SIGHT FISHING SUCCESS TARGETING SNOOK
navigating peace of mind
THE IMPORTANCE OF BOAT INSURANCE
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Unpredictable waters
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Damage and injury
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Theft and vandalism
Unfortunately, boat theft and vandalism are realities that boat owners face. Boat insurance has comprehensive and collision coverage that can protect you against events outside of your control, including theft and vandalism.
Incurred medical payments
Accidents on the water may lead to injuries for you or your passengers. Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you are in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.
Peace of mind for fnancing
If you fnanced the purchase of your boat, most lenders require insurance coverage to protect their investment. Having boat insurance not only fulflls these requirements but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your fnancial interests are safeguarded.
Navigational fexibility
Some water municipalities and marinas may require proof of insurance for docking or accessing certain areas. Boat insurance allows you the fexibility to explore different destinations without worrying about entry restrictions.
Emergency towing and assistance
Progressive boat insurance can include optional Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage. If your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, Sign & Glide® pays for on-water towing, jump starts, soft un-groundings, and fuel delivery.
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If your boat sinks, Progressive boat insurance will cover the cost of removing your boat from the water (if removal is legally required).
Investing in boat insurance is not just about protecting a valuable asset; it’s about safeguarding the memories, experiences, and joy that come with your on-water adventures. Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your journey—navigate with confdence, knowing that Progressive boat insurance has you covered. Ensure a smooth and worry-free voyage, because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.
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SIGHT FISHING FOR SUCCESS
The rewards of a catch made while sight fshing go well beyond the satisfaction of landing the fsh. Take every opportunity to observe fsh in their natural habitat. To maximize success, an angler should take in as much information while on the water as possible.
By Capt. John Luck
Regardless of your target species, tackle of choice, or home waters, actually seeing the fsh is not only highly enjoyable but one of the best learning experiences an angler can have. It leads to a detailed understanding of fsh behavior.
Te sight fshing angler gets to see fsh react to everything around them, from the lure, bait, or fy presented to them, to the actual structure of the waterbody they live in. Recognizing their cues of interest or disinterest becomes applicable for species in both fresh and saltwater. Obviously remaining as quiet as possible, making sure that you have a good vantage point and during daylight hours having a good pair of sunglasses are all vital to your success. My personal favorite is the Bajio Tech Angler Collection due to their ultra clear polarized lens.
Sight fshing enables an angler to have more control over the outcome and allows you to adjust your bait and techniques to ensure a strike.
Sight fshing isn’t just about catching fsh; it’s about understanding their behavior, engaging with the process, and enjoying the thrill of spotting your target underwater. So next time you’re out on the water, keep your eyes peeled—you might just discover a whole new dimension to your angling.
I hope you fnd this article informative! If you have any other requests or questions, feel free to ask. Tight lines.
Contact Capt. John Luck at luckydogman@msn.com.
South Pacifc Topwater Fight Club
It seems the farther south you go, the tougher the fsh get. Tis holds true in the South Pacifc. If you’re looking to go head-to-head and toe-to-fn with some of the toughest fsh out there, Fiji is a great bet.
Tese fsh are aggressive, fast and strong, and with a fortress built of line-cutting sharp edges, the fsh start with the advantage. Tis is a great place to target giant trevally (GT). Although it is still far away, Fiji is a great alternative to the Seychelles, and it is a destination that ofers amenities for anglers as well as their non-fshing companions. I fshed out of Savusavu, a large remote island that requires an additional hour-long fight on a small plane from the international airport on the main Island. Te remoteness means less fshing pressure, but the island still ofers luxury accommodations. As fshy as Fiji is, it doesn’t get much fshing tourism. It’s a diving and resort destination that happens to ofer amazing fshing. Summers feature a great yellowfn tuna and GT bite, and winters hold marlin and wahoo. I was there during a transitional phase into winter (seasons are reversed there), and there were plenty of resident fsh to target including GT, which is what I was afer. Immersion Fiji is the most experienced guide on the island, and Michael can handle anything from topwater for GT to massive yellowfn and even spearfshing or a cool waterfall getaway.
Te GTs are unquestionably an apex predator and the top quarry. Tese are very aggressive, strong and smart fsh that you need to be battle ready for. My weapon consisted of heavy spinning gear with 100-lb. braid, 150-lb. leader and 350-lb. terminal tackle. When a GT explodes on a 7-inch popper, there is no question that it’s game on. It’s like a bowling ball being dropped from a third-foor window, followed by hooking your line to a semi truck. With drags set at 20 pounds, the fght is as much on the fsh as it is on you. Any less drag would result in countless breakofs in the reef. Te fght will tax your strength, and be prepared for some heartbreaks. Tere is no doubt that topwater fshing for these guys exceeds the hype.
Another fsh that will blast your popper is a Pacifc Spanish mackerel, also known to the locals as walu. Similar looking to our kingfsh, this is one of Fiji’s most prized table fare. It’s much whiter, fakier meat than our mackerel and is a staple in Fiji’s national dish Kokoda (pronounced ko-con-da), which is a ceviche with fresh coconut cream. Tey ofen blow a plug completely out of the water, and they also hit deep trolling plugs, which makes for a nice break
By Will Schmidt
from casting. Long strong runs and crazy aerial attacks make this another great fsh to come across as you search for GTs.
You can also downsize to a foating stick bait for additional topwater action. Smaller, yet aggressive and strong fsh like red bass, bluefn trevally, emperor fsh and other reef dwellers provide plenty of exciting action on the surface.
If giant trevally are on your hit list, Fiji is an amazing destination that fully delivers. Te locals could not be more inviting and friendly, the water is unbelievably clear, and the islands are as peaceful as they are beautiful. It’s truly a trip of a lifetime.
Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about fshing for three decades. For information about fshing Fiji, contact Immersionfji.com.
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TARGETING FALL SNOOK
THATCH MAGUIRE, EDITOR AT LARGE
Snook are a great inshore/near shore species to target. Teir predator style bite and their world class fght make them truly worthy of the gamefsh title, but catching a snook or targeting snook can be challenging. While there are countless fsheries that hold snook, narrowing down the best area is not an easy call. Given that snook season opens on Florida’s east coast September 1st here are a few tips that will pay of in planning a successful snook fshing trip; one that nearly ensures your success.
First and foremost, where are you most likely to catch snook? Tat’s not a trick question. It’s the frst question you should answer before planning your snook fshing expedition. My snook fshing eforts have led me to believe that the Jupiter Inlet on Florida’s East Coast is the most reliable estuary for easily accessible snook for beginners. My catch ratio over the many years that I have fshed the Jupiter Fla. Inlet suggests that the primary species in and around this pristine inlet is snook. Day in day out, if you catch a fsh in the Jupiter Inlet it will more than likely be a snook.
Te next important question for a successful trip is what to use as a bait or lure? For the most predictable success I strongly recommend live bait. Te bigger the better. Pilchards are my number one live bait, but croakers and pinfsh work well too. Keeping your live bait lively
and healthy is a chapter in itself. Changing your water regularly and adding aeration are key essentials to prolonging your bait’s life. Tere’s nothing worse than getting on top of the bite and discovering your bait is dead. We’ve all done it, but don’t let it happen to you.
Next on the check list is tackle. You’ll want to scrap the light tackle approach for Jupiter Inlet snook. Medium to heavy or you’ll invariably lose the big ones. I recommend a 20-pound braid with at least a 40-pound leader. Circle hooks are a good consideration if you’re experienced in using them. Nothing less than a #4. You better have a heavy-duty landing net too because some of these monsters just won’t ft into some of the more modest nets. Te next important question is the easiest to answer. Where in the Jupiter Inlet do I fsh for snook with predictable results? Answer- just about anywhere! Obviously, docks are a great hiding place for snook, and night fshing will normally produce the best results around docks with lights or shadow lines. Flip a big pilchard under a dock light in Jupiter Inlet and watch what happens. You’re about to be tested because you’ve got to horse them away from the pilings or you’ll be kicking yourself for days. Tis is where the braid comes in handy. It’ll allow you to win that battle more ofen than not. But everybody loses that battle from time to time. Seawalls are also a good source for targeting snook. Tey’re cruising the seawalls constantly so just be patient and let your live bait do all the work.
You can use live shrimp if that’s all you can get, but your species catch will not be predominantly snook. You’ll catch a fair amount of junk fsh in Jupiter with live shrimp. I personally don’t want to confuse the efort with all that inferior action, and you don’t have to travel to Jupiter for that catch.
Bienvenidos a Coastal Angler
El entusiasmo compartido de Enrique y Freddie por la navegación y la pesca ha solidificado su fuerte vínculo. Enrique, profundamente inmerso en el vibrante negocio de la adquisición y reventa de botes usados en Puerto Rico, ha perfeccionado su experiencia durante numerosos años. Después de varios años de arduo trabajo, Enrique presenta una nueva alternativa de almacenamiento de botes bajo techo en el área de fajardo.
Paralelamente, Freddie ha tenido un impacto duradero en la industria marítima a través de su papel como Gerente General de la Marina en Puerto Rico, Miami y St. Pete. Su liderazgo ha contribuido al desarrollo de prósperas comunidades náuticas en estas regiones. Además, ha demostrado su compromiso con la industria a través del establecimiento de una revista náutica en Puerto Rico, proporcionando una plataforma para que entusiastas y profesionales se involucren con temas marítimos y se mantengan al tanto de los desarrollos de la industria.
Con una experiencia acumulada de más de dos décadas en navegación, pesca, venta de embarcaciones, publicaciones náuticas y administración de puertos deportivos, estos amigos emprendedores están impulsados por una visión inquebrantable para llevar la multitud de beneficios que ofrece la revista estadounidense de mayor circulación en la nación, Coastal Angler Magazine establecida desde 1995 con una tirada consecutiva de sobre 180,000 ediciones mensualmente. Bienvenidos a Coastal Angler.
Carrucho
Estimados amigos pescadores les recuerdo que nos encontramos en el medio de la veda del carrucho (strambus gigas) en las aguas territoriales de Puerto Rico.
La prohibición de la captura del carrucho es una medida para propiciar la reproducción de esta especie. La medida establece que los pescadores comerciales, vendedores o pescadería tienen hasta el 7 de agosto de cada año para liquidar los abastos en existencia de dicha especie. El ciclo de reproducción del carrucho es uno de los factores que se utiliza a la hora de establecer los parámetros de su protección.
Se exhorta a no consumir carrucho local durante el periodo de veda, así protegemos, conservamos y le permitimos la reproducción apropiada y necesaria a los carruchos. Las personas que lo importen deberán demostrarlo mediante recibo de compra.
El Reglamento de Pesca 7949 del DRNA (Artículo 8.23) establece el que el período de veda del carrucho común o rosado (L. gigas) comienza el 1 de agosto y se extienden hasta el 31 de octubre de cada año. La Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (IUCN) ha declarado esta especie como una amenazada comercialmente en muchas áreas del Caribe y ha estado incluida en la lista de especies amenazadas del CITES desde 1992.
De usted presenciar cualquier actividad ilegal de pesca debe ser notificada al Cuerpo de Vigilantes del Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales, a los teléfonos (787) 815-1575 o (787) 724-5700.
Articulo por Enrique Lara
La
lancha Doña Lucy se alza con el primer lugar del Torneo Internacional de Pesca de Aguja Azul del Club Náutico de San Juan y Lorenzo Ferrer como mejor pescador.
Con tres agujas azules devueltas al mar, la lancha Doña Lucy volvió a ganar el Torneo Internacional de Pesca Aguja Azul del Club Náutico de San Juan, seguida por las embarcaciones locales Hook Up y Salty Mood, todas con tres pejes.
¨Estamos super contentos por un torneo que cumplió las expectativas. Hubo momentos de pesca buenos y otros difíciles, pero la pelea estuvo reñida hasta el último momento y de eso se trata, de salir y disfrutar para dar el máximo en el deporte que tanto disfrutamos¨, comentó Richard H. Christiansen, Jr., director del torneo. Se soltaron 34 agujas, equivalentes a 16, 10 y ocho, respectivamente, en cada uno de los tres días de pesca.
Mientras, Ricardo Quiñones de la lancha Doña Lucy recordó que ¨hubo que aprovechar cada oportunidad¨ y que no podían darse el lujo de perder ningún marlin. En esta lancha pescó la dama Nathalie Rodríguez que ganó como dama pescadora.
Con otras dos soltadas en la vara (500 puntos), Lorenzo Ferrer ganó como mejor pescador ¨overall¨, la fase local y que su nombre se inserte en dos trofeos perpetuos (tarjas) que se conocen como el ¨Murray Products Ralph Christiansen, Jr.¨ al mejor pescador ¨overall¨ y el ¨Trofeo Perpetuo Gustavo X. Ferrer¨ al mejor pescador local.
Le siguió el experimentado pescador, José ¨Joche¨ Valdés, que se colocó como segundo mejor pescador con dos agujas devueltas (500 puntos), seguido por Miguel Hernández con 250 puntos.
EQUIPOS
En el renglón de equipos se fue al frente Club Náutico de San Juan 4 con 750 tantos en las varas del ganador Ferrer, Tom Downey y María Rivera, seguidos por Chiflados con 500 puntos del joven Alberto Regis, Pedro Luis Benetti y José Gabriel Laporte y en tercer lugar el equipo Guaguaguá con Ricardo Quiñones de Doña Lucy, Juan Carlos Puig y Godfrey Franco (500 puntos).
Como mejor capitán triunfó Efraín Rodríguez en su navío Doña Lucy. Compitieron 45 lanchas con 200 pescadores inscritos de cinco países en competencia: Guatemala, Sudáfrica, República Dominicana, Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico. Las tres lanchas ganadoras soltaron tres agujas cada una, otras siete soltaron dos y 11 embarcaciones tuvieron un peje para un total de 21 embarcaciones con acción deportiva.
Más información en www.fishclubnautico.com En Facebook: San Juan IBT. En Instagram: CNSJ_IBT.
Más información para prensa: Virginiadelosreyes1@gmail.com 787-409-8465
TU SOLUCION DE MUELLES PARA Embarcaciones... Y UN POCO MAS
Contacte su representante:
Francisco Feliciano
PO Box 19717, San Juan, PR 00910 787-723-6262
Porque hacer un Survey a una embarcación
Los inspectores marítimos son responsables de examinar embarcaciones de todo tipo para asegurarse de que cumplan con los estándares y especificaciones de la industria.
Los tasadores de embarcaciones determinan el valor razonable de una embarcación teniendo en cuenta factores como el tamaño, la antigüedad, la condición y las condiciones actuales del mercado.
El objetivo principal de un tasador de embarcaciones es proporcionar una valoración precisa e imparcial para ayudar a establecer precios, garantizar las embarcaciones y resolver disputas legales.
Las inspecciones marítimas se pueden clasificar como inspecciones previas a la compra, inspecciones de seguros e inspecciones de daños.
Se recomienda encarecidamente realizar inspecciones previas a la compra de una embarcación nueva o de segunda mano, ya que proporcionan información detallada sobre la embarcación en cuestión.
Las inspecciones de seguros se llevan a cabo para ayudar a las aseguradoras a evaluar el riesgo de asegurar una embarcación. Estas inspecciones requieren información sobre la integridad estructural de la embarcación, el equipo de seguridad y los sistemas de soporte.
Las inspecciones de daños se utilizan para determinar el alcance y la causa de cualquier accidente o daño sufrido por la embarcación.
Proporcionan recomendaciones de reparación y estimaciones de costos para las correcciones necesarias.
Las inspecciones de seguros se llevan a cabo para que el asegurador pueda evaluar el riesgo de asegurar una embarcación. Estas inspecciones requieren información sobre la integridad estructural de la embarcación, el equipo de seguridad y los sistemas de soporte instalados.
Por último, las inspecciones de daños se utilizan para determinar la magnitud y la causa de cualquier accidente o daño sufrido por la embarcación. Estas inspecciones proporcionan recomendaciones de reparación y estimaciones de costos para la corrección.
Articulo por Moncho Alvarado
Para aquellos de ustedes que se preguntan qué significa el acrónimo ICAST, significa Convención Internacional de Oficios Afines de Pesca Deportiva. El evento se lleva a cabo una vez al año durante una serie de varios días, con sede en Orlando Florida. Comienza con el día de demostración en el estanque frente al centro de convenciones, donde los fabricantes de aparejos permiten a los asistentes probar algunas de las cañas, carretes, señuelos, pequeñas embarcaciones, etcétera más nuevas. Si bien disfruto de este evento práctico del programa, el calor de Florida es implacable, no importa cómo lo mires, y al final de este primer día, siento que me voy a derretir en el estanque mismo.
Pasamos por la presentación, votando lo que pensamos que era más innovador en todas las categorías. Algunas de las cosas que vimos también fueron cubiertas por el equipo a través de la cobertura de video y estaremos emocionados de compartirlo con todos ustedes en las próximas semanas/meses. Los siguientes días consistieron en un maratón de reuniones, cobertura de video y descubrir más de lo mejor que la industria pesquera tiene para ofrecer.
Me impresionaron varios carretes nuevos que saldrán en un futuro cercano. Algunas cosas súper ligeras están en camino para los entusiastas de los aparejos ligeros, mientras que pronto se lanzarán algunos carretes más pesados para aquellos que buscan un poco más de sustancia. Más de un fabricante lanzará nuevos modelos de carretes eléctricos para esos pescadores de profundidad. Por supuesto, con el lanzamiento de nuevos carretes, hubo una gran cantidad de diferentes tipos de cañas que me llamaron la atención. Mucho que atendería a los pescadores de jig del noreste: piense en el lanzamiento lento y el jigging estándar. Algunas cosas en el extremo más pesado también me llamaron la atención.
Para el pescador de señuelos, pude echar un vistazo a algunos nuevos swimbaits de cuerpo duro y cebos blandos que ganarán interés en casi cualquier lubina rayada. También deberías poder echar un vistazo a estos en los próximos meses a través del contenido de video en nuestros canales.
Para los que laboramos en Coastal Angler tuvimos la oportunidad de compartir una tarde en el restaurante Fish on FIre, demás esta decir que la comida estuvo a otro nivel, si están en Orlando es un restaurante a visitar.
Para aquellos de ustedes interesados en ver lo que vimos en el evento, recuerden estar suscritos a nuestro Coastal Angler Video Magazine. https://coastalanglermag.com/the-angler-video-magazine/
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THE ORIGINAL SCENTED LURE
By Tracy Patterson
LADY ANGLER LANDS NEW WORLD RECORD BASS
Maguire’s frst work is a compelling, fast read. His style is like a mix of Hemingway with a sardonic blend of Hunter S. Thompson. I couldn’t put it down...
Ben Martin Editor in Chief Coastal Angler Magazine “ ”
Confessions of a Fishaholic, by Thatch Maguire, is a hilarious and irreverent look at one man’s quest to catch fish in spite of life’s annoying interferences. You’ll travel with this awkward adventurer as he risks home and health to pursue his passion for fishing...regardless of the consequences. Anglers of all expertise levels will immediately identify with why his addiction is incurable. This book defines the blurred line between passion and obsession.
Tournament angler Lee Ann Powell recently set a new IGFA world record with a 10 lb. 3 oz. bass caught on 10 lb. test. She was fshing (for fun) with her friend and charter captain Dalton Smith on O.H. Ivie Lake in Texas when they noticed a school of fsh on their livescope. Powell was using a Damiki jig with a 3 inch Fluke dipped in Spike It Chartreuse Cajun Dip N Glo. According Powell, “Once the big bass took the lure the exhausting fght to bring the monster bass to within netting distance required me to constantly adjust and reset the drag with my record catch going deep each time it neared the boat.”
Afer fnally netting it, Powell says they put the fsh in the live well and headed out to fnd a set of certifed scales to weigh it. Te requirements for registering a potential world’s record fsh are stringent and Powell says she almost missed her window/timeline for submitting her catch for authentication by the IGFA.
About the IGFA: Te International Gamefsh Association is a non-pro organization committed to the conservation of gamefsh and the promotion of ethical angling practices through science, education, record keeping and recognition of outstanding accomplishments in the feld of angling.
We salute the IGFA’s decision in January 2014 to create a separate category for female anglers, opening up thousands of categories for new World’s Record opportunities.
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LIFE IS BETTER IN A C-HAWK.
CHOOSING THE CORRECT FISHING LINE
When it comes to spooling up your reels, the options are endless. For some this can be a bit overwhelming. Hopefully in this article I can help you understand what diferent kinds of lines are used for and what line strength is the best choice for you.
Te three main types of lines are monoflament, fuorocarbon and braided lines. Each has its pros and cons in diferent situations. Monoflament line foats, fuorocarbon sinks and most braided lines also foat.
I rarely use monoflament for bass fshing, but it does have its perks for a scenario or two. When throwing big heavy glide baits, I ofen spool my reels with a very strong 25- to 30-lb. monoflament, as it is very strong and much less prone to breaking on the cast when I am casting a large bait. I also ofen use mono for is a short leader when throwing a topwater bait with treble hooks. I attach about a foot of mono leader to the end of my braid, and it is less visible while also foating to keep a topwater working naturally.
Something to note about monoflament is it’s very stretchy, making it hard to drive the hook of many diferent lures into the mouth of a fsh, especially if you’re using straight mono and have a lot of line out. Te more mono you have out equals more stretch.
I use a lot of fuorocarbon in my arsenal
TYLER WOOLCOTT
of bass-fshing set ups. Tis line has virtually no stretch, it is more abrasion resistant than most other lines, and it is also a clearer line than anything else, making it harder for fsh to see. Unless I am fshing around extremely heavy cover, where braided line is needed to pull the fsh out, pretty much every reel
I use has fuorocarbon on it. I use anywhere from 10- to 20-lb. fuoro, depending on water clarity, types of cover, and the type of lure I am fshing. Braid also serves me well in many diferent applications. Having virtually no stretch, being very strong and extremely thin compared to other lines of the same strength, and outcasting every other line made are just a few perks of braid. Te downside of braid is it’s basically tiny thin rope, meaning if you are around clear water fsh can probably see it attached to your lure. In some cases, you will need a leader attached to the end of your braid.
Every single spinning reel I own is spooled with braid, which helps them cast better and operate much smoother than if they were spooled with the other kinds of lines. Typically, I’ll use 10lb. braid and attach a few feet of a fuorocarbon leader in a size of my choice to the end to keep it stealthy. I have 30- to 50-lb. braid on all my topwater treble hook baitcaster rods to make extremely long casts. When fshing around heavy grass and vegetation, I also use braid, typically in 50- to 65-lb. test. Tis strong line allows you to get the fsh out of the mess and into the boat. With your lure being in the grass, you can get away with using a thick braid, as the fsh won’t see your line around the vegetation.
Hopefully this helps you understand the diferent lines better and helps you put a few more fsh in the boat.
Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfshing.com.
September In The Florida Keys:
All To Yourself Paradise
September’s fshery in the Florida Keys can be unpredictable as we transition into autumn at the end of the month. Cooler northern waters will begin to push fsh back into their southern migration, while we maintain our usual summer species.
It’s always a sweeter deal running ofshore when the mahi are still around, giving more opportunities to diversify the fsh box. Tey will begin to phase out throughout the next several weeks, making this month the last month of the year to reliably target them.
Swordfsh and blackfn tuna are also excellent fuel-burn justifcations this month. With fewer boats on the water, the trafc at the Marathon humps will be less chaotic for targeting tuna.
Te reef fshing is always a good option. Te snappers are snapping year-round and seasonal harvest for black and red grouper are still open.
Tis is a great opportunity to dive for lobster as well, as the water will still be warm, but the excitement over opening season has died down. Te beginning of lobster season can turn our waters into an absolute zoo. It’s unnerving to even
By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
suggest going out during that time and throwing yourself in the mix of that mayhem. Tat hype seems to gravitate mostly towards the mini season in July and the few weeks in August.
Each year when the kids are back in school, the Florida Keys takes a massive hit on tourism. We will experience the slowest time of the year over the next few months.
Although this may be a difcult time for working locals, it’s something to be enjoyed by our visitors. Te prices of accommodations will be as low as they get, restaurants will have ample seating, service will be quick, and best of all, no trafc!
Te furry of summer boaters trailering their rigs down from all over the country will have stopped, making both road and water trafc much more pleasant. Te fshery will experience less pressure, creating a mecca of hungry fsh, for those who are able to get out there.
Being in the middle of hurricane season likely
However, it’s a great time to make an impromptu trip, knowing you won’t have a problem fnding cheaper accommodations and availability for fshing charters.
Hurricane season may seem daunting, but there is more than enough notice ahead of any major storm. Locals are always diligently watching the weather for the frst sign of any potential disturbance and will be able to help you make decisions when booking last minute trips.
While September maybe be our slow season for tourism, that does not apply to our fshery. Come take advantage of having paradise all to yourself.
Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters based out of Marathon, Florida Keys. www.captainquinlyn.com; IG: @captainquinlyn
A Time of Porpoise
Amemorable
beach moment: You’re basking in the warm sun, toes in the sand, letting the gentle turn of the foam-capped waves lull you into a state of complete relaxation. As your eyes scan the endless horizon of blue on blue, you’re rewarded with a school of dolphins making their way across the sea.
There’s no denying their signature shape as they leap from the water. If you don’t see anything else extraordinary the rest of day, you can take solace knowing you’ve witnessed one of nature’s most playful and human-like creatures in their natural habitat.
Why not re-create that special moment with our Balinese Dolphin Pendant? We’ve captured two dolphins mid-jump in sterling silver crafted in the Balinese style. Tucked between these beloved sea mammals is a full carat of shimmering blue topaz. Made by some of Indonesia’s finest artisans, this pendant is an absolute steal at JUST $29! That’s what we call our Stauer IMPOSSIBLE PRICE!
Nothing captures the shimmering color of the ocean in the midday sun like blue topaz. With its sparkling, clear blue color and high reflective index, blue topaz is one of the world’s top-selling gemstones. The Gemological Institute of America lauds topaz for its hardness, noting that blue topaz is known for its intense color that’s better than aquamarine. With this special price, you can score quite the catch.
Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Enjoy the Balinese Dolphin Pendant for 30 days. If it doesn’t pass the test swimmingly, send it back for a full refund of the item price.
Limited reserves. This pendant is already one of our best sellers this year. A full carat of genuine blue topaz set in .925 sterling silver for this price is as rare as a dolphin sighting. We cannot guarantee availability for long. Call today! This offer is limited to the first 1,900 responders to this ad!
Jewelry Specifications:
• Made in Indonesia
• Blue topaz and .925 sterling silver
Balinese Dolphin Pendant (1 carat)
$299 $29* Save $270
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
Chain sold separately.
One carat of shimmering blue topaz set in sterling silver for ONLY $29
What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Topaz
“Just lovely! Would recommend it as a purchase. Thank you STAUER.” — Mary L.
STRIPER ANGLER SNAGS RECORD PADDLEFISH
An angler trolling for striped bass hauled in a 127-pound, 6-ounce Arkansas state record paddlefsh on June 15. Te monster fsh came from Beaver Lake in northwest Arkansas, and it crushed the existing record of 118 pounds.
Mike Schleeper inked his name in the record books while trolling brooder minnows, which are large shiners, about 30 feet deep near a point on the 28,000-acre lake. His friend and fshing buddy Tom Mayberry was there to help during the 45-minute fght.
“I’ve been fshing for stripers up here for about 13 years, and I’ve had the chance to catch some stripers over 30 pounds, but this was diferent,” Schleeper said. “It didn’t strip line and stop in surges like big stripers do, he just sort of pulled the rod down and kept going. I couldn’t turn him, so we had to follow him with the trolling motor for about the frst 20 minutes.”
Once Schleeper did manage to sway the fsh in his direction, the fght continued for nearly another half-hour.
“It was a 45-minute fght altogether,” Schleeper said. “I’d thought maybe it was a really big striper, but then we could fnally see it a little bit. It looked like a giant catfsh at frst, but as we got it closer to the boat we realized what it was.”
Te giant paddlefsh had been hooked in one of its pectoral fns incidentally while the anglers were trolling. Snagged fsh ofen don’t count toward state records in many states, but paddlefsh are accepted because these fsh do not bite lures—they eat plankton—and catches on rod-and-reel are almost exclusively the result of snags.
When Schleeper and Mayberry fnally got the fsh to the side of the boat, they ran into a snag of their own.
“Our net wasn’t big enough for the fsh,” Schleeper said. “Tom wrestled with that fsh for a while trying to fgure out a way to get it in the boat. At one point I told him to just cut the line because it wasn’t worth it. Tom was adamant that we needed to get that fsh in and report it.”
Schleeper agreed with Mayberry and they fnally worked a rope through the fsh’s mouth to hoist it aboard.
“As soon as the fsh fell to the bottom of the boat, the hook popped free,”
Schleeper said. “We got really lucky.”
Paddlefsh are the oldest surviving animal species in North America according to fossil records. In fact, paddlefsh predate some dinosaurs (300 million years). Females may spawn only once every 4 to 7 years.
A recent regulation passed by the AGFC allows a limited, permit-based snagging season for paddlefsh in the White River portion of Beaver Lake from the Twin Bridges Access to the Lake Sequoyah Dam April 15-June 15.
Te world-record paddlefsh weighed 164 pounds, 13 ounces. It was caught by Chad Williams at Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks in March.
For more giant fsh, go to coastalanglermag.com.
