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Blackfish Inshore Rigging Tips PHOTO COURTESY OF DARYN ANDREW WHITE VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 288
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LIFE ON THE COAST IS BETTER WHEN YOU STAY CENTERED.
190 FSH SERIES
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FROM SHIP TO SHORE
All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2018.
© 2 0 1 9 H AVA LO N K N I V E S
AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN.
The new Havalon® TalonTM Quik-Change IITM Multi-Blade Cutlery System brings together nearly 40 years of expertise in the surgical field and decades of quality time spent out in open waters. This innovative platform features a variety of reliable add-on blades designed to make clean work of the dirty work all the way from ship to shore. 4
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For over a century, a league of canned crusaders have been fighting to keep boats safe from barnacles, slime, algae and other aquatic evils that rob your boat of its true performance. With advanced know-how and unique capabilities, each antifouling is tailored to different conditions, and has the power to defeat fouling in all its forms. Micron® WA is a water-based formula that’s powered with advanced Water Activated Matrix technology to efficiently release active ingredients over time for valiant multi-season protection. Micron® WA is easy to apply and clean up, making it ideal for boaters in all waters and regions. For super-powered antifouling protection and proven performance, choose Interlux®.
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Tampa Bay, A Jewel On
Florida’s Gulf Coast By Rosemary J. White
T
ampa Bay has some of the very best fishing in the state of Florida, which means it is some of the best fishing in the world. What makes Tampa Bay so unique is the many different varieties of both freshwater and saltwater fish to catch, as well as the many different ways to catch them. If you are not a boat person, Tampa offers the world’s longest fishing pier, the Old Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Here you can catch snook, tarpon, grouper, black sea bass, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, sheepshead, red snapper and pompano. That’s 10 species of highly desirable fish from just one location, without a boat! And if that list alone is not impressive enough, fishing the bridge is convenient, too. You’ll need some specialized gear, but once
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you’ve got it you can drive right onto the pier to your exact sweet spot and unload. It’s also lit at night! There’s no limit as to what time of the day you can fish. Feel like delving into the ocean world a little deeper than a concrete bridge? Tampa Bay boasts the stunning Fort Desoto County Park. Here you can simply slip on a pair of old sneakers and wade into cerulean blue waters and lush seagrass beds. Sound surreal? It is. Wading is a stealthy approach to fishing. In addition to species from the list above, you can also catch redfish, trout and flounder. Looking to fish the deeper waters of the bay? About 45 miles out, the water depths start to reach the 80-foot range. Out here, the possibilities are endless. Varieties of grouper, assortments of snapper, arrays of sharks, blackfin tuna, sailfish, mahi, amberjack, jack crevalle, permit and bonita can be added to the previously mentioned lists of available species. What if you tend to lean more toward the fresh side? Tampa Bay has some of the most diverse freshwater fishing opportunities one can imagine. Use a kayak to quietly glide through the tannic waters of our creeks to catch largemouth bass that grow upwards of 10 pounds. The creeks also hold massive bluegills, crappie, toothy alligator gar, tilapia, catfish and carp. The secret to what makes our freshwater fishing so thrilling is that you never know what you are going to catch. You see, many of our saltwater species inhabit our freshwater, as well. It is not only possible, but it is common to catch a big largemouth and then five minutes later a 15-pound common snook. Tampa Bay offers a temperate climate, direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, artificial reefs, a unique slowly sloping continental shelf, and an abundance of freshwater feeds. From grass flats and mangrove systems in our inshore ecological system, to the deeper channels throughout the bay and Intracoastal Waterway, anglers have the opportunity to catch anything from sharks to Goliath grouper. The potential for the catch of a lifetime exists on every cast.
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*At participating dealers only. Qualifying retail customers may receive instant savings off the selling price of a Honda powered boat package or Honda Marine engine(s) sold for repower. This promotion is limited to new Honda Marine 40 HP through 250 HP outboard engines, 2014 and newer models, sold and delivered between January 3, 2019 and June 3, 2019 and registered by the Dealer in accordance with American Honda Motor Co., Inc.’s sales registration requirements. Only Honda Marine outboard engines sold for personal use qualify for this promotion. Fleet, commercial & government sales are ineligible. Engines sold under special pricing / promotions including (but not limited to) demo and tournament fisherman engines are also excluded. Honda Marine reserves the right to modify, amend, cancel or revoke, in whole or in part, this promotion at any time without prior notice. © 2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Always wear a COASTALANGLERMAG.COM personal flotation device while boating and read• your owner’s manual. All Honda outboards meet EPA and CARB emissionIlevels. THEANGLERMAG.COM I FEBRUARY 2019 NATIONAL 7
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NauticStar Introduces
SEE IT AT THE MIAMI INTL BOAT SHOW BOOTH A237 The 251 Hybrid offers a fresh new look and a new 25-foot model to NauticStar’s very successful hybrid lineup. This unique multipurpose vessel offers the perfect size and features for a family friendly pleasure boat and a tournament ready fishing platform. NauticStar has also moved into the 30-foot plus category with its
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newest member of the family: the 32 XS Offshore. This outstanding saltwater performer delivers all the necessary fishing features for the serious angler with a smooth, dry, comfortable ride with cutting edge styling and comfort features never before seen in a boat of this style and size. With its 10’ 6” beam, the 32 XS Offshore offers a spacious and comfortable bow that features large forward lounge seating with arm rests and plush wrap-around bow seats. The head console has a fully lined interior with a sink, SeaDek floor and electric flush toilet. It has a spacious and ergonomic helm to allow for dual 12-inch or 16inch multifunction displays. The leaning post features ergonomically correct Llebrock double billfish seats with flip-up bolsters and pivot arms. It has a sink, tackle storage, and a slide-out, 35-quart YETI cooler. The D-channel, integrated T-top can be fitted with a variety of options such as a retractable shade and fold-down cockpit television. Aft, the jump seats flip-up for a spacious fishing deck with sizable, infloor fish boxes and large port side dive door. “Engineered for exceptional reliability and performance, the new 32 XS Offshore carries forward NauticStar’s 100-percent wood-free construction and one-piece foam filled fiberglass stringer system,” said Ryan Witt, director of engineering. “Additionally, we’ve added some great new design features such as sculpted hull sides, a sideentry cockpit door, and large insulated in-floor fish boxes. The 32 XS Offshore also features cutting edge technologies with NaviOP digital vessel control system and Klipsch custom-tuned audio system.” “I am very proud of the team and all they have accomplished over the past year,” Schiek added. “These new models are truly exciting and we look forward to introducing many great new models in the future.” The 251 Hybrid and 32 XS Offshore will be on display in Miami at booth A237 and available for test rides in the Yamaha in-water display. For more information on each of NauticStar’s new model introductions, please visit: 195 Bay - https://nauticstarboats. com/boats/nauticbay-boats/195-nauticbay/ 251 Hybrid - https:// nauticstarboats.com/boats/hybrids/251-hybrid/
TI EES EHT TA LTNI IMAIM WOHS TAOB 732A HTOOB
auticStar Boats, a subsidiary of MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc., has been reinvesting in the business at an accelerated pace, specifically, modernizing the plant and developing leading edge new products. The Company launched the new 195 Bay Boat in August, followed by the 251 Hybrid in September and will debut its largest offshore model yet, the 32 XS Offshore, at the Miami International Boat Show. “To say we have been busy at NauticStar is an understatement,” NauticStar President Tim Schiek said in a statement. “We have assembled a strong team of marine experts focused on delivering the highest quality and best performing boats in their segment. This is not only driving continuous improvement in our boat building processes, but throughout the entire organization. We have also implemented a more disciplined product development process that is delivering more new products, at a faster cadence, with increased consumer insights and innovation that ultimately will deliver the best boating experience for our consumers at a reasonable price.”
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Get A First Look At Miami International Boat Show
THE ALL NEW
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IT’S CRAZY COOL!
NAUTICSTAR’S
251 HYBRID
Three Exciting New Models!
THE ALL NEW
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With its sleek lines and stylish contours, the new 251 Hybrid offers a fresh new look and a 25 foot addition to the NauticStar Hybrid lineup. This unique multi-purpose vessel offers the perfect size and features for a family friendly pleasure boat and a tournament ready fishing platform. If you need a serious fishing machine for yourself or a boat with enough room for a large crowd, the 251 Hybrid is the boat for you! Check out all the incredible features of the 251 on our website and design the boat of your dreams.
Factory installed with
Call (662) 200-4664 or visit our website:
NauticStarBoats.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM Some photos shown with optional equipment
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By Tom Schlichter
Winter Bulldogs Out Of Ocean City, Maryland By Tom Schlichter
Ron McClelland caught this 24-pound blackfish aboard the Fish Bound out of Ocean City, Md. in April of 2018. Mate Kevin Twilley helps hoist the beast. Photo courtesy of Fish Bound Charters.
K
enneth Westerfeld was expecting a big blackfish when he set up on a solid, single-tug while wreck fishing out of Ocean City, Md. back in January of 2015. What he wasn’t expecting was a new International Game Fish Association (IGFA) world record at the end of the line.
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“We were into big blackfish right off the bat,” explained the Queens, N.Y. angler, “and I knew immediately when I set the hook that this was a double-digit white chin. I got three quick turns on the reel and then all I could do was hold the rod high and tight while she dove for the wreck. More than half way to the top, however, she got a second wind and tore 40 feet of line from my drag, which was nearly locked tight. I couldn’t believe the power. That’s when I knew this one was more than special.” When the monstrous bulldog finally hit the deck, Westerfeld was stunned by its size. Back at Sunset Marina in Ocean City, the huge white chin officially tipped the scales at 28 pounds, 8 ounces. That blackfish, still the all tackle world record for the tough-lipped bottom feeders, was decked aboard Capt. Kane Bounds’ six-pack charter boat Fish Bound, a vessel on which Westerfeld has taken several ’teen-sized bulldogs over the years. “I’m convinced there’s even bigger blackfish in Maryland waters,” he said. “A couple of years ago, an experienced SCUBA diver reported seeing two giant blackfish on an offshore reef there—the smaller one he estimated at 30 pounds.” Capt. Kane agrees that bigger fish probably lurk in the 80- to 150-foot depths where he concentrates most of his blackfish efforts. “I think our ’tog have a little longer growing season than up north,” he reasoned. “That makes a difference with a fish that can live more than 30 years. In 2017 alone, we had five that broke the 20-pound mark. Three of those were released.” You’ll want to fish heavy in these waters if giant ’tog are your target. Bounds recommended conventional outfits with smooth drags and 50- to 60-pound test braided lines. He also goes big on hooks, choosing 5/0 and 6/0 sizes over more traditional 3/0 and 4/0 selections. Expect to need 8 to 12 ounces of lead to get to the bottom. Monster blackfish bite right through the winter months, with many of the largest fish decked each year in February, March and April. Westerfeld advised anglers looking for the blackfish of a lifetime to use fluorocarbon leaders no matter which rigs or hooks they choose. “Maryland’s waters are pretty clear in the winter and low visibility fluorocarbon leaders really provide an edge,” he said. “Seaguar’s 60-lb. test Blue Label fluorocarbon leaders have worked well for me. They have great abrasion resistance and impact strength, plus very little stretch—three things you really need with these brutes.” To fish with Capt. Kane on the six-passenger Fish Bound, contact: www. fishboundcharter.com; 443-497-1361. Open boat fans can check out the Morning Star (http://morningstarfishing.com; 410-520-2076).
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
1/21/19 10:31 AM
Central Florida Bass Are On The Beds By Nick Carter • Photo by Brett Cannon
W
hile largemouth bass across much of the country remain hunkered down in a winter pattern, bass in central Florida are running full tilt in all three stages of the spawn. Right now tournament angler and guide Ricky Congero is wearing out big Florida strain largemouths on the eight Kissimmee Chain lakes around Orlando. Whether you’re an angler in need of a road trip or if you’re sitting in an easy chair waiting on your reservoir to get right, Congero’s tactics might help steer you to the largemouth of a lifetime. Starting in November and December, Kissimmee largemouths begin staging up in prespawn behaviors. The first big waves of fish hit the flats toward the end of January. They’ll move in and out with the passage of cold fronts, but from January into early March there will be fish in all stages of the spawn. The key to locating them among miles of thick vegetation is to find hard-bottomed shallow flats. “You can pattern them year-round based on the spawning flats,” Congero said. “During prespawn, they’ll be staged in the first grass maybe
100 yards off those flats. Postspawn, they’ll move out into the dense hydrilla and hyacinth.” Congero starts by covering water with moving baits like swim jigs and Chatterbaits in search of bass preparing to move up. When the smaller males arrive on the flats to fan out beds, it’s an indicator that fishing is about to get very good. “If you start catching a bunch of young bucks on the flats, the big females won’t be far behind,” he said. In the tannic waters of the Kissimmee lakes, it’s difficult to spot fish on the bed. Instead of sight fishing, Congero looks for the locations big females prefer. “You always find the bigger females bedded on isolated pads, as opposed to the big clumps of pads,” he said. “They’ll spawn right at the base of the stem.” And while heavy braid and heavy-duty tackle are mainstays for hossing big fish out of thick vegetation, fishing beds requires stealth and finesse. Sizing down to 17- or 20-pound fluorocarbon, Congero likes a short 5- or 6-inch Senko. A staple on the Kissimmee lakes is black with a blue tail. He Texas rigs it with 1-ounce tungsten bullet weight, which is pegged to the head of the worm. This allows him to feel when his bait hits the stalk, at which time he lets it sit on the bottom until the bass picks it up. “Don’t set the hook as soon as you feel her pick it up,” he warned. “She might just have the tail in her mouth and you’ll come back with half a worm. Wait until she’s swimming off with it. Reel up all the slack and give her a second or two before you set it.” For a guided trip, contact Congero at (973) 6998981 or email info@blackcloudfishing.com. Follow him on Instagram @Ricky_Congero.
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VISIT AND Visit andEXPLORE Explore Burnsville, NC Burnsville, N.C.
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hether you’re hiking, exhibits. The restaurant, conces- through Yancey fishing or camping sion stand and gift shop are open County. hether you’re hiking, fishing or Mountains and the South Toe in the mountains or May thru a fun camping in the mountains, at- October. River Campground Valley. StretchingEnjoy nearly has 9 tent sites only. attending a performance at Parkfilled day on tending a performance at Parkway 500 miles through the mountains the Playhouse ororcoming North Virginia way Playhouse comingtotothe theMt. Mitchell Winding of along the Carolina southern and water, catching Crafts Fair Crafts or Carolina Literary without a single red light, Mt. Mitchell Fair orMountains Caro- edge of Yancey County, the Blue the the fishBlue native to Festival, there’sLiterary alwaysFestival, a good day waiting Ridge one of the best lina Mountains Ridge Parkway givesParkway travelersisan our mountains. for you in Burnsville, North Carolina, espe- scenic drives in America. there’s always a good day waiting amazing view of the Black MounWe is guarantee cially for travelers who like to discover their The Blue Ridge Parkway the forown youjourney. in Burnsville, North Car- tains and the South Toe River your fishing only access to Mount Mitchell County is home State Park at Hwy andwill mileolina, Yancey especially for travelers whoto waterfalls, Valley. Stretching for nearly 500128trip be full campgrounds, hiking post It’s five miles sumSnakeroot Ecotours offers custom tours like to discover theirbackroads, own journey. milestrails, through the355. mountains of to of the fish-catching clean rivers, and six the 10tohighest peaks mit. and The Parkway by Civilian Con-Observation at Mount State Park. of one ofplatform the wildest andMitchell most scenic corNorth Carolina Virginia was – built Yancey County is ofhome experiences! in the eastern United States. servation Corps labor in the 1930s. Workers ners of Western North Carolina. They invite and not one single redlight – the waterfalls, campgrounds, backToe River, Located in southern Yancey County, used dynamite to blast tunnels through the you into astoundingly Southern diverse Appalachian habitatsMounand Blue Ridge Parkway is one the a Carolina roads, hiking trails,(6,684 clean feet) rivers,is the Hemlocks, Black Mount Mitchell highest mountains andofcarve road through rough, and reveal the mysteries of the Southern Appatains. More info at www.snakemountain of the peaks Mississippi River. It drives remote terrain. The Parkway rises to an el- lachian scenic in America. and six of theeast 10 highest in best Mountain Campgrounds are all lo-Mountains. See more info at www. rootecotours.com. was designated North evation over 5,000 as it off passes through snakerootecotours.com. Blue Ridge Parkway is thefeetcated Eastern America. the first state park in The Highway 80 in the South The Burnsville-Yancey ChamCarolina in 1916. Today it features an obYancey County. Located in southern Yancey only access to Mount Mitchell Toe River area of Yancey County. servation platform on the summit next to Enjoy a fun-filled day on the water, The Burnsville-Yancey Chamber of ber of Commerce and Visitor State Park at catching Hwy 128the andfish mileCounty, Mount Mitchell (6,684 State Park and and Visitor Center is located at Elisha Mitchell’s grave and an interpretive nativeMount to ourMitchell mountains. Commerce Center is located at 106 West Main post 355. It’s miles to thefishing feet) is the highest mountain East Crabtree Meadows by Main Street in Burnsville. Inside museum with historical and environmental Wefive guarantee your trip will be full are of accessed 106 West findofa inforhelpful The restaurant, standThe Parkway fish-catching experiences! was built by the Blue Ridge Parkway. you’ll find aStreet. of exhibits. the Mississippi River. It wasconcession des- summit. helpfulInside staff you’ll and lots and gift are park openinMay through River, Carolina Hemlocks andEcotours Black offers staff and lotslodging, of information mation shopping,on CCCOctolabor in theToe 1930s. Workers ignated the shop first state North Snakeroot cus-on attractions, ber. Theincampground limited to used only nine Mountain are all located off dining and local businesses and services. The attractions, lodging, shopping, dynamite to blastcampgrounds tunnels tom Carolina 1916. Today itisfeatures tours of area one of of the wildest tent sites. Highway 80 in the South Toe River Visitor Center and office are open Monday& dining, and local businesses through the mountains and carve an observation platform on the most scenic cornersthrough of West-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call Winding along the southern edge of Yancey County. Mountand Mitchell State Park road through rough, remote ter- ern summit to Elisha services. Visitor Center and office Carolina. Yanceynext County, the Mitchell’s Blue Ridge a Parkway and Crabtree Meadows areNorth accessed by theWe invite (828) you 682-7413. givesand travelers an amazing view ofrain. the Black Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway rises to an ele- into astoundingly diverse habitats open Monday thru Friday 9am to grave, an interpretive museum with historical and environmental vation over 5,000 feet as it passes and reveal the mysteries of the 5pm. Call (828) 682-7413.
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provided through Boat Association Insurance Services, license #0H87086. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2019 GEICO COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I FEBRUARY 2019 I NATIONAL
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FISH & FISHING
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SOUTHEAST
Photo by Capt. Jordan Todd, Saltwater Obsessions
A
s we transition from winter to spring, the fishing really starts to heat up along the Franklin County, Fla. coastline. Many pelagic fish are still not quite readily available, but Spanish mackerel usually show up in a big way just as soon as water temps start to warm a bit. Once located, Spanish can provide non-stop action trolling a Clarkspoon Mackerel Tree rig or other small spoons. Casting at schools with spoons like the Hopkins Shorty or Kastmaster can be especially fun and productive. Spend some time cruising around looking for diving birds, they’re usually feeding on the same baitfish as the Spanish. Here’s a tip for your Clarkspoon Tree rig: Try sliding a 1-ounce
or heavier egg sinker on the main line above the leader. Trolling it this way gets the rig deeper for more bites. Also, vary your trolling speeds from slow to fast to see what’s working best for that day; slow is usually best, but not always. Early season means sheepshead to many folks here, and these fine-eating fish are plentiful. They’re not always easy to catch, but light line, small hooks and live shrimp or crabs will get lots of bites. Getting them hooked and landed is at times the challenge. They like to be close to rocks and bridge pilings, and some can be large, hard fighters. Locations like bridges, causeways and inlets offer deeper water that holds redfish and black drum… and they can be massive in size. Once located, they can be stacked up and very aggressive, which makes for some big fun! A strong outgoing tide is best, but an incoming or slack tide doesn’t mean fish are any less hungry. Live bait like pinfish or menhaden work great, and live or fresh shrimp will really get the job done too. Black drum are especially fond of fresh shrimp. Use a simple Carolina-style rig with a 1-ounce or heavier weight and a 16- to 24-inch leader of 20- to 50-pound-test mono or fluorocarbon matched with an appropriate sized hook. Offshore, mangrove snapper are a good bet for reef fishing, while the abundant red snapper are out of season for harvest. Chumming chunks of Spanish sardine or cigar minnows, followed by a chunk on a free-line will get some big bites. Use a 30- to 50-pound fluorocarbon leader with a small but strong circle hook. They can be tricky to coax into biting, so fluorocarbon line is important. Try to bury the hook in the bait so it is not visible to the fish. Experienced guides are at the ready to put you on some great early season action, but this fisherman-friendly area is perfect for accommodating boaters, so drag your rig down for the early season bite and have a ball! For a chance to win a fishing getaway or an eco-tour, accommodations and more in Carabelle, Fla., visit www.floridasforgottencoast.com.
Land This Getaway ... Enter to Win a Fishing or Boating Trip along Florida’s Forgotten Coast! Win a fishing or boating trip, accommodations and meals! Visit floridasforgottencoast.com/ca COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Marlin Decoys
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BRENDA RIGGS MIKE RIGGS Co-publishers & Editors
GRAPHIC DESIGN Marlin-X LLC is a small company offing a big product. First introduced in 2008, the Marlin-X marlin decoy is a 60” long (tip of tail to tip of bill) lifelike marlin decoy that is 100% handmade in the USA. The life size marlin decoy is just that, a full size marlin decoy designed to be trolled behind any boat to give the illusion of a feeding marlin. The Marlin-X marlin decoys are the results of two years of product development by a NASA engineer.
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CONTACT INFORMATION For editorial comments, articles, photography, artwork and all other inquiries please contact:
“During development we established our trade space boundaries and worked within: 1. The product must float, not sink if disconnected from the boat 2. It must be relatively large (60”length) but still easy to handle 3. It must to have action like a real feeding marlin 4. It must to be a quality product that customers are excited about 5. It must, above all, work to help a marlin boat attract more fish.” -Aaron Horning
BRENDA RIGGS brenda@coastalanglermagazine.com
MIKE RIGGS mriggs@coastalanglermagazine.com
The final product was a marlin decoy that swims and attracts other marlin much like a real marlin. Pull a Marlin-X marlin decoy behind a standard squid chain teaser and you will have the look of a real marlin in your baits all day. Marlin-X LLC has expanded the product line to include blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish and spearfish models. Every model will swim behind the boat and give a new angling advantage like no other. Order your Marlin-X Marlin Decoy today and enjoy the show. For more information and to see them in action, visit us at
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Jake’s Outdoor Adventures By Jake Worthington In my November article, I wrote about Hatteras King Fishing in the Fall and how good the bite is annually. In early November, a bunch of friends and I gathered on a Saturday morning before sunrise at Oden’s Dock ready to board the Miss Hatteras for a Live Bait King Mackerel trip. We left the dock and headed out of the inlet ready to find bait. There is an old fishing tale that says, “If it takes a while to find bait, then you will have a great day of fishing.” Well, it took us over an hour and numerous cast net throws before we eventually got some menhaden and loaded up the live wells. Once we had the bait, we headed towards the area where boats were already catching kings. The bite was so good off Hatteras that a lot of the boats that were fishing near us were in a King Mackerel Tournament out of Morehead City. They had made the trip North in hopes of landing a tournament winning fish. As a matter of fact, as we arrived, several of these boats were fighting quality fish. After seeing this, my gut told me this was going to be a great day. We baited our live bait rigs with a fresh bait and everyone started letting their baits out beside the boat. Not long after the baits were down, a couple of us were hooked up. The bite was ok then but we had not seen anything like we would later on in the day. Captain Spurgeon Stowe reset the location of the boat several times and each time several people would get hooked up. Then at a little after high noon, one of the most aggressive king bites I have ever witnessed was getting ready to happen and everyone on the Miss Hatteras was getting ready to be a part of it. We stopped and everyone dropped their baits in the water and one by one they were getting bites. At one time, the bite was so hot you could see the kings in the water so thick and attacking baits that it reminded me of bailing Dolphin. Mates KP and Chase were busy gaffing one fish behind the other and getting them to the box. Everyone on the boat was getting one of the best shows they will ever experience. The kings were busting out of the water and skying airborne for a few seconds, then crashing on one of the live bait rigs. Reels were going off screaming everywhere down the side of the boat and everyone on the boat was catching fish. The bite was so crazy that some of us started using artificial baits and casting things like Gotcha Plugs and topwater plugs and landing kings on trout rods. Everyone that day limited out on kings and there were also numerous NC Saltwater Citation Kings (30 pounds or more) caught. Days like this are rare so they make excellent memories and everyone that left the boat has a memory for life of an epic king mackerel trip on the Miss Hatteras. I know for a fact that I will remember that day for the rest of my life!
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OBX By Aaron Kelly
INSHORE
Pretty weather windows are small but there will be some days when the ocean will be fishable. Sea bass season will reopen and can warm you right up with some fun fishing and tasty fillets. Meathog jigs tipped with squid or fish strips bumping along rocks and wrecks will be a fun way to spend a day catching them. Look for fuzzy blue marks on your sonar to show you the position on the fish on the structure. If you are looking for more big game then shove her farther east and go get you a Bluefin. These massive beasts will be cruising around the 100 fathom curve and would love to eat your ballyhoo and test your tackle and connections. 200-500lb fish are fairly common. Sea monsters double those weight are fought and landed every year as well! Talk about feeding the neighborhood! Looking west and much calmer getting into the lower Roanoke River and mouth of the Albemarle sounds the striper action has been heating up. Jig, bait, rattletraps, and stick baits have all been producing. Some like to anchor up and bait em up along the bottom. While others folks like to work the shorelines and cypress nubs and search out small packs of ambushing stripers. So there are a few options for you this February. Good Luck! Captain Aaron Kelly Rock Solid Fishing • www.rocksolidfishing.com• 252-4416575
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By Kristi Anderson, catchfishreports.com VIRGINIA BEACH INSHORE Virginia closed out 2018 with a bang. The bay rockfish season came to a close December 31st but not before large rockfish hit the scales after lots of action coming from the eastside of the Bay. Between the Cape Charles area and the ocean was most successful with hooking up to these fish over the 50-pound class all the way up to a 66 pound tank! How about that to go with your coffee? Buoys 57 and 38 yielded numerous catches throughout the season. Some of the largest fish measured this winter were ranging around the 50 inch class. Eels were most successful during the season producing a lot of quality catches and activity, along with some success using heavy Mojos. A lot of anglers finished up the year with citation striped bass off eels in the bay. Anglers also reported that the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT) was giving up decent catches of Tautog. With some boats reporting 20 or more Tautog’s on a hot bite using fresh crab chunks. VIRGINIA BEACH OFFSHORE Although the Chesapeake Bay rockfish season closed, the Virginia coastal season opened January 1st and runs through March 31st, so anglers targeting this species can now transition to ocean fishing. With a minimum size limit of 28 inches and 1 per person, anglers can continue enjoying fishing for striper all throughout the winter season. Anglers fishing offshore have been rewarded with quality action and catches of swordfish, golden tilefish, and big eye tuna. One report came in with a 158 lb Big Eye, 6 quality golden tile, and a 43 inch sword release.
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That’s one of the books if you ask me! Anglers daytime dropping had a slower response by Big Eye’s. Offshore wrecks have been holding true to sea bass and a few flounder in the mix. For those after a sure guarantee to catch sea bass, the triangle wrecks have been producing in large numbers up to the 6-pound class. The recreational sea bass fishing season reopens February 1, 2019 so gear up now and get ready to get your fill until the season closes February 28th . While your targeting the wrecks, be on the lookout for bluefish because there’s usually a bluefin tuna not far behind. OUTERBANKS NC Outer Banks surf anglers are locating small puppy drum along the beaches. Small trout and a few black drum have been reported at the jetties in Buxton. Captain Aaron Beatson, Cobia Killer, has North Carolina’s outer banks dialed in. He’s had success trolling for schoolie rockfish with Mann’s Swimbaits in blue and white patterns that swim from 8 to 12 ft. Also, casting a 1 oz. Hyper Striper Bucktail candy to them at the pilings of the bridges has been yielding some action. Speckled Trout are way back in the creeks if you have the desire for them this time of year. A few warm days can make the DOA Shrimp work magic under our beloved “popping cork” around marsh points and edges of deeper oyster reefs. Check out the 1Fish2Fish YouTube channel to catch a whole lot of popping cork and Trout action! Puppy Drum are still along the beaches and inlets on mullet cut bait and on jigs if they’re chewing. By the time this report is distributed, the striper are not going to be as thick in the Outer Banks region, but will be pushing further back into the sound, staging at the mouths of main rivers, such as the Roanoke, Tar, and other feeder rivers of the Pamlico Sound. EASTERN SHORE The Eastern Shore action has shown some great rock bite despite the constant rain pattern the area has been seeing. The water is high and in some places stained or even muddy, but the fish are concentrated enough the electronics are doing the job and anglers have been able to produce very good numbers of fish. Captain Mitchell Blake,
FishIBX, said the Yeeha Swimbait has been thumping not only the stripers but other mixed bag species as well so give this lure a try. The trout bite is steady, pick through the shorts and every outing is getting some keepers so it’s go time! One underrated fishery that anglers can gear up for in the Pamlico Sound come mid-March, are the Shad on ultra-light tackle. Captain Blake regards this as his favorite species, as the Shad run is a very popular pastime for many anglers. Look for the Shad to start making more of a presence in the North Carolina fisheries this month and the feeder rivers of the Pamlico. These Shad put up tarpon like thrills and are targeted with ultra-light to light action gear using Crappie Jigs and Shad Darts. The Shad run starts mid-March and goes all the way to the third week of April, but for anglers looking to get an early start, Shad are currently be targeted to warm up the season. See for yourself the Shad run in this fishery, 1Fish2Fish filmed a trip with FishIBX that will keep you coming back! For more fishing intel, videos, and winter tips to target your favorite species, go over to CatchFishReports.com!
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TIDEWATER AND THE OUTER BANKS Boat Show Season By John Tiger With the holiday season come and gone, our thoughts turn to spring—boating and fishing. Many look forward to upcoming boat shows, with good reason: with 2018 in the books as a pretty good year in the marine business, 2019 is also forecasted to be pretty strong for boat and outboard sales. There’s a lot of pent-up demand for new equipment. That means good deals with good financing can be had, as long as you have solid credit and enough money for the down payment. The annual Miami boat show (www. miamiboatshow.com) has long been an indicator of how the year’s sales will go. Scheduled this year for February 14-18, it’s a must-see event due to its size, glamor, glitz and of course, the huge displays of new powerboats, engines and gear. If your schedule won’t permit a trip to sunny Florida in February, local shows provide plenty of new rigs and gear to see. If you’re in the market for a new or used rig, here are five tips for boat show shopping: 1) Do your homework before you go. Learn about which dealers will be displaying, what their deals are, what they are offering as show incentives, and which boats will be featured. Research what type, size and power boat you’re interested in, and focus in on those you plan to review. It doesn’t hurt to visit the dealers beforehand, so you’re familiar with their offerings, their salesmen, and their approach. 2) Check your finances—your cash reserves, your credit rating, and available credit, if necessary. Do some quick math on just how much boat you can afford. If you need to finance some or all of your
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purchase, there’s not much worse than going to the show and getting hooked on one particular model, only to find out you can’t swing it. 3) Don’t forget used rigs. The market will always yield excellent buys in the “used but not abused” market. That means there are used rigs that were likely purchased in the early 2000s to perhaps 2015 that did not get used much, and are now for sale. Look them over carefully, as you don’t want to buy someone else’s used headache. Watch for sun bleaching (could mean expensive gelcoat reconditioning), evidence of sinking (water stains, rust, mold, etc.) and damage (cracks, damaged rubrails, etc.). There are a lot of excellent used rigs out there. It just takes patience and a little research to land one. 4) Don’t skimp on the trailer. Remember, the trailer is your boat’s home for a large portion of its life. Get a trailer that matches the boat, and is large enough and strong enough to carry its loaded weight. The trailer also helps with resale value; get one that’s visually attractive so it compliments your boat. 5) Take your time. Despite the pressure to “buy now”, there’s no reason to rush. Go early, do the legwork, study the literature, and make your decision on your time. Be mindful that some dealers will stick to their guns on show special pricing and financing, however. If you’re sure about what you want, and the deal’s right, dive in and buy!
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CATCHIN’ AND COOKIN’
SHRIMP & SCALLION SEA BASS DELIGHT 1 yellow pepper and 1/2 green pepper sliced 8 scallions chapped 3 large cloves of garlic 1/2 bunch of Italian parsley 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1 cup of white wine 1/2 stick butter 1 pound peeled & deveined shrimp Canola oil / plus your favorite light seafood breading mix Boneless filets of fresh sea bass 1 large sauté pot
by Jim Baugh reporting from Oyster Farm at Kings Creek, Cape Charles VA
First bread your filets lightly fry until done then set aside on a warmer. Then melt butter in a sauté pan and then add your peppers, salt pepper, and garlic to taste Cook until tender. Then add the wine and reduce. Then lastly add the shrimp and scallions, simmer for 10 minutes. Thicken with a little corn starch or flour if needed. To plate, pour shrimp sauce over plate, then add the sea bass filets and top with scallions.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS! February is always a month I look forward to because it marks the beginning of our ocean sea bass season. For as many years as I can remember, Jim Baugh Outdoors has always enjoyed each year taking a pilgrimage offshore for the tasty sea bass. Some seasons are better than others however it is the journey that is always most enjoyable. Most trips we arrive at the dock at 2am, board by 3am then leave out in the darkness on a winter night and catch a few winks on the way. Once aroused by an onboard cup of coffee, our charter arrives at our first drop of what will be seemingly endless cast for the next five or six hours. After hauling in a mess of sea bass for dinner we reel up and enjoy a comfy three hours or so ride back to the dock. The comradery on the trip is always a highlight. People bring all sorts of food and beverages ranging from; Hard cider, fresh sea bass shushi, smoked ribs, navy rum, BBQ, fried chicken, and the list goes on. The trip back on these adventures are some of my best memories and ones that will last a lifetime. I used to take my son Ben when he was only four years old offshore sea bass fishing and he loved it. Those memories I think about quite often and certainly every time I board a charter to go offshore sea bass deep droppin. Always extremely memorable trips, and last years sea bass trip was know different. Just great! This year we headed out of Rudee Inlet and booked with the Virginia Beach Fishing Center. If you would like to experience an awesome offshore adventure for not a lot of money plus come back with plenty of tasty sea bass, give the Fishing Center a call at (757) 491-8000. 2019 has some BIG dates for fisherman, boaters, beach lovers, seafood lovers, heck just about anyone who loves the water! Here are the don’t miss dates of events and festivals at the Oyster Farm in Cape Charles. For sure the Shuck and Suck and the Bash by the Bay you will want to book your slips and accommodations very early, like now! Just go ahead and put it on the books, you will be glad you did. If you would like to see some of the film features we have produced highlighting these events just check out our jimbaughoutdoors.blogspot.com Here ya go! 2/16 - Frank sings Frank 4/21 - Easter Brunch 5/12 - Mother’s Day Brunch 6/8 - Clean the Bay Day 8/2-8/4 - Shuck-N-Suck 2019 8/11 - Cape Charles Cup 8/24 - Annual Bash by the Bay 10/26 - Annual Trick or Treat on the Creek 12/5-12/7 - Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shoot Out 12/7 - Annual Lighted Boat Parade 12/8 - Breakfast with Santa 12/15 - Annual Chowder Cook Off 12/31 - New Years Party If you are thinking of storing your boat for the winter, you may want to check out the new Oyster Farm Boat and RV storage. The Oyster Farm marina also has all the amenities you will need for your boat and one fantastic fish cleaning station to boot. The marina number is 757 331 8640 and the web site is www.theoysterfarmatkingscreek.com Jim Baugh, Jimbaugh.net, Jim Baugh Outdoors TV
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TARGETING WINTER SPECKLED TROUT By Kristi, catchfishreports.com
T
argeting winter speckled trout brings into play new techniques and focus that has anglers shifting the way they catch fish. Despite cold conditions, trout are a very sought after species over winter months and learning their patterns during this season will correlate directly to your success out on the water. Several factors come into play when learning where and how to target this winter population and the first is understanding their habitat and winter patterns. There are two contrasting behaviors when it comes to the winter population of specks around the Virginia and North Carolina regions regarding their migratory patterns. One behavior observed is reflected by the population that moves out into the ocean during the winter months; the other population remains in inshore waters and pushes as far back as they can go. For the schools that remain shallow, they move up into the rivers and into the side branches and can often be found in the smaller parts of estuaries. Water temperature is paramount when winter fishing. You can target the specks in the creek systems off the main rivers and in the lower parts of the river as they are trying to warm themselves in the sun and the formally exposed mud by a low tide. These fish will be sure to take advantage of the warmth the mud offers during the cold winter months, so they use the afternoon sunshine to take advantage as their optimal feeding time. With adequate sunlight warming muddy bottoms by even a few degrees, this can make a world of difference for attracting bait fish and their predators. A sunny day for muddy bottoms can be just the indicator you’re looking for to locate the specks. Conversely, if it’s cloudy and cold and you’re not able to locate trout up in the flats and in skinny water, they most likely have retreated to deeper areas around 20-30 feet of water to stay warm, since the deeper pockets of water hold at a warmer water climate. However, even though the deeper slews hold warmth for predator fish, once these large bodies of water get really cold, the downside is that it takes a long time for them to warm back up so it might take the specks a while to re-acclimate back to deeper slews. Winter fishing most certainly changes the way we approach fishing for these trout and is one of the first things I take note of when getting out on the water. If you’re fishing in the shallows, the 47-degree mark is a typical minimum degree indicator if specks will be around and you can push to more towards the 44-degree mark when fishing deeper. During the day, sunshine plays a surprisingly stunning role, as these fish will be more inclined to feed with just slight degree change in elevating water temperatures.
In winter months, the speckled trout’s metabolism slows down, so their normal feeding behavior transitions over to a much slower feeding response, as well as what they are feeding on. Since a slower metabolism is in play here, they tend to digest smaller baits much better. They also react more lethargically and respond slower to baits, so using lures with a slower fall rate and with less action will seem more desirable. Think about fishing with lures with a slower fall rate, along with fishing with a lighter jig head to slow down the movement and better present the bait to the fish. Sensitivity of baits and gear are key when it comes to your hook up ratio. Think about choosing a 7-foot light action graphite rod, rigged with braid and 12-15 lb test for the leader. This set up might just give you the sensitivity you need to properly feel and work the bait through water column to effectively present it to the fish. Don’t be afraid to downsize your soft plastics and lures to give a smaller profile and presentation. On our 1Fish2Fish YouTube channel, in our winter trout fishing videos, we downsize all the way to 2-inch soft plastic swimming mullet and find this produces better than hard plastics and or large profile lures. Any sharp and fast movements might deter and scare the fish from striking, so slow and low is the name of the game during the winter months. When choosing your lure colors, I personally don’t think the winter months play a large role on what color you choose. Most of the colors I tend to pick are pretty consistent year around and are mostly affected by the water clarity. If you’re fishing in muddy and or stained water, I have found bright vibrant colors to produce more strikes. When fishing tannic water, try tying on pearl white or chartreuse baits so they really stand out. If you’re up in the flats and or where water visibility is good, switching your baits to a more natural color tends to get better action. My final pro tip for anglers looking to hone in on this winter fishery is to be cognizant that these fish are going to be schooled up. If you’re focused on covering a lot of water, chances are you might be bypassing a large school of hungry specks. So not only focus on fishing your choice lure at a slower pace, but don’t be in such a hurry to bounce from place to place. When you’re out on the water, really allow ample time to locate the schools because when you do, you’ll be sure to land your fair share. Winter speckled trout fishing can feel like a whole new fishery to tackle, but once you learn their patterns and behaviors, you’ll be catching fish in the dead of winter!
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MAINTENANCE: Part 1 By Mike Buss
W
eather in the Tidewater area in February is usually a mixture of cold, wet, and wind, any of which makes fishing difficult, if not impossible. That’s why I take advantage of this downtime to clean and repair my fly-fishing equipment.
Most of us that fish in both fresh and salt water give our equipment a quick fresh water rinse to wash the grime and saltwater off our rods and reels. This is a good start, but a real thorough cleaning is required every year if you want to maintain your equipment and expect it to last. I rinse my rods and reels with freshwater after every trip even if I haven’t fished in saltwater. I also give my reels and lines a fresh water bath at the end of every year, usually in February during down time. I remove the line from my reels and set it aside. Then I fill a bucket with fresh water and remove the spool from the reel and put both in the bucket. I have a lot of reels and they usually fill a couple of buckets. I let the reels sit in the buckets over night and then take them out and let them dry thoroughly. After they have dried, I apply a few drops of light machine oil to all moving parts. Now I turn my attention to the lines. After removing them from the reels, I have them all in loose coils with some tabs to identify them and to keep the coils from untangling and making a tangled mess. I fill the buckets with water again and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid and mix this up before putting the lines in the water. I let them stand over night before removing them. I then give them another bath in just freshwater without the dishwashing liquid. Then remove them and take a soft cloth and pinch it tight over the line and draw the complete line through the cloth. After making sure there are no frayed sections of fly-line I put the line back on the reels and store them for the season. If I find frayed sections I cut them out and repair the line with braided line fit over the cut tips in Chinese finger fashion. I have yet to have one of these repaired sections come undone while fishing. Now I turn my attention to my fly rods. I have a couple of flat containers that were designed to store clothes. They make excellent containers to hold water and are just long enough to fit a four-piece fly rod into it. These containers are big enough to hold about six to eight rods. I put my rods in and give them a good freshwater bath and let them soak overnight. I then take a new toothbrush and brush all the nooks and crannies around the guides before rinsing them and then setting them aside to dry. I also look at the cork handles to see if they are starting to split or beginning to wear. If they are, I take some wood putty that you can purchase at any hardware store and fill in the cracks, let them dry, and then sand them smooth with some fine sandpaper. After my reels and rods have thoroughly dried, I put them back in their reel cases and rod tubes. You don’t want to put any of them away wet because they will not dry properly. If you take these simple steps, wash down your rods and reels with freshwater after every trip and give them a thorough bath at the end of the year, you will have equipment that will last and give you many years of enjoyment. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM
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FISH & FISHING
r spread C
onsider this an important decision. Other than deciding whether or not to use one, a surprising number of anglers seldom give leaders much thought. As long as there is some type of buffer against the deadly dentures of some species or the abrasive hide of others, fishermen tend to be satisfied. Their attention shifts to other aspects of the sport. Choosing the right material and proper construction for an effective leader are some of the most overlooked challenges in rigging. The ultimate, of course, centers on fishing a light line without a leader. That seldom is possible on the saltwater scene. Experience will prove to you that the fish you hook has teeth, abrasive skin, or the bottom is rugged. Any of these factors will end the battle almost before it starts. The general rule is that the heavier the leader material, the fewer strikes you will get. The solution demands a compromise. You want the strongest leader possible without sacrificing too many strikes. Monofilament leader invariably produces more strikes than single strand wire or nylon coated wire. Sometimes you have to use wire or every fish of a given species will cut you off. When you do use wire, rely on the shortest length that will produce favorable results. For offshore trolling, a short length of wire makes it easier to rig a bait. Some anglers even insist that a skipping offering being trolled works better if there is a short length of wire in front of it. The length of the leader is equally significant. From
MARK SOSIN a protective standpoint, if the species you seek has an abrasive body, the leader should be longer than the average fish you might catch. Then, when the fish is moving away from you and the line streams over its back, you have the protective advantage of a leader. This part of the leader does not have to be as heavy as the short length around its mouth and gills, but it should be stronger than the line. Fly fishermen become aware of a leader’s importance very quickly. In that type of fishing, the leader helps to turn over the fly properly so it lands on the water delicately. In very clear and shallow water, a longer leader enables the caster to enjoy a more delicate presentation where the fly line lands farther from the fish. This is particularly important on the saltwater flats for a variety of species including bonefish, permit, tarpon and redfish. Fly leaders take many basic forms, but the most important thing to remember is that each succeeding section should be shorter than the one before. The majority of tournaments and all recordkeeping organizations establish specific leader requirements. It makes sense to study them before you decide to compete or fish for a record. Leaders are a critical part of rigging each outfit you use. Cutting corners or ignoring details can be a serious mistake. If you lose a trophy fish because of a faulty leader, you’ll have a hard time forgiving yourself.
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Queen Conch In The Bahamas Sheri Daye
W
hile hunting for that perfect fish for dinner, you sometimes run across other tasty treats. One of my favorites is from the Bahamas: the famous queen conch. This creature is as delicious as it is beautiful and deserves to be treated with great respect. Their slow growth and late maturation makes them susceptible to overfishing. Once abundant in the Florida Keys, it became illegal to harvest them in the 1980s when they were harvested to the point of collapse. It’s taken quite a few years to see the beginning of a comeback, but they will likely need continued protection for years to come in the U.S. In the Bahamas, the importance of this valuable resource has been realized and rules are in place to protect it. The recreational limit is six, and they must have a thick, well-formed lip—meaning they had a chance to grow into adulthood and reproduce. Also, they must be harvested while freediving. Inside the conch shell is a soft-bodied mollusk, which is in the same family as clams, oysters, octopi and squid. They live near coral reefs and seagrass beds and can reach up to 14 inches long. Besides humans, they have a few predators in the water—loggerhead turtles, nurse sharks, spiny lobsters and more. The meat has been consumed for centuries by islanders in the Caribbean and serves in a multitude of dishes such as salads, chowders and fritters.
Conch Tips:
1) Regulations are subject to change so double check before harvesting any marine life. 2) When diving, it is easy to see that in certain places in the Bahamas, especially close to highly populated areas, the conch are 16
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not as abundant. Do not take any from these areas, even if it’s legal. 3) They are easy to spot and move slowly, so use good judgement. Target mature adults that have reproduced and are toward the end of their lifecycle. Consider taking less than the legal limit. 4) The mollusk is not easy to extract or to clean, so if you don’t know how, make sure you have a professional on hand at the end of the day to help you or teach you. 5) Don’t forget to check for pearls in the mantle. These pink pearls are beautiful and more rare than traditional pearls. 6) The inedible part of the conch (the guts, also called “slop”) makes excellent bait for fishing, especially for mutton snappers. Nothing goes to waste! 7) You might (or might not) want to eat the pistol, also known as “Bahamian Viagra.” It is part of the conch’s digestive system and looks like a clear noodle. 8) The Bahamas exports conch to the U.S., but bringing your own conch meat back to the U.S. by boat is strictly prohibited. Safe diving and Happy Hunting! Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.
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As fisherman, we all know how hard live bait can be to find. Seasonal weather patterns change the way fish are biting, so a variety of bait is key. Bait fishing is so important that fishermen spend weeks prior to tournaments catching bait and then keep them penned up all for a couple epic days of fishing. The last thing you want is for your bait to die because of a pump failure. At Hooker Electric, we have designed a durable, strong and long-lasting baitwell system. This system is capable of supplying multiple livewells with its adequate DC brushless motor. You will no longer need multiple pumps to supply each livewell. Now, by adding the Hooker Electric custom manifolds, you can divert water to the designated wells by adjusting the amount of water flow to each well with our variable flow knobs. This allows you to run all of the wells from one Hooker Electric pump and have another one for redundancy. The system is easy to use with the variable flow dial, without having to restrict the pump. This Hooker Electric livewell system is a plumb-andplay setup with a variety of sizes. It’s available in 2500, 4500 and 7500 GPH and we also offer an on/off feature for the pumps. For more information, visit www.hookerelectric.com or check out their Instagram page @Hookerelectric_pumps.
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Tim Barefoot
he older I get, the more I like to fish inshore for all the usual suspects from the Northeast, down through the Carolinas all the way to the Keys. From stripers and specks, to drum and snook, every fish loves a shrimp or minnow imitation under a float. And this includes many freshwater predators. I always keep a float rig tied on when fishing inside. Popping, cigar and oval floats all have their place, and an added “clicking” sound adds value, especially when fishing a soft plastic shrimp under the float. There are plenty of commercially available floats, but I want to share a simple and effective way to achieve the same end result… and one that will rarely foul or tangle. Whether the beads are external or internal, the clicking sound is perfectly married with the splashing sound that drives fish bananas. To make the simple external-bead-style clicking float, view the video below. Allow 1/16- to 1/8-inch clearance (total, not both ends) between the beads and ends of the pegs to allow the beads to tap the plastic pegs. Follow the instructions below to make the internal-bead-style clicking float. Materials: 80-pound fluorocarbon; small plastic beads, like those found in sliding cork kits; small swivels; a commercially available foam slip cork with plastic pegs. Steps: • Thread braided mainline through the plastic peg and one of the small beads. • Feed the mainline through to the other side of the slip cork and then tie it to one side of the swivel. • For the other side, thread a fluorocarbon leader through the other peg, thread on a small bead and tie it to the other end of the swivel.
• Press one peg securely into the slip cork, and then pull the bead and swivel into the float’s interior channel. • Press the second peg into the cork, and your slip cork is now a clicking float. The tiny beads slide back and forth on the line to tap the plastic pegs inside the float. • Tie a 3/8-ounce jig head and a soft plastic shrimp onto the leader, and… just add water. There are a number of opinions on how deep to fish below the cork. I like between 18 and 24 inches of fluorocarbon, depending on water depth. This same tackle works extremely well in freshwater for striped and hybrid bass in moving water. Just use a fluke-style soft plastic instead of a shrimp. The largest largemouth bass I caught this year was under cigar float with an internal clicker. I was fishing a Super Fluke for striped bass. Smallmouth bass in rocky rivers are complete idiots over this same rig. Wherever you are, and whatever you’re fishing for, a float rig is something you should keep tied and ready on the deck. Visit Barefootcatsandtackle.com. For video instructions on making a clicking cork, see:
FORTHELO VEOFFISHING.COM
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A
nglers are catching a lot of big largemouths in Texas. Last year’s Toyota ShareLunker Program, which tracks bass heavier than 8 pounds, certified 486 bass caught from 89 Texas lakes in 2018, and that’s just the fish that were reported. At the beginning of 2018, the Toyota ShareLunker program debuted a new year-long season for anglers to enter bass for prizes, recognition, and to help enhance bass fishing in Texas. Anglers entered largemouths into four categories including six “Legacy Class” bass of 13 pounds or heavier that were entered during the spawning window Jan.1 through March 31 and loaned to TPWD for the selective breeding and stocking program. The total number of entries in other categories who provided citizen science data included: five “Lunker Legend” bass 13 pounds or heavier caught outside the spawning window or not loaned for spawning, 107 “Lunker Elite” bass weighing 10 to 12.99 pounds, and 368 “Lunker” bass at least 24 inches or weighing between 8 and 9.99 pounds. The top five ShareLunker producing lakes in 2018 included Lake Fork near Quitman with 73 entries, Lake Conroe near Houston with 41 entries, Lake Athens in Athens with 28 entries, Sam Rayburn Reservoir near Jasper with 21 entries, and O.H. Ivie Lake near San Angelo with 17 entries. For updates on the Toyota ShareLunker program visit https:// www.facebook.com/ShareLunkerprogram and https://texassharelunker.com/.
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FRESHWATER Nevada’s WORLD-CLASS CUTTHROAT
T
he International Game Fish Association (IGFA) keeps the most extensive list of fishing records in the world. With categories for all types of tackle and species, some records are more impactful than others. This potential all-tackle length world record for cutthroat trout is without a doubt an impressive fish. Adam Garcia caught and released this giant cutthroat on Nov. 11, 2018 while fishing Nevada’s Pyramid Lake. The fish measured 85 centimeters in length, or more than 33 inches. Once the paperwork clears, the fish could dethrone the old 81-centimeter length record. Garcia is no newcomer to the record books. According to IGFA records, he holds four line-class world records for weight, all cutthroats caught from Pyramid Lake in 2016 and 2017. Some of those were actually longer than his Nov. 11 fish. The biggest one, which holds the 16-lb. line class record, weighed 24 pounds. Pyramid Lake is a large and natural desert lake near the California border northeast of Reno. It is the world hotspot for giant cutthroat trout, where anglers can wade from shore and cast jigs for record-class fish. Every single one of IGFA’s line class cutthroat records were caught from Pyramid, as well as the all tackle world record, which was caught back in 1925 by John Skimmerhorn.
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
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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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TIPS FROM A PRO
Cold-Water Bassin' BRANDON LESTER
F
ebruary is one of those transition months. Spring is just around the corner, and it might have already arrived in some places, but it’s still wintertime for most of the country’s bass fisheries. Bass are cold-blooded animals, which means the colder the water is, the more the fish’s core body temperature decreases. That also means the fish’s metabolism slows down. Metabolism is the chemical processes that occur which allow the fish to maintain life, grow, heal and make energy. Humans are warm blooded, so our body temperature stays a steady 98.6 degrees. A fish’s temperature drops with the water temp, which makes them more sluggish the colder it gets. If you’re like me, you’re ready to eat three meals a day and some snacks 365 days a year. It’s different with fish. In warm water, fish feed every day, throughout the day and into the night. In the winter they don’t feed nearly as often. One reason is they don’t move around as much, so they don’t come into contact with prey. Fish feed-up heavily in the fall when the water is still warm to put on weight. Bait is plentiful then, and instinctually they feel cold weather coming. I have way more 20- and 30-fish days in spring than winter. You’re not likely set any records for fish catches in cold water. Fish bite for two basic reasons, either because they’re hungry and the bait looks like food or because the bait has come into their territory
and they instinctively attack it. Reaction strikes are greatly reduced during the winter. In water mid-50 degrees and lower, you really need to make the fish want to eat in order to catch them. I try and fish the warmest water on a lake, as fish in these areas will be more active. A couple degrees in water temperature can make all the difference. Slower-moving baits work best for cold-water bass. I like baits that stay in one place and can be worked slowly, like a jig. A suspending jerkbait with Mustad KVD trebles will hang in one place, hopefully right in front of their face. Use lighter line in cold water, as it allows the bait to move more realistically. Eight or 10-pound Vicious fluorocarbon is preferable on a jerkbait. Objects in the water, especially rocks, retain heat. On sunny days, the shallow water near rocks on the bank will often be warmer. Keep in mind that fish don’t bite nearly as hard in cold water. You will feel them kind of “load up” on the bait instead of slamming it. The fish are just picking up the bait and doing as little as possible to catch it. Those “light bites” increase the importance of having a sensitive rod. I build my own rods and will tell you that MHX Rods from Mud Hole Custom Tackle help me catch more fish, especially in cold water. Higher quality graphite makes a more sensitive rod. MHX Rods are much more affordable and the quality is better than a vast majority of rods out there. For extremely light bites, I recommend the NEPS series of blanks built with Winn Grips.
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ITEM 63599/62522/63875 63884/63886/63888 69111/69052 shown
MODEL: BRS9LED-B
69999
*75399720 * 75399720
$
PRICE
WITH
3-1/2" SUPER BRIGHT ALUMINUM FLASHLIGHT
12,000 LB. TRUCK/SUV WINCH 12,000 LB.
*WARN 96820 stated specs
*75399954 * 75399954
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 6/3/19*
Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 6/3/19 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.
Customer Rating
ITEM 63086/68530/63085 shown ITEM 68525/63088/63087 CALIFORNIA ONLY
NOW
• GFCI outlets
49
$4
COMPARE TO
SAVE 2,069
WEATHERMASTER $ 99
8
MODEL: 300083999
5
COMPARE TO
$ 99
HONDA $
2,599
SAVE 50%
Wheel kit and battery sold separately.
$
MODEL: EB6500X1AT
ITEM 61765/46411 shown
*75400159 * 75400159
599
99
99 $529
$99
5
$4
COMPARE TO
11
$
$3
SAVE $83 $
CALIFORNIA AIR
183
70
MODEL: 8010
SAVE 60%
9
$ 99
COMPARE TO
RANGEMAXX
6
$ 99
ITEM 63135/61451 shown
MODEL: 1312-92
• 15,000 cu. in. of storage • 700 lb. capacity • Weighs 139 lbs.
COMPARE TO
Snap-on
$
BLUE-POINT
$
800
SAVE $ 610
MODEL: KRBC10TBPES
*75402943 * 75402943 LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/3/19*
DEWALT $ 99
64
MODEL: DW1369
$9
SAVE 84%
ITEM 5889/62281/61637 shown
$
*75403951 * 75403951
99
WATERTIGHT PROTECTIVE CASE
1799
• Safe + Secure + Stable • Super Strong - Holds 300 lbs. • Weighs 34 lbs.
$
13999
COMPARE TO
LITTLE GIANT $ 99
298
$
Customer Rating
COMPARE TO
KOBALT $
199
MODEL: SM2507LW
COMPARE TO
PELICAN
$
25999 SAVE $ 150
MODEL: 1750
ITEM 61972/61971 shown
*75407670 * 75407670 LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/3/19*
35%
*75403694 * 75403694 LIMIT 6 - Coupon valid through 6/3/19*
SUPER COUPON
2 TON CAPACITY FOLDABLE SHOP CRANE • Boom extends from 41" to 61-3/4" • Crane height adjusts from 73-5/8" to 89"
COMPARE TO
ITEM 64520 Case contents and locks not included.
TEQ $
$
NOW
229 $1 79
23999 SAVE $60
99
MODEL: 1404PV
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 6/3/19*
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 6/3/19*
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/3/19*
SUPER COUPON Customer Rating
• 300 lb. working load
MORRIS PRODUCTS
NOW
6
$
1606 SAVE 75%
MODEL: 53216
COMPARE TO
ITEM 94334
*75408056 * 75408056 LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 6/3/19*
EVERBILT
9
$ 97 MODEL: 18614
SAVE 64%
ITEM 61674/62761/47835 shown
$3
5
49
$ 49
*75411451 * 75411451 LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 6/3/19*
Customer Rating
• 3-1/2 pumps lifts most vehicles • Lifts from 3-1/2" to 14-1/8" • Weighs 34 lbs.
Customer Rating
$ 99
SUPER COUPON
RAPID PUMP 1.5 TON LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM FLOOR JACK ®
3/8" x 75 FT. CAMOUFLAGE POLYPROPYLENE ROPE
FOLDABLE EAR MUFFS
99
ITEM 60388/69514 shown
*75406033 * 75406033
COMPARE TO
Blade sold separately.
ITEM 69580/61939/62884/62890 shown
*75405457 * 75405457
$3 99
SAVE $ 99
3089 SAVE
MODEL: 12865
*75405358 * 75405358
NOW
12499
$
COMPARE TO
GOODYEAR
Customer Rating
SUPER COUPON
$9999
2399
Customer Rating
MODEL 9800
99 $1 09 $14999
ITEM 67646/63418/63419/63417 shown
LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 6/3/19*
10" SLIDING COMPOUND MITER SAW • Powerful 15 amp motor NOW Customer Rating
$
NOW
99 $1 09 SAVE 189
MODEL: XE M17
YELLOW
ITEM 56239 64720 shown
$1 999
• 50-3/8" L 13-5/8" W 5-1/8" H
NOW $
ITEM 56238 64722 shown
NOW
SUPER COUPON
29 PIECE 17 FT. TYPE IA TITANIUM MULTI-TASK LADDER DRILL BIT SET • Versatile - 24 configurations NOW
ORANGE
$189
LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 6/3/19*
Customer Rating
ITEM 56237 64721 shown
21999 YOUR CHOIC99E
*75402525 * 75402525 SUPER COUPON
3/8" x 50 FT. INDUSTRIAL GRADE RUBBER AIR HOSE
Customer Rating
GREEN
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 6/3/19*
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
BLACK
ITEM 64032 64030 64033 shown
*75402423 * 75402423
COMPARE TO
BLUE
ITEM 64031
ITEM 64061 64059 64060 shown
119
COMPARE TO
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 6/3/19*
SUPER COUPON
RED
Customer Rating
21499
*75402419 * 75402419
99
99
$
ITEM 63022
LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 6/3/19*
Customer Rating
99
334
MODEL: E43, EA6F
ITEM 62434, 62426, 62433, 62432, 62429, 64178, 64179, 62428 shown
MODEL: 25521
99 $1 79
EARTHQUAKE $ 98
SAVE 54%
VALEO $ 02
NOW
COMPARE TO
*75401515 * 75401515
NOW
• Drill speeds up to 320 RPM Customer Rating
SAVE $ 154
99
30", 5 DRAWER AMMO DRY BOX MECHANIC'S CARTS
8 GALLON, 2 HP, 125 PSI PORTABLE OIL-LUBE AIR COMPRESSOR NOW
2 HP GAS POWERED EARTH AUGER
NOW
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 6/3/19*
SUPER COUPON
ITEM 95386 69667/68740 shown
NOW
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
*75401056 * 75401056
LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 6/3/19*
Customer Rating
MECHANIC'S GLOVES
$ 99
$
*75399843 * 75399843
Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trencher/backhoe, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 6/3/19.
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
8750 MAX. STARTING/ Customer Rating 7000 RUNNING WATTS 13 HP (420 CC) GAS GENERATOR
7 FT. 4" x 9 FT. 6" CAMOUFLAGE WEATHER RESISTANT TARP
20% OFF
FREE
1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
SAVE $65
COMPARE TO
K TOOL $ 68
125
MODEL: KTI63094
NOW
9 $599 $
7999
ITEM 64545/64552/64832 68053/62160/62496/62516/60569 shown
*75409033 * 75409033 LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 6/3/19*
COASTALANGLERMAG.COMAt •Harbor THEANGLERMAG.COM I NATIONAL 25 was Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means Ithat FEBRUARY the specified comparison,2019 which is an item with the same or similar function, *Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 6/3/19. advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 25 hft_coastalangler_0219_M-REG163324.indd 1
1/21/19 10:31 AM 1/2/19 11:24 AM
L E A S S EVEN R E T IN T W With Special Offers For the 2019 Boat Show Season Your Suzuki Marine Dealer has exceptional deals in store for you when you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from 25 to 350 horsepower during the winter Boat Show Season. Get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Extended Protection at no extra charge.There are Instant Savings on select models, and Low-Rate Financing is also available. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details.
INST
SELEC ANT SA VING T SUZ S UKI O UTBO ON ARDS
REPOWER FINANCE
SIX YEARS OF PROTECTION
INSTANT SAVINGS
REPOWER FINANCE
Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.
Instant Savings on select models when you buy at the boat show. See your dealer for details.
Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]
3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection
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 01/01/19 and 03/31/19 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 01/01/19 and 03/31/19. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. (Suzuki will, in turn, credit Dealer’s 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 01/01/19 and 03/31/19. “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 26manual. NATIONAL FEBRUARY I COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM © 2019 SuzukiI Motor of America, 2019 Inc.
CANGL_NAT3-NAT26.indd 26
SZ_2019Q1Promo_1PG_WIP.indd 1
1/21/19 10:31 AM
12/9/18 12:09 PM
Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Annual premium for a basic liability policy not available all states. Prices vary based on how you buy. *Available with comprehensive and collision coverage. COMMON CVRS_0219.indd 3
There’s a reason they say, Curse like a sailor. That’s why we offer basic plans starting at $100 a year with options that won’t depreciate your watercraft and accessories*. 1.800.PROGRESSIVE | PROGRESSIVE.COM
1/21/19 9:58 AM
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visithendersonvillenc.org COMMON CVRS_0219.indd 4
1/21/19 9:58 AM