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EDITOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Dmitriy Pislyagin • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Corporate Headquarters info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 888-800-9794 BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : David String • (321) 684-5888 • dstring@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA BEACH : Don Meadows • (407) 960-2340 • donm@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Ed Gocher • (305) 587-9101 • ed@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Scott Deal • (561) 945-6999 • scott@coastalanglermagazine.com Monica Isaza-Deal • (561) 945-8899 • monica@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Flaitz • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Mike Weber • (414) 531-4172 • mikew@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com OKEECHOBEE : Ken Gabryel • (863) 532-3671 • keng@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com
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Catching Winter Cobia In The Keys By John Steinhorst
F
ebruary through April offers some of the most productive fishing of the year in the Florida Keys. An amazing variety of migratory fish species travel to the Keys as cold water temperatures push them south in the Gulf of Mexico and on the east coast. The most convenient place to base a Keys fishing adventure is directly out of Marathon, which comfortably rests in the middle of this tropical island chain. Marathon encompasses a unique collection of islands, creating the ideal boating and family destination with access to both ocean and gulf waters but far enough from the crowded streets of Key West. Capt. Chris Morrison, a 20-year Keys veteran who guides out of Marathon, enjoys hooking excited anglers up with these hungry migrating species, which include record-breaking cobia, king and Spanish mackerel, trophy sailfish and several species of jacks. Versatility is the name of the game, and options are abundant. Most often the best plan is to just decide where you want to fish, from the immense Gulf or blue ocean waters to the many reefs and wrecks surrounding the islands. Then be ready for anything when you get there. There are several techniques that work for each species, and Morrison utilizes a wide variety to keep his 8
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Temple Fork Outfitters’ Gary Loomis Inshore boat, although cobia sometimes swim with bull sharks and rays. Start drifting live shrimp back Series rods bending and his clients smiling. Live bait and jigs are most productive to with light monofilament leader and small hooks, ensure positive results. Pinfish and live shrimp and you are bound to get action from one of are among the easiest to obtain, since most local several species of snapper. If you start getting bit bait shops carry them. Deep jigs, such as butterfly off clean, add a piece of leader wire and you will types, and ¼- to 1-ounce bucktails are essential likely get hooked into a cero or king mackerel. to carry in your arsenal. For catching cobia, If you decide to fish the bay or gulf side of the present the pinfish on ocean-side wrecks and Keys island chain, you might want to anchor reefs as well as Gulf waters from 15 to 100 feet in 10 to 15 feet of water and hang that chum using the same rig for grouper down deep. Limit bag for landing Spanish mackerel. Head out to is one per person with a 33-inch size minimum. deeper Gulf waters and expect more cobia, king On sunny days, Morrison likes to spot cobia mackerel, and goliath and gag grouper. The with his polarized sunglasses from the tower of wintertime fishing action in the Florida Keys will his SeaVee boat above the reef line or in blue be sure to heat up your reel. If you need an expert light-tackle fishing water when a color change edge is present. When you see a cobia on the surface, cast the bait in guide, Capt. Chris Morrison has guided anglers front with no weight and at least 60-pound to more than 100 world records and received monofilament leader. Wire is usually necessary a Lifetime Achievement Award from the on your jigs as king, Spanish, and cero mackerel International Game Fishing Association. Visit are numerous throughout these prime fishing www.captchris.com for more info. grounds. John Steinhorst has contributed to many If you do not have a guide, the reef line on the ocean side from 25 to 40 feet is a good place publications during the last 20 years and can to start. Anchor and hang a chum bag over the be contacted at www.JohnSteinhorst.wix.com/ IslandMedia. side with ground-up frozen baitfish. Chum brings the For more Cobia fishing in the Keys, go to party to the back of your COASTALANGLERSALTWATER.COM
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Captain Fantastic.
How have so many of Marathon’s light-tackle guides achieved super-hero status? Because whether it’s tailers in the shallows, migrating tarpon out front or snook and redfish out back, our professional captains come to the rescue by putting you onto some amazing angling action. fla-keys.com/marathon 1.800.262.7284 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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RodsandReels Product Review AVET REELS SXJ 6/4 RAPTOR Since 1999, Avet Reels has been bringing to the market revolutionary reel designs that set the standard for performance. Their innovative SXJ 6/4 Raptor lever drag casting reel features Avet’s patented dual carbon fiber drag system, which produces twice the drag of the original Avet reels. The powerful system features adjustable strike pre-set and a strike stop button to prevent accidental advancement. The reel’s one-piece frame is precision machined 6061 T-6 marine grade aluminum with stainless steel components and is anodized for superior corrosion resistance. An offset machined handle arm reduces center-line profile and cranking wobble and is capped with a comfortable soft-touch handle knob. The two-speed transmission has a user-friendly shifting mechanism. Avet’s silent dog and gear anti-reverse system and M.C. Cast adjustable magnetic anti-backlash cast control system, both patented, are some of the most innovative and reliable in the industry. The SXJ 6/4 Raptor has nine stainless ball bearings, an alarm clicker and a light, narrow spool designed for optimal jig casting efficiency and less line leveling on the retrieve. It’s proudly made in the U.S.A.
CANYON REELS EX-80 TWO SPEED TROLLING REEL In case you hadn’t heard, Canyon Reels has redesigned its powerful EX-80 Two Speed Trolling Reel to give anglers the edge when pulling spreads for huge fish. The original EX-80 was extensively tested and matched up very well against the giants off the Northeast coast. When the captains made suggestions, Canyon listened, and the result is an even better EX-80, which features multiple upgrades that make it smoother, and easier to use. The EX-80 is a monster reel. It boasts a max drag of 105 pounds at strike and more than 155 pounds at full drag. A pre-set feature allows for accurate drag settings with an easy one-touch shifter. Upgrades include additional harness lugs that provide better balance control, an all new double drag system for drag runs that are even smoother than the original, and an oversized T-bar handle for additional cranking power. Several other improvements have also been made to increase the durability of this already remarkable reel. The end result is an incredibly smooth and user-friendly reel with the power to stop any fish in the ocean.
WWW.AVETREELS.NET
WWW.CANYONREELS.COM
ENIGMA HPT TITANIUM CASTING RODS
JP ROSS BEAVER MEADOW
Enigma Fishing is raising the bar on performance, while lowering the price point. Every aspect of their HPT Titanium Casting Rods were designed with extreme attention to detail. These high-performance tournament level rods are designed with premium, ultra-light Japanese Toray Carbon proprietary blend blanks. The HPT rods were designed and tested with input from professional anglers such as three-time Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year, Aaron Martens. Enigma Fishing has customized and precision balanced each individual HPT rod to be ultra functional, exceptionally beautiful and tailored to exacting actions and specifications demanded by today’s tournament anglers. All rods feature premium American Tackle components, including the multiaward winning MicroWave Line Control System, which increases casting distance and accuracy. The blank-through reel seats offer finger-to-blank contact for unparalleled sensitivity and incredible ergonomics and palmable comfort, while further reducing weight as well. Premium cork grips balance out each rod perfectly! Enigma Fishing’s new HPT series features a sleek black rod blank, cork handles, stylish purple wraps and chrome accents. Delivering technique-specific performance second-to-none, the all-new HPT series raises the bar for all others!
WWW.ENIGMAFISHING.COM
MUD HOLE TURNKEY INSHORE ROD KIT
The JP Ross Beaver Meadow is a fly rod meticulously designed to fish the beaver dams and plunge pools of small trout streams where an 11-inch fish is a trophy. That’s not to say this rod can’t handle an 18-inch brown on big water, but blue lines are where it shines. It is a short, sensitive rod with the feel needed for the gentlest of nibbles but enough power to reach out 50-plus feet with a hopper-dropper rig. The Beaver Meadow is available in a 5’ 2/3-weight, two-piece and a 6’6” 2/3-weight four-piece for fishing small streams with wet flies and dry flies. The 6’6” also has the ability to cast medium weighted streamers. The 7’6” 4-weight four-piece, the 7’9” 3-weight fourPhoto by Draper White piece, and the 8’0” 5-weight four-piece all have the shorter length required for tight quarters but the backbone to land larger fish and cast streamers and multi-fly rigs. JP Ross rods are custom-made by hand in Upstate New York. Each rod is made to order, so the details are exquisite, and components can be customized from the grip and reel seat to the guides and thread color. The Technology used to achieve this awesome balance of sensitivity and power is breakthrough technology, the joining of carbon fiber and fiberglass that JP Ross calls Carbon Silica Hybrid interface. It makes a beautiful casting and wonderfully sensitive rod.
WWW.JPROSSFLYRODS.COM
Mud Hole Custom Tackle is offering amazing value with its inshore fishing rod building kit. This turnkey kit includes everything you need to build your own custom inshore trout and redfish fishing rod. The kit features the extremely popular and versatile SJ842 rod blank. This 7’0” medium-light power rod features a fast action for throwing soft plastics and topwater lures at wary flats fish. Along with the blank, the kit includes a matched guide set, handle kit and everything from the CRB Wrapper, a CRB rod dryer and ProPaste and ProKote Rod Finish along with all the tools needed to build your own custom rod. This is a great set for the avid fisherman who wants to take his or her fishing to the next level. To get started custom building your own high quality rod, visit www.mudhole.com and check out all our Turn Key Kit options or simply Google: Mud Hole Turnkey.
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RodsandReels Product Review OKUMA KOMODO SS BAITCAST REELS
The original Komodo 350 size baitcast reel has been the recipient of tremendous accolades. It is considered an extremely tough reel and an excellent value. For 2017, the Komodo family welcomes the Komodo SS, featuring a new 450 size and stainless steel drive system. The Komodo SS is built around a heavy-duty stainless steel main gear, pinion gear, drive shaft and spool shaft to deliver an internal foundation of unrelenting strength and corrosion-resistance. Komodo SS reels use rigid, machined aluminum frame and spool, aluminum side plates, high-output Carbonite drag system capable of a maximum drag output of 30 pounds, and updated 6-pin Velocity Cast Control System. Performance features include six or seven (depending upon size) stainless steel High Performance Bearings, plus roller bearing, for outstanding corrosionresistance. The synchronized level-wind system does not disengage for casting, which allows it to maintain alignment at all times and eliminated drag pressure spikes when using braided lines. Bait clickers are standard on all models. The Komodo SS series includes two sizes, 350 and 450. The 350 size includes a 6.4:1 gear ratio and maximum drag output of 25 pounds. There are four models in the 350 size. The 450-size Komodo is available in a 6.3:1 gear ratio and a hyperfast 7.1:1 ratio. Komodo SS series baitcast reels are covered by the Okuma 3-Year Limited Warranty.
WWW.OKUMAFISHING.COM
UGLY STIK BIGWATER SERIES Ugly Stik has refreshed its iconic Bigwater series with all-new Ugly Tuff saltwater guides and an updated look. Beginning with Ugly Tech construction, the Bigwater series maintains the toughness for which all Ugly Stiks are known. One-piece Ugly Tuff stainless steel guides eliminate insert pop-outs and provide durability and corrosion resistance for those harsh saltwater applications. The Bigwater series retains the traditional Ugly Stik Clear Tip design for more strength at the tip of the rod. Comfortable EVA handles and conventional reel seats give anglers a non-slip, comfortable grip no matter the conditions. The fly, standup, downrigger/dipsy diver, surf, spinning and casting models have also been upgraded to include a standard seven-year limited warranty. Four Bigwater spinning combos and two trolling combos for downrigger applications are also available. The combos feature a graphite spinning reel, available in sizes 50, 60 and 70, and have a durable aluminum spool. The reel featured on the Bigwater downrigger combos is a size 30 line counter round reel with a metal handle and power knob.
PENN SLAMMER III The Penn Slammer III, which won Best of Show in the saltwater reel category at iCast 2016, is the reintroduction of the heavy-duty reel that has become trusted by charter captains around the world. Slammer III reels feature a new IPX6 Sealed System, which keeps water out of the gear box and drag system in heavy spray and sea conditions. An updated Slammer Drag System now utilizes a proprietary Dura-Drag material. With the computer-controlled CNC gear technology system, the precision brass main, pinion and oscillation gears are individually machined for exact tolerances to provide the smoothest operation. Eight models of the Slammer III are available, ranging in size from 3500 to 10500 models. Gear ratios range from 6.2:1 with 37 inches of line retrieve on the smaller reels to 4.2:1 with 43 inches of line retrieve on the largest. Maximum drags start at 30lbs in the smaller models and run to 60lbs on the largest. The oversized reel handle grip gives the angler added control during the fight. The 3500 Slammer III is the smallest of the family weighing 13.9oz while the 10500 weighs 43.1oz.
WWW.PENNFISHING.COM
DANCO BAIT STIK Danco’s Bait Stik is the original rod and reel combo developed specifically for catching bait with a sabiki rig, and it is still the best. The rod in this combo is 7’3” and features two-piece construction with an extra-hard phenolic tip for superior strength and extreme sensitivity. Comfortable EVA grips and a gimbal butt with cover means anglers will be yanking bait from the water with ease. Anyone who has ever tried to store a sabiki rigs knows the frustration of attempting to keep them from becoming a tangled mess. With the Bait Stik, that is not a problem. While not in use, the sabiki rig can be safely and conveniently stored inside the rod, which is a huge plus. The combo comes with either a casting or spinning reel. The spinning reel comes with an anodized aluminum spool, a graphite body and rotor and an oversized eggshaped knob. The casting reel has an aluminum body and side covers, brass gearing and a star drag. Catching bait has never been so easy. When the bait tank is full, rinse everything down with fresh water, store the sabiki rig in the rod and forget about it. Look for the Danco Bait Stik in your tackle store.
WWW.SHAKESPEARE-FISHING.COM
OCEAN 2 RIVER TOURNAMENT COMBO
ZEBCO BIG CAT SERIES Zebco is launching an impressive offering of beefedup rods and reels called “Big Cat” to accommodate serious value-minded anglers who passionately pursue catfish. The spincast reels are built with a titanium nitride plated stainless steel spinnerhead to add durability and reduce friction. Big Cat XT conventional-style reels will likely be the top pick for the most avid trophy hunters from the Mississippi River to Santee Cooper and all waters in between. Two conventional reels will be offered. The Big Cat XT 30 conventional trolling reel will hold 455 yards of 30-pound test. The Big Cat XT 350 round baitcasting reel holds 200 yards of 20-pound test. Worth noting is that a headlamp handy for nighttime catfishing will be free to consumers who purchase rods and reels within the very affordable Big Cat and Big Cat XT series.
WWW.ZEBCO.COM
Ocean 2 River (O2R) Tournament spinning combos are designed to perform to the exacting standards of serious tournament anglers while standing up to the grueling conditions and treatment offered up by hard-core fishermen in the marine environment. The IM-7 fast action graphite rods come with Seaguide Atlas Performance aluminum oxide guides, comfortable cork split grips and a graphite reel seat with a cork inlay and cushioned stainless steel hoods. These rods combine strength with sensitivity and excellent casting power. They are available in medium and medium heavy weights to suit a range of line and lure weights. The reels feature a solid aluminum frame, graphite side covers and rotor and a double anodized aluminum spool to stand up to the saltwater environment. A 5.1:1 gear ratio is suitable for fishing a wide range of lures all day long without wearing out the angler’s wrists and hands. Stainless ball bearings and a comfortable oversized T-knob provide for longer casts, smoother drag runs and comfort while fighting fish. Look for the O2R combo and other fine Danco products in your tackle store.
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ON THE COVER
RHODAN INTRODUCES 72” SHAFT GPS GUIDED TROLLING MOTOR
Editor’s Note:
Each month, Coastal Angler Magazine and The Angler Magazine staff search our vast coverage area for photos that will grace our covers. With well over a million readers in diverse coastal and inland markets, our magazines strive for broad national appeal as well as local-level intelligence to put anglers on fish. The cover is different depending on which edition you, the reader, are holding. The following is a little information about this month’s covers.
COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE The Florida Keys, Marathon
FREE
BIG BEND EDITION
The February edition of Coastal Angler Magazine features a cover image of Capt. James Platt with a 35-pound cobia he landed onboard a SeaVee boat about 10 miles out from Marathon’s Tarpon Creek Marina on the ocean side of the Florida Keys. The photo was provided by Capt. Chris Morrison of Keys Light Tackle Fishing Charters, who Local was fishing with Platt when they caught a limit of cobia, along with king mackerel, mangrove snapper and grouper. Morrison uses medium-heavy, Gary Loomis-designed Inshore Series rods from Temple Fork Outfitters along with 30-pound test Cortland Master Braid line to handle cobia and many species he targets in winter months. Home to the world-famous Seven Mile Bridge, Marathon is a group of tropical islands perfectly situated in the middle of the Florida Keys island chain. This ideal boating and family destination offers easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, Everglades and Gulf of Mexico waters for an amazing diversity. Wintertime in the Florida Keys means anglers see large numbers of migratory fish such as cobia, king and Spanish mackerel, wahoo, sailfish and blackfin tuna pushed down from colder northern waters. Marathon is an excellent destination to base your Keys vacation for an unforgettable adventure. See writer John Steinhorst’s article on winter and early spring fishing out of Marathon in this month’s issue. Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events
VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 265
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THE ANGLER MAGAZINE Ice Fishing On Golden Pond, New Hampshire
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA EDITION
FREE
This month’s cover image for The Angler Magazine was taken by Chuck Fritz on the ice at Squam Lake in Holderness, New Hampshire. Old Timers might remember the 1981 movie “On Golden Pond.” It was filmed on Squam Lake, and the most interesting storyline in the film had to be the cantankerous Local character Norman’s obsession with catching a humongous rainbow trout named Walter. Squam Lake looks a lot different with a layer of ice over it than it does in the movie, which was shot in the summer. The fishing is still good, though. Just ask Tim Moore, the ice fishing guide who was photographed for the cover with a pretty yellow perch he caught through a hole in the ice. The ice fishing season on Squam and nearby Lake Winnipesaukee generally runs from January through March each year, and anglers target giant white perch and lake trout as well as smallmouth bass, crappie, sunfish and yellow perch. If there’s anyone out there who knows where Walter is hiding after all these years, it has to be Tim. See Tim’s story inside this months issue and check out his website at www.timmooreoutdoors.com. Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events
VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 264
F R A N C H I S E
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MERCURY MARINE’S VESSELVIEW MOBILE AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD
M
ercury Marine’s VesselView Mobile app is now available for free download on the App Store and Google Play in North America. Available for iOS and Android mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, the VesselView Mobile app instantly provides users access to their boat’s SmartCraft digital data in the palm of their hand. The product recently won a prestigious IBEX innovation award. The VesselView Mobile module, which is needed to fully utilize the app, is available for purchase at participating Mercury Marine dealers, from the VesselView Mobile app or on www.vesselviewmobile.com. The product is compatible with all Mercury SmartCraftcapable engines built since 2003. One module supports single through quad engine applications. SmartCraft is a fully integrated suite of digital technologies, including marine gauges, sensors, vessel systems and computercontrolled features, giving users a higher level of control over their boat’s propulsion and electrical systems. Now, with Mercury Marine’s VesselView Mobile, users can see SmartCraft engine data right on the screen of their mobile device. The app also includes useful new features such as Fuel Information, Maintenance Reminders, Mapping, Performance Summary, and Fault Code Diagnostics. VesselView Mobile makes preparing for and spending a day on the water easier, safer 14
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and more enjoyable by letting users perform the following functions from their mobile device: • Connect to the SmartCraft data network in your boat from your iOS or Android mobile device via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0) • See SmartCraft engine parameters like engine hours, fuel burn, water temperature, battery voltage, RPM, etc. (parameters available are specific to each engine family). • Get fault code diagnostic information so you know and understand if that fault is something to be addressed when you return to the dock, or is more urgent. • Fuel Management provides accurate fuel usage data along with fuel remaining plus indicates time and distance to empty when the user enters fuel added via the app. • Locate your nearest Mercury Marine dealer • Get points of interest information for your body of water, including fuel and restaurant locations, and more • Record a moment on the water for future reference • Access checklists associated with your boating lifestyle • Get maintenance reminders and access historical maintenance information logs. Mercury Marine’s VesselView Mobile app also provides users with a Web-based account that gives them and their preferred dealer app and module will be on display at the 2017 an even deeper connection to their boat. The Miami International Boat Show.
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Core Concepts Make
Ice Fishing Easier By Tim Moore
S
pending hours on a frozen lake isn’t easy. Your body works overtime just to stay warm. Then, add the activity level that often accompanies ice fishing, such as drilling or chiseling holes and chasing tip up flags, and it can be downright exhausting. The degree of difficulty extreme cold temperatures add to fishing is what keeps most people from trying ice fishing. While there is a ton of gear designed to make ice fishing easier, core concepts, such as efficiency and mobility go a long way to make ice fishing easy enough for even the most warm blooded people. When you strengthen your core muscles with exercise, you train the rest of your 16
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muscles to work in harmony, which leads to better balance and stability. The same can be said for ice fishing. Exercising core concepts on a regular basis not only improves technique and lure control, but ice fishing actually becomes easier. The hottest new lures and trending techniques might catch a few fish, but they do little to improve your ability as an angler, especially when everything is frozen. Efficiency is arguably the foundation of any core. A highly efficient ice angler accomplishes more tasks in a shorter amount of time, and therefore catches more fish. Being efficient means eliminating unnecessary steps. Fewer steps means more time fishing, and more time fishing means more fish caught. Every second you spend with your line out of the water is time spent not catching fish. Efficiency begins off the ice. There are many things you can do before you leave your house that will make you more efficient. Start by leaving equipment and lures you won’t need at home. If you’re going fishing for panfish and you have larger rods mixed in with panfish rods, you will have extra gear to deal with on the ice. It doesn’t seem like a big deal until you’re fishing in subzero temperatures and the rods you need get tangled with the rods you don’t need. Rigging multiple rods with different lures before you leave your house will also reduce steps on the ice. Then you can cycle through pre-rigged rods rather than tie new jigs in the cold, wind or snow. Have you ever seen the deck of a tournament bass angler’s boat? They have many rods rigged with different lures so they don’t have to re-tie while they are fishing. The same goes for ice fishing, especially when it’s freezing out. The work you do at home pays off on the ice, but there is more you can do while fishing to make things easier, such as putting gear back in its place when you’re not using it. Then when you want to move you have less equipment to put away. Sometimes we are so
excited to get fishing that we tend to lay gear on the ice when we are done using it rather than put it back where it belongs. By the time we decide to move there is gear all over the place, which makes moving harder. The Godfather of modern ice fishing Dave Genz always says, “If it’s easy you’ll do it.” Focus on ways to make everything easier and you will be more productive. The little things add up. Just as backpackers try to shave ounces off their packs to make hiking easier, successful ice anglers are always trying to shave off unnecessary tasks to make fishing easier. The equipment you use also contributes to your efficiency. A Vexilar sonar flasher removes a lot of the guesswork. Figuring out if there are fish under you and their depth could take hours without a flasher. A sonar flasher is easy to use. It will instantly show you the entire water column including the bottom, your jig, and anything else that shows up under you, such as a fish. All in real time! Clam Outdoors makes a number of items specifically designed to make certain tasks easier on the ice. Prices range from a few dollars into the $1,000 range. The simple lowcost products often make a big difference. The Clam Can allows you to carry bait in your pocket. Not a big thing, but it makes a huge difference when it’s cold. Rod Slicks keep ice rods from getting tangled, and Fish Trap shelters get you out of the cold quickly and allow you to move around easier. The parts all have a sum that equals success. Mobility is another important core element of ice fishing. Mobility allows you to cover more water, which allows you to put your lure in front of more fish. Think of ice fishing the same way you do when open water fishing. We rarely head out onto the water and cast in the same spot over and over again. Ice fishing is no different. Every hole you drill is a cast. Make more casts and you’ll catch more fish. If you make a lot of casts in an area and don’t catch anything, move to another area and repeat. Give yourself a time limit, and don’t stay in the same area if you’re not catching fish. Ice Fishing doesn’t have to be cold and difficult. Core concepts that make ice fishing easier also make it more fun. Establish a routine and it will become second nature. By constantly thinking of ways to strengthen your core, you make ice fishing easier. Before you know it, you will be catching more fish than ever before. And who doesn’t love catching more fish? Tim Moore is a full-time licensed fishing guide in New Hampshire. He owns Tim Moore Outdoors and the New England Ice Fishing Academy. For more information visit www. TimMooreOutdoors.com. For more Tim Moore, go to
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12/15/16 1:24 PM
FLORIDA
ENJOY THE MIAMI BOAT SHOW’S ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE
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or those seeking ultimate enjoyment at one of the world’s largest and greatest boat shows, the VIP Experience is the hot ticket for the 2017 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show Feb. 16-20. In its second year at the iconic Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin, the show will offer more boats, large yachts, marine product debuts, transportation options, dining and fun than ever before. There will be excitement for everyone, but those who prefer more of an upscale experience should treat themselves to the VIP Experience. With ticket packages ranging from $70 to $100 per day, guests will enjoy exclusive access to
the VIP Lounge aboard a 111-foot luxury yacht docked at Pier 9 among more than 100 of the biggest and most extravagant motor, cruising and super yachts ever displayed at the show. The VIP Experience includes upscale dining and beverage service, live music daily, an air conditioned indoor lounge, an open sky deck with stunning views, private restrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi and an array of complimentary services and luxury product displays. All of this comes on top of what the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show is recognized for: a worldclass boat-show experience for more than 100,000 attendees and exhibitors. This year’s show will be the best ever. Organizers anticipate more than 1,300 new boats on display with more new model debuts than ever before. What’s more, the number of boats in-water is expanding to an estimated 550 boats and yachts— all located in the show’s state-of-the-art marina. From sport fishing boats and high performance boats, to personal watercraft and wake sport boats, family cruisers and luxury yachts, there is something for every lifestyle. The show will also once again offer sea trials, where shoppers can take boats out for a spin. This year, more boat exhibitors will participate, giving boat buyers a chance to test-drive a number of options. And be sure to come hungry and thirsty. A highlight of the 2017 show is an enhanced food and beverage program featuring more than 150 options ranging from luxe to casual fare. Whether you choose to come by water taxi, shuttle bus or car, the show offers seamless transportation to and from the show as well as ample and convenient parking options. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the show. Regular admission packages range from $25 to $100 for multiple days, and children younger than 15 are free. For more information, go to www.MiamiBoatShow.com. To learn more about last years boat show, go to
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AN AUTUMN SAIL STORY By Michael Landress
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e blasted through the Boynton Inlet on the first full day of fall and set lines in 33 fathoms near one of the many reefs just a short pelican’s glide offshore. It was ramp-to-reef in minutes for the five of us, Capt. Chris Lemieux, Carson, Jeff, Mike and his father-in-law, Joe. It’s one of the many perks we enjoy fishing out of Boynton Beach, also known as the Gateway to the Gulf Stream. Our goal this day was modest, to catch and release Florida’s premier game fish for our senior angler, Joe. During his 84 years, Joe had never battled a sailfish. Unfortunately, any hope of doing so on the reef was quickly trammeled by a school of ravenous rainbow runners that pillaged our lively baits at an astonishing rate. A relative of the greater amberjack, rainbows are feisty on hook and line, but offered no food value for the men of this vainglorious crew. We decided to run farther offshore into deeper water to hunt the harlequin green and yellow denizens of the deep—dolphin! After a short run on a flat
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sea, we arrived at a large patch of pelagic weed drifting in 800 feet of 86-degree water. Baitfish soon rained down upon the blue water after being violently wacked from a cozy dip net by the well-placed palm of our determined captain. After a few minutes, it became evident this seemingly perfect, floating asylum harbored zilch predators. Then, a dark silhouette suddenly appeared against the morning glare 50 feet from the bow of the Conch Cruiser. Shark or marlin I thought. “Sail, sail, sail!” we screamed like school boys. It was Florida’s fish, the sleek marauder that we sought earlier on the reef. As she laggardly cruised on the surface with sail raised, Chris pitched a live threadfin herring a few feet in front of her… a perfect cast. Enticed by the presentation, she gobbled the bait and the fight was on. Lit-up and furiously angry, she raced across the ocean at warp speed. Chris barked for Joe to take the rod, and the grizzled angler complied. After 20 arduous minutes, first mate Carson captured leader and the billfish was free. Underwater GOPRO footage indicated a successful release as her large symmetrical tail propelled her into the depths. There is no photographic evidence of Joe’s multiple naps later that day, but more importantly a fine and weary man was able to complete one of the items on his (chum) bucket list: dueling an autumn sail! For a great sailfish catch fight, go to
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and deep drop fishing for yelloweye snapper, blackfin snapper, queen snapper and mystic grouper. Even when the east winds are howling in the spring and summer months, comfortable fishing conditions exist on the leeward side of the island. When the wind lays down, The Bridge is a short 16-mile run from the marina. The Bridge runs from the southern tip of Eleuthera to the northern tip of Little San Salvador. It’s a 9-mile underwater ledge that averages depths of 200 feet between the two islands with drop offs to 800 feet on the Exuma Sound side and 3,000 feet on the Atlantic Ocean side. Big wahoo, dolphin and yellowfin tuna can be expected here, and you never know when a blue marlin will show up in your spread. The resort offers world class accommodations in the form of 14 two-story, luxury villas with views of both the sunrise and sunset. There is also a well-stocked ship’s store, a new waterfront restaurant, bar and swimming pool. The marina is a state-of-the-art, Blue Flag awarded facility with average depths of 12 to 14 feet that is flushed on every tide making the waters crystal clear. All slips have 30 and 50 amp power and water with dockage for vessels up to 200 feet. There’s a full fuel dock with both gasoline and diesel. Pump out services are also available. Getting here is relatively easy, as there are several carriers with daily flights to and from Nassau. From Nassau, it’s a very short flight to Rock Sound, which is just 30 miles from the cape. Both Bahamas Air and Pineapple Air offer service to and from Rock Sound several days a week. Watermakers Air offers direct service from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport to and from Rock Sound four times per week. From Rock sound, a cab ride will cost you about $70. There are also car rentals available. The Stuart Sailfish Club, in its 75th year, has announced a Flotilla to Cape Eleuthera for May 5 to May 14. Fifteen member boats have already signed up. If you would like to participate in the Flotilla to the cape, you must be a member of the club. Family memberships are available for just $200. For more information, visit the club’s website at www.stuartsailfishclub.com. For more information on the Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina, go to www. capeeleuthera.com.
ESCAPE TO THE CAPE
T
hose living in South Florida are fortunate to have Bimini and West End, Grand Bahama a short boat ride from the shoreline. But there’s an undiscovered jewel of the Out Islands within reach for those looking for something more. Just 56 miles southeast of Nassau, lies the Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina. From bonefish on the flats to blue marlin on The Bridge, this special place is no less than paradise. Just outside the marina in the Exuma Sound, you will find some of the best yellowtail snapper fishing on the planet, consistent gaffer dolphin action
For more fishing at Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina, go to
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SWIMMING WITH SHARKS
can systematically decimate their food sources by feeding so much in one area that they permanently impact the ability of that food source to regenerate. Sharks act as a regulatory body in these instances through their mere presence. Just by having a shark around, fish and other animals are forced to expand their hunting or grazing grounds and seek out food over larger areas, where their impact will be less dramatic. Sharks play such an integral role to the health of marine ecosystems that studies have found a decline in their populations results in a correlating decline of many commercially significant fish species, including those, like tuna, that are a favorite on our dinner plates. Without sharks in our local waters, we would not be able to enjoy the wide variety of fish species and marine animals that we take for granted. As anglers, there are easy ways to “fish friendly” Photo by Melissa Johnson • A scuba diver watches as two when it comes to sharks. If you’re fishing from shore, try Lemon Sharks swim by on a local reef. to keep the shark in water as you release it so they can maintain a constant flow of water through their gills. If very February at Pura Vida Divers, we dedicate a month to it’s hard to remove a hook from the shark, it’s better to cut the line than shedding light onto one of our favorite, but often overlooked, marine animals: sharks. As scuba divers and nature enthusiasts, we spend more time exerting yourself and stressing the animal. Using non-stainless circle hooks helps lower the longevity of the hook rely on this keystone species to help hold in place the precious balance of underwater, which is beneficial to hammerheads and other species that life that allows our coral reef systems to thrive. Sharks are an easy scapegoat, portrayed by films and most media as are particularly susceptible to exhaustion during catch and release. Helping preserve shark populations is one step towards ensuring aggressive predators. In reality, sharks play an important role policing and that the activities and ecosystems we enjoy today remain healthy for even strengthening the populations of their prey. Sharks are opportunistic predators that feed on old, weakened or generations to come. If you’re interested in learning more about sharks or conservation sick fish. This in turn ensures that only the healthiest members of a fish population reproduce, overall strengthening a species gene pool. efforts, we invite you to join us on Friday, Feb. 24 for a fascinating Similarly, by targeting prey made weaker by disease, sharks help prevent presentation by Angela Smith of Shark Team One. The event will be hosted at Pura Vida Divers, and details can be found on our website at the rapid spreading of that disease through a school. If fish or other marine species thrive without a predatory threat, they www.puravidadivers.com.
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Stuart, located in Martin County, is known as the Sailfish Capital of the World. Sitting on the most biodiverse estuary in the Northern Hemisphere, and the northernmost point of the South Florida Reef, Martin County is home to 100 artificial reef systems and over 800 species of fish. Its climate, waterways and natural environment make it a mecca for fishermen and nautical explorers year-round. An array of unique shops, fine restaurants, great golf courses and quiet beaches make a day ashore fun, too. Inshore, offshore, salt water or fresh, head out for an adventure and reel in the memories.
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FEBRUARY 2017
FLORIDA
11
1/18/17 10:18 AM
Center sp By Richard L. Matteson Jr. Stuart Rod & Reel Club Staff
Don’t Chase Rust, Protect Your Gear! Save your Fishing Rods, Reels, Tackle Boxes & Especially your Boat!
W
ading puts you in the water with the fish. You are now part of their element, and this gives you an advantage over a noisy boat with a motor or trolling motor and anglers bumping around on it. As a wader you can silently fish under piers and under mangrove branches where boats can’t go or even approach without spooking the fish. Winds and Tide When you wade the lagoon, you need to know the tide and the wind. You don’t want to fish during a slack tide, and you might not want to fish if it’s too windy. You might want to fish out of the wind or with the wind at your back. The tide determines if you fish shallow or deep as well as where the fish are.
Finding Fish As you enter the water, start looking for signs of bait and fish activity. Look for birds on the water or over the water. Use search lures like C.A.L. jigs that can be cast and retrieved quickly and cover a lot of water area. Use heavier jigs in windy conditions. Move quickly without making noise. Vary the speed of retrieve. Fast retrieves in the top of the water column catch ladyfish, jacks and snook, but you might miss trout, redfish and flounder. When you find fish, slow down and fish the area carefully.
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Areas To Wade The South Indian River Lagoon The South Indian River area I fish stretches from Vero Beach to Stuart. The Bridges: Fort Pierce has two bridges. The north bridge has a boat ramp on the east side from which you can wade, and there’s an area across the bridge from Little Jim’s on either side of the second boat ramp. The south Fort Pierce bridge has an area on the east side that stretches to the inlet. South of the bridge on the west side is a fishing area. In Stuart, the north bridge (Jensen Causeway) can be waded on either side and the same is true of the south Stuart bridge (Earnest Lyons). There are two bridges on the St. Lucie River, but they are hard to access for waders. The Shoreline: My favorite wading areas are Walton Road (Port St. Lucie), Walton Scrub, Midway (Ft. Pierce), and Wilcox Road (Vero Beach). On the east side there’s Herman’s Bay (PSL) and Bear Point (Ft. Pierce). Be Respectful Remember the pier owners have the access rights to their piers and don’t want waders parking along the pier areas without permission because it blocks their view of the lagoon. Happy wading! For more wading in the Indian River Lagoon, go to
CAMINSHORE.COM
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1/18/17 10:18 AM
Chasing Big Bulls In BC By Cam Sigler Jr.
B
ack in 2014, I went north of the Canadian border to fish for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout with Gordon Silverthorne, who owns the Kootenay Fly Shop in Fernie, British Columbia. This area west of Calgary is littered with good waters. I have taken large groups up to fish the Elk and surrounding rivers with him. It was on these trips that I found myself focused on catching bull trout. Big bulls on a fly became my quest. I had caught many, up to nine in a day, but had yet to break the 27-inch mark. Bull trout are in the char family with brook trout and Dolly Varden. They range from northern parts of California and Nevada in the south to the Northern Territories of Canada and East to Montana and Alberta. They can grow in excess of 40 inches long and to weights heavier than 30 pounds. They migrate up and down systems based on food sources and into feeder creeks to spawn. They typically inhabit waters that stay under 59 degrees and are one of the most sensitive of the chars, requiring pristine waters to thrive. They are recognized as endangered in most states and protected in most systems in the provinces. A bull trout of 12 pounds might be 10 years old. I was back in Fernie in 2015 chasing trout with a few friends. As usual, we had good fishing for beautiful cutthroats, but I was chasing bulls. We spent a few days on the Elk River and caught a few bulls longer than 20 inches, but not in great numbers. My attention turned to a small pristine river south of Fernie called the Wigwam. In the past I had sent anglers from my groups there, but because of limited daily access, I had not fished it myself. Access is difficult. From the parking area, it’s 800 feet down to the river. It’s a hang-onto-trees steep. It reminded me of some streams I guided in Alaska, cold and clear enough to see pebbles 20 feet deep. The first hole was full of bull trout. After many casts, I landed one longer than 30 inches. As a group, we
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caught many cutts that averaged about 16 inches and juvenile bulls of the 19-inch variety. In conversation, Gordon spoke of the nearby Kootenay River bull trout fishery and about setting up an operation there. The Kootenay is a glacial-fed river formed by runoff and feeder streams primarily out of Kootenay National Park above Cranbrook, Canada. I told him to count me in for an expedition that fall. It didn’t happen because of a landslide in the river’s headwaters that blew the river out for an entire season. It’s tough to fish a fly without visibility. Because of water levels and clarity, the window for fly fishing the Kootenay is about six weeks in fall, if you are lucky. I finally got my chance to fish it in late October of 2016. Author Tom Boyd, who is writing a book on all the char species, and I made the 6-hour drive north from my second home in Washington to a tent camp Gordon and big-game outfitter Eric Grinnell had erected on the river. The camp was great, complete with a stove in every tent and a generator for lights. It was located a good distance between put-in points, and we saw only four other boats over three days. The four of us had a terrific time. We saw a few deer on the river and kept an eye out for grizzly and black bears but saw no evidence of them. I did wake one night to the sound of wolves howling in the distance. Water levels dropped over the three days we fished, and the water cleared even more. The weather was clear and cold. The fishing is primarily from 16-foot boats with outboard jet pumps. The river is braided and skinny in places, so the driver must pay attention. It is glacial fed and there are quarter-mile log jams on the banks. When this river is running 15 feet above the level we fished at, it must be roaring. This is a 7- to 9-weight show with sink tips. I have caught many bulls dead drifting a rabbit strip or synthetic-based fly that swims with this method. This trip, stripping seemed to work the best. We
were on the tail end of the kokanee salmon spawn. Once spawned out, these landlocked sockeye salmon float downriver, and the bull trout key on the spent fish. So we threw lots of 10-inch flies. Bull trout are very aggressive and opportunistic. They have to be in these systems. Bulls can move daily, but once we found them in a section they readily took most flies we threw. Bull trout, like many trout, like structure. Snags, logs, and big rocks in the river often hold them. I caught the biggest fish of our trip on the last cast of the last day in a tail out. It topped 29 inches and took a crawfish pattern I tie for smallmouth. We caught a few juvenile bulls in the 19-inch range and a few cutthroat, but our average bull trout was about 23 inches. I saw a few fish that were clearly bigger than our biggest catch. My guess is there are bulls in the Kootenay pushing the 40-inch mark. The largest we heard of on a fly weighed about 30 pounds. The bull trout fishery in the U.S. and Canada is fragile. I suggest chasing them sooner than later. If you decide to fish the Kootenay next fall, look for the guy holding up the 35-inch fish. Hopefully that’s me, as I will keep going back. For information or to set up a trip, contact Gordon Silverthorne at info@kootenayflyshop.com.
For more Bull Trout Fishing in BC, go to
FISHORDIE.CO
1/18/17 2:08 PM
A WINTER WADE
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik • Photo Courtesy of My Coast Outdoors
A FLY FISHING
s we idled away from the dock on a mild mid-winter morning, we all anticipated that telltale thump of a solid wintertime trout. Although the fall and winter weather had been mild, the big trout had already started finding their way to the normal winter feeding areas where we hoped to intercept them. Armed with slow-sinking soft plastics, we were confident we would be giving our cameras a workout on this trip. As we quietly drifted into our first and what would be our only stop of the day, we noticed a lone angler had beat us to our target area. Showing him the
CHOOSING A SALTWATER FLY ROD
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hoosing the right fly rod is a personal choice. There are so many rods and various rod actions (fast, moderate, tip flex, full flex, slow etc.) that selecting a rod can be very confusing. It’s confusing to me, and I live a breathe this stuff! Rod Length: 9 feet or Shorter? In most saltwater fly fishing situations the 9-foot rod is standard. It provides enough length to keep a back cast off the water, to pick up fly line off the water to redirect a cast and is the best option for making longer casts. However, in recent years many companies have developed wonderful fly rods that are much shorter and can cast with the best 9-footers on the market. The new short rods are 7 to 8 feet in length and have a moderate (slow) action. The combination of a shorter rod and slower action make these rods a deadly tool when casting larger flies and poppers at close range. Fly fishing for redfish, baby tarpon or other fish that hold tight to cover does not require long casts. And when making short cast, the short rod is a more accurate tool. The Grip And Feel Find a fly rod that feels good while you’re holding it. The feel can be the difference between casting the rod well and not. I have picked up some very high-end rods with grips that felt like tree trunks. I believe a grip with a narrower diameter is best because it allows you to feel the rod load much better. Rod Guides The guides on a fly rod are an important part of the overall
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courtesy he deserved, we anchored up short of the sweet spot and made our first wade out deeper. We pecked away at some mediumsized specks and kept an eye on the lone angler who we felt had the upper hand based on location. We watched him land one trout before he boarded his skiff and slowly idled out of the area. Although we had more action in deeper water than he had up shallow, we still decided to ease into our original planned area as the rising sun increased the water temp on the shallow flat. As the sun rose higher in the sky, the baitfish became more active and helped fine tune our target areas to cast. The water here was shin deep and clear with the bottom structure composed of soft mud with abundant grass and potholes. Using a white, slow-sinking paddle shad, I was slowly swimming it across the flat, pausing to let it slowly descend, and then I’d continue the retrieve and repeat. On one pause, I felt that telltale solid thump and then listened to the drag scream after the hookset. They were here! This was our first solid fish of the day, a thick-shoulder 6-pound trout. After a quick photo and release, we continued to ease down the shoreline sight casting to potholes or mullet. The next strike was hit and run, with the fish staying low and burning drag. After spinning me around a few times, I landed a solid upper-slot red. After several hours on this wade, I finally saw what I had been looking for, fleeing mullet at the edge of a pothole. A few cranks of the reel handle and I was hooked up. Not what I anticipated, but it was a medium-sized trout. I made a second cast to the same pothole, reeled my lure to the far edge and as soon as it paused it was inhaled! This trout sent foaming water sailing through the air while shaking her massive head. She tail walked four times before I had her close enough to verify her true size. The icing on the cake, an 8-pound trout in clear shin-deep water on a south Texas grass flat. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com. For more wading in the Texas winter waters, go to
PEACEFULWATERS.CO performance. Many rods today are equipped with flexible snake guides, better known as REC Recoil guides, that are lighter than standard snake guides. These REC guides allow the rod to flex between the stripping guides’ footings for a more efficient transfer of energy during the cast. These REC guides add to the rod’s casting performance, creating greater line speed. Another added bonus to these REC guides is they will bend and not break if bumped on a boat rail. Rod Action Rod actions vary greatly. It’s kind of comparing apples and oranges. Some anglers prefer a fast action; some prefer a moderate action. There are benefits to both, but for the beginning or intermediate fly angler, a moderate action rod is the best choice. A moderate action rod will cover a wide spectrum of casting situations and is easier to cast and cast efficiently into a stiff wind. These rods also load a fly line using more of the fly rods taper, making it easier for the angler to feel the rod load. You can always purchase a fast action rod down the road as your skills progress. Rod Balance So, now that you have picked out that perfect saltwater stick, ask yourself… How does it feel in my hand? Is the rod tip heavy? Is the rod butt heavy? Does the rod feel too heavy overall? Too light? These are all question that need to be answered. The best rod is the one that feels well balanced from tip to butt. Balance the rod on your index finger at the top of the full wells grip. A well-balanced rod will balance evenly on your index finger. This is a fly rod’s sweet spot. It will be the optimum place for the thumb of your casting hand every time you cast.
For More Fly Fishing with Bowman, go to
CAMFLYFISHING.COM
1/18/17 2:08 PM
DESTIN REPORT By: Peter Wright Jr. Inshore
The weather has certainly been cold, so the fish patterns are rapidly changing. One of the best ways to fish when the weather is like this, especially this time of year is to cover a lot of ground. Usually when you find the fish, you have them. We’re going to get some cold weather this month so be watching for it. Some of my best days fishing have been when it’s so cold out there that know body else would even think about going. When it’s like that you want to hit the creeks and rivers. Throughout our region we have hundreds of creeks and rivers that feed our bays. The best ones are the larger ones that have deep holes in them. You’ll find these holes mostly in the sharp bends of the creeks. Don’t be scared to go far up the creeks too. I’ve caught trout over a mile up the river and people have caught them further than that. Once you find these holes I like to prospect them. Throw live shrimp or soft plastic bait to the bottom and see if you get some bites. If you don’t, move to the next hole. Once you find them you got them. You can also find these fish up in the bayous along the dark muddy bottoms. Fish will get stacked up in the medium depth water where the sun can still shine through to the bottom and warm them up. Remember, the colder the better. Redfish are somewhat the same; they’ll be hubbed up with the trout but don’t seem to be as cold natured as the trout. This time of year you’ll find quite a few redfish in the outer edges of the bayous working their way back and forth from the deeper holes and the darker bottoms towards the back of the bayous. Most of the time you want to fish soft plastics or live shrimp if you can find them. The fish are a little more lethargic so you won’t see quite the aggression you do when it warms up. Now all this can change when the weather warms up. All fish including bait will move quickly out of the bayous and back into the bay and on the flats with any longer period of warmer weather. They don’t go into hibernation, they just hide from the cold just like me and you. Now, onto the next species. February is one of the best months all year for sheepshead. They’re starting to spawn pretty heavily and the fish will be stacked up along bridges, jetties, and other structures. There’s not exact tide when you need to be somewhere to get on a sheepshead bite, but if I had to pick a tide it would be slack tide. The only reason is that it’s easier to position yourself along these bridges and easier to feel the finesse bite of a sheepshead. Try to bring something to scrape the pilings to chum them up, or even bring a bucket of smashed up oysters. If you get a good chum going you’ll have the sheepshead right up under the boat. The best baits are shrimp Anglers from last year’s Sheepshead and fiddler crabs, and Tournament held at The Ship’s remember that the smaller Chandler. the hook the better. If you think it’s too small go a Make sure to sign up for this year’s tournament that kicks off March 4th! size smaller.
Offshore
February might be a slow month for “keeping” fish, but it’s still a great month for fishing. Snapper and grouper are closed so your best bet to put some fish in the box is amberjack, triggerfish, and mingo snapper. This bite has been great as of late and should continue to be good all month long. There have been a lot of jacks stacked up on big steel structure. Any barge, ship, things of that nature are a great place to start. The big bull mingos have been out on the edge pretty thick. As I said before there’s been a lot of bait inshore so that hasn’t been as big of an issue as the last couple years have been. All the inshore wrecks are pretty stacked up with ruby lips, squirrel fish, rock fish, etc. Be sure to check out the FWC rules because they change more often than not.
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Peter Wright Jr The Ships Chandler 646 E. Hwy 98 Destin, FL 32541 850-837-9306
FEBUARY 2017
EMERALD COAST 1
1/18/17 12:44 AM
April il r 23 Apr r 23 dd r April il r 23 Apr 23 dd ONEONE DAYDAY SHO OTOUT ONE DAY SHO OTOUT ONE DAY SHO OTOUT SHO OTOUT Captai n’ s Captai n’ s Captai n’ Captai n’ ss eeting MM eeting eeting MM eeting
31 31 ANNUAL ANNUAL thth th
Tournamentstarts starts12:01 12:01am on Friday ending on Sunday Tournament on Friday MayMay 5th 5th ending on Sunday MayMay 7th April 29th Sunday 1st TournamentSaturday starts 12:01am on Friday May 5th ending onMay Sunday May 7th 7th Scales open at 3p and close at 8p on Friday and Saturday, Sunday scales Scales open at 3p and close at 8p on Friday and Saturday. Scales open at 3p close at 8p onawards Friday and Saturday. open at 3p andand close at 6p with to follow! Sunday scales open at 3p and close at 6p with awards to follow! Sunday scales open at 3p and close at 6p with awards to follow!
Location: Point Cadet Marina Location: Point Cadet Marina
Break Mississippi State Record and Tournament Break Mississippi State Record and Tournament Break Mississippi State Record and Tournament Break Mississippi State Record and Tournament Record for Cobia: Record for Cobia: Record for Cobia: Record for Cobia: $30,000 Cash and a 2017 2017 Ford F-150 $30,000 Cash and a Ford F-150 $30,000 Cash and a 2016 2016 Ford F-150 $30,000 Cash and a Ford F-150 (Based onon 5050 teams –– Team Entry: $500 per Boat) (Based on 50 teams – Team Entry: $500 per Boat) (Based on 50 teams – Team Entry: $500 per Boat) (Based teams Team Entry: $500 per Boat)
$100,000.00 $100,000.00 in cashininand prizes cash and and prizes prizes cash
1 Day Day COBIA COBIA SHOOT SHOOT OUT OUT 1 1 Day COBIA SHOOT OUT 1 Day COBIA SHOOT Saturday April April 29th 29th Dawn Dawn to toOUT Dusk! Saturday Dusk! Saturday April 29th Dawn to Dusk! Saturday April 29th Dawn to Shootout Entry Entry Fee: Fee: $200.00 $200.00 PER PER Dusk! BOAT Shootout BOAT Shootout Entry Fee: $200.00 PER BOAT Shootout Entry Fee: $200.00 PER BOAT **Shootout Captain’s Captain’s meeting meeting is is on on Friday Friday Night Night April 28th. 28th. **Shootout April *The Captain’s meeting for the Shootout is Thursday May 4th at 7pm 7pm *The Captain’s meeting for the Shootout is Thursday May at Location: The The dock dock behind behind Gorenflo’s Gorenflo’s at at Point Point Cadet, Cadet, Biloxi Biloxi4th 7pm! Location: 7pm!
2 EMERALD COAST
FEBUARY 2017
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3131 years ofof tournaments and fishing friends years tournaments and fishing friends
Youknow know31years 31yearsago agowhen whenwe westarted startedthe thecobia cobia You Youknow know31years 31yearsago agowhen whenwe westarted startedthe thecobia cobia You tournamentititwas wasaadream dreamamongst amongstfriends. friends. Thirty Thirtyyears years tournament tournamentititwas wasaadream dreamamongst amongstfriends. friends. Thirty Thirtyyears years tournament laterititisisaacelebration celebrationof offishing fishingand andthe thefriends friendswe wehave have later laterititisisaacelebration celebrationof offishing fishingand andthe thefriends friendswe wehave have later madealong alongthe theway. way. made madealong alongthe theway. way. made
program in inconjunction conjunctionwith withThe TheGulf GulfCoast CoastResearch Research program program in inconjunction conjunctionwith withThe TheGulf GulfCoast CoastResearch Research program Laboratoryand andMarine MarineResearch ResearchBiologist BiologistJim JimFranks. Franks. Laboratory Laboratoryand andMarine MarineResearch ResearchBiologist BiologistJim JimFranks. Franks. Laboratory Someof ofthe thebest bestmemories memorieswere werethe the1996 1996and and2006 2006 Some Someof ofthe thebest bestmemories memorieswere werethe the1996 1996and and2006 2006 Some tournaments. In In1996 1996((our our10 10year yearanniversary anniversary))three three tournaments. tournaments. In In1996 1996((our our10 10year yearanniversary anniversary))three three tournaments. fish hit hitthe thescales scalesall allof ofthem themweighing weighingin inover over100 100pounds, pounds, fish fish hit hitthe thescales scalesall allof ofthem themweighing weighingin inover over100 100pounds, pounds, fish Wewould wouldlike liketo tothank thankall allof ofour oursponsors sponsorswho whohave have withthe thelargest largestbeing being106.8 106.8lbs. lbs. setting settingaanew newtournament tournament We with Wewould wouldlike liketo tothank thankall allof ofour oursponsors sponsorswho whohave have withthe thelargest largestbeing being106.8 106.8lbs. lbs. setting settingaanew newtournament tournament We with stoodby byus usover overthe theyears, years,and andaaspecial specialthanks thanksto totwo twoof of andstate staterecord. record. In In2006 2006with withall allthat thatwas wasgoing goingon on stood and stoodby byus usover overthe theyears, years,and andaaspecial specialthanks thanksto totwo twoof of andstate staterecord. record. In In2006 2006with withall allthat thatwas wasgoing goingon on stood and ourgood goodfriends friendsand andweigh weighmasters mastersErrol ErrolWhite Whiteand andJim Jim afterHurricane HurricaneKatrina Katrinawe wedebated debatedwhether whetherto tohave havethe the our after ourgood goodfriends friendsand andweigh weighmasters mastersErrol ErrolWhite Whiteand andJim Jim afterHurricane HurricaneKatrina Katrinawe wedebated debatedwhether whetherto tohave havethe the our after Franks. Without Withoutthem themthis thisachievement achievementwould wouldnot nothave have tournament. We Wedecided decidedto tohave havethe thetournament tournament((being being Franks. tournament. Franks. Without Withoutthem themthis thisachievement achievementwould wouldnot nothave have tournament. 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We Wewould wouldalso alsolike liketo tothank thankour ourvolunteers volunteers our20th 20thAnnual Annual),it ),itwas wasprobably probablythe thebest bestdecision decisionwe we been our andemployees employeesover overthe theyears yearswho whohave have helped helpedto tomake makethis this could couldhave havemade. made.With Witheveryone’s everyone’slosses lossesititwas wasuplifting upliftingto to and andemployees employeesover overthe theyears yearswho whohave have helped helpedto tomake makethis this could couldhave havemade. made.With Witheveryone’s everyone’slosses lossesititwas wasuplifting upliftingto to and tournamentpossible. possible. seethe thecrowds crowdsof ofpeople peopleand andall allof ofthe thefishermen fishermenwho whocame came tournament see tournamentpossible. possible. seethe thecrowds crowdsof ofpeople peopleand andall allof ofthe thefishermen fishermenwho whocame came tournament see outto tosupport supportit. it. out outto tosupport supportit. it. out specialthanks thanksto toall allof ofthe thefishermen fishermenwho whohave have AAspecial specialthanks thanksto toall allof ofthe thefishermen fishermenwho whohave have AAspecial participatedin inthe theGorenflo’s Gorenflo’sAnnual AnnualCobia CobiaTournament Tournament Welook lookforward forwardthis thisyear yearto toseeing seeingthe thefishermen fishermenreturning returning participated We participatedin inthe theGorenflo’s Gorenflo’sAnnual AnnualCobia CobiaTournament Tournament Welook lookforward forwardthis thisyear yearto toseeing seeingthe thefishermen fishermenreturning returning participated We overthe theyears. years. aswell wellas asall allthe thefamilies familiescoming comingout outto toview viewthe theweigh-in. weigh-in. over as overthe theyears. years. aswell wellas asall allthe thefamilies familiescoming comingout outto toview viewthe theweigh-in. weigh-in. over as Oneof ofour ourproudest proudestachievements achievementswith withthe thecobia cobia One Oneof ofour ourproudest proudestachievements achievementswith withthe thecobia cobia One tournamentisisthe there-establishment re-establishmentof ofthe thecobia cobiatagging tagging tournament tournamentisisthe there-establishment re-establishmentof ofthe thecobia cobiatagging tagging tournament
This year’s year’s 31st 31st Cobia Cobia This Tournament will be held held of theApril first Tournament will be the first Held the the last last weekend of April Held weekend weekend of of May. May. weekend
Big Fish Fish Friday’s Friday’s cash cash prize prize is is Big $1,000.00!!! $1,000.00!!! Big Fish Fish Friday’s Friday’s cash prize prize is is Big cash $1,000.00!!! $1,000.00!!! Saturday’s cash cash prizes prizes of of $2,500.00 $2,500.00 Saturday’s Saturday’s cash cash prizes prizes of of $2,500.00 $2,500.00 Saturday’s Sunday’s Scales Scales close close for for the the final final Sunday’s payout. Sunday’s Scales Scalespayout. close for for the the final final Sunday’s close payout. payout. Winning Aggregate Aggregate weight weight based based on on Winning your top top fish.based your 55 fish. Winning Aggregate Aggregate weight based on on Winning weight your top top 55 fish. fish. your
Thanksagain, again, Thanks Thanksagain, again, Thanks Dannyand andLaurie LauriePitalo Pitalo Danny Dannyand andLaurie LauriePitalo Pitalo Danny
Winning Aggregate weight for your your toptop 5 fish fish Winning Aggregate weight for top 5top Winning Aggregate weight for your your fish Winning Aggregate weight for 55 fish
1st1st PLACE PLACE $6,000.00 $6,000.00 2nd PLACE 2nd PLACE$2,000.00 $2,000.00 3rd 3rdPLACE PLACE $1,500.00 $1,500.00 4th 4thPLACE PLACE $800.00 $800.00 5th 5thPLACE PLACE $600.00 $600.00 6th 6thPLACE PLACE $500.00 $500.00
Call forfor more details: (228) 432-7387 or (228) (228) 432-0454 Call for more details: (228) 432-7387 or 432-0454 Call for more details: (228) 432-7387 or (228) (228) 432-0454 Call more details: (228) 432-7387 or 432-0454 Tournament Entry Fee: $500.00 PER BOAT Tournament Entry Fee: $500.00 PER BOAT Tournament Entry Fee: $500.00 PER BOAT Tournament Entry Fee: $500.00 PER BOAT Late Entry Fee: $600.00 Midnight APRIL 21ST Late Entry Fee: $600.00 Midnight APRIL 21ST Late Entry Entry Fee: Fee: $600.00 $600.00 Midnight Midnight APRIL APRIL 21ST Late 21ST *Mandatory captain’s meeting Thursday evening May 4th 7pm *Mandatory captain’s meeting Thursday evening May 4th 7pm *Mandatory captain’s meeting Thursday evening May 4th 7Pm *Mandatory captain’s meeting Thursday evening May 4th 7Pm
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NAUTICSTAR’S VERSATILE 2602 LEGACY It’ll change the way you boat
Length: 25’ | Beam: 102” Max Horse Power: 400 HP (Twin 200 HP) Max Horse Power: 350 HP (Single) Approx. Draft: 15” Transom Height: 25” Twins / 30” Single
N
auticStar Boats 2602 Legacy is the newest in their Legacy series designed to merge family friendly recreational boating with a fishing boat fit for the professional or recreational angler. The 2602 center console is loaded with many standard features for a great fishing boat but also comfort features to entertain the entire family. Forward, the plush “leather-touch” bow seating is made of Syntec vinyl with Nano-Block stain protection, flip-out backrests for added comfort, and cockpit bolster pads. Under the seating there are port and starboard, 25-gallon fish boxes with overboard drains. There is a in-floor cast net/bucket storage hatch with a washdown station. The console has a forward facing seat, integrated powder coated fiberglass T-top, side window port, SeaDek® top, kick panel with foot pad, and a large, fully fiberglass lined head compartment with a sink and mirror with option for a portable toilet. The helm offers space for a pair of 12-inch electronics. There is a curved windshield and flush mount compass and custom stainless steel wheel with power knob. It also has a Infinity® stereo system with Bluetooth, preset capability and 4-speakers. The ergonomically correct leaning post with flip-up bolsters is not just a comfortable place to rest while cruising, it also houses a number of components for convenience. It has a 21-gallon baitwell with lid and bait prep station, two tackle 4 EMERALD COAST
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drawers, freshwater washdown station, batteries and battery switches, and rocket launchers. Aft, the Legacy features three-across seating that flipsup to reveal a 18-gallon cooler and oversized insulated–50 gallon fish box. Portside is a 30-gallon baitwell. SeaDek® finishing on the boarding ladder and port and aft transom landings provide reassurance when taking a dip or wrestling a fish aboard. The beauty and performance of the 2602 is only matched by NauticStar’s high quality wood-free construction processes. Its one-piece, molded and foam-filled stringer system is tougher than those made of components which allows NauticStar to offer a limited lifetime hull warranty. A vinylester barrier coat provides a durable, crack and corrosion resistant hull that is always shiny. Visit NauticStarBoats.com for more information on the 2602 Legacy and the more than two dozen models of bay, offshore, and deck boats. You can also find your local NauticStar Dealer.
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1/18/17 12:44 AM
2016 AJ's Spring Fling Cobia Tournament Results 1ST PLACE: Capt. Cameron Parkhurst – Instigator | Angler Frank Cable 60.8 2nd & 3RD PLACE: Capt. Chris Schofield - No Alibi | Angler Steve Friend 48 No Alibi’s third place fish weighed in at 42.6 pound by Angler Rick Pope. Daily Winners: Saturday- Angler Spike Lord onboard the Vamoose 40.4 Sunday- Steve Friend onboard the No Alibi 2nd place 48 pounder
AJ’s Oyster Bar Final F’Ling March Contact: 850.654.4694
Harbor Walk Destin Cobia Tournament Date: March Through April 30th Location: HarborWalk Marina in Destin, Florida Contact: 850.650.2400
BOSHAMPS 2016 FLATHEAD CLASSIC WINNERS OVERALL WINNERS 1ST PLACE: Blanchita | 228.9 2ND PLACE: Instigator | 224.5 3RD PLACE: Miss B Haven | 215.2 Big Fish 1ST PLACE: Banchita | 96.6 2ND PLACE: Instigator | 90.4 3RD PLACE: Sure Lure | 88.2 Ladies 1ST PLACE: Blanchita | 96.6 2ND PLACE: Miss B Haven | 72.5 Juniors 1ST PLACE: Sweet Caroline | 60.1 Second: Sweet Caroline | 49.1 26-feet and under 1ST PLACE: Dawn Patrol | 165.7 2ND PLACE: Ugly Duckling | 159.3 3RD PLACE: Sea N Double | 149.4 Boshamps Flathead Classic Captain’s Meeting Tuesday April 18th Fishing days are the 19th- 23rd Contact: 850.424.7406
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HARBOR DOCKS 2016 COBIA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Overall World Cobia Champions 1ST PLACE: John Hutchinson – Team Instigator | 81.7
2ND PLACE: David Barron - Full Pull | 77.1 3rd PLACE: Jason Zabelski - Dawn Patrol | 74.9 Gulf Coast Yacht Group Ladies World Championships 1st PLACE: Pam Dana - Sure Lure | 79.8 2ND PLACE: Ginger Daniels - Shady Lady | 67.4 3RD PLACE: Caroline Waite, Fish N Fool | 66.8 Clark Communications 29-feet and Under World Championships 1ST PLACE: Jason Zabelski, Dawn Patrol | 74.9 2ND PLACE: Alex Hare, Dawn Patrol | 69.3 3RD PLACE: Bill Montgomery, Two Sons | 69 Donut Hole Junior World Champion 1ST PLACE: Jefferey Colley, Shady Lady | 72.8 2ND PLACE: Myles Colley IV, Team Outcast | 68.23 3RD PLACE: Braden Coker, Jamie G. | 57.1 MAACO Tag and Release World Champion 1ST PLACE: Team Outcast | 14 tags
Big Three Calcutta 1ST PLACE: Full Pull | 213.9 2ND PLACE: Instigator | 203.2 3RD PLACE: Only Way | 203.1 4TH PLACE: Breathe Easy | 194.5 29-feet and Under Big Three Calcutta 1ST PLACE: Dawn Patrol | 201.3 2ND PLACE: Two Sons | 189.0 3RD PLACE: Ugly Duckling | 59.4 6 EMERALD COAST
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4TH PLACE: Mako | 48.1 Money Winners Full Pull: $28,654.67 Instigator: $14,004.50 Dawn Patrol: $8,971.50 Only Way: $6,993 Sure Lure: $6,550.83 Team Outcast: $6,036.67 Shady Lady: $5,583.33 Breathe Easy: $3,690 Two Sons: $2,487.50 Ugly Duckling: $1,368 MAKO: $954 Take A Kid Fishing Day Donation $27,745!
Cobia World Championships 2017 March 24th – May 18th Crab Cruncher April 6th-10th
Joy Dunlap Memorial April 27th April 30th
Contact: 850.837.2506
2016 FRANK HELTON CRAB CRUNCHER CLASSIC Overall Winners 1st PLACE: Team Outcast - 71.9 | $58,555.50 2nd PLACE: Breathe Easy - 66.3 | $48,687.00 3rd PLACE: Hey Baby - 62.0 | $26,408.00 4th PLACE: Full Pull - 55.1 | $34,506.50 5TH PLACE: Instigator - 54.8 | $500 Big Three | Full Pull - 151.9 Notable Payouts Click Through - $11,007.00 Fish N Teem - $8,755.00 Pour Intentions - $5,796.00
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1/18/17 12:44 AM
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DESTIN EAST PASS TIDE CHART Date
Day
2017/02/01 Wed 2017/02/02 Thu 2017/02/03 Fri 2017/02/04 Sat 2017/02/05 Sun 2017/02/06 Mon 2017/02/07 Tue 2017/02/08 Wed 2017/02/09 Thu 2017/02/10 Fri 2017/02/11 Sat 2017/02/12 Sun 2017/02/13 Mon 2017/02/14 Tue 2017/02/15 Wed 2017/02/16 Thu 2017/02/17 Fri
Time
Hgt
12:53 AM 0.27 H 04:17 PM 02:09 AM 0.14 H 03:43 PM 12:32 AM 0.0 L 02:20 AM -0.07 L 03:30 AM -0.14 L 04:32 AM -0.19 L 05:30 AM -0.23 L 06:23 AM -0.24 L 07:11 AM -0.23 L 07:50 AM -0.2 L 08:19 AM -0.15 L 08:33 AM -0.09 L 08:29 AM -0.03 L 12:19 AM 0.27 H 02:48 PM 01:07 AM 0.17 H 02:29 PM 02:25 AM 0.08 H 02:39 PM 01:01 AM 0.0 L
Time
Hgt
Time
09:10 AM 0.14 H 08:23 AM 0.23 H 03:55 PM 04:31 PM 05:21 PM 06:20 PM 07:22 PM 08:21 PM 09:16 PM 10:06 PM 10:52 PM 11:36 PM
-0.01 L 09:02 PM 0.07 L 0.03 L
08:05 AM 0.16 H 07:18 AM 0.24 H 05:42 AM 0.31 H 03:05 PM
0.02 L 07:47 PM 0.08 L 0.05 L 10:33 PM 0.05 L 0.05 L
0.33 H 0.42 H 0.5 H 0.56 H 0.59 H 0.6 H 0.58 H 0.53 H 0.46 H 0.36 H
Date 2017/02/18 Sat 2017/02/19 Sun 2017/02/20 Mon 2017/02/21 Tue 2017/02/22 Wed 2017/02/23 Thu 2017/02/24 Fri 2017/02/25 Sat 2017/02/26 Sun 2017/02/27 Mon 2017/02/28 Tue
Day 02:19 AM 03:13 AM 04:03 AM 04:49 AM 05:30 AM 06:08 AM 06:41 AM 07:09 AM 07:32 AM 07:47 AM 07:47 AM 06:01 PM
Hgt
-0.04 L -0.07 L -0.1 L -0.12 L -0.14 L -0.15 L -0.14 L -0.12 L -0.08 L -0.03 L 0.04 L 0.07 L
03:42 PM 04:29 PM 05:24 PM 06:23 PM 07:19 PM 08:12 PM 09:02 PM 09:53 PM 10:48 PM 11:50 PM 01:22 PM
0.41 H 0.44 H 0.47 H 0.5 H 0.53 H 0.54 H 0.54 H 0.51 H 0.45 H 0.37 H 0.15 H
Harbor Walk Destin Cobia Tournament Date: March Through April 30th Location: HarborWalk Marina in Destin, Florida Contact: 850.650.2400
0.36 H
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Time
FEBUARY 2017
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VENICE OFFSHORE REPORT By: Captain Brett Ryan
Ahhhhhh, February. Now is the time for all of the hunters to come out of their tree stands and blinds. The ducks are gone. The rut is over. Let’s go kill some monster Yellowfin Tuna down in Venice. February and March are great times of year to come fish with us. There are options. You can battle with the big boys on the Midnight Lump or run to the floaters for some spring time schoolies on lighter tackle. Not to mention the Wahoo bite should be in full force. Last week I put the biggest Wahoo yet on the new boat, weighing in at 60 pounds. Be sure to dress in layers when you come down. The river is very cold, but once we are out in the Gulf you will warm up quickly on a sunny day. Lump season is in full swing. Many Yellowfin Tuna have been landed recently. Some days are difficult due to sharks, not only in the chum slick, but big ones eating 100
pound plus Yellowfin off your line. A few nice Mako sharks have hit the docks as well. Fishing should continue to improve through March. If you are out on the Lumps please monitor channel VHF 16. There has been a hook-up to Mako sharks just about every trip. These fish are very acrobatic and you don’t want an unexpected passenger in your vessel as you move to reset your drift. If you hook up to one please extend the courtesy to boats around you, letting them know what you have. Come on down to Venice and catch you a big one. Good luck and stay safe out there.
Plaquemines Parish | Venice, Louisiana Capt. Brett Ryan Venice, La 504-231-1842 www.captainbrettryan.com
Power. Luxury. Elegance. Adventure. Whether you are a novice seeking a fun day with your family or a serious tournament fisherman, we offer a trip to meet your needs. The RELENTLESS is our 65’ x 20’ custom built sportsfisherman and is available for daily trips from 4 hours up to 18 hours. With a captain who has over thirty five years of fishing in the Gulf of Mexico the RELENTLESS specializes in overnight trips of 24 to 72 hours if you prefer to stay longer and “fish bigger” for marlin, tuna & swordfish.
You can go fishing or you can go RELENTLESS Power. Luxury. Elegance. Adventure. Whether you are a novice seeking a fun day with your family or a serious tournament fisherman, Power. Luxury. Elegance. Adventure. we offer a trip to meet your needs. The RELENTLESS is our 65’ x 20’ custom built sportsfisherman and
RELENTLESS
is available for daily trips from 4 hours up to 18 hours. With a captain who has over thirty five years Whether you are a novice seeking a fun day with your family or a serious tournament fisherman, of fishing in the Gulf of Mexico the RELENTLESS specializes in overnight trips of 24 to 72 hours if you we offer a trip to meet your needs. The RELENTLESS is our 65’ x 20’ custom built sportsfisherman and prefer to stay longer and “fish bigger” for marlin, tuna & swordfish. is available for daily trips from 4 hours up to 18 hours. With a captain who has over thirty five years of fishing in the Gulf of Mexico the RELENTLESS specializes in overnight trips of 24 to 72 hours if you You to can fishing orbigger” you can go tuna RELENTLESS prefer staygo longer and “fish for marlin, & swordfish.
CHARTER FISHING
RELENTLESSCHARTERFISHING.COM | 850-837-6541 You can go fishing or you can go RELENTLESS
RELENTLESS
8 EMERALD COAST
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1/18/17 12:44 AM
SANDESTIN REPORT By: Captain Sid Little February is a great month to fish the beaches in our area. Fishing the beach by boat or fishing from land will bring you a lot of action. Some of the species you might run into will be slot reds on up to bull reds, black drum, sheephead, whiting and pompano. You definitely are going to want to bring a couple of rods, all set up a little different from the other, for each species. Your rigs will definitely differ from what you will want to throw from the boat compared to what you might be casting from the beach. For the guys casting from the beach, distance always helps to get your baits out there, but is not always necessary. There are two setups every beach fisherman should bring with them. The first set up is a 9-13 ft. beach rod to launch your set rigs out past the first sandbar. Most anglers bring two to three long beach rods. Anymore than that and your wasting your time. The set rigs you tie to your beach rods should consist of 2 hooks, 3 if you think necessary, and depending on the surf 3-6 oz bank or pyramid sinkers to hold the bottom. You can always buy the cheap set rigs at the store, but making your own is always better. Make sure when you make your rigs that you distance your hooks so that the branch leaders don’t tangle together on the cast or while in the surf. Bait of choice should be fresh caught sand fleas or pieces of fresh shrimp. Sand fleas can be caught in the surf zone and shrimp of course can be found at your local bait shop or seafood market. The second set up each beach fisherman should have is a light 8-10 lb test rod/reel set up for sight casting fish coming down the beach while your set rigs do the work out deeper. Rig your jig rod with a pompano jig or a jig tipped with a small piece of shrimp or a sand flea to enjoy pitching to a school of fish and enticing the fish to eat your offering. For the guys fishing from a boat, you have it a whole lot easier. The
long beach rods are not necessary because you will be able to approach these fish and there is no need for long distance casting. A few rods set up with 8-20 lb line will suffice for whatever species you might run into that day out on the water. If I am fishing by myself I usually will bring two 8lb test rods, one rigged with a pompano jig and the other set up with a jig/sand flea tied with a 15lb fluorocarbon leader. First, I will throw the jig and if there are no takers I will then throw the jig and pig (jig/sand flea) to get there attention, that usually will get the job done. The other two rods I bring are 15-20 lb test rods one rigged with a 1 oz feather and the other with a 3-5” popper for top water strikes. I keep the heavier feather ready for larger reds deeper in the water and the top water ready for redfish on the surface in a feeding frenzy. This isn’t very uncommon this time of year and most of the time they will eat any lure you throw at them. If you find the birds working hard and see a dark wad of bait underneath them you can definitely count on the redfish being right in the mix of it and a lot of rod pulling. If you don’t find the action on the beach you can always move offshore a couple miles and fish for flounder on the numerous inshore wrecks in 70-90 ft. of water. Choctawhatchee Bay will be full of life too. Look for the same birds working the bay and if you find them congregated in one area you will most likely encounter the bull reds with them as well. Trolling and casting jigs are both very effective in hooking these fish. Use a lure that will stand out amongst the water color and bait. If you hook one red, keep another lure in the water because the one that is hooked will usually have his friends swimming up to the boat with him and you want to be ready.
Captain Sid Little ph: 850-699-2286 850-246-5874
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FEBUARY 2017
EMERALD COAST 9
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Planning your next financial journey?
Better to know before you go!
Chris J . Ogle, AAMS
Financial Advisor Senior Vice President - Investment Officer Wells Fargo Advisors 625 Grand Blvd. Suite 200 Miramar Beach, FL 32550
chris.ogle@wfadvisors.com www.wfadvisors.com/chris.ogle Phone: 850 837-5366 TollFree: 800 456-5365
Today’s top angler adventurers rely on seasoned guides to get them onto the fish. I believe as a seasoned financial guide that I can help you plan your journey.
CHRISTOPHER OGLE is a financial advisor for Wells Fargo Advisors in the Destin, Florida area and can offer you a wide range of financial and investment services.
Wells Fargo Advisors LLC Member SIPC *CAR #0516-03281
Congratulations to 31 teams who participated in last year’s 30th Annual Gorenflo's Cobia Tournament! The 2016 30th Annual Gorenflo’s Cobia Shootout saw 59 teams compete for top prizes! 1st Place & Biggest Fish!: Capt. Jamie Drennan -Breakwater | 83.35 lbs.
30th Annual Gorenflo’s 2-day Cobia Tournament Thanks for fishing all of these years with us and we look forward to seeing you again in just couple of months! Last year’s winners 1st Place: Captain Nick Ladner - Lil’ Time Off | 182.15 2nd Place: Capt. Robert Mc Daniel - Whip- a- Snappa | 134 3rd Place: Capt. Trey Williams - Slaughter House | 103.55 4th Place: Capt. Hussein Zayed - Z- Marine | 97.80 5th Place: Capt. Jeff Harris - Strictly Business | 92.40 6th Place: Capt. Clarence Seymour - S. Y. L. | 85.15 Biggest Fish! Captain Matt Smith | Team Subdude 65.45 lbs.
2nd Place: Capt. Carl Miller - UnReel | 52.55 lbs. TEAM USM Gulf Coast Research Lab James Franks, Liz Hunt, Sarah Ashworth, Page Vick & Jeremy Higgs Weigh Master and Lead Research Scientist(s) Errol White and Jim Franks
Thank you to all our great sponsors: Astro Ford, Golden Nugget, Miller Lite, Palace, Waring Oil, The C Store, Crystal Hot Sauce, Mississippi Billfish Gulf Coast Classic, CCA of Mississippi & Coastal Angler Magazine.
Jim Franks Tag and Release Award~ Captain & Angler Steve Legg - Team Soul Fisher 10 EMERALD COAST
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1/18/17 12:44 AM
VENICE INSHORE REPORT By: Captain Owen Langridge
February Forecast/Venice-Buras Yes, it’s February. This is usually our coldest month in Venice, but I don’t think it can beat January. However, we usually have 5 days of warm weather for every 2 days of cold. So when the temp reaches a balmy 65 degrees I’ll be chasing the fish. Behind Buras the trout are in their dead winter pattern and they are very predictable. Stay in bed a little longer than usual and try to hit the water about the same time as the sun. As the sun warms the water the trout will come out of their deep holes and cruse the shallow flats looking for a meal. I like the old sparkle beetle in either green or smoke, with a hook stuck through his head and dangled under a Paradise Popper. Tsunami type lures work well also. Pop your cork and then let her sit. Give the trout time to meander over. This time of year they don’t get in a hurry; you need to do the same. Take your time. When I hook a fish, I will stick the pole and fan cast the entire area. This is also a good month for twitch baits. The “Mirrodine” is excellent this month. It will suspend about a foot down, and looks like a dying bait
PERDIDO KEY FISHING REPORT Perdido Key Fishing This year’s Winter fishing has been outstanding when Mother Nature has allowed us to get out. Plenty of Redfish are being found in the Pass as well as the shallow shoals just outside. With the cooler weather finally arriving in January water temperatures have Speckled Trout concentrating more in the rivers and muddy bayous. This time of year if you find schools of small Mullet you will also find the Speckled Trout. Surf fishing has been very productive for anglers targeting Pompano, Whiting, Redfish and Black Drum. If surf fishing is something you havent tried
Lost Bay Guide Service Capt. Bill Willis 850-748-5076 www.lostbayfishing.com
fish. Cold weather trout can’t resist! Down River we will have cold, muddy water. The trout don’t like it but the reds don’t mind. If you can get back up into a pocket, away from the mouths of the passes, you will find a little cleaner water. This is where the reds will be hiding. Market bait under a cork, or the same market bait on a jig head will usually do the trick. This is a month I really like to chum for reds. Break up a half a dozen shrimp into small pieces. Throw them up to a point or hole with a good current. Back up and anchor and give the reds time to hone in on the shrimp smell. They will come and there won’t be any hard heads with them. Feed them some more shrimp with a hook attached and enjoy the fun. The bulls will be out on the beaches. Any beach you can find without too much wind will be holding bulls. I like to throw a large plastic in a dark color tipped with a little shrimp. I like to dangle this offering under a Paradise Popper. Make plenty of noise with your cork and wait. Big momma bull will find you by coming to the noise to investigate. Hold on, you are in for a fight. Yes, February will be cold but the fishing will be hot. Come on down and pass a good time!
Capt. Owen Langridge Big “O” Charters L.L.C. 225 978 1136 www.bigocharters.com stop in the local tackle stores like Grays Tackle and they will be glad to set you up with the best baits and rigs to get you going. Until next month this is Capt. Bill wishing you Tight lines & Screaming drags!! Capt Bill Willis Lost Bay Guide Service www.lostbayfishing.com 850-7485076 “You only live once, but if you do it right once is enough.
¨You only live once but if you do it right once is enough.”
Guide Service
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FEBUARY 2017
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VISIT: Anglers vacation in Destin, Florida. There’s no questioning this quaint coastal community’s claim to fame as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” Optimally positioned a mere 30 miles from the celebrated 100-fathom curve, the abundant deep waters hosted here are packed full of a wide variety of serious sized fish that are just waiting to be reeled in.
Destin was founded on fishing and it’s more than a hobby along our coast - it’s a way of life. Anyone who considers themselves an Angler knows about spending time on the water here. However what you may not know is this special Fisherman’s paradise is it’s also the go-to vacation destination for the whole family.
and something you have to see to believe. Popular pursuits include an array of watersports as well as our favorite activity, sitting in the sand with a drink in our hand. Off the beach, rousing escapades include an active nightlife, delectable dining, world-class golf, and significant shopping.
charter boats in the entire Gulf of Mexico. In addition, there are several “party boats” that offer an affordable way to hook ‘em. Other excursions include inshore fishing on the abundant Choctawhatchee Bay, fly fishing along its tributaries, and surf fishing on our sugary white shores.
Of course there are the pristine sugar white sand beaches that frame our Emerald-toned Gulf waters. The sand is cool, even on hot summer days and the water is vibrantly colored
We do have to admit though; most of your time will be enjoyed casting a line. Deep sea fishing here is big business and you can choose your vessel among the largest fleet of private
Come catch memories and fish in Desitn, Florida. For accommodations ranging from intimate studios to estate-sized beachfront homes visit us online at oceanreefresorts.com.
SOUVENIR MAGAZINE 12 EMERALD COAST
FEBUARY 2017
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1/18/17 12:44 AM
IT'S BOAT SHOW TIME! www.
.com
www.MitziSkiffs.com
www.CHawkBoats.net
252-235-2461
A DREAM WEDDING
By CAM Staff
From left, Capt. Kevin Rose and Capt. Judy Helmey officiated and witnessed the wedding of Erin Bodnar and Casey Maday, of Des Moines, Iowa, aboard the Miss Judy Too before catching a pile of fish for the reception.
L
ove and the smell of sheepshead were in the air on Jan. 6 aboard the Miss Judy Too out of Savannah, Ga. It was a dream wedding for bride Erin Bodnar and groom Casey Maday, of Des Moines, Iowa. The couple got hitched while bobbing over an artificial reef off the coast of Georgia with captains from Miss Judy Charters officiating and witnessing the event. “It was a grand day for a wedding and fishing,” wrote Capt. Judy Helmey in a special edition of her weekly fishing report. She added that it was a, “one fiddler one fish kind of a catching deal.” And it’s a good thing the bite was so hot. After the ceremony, the newlyweds and the crew burned through 267 fiddler crabs to boat this mixed bag of sheepshead and black drum. They were on a mission, because fish is on the menu for the couple’s wedding reception back in Iowa.
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Marsh Harbour, Abaco features its share of quaint resorts, including the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina the Sandpiper Inn and Cottage and Four Winds Cottages. Treasure Cay boasts the luxury Treasure Cay Beach, Marina and Golf Resort, a highend spot frequented by celebrities. Out on the flats, the water is still, a perfect mirror reflecting the cloudy sky. It is a gorgeous day to bonefish. Albury maneuvers through the flats like only a native could. He swerves through tightly packed mangroves at breakneck speeds until we reach the spot. At that moment, he cuts the engine and begins poling the boat. I sit at the bow, rod in hand with shrimp for bait. Albury surveys the waters and points out a bonefish at my two-o’clock. I cast my line but miss. “Throw it out again,” Albury says. I cast again and reel it in just enough. Suddenly, a splash on the surface and a tight line tell me the fish has the bait. We fight for a moment until I reel him to the edge of the boat. Albury grabs him and turns him on his back sending the fish into a catatonic state. There is excitement onboard. As we surveyed for another catch, I explained to Albury that my father is a bonefish guide in Crooked Island. “I love fishing,” I say to him. “You know if you love fishing once you hook a fish,” Albury says. “If that doesn’t excite you, nothing will.” Interested fishermen can reach Jody at jodysbonefishing.com.
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THE FLATS OF ABACO
e set out on a small boat shortly after 8 a.m. on a warm Wednesday morning. For Jody Albury, this is just another day of bonefishing in Abaco, Bahamas. He’s been a professional guide for 10 years, but an avid fisherman since he was a boy. Jody, a quiet yet jovial Abaconian, has serviced fishing enthusiast from the around the world. He quit his day job to make a living doing what he loves, bonefishing. Abaco, one of the 700 islands of The Bahamas, is regarded as one of the world’s premier destinations for bonefishing. Thousands of anglers descend on the Abacos during the winter months in search of the elusive gray ghost. The island and its cays are in the northeast Bahamas 91 miles northeast of Nassau, Bahamas, a 20-minute plane ride, and 120 miles from Miami or an hour plane ride with flights from American Eagle and Silver Airways, to name a few. The Abacos are made up of nearly a dozen cays. Unlike most other islands in The Bahamas, visitors can take a ferry to the various cays including Hope Town, Green Turtle Cay and Great Guana Cay. Some rent yachts or other boats and sail the cays themselves. My first stop in Abaco was Hope Town with its scenic beaches and historic candy striped lighthouse. Hope Town features a small community where most everyone moves around by golf cart or bicycle. The island is quiet yet filled with life, hotels, small properties and bed and breakfasts. The architecture features colonial design, a lingering tradition from the Loyalists who settled in the Abacos centuries ago. Hope Town fuses rustic charm with modern advances. It’s easy to sit on a hammock under two palm trees and watch Netflix.
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By Paul Lebowitz
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n nearly 20 years of kayak fishing, I’ve seen the boats radically change. These days they are purpose-built for angling, and much more stable and forgiving. On the other hand, the thinking on what makes a good kayak rod has scarcely evolved. There’s been little need. For most applications, off-the-shelf gear made for the general fishing market works fine. A standard bass or flats quiver will suit you well whether you’re fishing from a ’yak, a powerboat or the shore, although the adjustable butt of Manley Rods’ offerings is a nice feature. It’s only when you get to big game that the need for specialized kayak sticks is magnified. Let’s cover the big exception: the rod tip. When landing a fish from a kayak, you’d do well to have some glass for shock absorption. High-sticking is almost inevitable. Most big game kayak anglers fight their fish while sitting. An intermediate length butt is an advantage, something on the order of 12 to 13 inches, about 2 to 4 inches shorter than normal. That’s just right for tucking into your belly while seated. A strong backbone is a plus for easier fish management, particularly when the battle is in its closing stages. Rod length is a matter of preference. It’s nice to have enough reach to get the tip around the bow, but it isn’t strictly necessary. If you’re hooked up and you point your rod tip at the bow, the fish will pull the kayak around to face it.
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COOL WATER SUSPENDERS
water, but they will still have an eye on what’s going on, as a prey in their stomach is still necessary to fuel them. What I like to do is fish slowly, twitching suspending baits once or twice between long pauses. And sometimes these pauses are truly long pauses. I’ve found that’s one thing most people have a hard time doing. Most are unable to pass the two or three second mark without feeling the need to twitch their bait again. When I’m on a spot that’s worth it, or if I catch a By Patrick Sebile glimpse of a nice fish, I will hold my suspending Stick Shadd still for up to 30 seconds. It might feel like an eternity; it might feel worthless, but some of my best inshore catches came on such long, 15- to 30-second pauses. I keep the rod tip down close to the water, and I don’t rely on feeling a bite. I leave a little slack in my line, no more than 6 or 8 inches, and watch the line very closely. Most of the time the bite is just a tiny tap that is hard to feel but very easy to see on the line. If the line moves just an inch or two, that’s it. Set the hook without delay. You might be surprised at the trophy fish you’ll catch with such minimal action. Another technique that produces well for me on cold water is simply to cast and retrieve my suspending twitch bait super slowly. I sometimes retrieve it so slowly that it This nice trout was caught in Vero Beach, Fla. on a suspending Stick Shadd 114 using won’t even have any side-to-side action at all. Yep, you very minimal action and long pauses. read that right. Just the lure moving through the water straight ahead and slowly is the right presentation on o matter where you are in North America, winter brings cold winds some days. In cold water it will often out-produce the and sore throats to all. And the effect is even more brutal on fish than typical action-packed movement of this type of bait. men. Immersed in the water, in an unstable environment that changes It may seem surprising, but it’s efficient. In both cases, a suspending bait quickly, they have no choice but to exist the best they can where they are. is key, as well as the patience and confidence to resist working it too quickly There’s no option for fish to go on a cruise in the Bahamas to tan their or erratically. scales in the tropical sun. And the shallow-water inhabitants feel the impact Patrick Sebile is the owner and lure designer of Sebile Innovative Fishing even more than the deep-water ones, given that the skinny depth they live (www.sebile.com). in can drop in temperature sharply. Their behavior can turn sluggish, but For more tips on cold water fishing, go to they still need to feed. It is therefore crucial to adjust the lure’s action to their temperature-driven mood. Airline_Ad_CoastalAngler_8-1-14_Layout 1 8/1/14 1:14 PM Page 1 Seatrout and redfish will dive into grass to limit their exposure to colder
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By Brandon Tourigny Brandon Tourigny with an Everglades bass caught on a Lefty’s Deceiver.
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f all the different methods of fishing, fly fishing has a reputation for being one of the more overpriced methods for landing fish. With all of the extremely high-end rod and reel brands in the fly fishing world, it can be a little disheartening for those trying to get started. As a broke college student who has to also buy food, gas and textbooks, purchasing the newest Sage rod and Tibor reel just wasn’t in the budget for me. Since not fly fishing wasn’t an option, I had to find ways to get quality gear at a more reasonable price. Here are a few brands I personally like that have proven to be affordable and reliable pieces of equipment for me. Temple Fork Outfitters produces some fine rods for the money. With all their rods ranging from under $100 to around $450 for their most expensive rod, it’s not hard to find a rod in their line that fits your budget. A rod I highly recommend is the TFO Mangrove. This rod comes in sizes from a 4 weight all the way up to a 12 weight, costing anywhere from $250 to $300. Another thing TFO has going for them is their no-nonsense lifetime warranty. A good warranty is something a lot of fly rod makers provide, and it is an important consideration because rods break. For reels, the best deal I’ve seen are actually some of the off-brand reels found on Amazon and produced by brands like Piscifun or WetFly. The thing about fly reels is you don’t need them to cast. Until you get a fish on and need a smooth drag or to pick up line quickly, all they do is store line. If your targets are panfish, small bass or seatrout, it’s likely you will seldom even need a reel except to hold your line. On the other hand, if you expect to do battle with bonefish, tarpon or redfish, a good reel becomes very important. Although they don’t carry the prestige of the American-made reel companies, reels like the Piscifun Sword are made from 100 percent CNC machined aluminum, and based on my experience and the testimony of other fly fishermen, these reels hold up considerably well. When you also factor in that most of these reels come in under $100, it’s hard to find a reason to not at least give these reels a try. If you are a stickler for only buying American products, I would suggest taking a look at the Waterworks-Lamson Liquid and Remix which both come in at $160 or less and are both assembled in Lamson’s factory in Idaho. At the end of the day, fish don’t care how shiny or expensive your equipment is. The only thing that matters is if you can present a fly to them in a manner realistic enough for them to eat it. So, if you’ve been hit by this incurable disease called fly fishing but can’t afford the high prices, there’s no need to fear thanks to affordable and highperforming rods and reels
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UNDER THE SEA
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SHERI DAYE
peargun selection is one of the most hotly debated topics on spearfishing forums. Fortunately, there are many great brands nowadays – such as Wong, AB Biller, Riffe, Hammerhead, Cressi, SEAC, Mares, Rob Allen, Koah, Mako, JBL and more. Over the last century, spearfishing equipment has evolved from very simple muscle-powered slings and polespears, made with wood and rubber bands, to the modern-day spearguns equipped with a trigger mechanism and more exotic materials. Interestingly, slings and polespear are making a comeback—but that’s a topic for another month—so let’s concentrate on how to select a modern-day speargun. If you walk into your local dive shop, you will notice there are two main categories of band-powered spearguns: the American style, usually recognized by the wood stock, and the Eurogun, which has a tubular shaped barrel and a rear handle. The Eurogun originated in Europe where most spearfishing is freedive-only, fairly deep, and for small, easily spooked fish. Hence these spearguns have a low-profile, streamlined design and thinner shafts. If you are diving in similar conditions, the Eurogun style might be for you. On the other hand, if you want a sturdy, durable and easy-to-load gun that will handle bigger fish, you might lean toward the American/wood-style gun. This is also the style used for big powerful tuna guns, because they can be ballasted and accommodate up to six bands. There’s also a hybrid design, which incorporates the best elements of both with wood stock in the back and a carbon fiber tube in the front. Once you’ve chosen between styles, the next question is length. Most Eurogun sizes are 90 to 160 centimeters, and most American guns are between 36 and 65 inches. So, with the conversion from centimeters to inches, they have pretty much the same length range. If you are diving in low visibility or hunting in rocks like they have in California or Rhode Island, you would choose a shorter gun. If you are hunting spooky fish in clear waters like mutton snappers in Florida, you would opt for a longer gun. If you are just getting started and expect to dive in variable visibility, 130 centimeters or 50 inches would be a good medium length for an all-around reef gun.
Sheri Daye hunts with a Wong Hybrid Speargun. Photo by Joe Marino.
Here are some additional tips: 1) Join a local spearfishing club and learn from the more experienced people. Observe what equipment they use and ask for advice. 22) Shop at a dive store that caters to spearfishing. They carry more choices and have experienced personnel to help you choose. These include Austin’s in Miami; Florida Freedivers in Palm Beach; James & Josephs in San Diego, Calif.; Freedive Shop in Sacramento, Calif. and more. 3) Check out the custom-gun builders. There are some high-quality builders who will work with you directly, give you advice, and design it to your specs—such as Wong Spearguns from Hawaii or Sea Sniper from California. Most importantly, you should pick a style that suits you and the conditions you dive in. Chances are you will get hooked and add more spearguns to your arsenal in the future! Follow “Sheri Daye” & “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” April 22-23, 2017 – Ft. Lauderdale - Instagram and Facebook.
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TIPS FROM A PRO
FRESHWATER THE REBIRTH OF 8- TO 10FOOT BASS RODS BRANDON LESTER
E
ver since I can remember, there has been a rule in B.A.S.S. tournaments barring the use of rods longer than 8 feet. To my knowledge, it is because Dee Thomas and other Californians were using 10-foot and longer rods for “flipping” when the technique was first invented. Evidently the powersthat-be back then didn’t like this new way of fishing, so they banned the use of long rods. At the conclusion of 2016, B.A.S.S. decided to change this rule and allow us to use any rod up to 10 feet in length. Bass fishing has evolved
they fight. The extra rod length will help keep the line tight during the fight, giving the fish less opportunity to escape. For the small wooden crankbaits, the longer rod gives control over how deep the bait dives. Hold the rod tip up, and the bait dives shallower. Stick a couple feet of the blank in the water, and it runs deeper. Add longer casting distance and you will be hitting depths never before achieved with some baits. A longer rod will also be beneficial for flipping and pitching. We all know what
tremendously in the past several years, and there is no doubt this rule change will be another big breakthrough. Will long rods become the norm in everyone’s boat? I don’t think so, but I believe these rods will have a time and place in bass fishing. I have been busy building and testing a few of these longer rods with the guys at Mud Hole Custom Tackle. We’ve made encouraging findings. The first long rod I built is a 8’6” medium power spinning rod. I wanted a rod to cast small, wooden crankbaits on light line for more distance. I also wanted this rod to act as a drop shot rod for open-water smallmouth fishing. Although I don’t see myself using this rod all the time for drop shotting, imagine a scenario where you are casting a drop shot in current and need that extra length to control the way the line drifts. Also, anyone who has ever fought a river smallmouth knows how hard
happens when we set the hook on a 12-inch bass with a 7’6” rod, well imagine what will happen when you set the hook on one with a 9-foot flipping stick. We’ll be jerking 3-pounders out of the thickest cover! When that 10-pounder bites, she might not be the one that got away anymore. There might be cases where a long flipping rod is more efficient, as well. The technique of flipping, as it was done originally, by stripping line through the guides and never using the reel, will probably come back to light because we can now use a rod long enough put a bait where it needs to go. I will be building a long flipping stick before the elite series heads to Lake Okeechobee. What better place to try it out than the land of the giants? Keep tabs on 8-foot-plus rod building by visiting www. MudHole.com, and hit me up on Facebook with any questions.
Get more tips from Lester at
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ackle geeks have climbed high rungs of reel optimization for decades. Their basic game remains the same today: super-tune fishing reels by adding premium components and applying best cleaning and maintenance practices. But better materials and technology have elevated expectations of what fishing reels can be made to do. Russ Lane, who has earned six appearances in the Bassmaster Classic, took his habitual tackle tinkering to high-tech heights several seasons back. Lane today replaces standard reel parts with premium components that extend reel life and enable spools to spin at dazzling RPMs. What’s the fisherman’s takeaway after these reel transformations? The clearest advantages are longer casting distances, better control, heightened casting accuracy, and improved feel and sensitivity. Some premium reel components—strikingly colorful multi-textured reel knobs and anodized star drags and cast control caps, for example—can practically turn reels into showpieces, too. “Fishermen can’t believe what custom components can add to a reel’s capability,” said Noah Arroyo, owner of Off the Hook Reels. “And some fishermen are just as attracted to the unique colors and finishes you can bring to a reel and the rich look of premium parts.” Consider replacing standard reel parts with these upgrades: • Ceramic bearings – Ceramic bearings or ceramic hybrid bearings (the latter feature ceramic balls in a stainless steel or plastic cage) can elevate reel performance dramatically. Ceramic bearings can range up to 60 percent lighter than stainless steel bearings. They generate less heat and lower vibration levels, too, reducing friction as the spool revolves. Spool RPMs may climb dramatically, extending casting distance and improving accuracy by reducing the effort required to execute a cast. They also possess five times the life expectancy of stainless steel bearings. The one downside is that they produce a very audible hum, a turn-off to some anglers. HawgTech promotes its ABEC-7 hybrid bearings in nylon cages as allowing “a more free spinning bearing that also runs quieter.” • Carbon Fiber Reel Handles – Lightweight carbon fiber reel arms are
the most common reel upgrade. The difference in weight and sensitivity from conventional reel handles is discernible. They also give a sleek, skeletal look to the reel. • Winn Reel Knobs – Reel knobs made from Winn’s patented WinnDry polymer deliver the same all-weather “tacky” feel and security that Winn grips bring to fishing rods. “The Winn knobs available from HawgTech are so good, your grip never slips even when hands are wet or coated with fish slime,” said Arroyo. Two of Lew’s Best of Show awards at ICAST 2016 featured fishing reels with Winn reel knobs. HawgTech offers these knobs in several bold colors. • Anodized Aluminum Star Drags, Cast Control Caps – Colorful anodized aluminum can give a reel an “auto show” glow. You can go with matching or complementary color options for star drag controls, cast control caps and related parts. Maintenance steps: Of course, flashy parts alone won’t optimize reel performance. Make sure the internal workings of your reel are flawlessly cleaned and lubricated, too. “You have to optimize everything when you super-tune. Polish and clean ends and shafts and pinion gears,” said Arroyo. “When you do and then add your ceramic bearings and premium parts, you really end up with a great piece of machinery.”
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TAUTEN LINEWELDER Sick of having to learn and tie complex knots? The Tauten LineWelder creates a weld that is actually stronger than any knot. The device creates a “sleeve” of thermoplastic polymer around both ends of a looped line, holding the loop in place without bending or weakening the line. Knots weaken the line, and most lines’ strengths are rated with a knot, so using a Tauten LineWelder in place of tying a knot lets you get a connection that’s stronger than the advertised strength of most lines! The process is quick, easy, consistent and doesn’t require you to tie complicated knots. It’s perfect for new fishermen or veteran anglers who don’t want to bother with finicky knot tying. Just loop the line in the device, pull it taut and push the button to create a weld. This device can help fishermen who don’t want to tie complicated knots by removing the need entirely and allowing anglers to focus on the sport they love. The LineWelder works best on 10- to 12-pound-test monofilament nylon and fluorocarbon lines and 10- to 50-pound-test braided lines. Using an experimental technique, it can even join braided lines with monofilament nylon or fluorocarbon leaders to eliminate the need for a swivel. Accessories to weld a wider variety of lines are currently in development and will be available in the future. Visit tauten.com for more information and to see videos of the LineWelder in action. The Tauten customer service staff is always eager to answer any questions, so don’t hesitate to contact them.
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UR-Cut
Fillet Knives
The only custom moldable handle fillet knife.
Ergonomically perfect. Virtually non-slip. Unmatched comfort. Unmatched control. Takes minutes to do.
UR-Cut features the same legendary DEXSTEEL, super-sharp edge, and just-right flexibility that you are used to with Dexter... 1.Dip handle in boiling water for 2 minutes. 2. Dip in cold water for 1 second. 3. Grip and form handle for 10 seconds. 4. Put back in cold water for 10 seconds and your done.
DEXTER UR-CUT FILLET KNIFE Dexter UR-Cut Fillet knives are the only fillet knives that allow you to custom mold the handle to your hand. UR-Cut provides the ultimate in comfort and control and is virtually non-slip in your hand. It’s simple and takes only minutes to customize UR-Cut to fit your hand. First, grip the handle and determine your grip position, paying attention to your thumb position. Dip and completely submerge the handle in boiling water for 2 minutes. Make sure the pot is deep enough so the handle does not contact the bottom or the sides of the pot. Then dip in cold water for 1 second, grip, squeeze, and hold the handle for 10 seconds. Dip back in cold water for 10 seconds and let cool. You now have a custom fillet knife, molded to fit your hand. Just like other Dexter knives, UR-Cut features the same legendary DEXTSTEEL blade, with super-sharp edges that are easy to re-sharpen and have just-right flexibility. UR-Cut fillet knives are made in the U.S.A. and are available in 6”, 7” and 8” lengths. Available at your local and online retailer. For more information and to view all Dexter fishing knives visit dexteroutdoors.com.
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dexteroutdoors.com
NEVER WAX AGAIN! RESTORE AND PROTECT YOUR BOAT Poli Glow does what wax can’t! As seen on Ship Shape TV
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“Recommending Poli Glow is a no brainer.” - PRACTICAL SAILOR, the #1 consumer resource of the U.S. boating industry
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THE ONLY LURE WITH THE PATENTED
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• Jet Trail • Action Lip • Rattle Chamber • Works with all predatory fish 386•310•7165 • Designed and tested by fisherman PiranaFishingLures.com
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FISH & FISHING
A DIFFERENT APPROACH MARK SOSIN
A
small sign on the corner of my attorney’s desk warns his clients to “Assume Nothing.” That caveat is just as valid on the water as it is in the practice of law. If an angler does not start catching fish within minutes of arriving at a spot, he begins to assume that his quarry must be elsewhere. The assumption, of course, is that he has chosen the right bait or lure and presented it in a natural and appealing manner to a fish that is ready to eat. A fish’s behavioral patterns, honed over eons, follow very specific guidelines with few deviations. Anything that differs from the norm instinctively alerts a fish that something may be amiss and it thinks of its own safety first. Regardless of size, a predator does not expect to be charged or attacked by its prey no matter how small the prey is in relation to the predator. That’s why a 3-inch fly made of feathers can spook a 100-pound fish. And remember that fish do not feed constantly for a variety of reasons. Most species use tidal currents, water flow, or the neck of a funnel to their advantage as they search for food. They either hold facing the current, swim against the flow, or work across it. Whenever you present a bait or lure, it should be upcurrent from where you expect the fish to be so that your offering appears to go with the flow. That tenet even applies when you are casting to a cruising fish. The more natural the presentation, the better the chance of a strike. Your quarry automatically measures energy tradeoff. The idea is to exploit each situation so they will expend the least amount of energy for the value received. That translates into the fact that they frequently refuse to chase a bait or lure very far before turning away. An ambush feeder merely wants to dart out, grab its prey and return to its lair. Bottom denizens follow a similar practice. If your offering isn’t close to the sea floor, it’s difficult to get them to swim toward the surface to get it. Successful bottom bouncing starts upcurrent and allows the bait to drag along in the productive zone. Once it sweeps above the quarry, the potential for getting a strike diminishes rapidly. Water temperature enters the energy tradeoff equation. In cold or even cool water, fish react sluggishly because the water temperature slows down their metabolism. It might even force them out of their usual lair in search of warmer water. In those situations, choose baits or lures that are easy for a fish to catch and slow down the retrieve or the trolling speed. And remember, in cooler water it takes fish longer to digest food so they feed less frequently. Those who catch fish consistently study and comprehend the basics of feeding strategy. You can be sure that the behavioral patterns of each species are not about to change. That puts the onus on you to modify your tactics until you uncover the combination that works. Before you abandon a spot because you think it doesn’t hold fish, make sure you have explored the full gamut of options. If you do make any assumptions, convince yourself that a fish is looking at your bait or lure right now. The results might surprise you.
For More Mark Sosin Visit
CAMFISHING.COM Fishing Lights Dock Lights Flounder Lights 785-621-2646
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NEW INTERLUX MICRON WA BOAT PAINT Micron WA (Water-Activated) is the newest addition to the AkzoNobel’s Interlux industry leading Micron Technology product range. It is a showcase antifouling paint that offers long-lasting, multi-seasonal protection in a water-based formulation. Micron WA combines powerful antifouling performance while reducing impact on the environment, leaving a smooth, clean hull. This paint is ideal for cruise, power and sailboats and suitable for all waters. Using a novel paint technology called Water Activated Matrix, Micron WA delivers a crisp, vibrant color and uniform appearance to provide a striking, attractive finish, while at the same time efficiently releasing the active ingredients to deliver powerful antifouling performance. More information is available at: www.yachtpaint.com/usa/diy/ products/antifouling/micron-wa.aspx
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LIMIT 800-4 purch Offer prese
Cus
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SU
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4000 PEAK/3200 RUNNING WATTS 6.5 HP (212 CC) GAS GENERATORS ITEM 69676/69729/63080/63079 shown ITEM 69675/69728/63090/63089 CALIFORNIA ONLY
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comp at
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SUPER COUPON Customer Rating Weighs 73 lbs.
185 99 $
20"
94 $269.99
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LET THE BATTLE BEGIN The Slammer is back! Featuring a full metal body and rotor, IPX6 sealed gear box and spool design, a full Brass CNC Gear system,
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