UNICORN HUNTING INSHORE AFTER DARK
navigating peace of mind
THE IMPORTANCE OF BOAT INSURANCE
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Unpredictable waters
The open water can be unpredictable, with unexpected storms, collisions, or other potential accidents. Boat insurance can give you fnancial protection if there is damage to your vessel, providing coverage for repairs or replacement.
Damage and injury
Accidents on the water can result in damage to other boats, docks, or even injuries to passengers. Boat insurance offers liability coverage, which can pay for damages or injuries you’re liable for while boating, up to specifed limits, and lawsuit costs if you’re sued. This includes damage you cause to another watercraft or if someone on or near your boat is injured and you’re found to be legally responsible.
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.
Wreckage removal
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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THEHIGHS OFUNICOR HUNTING
Throughout chc year, the Florida KC)'S provide excclltnt billlish oppor1unitics.
Bycapt.QulnlynHaddon
Sailfish c.an be foulld year.round and are most reliably targeted in late autumn through the spring when they feast on ballyhoo at the reef.
Swordfishing is grc.1t any time ofthe year. as lcmgasM!3.lhcr accommodal('S!he l<>nsrnn l() the decpwa1cr JcdgcS. Tai:gcting them during tht:: day re<1uii:csdroppingabaitLothebottom.
�fariinfishi11gjsdoableduri11gsummer.butit$ certainlyJess thanreliable. 'Ihey a.-eoftenhooked as bycatch while fisltillg for the mahi or tuna on whichtheyarefeeding.
I recently had the pleasure of taking a trip solely targetingmarlinandswordfish.\Vehadtwo fishermen on board who were firs1 1liners with both.spl't'i<$. It wasintcro:,ting ,vatching them go 1hrough thebipolarswingsofbUlfishing. ·n1eywere
there LQ a$$i:.land learn, and I got lo watch them enjoy nnd suffer through thefull experience. Initially. there was opliini.sm as the su1\ rose a11d wedeployed ail elaboratetrolling spread. 1he setupmust haveseemedfantasticaltoanewcomer, with the giant lures.strange-looking teasers and lines everywhere. like we were captained by a coffoc fuclcdspider.Thedaywas )'Oung.1hcspread ,rasaworko(an,andthenc,,·bieshadnoreasonto doubt ourchances.
Frustrationsoo1lfollowed.Aswewerewtapping up marlin 1rollillg to head for the swordgrouods.
wepa.ss«1agorgeous weed linefull ofhma birds. It looked likeourbestchance... until the right rigger caught grnss. Upon• gentle rc1ricvc10dc.1rtheline,itpopf)OOthe rigger, foll1hroughthespreadam.lauempll-'<ll.Omate with the teaser al the worst time. We packed up inthemiddleof1hegiantflockof birdsthat mockedusforquitting.Ahh,disappointinent It was time co hii Lhe swordgrouncb and beginthecycleagain.Our nextelaboratesetup wo,dd drop to 1,500 feet.and the doe e)eS of optimismmadetheir nextappearance. 1hc dance belwccn doubt. lx)rcdom and forcedoprimismcontinued.a,,;ourfirs1bitedidn1l occuruntilafter4 p.m. It wasaheavyhit.a reelstopping, drag-pulling, set-up-the-harpoon type hit that had us giggling like children. El'eryone was re�1dy to t.1keon dutieswhen, JOO.feet from theweight, the rod tip popped up and everrone experiencedgut.wrenchingheartbreak.
On Lhc nc:ic1 drift, we hooked up again, and cvcrronequietlyheldtheirexcitement untilthetlsh hit the deck. l don't m.�d to cxplah\ the foe-ling in that Jlext moine11t, but with smiles and high fives a1J around > it was the 011e we wereall looking for. We tookhomesati.sfactio11.exhaustio11.andbigbags ofm<.".ll.
Hunting swimming unicorns is hands-down m)' favorite fishing. If youwant toexperiencethe emotional rollcrcoaS1cr of chasing the fish of a lifetime,givemeacallalSwce1 E'nul'Charters.
Capt, Quinl)'u Hmtdcm guides wit/1 Swed E'Nu/Clwrlers, Mnratliot1, Florida Keys. ww1�capt<1inqui11ly11.ccm1; <fi>captai11q11i11/y11; (504) 910�-12.
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TACTICS FOR DOG DAYS BASS 4
It’s hot. Te lakes and reservoirs are covered with jet skis, wake boats and party barges full of sun seekers.
Dog days conditions can be tough for bass fshing, but fsh settle into patterns this time of year that can lead to productive days on the water.
Finding cooler water is the key to catching bass when the surface temperatures reach uncomfortable levels, and there are several ways to do this.
Go Deep: Te huge schools of fsh that concentrate on ofshore ledges and river channel bends at many of our large reservoirs have already been beaten into submission by every angler with sonar by this time of year. You might still be able to pick a few out of the school with deep crankbaits, drop-shots or footballhead jigs, but sometimes it’s worth fnding less obvious fsh to target.
Tere are other areas that hold fsh. Tat 30-footwide shell bed of the main channel might not be covered with bass, but there will be some fsh there if there’s some current, and these bass see much fewer lures and are more willing to bite this time of year. Search with a crankbait, wiggle a football-head on the bottom or drag a big Carolina rigged worm over the shells and see what happens.
Cool-Water Tribs: A tributary stream feeding cooler water into the lake attracts baitfsh and bass. Fish ofen stage on points where a feeder creek enters the main body. Eliminate water quickly with crankbaits or spinnerbaits to see if there’s anyone home before
slowing down with a jig or a worm.
By CAM Staf
Extend the Night Bite: Bass do a lot of their feeding at night this time of year, and anglers can take advantage of this by fshing the frst couple hours of daylight.
Tis pattern will also show you that not every fsh in the lake goes deep. Shallow rocks and grass edges hold bluegill, shad, crayfsh and all sorts of other tasty critters. Start on top at or before dawn with a walking bait or popper and cover as much water as you can before the sun gets up. Tis is not really a numbers game, and the bites will be scattered, but it’s a lot of fun when a big fsh blows up your lure.
Fish the Shade: When the sun gets high and hot, you’ll fnd fsh hunkered down in the shade. Docks, laydowns, overhanging trees or matted vegetation all provide the shade bass and the things they eat look for. Bank shade is also where you’ll fnd bream beds where bass like to feed.
Skip a wacky rig up as far up under a dock as you can get it. Drop a jig into that blowdown. Work a frog over matted grass or punch through it with a heavy Texas rig. Cover water and pick apart those shady areas. It’s a fun style of fshing that can also be productive under less-than-perfect conditions.
For more bass tips, go to coastalanglermag.com.
Coleman Roberts caught his 9-pound, 4-ounce bass in July at Lake Istokpoga, Fla.
TREASURE FOUND!
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RUN-AND-GUN TROLLING Scout Weed Lines Quickly and Effectively
By Mark Ambert
With summer weed line formation, mahi become a favorite target for the “run and gun” method. A good way to quickly scout if anyone’s home is a modifed version of the troll. I have observed and adopted this method used by professional captains for mahi.
The Setup
Keep a couple of spinning rods rigged and ready with pitch baits that can be trolled. Te rig consists of a 7-foot medium-heavy spinning rod with a 6000-size spinning reel—preferably with a baitrunner setting.
If you’re not familiar with the baitrunner function, it is a free-spool setting that allows line to pull from the spool while the bail is engaged. When a fsh grabs your bait, it can take it without feeling resistance.
My favorite combo is a Penn Carnage III boat rod with a Shimano Tunnus reel. Spool up with 20-lb. mono and add a 40- or 50-lb., 4-foot fuorocarbon leader. Tie on a Gamakatsu 6/0 or 7/0 Octopus hook using a Palomar knot. Insert the hook under the chin of a fresh frozen, small- to medium-sized ballyhoo. Make sure the point of the hook exits directly between the eyes. I like a Squidnation Slammer 3-inch plastic chugger head
with the bait to produce more action.
Cast this behind the boat along a weed line while underway. Position it several yards past the last wakes from the prop wash, and slowly work the bait by twitching the rod tip while holding it above your head. Tis will cause the ballyhoo to skip like a feeing baitfsh. You can work two baits in this manner by staggering the distance. If nothing hits within a few minutes, move on.
Tis method is slower than traditional trolling, and it is deadly for locating feeding fsh on large, scattered weed patches. If you are using a baitrunner reel, allow the fsh to run a few seconds before setting the hook.
The Electric Alternate
An alternate method that’s ideal for long straight weed lines or rips is a more traditional trolling setup. I use the Piscifun Saltfow ofshore rod and a Kraken electric reel with battery pack for this type of trolling.
Te Saltfow is 8-foot, 3-inch rod with a sof tip. It has a unique line guide setup that eliminates rod twist under a load. Te Kraken electric reel is new to me this year and has already paid dividends.
beneft when constantly retrieving lures to clear weeds or move locations. A traditional ballyhoo rig with a teaser and bait spring is my choice for medium-speed trolling. A good premade rig is the Mahi Chaser by Trolling Pro Tackle.
Once you get a hook-up, get some fresh squid, jigs or live baits in the water and hang on. Te Mahi show is about to get started!
Mark Ambert, IG @marksgonefshing_™
Cast Lures in a Mitzi Tournament 17
LOBSTERING IN THE KEYS A FUN & FLAVORFUL ADVENTURE!
By A. deGruchy
If you’re craving the thrill of the hunt and the taste of fresh lobster, the Florida Keys are your paradise. Here’s a quick guide to help you fnd these delectable critters, catch them, and turn them into a simple, yet fancy meal. First things frst, you’ll need the right gear. Grab a tickle stick, to push lobsters out of their hiding spots, and a lobster net to scoop them up once they’re on the move. Snorkel gear is essential for getting up close and personal with these lobsters, and don’t forget gloves to protect your hands from sharp rocks and lobster spines. Lastly, a measuring device is required to make sure your catch is legal size. Tey are measured in carapace length, and it’s important to know how to measure
them before gathering them.
Now, let’s talk lobster hotspots. Spiny lobsters love to hide in crevices, under ledges, and around coral reefs. Te regular lobster season runs from August to March. Once you have your snorkeling gear, you can generally fnd them in as shallow as 6 feet deep. Keep an eye out for their long antennae sticking out from their hiding places, and then gently use your tickle stick to encourage them out before swifly scooping them up with your net. Teir behavior is to swim away, naturally, and spiny lobsters use their tail to swim backward. Make sure your net is in position to anticipate them swimming backward into your trap. Once they’re in it, it’s also important to close the
Repower Center
netting to prevent any slip ups and runaways.
Once you’ve got your catch, it’s time to enjoy. Te easiest way to prepare lobster is to grill them. Split the lobsters in half lengthwise, brush with a mixture of melted butter, garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice and grill them shell-side down until the meat is opaque and slightly charred. Serve with a side of melted butter for dipping, and you’ve got yourself a fancy feast.
So, gear up, dive in, and get ready to enjoy the freshest lobster you’ve ever tasted. Happy hunting!
Visit www.myfwc.com for more information and updates on Florida Spiny Lobster regulations.
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
Tim Barefoot
Fishing under lights at night is a good thing to do 12 months out of the year, but it is especially good during the hot summer months, when daytime temperatures can make standing on the deck in the glaring sun less than appealing.
During the hottest days of the year, snook, trout and redfsh follow bait directly to bright light, like moths to the porch light. Being that I sell boat lifs for a living, I suggest installing the biggest brightest lights on your docks that you can. Some systems can be controlled remotely with an app on your phone.
To turn your dock into a fshing Mecca, you must learn to use existing facilities for maximum return on investment. You can also feed shrimp and minnows with cornmeal and keep them attracted with lights at night. Once you get the bait concentrated, you will have the fsh concentrated as well. For more information on this, check out my Youtube channel.
If you don’t have a dock, you can still light up the night with powerful and lightweight lithium battery spotlights or purpose-made fshing lights that run on your boat’s electrical system. Some of these are submersible. Turn the lights on and hang out for a few minutes. You’ll be amazed at how many baitfsh show
up.
I like an artifcial shrimp jig or live shrimp best. Live shrimp are the most efective bait out there, but I like artifcials because it limits the amount of tackle and hassle. A good technique is to drif down a series of lighted docks and cast to the lights. When you fnd fsh, concentrate on that area with repeated drifs.
A word of advice: Be quiet! Older and wiser snook or trout are not stupid. Use the trolling motor only when it’s needed and not at all when possible. In my humble opinion, fsh become wary to the sound of a trolling motor. Remain calm and make as little noise as possible on your drifs. Don’t play music, stomp around on the deck, talk loudly or slam cooler lids.
Te light attracts the fsh and catching them is up to you. Match the hatch by taking notice of the type and size of the bait you see. Tis might require casting smaller jigs or even small shrimp or baitfsh fies when the fsh get picky.
Tis is the perfect atmosphere for showing children how to catch fsh. Te visual aspect of this technique is very entertaining and educational. Check out my Youtube video
for a perfect example of fshing a well-lighted dock properly.
For more information, visit barefootcatsandtackle.com and check out his YouTube channel.
Last month, I was talking about how our weather patterns have been the same as last years, so far, hot and dry! Well, not so much anymore with all the torrential rainfall this past month, and it has really changed things up! Not only has it cooled the water temps down a little, but it has also clouded up the water's clarity. However, this can be good in some ways, especially when it comes to fishing, using artificial lures.
Currently, it's pee wee "small" shrimp season so artificial lures can be your best friend this time of year when used correctly. I generally stay with the natural colors such as tan, white, root beer and grey tones. One thing to always remember besides matching the hatch shrimp, crustaceans, and bait fish, is to remember that the darker the water clarity, the darker the color bait you need to use.
Kayak Fishing
By: Eric Henson
Next, always look in the water around you in the location you're fishing to see what size lure you should present to them. If you are seeing good size mullet cruising around don't be afraid to beef up your lure size. But, if you are mostly seeing little fry bait popping or flickering around, drop down to much smaller plastics. For the avid fly fisher, this is always a good time to feed them a fly or bug that you've tied up just for that exact moment!
A ll this being said, go out there and have fun with it and don't be afraid to think outside of the box. Think like a fish and you are bound to catch some! Until next time stay safe and hydrated out there. Respect your fellow anglers and fisheries so that everyone can enjoy our amazing resource.
A
MULLET THING
By: Joe Sheaffer
Summertime in Southwest Florida can be a challenge for us anglers, and I’m sure the inshore species are looking for a break from the heat. There are different strategies that we use during the summer that can help us be productive during this time of the year. Many of us like to set out early taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and looking for excitement of top water action. Many of us fish when we can, trying to figure out where the fish may be hanging out during the heat of the day. Some anglers like to fish in the evenings or even the hours after dark. The main point for most of us is going fishing and trying to figure out how to get a few fish to cooperate. As I mentioned, we all have our preferences on how to fish during the summer and throughout the year.
One of my go to strategies for summer fishing is finding large schools of big mullet. The larger the school and the larger the mullet the better. I have great confidence fishing around, along and in the
REALITY DREAMS
mullet groups. If I make enough casts and stay around the schools of mullet I will find willing predators that will hit my lure. I’m sure most of us understand why redfish, snook and even sea trout hang around the mullet schools. Knowing the mullet will inadvertently spook, scare and push different bait species up from the grass and mud for an easy meal. Usually, no matter the conditions this is a constant behavior for predators looking to feed. Different presentations can be productive. Topwater, swimbaits, jigs and live bait rigs can work very well. I prefer a small jig with a paddle tail, something that has a natural look and color.
More importantly is having your boat in the right position, I really try to have my boat up wind so that I can drift as much as possible. Obviously, we are trying to be as stealthy as possible.
A nother important key, with the wind to your back, allows for longer casts, helping us with the stealth factor. Stay cool and keep casting, hopefully you can find success around the mullet.
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Mutton Grande
By: Jessica Harris
There’s nothing like seeing that rod bend and scream as a big fish takes off with your bait. Recently, I had quite the experience with a huge mutton snapper in Puerto Rico and it’s a story worth telling. It was a warm and sunny day off the reef in the PR. It was calm for the most part and the perfect sea breeze was going on. The all-around perfect fishing day. I love when the weather actually cooperates! I was fishing with live bait and not exactly expecting to catch a mutton snapper, let alone a big one like this. I was leaning more towards the yellowtails so I could cook and prepare those for us when we got back to the house. But it took a turn. Everyone on the boat could see the fight was on as soon as it bit. Once we started to see color, we could tell it was a mutton. Unfortunately, at this time, mutton snapper were protected so we couldn't enjoy the tasty fish that it could have been but
I’m happy we got to safely release her and let her bring more babies into the world. I was able to snap a few photos and watch everyone smile as I proudly held her up. It was her time to shine! Mutton Snappers are truly beautiful fish. So bright and colorful. This specific catch actually taught me a lot. It taught me the importance of patience and admiration. It’s remarkable how each fishing trip can teach you something new every time. Catching this beautiful fish was a highlight in my fishing world. It’s moments like these that make all the early mornings, hours of preparation and waiting and traveling to each spot worth it. I can’t wait to get back there with my family, see our old new friends and see what else the PR waters has in store for us. It may have been my first time there, but it surely won’t be my last. Until next time, Puerto Rico fisheries! Happy Fishing!
DOUBLED UP
By: Caitlyn Gatrell
Fishing trips in the Ten Thousand Islands are always a good time, with each trip producing something new or exciting. One of the best feelings on the water is when everyone on the boat gets hooked up to nice fish. My fiancé, Kyle, and I were fortunate enough to have a trip like this recently during our summer fishing adventures. In fact, it’s made its way towards the top of the list of our favorite fishing memories.
A notable memory from this trip is that we explored some new areas and mangrove lines, and it paid off! We always make sure to stop by our favorite island to scoop up some lively mullet before heading out to our next destination. Live mullet have really been producing well in the Ten Thousand Islands this summer, and we’ve been able to catch a lot of nice fish because of these guys. As we came across a long stretch of beautiful mangrove trees, we decided to stop and check it out. There were plenty of bait fish swimming around, and birds nearby - which stands as good signs!
Pulling up to some promising fallen branches, we threw some live finger mullet on the mangrove line. Not shortly after, Kyle hooked up to a nice Redfish, but that fish also had a partner following it around. I casted my
mullet in and the other red immediately lunged on it, sending my drag screaming. It was a great fight, putting on a show for us and our dogs who came along for the trip. It was slightly challenging as they kept trying to run into the mangroves, but we pulled them up and to the boat and got some fun photos.
These fish were definitely healthy, and thick too! They both measured out to 30 inches which is a pretty nice size for Redfish in our area. We didn’t measure their weight, but they were quite heavy as well. Their scales glimmered so nicely in the evening sun, and the blue tips of their tails were so cool!
Redfish are amongst my favorite species to catch. They have the prettiest colors, fight hard, and are relatively easier to catch. That’s due to the fact hooks are easy to get stuck in their mouths. Therefore, most of the time when you hook a red, you’re almost guaranteed to catch it. We’ve been fortunate enough to have a few double up experiences, but this was my favorite one yet. The next thing to top that would be getting a double up on big Tarpon!
Cortez, FL - Aug 2024
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Charlotte Harbor
By: Capt. Dave Stephens
Well fellow anglers our rainy season has definitely arrived and ap pears to be not near as dry as last year, and in my opinion, this is a good thing. Our estuary requires a balance of fresh and saltwater. So hopefully this year we will get a more balanced system. The bad part is our water will get a tea color due to the rainwater run-off. This is not a bad thing nor is it pollution, it is a result of the dead foliage on the ground. Therefore, if sight fishing is one of your favorite activities, it is going to be a little difficult in the north end of the harbor. The snook fishing in the upper harbor has been very good lately. Look for feeding fish around creek mouths and mangrove points with good tidal flow, and live pilchards have been the bait of choice free lined on a 2\0 circle hook. We have also had a very good mangrove snapper bite this year. These species seem to be anywhere there's some structure or a
deep point. If they seem to be picky, you may want to downsize your tackle, snapper have very good eyesight. Dropping down to 20# fluorocarbon and a #1 will often help a lot. This is also the time of year the tarpon is up in the north end of the harbor very good. Getting an early start to locate rolling fish is the key. Also, fish can be found in the deeper holes in the harbor, and also the river mouths. Large schools of lady fish can be found outside the bars feeding on glass minnows, this is also a good place to locate feeding tarpon. If the tarpon are there you will know, trust me. They will make their presence known. If you would like to experience some of Southwest Florida's finest fishing? Give us a call our trips are customized to fit your party's needs.
Capt. Terry
guests having a great time catching!
Fisher
Jorge Prieto with a nice tarpon caught on fly in Matlacha.
Matt Shields showing off a 38” snook out of Everglades City.
Big smiles and ready for a fish fry! from Pale Horse FC
RJ caught this nice jack in a canal behind his house.
Steve Couch with a couple of mahi on the troll, Abacos, Bahamas.
Savannah Spedding w/ a 31” gag grouper caught 21 miles off Sarasota.
Cody Freemire’s 4 YO son is proud to show off his catch!
Mason Sosa is showing off his redfish.
Returns to Orlando Sept. 5-7
Surf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow, returns to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., from Sept. 5-7, 2024. Held in the West Concourse, the September event features an expansive selection of exhibiting brands and an exciting lineup of events and networking opportunities.
“We are thrilled about the array of exhibitors that will be at our upcoming September event,” said Surf Expo Show Director Roy Turner. “From the established major brands to the next wave and start-ups, retailers will be able to meet face-to-face with key players and fnd the next new.”
to the preservation of our environment and coastal waterways.
“Surf Expo allows retailers to preview styles from fshing and marine products, top surf brands, hard goods, apparel, footwear, swimwear, boutique fashions, and souvenirs,” adds Turner.
Retailers attend Surf Expo to stock their shelves for adventures on or near the water and fnd the gear and goods to keep customers coming back for more. Whether it is surfng, paddling, fshing, hiking, camping on the beach, wake surfng, tubing or simply soaking up the sun, Surf Expo has everything needed to cater to customers with a passion for waterborne thrills, outdoor adventure or just the sun-loving beach vacationer.
Te Shoreline category at Surf Expo is the hub for brands that specialize in inshore and ofshore apparel and accessory products; sportswear, technical apparel and gear, footwear, outerwear and hardgoods as well as games and accessories to transition from a day on the water to stretching out on land. Tis helps target businesses associated with outdoor amenities and recreation found in lake and beach towns nationwide and ofers crossover opportunities for buyers and manufacturers alike.
Te Surf Expo show foor is organized by product category with complementing cross-selling categories in adjacent aisles making it easy for retailers to navigate so they can easily discover the newest brands and products in person, all while making purchasing decisions.
Chris McCotter from Lake Anna Outftters, Virginia, refects, “As frst-time attendees, we did not know what to expect beyond a strong recommendation to attend from a supplier. Te show was exactly what we needed to take our shop to the next level with the merchandise and brands we wanted to stock.”
A wide range of both returning and new exhibitors will be represented that cater to the watersports, coastal life and outdoor industry such as; ORCA Coolers, GCI Outdoor, Teva, Xtratuf, POP Board Co., Salt Life, Hurley, CHUMS, Salty Crew, Captain Fin, Dark Seas, Howler Brothers, Rip Curl, SUNSKI, Deep Blue Gear, Fish Hippie, Jetty, Hook & Tackle, O’Neill, Reel Skipper, I-SEA Sunglasses, Chubbies, Vissla, Tommy Bahama, DIFF Eyewear, Katin, Outerknown, Free Fly Apparel and many more.
In September, Surf Expo will feature a full schedule including daily fashion shows, retailer learning labs, industry networking events, happy hours and parties.
For more information about the show visit www.surfexpo.com.
50,000 Plus Anglers Strong Promoting TakeAction Initiatives For Preserving Our Fisheries And Supporting Our Community.
At 18’2” in length and with a 70” beam, the Mosquito is a very capable hull for many situations – however it’s designed to do one thing with absolute perfection: silently stalk inshore game fsh in the shallowest coastal waters.
BUST A GULF COAST SCALLOP REPORT
Scallop season is underway for most of Florida’s Gulf Coast, and the reports we are getting so far are mixed—but mostly good—with some areas experiencing outstanding scalloping in terms of numbers, size and water conditions.
Scallops are regionally managed by the state, so diferent zones along the Gulf Coast have diferent seasons, with most remaining open well into September. Tere’s still plenty of time, plenty of scallops and plenty of places to go if you’re interested in an underwater egg hunt. Keep in mind, weather and water conditions can change quickly, and it can dramatically change the prospects for fnding bay scallops. Plan your trip accordingly.
Starting down south in Pasco County, the Anclote River area is apparently on fre this summer. Following a mediocre season last year, we’re hearing people rave about quick limits and good-sized scallops coming from shallow water. Te season opened July 10 in the Pasco Zone, and early on at least one person called it the best scalloping she’s ever experienced. Tese are big scallops, too, and we’ve heard talk of throwing back legal-sized scallops to fnd bigger ones. In mid-July, the shells were in as little as 4 feet of water, and with such a good early season, there should be some lef up until the season closes Aug. 16.
Just to the north, Hernando County scallopers were of to a slow start, but a little farther up the coast, the Crystal River to Homosassa area was very productive. We’re hearing reports of scads of scallops in as little as 3 feet, with a majority of boats concentrating in the 7-foot depths. Te size has been good, and it has apparently been difcult to fnd an undersized shell. With good weather and water conditions, good scalloping should hopefully last until the season closes Sept. 24.
We are also hearing good things farther north out of Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee, where the scallops are apparently very thick and close, although they might be trending smaller this year depending on your location. Limits in an hour or less were reported, with scallops hanging out in grass at 3- to 6-foot depths. Te Fenholloway-Suwannee River Zone opened June 15 and will close on Labor Day.
In the big bend, reports have not been great out of the St. Marks area, where heavy freshwater infux, low salinity and poor clarity are being blamed for scarce fnds during the early season. Some are pointing to better days ahead in late summer. As wind and water conditions change, scallops holed up in the 15-foot depths sometimes shif closer in, where they are easier to fnd. Te Franklin-NW Taylor County Zone remains open until Sept. 24.
Finally, over to Gulf County and Port St. Joe, the season opens Aug. 16 and runs through Sept. 24. Tere’s nothing yet to report, but historically this zone has been a good late-season option for grass fats that haven’t been picked over yet.
For seasons and regulations, go to MyFWC.com.
Commercial Gear for Anglers!
on high alert, and the noises of the day silenced, the bites can be startling and give the impression that the fsh is larger than it is. Tat’s part of the excitement of a topwater bite! I only use this tactic in areas I know well, for safety reasons, of course.
I know wading isn’t for everyone, and night wading is for even fewer anglers, but there are other methods. Fishing from a dock, boat or kayak are all good options. Focusing on dock lights, causeway lights and lighted piers can provide excellent fshing. Many canal homes have lights, both underwater and above the surface, that attract baitfsh, which attract the gamefsh we target. I’d say trout are the most prolifc, but reds and snook can be found mixed in with trout if you have them in your area. I like to target these areas with smaller lures, either a sof-plastic rattling paddletail or a small, hard, lipped bait with or without rattles. I prefer natural colors in some shade of white or clear with some silver mixed in.
I also enjoy fshing granite jetties at night. Setting up for this is a little more work but can yield terrifc results. When jetty fshing, I bring a generator and two 1,500-watt stage lights. Tese areas typically have more current, so my hard-lipped lures may be slightly larger, but I still go with the smallest lure I can work properly in the current. I stick with the same colors as mentioned earlier. Te channel and surf side of the rocks can both be productive depending on the tide, water clarity and bait. I recommend pointing one light in each direction until you determine which area has the best conditions.
Fishing at night brings new challenges, but it can ofer some of the best catches of the summer. If you decide to give one of these three methods a try, remember safety frst and don’t fsh alone. Enjoy some cooler times on the water and be safe.
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
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STUD AJ IS A SOUTH CAROLINA RECORD!
Fishing out of Murrells Inlet on May 23, angler James Carroll battled in a 129-pound amberjack that is a new South Carolina state record. Here is the story in Carroll’s own words:
We set out from Murrells Inlet, S.C. at the crack of dawn, heading ofshore to the Winyah Scarp area, about 60 miles out. Our goal was to catch some mahi or wahoo. Afer a few hours of trolling along a weed line and the ledge without success, we decided to move closer in and try bottom fshing.
We relocated to a spot about 50 miles ofshore in 100 feet of water. I switched to a Connley Fishing kingfsh rod paired with a Penn Fathom 40, rigged with 80-lb. Momoi Diamond Braid and a two-hook bottom setup.
At this location, we caught vermilion snapper, black sea bass, grunts and porgies, sometimes two at a time. It was a productive day. I began waiting afer getting a bite, hoping to hook a second fsh. While doing this, something big hit the line without getting hooked.
Finally, I hooked a monster fsh. Afer about 45 minutes of fghting, I told my great friend and captain of the Liberty Call, Gordon Jobe, to put the boat in gear to help bring the fsh up in the water column. Around the one-hour mark, we landed what turned out to be a South Carolina state record greater amberjack.
Using a Garmin InReach, we contacted friends onshore to check the state record weight for South Carolina. Tey replied with 123 lbs. We knew we had surpassed that mark but had to wait a few hours to confrm.
Back at the dock, we went to Seven Seas Seafood Market in Murrells Inlet, S.C., to weigh the fsh on their certifed scales. Te fsh weighed in at 129 lbs. and measured 69 inches in length. Afer certifcation by Kris Reynolds, of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the crew at Seven Seas processed the fsh for me.
For more giant fsh, go to coastalanglermag.com
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The very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature. If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for.
The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its resistance to corrosion.
The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world.
This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers.
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• 12” overall length; 6 1/2” stainless steel full tang blade • Genuine bone handle with brass hand guard & bolsters • Includes genuine leather sheath
