Coastal Angler Magazine | March 2024 | Palm Beach & Fort Lauderdale Area Edition

PALM BEACH & FORT LAUDERDALE AREA EDITION

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SPRING

TIPS FOR REDS

POOR MAN'S

GIANT

& TROUT

WANT TO BE A CHARTER CAPTAIN?

TREVALLY

MAR 21-24 • PBBOATSHOW.COM VISIT US AT THE PBIBS NEW MOTOR TENT PHOTO COURTESY OF TOMMY MIANO

VOLUME 29 • ISSUE 348

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F R A N C H I S E

O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

W O R L D W I D E

MARCH 2024

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KEEN SENSES

ARE ESSENTIAL FOR SUCCESS

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

I

t is always important to pay attention to our surroundings as we go through life, and fishing is no exception. How many of you have been fishing without any action and find yourself daydreaming and going through the motions until you feel the tug on your line?

Suddenly you are frantically trying to remember the cadence of your retrieve to duplicate the action, but you are dreaming of fish instead of trying to catch them.

Well, in this article and the accompanying video for The Angler Video Magazine, I will go over a specific situation when paying attention paid off, and you can see it and hear me talk through it on the video. I will also share some wisdom from two incredible Texas guides whom I was fortunate enough to spend a few hours with on the topic of targeting big trout.

While wading in knee-deep water that

4 NATIONAL

MARCH 2024

was about 61 degrees, I could see a few mullet jumping in their casual mullet way. It was enough to keep me interested in the area. The bottom had undulating depth with grass and scattered potholes, or sand pockets for those not familiar with the term. I was throwing a slowsinking soft-plastic jerkbait, letting it slowly sink between twitches where the sand and grass met.

With a cast in mid-air, I saw a mullet do an abnormal flip. It was distinct from the norm of the day and not as if it were being chased, but different, nonetheless. I burned my lure back in and made a cast just beyond where the mullet flipped. When my lure paused near the area, a nice redfish slammed my soft plastic. Had I not been paying attention and blew it off as just another mullet jumping, I would not have caught that fish and a few more in the general area.

Since we cannot always have a bird’s eye view,

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we need to utilize the birds’ eyes. Here are a few tips I picked up on during a conversation with guides. Birds do not always need to be feeding to point us to fish. There are subtle hints, such as a head turn of a gliding pelican. They don’t turn their head for no reason; they saw something.

Maybe they saw a huge trout and kept soaring because it was too big for them to eat. Also, watch the lines birds are relating too. They may not dive, bait may not flee from the shadow, but they are flying that line for a reason, and maybe you should work your way toward the area.

Pay attention on the water and in conversation with old salts. You might need to read between the lines, but the answers are there.

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

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JACK CREVALLE: BATTLE THE BULLIES OF THE REEF

S

ometimes called the “poor man’s giant trevally,” jack crevalle will strike a surface lure or bait aggressively, and once hooked, engage the angler in a slugfest they won’t soon forget. Jacks are world-class fighters.

These fish are perfect for small-boat anglers because they frequent inshore and nearshore waters. They can be caught in bays, inlets, canals and off reefs, where they target schooling baitfish.

These fish are perfect for light spinning gear or a fly rod, as they will readily take any fast-retrieved bait imitation. They frequently show up in bays and estuaries following migratory baitfish like mullet.

Strong current that concentrates bait is usually best, and you’ll find them at the mouths of the inlets on a strong outgoing tide. Any nearshore reef close to an inlet that has “nervous water” – a sure sign of bait schools—is prime territory for jacks.

A 7-foot medium-action spinning rod equipped with a 6000 sized spinning reel and spooled with 40-pound braid is a prime tool for fighting these fish. I like a fluorocarbon leader in the 50-pound range for abrasion resistance. These fish are not leader shy. Jacks school up in large groups of juvenile fish under 10 pounds. The larger 20-plus-pound fish usually hunt in pairs. While a

By Mark Ambert

5000-class rod and reel setup will handle the smaller fish, a larger setup will be better for anything over 20 pounds.

Pro-Tip: If you tangle with one of the larger fish, get a second bait or lure in the water for a double hook-up!

Live bait and chum will usually find the biggest fish. Any local seasonal bait such as herring, pilchards, sardines or mullet will do the trick. For maximum fun factor, a topwater lure or fly stripped fast can’t be beat.

I usually locate a school of feeding fish first then break out the fly or topwater spinning gear for sport.

A 9- or 10-weight fly rod setup with an intermediate line is optimal. When fly fishing, a popper, Deceiver, Clouser or any streamer pattern will work. I use flies that cast easily and in colorful patterns to attract the fish.

With spinning gear, any noisy or splashy plug such as a 3- to 4-inch Storm Chug Bug is ideal.

I also use a 4-inch Heddon Zara Spook in white with a walk-the-dog retrieve. Watching this lure get knocked out of the water and eaten is worth the

price of admission. For sub-surface action, the Rapala X-Rap size 10 in Ghost finish can’t be beat.

The initial run of a big jack is spectacular, with ever shortened runs to follow. Using lighter gear, you might have to chase bigger fish down, so be prepared to move. Once a fish is spent, I usually use a net or tail grab the fish boatside for a quick picture and safe release, as these fish have limited food quality.

Now head out your local inlet and target these plentiful and eager sluggers. They will not disappoint.

Find Mark Ambert on Instagram @marksgonefishing_™; Email: marksgonefishing25@gmail.com.

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MARCH 2024

NATIONAL 7

DO YOU WANT TO BE A CHARTER CAPTAIN?

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

I

went fishing while on Florida vacation about a decade ago. After returning home to Canada for two months, I drove back to pursue a career in the industry. I had zero experience, no connections, and less than half a clue on where to begin. For those with a similar dream, here’s what I learned.

First, it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been a weekend warrior. If you want to be a captain, be a deckhand first. You don’t know what you don’t know, and working for someone fishing the waters you plan to guide provides all kinds of information. Every fishery has its own etiquette and unspoken guidelines.

Community is crucial, and paying your dues and earning respect goes a long way. Captains communicate about fishing on the water, and often, we are each other’s first responders. This same-team mentality is nearly currency.

Beginning as a deckhand is difficult. Nobody wants to train you, yet you must be trainable. On your own time, practice skills like knot tying, bait rigging and net throwing. Veteran fishermen are usually happy to flex knowledge to those who ask for help humbly. No matter what you learn, be ready to have a captain you work for tell you it’s wrong. Adapt, and learn things their way.

The expectations of deckhands are high, and everything on board will be their fault. You are expected to arrive early, stay late, come in on days off, anticipate your captain and clients wants, and do it on minimum salary.

The biggest issue with new deckhands is they sometimes don’t show up. Finding a replacement at 6 a.m. is nearly impossible, and it affects the productivity of a charter. Being a fisherman takes a special kind of person. If can fish six days a week and still want to go out for fun on your day off, this job

may be for you. If you’re on the boat watching the clock, you won’t last long.

Showing up to the dock consistently is a great way to make connections and get work. If you can’t find work, show up an hour before local charters head out. Walk the dock and ask if anyone had a no-show deckhand. If you do this consistently and pass out your number, eventually someone will call you.

They will see you have the dedication to show up. Deckhands are also required to be on a drug consortium. Sign up and keep your paper with you.

Lastly, if you hold a captain’s license and are working as a deckhand, make sure your “captain” has one too. You do not want to be held liable for someone else’s mistakes. Protect your future in the industry.

If this is something you want to do, I highly recommend going for it. In 10 years, I have never regretted it or lost the smile it puts on my face.

Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters, Marathon, Florida Keys. Captainquinlyn.com; @captainquinlyn; (504) 920-6342.

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Snook fishing during this transition is very much dependent on the weather. A warming spell pushes snook out faster toward the passes and bays, while a cooling trend will slow them down. A cold snap will absolutely shut the bite down. If it breaks cold and clear the morning of your planned fishing trip, you’re better off targeting trout and reds.

While snook are moving out, big schools of scaled sardines and threadfin herring start to show up close to shore. These baitfish, also known as whitebait or pilchard and greenbacks, respectively, become the favorite food source for snook as well as many other gamefish. When water temps reach the mid-70s, a snook’s metabolism ramps up and they’ll eat anything from crabs and shrimp to mullet, but a lively sardine or herring freelined on a 2/0 circle hook is as close to a sure thing as you’re going to get. Generally, these baitfish are also pretty easy to find this time of year.

Where you find the bait is where you’ll find snook. Look at a map and draw a line between a known wintering hole and the passes where snook spawn in summer. In spring, they will be somewhere along this line, staged up and feeding on structure. Snook are ambush predators and prefer to hang in the slack water while the tide sweeps food in front of them.

By CAM Staff On the beginning of an incoming or outgoing tide, look to the docks, bridges, points, channel swings, mangroves, oyster bars and anything else that provides a little current shade adjacent to faster water. River mouths are a good place to start your search. If there are greenies or whitebait present, there’s a very good chance a school of snook will be there feeding on them. Want to know for sure? Use a chum bat to sling a double handful of disoriented greenies where you think snook might be. If they’re there, you’ll know it in a hurry.

Fresh live bait is the easiest way to catch fish, but the spring feed-up also provides lots of opportunity for anglers throwing artificials. If you’re someone who prefers to skip the hassle of catching and keeping bait, you can absolutely get the job done with a baitfish or shrimp imitation. Topwaters, soft-plastic paddletails, soft-plastic shrimp, twitchbaits, plugs and bucktails nook are hungry when they break out of the winter doldrums and go will all get bit. A couple benefits to artificials is you can use them to cover lots on the move this time of year. As spring temperatures begin to stabilize, of water quickly to find fish and they can be skipped up under mangroves they push progressively farther out of their backwater holes, and their and docks. migration intersects with the arrival of spring baitfish schools. It’s a recipe For more tips and tactics, go to coastalanglermag.com. for an aggressive feed-up ahead of the summer spawn.

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2 FLORIDA

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Every year, just after the New Year, American shad move from the northern states south. This year, my dad and I went to central Florida to see if we could find some shad making their way up a river. Unfortunately, after hours of constant jigging with light tackle and tiny jigs and a couple miles of paddling a tandem kayak, the shad were a bust. We decided to take a lunch break with lines out for a catfish or bowfin. We soaked baits for about an hour without even a nibble. At this point, I was more than a little disappointed after driving three hours without even a bite to show for it.

Don’t get me wrong, the scenery was beautiful, but I was determined to catch something! I started jigging again as my dad slowly paddled us back to the truck. About a quarter of the way back, I got a bite, a cute little 10-inch largemouth. Despite the size, I was satisfied; I had beaten the skunk.

I continued jigging until we were about halfway back, where this narrow part of the river opened wider. I made a “last cast” and had decided to call it quits. As I cranked my jig straight in, I was surprised when it got thumped!

I laughed and told my dad we had been doing it wrong all day. To test the theory, I tossed my jig out and again just cranked it in. About two feet from the kayak, a huge swirl appeared where my jig was, and 4-pound line started

By Emily Hanzlik ripping off my ultralight.

My dad paddled to keep the fish a manageable distance from the kayak while also maneuvering defensively to place the kayak between the fish and the vegetation. After an extremely stressful nearly 20-minute fight, we netted a beautiful, 7-pound-plus Florida sunshine bass. I frantically checked the FWC website for the state record, which weighed 16 pounds, 3 ounces.

However, I knew I had one more hope for a record. I checked IGFA and was more than pleased to find the women’s 4-pound-test record was a 5-pound fish. If approved, this will be my first record that was not targeted.

When you’re hunting records, it’s key to be prepared. No matter where we go, I keep my certified Rapala scale and my tape measure in a glasses container in whatever bag we have that day. The other key is to make sure you always have accurate line on your reel. I use tournament Ande line so I don’t have to worry about my line over-testing. Other than that, it’s just the f you’ve read my column, you know that catching IGFA record fish is what luck of getting that big one.

I love to do. I’ve caught more than 60 of them, and people frequently ask Emily Rose Hanzlik has caught more than 60 IGFA world records which is my favorite. It’s tough to pick, but the following recent record in various categories. Find her on social media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors. is at the top.

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Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale AreaS

The 2024 Palm Beach International Boat Show A Haven for Innovation, Adventure, and Recreational Boating Enthusiasts

E

xcitement is mounting as the Palm Beach International Boat Show readies itself for another spectacular edition along the picturesque Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach. This renowned event, owned by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County and meticulously orchestrated by Informa Markets, continues to enthrall attendees with its dazzling array of boats, cutting-edge products, and unforgettable experiences.

From March 21st to March 24th, enthusiasts will converge to explore innovation and adventure, nestled amid the vibrant marine community of West Palm Beach. One of the most alluring aspects of the show is the opportunity to discover a plethora of new products and innovations that are shaping the future of recreational boating and fishing. From state-of-the-art navigation systems to eco-conscious propulsion solutions, exhibitors will unveil a diverse range of offerings crafted to enhance the boating experience for enthusiasts of all inclinations.

For those with an affinity for the open water, the Palm Beach International Boat Show offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the world of recreational boating. Whether you’re in search of a sleek powerboat, a luxurious yacht, or accessories to enhance your boating experience, you’ll find it all here, complemented by expert guidance from industry professionals keen on helping you find the perfect fit for your needs.

Moreover, the show boasts an impressive array of recreational boating and fishing accessories, catering to the desires of every boating aficionado. From cutting-edge fishing tackle designed to lure the most

elusive catches to high-tech marine electronics ensuring safe and seamless navigation, there’s an abundance of gear to explore and acquire.

But the show is not merely about admiring boats from afar; it’s about immersing oneself in a world of adventure and discovery. Attendees can anticipate a wealth of experiences, from thrilling water sports demonstrations hosted by Nautical Ventures’ Aquazone to interactive fishing clinics tailored for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

For those seeking an extra touch of luxury, the Windward VIP Club offers an exclusive retreat, replete with gourmet cuisine, premium libations, and access to the Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary Art Fair. It’s an oasis of refinement amidst the excitement of the show, inviting guests to relax and relish in the ambiance of this extraordinary event.

There will be no box office onsite at the show.

Attendees are encouraged to purchase digital tickets in advance, with entry granted upon scanning of digital tickets at the entrance.

As anticipation builds for the 2024 Palm Beach International Boat Show, let us embrace the spirit of innovation, adventure, and community that defines this cherished tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or a newcomer to the world of recreational fishing, there’s no better time to join us as we embark on a journey of discovery and excitement.

For advertising or other inquiries, call 917.612.8275 or email us at ilene@coastalanglermagazine.com

f i s h i n g the h e s c a e B m l Pa

A

Fishing

nglers, March madness has arrived which means the fishing should offer plentiful action for a variety of species inshore and offshore this month! The sea temperatures will be warming up and cool fronts will begin to fizzle out as the month progresses. The wind will be your biggest rival because March is considered a transitional month as we head into the beginning of spring. Offshore, sailfish will be a likely catch in the beginning of March, but large numbers of migrating sails are already south of Palm Beach waters. On the bright side, the mahi mahi bite should improve. If we have a steady easterly wind, this should prompt you to rig some ballyhoo and head offshore.

Look for conditions such as edges, temperature breaks, rips, and debris.

On the beach, spinner sharks

Forecast

with

Darcizzle Please be sure to check out my YouTube Channel “Darcizzle Offshore” for fishing videos every week!

www.youtube.com/DarcizzleOffshore

will be relatively easy to locate.

Scan the beach and drive your boat along the coast especially between Palm Beach Inlet and Jupiter Inlet looking for jumping sharks. Once located, start chumming and get some baits out. Live bait is great, but big chunks of bonita and barracuda

High

Minnow Lip Divers, trolling or just casting around structure. If the water is dirty use dark colored lures, and if the water is clear use light colored artificial lures.

Say hello if you see me on the water and until next time, keep on catchin’!

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2:44

0.0

6:33

6:27

10

Sun

10:06

2.6

10:32

2.7

4:06

-0.2

4:32

-0.1

7:32

7:27

11

Mon

10:52

2.6

11:23

2.7

4:57

-0.2

5:19

-0.2

7:31

7:28

12

Tue

11:36

2.6

5:47

-0.1

6:05

-0.3

7:30

7:28

13

Wed

12:14

2.7

12:21

2.5

6:36

0.0

6:51

-0.2

7:29

7:29

14

Thu

1:04

2.7

1:07

2.3

7:25

0.2

7:39

-0.1

7:28

7:29

15

Fri

1:54

2.6

1:55

2.2

8:16

0.3

8:29

0.0

7:27

7:30

16

Sat

2:48

2.4

2:47

2.1

9:09

0.5

9:23

0.1

7:26

7:30

17

Sun

3:45

2.3

3:45

2.0

10:05

0.6

10:20

0.2

7:25

7:31

18

Mon

4:47

2.2

4:49

2.0

11:04

0.6

11:21

0.3

7:24

7:31

19

Tue

5:51

2.2

5:57

2.0

12:06

0.6

7:23

7:32

20

Wed

6:51

2.2

7:00

2.0

12:23

0.3

1:06

0.6

7:22

7:32

21

Thu

7:43

2.2

7:55

2.1

1:22

0.3

2:00

0.5

7:21

7:33

22

Fri

8:28

2.2

8:44

2.2

2:15

0.3

2:48

0.4

7:20

7:33

23

Sat

9:08

2.3

9:28

2.3

3:02

0.3

3:29

0.3

7:18

7:34

24

Sun

9:44

2.3

10:08

2.3

3:43

0.3

4:05

0.2

7:17

7:34

25

Mon

10:18

2.2

10:44

2.4

4:22

0.3

4:39

0.1

7:16

7:35

26

Tue

10:49

2.2

11:20

2.4

4:58

0.3

5:12

0.1

7:15

7:35

27

Wed

11:21

2.2

11:55

2.4

5:34

0.3

5:44

0.1

7:14

7:36

28

Thu

11:53

2.1

6:11

0.3

6:18

0.1

7:13

7:36

29

Fri

12:32

2.4

12:28

2.1

6:50

0.4

6:55

0.1

7:12

7:37

30

Sat

1:12

2.4

1:08

2.1

7:32

0.4

7:38

0.1

7:11

7:37

31

Sun

1:58

2.4

1:54

2.1

8:20

0.5

8:28

0.1

7:10

7:38

1

will work. You should be looking for sea turtles and large sharks in shallow water too, cobia will be following them! Bottom fishing and jigging the deep-water wrecks off Boca, Boynton, or Palm Beach will yield big fish; AJ’s, kings, mutton snapper, Spanish mackerel, grouper, and wahoo are all on the list.

In the IWC and rivers, there will be plenty of inshore action for anglers to enjoy. Snook season has been open for a month already so get out there for your slot fish (28-32” on Florida’s Atlantic coast). Live bait is best; mullet if you can find them, pilchards, or just live shrimp from a local shop.

Find some moving water or current, and throw that live bait or artificial under the docks, against seawalls, pilings, bridges, etc. For snook and tarpon, I like to use Yo-Zuri Crystal

www.USHarbors.com

Boca Raton, Lake Boca Raton, FL - Mar 2024 Date

Doubled up on mangrove snapper.

2 Palm Beach & Fort Lauderdale Areas

march 2024

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inshore & freshwater

We had some giant bluefish this season.

By Keith Lozott Contributing Writer Typically, I don’t believe in superstitions, but after a recent fishing trip with my buddy Neil, I may be a believer!!! The morning started slow; I caught a small snapper and small snook. Neil was in skunk mode, so we decided to try a spoil island where I’ve caught some trout, snook, and a gag grouper on a prior trip.

Rabbit fish is an awesome To our dismay it was dead as well. Just as we were about to exit stage left, Neil was working a topwater by catch species.

Capt.

Patrick lure back to the boat when what appeared to Smith be a large bull shark came up from the bottom and tried to hammer the lure.

Unbelievably it totally•missed the lure and disappeared. It was impressive to witness such www.swamptosea.com 561-503-0848 a big specimen of a fish take a swipe at the lure.

After the “Shark Week” experience, we continued to struggle so I decided to implement it makes for some Plan C and move from the east side of the Indian River to the west side. I’ve had some nice exciting top water fishing on the west side with trout, reds, and snook. We made our way across the river fishing on both stopping at another spoil island only to be greeted with a jack attack. I landed several jacks spin and fly. A little and Neil hooked one that got off. His skunk was still closer intact but withbeach jacks around I figured to the that would change. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. you may find schools of spinner sharks, which Patrick scored a beautiful We used the trolling motor to quietly make our way the mangroves hoping to for a great are towards always welcome, if you’re looking snook on the fly. get a glimpse of a red, snook, trout, flounder, or any inshore species willing to bite.

As we fight. The spring mullet run should be getting approached the shore, we noticed another bull shark into working the shore andthere of course full swing while is lessI had bait,toI believe make a cast or two at him, but he had no interest in my working theSnook shore will start a popper. Don’t get discouraged if you’re not thatoffitering. makesWe forkept better fishing. and finally it happened for Neil!!! He made a long cast and almost soondeeper as the areas lure hit thespreading getting bites, but I would suggest trying to resist popping out ofas the and the urge to pick the peacocks off their beds. I water, he was on with a niceto fish, we couldn’t whattoit was.

He started gaining docks, seawalls, and ground the jetties; they Ira was lucky enough getbut a very rare see out know it’s very tempting, but the best thing you will also eat. Whenand it comes to theI was getting it closer; enjoying the fight then ittrip. happened!

The fibeshready came to unbuttoned at this point Palm Beach redfish during an and inshore could do is allow them to guard their fry and try lighter tackle action,our there be plenty like dude, what did you do in a previous life to deserve this???

We made wayshould towardstill a dock that I know to replenish any fish that were lost. Due to this pompano, andsnook; others e Isurvived another vicious South holds snook. made a long cast and right then I was of hooked up withsheepshead, a huge fish. ladyfish, It was a big I got cold her winter, it will pay off in the long run. Clown around and it’s time biganother to the boat,Florida revivedwinter her, and released herfor to fiaght day.for fast action. knife fishing can be some of the best this time of The freshwater scene should also he start to spring ofcall warmer Success!season I said,change “let’s gointo to lunch and it a day”. I asked Neil if he was hungry and then disclosed the year. Keep your eye on the moon and fish a heattoup pretty goodonasthe peacocks fullbut it days fish. This is a greatNeil timeknows to not to me and that migrating he ate a banana for breakfast! bring bananas boat (it’sgo badinto luck), few days before and a few days after the full and mode the nextin couple of months.

Warmer cruiseoccur the beach days windremain allowsin effspawn didn’t to himon that the that cursethe would ect with it digesting his stomach.

Myth confirmed or should put up some pretty good numbers. you days will produce great action with top waters, you ittobad lookluck? for strings of spawning jackhis crevalle’s. was He should’ve brought lucky rabbit foot!!!

Good luck out there! bait,Lozott prop The bait,Fishing or just Realtor Normally, these fish will be extremely large, and whether it’s a walkingKeith

Fishing Forecast with

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Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, FL - Mar 2024 High

Date

Low

AM

ft

PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

Fri

1:00

2.2

12:59

2.0

7:38

0.3

7:57

0.0

6:41

6:23

2

Sat

1:45

2.1

1:41

1.9

8:24

0.4

8:48

0.0

6:40

6:24

3

Sun

2:40

2.0

2:34

1.9

9:21

0.5

9:50

0.0

6:39

6:24

4

Mon

3:46

2.0

3:42

1.9

10:30

0.5

11:01

0.0

6:38

6:25

5

Tue

4:57

2.0

4:59

2.0

11:42

0.5

6:37

6:25

6

Wed

6:05

2.2

6:12

2.2

12:11

-0.1

12:48

0.3

6:36

6:26

7

Thu

7:04

2.4

7:16

2.4

1:14

-0.3

1:47

0.0

6:35

6:26

8

Fri

7:56

2.6

8:13

2.7

2:11

-0.4

2:40

-0.2

6:34

6:27

9

Sat

8:45

2.8

9:06

2.9

3:05

-0.6

3:30

-0.5

6:33

6:27

10

Sun

10:31

2.9

10:57

3.0

4:55

-0.6

5:19

-0.7

7:32

7:28

1

Moon

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11

Mon

11:16

11:46

3.0

5:45

-0.6

6:07

-0.8

7:31

12

Tue

12:01

2.9

6:34

-0.5

7:28

6:55

-0.8

7:30

13

Wed

12:36

3.0

12:47

2.8

7:23

-0.4

7:29

7:45

-0.7

7:29

14

Thu

1:26

2.8

1:35

2.6

8:14

7:29

-0.2

8:37

-0.5

7:28

15

Fri

2:18

2.6

2:26

2.4

7:30

9:08

0.1

9:33

-0.3

7:27

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10:35

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7:31

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0.1

7:25

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Mon

5:26

2.1

5:35

2.0

7:31

12:21

0.5

7:24

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6:34

2.1

6:44

2.0

12:49

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7:32

1:26

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7:23

20

Wed

7:33

2.1

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Sat

9:35

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4:08

0.0

4:27

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Sun

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7:34

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4:45

0.0

5:01

-0.1

7:18

25

Mon

10:42

7:34

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11:05

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-0.1

7:17

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5:53

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6:04

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2.9

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M

anatee season runs from midNovember through the end of March here in South Florida, so I thought now would be a good time for an update on how these gentle giants are doing. We’re lucky to have manatees here year-round in Palm Beach County. And our winter population often grows significantly as the weather cools off up north, sending many manatees looking for warmer winter

waters to call home.

Manatees range as far as the Carolinas and Virginia in the summer, with a few hearty souls venturing even further north as water temps warm dramatically. But they’re also creatures of habit, and many stay in Florida’s freshwater springs and river systems all year long where there’s typically plenty of food and reliable water temps.

Despite their huge size, manatees don’t really have much insulation

Kayak

Fishing Forecast with

Capt. brian nelli

772-201-5899 • Brian@tckayakfishing.com • tckayakfishing.com

from the cold. And just like humans, they can experience hypothermia with prolonged exposure to cold water. For manatees, the magic number is 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

As temps fall toward that number, manatees will often seek out warmer waters, like power plant discharges. Sort of like a spa trip, manatees can warm-up for a few hours and then move on to look for something to eat, perhaps returning to warm-up later in the day or evening.

If water temps drop below 68 degrees for an extended period of time, that’s when manatees will be spotted gathering by the hundreds to warm up. At that point, it’s less about them enjoying a fun spa day and more about just surviving.

We see that locally, as manatees often huddle around the warm water discharge basin at Florida Power and Light’s West Palm Beach power plant.

During prolonged cool spells, it’s not unusual to have dozens of manatees present at any one time, and sometimes a whole lot more!

Although we see them on the water almost every day this time of year, I always recommend folks visit Manatee Lagoon, right next to FPL’s West Palm Beach plant. There’s plenty of parking, but I encourage you to get there as the center opens, especially if it’s cool and there’s a high tide occurring during the morning.

The water is often crystal clear close to high tide, and manatees are much easier to spot in clear water. Look for groups of people along the railing next to the water as you arrive - that will often tell you right where the manatees are located. And don’t forget to check out the indoor spaces at Manatee Lagoon. They have an extensive array of displays and interactive learning experiences on-site as well.

Check out visitmanateelagoon.com and their manatee cam before you go!

Hope to see you on the water!

Inshore

March will continue to be good for pompano and will kick off looking for tripletail for us.

Pompano as usual will be along channel edges near your favorite inlets. I like to fish for pompano in the morning and then head to look for tripletail.

Using the sun to your advantage you can see tripletail hanging around crab buoys and channel markers. Both pompano and tripletail can be caught using a DOA Lures 2.75” shrimp. Switch to the 3” DOA shrimp if you need the bait to stay in the strike zone a little longer.

Anthony with a nice sailfish.

Offshore

We are starting to see some good mahi mahi caught and March is typically a good time to get the first run of them. Spring time mahi usually are on the bigger side compared to the Fall run.

Mullet, pilchards, and goggle eyes are great live bait options. It is also a really good idea to have a pitch bait rigged with your favorite article lure.

I like a DOA Bait Buster or Terror Eyz. I would try slow trolling baits 80 to 300 feet of water. As always, don’t count out hooking into a sailfish or kingfish trolling the same depths.

Freshwater

Rich with a handful of peacock bass.

8 Palm Beach & Fort Lauderdale Areas

Peacock bass and clown knifefish will be chewing this month. Prop baits will work well for peacocks along shallow edges. Try twenty-pound leader and a 2/0 circle hook casting in and around structure and weed lines to get onto a few clowns with shiners or shad. Look to fish the mid-water column and below by adding a pinch weight to your leader and get that bait in their face. march 2024

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At the West Palm Beach Fishing Club • 201 5th St., West Palm Beach, 33401 downtown West Palm Beach, corner of 5th Street and North Flagler Drive www.USHarbors.com

2024 CA Yard south Sale ad.indd Jupiter Inlet, jetty,1FL - Mar 2024 High

Date

www.USHarbors.com

Palm Beach, FL - Mar 2024

Low

1/24/24 1:26 PM

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Fri

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12:44

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1:13

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6:34

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1:14

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Sat

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3.0

1:38

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-0.9

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3:28

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3:52

-0.7

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Mon

10:29

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4:40

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4:18

-0.7

4:39

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7:30

7:28

12

Tue

11:14

3.0

11:49

3.1

5:07

-0.5

5:28

-0.8

7:30

7:28

5:07

-0.5

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Wed

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5:56

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6:18

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7:29

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2.6

5:58

-0.2

6:21

-0.7

7:28

7:29

14

Thu

12:39

2.9

12:48

2.7

6:47

-0.2

7:10

-0.5

7:28

7:29

1:11

2.4

6:52

0.1

7:17

-0.4

7:27

7:30

15

Fri

1:31

2.7

1:39

2.5

7:41

0.1

8:06

-0.3

7:27

7:30

2.4

2:07

2.2

7:51

0.4

8:19

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7:26

7:30

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Sat

2:28

2.5

2:35

2.3

8:40

0.3

9:08

-0.1

7:26

7:30

3:02

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Sun

3:30

2.3

3:38

2.1

9:46

0.5

10:16

0.1

7:25

7:31

Mon

4:11

2.1

4:20

2.0

10:05

0.7

10:33

0.2

7:24

7:31

18

Mon

4:39

2.2

4:48

2.0

10:54

0.5

11:22

0.2

7:24

7:31

19

Tue

5:19

2.1

5:29

2.0

11:10

0.7

11:34

0.2

7:23

7:32

19

Tue

5:47

2.1

5:57

2.1

11:59

0.5

7:23

7:32

20

Wed

6:18

2.2

6:28

2.1

12:06

0.6

7:22

7:32

20

Wed

6:46

2.2

6:56

2.2

12:23

0.2

12:55

0.4

7:22

7:32

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7:05

2.2

7:17

2.2

12:26

0.2

12:53

0.4

7:21

7:33

21

Thu

7:33

2.3

7:45

2.3

1:15

0.1

1:42

0.3

7:20

7:33

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Fri

7:45

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0.1

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7:19

7:33

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Fri

8:13

2.4

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0.2

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7:33

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8:38

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0.1

2:11

0.1

7:18

7:34

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Sat

8:48

2.5

9:06

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0.0

3:00

0.0

7:18

7:34

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Sun

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Sun

9:22

2.5

9:42

2.6

3:18

0.0

3:34

-0.1

7:17

7:34

25

Mon

9:27

2.5

9:50

2.6

3:04

0.0

3:17

-0.2

7:16

7:35

25

Mon

9:55

2.5

10:18

2.6

3:53

0.0

4:06

-0.1

7:16

7:35

26

Tue

9:59

2.5

10:26

2.6

3:37

0.1

3:48

-0.2

7:15

7:35

26

Tue

10:27

2.5

10:54

2.6

4:26

0.1

4:37

-0.1

7:15

7:35

27

Wed

10:32

2.4

11:02

2.6

4:09

0.1

4:19

-0.2

7:14

7:36

27

Wed

11:00

2.5

11:30

2.6

4:58

0.1

5:08

-0.1

7:14

7:36

28

Thu

11:05

2.4

11:40

2.5

4:42

0.3

4:52

-0.1

7:13

7:36

28

Thu

11:33

2.4

5:31

0.2

5:41

-0.1

7:13

7:36

29

Fri

11:40

2.3

5:16

0.4

5:29

-0.1

7:12

7:37

29

Fri

12:08

2.5

12:08

2.3

6:05

0.3

6:18

-0.1

7:12

7:37

30

Sat

12:21

2.4

12:18

2.2

5:55

0.5

6:12

0.0

7:11

7:37

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Sat

12:49

2.5

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Sun

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Sun

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Tue

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9:55

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Wed

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4:57

2.2

10:32

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10:58

7

Thu

5:49

2.4

6:01

2.4

11:31

0.1

8

Fri

6:41

2.6

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2.7

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Sat

7:30

2.8

7:51

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12:49

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Sun

9:16

2.9

9:42

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Mon

10:01

3.0

10:31

12

Tue

10:46

2.9

11:21

13

Wed

11:32

2.8

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Thu

12:11

2.9

12:20

15

Fri

1:03

2.7

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Sat

2:00

17

Sun

18

1

PM

ft

10 Palm Beach & Fort Lauderdale Areas

march 2024

Moon

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Palm Beach In & Offshore Fishing Forecast with Capt. Weston Russell

Capt. Weston Russell • www.reelintensefishing.com •561-310-2690

W

elcome to the Palm Beach March fishing report for Coastal Angler Magazine. The weather the last few months has made it tough to get out fishing, but we believe March will be different. This month will hold many opportunities to catch fish; let’s start with inshore.

The beaches will be teaming with life. Tarpon, jacks, pompano, and spinner sharks will be roaming the shallows looking for a meal. Finding fish is not hard on clear days by looking for dark objects racing away from the bow of the vessel. As usual, live bait works best. Light tackle will also make it more fun. The waters from The Breakers Hotel to the end of the condos would be my location choice. Cruise at a safe speed and keep an eye out. They are there!

For the offshore folks, spring is upon us. Sailfish, blackfin tuna, kings, dolphin, and wahoo will be on the menu. On windy days kite fishing will be a great presentation but trolling with a top and deep spread will work. At reelintensefishing.com, we troll two planers as this increases your odds greatly, but it can be tricky sometimes. Just make sure there are no sharp turns. Good luck!

For the people that like to burn fuel, head out to the deep for swordfish and dolphin.

March has produced great fishing over the years. Try trolling out to the 1200’ mark and then switch over for a few drops with the electric reel. There are monsters lurking on the bottom. We use a two-rod system for swords; a top rod and a buoy rod; this again increases the odds. If you’re looking for info on deployment of the buoy, check out our YouTube channel “reelintensefishing” as we explain it from start to finish.

That’s enough of spilling the beans from me. Remember, you can’t catch them from the couch!

Capt. Weston and Elli with a nice African pompano caught on the beach.

Livin The

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12 Palm Beach & Fort Lauderdale Areas

march 2024

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24

Coastal Angler PBC_8.125x10.875.pdf

C

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CMY

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12/18/23

9:34 AM

Jupiter Lighthouse

The Crown Jewel of Eastern Florida

By Mark Ambert

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse has earned the prestigious Outstanding Natural Area (ONA) designator in 2008.

See this beautiful treasure for yourself!

T

he Jupiter Lighthouse is beautiful to behold and commands your attention from both land and sea. I’ve been boating now for many years out of this fabled inlet and while admiring her beauty, have never really explored the many interesting facts of this well-known and historic landmark. I have always just focused on it as a navigation aid and understanding the importance to the maritime community as this inlet and the surrounding area undergoes many seasonal changes due to active shoaling. No matter how many times I pass this iconic site, I always take a picture – it truly is that special.

The Jupiter Lighthouse sits on top of a 120acre natural area where you can see 4 bodies of water – the Atlantic Ocean, Indian River, Loxahatchee River, and the Jupiter Inlet waterway.

It was first lit on July 10, 1860, using whale oil called “spermaceti” and a hydraulic lamp with five concentric wicks. This oil was found in an organ inside the whale’s head and may have been used to control its buoyancy and sense of direction. Today it is lit by a 1000-watt, 120 volt, GE incandescent bulb with an identical spare.

The second bulb rotates into position and turns on if the first bulb fails. The light is automated and turns on dusk to dawn.

The Jupiter Lighthouse is the oldest building in Palm Beach County and is constructed of roughly 500,000 bricks. There are 105 cast iron stairs leading to the top -- what an impressive climb and view!

The tower itself is 108 feet tall. It sits on a 48foot natural dune for a total of 156 vertical feet and can be seen from 17-25 miles on a ship at sea. To someone in an airplane, the light could be

14 Palm Beach & Fort Lauderdale Areas

Day or night – the scenic landscape of Jupiter Inlet is breathtaking.

visible 40-50 miles away. The lighthouse lens is recorded as the oldest existing first order Fresnel lens in Florida. At a cost of over sixty thousand dollars – significant at the time and thirty-five thousand dollars over budget! Priceless today, it is currently wrapped for protection during the US 1 Bridge construction project and a temporary light is being used as an aid to mariners.

Any active discussion of a lighthouse would be remiss without at least one ghost story! Did you know that employees have reported strange noises and cold spots inside this lighthouse?

Visitors have claimed to feel someone’s hands upon their shoulders, only to find no one there.

Could it be a former lightkeeper? Most of these stories start with the disclaimer “it has been rumored” and no one was available for interview.

I’m sure any landmark with a continuous history has some unique and tall tales associated with it.

It’s hard to believe that just a short time ago Jupiter light overlooked some of the most desolate and wild areas to be found with bears, snakes, and alligators as the predominant species.

Building this historic light became a beacon of hope and paved the way to the unrivaled beauty and prosperity we see today.

You owe it to yourself to pay this historic structure a visit. There is a museum inside that showcases the history of various lighthouses.

Every exhibit includes a Harbour Light sculpture, historic postcard, and a modern image of the lighthouse. My wife Dee Ambert donated 65 of these limited-edition Harbour Lights to this effort!

There is plenty to learn, see, and do in the surrounding area including some great local eateries with a view and with rustic authenticity march 2024

T M A T W

Visit the Lighthouse Museum and discover the wonderful history of our national lights.

like the wonderful Square Grouper with a prime view of the lighthouse. Many fishing charters like the Black Dog leave daily from the docks directly behind this establishment. Visitors can take a clear bottom kayak tour of the surrounding waters and see many species of marine life including tropical fish, sea turtles, porpoise, manatees, and an occasional octopus or lionfish. And of course – pay a visit to the iconic lighthouse and park itself. Lighthouse and Museum tours are offered by the Historical Society. Be sure to check their website for current schedules and special events, like the sunset tour. Come see for yourself our wonderful treasure!

Jupiter Lighthouse Museum https://www.jupiterlighthouse.org/ Clear Kayak Rentals https://getupandgokayaking.com/locations/ jupiter/clear-kayak-tour/

Your

with

outb

relia

Black Dog Fishing Charters https://www.blackdogfishing.com/ Mark Ambert, IG @marksgonefishing_™ marksgonefishing25@gmail.com

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Palm Beach & Fort Lauderdale Areas 15

jupiter inlet inshore Fishing Forecast with Capt. Craig Korczynski

PhlatsInshoreFishing.com • (561) 644-4371 • Visit us on Facebook & Instagram Keith with a black drum.

Cameron with a monster bluefish.

M

arch signifies green! Green light for warm weather, warm water temperatures, creating awesome fishing conditions. March also means spring mullet run, triggering great fishing for snook, tarpon, jacks, sharks, and many other species.

Snook fishing will be excellent as they begin to migrate from back bays and settle on sand flats, docks, and sea walls. Live bait and Rapala skitter walks will trigger explosive strikes near structures. Docks and bridges are excellent areas to pinpoint schooling snook using DOA 3-inch shad tail or DOA terror eyz to get the bite.

Night fishing is another great option for anglers looking to target snook. Anglers can witness schools of fish gathering on the surface, striking live bait, flies, and Rapala x raps.

Tarpon fishing starts to ramp up! Tarpon begin to gather in deep channels, creating

David with a snook ready for release.

opportunities for anglers to target rolling fish near the surface. First of the incoming and last of the outgoing tides are the best times to target the silver king. Mangrove shorelines will be holding plenty of juvenile fish, anglers can target them with fly gear or artificial baits like DOA terror eyz or Rapala shadow rap. Tarpon are always fun for anglers as they show off acrobatic jumps and drag screaming runs.

Those looking for a plethora of species the channels, docks, and seawalls will be holding jacks, bluefish, ladyfish, sharks, snapper, and many other species anglers can tango with. Use live bait and DOA 3-inch shad tail common baits to get the strikes.

Well, that is the fishing report for the Jupiter and Palm Beach area. Remember, you can’t catch them from the couch, so get out there and get hooked up. Tight lines!

fishing

Forecast with

gulfstream custom rods

Capt. Mutton Mike D (Michael Dumas) • www.GulfstreamCustoms.com (786) 975-9773 • www.MuttonMike.com

D

aytime swordfishing in southeastern Florida has gained significant traction among both locals and tourists, proving to be a boom to the local economy. These intriguing creatures, also referred to as mud marlin or gladiators of the sea, sport a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making each catch unique. Their dietary habits, rich in red shrimp and krill, can result in swordfish exhibiting orangecolored meat. These fish are typically found 15-22 miles off the Florida coast, in depths ranging from 1400 to 2200 feet. The bait used for catching them varies from rigged mahi or bonita belly to eels and squid tentacles, with the weight of the lead used depending on the current conditions. Swordfish can be caught throughout the year, with sizes varying from a modest 15lbs. to a staggering 757lbs. state record. However, the fishing season peaks during fall and winter. Catching a swordfish is considered a high point in saltwater fishing, as it challenges every skill an angler possesses. For novice anglers, presenting a well-rigged bait at 1600 feet deep using a 12lb. lead may seem intimidating, emphasizing the importance of learning from experienced guides or seasoned buddies.

16 Palm Beach & Fort Lauderdale Areas

march 2024

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Lake Okeechobee Everglades

Forecast Capt. nate shellen

park fishing with national Capt. steve purser with FloridaFlatsFishingAdventures.com • (954) 687-5848 FloridaFlatsFishingAdventures@gmail.com

Shellen Guide Service • (863) 357-0892 • sjmike7@aol.com www.OkeechobeeBassFishing.com

Cool Times Ahead in Flamingo

W

Cindy Wheeler and her husband Steve caught a ton of big bass including this 9lb. stud!

A

s March unfolds on Lake Okeechobee, anglers can anticipate an exciting mix of bass fishing opportunities. The water temperature is gradually warming, ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, enticing largemouth bass to become more active and move into shallower waters.

Water levels on Lake Okeechobee remain relatively stable, hovering around 12.5 feet. This consistent level provides ample room for bass to navigate the expansive grass beds and seek out prime feeding spots.

Anglers should keep a close eye on weather patterns, as seasonal fluctuations can impact water conditions.

For successful fishing ventures this month, consider using a variety of baits to entice bass in different scenarios. Early mornings are ideal for topwater action, with buzzbaits and frogs proving effective around emergent vegetation. As the day progresses, transitioning to soft plastics like Senkos and creature baits in natural hues can yield results in and around submerged structures. The shiner fishing on the lake has been steadily producing 20 to 40 bass per day on a morning half-day charter.

The rim canal and Kissimmee River entrances are productive areas to explore, especially during the warmer afternoons when bass may be more active. Spinnerbaits and chatterbaits can be effective choices in these locations, mimicking the local forage and triggering aggressive strikes.

In summary, March on Lake Okeechobee offers promising bass fishing opportunities. Adapting your approach based on changing weather conditions and utilizing a versatile selection of baits will increase your chances of a rewarding angling experience. Keep an eye on water levels and be prepared to explore various areas of the lake to maximize your success this month.

18 Palm Beach & Fort Lauderdale Areas

march 2024

e are looking forward to fishing the upcoming months as temperatures slowly rise during March and April. This time of the year fishing artificial baits can be very satisfying. We have been catching tarpon and tripletail on artificial baits during a few recent trips. Tarpon on lures and swim baits and tripletail flyfishing and artificial shrimp while on the spin along floating buoys and marker channels in the Gulf while in the Flamingo Park. We are still seeing tarpon in back creeks and way inland and deep creeks along the Gulf. You can notice these fish as they role the surface as they produce air bubbles to help spot them, so try fishing deep with heavy swim baits or 1-3 feet along the surface while retrieving at a steady pace.

Fishing also for tripletail can be very fun as you either ride along the buoys or crab traps or any floating debris and notice them hanging out near the surface. Tripletail usually don’t spook easily but try to ride as far away from the buoy but close enough so you can see it clearly and the rope around it.

Tripletail can be caught on small crab or shrimp and imitation artificials presented as natural as possible. Tripletail are very beautiful as you can see Ruben Garcia pictured caught a few of them on our last trip alongside a tarpon with an artificial swim bait hooked up on the same trip, but miles apart.

Come book a trip with Captain Steve, and always mention Coastal Angler Magazine.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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MARCH 8

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Freshwaterwith Fishing Forecast Capt. Johnny Stabile

South Florida Fishing Charters • (954) 440-5200 • sflfishingcharters.com

I

n my opinion, spring is the peak time for fishing for exotics. Pretty much everything will have spawned already, and it’s an excellent opportunity to capitalize on hungry fish. The water in the Everglades is still at a record high for this time of the year; hopefully, we will see the level drop towards the end of the month. When the Everglades water level is low, it offers a concentration of fish in the deeper man-made canals.

Leave the live bait at home for this one and load up on some artificial lures. I Shimano Zumverno is perfect have my top picks for springtime fishing, for peacock bass. mostly hard jerk baits like the Shimano Zumverno 95. It offers a particular neutrally buoyant feature and a glimmering piece of metal inside that continues to “shimmer” when the bait pauses.

Keep it exciting for the peacocks and change up your cadence regularly.

Sometimes they like it faster, other times maybe a bit slower. I mostly find myself doing the typical “twitch, twitch, pause,” which seems to be most effective.

Cichlids in the Everglades are abundant, and they’ll eat just about anything, whether it’s meant for them or not. If you’re looking to do a fish fry with lots of pan fish, oscars & Mayan cichlids are the perfect fish to do it with. I would compare them to a freshwater snapper, plus they’re a blast to catch on the fly and light tackle. My top lure picks for cichlids are the Micro Finesse lineup from Z-Man, with my personal favorites being the Micro Goat and the Baby BallerZ on a 1/8oz jig head. These small presentations offer a quick “snack” that these aggressive little fish can’t resist. If you’re fishing with kids and want to keep the action up even more, using some live worms under a bobber will do just the trick. I like using the red wigglers on a long shank #6 hook.

The long shank hook allows easier removal Jaguar cichlid, one of my if hooked deep in the mouth. favorites in the Everglades Snakeheads offer insane topwater eats an oversized Z-Man blowups and eating everything in sight.

Mulletron.

Last year, FWC Researchers did a stomach contents study which showed snakeheads don’t really eat any more native fish than a largemouth bass and that they mostly eat snakes, rats, frogs, lizards, and some fish.

I have been preaching this for years now: not to just kill a fish because someone tells you to. The exotic fishery in South Florida is diverse and unique, and you won’t rid a population by killing a few here and there.

Enjoy what we have, and if you’re going to kill a snakehead, put it on the dinner table because they’re excellent eating.

Let’s hope for more consistent weather this March, which could lead to some legendary fishing. The winter was cold and windy, making it less appealing to some anglers to get on the water. I’m looking forward to a positive change this spring, so everyone can get out on the water more.

This snakehead will be joining us for dinner tonight.

20 Palm Beach & Fort Lauderdale Areas

march 2024

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Port Everglades, ICWW, FL - Mar 2024 High

Date

Low

AM

ft

PM

Fri

11:31

2.0

2

Sat

12:19

2.2

12:12

3

Sun

1:12

2.2

1:05

4

Mon

2:18

2.1

5

Tue

3:29

6

Wed

7

ft

www.USHarbors.com

Pompano Beach (Hillsboro Inlet), FL - Mar 2024 High

Date

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

Moon

5:34

0.3

5:47

0.0

6:41

6:23

1

1.9

6:22

0.4

6:38

0.1

6:40

6:23

1.9

7:18

0.5

7:37

0.1

6:39

6:24

2:12

1.9

8:22

0.5

8:43

0.0

6:38

2.2

3:31

2.0

9:29

0.4

9:51

-0.1

4:35

2.4

4:43

2.2

10:34

0.3

10:56

Thu

5:33

2.6

5:46

2.4

11:34

0.0

8

Fri

6:25

2.8

6:43

2.7

9

Sat

7:14

2.9

7:37

2.9

12:51

10

Sun

9:02

3.0

9:29

3.1

11

Mon

9:49

3.0

10:20

12

Tue

10:35

2.9

11:10

13

Wed

11:23

2.8

14

Thu

12:02

3.0

12:12

15

Fri

12:55

2.8

16

Sat

1:53

17

Sun

18

Low

AM

ft

AM

ft

Fri

11:31

2.1

PM

ft

Rise

Set

5:31

0.3

5:50

0.0

6:41

6:23

2

Sat

12:17

2.2

12:13

3

Sun

1:12

2.1

1:06

2.1

6:17

0.4

6:41

0.0

6:40

6:23

2.0

7:14

0.6

7:43

0.0

6:39

6:25

4

Mon

2:18

2.1

6:24

2:14

2.0

8:23

0.6

8:54

0.0

6:38

6:37

6:25

5

Tue

3:29

6:24

2.2

3:31

2.1

9:35

0.5

10:04

-0.1

6:37

-0.3

6:36

6:26

6

Wed

6:25

4:37

2.3

4:44

2.3

10:41

0.3

11:07

-0.3

6:36

11:56

-0.4

6:35

6:26

7

6:25

Thu

5:36

2.5

5:48

2.5

11:40

0.0

6:35

12:27

-0.3

6:34

6:27

6:26

8

Fri

6:28

2.7

6:45

2.8

12:04

-0.5

12:33

-0.3

6:34

-0.6

1:17

-0.5

6:33

6:26

6:27

9

Sat

7:17

2.9

7:38

3.0

12:58

-0.6

1:23

-0.6

6:33

1:42

-0.7

3:04

-0.7

6:27

7:32

7:28

10

Sun

9:03

3.0

9:29

3.2

1:48

-0.7

3:12

-0.8

7:32

3.1

3:32

-0.7

3:51

7:27

-0.8

7:31

7:28

11

Mon

9:48

3.1

10:18

3.2

3:38

-0.7

4:00

-0.9

7:31

3.1

4:22

-0.6

7:28

4:39

-0.8

7:30

7:29

12

Tue

10:33

3.0

11:08

3.2

4:27

-0.6

4:48

-0.9

7:30

5:13

7:29

-0.4

5:28

-0.7

7:29

7:29

13

Wed

11:19

2.9

11:58

3.0

5:16

-0.4

5:38

-0.8

7:29

2.6

7:29

6:06

-0.2

6:20

-0.5

7:28

7:30

14

Thu

12:07

2.7

6:07

-0.2

6:30

-0.6

7:28

1:04

7:30

2.3

7:03

0.1

7:18

-0.3

7:27

7:30

15

Fri

12:50

2.8

12:58

2.5

7:01

0.1

7:26

-0.3

7:27

2.5

7:30

2:02

2.1

8:04

0.3

8:20

-0.1

7:26

7:31

16

Sat

1:47

2.5

1:54

2.3

8:00

0.3

8:28

-0.1

7:26

2:58

7:30

2.3

3:10

2.0

9:11

0.4

9:26

0.1

7:25

7:31

17

Sun

2:49

2.3

2:57

2.2

9:06

0.5

9:36

0.1

7:25

Mon

7:31

4:08

2.2

4:23

2.0

10:18

0.5

10:33

0.2

7:24

7:32

18

Mon

3:58

2.2

4:07

2.1

10:14

0.6

10:42

0.2

7:24

19

7:31

Tue

5:15

2.2

5:29

2.0

11:22

0.5

11:35

0.2

7:23

7:32

19

Tue

5:06

2.2

5:16

2.1

11:19

0.6

11:43

0.2

7:23

7:32

20

Wed

6:10

2.2

6:25

2.1

12:18

0.4

7:22

7:33

20

Wed

6:05

2.2

6:15

2.2

12:15

0.5

7:22

7:32

21

Thu

6:56

2.3

7:11

2.2

12:30

0.1

1:04

0.3

7:21

7:33

21

Thu

6:52

2.3

7:04

2.3

12:35

0.1

1:02

0.3

7:21

7:33

22

Fri

7:35

2.4

7:52

2.4

1:16

0.1

1:43

0.1

7:20

7:34

22

Fri

7:32

2.4

7:46

2.4

1:20

0.1

1:43

0.2

7:20

7:33

23

Sat

8:11

2.4

8:31

2.5

1:56

0.0

2:17

0.0

7:19

7:34

23

Sat

8:07

2.5

8:25

2.5

2:01

0.0

2:20

0.0

7:18

7:34

24

Sun

8:45

2.4

9:07

2.6

2:33

0.0

2:48

-0.1

7:18

7:34

24

Sun

8:41

2.6

9:01

2.6

2:38

0.0

2:54

-0.1

7:17

7:34

25

Mon

9:17

2.4

9:43

2.6

3:07

0.0

3:19

-0.1

7:16

7:35

25

Mon

9:14

2.6

9:37

2.7

3:13

0.0

3:26

-0.1

7:16

7:35

26

Tue

9:49

2.4

10:18

2.6

3:41

0.0

3:49

-0.1

7:15

7:35

26

Tue

9:46

2.6

10:13

2.7

3:46

0.1

3:57

-0.2

7:15

7:35

27

Wed

10:21

2.3

10:53

2.6

4:14

0.1

4:21

-0.1

7:14

7:36

27

Wed

10:19

2.5

10:49

2.7

4:18

0.1

4:28

-0.2

7:14

7:36

28

Thu

10:53

2.3

11:29

2.5

4:48

0.2

4:55

-0.1

7:13

7:36

28

Thu

10:52

2.4

11:27

2.6

4:51

0.2

5:01

-0.1

7:13

7:36

29

Fri

11:26

2.2

5:25

0.3

5:32

0.0

7:12

7:37

29

Fri

11:27

2.4

5:25

0.3

5:38

-0.1

7:12

7:37

30

Sat

12:08

2.5

12:03

2.1

6:07

0.4

6:17

0.0

7:11

7:37

30

Sat

12:08

2.5

12:05

2.3

6:04

0.4

6:21

0.0

7:11

7:37

31

Sun

12:53

2.4

12:48

2.1

6:56

0.5

7:10

0.1

7:10

7:38

31

Sun

12:54

2.4

12:50

2.2

6:51

0.6

7:14

0.1

7:10

7:38

1

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

march 2024

PM

ft

Moon

Palm Beach & Fort Lauderdale Areas 21

Come on ... Admit It!

sportfishing

Forecast Capt. Rod Roydhouse

New Lattitude Sportfishing • (954) 707-2147 • www.NewLattitude.com

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Starting at

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Capt. Andy Roydhouse

www.fishheadquarters.com

754-214-7863

Bring the Family or Host your Company Convention with the Best Crew in South Florida!

22 Palm Beach & Fort Lauderdale Areas

march 2024

y favorite time of the year has arrived, Fort Lauderdale’s absolute best season of the year for fishing: MARCH-APRILMAY. This is the month when it all begins as the big fish start showing up around the wrecks. Pelagic fish like dolphin, tuna, and wahoo are on the Gulfstream’s edge, and the big game shark migration begins where we can catch game sharks 6-10 feet long every day. It’s a great few months of fishing, just about anything you try has potential to yield nice fish. Wreck fishing is one of my favorites because of the amberjacks. You can pull up to a wreck, drop a live bait, and within a minute be hooked into a 40–60-pound gamefish. Amberjacks are super aggressive and one of the strongest fighters you will ever battle. If you get a bait anywhere near one, they inhale it. Big groupers, cobia, barracuda, snappers, and more live around these shipwrecks and can be caught here too, that is if your bait doesn’t get eaten first by the voracious amberjack. I love amberjack fishing in the spring! They put the “sport” in sportfishing.

Every March, we have a few days when the wind blows hard out of the east for a few days in a row. When this happens, the dolphin fishing explodes. Dolphin fish come right in on the reef and inside the edge of the Gulfstream. Big bull dolphins and cows, 20 pounds and bigger, come in on the reef to do their mating. They eat everything in sight, and everybody catches a boatload of fish. This window of action always sneaks up on us and it lasts for as long as that hard east wind blows, and then it’s over. It’s during the roughest and choppiest days too when everyone is cautious about going out, but it’s worth it! And, for all you big game fishermen out there, March is the beginning of the Fort Lauderdale shark migration, when thousands of hammerhead sharks migrate northward along our coast. They generally stay out in 350’ and deeper in the warm Gulfstream current. Over the course of the next three months, we catch some of the biggest fish of the year...monster hammerheads, exotics such as thresher, mako, and tiger sharks, dusky, bull, nurse, and spinner sharks. These fish fight HARD on the heaviest gear. It’s a big game fisherman’s dream come true. Get ready for some great fishing this month. Tight lines!

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march 2024

Palm Beach & Fort Lauderdale Areas 23

B O A G A R R D B

Kenny, George, and Bob with a nice Inlet. mahi & wahoo caught off the Hillsboro

doubled up Campbell and Jackson gton. llin We in on peacocks Captain Dolby caught this beautiful mahi east of Abaco.

Dave Lawrence with an awesome snook he caught on the West Coast.

Patrick a nd Na Costa R te with an am ican roo a ster fish zing !

Bragging is good!

Send us your catch photos with details: Who, When, Where, With What, etc. to ilene@CoastalAnglerMagazine.com

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CCA FLORIDA STAR STREAMLINED FOR 2024

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CA Florida STAR presented by Yamaha, boasts amazing prizes, is the largest familyfriendly saltwater fishing competition in Florida and it begins May 25.

A unique combination of conservation, data collection and education, plus prizes and scholarships valued at over $500,000, makes CCA Florida STAR the state’s not-to-miss-summer-long fishing competition. No other fishing tournament in Florida has the ability to engage participants

of all ages and experience levels, and even nonanglers can win, just by collecting trash and debris.

Heading into the tenth year, CCA Florida STAR presented by Yamaha has made it easier than ever to participate. The summer long fishing competition encourages thousands of anglers of all ages to fish with a purpose – conservation and winning.

STAR is simplifying the competition to make it easier for participants to enter their catches

and win big. It’s not just about anglers winning but helping the fishery win too.

Florida STAR focuses on conservation with its technology-based, CPR format and dedicated smartphone app. This format promotes the proper handling of species and allows participants who, at the time of their catch are members of CCA and registered in STAR to upload photos of their catch for an entry in the competition. STAR has set the bar for other fishing tournaments to follow by implementing conservation friendly alternatives, such as a trash division and conservation division with rewards of some really big prizes.

The CCA Florida STAR competition presented

by Yamaha has a division for everyone, from the non-angler to the experienced angler and targets inshore and offshore species. For the 2024 competition, CCA Florida STAR will once again offer over $500,000 in prizes and scholarships but has pared down the number of divisions to make participation simpler. STAR will offer a Tagged Redfish Division, Tagged Dolphin Division, an Inshore and Offshore Division, Native Watercraft Kayak Division, Realtree Youth Scholarship Division, Power Pole Conservation Division and Costa Kick Plastic Trash Division.

With so many ways to win amazing prizes and help protect our marine resources, now is the time to get registered and make fishing in Florida more rewarding this summer.

For more information on STAR, become a member and register, call 844-387-7827 or visit their Facebook page and ccaflstar.com.

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LIFE IS A BEACH

By Richard L. Matteson

COOL WATER SNOOK&THE MARCH FISHING FORECAST

I

t’s not like summer, but there are still snook on the beach here on the Treasure Coast. I caught a 21-incher a few days ago in the surf and released it. My main artificial rig is a 4-inch DOA pearl white paddletail on a chartreuse 3/8-ounce DOA jighead.

Snook are looking for warmer water, so they’ll be around inlets and bridges where the water is deeper. Sometimes they run the beach because the ocean is better for them than the shallow water in the lagoon. Some large snook are being caught in deeper water of the St. Lucie, both North and South Forks, Crossroads and around deep piers and bridges as well as around deep water in both the St. Lucie and Ft. Pierce inlets. Large jigs and live or cut bait fished early morning, at dusk or at night work best. Live 6-inch croaker seem to be the preferred live bait. This month, you can harvest one snook in the 28- to 32-inch slot here in the IRL Zone.

March is windy and will be the last good month for many of the winter fish like pompano, mackerel and bluefish. Some fish, especially bluefish, will remain, but the numbers are relatively small.

Pompano can be caught on the beach with orange fish bites and sand fleas. In the lagoon, try jigging from bridges with pompano jigs on moving tides.

Chartreuse or hot pink are good colors. Permit have been caught on the beach on small crabs, fish bites or large sand fleas. Both permit and pompano are 50 to 70 yards offshore.

The mackerel bite is good on the beach early in the morning when bait is present. This bite is in the trough around the close breakers. Small spoons like silver 1-ounce Krocodiles or gold Johnson spoons with treble hooks work best, but they will hit any lure retrieved quickly near the surface. There are mackerel still in the Peck’s Lake area where you’ll need a boat. The bluefish bite has been sporadic with fish chasing bait in early morning or when bait is present.

Trout are scattered in the lagoon and can be caught on jigs and topwaters like Skitterwalks and Zara Spooks on warm afternoons. The best trout areas are north from the power plant to the Vero Beach flats. The flounder bite is still good on small the 5- to 10-pound range have been taken on jigs jigs and live bait on the flats and around the bridges. and shallow-running crankbaits.

Some redfish have been caught on jigs tipped Remember, see the birds, find the bait, catch with live shrimp from the power plant north. the fish!

Target mangroves on high tide in the afternoon or Richard L. Matteson Jr. is a long-time Coastal mangroves with deep water.

As usual, there are scattered schools of ladyfish Angler contributor and staff writer for Stuart Rod & Reel Club. Contact him at (336) 414-3440. and jacks cruising the beaches. Some nice jacks in

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TIPS FROM A PRO

ISOLATED TARGETS FOR BIG BASS

TYLER WOOLCOTT

A

round the country, spring is either here or it is rapidly approaching. There is an amazing tip I want to share to improve your chances for catching big bass this time of year.

In spring, bass flood into shallower areas of any lake. Whether that be a bank, pocket or a flat shallow area, they move shallow to start their transition and get ready to do their thing.

They use any type of readily available cover to stage up and then eventually spawn. This takes a lot of the guesswork out of the search for where your next bite may come from.

What I look for is isolated cover and structure. Types of cover that I look for differentiate from state to state and lake to lake, but the general concept is always the same. The more isolated the better!

For instance, here in Florida, anything from a couple lily pads or a very small patch of vertical grass sticking up away from most of the other cover is the ideal spot for a big one to be sitting. In other areas of the country, it could be a single rock, a piece of wood or any kind of debris or cover that looks out of place. Shallow brushpiles near a spawning area that you find with your electronics are also an awesome thing to look for.

Some of my biggest spring bass have come from something so obvious that most anglers

go right past it. Fish also often replenish on these places very quickly, so don’t overlook visiting the same piece of structure multiple times in a single day. One of my favorite things to do is cast to isolated lily pads. There could be two tiny little pads out in the middle of a flat on their own, and I might catch multiple fish off the same two pads by revisiting them throughout the day.

I often pick apart these objects by dragging something slowly by or through the structure.

Typically, a wacky-rigged weightless Senko or a very lightly weighted Texas-rigged stick bait are my go-to lures. When in Southern states that have some stain to the water, I stick with darker colors like blacks and blues or junebug.

When the water is clear, I’ll go with more natural colors like a green pumpkin.

You can keep your gear pretty simple, but remember you’re fishing around structure fish can wrap you around and break you off. Use heavier line. Try stepping up your leader size to 12- to 15-pound Seaguar fluorocarbon on a spinning rod, and use 15- to 20-pound when throwing a Texas rig on a baitcaster. The 13 have fun and be safe on the water.

Fishing Defy series of rods are awesome and Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament affordable. I use the 7’6” MH for baitcasting angler and guide. Check out his website at rods and the 7’1” MH for spinning. www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com.

Good luck out there this spring and always

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DECEMBER GIVEAWAY WINNER ZIPPING AROUND WITH HER NEW OUTBOARD

ENTER TO WIN!

A PAIR OF WILEY X SUNGLASSES THROUGH MARCH!

I

n December, Coastal Angler and Suzuki teamed up to award one lucky reader with an extra special Christmas gift as part of the magazine’s regular contest drawings. Jeanette Harkin, of Edgewater, Fla., is now the happy owner of small, but feature-rich Suzuki DF2.5 outboard, which she plans to use on the inshore fisheries around Smyrna Beach.

“I was super excited when I found out that I won, because we’ve been wanting to get a nice trolling motor for a long time,” Jeanette said. “It was an extra special Christmas present from you guys! Thank you again!!!”

The Suzuki DF 2.5 weighs just 30 pounds, and the smooth, quiet and dependable engine is a perfect fit for the 16-foot Gheenoe Jeanette plans to put it on. She goes out frequently after whitefish, redfish and blue crabs on the Intracoastal near her home, and this little rig will be perfect for zipping around on the flats and backwaters.

Coastal Angler’s current Giveaway drawing is for two pairs of awesome Wiley X sunglasses. These high-performance and stylish glasses will be just in time for all your springtime outdoor adventures. Go to Coastalanglermag. com, click the “Contest” tab, enter the drawing, and you could be sporting some free new shades on the water this spring.

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WHERE THE SUWANNEE & STEINHATCHEE RIVERS MEET THE GULF OF MEXICO

PHOTO BY DAVID HAY JONES

GREAT FISHING!

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REDFISH TIP:

THE GARRETT REDFISH DRAG

H

ere’s a quick redfish tip from Capt. Garrett Ross, of Miss Judy Charters out of Savannah, Ga. “While using a traditional adjustable style cork, adjust depth to allow the live shrimp to sit directly on the bottom. This means that your cork will be laying completely over on its side. Now, when the cold-water redfish decides to take the bait in its mouth, you will not know until the cork stands up right and starts to make way. It is suggested to reel lightly tight and allow the circle hook to do its job of lip hooking your redfish!”

Capt. Garrett’s reasoning for the Ethan Long, 13, with a nice redfish caught effectiveness of his while fishing with Capt. Garrett Ross. technique is that a redfish has plenty of time to eat the shrimp and begin to swim away before the angler holding the rod even knows the fish is there. It might sound counterintuitive, but circle hooks have a way of coming unbuttoned when there’s an over-eager angler holding the rod.

For more from Capt. Judy Helmey, visit missjudycharters.com.

12 NATIONAL

MARCH 2024

E

very saltwater angler knows the frustration of losing their hardearned catch to sharks. With a hard thump, that big, feisty cobia or snapper stops fighting and all that’s left to haul over the rail is a head.

Those delicious fillets were donated to the taxman, and there’s nothing you can do about it.

Well, it seems the U.S. Congress is at least willing to take a look at the issue of shark depredation, which is a shark hammering a fish on the line before it can be landed. The SHARKED Act is a piece of legislation working its way through Congress right now with bipartisan support. The bill is just a first step toward mitigating shark interactions with anglers, both recreational and commercial, but it’s one of those rare occasions when legislators might just come together.

According to the American Sportfishing Association, shark encounters are increasing on all U.S. coasts. The Magnuson-Stevens Act of 2007—the sweeping legislation that gave us the decades-long red snapper fiasco in the Gulf of Mexico—has been successful, maybe too successful, in rebuilding populations of many shark species that were previously reduced by fishing.

In addition to being frustrating to anglers, there is concern that sharks are negatively impacting fisheries, and there is already talk among fisheries managers of stricter regulations on anglers intended to offset or avoid shark interactions.

With support from several sportfishing and conservation organizations, the SHARKED Act unanimously passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives, and at presstime it was headed to the Senate and potentially to President Biden to be signed into law. It would direct NOAA Fisheries to develop a task force to study the issue of shark depredation.

The task force would be tasked with improving coordination and communication across the fisheries management community to identify research priorities and funding opportunities and make a plan to reduce shark/angler interactions.

We can only hope this future plan puts limitations on the taxman and not on anglers.

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GRAND LAKE TO HOST

2024 BASSMASTER CLASSIC T

he field is set, and the grandest spectacle in bass fishing will be renewed for the 54th time from March 22-24. This year’s Bassmaster Classic will be held on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, with weigh-ins and festivities in Tulsa, Okla.

Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees has more than lived up to its name. The 46,500-acre fishery provided some of the grandest moments in the history

of the event when Classics were held there in 2013 and 2016. Now the picturesque reservoir in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains will add to that grand lore when it again plays host the Super Bowl of Bass Fishing.

As with past Classics held in Tulsa, daily weigh-ins will be held at the BOK Center in downtown Tulsa, with the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo across the street at the Cox Business Convention Center. Daily takeoffs will be held about 90 miles away at the Wolf Creek Park and Boating Facility on Grand Lake.

During the first Tulsa Classic in 2013, former Elite Series pro Cliff Pace of Mississippi claimed a wire-to-wire victory during a frigid event when icy precipitation tested the toughness of the 53-angler field. In 2016, local favorite Jason Christie led Days 1 and 2 and seemed poised to earn his first Classic trophy until fellow Oklahoma pro Edwin Evers caught a five-bass limit that weighed 29 pounds, 3 ounces to claim a dramatic come-frombehind win.

“The Grand River Dam Authority is excited to see the Bassmaster Classic make its return to Grand Lake in 2024,” said GRDA President and CEO Dan Sullivan. “Not only will the event provide a tremendous economic benefit to the region but it will once again showcase Grand Lake to interested audiences across the country.

“GRDA places a high priority on caring for the natural resources under its control, and being a three-time host of the Bassmaster Classic reinforces Grand’s reputation as one of the nation’s top fisheries. GRDA is excited to once again support the Bassmaster Classic, which is known as a premier event and competition for anglers.”

On last year’s list of 100 Best Bass Lakes by Bassmaster Magazine, Grand Lake ranked 17th in the Central Division. That marks the 11th straight year that the fishery has ranked in the Top 100.

The field will include 56 anglers competing for a $300,000 first-place prize and a total purse of over $1 million.

“Since its inception, the Classic has been a tournament that changes lives,” said B.A.S.S. Vice President of Tournaments Chris Bowes. “The payday is great, sure. But the opportunity to refer to yourself as ‘Bassmaster Classic champion’ for the rest of your life — there’s no greater clout in our sport.”

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There’s truly something for everyone to love in the Grand Lake Area!

HOME OF THE 2024 BASSMASTER CLASSIC! Discover all the fun things to see and do in the Grand Lake Area as well as places to stay, places to eat, festivals and more at

GrandLakeFun.com