify the sea floor composition from four types (Rocks/Sand/Gravel/Mud).
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BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : Chris Milner • (321) 631-1001 • cmilner@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA BEACH : Don Meadows • (321) 436-5895 • donm@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com
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Laura Tiger • (757) 707-9655 • laura@coastalanglermagazine.com
WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD : Kenny Ritter • (910) 550-9094 • kenny@coastalanglermagazine.com
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GULF COAST MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Adam Nelson • (228) 627-5903 • anelson@coastalanglermagazine.com
Owning a Fishing Magazine
This edition of the magazine is being brought to you by your local publisher. Their contact information is shown on the left of this page. They’re doing a great job to make sure that you receive accurate fishing forecasts and marine related information every month. They also ensure that you can easily find a copy of the magazine throughout your community. They also make sure that this magazine continues to be available to you for free. As you read the magazine, you’ll notice that business owners place their ads in the magazine. That’s what keeps this magazine free to the public. Your local publisher of the magazine would appreciate you letting these businesses know that you saw their ad in the magazine and that you appreciate their support of this resource. Our publishers do a great job of providing this resource to your community. You might even consider sending them an email or a call to let them know you appreciate what they do. Everybody enjoys hearing “Good job” from time to time. If you or someone you know would be interested in learning about our franchise opportunities, we would love to hear from you. We want to expand our magazine throughout the country. Owning your own fishing magazine requires hard work and dedication, but it can be a very rewarding profession. Some say “the best job you’ll ever have.” We currently have over 30 locations, and we have been franchising the magazine for 10 years. If you would like to turn your passion for the outdoors into a profession, give us a call. We may have just what you’ve been looking for. Best regards,
Toby Nelson • (228) 623-1761 • tnelson@coastalanglermagazine.com
GREAT LAKES WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com
INTERNATIONAL PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers. SAFETY
Ben Martin Editor in Chief info@coastalanglermagazine.com
1-888-800-9794
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Outdoor Apparel FISH HIPPIE FLATWATER COLLECTION SHUCKERHUT PLAID Those who live an outdoor life should be able to represent it in their casual lives as well as “out there.” That’s the idea behind Fish Hippie, which was created by anglers who favor good times with friends, time on the water and “drifting off course” as often as life allows. New for spring 2018 from the Fish Hippie Flatwater Collection, the Shuckerhut Plaid blends on-the-water comfort with casual style of the highest quality. Designed with comfort and versatility in mind, the Shuckerhut delivers a silky-smooth touch with an apt range of movement and flexibility. Hidden-button collars prevent dreaded “collar flare,” while double chest pockets and two back shoulder pleats converge for an elevated level of functional, yet casual, style. The specially created four-way stretch fabric is 30+ upf, wrinkle and stain resistant and is easily worn fishing, as well as to the office or a night on the town. The Flatwater Collection is the latest offering from Fish Hippie for those more at home on the road less traveled. Learn more about Fish Hippie and survey all the lifestyle-driven gear and apparel at www.fishhippie.com.
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L.L.BEAN ULTIMATE FISHING SHIRT L.L.Bean recently introduced its new Ultimate Fishing Shirt, and it’s exactly what you need for a long day on the flats or a wade trip up your favorite stream. The Ultimate Fishing Shirt is a technical fishing shirt, thoughtfully designed with a combination of fabrics for ease of movement, comfort and durability. It looks good and keeps you dry with moisturewicking fabrics, but what makes it the Ultimate Fishing Shirt is its ability to provide protection from both biting insects and the sun’s harmful rays. With UPF 50+ sun protection and No Fly Zone technology to repel insects, this shirt eliminates two of the most prominent factors that lead to discomfort on the water. It features four chest pockets to hold essential gear, it can be worn tucked or untucked, the sleeves can be rolled up and secured, and an extended collar unrolls from hidden snaps to provide added protection from the sun. The slightly fitted design offers a relaxed fit through the chest and sleeve, with a slightly slimmer waist to both look good and provide for unhindered movement. The Ultimate Fishing Shirt is available in Dusty Sage, Marine Blue and Graystone colors.
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CAPSMITH REEL ANGLER HEADWEAR
SHIMANO EVAIR BOAT SHOES
Do you need custom headwear? Capsmith Inc. is the No. 1 trusted source for fishing and outdoor enthusiasts with more than 33 years of experience in the headwear industry. A wholesale distributor of fishing headwear, Capsmith has a line of stylish hats designed specifically for anglers. Their Reel Angler headwear collection celebrates life out on the water. Their in-stock Reel Angler collection comes in a variety of cool fish designs including dolphin, marlin, tarpon, sailfish, yellowfin, bass, snook, seatrout and redfish. These five-panel caps feature sublimation printed crown and bill inspired by nautical maps. A 3D embroidered Reel Angler logo on crown adds a premium look to this one-of-a-kind cap that features an extended bill with a green undervisor to avoid water glare. A soft performance mesh back and snapback closure ensures comfort for extended wear. Wholesalers, distributors or custom-made customers can contact Capsmith at 1-800-228-3889 or sales@capsmith.com.
Perfect on the deck of or a boat, Shimano’s new Evair boat shoes offer both style and function for all kinds of fishing. The ultra lightweight EVA midsole provides all-day comfort, and if they get wet, the upper mesh is made from a quick dry fabric. The heel can be bent down to wear like a sandal. Relying on its expertise with cycling shoes from its bicycle components division, and Shimano’s success with its Evair marine/ fishing sandal and award-wining Evair flats boots, Evair boat shoes include design features like a exposed EVA soft material on the inside front sole to better grip a trolling motor pedal. The non-marking sole is welcomed on any boat, plus it provides traction on a wet surface. Designed, developed and manufactured by Shimano, Evair boat shoes are offered in two colors – blue and navy – and in whole sizes from 7 through 13.
WWW.CAPSMITH.COM COLUMBIA PFG SOLAR SHADE ZERO
This woven button-up, longsleeved shirt is fully featured with Columbia’s new Omni-Shade Sun Deflector and OmniFreeze Zero to help keep you cool and protected for long days on the water. This key style for Columbia PFG is strategically zoned and offers the sun-deflecting dots exactly where you need it on the shoulders and back, to help protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays. In addition, this shirt has a sun protection collar, roll-up sleeves, rod holder and Light Rail zippered chest pockets.
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CAPITAL SPORTSMAN ULTIMATE HYBRID The Ultimate Hybrid from Capital Sportsman is more than a great fishing shirt. Capital Sportsman set out to design one shirt that would be functional for any outdoor activity, while being stylish enough for indoor activities – the ultimate
hybrid shirt. Available in three original patterns, four solid colors and limited-edition seasonal patterns, it was designed for comfort and is made of a 100% cotton twill fabric with a baby-soft hand. It also has a special “soft-as-butter” under the arms and in a back vent which provides exceptional ventilation. A relaxed fit provides freedom of movement for casting. Other features include a roll-up sleeve tab, two easy-access chest pockets and a secured zipper pocket for important documents such as a license or passport. There is also a utility loop, which is important if you need to keep that extra fly handy. The Ultimate hybrid already has people talking. Cory “Ruthless” Routh of Ruthless Outdoor Adventures said the Ultimate Hybrid is, “more comfortable than anything I’ve ever tried on. I can go from the field to the office, no problem.”
WWW.CAPITALSPORTSMAN.COM
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Product Reviews
SIMMS CHALLENGER JACKET
KLUCH MAKIN’ MOVES COLLECTION
From bitter early morning cold through late-afternoon storms, the outside elements can be a distraction when you’re zoning in on the end of your line. Simms’ men’s Challenger Jacket fights back against the elements with heavy-duty Toray fabric and fully taped seams for completely waterproof, breathable comfort. Fleece-lined pockets warm your hands in the most numbing weather. An adjustable storm hood packs away in the collar, and a storm flap with water-resistant zippers adds protection from the driving rain. This jacket will keep you warm and dry while you fish, regardless of the type of fishing you do.
Whether you’re making a move toward the hot bite or looking to reset your spread, the new Kluch Makin’ Moves collection has the perfect shirt for every offshore angler. These shirts are available in short or long sleeve cotton. Each shirt sports a classic distressed design with comfort in mind. Head on over to Kluch.com today and get your hands on one before they’re gone!
WWW.SIMMSFISHING.COM
Hooked Soul is an outdoor apparel company offering premium men’s and women’s clothing, specifically designed for extended wear, comfort and with anglers and outdoor enthusiasts in mind. Hooked Soul is an extension of the wearer’s passion for sports, hobbies, and lifestyle experiences with family and friends. Whether fishing in the blue waters of the ocean or freshwater lakes, rivers and streams, each outdoorsman demands comfort and protection from the elements. Hooked Soul was founded in 2014 by three friends and fishing enthusiasts. The inspiration for Hooked Soul came from being outside, the camaraderie and the thrill of the day’s catch. Their passion for an outdoor lifestyle led these three friends to research and bring to market superior performance clothing, the kind they always wanted for themselves. Today Hooked Soul has become an expression and a lifestyle. Hooked Soul, do you have it?
HOOKED SOUL
WWW.KLUCH.COM REALTREE FISHING HAT Realtree has always been about family, friends and the outdoors. As the America’s No. 1 camo pattern, the iconic brand has been providing quality to those who love the outdoors since the 1980s. Last year, Realtree entered into the fishing world with a lifestyle brand ideal for sportsmen and women who trade their bows and guns for fishing rods during the summer months. Realtree Fishing gives an additional connection to the brand they know and respect. Check out their good-looking Realtree fishing hats. They come in several different colors and designs perfect for fishing or everyday wear. These mid-profile hats feature the cool fishhook Realtree Fishing logo embroidered in the front panel, mesh backing and plastic snap closure.
WWW.REALTREE.COM SOFTSCIENCE FIN 3.0
WWW.HOOKEDSOUL.COM
DICKIES WATERPROOF BREATHABLE REFLECTIVE JACKET From the job site to the boat deck, Dickies’ Waterproof Breathable Reflective Jacket has it all. It keeps you comfortable, dry and protected from the elements while providing greater visibility in low light conditions. • Waterproof: The jacket is water resistant and its chest and lower pockets feature waterproof zippers. • Breathable: At just 5.6 ozs., this jacket is lightweight and breathable to keep you comfortable no matter the conditions. • Reflective: For safety, this jacket features enhanced visibility in low light conditions. It appears to light up when light is flashed upon it. 100% Polyester reflective print 10K/10K lamination.
WWW.DICKIES.COM OT WEAR CUSTOM APPAREL OT Wear designs using vivid colors and unique, custom graphics to exceed their customers’ expectations. Their professional designers create custom jerseys and athletic apparel for whatever activity you choose. Distinctive dye-sublimated graphics combined with vivid colors on high performing, comfortable and durable apparel will give you a distinctive edge to stand out from the crowd. Your sponsors will be blown away with how their logos are showcased on your jersey. Let OT Wear outfit you or your team in style with a range of men’s and women’s cuts and
The Fin 3.0 fishing shoe adds a four-eye textile lacing system, an easy-on pull tab and EVA reinforcements on critical toe, forefoot and ankle locations to provide maximum stability in virtually any weather condition. Like all SoftScience shoes, it is lightweight, superbly cushioned and stable, with a woven, breathable reinforced upper. The forefoot water flow system is ideal for worryfree water activity, keeping your feet stable and not slippery. A relaxed fit, the shoes have a removable, washable Trileon insole and Trileon nonmarking, slip-resistant outsole.
WWW.SOFTSCIENCE.COM choice of performance fabrics. They can give you true brand consistency by matching your other marketing materials. Submit your own artwork or let the designers work with your graphics to create highperformance apparel that is unique to you. You will have a stunning, unique look that won’t be matched by others. All of OT’s apparel is made in the USA, from fabric to finished product. Contact them today and let them help you create an extraordinary new look for you or your team.
WWW.OUTDOORTECHWEAR.COM
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FISH & FISHING
Finding The Touch MARK SOSIN
T
oo many anglers blame what they consider the obvious when they are not catching fish. They reason that the fish aren’t hungry, they’re not fishing in the right spot, or the lure they have chosen is not producing the results they expected. Sometimes, it merely takes a subtle touch to turn frustration into success. Although my father fished around the bend many years ago, I still marvel at his skill working a yellow Upperman bucktail in the ¼- or 3/8-ounce size. To this day, I have never met an angler who could come close to matching his success with that single lure. He caught countless species on that bucktail, from striped bass, bluefish and weakfish, to redfish, trout, bonefish, permit and tarpon. Even when I stood next to him and tried to match his every move, I fell far short. What that taught me is that some simple thing in the retrieve (or lack of one) can make a major difference. Let me share a few examples with you. Two of us fishing side-by-side were casting MirrOlures. They were the same model and the same color. He would get strike after strike, while I could barely get a fish to hit my lure. No matter how closely I watched him, I couldn’t detect any difference in the area we fished and the speed of the retrieve. I had to threaten to physically harm him if he didn’t tell me what he was doing. The only difference was that he occasionally vibrated his wrist on the hand
holding the rod. That caused the lure to flash just like a baitfish, and a predator reacted to that instantly. In another example, my friend and I were both fishing a swimming plug with a lip. During the retrieve, it would dive down, but if you stopped reeling the lure would start to float back to the surface. Once again, my partner got strike after strike, and I could barely catch an occasional fish. All he was doing was swimming the plug for a short distance, pausing for an instant, and then continuing the retrieve. Every time he paused, the plug would start to rise in the water column and then dive again when he resumed reeling. The sudden dive made it appear the lure was trying to escape from a predator. That’s all it took. Here’s one more example. The successful angler would start with a rather slow retrieve and then speed it up about halfway back to the boat. If a fish happened to see the plug, the change in speed would make it appear as if the plug were trying to get away and that’s a trigger mechanism. Seasoned anglers who fish artificials and score frequently limit the number of lures they carry and develop a touch for each one that produces strikes. Basically, there is more than one way to fish any artificial. My suggestion is that you keep trying a variety of subtle approaches until you become the angler that others envy and try to copy.
For more about artifical lures with Mark Sosin, visit
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FLY FISHING
Fly Reel Backing
L
osing a big saltwater gamefish after it is hooked and decides to head for the horizon is, in many instances, the result of filling your reel with backing that is either too short or too light. It can ruin an otherwise wonderful trip. Also, making wrong choice in backing can lose you not only your fish, but worse, it can cost you a very expensive fly line. Twenty-pound backing is a good choice for most inshore saltwater fly fishing situations, and 30-pound backing will more than fill the bill in getting you through a tussle with an uncooperative bluewater gamefish. The Old School Frame Of Mind: Dacron These days there are many choices when it comes to choosing backing for your fly reels. Some anglers prefer braided backing because of its small diameter. I prefer the tested and trued performance of standard hi-vis Dacron. Why? Because, It’s easier on the fingers while fighting big fish, and it does not have the tendency—as braid does—to dig into itself when reeled back onto the fly reel. How Much Do You Need? Your fly reel should house a minimum of 175 yards of 20-pound Dacron backing. Many inshore saltwater gamefish will make initial runs of from 75 to 100 yards before they turn and settle into a fighting mode. For bluewater fly fishing, 30-pound Dacron or gel spun is standard. A minimum of 300 yards should fill these reels. Big bluewater gamefish like the tuna and marlin will run off 200
yards of backing before you’ve had time to say, “Come back and fight like a man!” These fish can also dive to great depths, thus making essential an abundant supply of backing. One caveat to remember is “Don’t short-line your backing.” Best Color For Backing? The phrase “getting into your backing” always arouses excitement through a saltwater fly fisherman’s being each time he hears it. There is nothing more exciting than witnessing one hundred yards of water-shedding backing slicing through the water, pulled by a bonefish, tarpon, sailfish or marlin. It’s a common occurrence in saltwater fly fishing. When this happens, the color of your backing is essential in tracking the fish’s direction. Is it swimming at an angle or is it sounding. Make no mistake, eventually every saltwater fisherman experiences this. High-visibility backing will help determine how to fight the fish. For instance, when tarpon fishing it is important that you are able to turn a tarpon’s head during the tussle, a move aimed at keeping the tarpon off balance and assuring the fish is brought quickly to the boat. Also, the use of hivis backing allows the angler a better sight-line in tracking the fish’s direction so pressure may be applied in an opposite direction. The best colors? As I stated above, I prefer hi-vis backing in bright yellow or bright orange, both highly visible backing regardless of weather conditions or water coloration.
For Tackle Box Essentials from Bowman, go to
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You could get a discount when you combine your auto and boat policies.
geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Multi-Policy Discount available to auto insureds that have purchased a boat policy through the GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2018 GEICO
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hen Yamaha introduced the 19-foot 190 FSH center console boat in 2016, the company tapped into a segment of boaters who want to fish more than runabout owners, but who also want to tow and entertain more than other center console owners. By all accounts, Yamaha’s “family sports hybrid” concept proved to be a success. Featuring an innovative, yet familiar, center console deck design, a performance sports boat hull, and the versatility unique to jet power, the 190 FSH is attracting more younger, first-time buyers than traditional center console brands, and is already the second best seller in the category. For 2018, Yamaha is expanding their FSH offering to include a 21-foot model that is better suited for rougher waters and delivers the added peace of mind that comes with dual engines. And because the motors and driveline are tucked in the hull underneath the captain’s leaning post, the boat provides an open 360-degree experience that fishermen love. The 210 FSH includes all the features that fishing enthusiasts require, along with family features that are perfect for an entire day out on the water to include water sports, swimming and lounging—all in the same boat, and at a competitive price starting under $40,000. The 210 FSH is available in three variations that include the base model 210 FSH, an upgraded 210 FSH Deluxe, and the flagship 210 FSH Sport that offers the features of the Deluxe with the addition of a custom T-top. All three models come with Yamaha’s award-winning TR-1 High Output marine engines. 210 FSH Walkthrough Starting at the bow, there is comfortable, padded seating with ample room for four adults. The padded cushions snap off, so they are easy to store or leave at home when you are heading out for a fishing trip. Under the starboard bow seat is an insulated fish locker, and there is a dedicated locker for a full-size Danforth anchor. There is more storage below the port bow seat, in the sole, and inside two large consoles. In front of the helm console is more seating, and the console lifts up to reveal a cavernous storage area that also serves as a changing room or a head compartment thanks to the curtain enclosure included on the Deluxe and Sport models. The 210 FSH is loaded with the angling features one would ex-
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pect in a premium center console boat to include coaming pads, vertical and horizontal holders for 14 rods and a 26-gallon aerated live well. A cool feature you won’t find on other center console boats is Yamaha’s exclusive Jet Wash system that uses pressure from the jet pumps for easy cleanup of the cockpit, whether you land a big fish or the kids fill the boat full of sand. The Helm The helm is thoughtfully designed with a simple-to-remove windshield for low profile storage, a stainless-steel sports steering wheel, easy access to all boat control switches, a locking glove box and an open area to flush mount electronics such as a fishfinder, a GPS unit and other marine electronics. The 210 FSH comes equipped with Yamaha’s 4.3” Connext Touchscreen Display, which is NMEA compatible to send vital engine information to third-party electronics. Behind the helm is a padded leaning post with a backrest (on Deluxe and Sport). Under the leaning post is a dedicated space for a removable cooler. The Transom The transom area on the FSH Series is unlike any other center console boat on the market. Since the engines and drivetrain are in the hull, the entire back of the 201 FSH is open for unobstructed casting and watersports towing. The 210 FSH features Yamaha’s signature two-tier swim platform that sits low at the water’s edge. A retractable stern ladder makes reboarding after swimming a breeze. The transom also includes a tow eye for watersports. Like all Yamaha boats, the 210 FSH features Yamaha’s patented clean-out ports that allow for the removal of debris from the jet pump without having to get in the water or swim under the boat. Rounding out the FSH’s list of innovations is the addition of Yamaha’s Articulating Keel, the latest in Yamaha’s Advanced Responsive Handling features. The Articulating Keel is an extension of the boat’s keel that moves and tracks along with the jet pump nozzle to provide comfort, stability and straight-line tracking at all speeds. For buyers attracted to the iconic styling of a center console boat, but need more versatility to appease the family, look no further than the Yamaha 210 FSH.
For more on Yamaha’s 210 FSH Series, go to
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Center sp W
ho doesn’t have a smile on their face when they’re spending time on the water? You can’t help yourself. Boating is getting away from it all. And getting away from it all is always more fun with friends. This is where the United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club comes in. Enjoying your time on the water with family and friends starts with being safe and responsible while having fun. That’s what makes America’s Boating Club different than most boating organizations. For over a hundred years, the organization’s focus has been on providing unsurpassed boating safety education. But the organization’s leadership and members are passionate about a membership that doesn’t end on Sunday and doesn’t care if the calendar says it’s winter. It’s about being together and building a community through a variety of events like parties, meetings and even just getting together for no reason at all. Driven by this passion, United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club, the country’s largest nonprofit boating organization, just launched its new logo. This is the first of several planned updates in the organization’s new brand image and identity. Changes to the organization’s website, social media platforms and collateral are expected in the coming weeks. “We are United States Power Squadrons, but we are also America’s Boating Club,” said Louie Ojeda, chief commander, United States Power Squadrons. “This is not just a name change, it describes what we do. We go boating and have fun doing it. Over time, our squadrons have evolved to become social clubs as well as providers of high quality boating education – allowing members to enjoy the sport and camaraderie of boating and any number of activities that keep us together. Togetherness is what this lifestyle is all about. We joined the organization for the boating education, but we stayed for the friends.” Offering classes For Boaters, By Boaters in boat handling, navigation, boat maintenance, weather and related subjects, United States
Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club serves as a virtual “yacht club” with boating and social activities for all types of recreational boaters. With over 27,000 members organized into 356 squadrons across the country, America’s Boating Club is comprised of families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. Squadron members are vital to strengthening the communities
they live in and know it’s important to live their values by giving back through public service and volunteer opportunities. Members provide courtesy vessel safety checks, help the NOAA’s National Ocean Service keep nautical charts accurate and organize beach cleanups. “Our commitment is to continue learning, teaching, laughing and helping our fellow members enjoy boating,” continued Ojeda. “Whether you’re passionate about cruising, racing, making new friends, volunteering in your community or learning from experienced boaters, your local squadron has the resources you need to engage your passions and, perhaps, instill some new ones.” In February of 2017, the United States Power Squadrons announced its America’s Boating Club co-brand to its squadrons, following an almost yearlong re-naming exercise. To learn more about United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club, visit www.americasboatingclub.org.
Join in the Fun!
United States Power Squadrons is America’s Boating Club Learn boating skills. Engage with boating friends. Connect with the boating community.
Learn more at www.americasboatingclub.org
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SOUTHEAST
By Randy Cnota
S
pring means one thing to me… bedding bass! This is that magical time of the year when giant bass come to the shallows to procreate. Depending on where you fish, the first waves of bedding bass could show up in February or earlier, and in some places the spawn stretches through the spring and into summer. Their movement is affected by moon phases somewhat, but more so by water temperature. Once it’s in the 60-degree range, start combing the shallows for white spots where they’ve fanned out a bed with their tails.
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Once you’ve located them, it is important to understand that they’ve located you. Bass are extremely aware of their surroundings. This makes it difficult at times to trigger a fish to take a lure. I like to run through an area with the trolling motor on high and put a 6-foot tomato stake right smack in the middle of the bed that’s holding the fish I intend to catch. Then I leave the area and allow the fish to calm down. During this waiting period, I might spend an hour doing the same thing in another area or probe the deeper areas surrounding the flat looking for pre- or post-spawn fish. Fish will be in all three spawning stages throughout spring, and any shallows that hold fish will have fish in the deeper water nearby. After an hour or so, sneak back quietly into the area you’ve staked out. Pole in, let the wind blow you in or troll in at a very low speed. Remember, you must be quiet, which means no banging around. Have everything you need on the deck of the boat. This is when a shallow-water anchoring system is worth its weight in gold. Minn Kota Talons and Power Poles are the premier systems available. Other less costly ways to anchor a boat are available as well, like Boatsticks at boatsticks.com. You’ll want to position your boat far enough from the bed to not spook the fish, but close enough to cast several yards beyond the target. You need two Texas-rigged baits—a Z-Man Grass KickerZ and a Punch CrawZ. These baits float in the upright position, which tells a bass that something is feeding on her eggs. Swim the Grass Kicker over the bed several times. This will get the fish fired up. Then hop it right into the bed and stop it. Give it a pulsating action. If this doesn’t provoke the fish to eat, try hopping the Punch CrawZ on the bed. Sometimes you have to go back and forth with those baits to entice a strike, but often you will get them to eat right away. When you do this enough, you’ll learn to understand the fish’s behavior. If a fish runs big circles away from the bed and is slow to come back, it might not be catchable. If she displays aggression and stays close to the bed, that’s a catchable fish. Randy Cnota is co-publisher of the Panama City/Forgotten Coast edition of Coastal Angler Magazine.
GREAT FISHING REQUIRES GREAT REST!
Boater’s Welcome! Capt. Mike McNamara
(850) 510-7919
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MARCH 2018
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By Capt. Chester Reese
W
ith winter on the way out, pompano and cobia start their migration from the south, up through the Gulf of Mexico, to reach spawning areas. When the water reaches 70 degrees, the hunt for these great eating fish begins. Both are hard fighting fish, offering anglers amazing fishing opportunities all over Franklin County. To many people, pompano are the most excellent eating fish in the Gulf of Mexico. Some anglers work to be experts, understanding what time of day and tide range is best and exactly what tackle to
Discover
pick, so that they know when it’s best to grab a rod and go. You can catch them from the shore or a boat, and they’re perfect for firsttime anglers with limited experience. When water temps get right, they come in large schools to feed and spawn. Some reside in our waters all summer, so don’t give up on them in the warmer months. The most commonly used set-up is a two-hook dropper rig baited with sand fleas or pieces of fresh shrimp. White bucktails and special pompano lures work well too. Tip them with fleas or shrimp and work them slowly on the bottom just inside the sandbars close to the beach. As the migration moves through, you can find them over our grass flats. Cobia get my juices flowing in the spring. These fish can go over 50 pounds and provide anglers a catch of a lifetime. Another migrating species, they’re also arriving with the warmer waters. Cobia are found worldwide and are prized for their bountiful, white delicious meat. Structure of any kind attracts and holds these fish, and it’s not uncommon to find them in schools around wrecks or buoys. They also like to cruise the beaches where they can be sight fished from boat or shore. Prime baits for taking cobia are crabs, shrimp, fish and eels, but lures catch them all the time, too. Work baits both on the surface and on the bottom, since they inhabit all areas of the water column. When the bite is on, it can be a frenzy to hook and fight these bruisers. Even after fighting hard for a long time, when boated they can slap and jump until subdued. Be careful of the strong tail and dorsal spines. We have a great fishery for cobia and pompano in our Franklin County waters, and some of the best captains and guides that can put you on them. Visit our local tackle shops in East Point or St. George Island, and they’ll set you up to successfully catch and prepare these special fish. Contact Capt. Chester Reese and Natural World Charters at (850) 228-9060. For a complete list of rentals, charters, supplies and more, visit www.floridasforgottencoast.com.
Florida’s Forgotten Coast
Your fish is waiting. Visit Floridasforgottencoast.com/ca for complete launch, marina, guide and tackle information
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n February, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management council took steps toward turning over management of the Gulf red snapper fishery to the Gulf states. By approving Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) applications for each of the five states on the Gulf of Mexico, the council opened the door for a pilot program that would allow each state to manage recreational fishing for red snapper during 2018 and 2019. Seasons for red snapper harvest would be determined by the respective states, and red snapper landings would be monitored by the states. State seasons would close when a state’s quota is caught. These EFPs are issued for scientific studies, and this study will determine the effectiveness of state management of the recreational red snapper fishery. At the federal level, NOAA Fisheries now must rule on whether or not to approve the program for implementation.
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Surprising Winter is the Best Planting Time
I am often asked when is the best time to plant fruiting plants. My answer is usually the same; the best time is 20 years ago or today. The second best time to plant is during the winter months. Plants are dormant, and can be easily shipped and planted with no stress on the plant because there is not a lot of maintenance once the plant or tree has been planted. Simply dig a good hole, water thoroughly
at planting, and take the rest of the winter off. Even though there are no signs of growth above ground, the root systems will have time to get adjusted to their new location and begin to initiate new root growth. There are plenty of advantages of growing your own edibles. First of all, you know what has been done over the course of the growing season from a chemical stand point. Second, the fruit just taste
better coming out of your home orchard versus buying fruit from the grocers that have little to no flavors. Thirdly, it is good for your soul and you will feel more connected to the environment and nature. Whether it is an apple tree, muscadine vine or a blueberry bush; now is the time to plant. Let’s Grow Together. Greg Ison, Ison’s Nursery and Vineyards, 800733-0324, www.isons.com
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NORTH CAROLINA
H
azel Creek is one of three Great Smoky Mountain National Park trout streams on the north shore of Fontana Lake in Swain County, N.C. Since there are no roads on the north shore of the lake, these creeks have gained an almost mythical reputation as backcountry destinations. Backcountry fishing expeditions rarely begin on grounds so well maintained. Approach by boat across Fontana Lake brings you to the mouth of Hazel Creek, where a short walk up the trail puts you within the buildings and ruins of the long-abandoned town of Proctor. The National Park Service keeps up this area near the mouth of the creek almost meticulously. The trail is a flat gravel road with a bridge. The campsites are clean and include hangers to keep provisions out
What’s Missing in North Carolina?
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oastal Angler and its freshwater component The Angler Magazine are part of a national franchise publishing system with over 30 locations throughout the country. We currently have four successful franchise locations in North Carolina; Charlotte, Western NC, Wilmington, and the Outer Banks. What’s missing? You guessed it, Raleigh Piedmont. We’re very interested in expanding our publication into the Raleigh area. Adding a Raleigh location would complete our statewide coverage and make us the largest outdoor publication in North Carolina. Our franchises are simple home-based businesses, best suited for an outdoor enthusiast (fishing fanatic) with an outgoing personality and a bit of ambition. Our training program and ongoing support ensures that they operate smoothly. Our franchisee co-publishers ensure that they run profitably. If you or someone you know in the Raleigh area would like to -be your own boss and run your own business, you owe it to yourself to check out this franchise opportunity while it’s still available. You never know, maybe it’s you that we’re missing. This could be the start of a wonderful new career for the right candidate. For more information on the Raleigh Piedmont franchise, call 888-800-9794 or email info@coastalanglermagazine.com.
of reach of marauding raccoons and black bears. Wilderness that’s supposed to be hard to get to should not be this comfortable. The truth is Hazel Creek is not very hard to access. By foot, it is a day-long hike by whatever trail you choose. By boat, it’s just a quick ride across the lake. The novelty, the assumed remoteness and a reputation for good fishing actually draw a crowd. On busy weekends the campsites fill up with people. The creek itself is a medium-sized, and its reputation as a good fishery is well earned. A few gorgeous 10- to 12-inch rainbows can be expected on a good fishing day mixed in with many smaller fish. There is also a chance for larger fish in the 16-inch range. The creek boasts a good population of brown trout, as well, including some large individuals. In general, the fishery can be a little tougher than other streams that don’t receive as much pressure, but because of its size and ample aquatic insect life there remains the opportunity for larger fish. On its lower end, the creek and trail are flat, like a stroll through the park. The water is mostly shallow riffles with some good pools scattered in. The main trails here are the old roads and rail beds of Proctor. They meander through the valley offering easy access to good water for several miles. The Hazel Creek trail follows the creek and remains relatively flat for about 10 miles. The stream does pick up some elevation, which provides larger pools and deeper runs upstream, and a few native brookies will begin showing up. The trail eventually leaves the creek after about 15 miles. Those willing to hike, camp and fish over several days will find adventure and unmolested water. There are backcountry campsites scattered up the trail. Users must reserve these campsites with the GSMNP Backcountry Information Office. For GPS coordinates to access points and detailed maps of all North Carolina’s and Georgia’s best trout water, check out “Flyfishers Guide to North Carolina & Georgia.” It is available at fly shops, on Amazon, and signed copies are available from the author by emailing nsc8957@gmail.com.
Franchise Opportunity The Angler Magazine currently has established franchise locations in Charlotte, Western NC, Wilmington and the Outer Banks. We’re looking to add a Raleigh location.
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CATCHIN’ AND COOKIN’ By Jim Baugh
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CLAMS! February was an action packed month that included the debut of the Tideline 365 Offshore Catamaran at the Miami International Boat Show. Also, last month we made a return trip offshore for the last weekend of Sea Bass fishing. Both are incredible stories that will be told in the April issue of Coastal Angler so stay tuned! When it comes to seafood, we have many favorites. However, the Eastern Shore clam is our top choice. Over the years we have prepared clams many ways and even produced features on Jim Baugh Outdoors TV on harvesting clams and scallops from Hatteras NC. Whether steamed or fried, it is just hard to beat the almighty clam. Years ago while entertaining in Atlantic City performing close up magic, I first learned how to make clams casino. Since then, clams casino has been a part of our family celebratory recipes that we always make during any holiday (or whenever we get fresh clams). In fact, just last month I came across some 200 Eastern Shore and promptly made a trip to the grocery store to pick up everything needed to make the casino. Life is good! Not long before I discovered that treasure trove of clams, I had made Sunday gravy. Yes, the real deal, and it took me over 10 hours to make. That gave me the idea to make an Italian version of clams casino, and man was it fantastic! I don’t know if this recipe has ever been published before, but it sure is a winner. A must try! . Jim Baugh, Jimbaugh.net, Jim Baugh Outdoors TV
JIM BAUGH’S JIM’S CLAMS CASINO RECIPE OF THE MONTH MARINARA
This recipe starts with either a good store bought marinara or some leftover Sunday gravy. You will also need some good parmesan, fresh clams, fresh garlic, fresh Italian parsley, and whole milk motz. First, get a steaming pot and bring three cups of water to a boil. Add your clams and steam just until they begin to pop open. Next, remove the clams from the steamer and set aside. Using a large sheet pan, take each clam and break apart the top half leaving the clam in the bottom half of the shell. Fill the pan with clams and sprinkle some fresh crushed garlic over the clams. Now take the parsley and chop it up fairly fine and place a small portion over each clam. Next take a teaspoon and put one spoonful of marinara on each clam topping it off with a good dose of parmesan. Heat your oven to 375, and then place the tray of clams in the oven and heat until the parmesan begins to melt. Next shred up the motz, remove the tray from the oven and place a portion of cheese on each clam then set the oven to broil. Broil off the clams until the cheese has melted. That’s it! A totally awesome dish you will love!
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Princess Anne Distributing co. At the Oceanfront near Rudee Inlet Bait & Tackle • Fishing Equipment
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Virginia Beach SPORTFISHING RUNDOWN By Dr. Julie Ball, IGFA Representative, Virginia Beach
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ccording to the calendar, Spring officially begins this month. Anglers can look forward to a warming trend over the next month, easing water temperatures into optimal range for newly arriving species. March is one of the best times of the year for targeting tautog off Virginia, with some of the largest fish of the year often caught this month. These larger tog can be found lurking on coastal and offshore wrecks through the end of March. The inshore tautog bite will begin to heat up by the end of the month. Look for lots of fish averaging to around 6-pounds coming from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel area, with some fish likely to push to over 9-pounds. Other bay structures, such as the Concrete Ships and lower bay wrecks and rock piles are also good places to try for tautog later in the month. Crabs and fiddler crabs are the top inshore bait, if you can find them. And although plenty of jumbo seabass will also be compete for your offerings on these same structures, these fish are out of season until May. Keep in mind that when seabass season opens again, this year you are required to obtain a no cost recreational seabass permit in addition to your regular fishing license. As now it has become the norm, once again the winter striped bass fishery never evolved off the Virginia coastline, but anglers will now have a chance to intercept big rockfish as the schools track back towards bay waters, heading for their spawning grounds. Later this month or early in April, these fish will move up into the spawning areas within the tributary rivers of the Chesapeake Bay, such as the York and James Rivers. Check the regulations carefully for the spring striped bass trophy season before you target these fish. There are limited reports for speckled trout and puppy drum, but these fish are a possibility in most backwater locations and inlets, although the hard freeze killing a large number of this population at the beginning of the winter season will likely take its toll. Once again, time will tell, especially with the onset of spring. Flounder will debut on the Eastern Shore within the seaside creeks of
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Oyster and Wachapreague this month. Live minnows or a combo of squid and minnows are a good choice for early season flatfish on the Shore. Drifting along the edge of creek channels with a moving tide will provide the best action. It is common for croaker, school-sized striped bass, puppy drum, Taylor bluefish, and sea mullet to become active later in the month in lower Chesapeake Bay waters, usually attracting the attention of local surf and pier anglers. The Buckroe, Ocean View, and Virginia Beach oceanfront piers are always popular spots for the early spring run of panfish. On the deepwater scene, lots of nice blueline tilefish and other deep bottom dwellers such as golden tilefish, blackbellied rosefish, and grouper will continue to respond along the ocean floor and near the edge of the Norfolk Canyon. The heavy dogfish infiltration will pose a problem accessing these fish in over 300 feet of water, so expect to weed through plenty of these trash fish to reach the edible species.
Dr. Julie Ball of Virginia Beach is regarded as one of the top Saltwater Anglers in the world. Among her many Sport Fishing honors are seventeen IGFA World Records, the only Level VIII Master Angler title in Virginia, and the 1st woman to earn Expert Angler and Top Angler titles from the state. An active advocate for recreational sport fishing, Dr. Ball’s mission is to share her passion of fishing and inspire others to recognize and value our precious resources through the love of the sport. Dr. Ball is an International Game Fish Association Representative for Virginia Beach, and is a member and record holder in the International Women’s Fishing Association.
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Established in 1976
Jake’s Outdoor Adventures By Jake Worthington
REPOWERING AND RIGGING YOUR BOAT (Part one of two)
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Repowering a boat with new motors can be an expensive and stressful event. When I was named to the Evinrude Pro Staff, I had to do a complete re-rigging of the boat and I learned a lot. New motors, rigging and installation labor can easily surpass $25,000 a motor depending on the horsepower you choose. A lot of considerations need to be studied before you pull the trigger on this major investment. First, what is the condition of your boat and is it worth this investment? My decision was easy. I had a Parker 2501DV Center Console and after a quick inspection, we found no issues. However, many people have discovered rot in the transom during the installation and had to spend a great deal of time and money to repair it before the repower. The next question is what type of motor do you want and why? I wanted to stop having to have my motors serviced every 100 hours, which was inconvenient and expensive. I also wanted to have upper station controls added to my boat, which was a major factor in repowering also. To add rigging and a console to my boat would have been cost prohibitive because I would have had to install new throttle cables and rigging. My motors were from 2004 and after seeing what it would cost to have this done, it made more sense to do a complete engine replacement and rigging. Because of this, you are removing all the old lines, cables and electrical lines and starting over. The good news is when you replace the rigging today, the lines are all smaller and in most cases, plug and play. You get state of the art electronic gauges or icons that do more than just give you basic information. Today’s motor data can also be run to NMEA equipped electronics such as Lowrance GPS and Sonars. I can assure you that picking the engine is the easy part. The hard part comes from choosing which extras you want and how you want to use it. Do your research, talk to other boat owners, and then visit a dealer to get their feedback. Once you have decided which brand and horsepower you want, then go to a dealer to get a quote. Make sure when you get a quote that you and the dealer are on the same page with what you want. With these new generations of outboards there are so many rigging and control options. Make sure you investigate all that is out there and get the right combo. My advice is to choose a local dealer not only because they are part of your community but because they will be the ones servicing your new motor. If you have your boat repowered a couple of hours away to save $1000, then think about the cost of hauling that boat back and forth over the period of ownership. Next month we will discuss engine selection and finishing the repower.
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MAINTAINING YOUR BOAT, ENGINE & TRAILER By John Tiger, Tiger Outboards
Your new rig sits proudly in your driveway, the outboard shining brightly in the sun, even the trailer sleek and polished. You haven’t even had a maiden voyage, and yet you’re already thinking “how can I keep it looking and performing at least close to how it does now, fresh from the dealership?”. Maintenance is the key. A well maintained and cared-for boat will always perform better than a neglected one. DO WHAT YOU CAN: If you’re not mechanically inclined, how can you care for your new rig properly? If you’re all thumbs, budget in some bucks for dealer maintenance. It’s best for both you and your boat if you leave the mechanical details to the pros. You can, however, perform all the tasks that don’t require technical expertise. Things like keeping fittings and moving parts lubricated, cleaning and waxing the finish, checking the drive lubricant and engine oil, making sure fishline isn’t wrapped around the propshaft—these are all examples of things a responsible boater should learn, especially to protect the investment. While boats were never cheap, they seem to be more expensive than ever compared to the average paycheck; it’s only smart ownership to make sure all is up to snuff. TIMELINE: We’ve created a simple timeline and maintenance chart, one that works for DIYers and tech-savvy boaters alike, and one you can use to check maintenance items every outing, every 20, 50 and 100 hours, and for seasonal boaters, before every layup. Use this as a guide, and your rig will stay like new for years, and command top price for resale or trade in. Welcome to the joys of boat ownership! Have an outboard that needs service, or looking for a fully restored two-stroke outboard for your boat? Call Tiger Outboards at 518-469-3700!
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SHAD FISHING By Mike Buss
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his month we will begin a series of articles about the fish we commonly see and fly fish for in this area. First up will be shad, and when we talk shad around here we are talking about Hickory and American Shad. Both are closely related and can be found in the same rivers with Hickory Shad beginning their spawning run a little earlier than American Shad.. Hickory Shad have a lower jaw that extends beyond the upper jaw and American Shad have a lower jaw that does not extend beyond the upper jaw. American Shad are typically a bit larger averaging 3 to 5 pounds, while Hickory Shad run from 1 to 3 pounds. They are both excellent fighters and readily take to the air when hooked, prompting some to nickname them the “poor man’s tarpon”. Shad are anadromous fish, which means they live in salt water but must enter freshwater rivers and streams to spawn. Almost all the rivers and streams that run into the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean experience a spawning run of shad every spring. Scientific studies have shown these runs are keyed by water temperature and the daily amount of sunshine. The number of shad entering the rivers increases as water temperatures rise mediocris TOP: Hickory shad – Alosa above 55 degrees F. Alosa sapidissima – d Sha an eric Am : BOTTOM That means shad will be entering our rivers and steams by the first of this month in the southern part of our area and will be in all of them by the end of the month. Since the slowest part of a stream is found close to the bottom and they will be going upstream to spawn, you will normally find them hugging the bottom and should target that part of the water column Your tackle should be matched to your personal preferences. You do not need to go out and purchase a separate shad outfit. Whatever you have now should be good enough, although I like to use a 9 foot 7 weight rod balanced with an appropriate reel filled with 100 yards of backing. I have friends who drop down to a 3 weight rod, but I find they are re-rigging much more than I. The rivers I like to fish are filled with snags so I like a rod with a little more backbone to let me pull free from the snags. I like to use 10 to 12 pound test leaders for the same reason. As for fly lines, I like to use sinking lines. If I am fishing a large fast flowing river, I will use a full sinking line like a 250 grain line. However, if I am fishing a smaller stream I usually opt for a sinking tip line to make the casting a little easier. Whatever line you choose be sure you are getting your fly close to the bottom. You should be able to feel your fly bouncing along the bottom and if you are occasionally getting snagged, you know you are in the right place. Flies should be small and brightly colored. Shad seem to like bright colors and my experience proves this to be the case. My favorite shad fly is tied on a 1/16 ounce crappie jig with a fluorescent orange head. I tie in chartreuse krystal flash to extend about ½” beyond the bend of the hook and then wrap chartreuse estaz along the shank. The thin wire hook helps when I snag so I can pull the fly free without breaking off. I like to fish my flies by casting across and downstream, allowing the fly to drift with the current until it reaches the end of my line before bringing the fly back in a series of strips. After bringing the fly about halfway back, I then let it drift back with the current again before retrieving it all the way back to make another cast. The take often will occur when the fly reaches the end of the drift and begins to make it’s way back upstream. You will be wading in a river or stream and it will be early in the year with cold water, so make sure you take all the steps to stay safe. Rivers have claimed the lives of all too many anglers over the years, don’t add yours to the list.
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OBX INSHORE FISHING By Aaron Kelly
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Spring is coming and Eastern North Carolina offers plenty of fishing opportunities. I like to get bobbers, live minnows, and beetlespins and fish the fresh water. Fresh water fishing Outer banks? Yes sir. I grew up in Kitty Hawk on a fresh water canal. If I wanted to saltwater fish, it was a one-mile bike ride up to Kitty Hawk Pier. Springtime was a great time to land white perch, crappie, largemouth, and bluegill. I was always looking for that rare chained pickerel to hammer my daredevil lure while constantly keeping a keen eye on that bobber. Just watching the bobber start to quiver right before a bite gets anyone excited. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon introducing your kids to fishing! More interested in the brine? Let’s go catch a tog! Tautog will been nibbling crabs on wrecks. Their color is beautiful in March when you get one with the rusty yellow streaking across it’s head. Or, look toward shallow muddy flats for slot reds. Put your time in and if you find one there are more around. Jigs with gulp shrimp are a good starting point. Slow hops across the bottom seem to perk the red’s interest. Gold spoons are another favorite. Cut bait also works. If you see ‘em but they just won’t hit, be patient! Maybe the sun will warm ‘em up a bit more or that tide change will get the water moving. Moving around marsh points with some flowing water could present schoolie stripers ready to attack you jig. I also enjoy throwing those little micro rattletraps. Sometimes a flounder or speck could fold into the mix. It’s March and the water is still cold so you still could get skunked. You could also lay on a marsh point catching reds every 10 casts looking at all the cars off in the distance going across the bridge wondering why more of those folks have not caught on to you yet! Good Luck. Captain Aaron Kelly Rock Solid Fishing • www.rocksolidfishing.com • 252-441-6575
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By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
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pring is around the corner, and a lot of fishermen who hang up their gear for the winter can’t wait for the temps to rise. Although the enthusiasm is high, spring can be a difficult season to successfully pattern and consistently catch fish inshore. Most fish are still in transition between the deep mud and the shallow sand and grass flats, which has them spread out through the bays. Add high winds, cool fronts, the small size of the forage, and you have a tougher puzzle to put together than the other three seasons. I have put together a few tips to help you sort though this maze and hopefully land a few more fish this spring. First and foremost, the size of the baitfish is extremely small this time of year. It is not uncommon to find dozens of small glass minnows in the bellies of trout and reds in spring. This makes my first tip very obvious. Downsize your lure presentation if you can. Obviously, this can impact one’s casting abilities, so rigging small lures in tandem can be a plus and increase casting distance. Something else I like to use in the spring is a clear or transparent lure with some glitter or maybe one with a light translucent color. I choose these
T
because it’s more difficult for the fish to see its actual size and gives the appearance of being smaller than it actually is. I’ve found this to be a productive alternative to downsizing my lure. While choosing a typical size trout and red lure for this application, I look for one with subtle movements. I like either a darting-style bait or a very subtle vibrating paddle lure. Strong, big vibrating tails have their place, but early spring is not one of them. One thing I notice about schools of small baitfish is that when they are displaced they seldom dart deeper before quickly regrouping. Most of their movement is to the side and up. Due to this characteristic, I also like a light lure that has a slow sink rate. I feel this imitates the spring forage movements and increases my strikes. I like a lure you can twitch from side to side that doesn’t sink very fast on the pause. In early spring while the fish are in transition, they will start to congregate on sandy shores with grass. This will be the main cover for the small fry. While employing these techniques and lure choices, concentrate your efforts on broken grass flats with potholes and distinct edges. Early in the season, areas like these near deeper water is where I would start. I hope you find these tactics helpful. As the weather warms and you enjoy the outdoors, don’t forget to take a kid fishing! Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
he N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will open Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters in 25 western counties at 7 a.m. on April 1. The season will run through Feb. 28, 2018. While fishing on Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters, anglers can harvest a maximum of seven trout per day, with no minimum size limits or bait restrictions. To give trout anglers opportunities to plan fishing trips in advance, the Commission has posted on its website a Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters stocking schedule that provides information on what weeks each water is being stocked. Anglers can search by county and by month. The agency also posts daily updates at noon for all waters stocked that day. Information can be searched by county, by month, or both.
Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters, marked by green-and-white signs, are stocked from March until August every year, depending on the individual stream. Many of these waters are stocked monthly, although some heavily fished waters are stocked more frequently. Commission personnel will stock nearly 916,000 trout in 2017— 96 percent of which average 10 inches in length, with the other 4 percent exceeding 14 inches in length. Stocked trout are produced primarily at two mountain region fish hatcheries operated by the Commission and are distributed along hatchery-supported streams where public access for fishing is available. While Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters are open to public fishing, many of those miles are privately owned so the Commission urges anglers to respect the property they’re fishing on and remember that landowners can take away access if they feel their property is being misused. Anglers can help prevent the ltoss of public access to fishing by: • Respecting private property and landowners at all times; • Removing all trash and litter from fishing and parking areas; • Parking only in designated areas and leaving driveways open for traffic; • Closing and/or locking gates after use; and, • Reporting wildlife violations by calling 1-800-662-7137. For a complete list of all Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters, as well as trout maps, weekly stocking schedule, and daily stocking updates on Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters, visit the Commission’s trout fishing page. For more information on fishing in public, inland waters, visit the Commission’s fishing page, www.ncwildlife.org/fishing or call the Inland Fisheries Division, 919-707-0220.
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MARCH 2018
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By Will Robinson
C
hoosing the right fly reel can really make your head spin. From basic drags to sealed-disk braking systems, the prices and quality vary dramatically. My gut always tells me to get the best that I can. Buy it once and you won’t be replacing it in a couple of years. While this typically holds true for fly reels, there are instances when it can be overkill. If you are looking for an inshore 8-weight and will be typically chasing snook in the backcountry, the need for
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a reel with a silky smooth drag and 300 yards of backing is pointless. You will likely be fighting most fish within 50 feet of you. And much of the time, you’ll be hand-lining them and have no need for a fancy drag system. In these situations, the reel is more of a line holder and can be much less expensive than their highly tuned cousins. A good starting point is deciding if you need a sealed drag reel. They are nice, and most are very well made with super smooth drags, but that comes at a price. A great advantage of these reels is that they are virtually maintenance free. The sealed drag keeps water out, so rinse them down well after fishing and, you are pretty much done. The negative is they are typically higher-end reels and a bit pricey. For nearly two decades I have fished with non-sealed drags and have never had an issue, but I need to do a little more maintenance and cleaning on those reels. Also, if you primarily fish from a boat where dunking a reel is not likely, this could be a great way to save some dough. Another important question is size, which often has to do with how much backing you think you will need. Since the tackle is lighter, it’s nice to have the line for long runs when fishing open areas, but again, if you typically fish tight spots there might not be a need for 300 yards of backing. Conversely, if you are looking to chase large tarpon or go offshore, you need plenty of backing. Larger arbors are great, even with limited backing. They allow you to pick up line at a much faster pace, making life easier on both the fish and fisher. Finally, opt for ported reels, as they are lighter and allow your backing to dry much faster. This is important for the longevity of the line. Smooth drags and plenty of backing are always nice. But be honest with yourself, this is an instance in which you can save a considerable amount of weight and money depending on the type of fishing you will be doing. Will Robinson is a seasoned tournament angler and has been writing about fishing for more than two decades. His picks for the best reels can be found at Galvanflyreels.com and Nautilusreels.com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
2/16/18 9:26 AM
By CAM Staff
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o many inshore anglers, springtime means flatfish, and there’s no destination fishery more closely associated with giant doormat flounder than Murrells Inlet, S.C. When waters begin to warm into the mid 70s, the inlet fills up with glass minnows, pogies and mullet. Flounder follow the bait, and they’ll set up in ambush points waiting for an easy meal. Murrells Inlet becomes the epicenter on the Atlantic coast for anglers seeking tasty flatfish. Most years, the flounder bite begins as early as April and will reach its peak in June. But flounder aren’t the only game in town. The same influx of bait draws all sorts of gamefish into this closed system of marshes and backwater creeks. Speckled trout fishing heats up, and as the crabs get more active on the flats, large schools of tailing redfish provide excellent sight fishing opportunities on light tackle as well as on the fly. With lures,
For more information on fishing, golfing and the Inlet Sports Lodge at Murrells Inlet, S.C., go to www.inletsportslodge.com/ or call 877-585-9360.
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flies or live bait, the grass edges, creeks and oyster bars offer an almost surefire shot at an inshore slam of flounder trout and reds, and hard-pulling black drum will likely be in the mix as well. In the sound, there is even more sight fishing to be done. Triple tail and some big sharks will be taking advantage of all that bait. There’s good news from the federal fisheries managers, too. After almost a year of no harvest, cobia are again fair game. There is not much in fishing as exciting as spotting and casting to cruising cobia, but big bull reds definitely give them a run for their money in terms of pure strength. Along with the famous fall run, bull reds show up at Murrells Inlet in spring. Fish in the 20- to 40-pound range are a common occurrence. Outside the inlet, with a run of just a few miles, the nearshore reefs can be easily accessed, even on a half-day trip. Mackerel, sharks, black sea bass, reds, flounder, bluefish, spadefish and more make for an exciting cooler-filling outing. A little farther out, there is excellent trolling for king and Spanish mackerel, cobia and amberjack, as well as bottom fishing for snappers, groupers and sea bass. And serious anglers should look into a full-day or overnight trip to the Gulf Stream. From 55 to 70 miles offshore, opportunities for tuna, dolphin, wahoo, marlin and sailfish abound. Trolling the Gulf Stream for big-game species off the lower end of the Grand Strand is tough to beat anywhere. If all that fishing isn’t enough to pique your interest, the area is also world famous for its golf courses, and there’s a vacation destination on the inlet that caters specifically to the needs of anglers and golfers. Located at the heart of Murrells Inlet, the Inlet Sports Lodge is a comfortable and classy boutique hotel with the finest amenities in the area. It’s minutes away from three marinas, works closely with the area’s best charter captains and can accommodate boats up to 25 feet. There’s a fish cleaning room for prep, as well as gas and charcoal grills available in the courtyard to cook your catch. Or, for those who’d rather let someone else do the cooking, the COSTA Coastal Kitchen and Bar on-site offers up fine, fresh Italian and seafood fare. There are also several other restaurants nearby that prepare the kind of delicious right-out-ofthe-water dishes that have made Murrells Inlet the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina.” If days on the water paired with a days on the links sounds like the perfect way to relax, the Inlet Sports Lodge has you covered. With golf packages booking a wide variety of the Grand Strand’s famous courses, there’s more golf than you can swing a stick at, including two award-winning courses with the same ownership as the Inlet Sports Lodge. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and True Blue Plantation are two of the finest courses in the area as well as the nation.
For more fishing at Murrells Inlet, go to
ANGLERSLIFE.CO MARCH 2018
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ver the last five years, Columbia, South Carolina’s Lower Saluda River has been on the rise as a trout fishery. Fed by the cold waters of Lake Murray, it took work by South Carolina DNR as well as habitat improvements to turn what once was a purely put-and-take fishery into viable year-round tailwater trout fishery. With improved dissolved oxygen levels and a new flow program, anglers began catching large holdover fish back in 2012. Where stocked rainbows were once expected to die off during summer months, rainbows and browns are now thriving throughout the year. Trout exceeding 20 inches in length are now a real possibility for anglers fishing the tailwater. South Carolina stocks this stretch of river with about 18,000 rainbow and brown trout by helicopter in winter. Regulations allow for no bait or tackle restrictions, and there is a daily harvest limit of five trout per day, per person. It would be interesting to see how stricter regulations might affect the fishery. That’s exactly what South Carolina DNR has proposed. In February, public meetings were held to provide information and gauge opinions on a catch-and-release-only section of the Saluda. A 1.3-mile special catch-and-release zone has been proposed on the river’s nearly 10-mile run from the dam at Lake Murray to its convergence with the Broad River. Regulations would remain unchanged for the rest of the Lower Saluda. For information or to submit comments on the proposed plan, see www.dnr.sc.gov.
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Angler Chuck Hanford and Capt. Alex with a 60-pound roosterfish released on the Harvester in February.
T
he 2018 season is in full swing in Nosara, Costa Rica. The five boats of the FishingNosara team have already run 225 trips since our season kicked-off in November, and show no signs of slowing down. As usual, the flagship Wanderer has led the charge with great action this season. One of our favorite anglers Leah Merryfield helped the Wanderer ring in the New Year with a great day of action on Jan. 1. Capt. William found a 40-plus-pound dorado lurking offshore, and Miss Merryfield was there to land the monster. Mate Johnny had his work cut out for him to filet this big green beast. With dinner on ice, Mike battled a big sailfish all the way in for the release. Filets for the table and another trophy release for the scrapbook… that’s a perfect day of fishing to kick off 2018. On Jan. 9, Soren and Marianne Dalberg-Pedersen had a big day with
Capt. William, highlighted by a pair of awesome marlin releases. They added a big dorado for the icebox, and all of this happened on just a fivehour, half-day trip! Our big battleship Discoverer also has been delivering big fish and big smiles. Our dear friend Jerome McKown continues to add to his FishingNosara Hall of Fame resume with a great day of action for his group on Feb. 1. After a sweet sailfish release, these Texas anglers scored a nice yellowfin tuna with a baitcaster reel he brought from home. Ryan McPherson joined Capt. Carlos and had the best five-hour trip you can imagine on Jan. 31. First up was a big blue marlin release. The blue water kept producing with an excellent sailfish backed up by a tasty yellowfin tuna. Our newest weapon, the 32-foot Eduardono mega-panga Harvester, has already redefined the potential of panga fishing in Central America. After three full days of fishing, angler Chuck Hanford saved the best for last with a mammoth roosterfish release on his final day of action on Feb. 5. This monster was a legitimate 60 pounds, proven by Captain Alex’s Bogagrip. Great work by the mega-panga to photograph and release this monster. Meanwhile, our smaller pangas, the Explorer and Adventurer, are delivering the best bang-for-your-buck fishing action in all of Central America. The Explorer put on a show for Maurycy Krzastek, of Poland, with a wonderful day of action on Jan. 12. The fish were fired-up as the Explorer released not one but two mighty marlins. This amazing feat was backedup with plenty of dorado, so these boys will be well fed. Great work by Capt. Fico! The Adventurer scored a swarm of permit, snappers and yellowfin tuna on Jan. 6. Want to have ceviche, sushi and filets all in one meal? Capt. David is known for delivering a wide variety of edible delights every time he hits the water. Daily updates on the team’s catches are available at blog.fishingnosara.com and on the major social media platforms.
For more on FishingNosara, go to
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FRESHWATER
By TAM Staff
T
his is the time of year when crappie anglers flock to the water. The predictability and seemingly never-ending abundance of these tasty fish make them a springtime tradition with a community feel. No one’s going to fight you for crappie; there are plenty for everyone. Here are a few tips to help you load a cooler this spring. • Fish The Right Areas: This time of year, crappie are either shallow or thinking about moving shallow, depending on where you fish. With warming waters, the spring spawn will find them right up on the banks in water as shallow as 1 ½ feet. Explore backs of the creeks that feed reservoirs or the flats adjacent to creek channels. Crappie use those channels to travel in and out of their spawning areas, so they’ll be stacked up in shallow brush near those slightly deeper areas when they move up. They’ll be holding in those slightly deeper channels before and after the spawn. • Brush, Brush, Brush: The necessity for cover cannot be overstated. Crappie seek out hard bottoms with abundant cover to hide and
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protect their beds. Laydowns on the bank, shallow docks, timber and brush stacked up by currents, angler-placed brush in shallow water, all of it will hold spawning crappie as long as there is firm bottom for them to build their nests and something to conceal them. • Tactics: Male crappie are usually the target when fishing during the spawn. Males are the ones that guard the beds, and while they are in protector mode they are aggressive. They are not necessarily feeding; they are attacking. Minnows under a float are the traditional bait for crappie fishing, and it is a tactic that works any time of year. But during the spawn, minnows can actually hurt your productivity because fishing them out of the livewell and hooking them up is time consuming. If they will take a jig, there is no reason not to use one. Jigs are just more efficient. This time of year, bright and gaudy colors are the way to go. Angry fish don’t need to be enticed into feeding, just getting their attention is often enough to make them strike. Whether you’re vertical jigging thick cover or casting to the banks, move quickly until you find crappie and then slow down to catch all of them that will bite. • Remember: When you find a good spot, mark it on the graph or remember where it is. Crappie know where to go to spawn successfully and comfortably. They will utilize the same areas year after year, and so should you. This holds true on a short-term basis also. Catch a limit one day, and you might think you’ve fished a particular bank out. Don’t count on it. Those good spawning sites reload. New fish will move in to take the place of the ones you took home to the fryer. That spot is worth checking again as early as tomorrow or even this afternoon.
For more on fishing Crappie in the spring, go to
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TIPS FROM A PRO
FRESHWATER PUNCHING MATS
BRANDON LESTER
T
he first pro event of the 2018 Bassmaster schedule was the Bassmaster Eastern Open in Kissimmee, Fla. I love Florida in winter, and love it even more now. I finished the event in second place, my highest professional finish to date. To notch that result, I had to adapt. Here’s how I did it. In practice and early on day one I was catching fish on a prop bait. The fish were eating it, but I started catching smaller fish as time wore on. I knew big fish were in the area but weren’t willing to hit a topwater. They were buried in the cover, and I needed to go in after them. That meant punching the heavy mats. My arsenal for approaching the thickest Florida cover is simple but vital. I like to
use a MHX FP936 flipping stick with a 1 ½-ounce tungsten weight. I like a 4/0 Mustad 3X Grip Pin Max flipping hook, which helps keep a compact creature bait on the hook shank while penetrating abrasive cover. I pair it with 65-pound Vicious No Fade Braid to a high-speed reel to ensure I can muscle trophy fish from matted cover. A big key to punching heavy cover is the bait. It must have a compact shape to slip through the mats behind that big weight. I worked with X Zone Lures to create a new punching bait that does just that and is a new look for the fish. The Muscle Back Finesse Craw is the result. You can find them on the X Zone website (www.xzonelures.com). I relied on the Okeechobee Craw and Black/Blue Flake colors, which are both Florida staples.
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FRESHWATER PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Fishmaster has unveiled a new line of folding aftermarket T-tops suitable for inshore or offshore applications. The first model in Fishmaster’s new Pro Series features industry leading 2.25-inch aviation grade 6061 T6 schedule 40 aluminum for optimum strength-to-weight ratio. Its patent pending design features sleek lines, integral grab handles and lateral support bars for superior stability. The top provides more than 35 square feet of coverage and features Sunbrella fabric for weather protection and comfort. The top can be folded without the use of tools to accommodate storage, trailering and low bridge or tree clearance. It is available in bone white powder coating or polished and anodized finish for maximum corrosion resistance. This Pro Series model adjusts from 24-50 inches wide to fit virtually any center console on the market. Each Fishmaster top can be customized with a wide array of accessories including rod holders, lights, antenna brackets, an electronics box and more. Fishmaster T-Tops can be installed by a do-it-yourselfer or by a dedicated Fishmaster marine dealer. For more information about the new Pro Series or the name of your local Fishmaster dealer, call 877-777-8693 or visit Fishmaster.com.
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UNDER THE SEA
What To Wear?
W
ho says you can’t have it all? When it comes to wetsuits—whether man or woman, warm or cold water, scuba or freediver—there are many great choices on the market. They are more comfortable, better-fitting, and more fashionable than ever. Pioneers in the dive world had to endure cold temperatures sometimes. Finally, in 1952, a University of California physicist invented the wetsuit. Water conducts heat away from the body about 20 times more efficiently than air, which is why an unprotected individual feels cold even in “warmish” water. The inventor created a foam-like material to cover the body, which reduced the water’s ability to conduct heat away from the body. This, plus the fact that water is warmed by your body and trapped inside the suit, made for a more comfortable experience. Previous materials were very fragile or very rigid. Due to product innovation, wetsuits are more flexible, warm, and come in many different colors—even camouflage patterns. Better-fitting designs and new methods of joining the seams make today’s suits even more waterproof and reduce “flushing,” which is the seeping in of cold water. In the warmest parts of the world, divers may opt for a simple “lycra skin” for protection from jellyfish, coral and sunburns. However, even in the summer, most will still wear at least a 2-mil wetsuit. On the other end of the scale, my very admirable friends in northern California wear two-piece 8-mil wetsuits complemented by thick neoprene boots, gloves and hoods. As an example, someone in the Bahamas might wear a skin for the summer and a 2-mil in the winter. Someone in Florida might own a 3-mil for the summer and a two-piece 5-mil for the winter. A Californian would probably own a two-piece 5-mil for the summer and 8-mil for winter.
The rule of thumb is that you want to wear the thinnest possible wetsuit, but enough to feel comfortable throughout the dive. That’s because you want to maintain maximum Photo by Jose Fernandez flexibility and reduce the amount of lead needed on your weight belt to submerge (wetsuit material is buoyant). The beauty of owning two-piece suits (hooded top and farmer john bottoms) is that you can switch pieces around for the perfect combination—such as wearing a 5-mil bottom with a 3-mil top. Along these lines, it’s also possible to buy a sleeveless vest for more layering options. With just a few basic pieces, many different combinations are available. This is especially handy if traveling and exact conditions are unknown or could change. The following brands are available at your local dive shop: Yazbeck, Mares, Riffe, Omer, Cressi and more. If an off-the-rack suit does not fit, there are several affordable custom manufacturers who will tailor one to your measurements, such as Polosub or Elios. These days, there’s no reason to be uncomfortable in the water. Happy diving! Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.
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The Professional Choice For 200 Years
By CAM Staff
M
ichael Clark’s 9.66-pound sheepshead might not be the biggest ever caught, but it’s the heaviest officially recognized sheep ever caught on a fly rod in Louisiana. Clark, of Charleston, S.C., and his father-in-law Craig Pagels booked a couple days with Louisiana Low Tide Charters and Capt. Lucas Bissett last January to fish the marshes of Delacroix. The big sheepshead came on the second afternoon of the trip. The day had dawned clear and calm, but when winds picked up in the afternoon it stirred up the mud bottom they were fishing. Capt. Bissett made the call to move in search of a sand bottom and clear water. It was a good call. Bissett spotted two sheepshead from the poling platform. “He told me to strip out all my line and said ‘four o’clock, four o’clock,’” Clark said. “I threw it out there and dropped it right on the shadow. Then I waited for what seemed like forever. Then I twitched it once and it took the fly.” The fish ate Bissett’s own pattern, a Bissett’s Mud Bug, which has a deer hair head and a baitfish profile. It was caught on a 10-weight Orvis Helios. The Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association (LOWA) recognized it as the fly-caught state record. The all-tackle LOWA record for sheepshead was caught in 1982 by Wayne Desselle. That one weighed 21.25 pounds.
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S
By Tobin Strickland - CAM Special Correspondent Photo Courtesy of Capt. Ernest Cisneros - Simms Ambassador
pring temperatures can swing widely; the morning can start very cold with late season frontal passages, or strong winds with clouds or fog. Even warm days can feel cold due to the water’s ability to cool the near surface layer of air. However, those cold mornings can warm to hot afternoons and back to cold. First, start with a thermal layer that breathes well that can be worn on its own if it warms up. I prefer merino wool for this, but cotton thermals are fine as well if that’s your budget. The merino seems to wick and dry better and is comfortable in a wider range. Next comes a hoodie of some sort, whether that be heavy cotton, fleece or poly, and on your legs either poly sweats or jeans are usually enough for spring. The hoodie will be a welcome addition over your hat of choice at dawn, during high winds, or evening low-light conditions. The final layer should be some sort of windproof and waterproof layer. For wade fishing or rough water conditions, I like a pair of Simms fishing waders and a jacket. I can’t stress enough how important it is to block the wind and water on the top layer. Spring fishing brings variable conditions that require you to layer your clothes so you can adjust through the day. The mornings may be cold, but the mid afternoon leaves you peeling off clothes and sweating. You’ll be ready if you layer. Tobin created TroutSupport.com - Tech Support for inshore fisherman wanting to take it beyond the basics.
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT LLEBROC GAME CHANGER Llebroc Industries teamed up with Shockwave to create Game Changer, the ultimate shock seat. The S5 military-grade shock mitigation system is the real thing, and boat owners owe it to their backs to check out this product. By combining the finest-riding seat on the market with the finest shock-mediating system, Llebroc has the solution to rough seas at an affordable price. Whether it’s helm seats, benches or bass-boat seats, Llebroc is already renowned for producing functional and comfortable marine seats. Every Llebroc chair features rugged durability, extraordinary comfort, functional design, an impressive set of standard features and an affordable price. With a wide variety of different chair styles and custom features, customers can create the exact chair they want. Shockwave’s shock-mitigating suspension has won more military awards after extensive review than any other manufacturer. The Game Changer is a combination that will allow you to fish longer and harder. Your ride can be completely customized with the S5 system. Dual dampener controls allow for adjustment of the suspension to make the ride harder or softer and dictate how fast the unit rebounds. An air pump provides additional control, allowing the system to be customized based on the weight of the person sitting in the chair. When you’re ready to experience the most comfortable, smoothest riding helm chair available, check out the Game Changer. For more information and to see all the different products Llebroc has to offer, go to www.llebroc.com.
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SUZUKI MAKES IT EASY AS
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These are limited time offers. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details or visit www.suzukimarine.com.
N SO S NG ARD AVI TBO T S I OU TANUZUK INSECT S
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REPOWER FINANCE
Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate form at time of sale. Instant Savings will be applied against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account). There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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